Update on Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

When we last heard from Gemma Cleansate, our intrepid reporter then on medical leave stated she was doing better and looking forward to once again being on duty for the Newser soon. 

 

But she messaged us yesterday that  she seems to have come down with something else. While tests are being taken, the doctors are not sure yet what it is, "a mystery."

 

 Hopefully it will be identified and taken care of soon.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Special Veterans Fundraiser Concert Nets Over 180,000 Linden Dollars

 

 

On Monday July 13 last week, there was a special charity concert at Veterans Isle. While the location had another around the first weekend of the month as normal, this was a second one, which seldom occurs. 

 

Like others, the event was organized in part by Frets Nirvana. Unlike most, this event would be scheduled only for two hours, from 6 to 8 SL time. In the first hour, DJ Zack would play music. The second hour was a live performance, with Frets on stage along with Noma Falta with a "dual stream." 

 

The Independence Day eagle, available earlier for a donation for 2500 Lindens, was still there.  Most of the money was donated into two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage.

 

A total of 184,462 Linden dollars would be donated into the kiosks. It is unknown how much was raised through the eagles. 

 

Veterans Isle is the scene of a benefit for Homes For Our Troops every month, usually on the first weekend of the month.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Press Release: Virtual Ability Thanks Linden Lab, Announcing: Wheelchair Design Contest

 

On behalf of the Virtual Ability community, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Linden Lab for their generous L$250,000 donation announced at the recent SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway event.

Since 2007, Virtual Ability® has been a peer support community helping people with a wide range of disabilities thrive in Second Life. One of Virtual Ability's core values is giving back to the Second Life community. We are delighted to announce that we will pay Linden Lab's generosity forward and use their donation to fund Mobility Without Limits, a contest to create original virtual wheelchairs for use in Second Life. By funding prizes that will go directly to Second Life creators, we hope to help strengthen the broader virtual world community while expanding the range of mobility options available to residents.

This contest will invite Second Life creators to design innovative, full-permission wheelchairs that enhance mobility, self-expression and roleplay for residents. A total of L$250,000 in prize money will be awarded across several categories, including:

•           Everyday Mobility
•           Racing and Sports
•           Fantasy and Sci-Fi
•           Mobility for Every Avatar, featuring wheelchairs designed for tinies and other non-standard avatars

Additional details about Virtual Ability’s wheelchair contest Mobility Without Limits will be announced soon. We look forward to seeing the creativity this contest inspires. If you have any questions, please contact Eme Capalini.

Virtual Ability's Second Life community is supported behind the scenes by our real-world nonprofit organization, Virtual Ability, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization. To learn more about our work, please visit https://www.virtualability.org

Once again, thank you to Linden Lab for their generous support and for recognizing the work Virtual Ability has done to help make Second Life more welcoming and accessible for everyone. We are honored to be part of this remarkable virtual world.

Gentle Heron
President, Virtual Ability, Inc.

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Fox and Socks, Vivziepop, TBA

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Malit, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Snowy - Beach Party

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  Beach Party

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

 

Furry Fashion: Plushies, TBA, Creepy vs Cute

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

At The SLB: Shinning Stars Hunt Prize Number Two

 

 

Remember the SL23B Shinning Stars Hunt? For those who wonder what prize number two is, here it is.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

It Came From SLB Chat: Wisteria Grove

 

From 刀AlexandarTredd手 (loflux616 Resident), Wisteria Grove's exhibit.

The SL23B Birthday Ends (For Most)

 

 Sunday July 19 was the last day of the SL23B, the Second Life Birthday. And the sims got a bit more active with people enjoying the sims one last time, at least most of us. One spot of activity was Bay City's exhibit.

 

 They were gathered in some movie set seats at one point, but before the red clouds faded, they leaped into the pool for a conga line dance. Marianne commented it was a good thing the water wasn't much deeper, otherwise she'd have trouble breathing. 

 

 At the Belessarian Bureau of Bureaucracy's exhibit, they were watching a movie.

 

 And there was a party at the Seawall Cruising Club.

 

 Unfortunately, I couldn't stay the whole evening. But no doubt the parties went on to Midnight and beyond. For exhibitors and the Moles, they have a few days to go about the sims to see what they missed or check some one more time. But for the rest of us, it's over, with only the screenshots and the memories.

 

It was a great Second Life Twenty-Third Birthday.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: "Don't Mention Football"

 

 Taken at the SL23B Orpheum Theater. Someone had over his head "Don't mention football!!" Why he didn't want others doing that, I don't know. But with the FIFA championships going on, I could think of one reason.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Last Day For The SL23B

 

 Hat tip to Zada Bury. She told me about where a conga line was going on at the SL23B at the beach area, and I went over and took a picture. 

