SL Video: "Merry Christmas MMD"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Furry SLife on Dec 2018

Interview With Emorald of Montecito Bay

Over time, the Newser has reported on the community of Montecito Bay. But who