 

Remember, this is the last day the SL23B grounds will be open to regular residents. After Midnight SL time tonight, they may be closed to people entering.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Reader Submitted: The SL23B Swaginator Gift Locations

 

 Sent by Kamida Delec, for those having trouble finding the Swaginator gift locations.

 

Gift 1 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Celebrate/154/23/21

Gift 2 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fascinate/191/88/23

Gift 3 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Impressive/146/89/219

Gift 4 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Mesmerize/199/145/22

Gift 5 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Incredible/187/155/21

 

SL Video: "Strongest Suit (Throwback)"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Merryjest Starchild on April 10, "A snippet of my SL21B performance of "My Strongest Suit" from 'Aida' by Elton John/Tim Rice."

 

Rocking Sands

 

In Netera Landar's article for today, she steps away from Second Life and reports on a place in another virtual world.  The Wolf Territories Grid, an Opensim world, is pretty small compared to ours, just a few thousand residents. But it doesn't lack in entertainment. Among the venues is the Rocking Sands club, owned by Eagle Palmer and Anjolie Amore. So what did she have to say about the location?

 

Read Netera's article in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games. 

 

And The Winner Is ...

 

 At 9AM SL time today, the twenty-three winners of Linden Lab's Golden Ticket Giveaway were on stage at the Orpheum Theater. In the middle were twenty three boxes, with twenty-two containing 10,000 Linden dollar prizes, and one that had a million Linden dollar prize. About 180 residents crowded themselves in with many more watching via the Youtube feed. 

 

One by one, starting with the winners of the earliest tickets, the contestants, most of whom who got up and walked to the show host, Ninja, on stage, a few having to remain seated due to lag, chose one of the boxes. They all gave a small shower of sparks, and the host would say they were 10k prizes. Finally with nine boxes left, Carmelle James (Missnicety1 Resident), chose box 19. And this would be the one that would win one million Linden dollars. 

 

Carmelle had remained in her seat and messaged her choice to Brett Linden who messaged the show host, so it's likely she had to deal with lag worse than most others. I didn't notice any further response from her, and only got up from her chair some time after the event ended. 

 

One of the 22 secondary winners did respond. Se7en Zen had chosen to donate her 10,000 Linden dollar prize to the Relay for Life's Second Life Cheerleading Squad. "RFL is an important cause, and it's a privilege to be able to support it," she would tell me."

 

At the end, Ninja had a special announcement.  Linden Lab was matching the grand prize with giving another one million Linden dollars to four charities: Virtual Ability, Team Fox (diabetes research), Spoonful of Sugar (Doctors Without Borders), and the Relay for Life in Second Life. 

 

"That 250k donation pledge from the Lindens was an exciting announcement," Se7en added, "I want to add that the cheer community in SL supports RFL with our whole hearts. This is  cause that touches us all, and RFL is a way to share hope."

While this would be the last official event of the SL23B, the Birthday goes on Sunday July 19, to Midnight SL time. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Who Will Be The Winner?

 

 Today at 9AM SL time, we find out who the big winner is of the Golden Ticker Giveaway. The event will be at the Orpheum Theater. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Celebrate/25/24/22

If you can't be at the theater, watch the event live on Youtube, or hopefully later on with a recording. 

 

Reader Submitted: "I'm Not Slurring ..."

 

 From Zada Bury, wearing a t-shirt, "I'm not slurring. I'm speaking in cursive."

 

EOTB: "SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway Finale - Watch It Live!"

 

After a few weeks of anticipation, we get to see who wins the big prize of the Golden Ticket Giveaway. On Friday July 17, at the Orpheum Theater, there will be a special event at 9AM SL time in which the 23 Golden Ticket winners will appear, with one getting the million Linden dollar prize.

 

 The entry period for the SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway has now closed, and the grand finale is just days away!

The twenty-three finalists are confirmed and will take the stage to choose from 23 Golden Prize Boxes, each containing a Linden Dollar reward. Only one box holds the grand prize of L$1,000,000.

The live finale event takes place on Friday, July 17th at 9am PT, where winners will make their selections in front of a live audience.

 

The three suggested SURLs are:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Celebrate/25/24/22
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Astonish/26/251/29
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Amaze/251/27/28

 

 

You can also see the event on Youtube.

 

To read more, check the Linden blog entry here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Scenes From The SLB: Staff Posters

 

Taken at The Golden Palms at SLB Mesmerize.  While dropping by recently, I noticed posters of some of the staff. Plus there was one other with some statistics of the event, with a word of thanks.. They were made by Leondra Larsson.

 

 

No doubt the staff appreciated the recognition. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted: Interview With SL Wrestler Alpin Criss

 

Charlotte Williams recently sent the Newser her interview with Second Life wrestler Alpin Criss. Introduced as "a man many consider the Godfather of SL wrestling," Alpin had more than a few things to say while being recorded about a recent encounter with an antagonist, But after the camera was turned off, the conversation continued, the wrestler not done speaking yet. So what did he have to say?

 

Read Charlotte's interview in People. 

 

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

 

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

Club Cutlass: Bunnies and/or Cats, The Prog of the 80s, In The Country

Happy Vixen: TBA, DJ Scratch, DJ Malit, TBA, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Snowy - Lord of the Rings

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  Summer Colors

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  CAYA, After Dark

 

Furry Fashion: Fursonas, TBA, Under the Sea

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Last Day For The Golden Ticket Giveaway

 

 After 23 days, Linden Lab's million Linden dollar Golden Ticket Giveaway for the SL23B is almost over. Today is the last chance to get a shot, or another shot, at one of the prizes. Once the clock strikes Midnight, that's it. 

 

The winners will attend an event on Friday July 17 at 9AM SL time (Noon EST), which will be broadcasted on Youtube, with 22 10,000 L prizes, and one 1,000,000 L prize.

 

Conversations with others entering have people wishing each other luck, with a girl or two offering to be the "arm candy" of the winner. So who will it be? Baring the unexpected, we'll know Friday.

 

The Second Life Birthday goes on to Sunday July 19.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Memorial Service For Chrissy Chemistry

 

On Saturday July 11 at 2PM,  a memorial service was held for Chrissy Chemistry. She had passed some time ago from cancer. Organized by her partner Sophiekittycat Chemistry (Sophiekittycat Resident), the event was held at Wolftail Inn. The seating area had numerous bunny chairs and small rabbits hopping around, as well as cloud chairs. 

 

Doug Brently started the tribute with a message in voice. Then people were invited to speak something on her behalf. People talked about how quiet and gentle she was, as well as her love for Sophiekittycat. "Chrissy was not outspoken, but her caring and love and support for those in her family was and still is always there."

 

Following the service, there was a short intermission, then a concert was held in Chrissy's honor. BilliAnn Bravin and her band were on stage, playing music for those attending. 

 

Rest in peace, Chrissy.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Rock Your Rack Open For Registration

 

The Relay for Life's official season may be over. But the struggle against cancer isn't. For those wishing to help out the "Rock Your Rack," an event supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, it is currently accepting registration 

 

We are in full registration mode for Rock Your Rack 2026! Open now is the registration forms for: Live Singers, DJ’s and Music Hosts! Find the buttons on the home page and click for your specific form and all the details!

Registration is still open for: Designers, Venues/RP Sims, Bloggers, and Artists!

All Registration will close July 31st or when slots are filled! We do expect the entertainment slots to fill by July 15th so do not wait to register for consideration!  

 

The page stated what they have always needed more of is bloggers.

 

For more information, and to register, check out https://rockyourrack.org/.

 

Remember, there are only two more days for entertainment slots, and all registration closes July 31. Rock Your Rack takes place from September 25 to October 4.

 

At The SLB: Volunteer Party at The Golden Palm

 

While the Second Life Birthday is in it's last week, there are still things to do. This includes some impromptu parties, if you can spot them. at 4:30 PM SL time on Saturday July 11, I noticed an event at The Golden Palm in SLB Mesmerize. DJ Samum (Samiraa Adderstein) was the one playing the tunes. It turned out to be part of a "Volunteer Party" that went on from 10 AM SL time to some time after 8PM with a fireworks show. 

 

Be sure to keep an eye on other activities, such as the Golden Ticket Giveaway, of which the last day is tomorrow.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Cartoon of The Day: Why The Eye?

 

 Taken at the Second Life Birthday's Red Carpet Welcome. There's a line from some mothers in cartoons and dramas, "I need eyes in the back of my head." So when I noticed this avatar with an eyeball on the tip of her tail, looking back, you can guess what I thought of.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Alice in Purple Rain at SL23B"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From MySL on June 22, "Second Life 2026 - Hangover after SL23B Party. Some flashbacks..."

 

Corey In The House, SL Avatar Statue Builder

 

Have you ever wanted to get a statue of your avatar or that of a friend, for amusement, or some other reason? I was pointed to Corey In The House, who for some Lindens will do just that. So how does it work and what else is he noted for?

 

Read the story in People.  

EOTB: Lab Reminds The "Golden Ticket Giveaway" Ends Soon, Winner Chosen Next Friday

 

Yesterday, Linden Lab reminded residents that the number of days left to enter the Golden Ticket Giveaway is getting short. Tuesday July 14 will be the last day.

 

 The SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway is heading toward its grand finale, and there’s still time to enter.

Residents have until July 14th to visit participating SL23B regions and click on the Golden Ticket kiosks for a chance to be selected. Each day brings a new opportunity to secure your spot, so don’t miss your chance to take part.

 

The 23 winners will be invited to take part at the last stage of the Giveaway, a televised event on Friday July 17 at 9AM SL time, where most will get 10,000 Linden dollar prizes with one lucky winner getting a million Lindens.

 

The last day of the SLB is Sunday  July 19.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: Special Homes For Our Troops America's 250th Benefit At Veteran Isle

 

 

"We will have one more 250 celebration benefit ...this coming Monday with Noma and I doing a dual stream"

 

Monday July 13th

6 to 8 PM SL time

 

DJ Zack 6PM

Frets Nirvana and Noma Falta - Dual Stream 7PM

 

Sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life.  To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Veterans%20Isle/177/73/3501

 

 

 

Windows 10 Gets Another Year of Support to October 2027

 

 A number of you likely remember the grumbling last year when Microsoft officially ended support for WIndows 10. Because of it's suggested hardware, many users were reluctant to update to Windows 11 as peak performance would mean paying money for upgrades, or getting a new computer. Some reluctantly made the upgrade, wondering if it would mean problems. Others hesitated, as Windows 10 was running just fine on their machine.

 

According to an article by Ars Technica, those insisting on staying on Windows 10 can rest a little easier, at least for another year.  As "Windows 11 usage had only barely surpassed Windows 10 when support ended," they went ahead and extended support another year, to October 2026. But as of now, with a quarter of active computers still on Windows 10, apparently the company has quietly extended support a second year, to October 12, 2027.

 

So those with older machines have a little more time.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Independence Day Weekend Veterans Benefit Raises Over 150,000 Lindens

 

On Monday July 6, Veterans Isle was the scene of a fundraiser concert. Organized in part by Frets Nirvana, the event raised money for the Homes For Our Troops charity. The benefit ran from 5 to 8 PM SL time. 

 

Scheduled to perform were DJ Yume at 5 PM, and singers Marod Desade & Grace Loudon at 6 and 7 PM respectively. 

 

There was a Independence Day-themed gift for those who donated 2500 Linden dollars. .  Those who gave that much would get a bald eagle statue dressed in overalls in the pattern of the American flag. 

 

Donations were made into two house shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. A total of 153,753 was raised. 

 

Veterans Isle is the scene of a benefit for Homes For Our Troops every month, usually on the first weekend of the month.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: Playing Possum

 

Taken at the SL23B. One of the girls had a pet opossum that when she wasn't moving lay limp over her arm. In real life, the creatures go into catatonic shock when frightened. But it used to be thought it was playing dead, or "playing possum."

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

A Few SLB Exhibits

 

 The Second Life Birthday is full of noteworthy exhibits. One that caught my eye was "The Great Carrot Caper" in SLB Marvelous by Owlie Fairlander, Beth Ghostraven, and several other contributors. In this tribute to Abbot & Costello and Alfred Hitchcock, you take part in a mystery comedy in which the goal is to find fourteen golden carrots (a pun on 14 karat gold).

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Marvelous/67/137/21

 

"The Great Movie Ride" at SLB Breathtaking by On A Whim Designs

Welcome, movie lovers, to the On A Whim Great Movie Ride! Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and any runaway screenplays safely inside the vehicle at all times. We're hoping to catch a little movie magic today, and you've picked the perfect cast for the job. Please do not exit the vehicle once you've sat down.  I'm Cody, and alongside me is Roxy. Together we'll be your guides through some of the most memorable moments in cinema history. Lights, camera, action!

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Breathtaking/185/140/21

 

 "Expendable Space - The Ocean Floor" at SLB Stupendous by the International Spaceflight Museum, and Helena Kiama and Roy Sutton.

 

What goes up must come down. While we often look to the sky to see the future of spaceflight, the history of our journey is written on the ocean floor. Come explore a detailed underwater graveyard featuring discarded boosters, fuel tanks, and engine clusters from the rockets that built our modern world. Also, discover an underwater habitat used for astronaut training.

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Stupendous/116/185/21

 

Discover more at the Second Life Birthday grounds 

 

Bixyl Shuftan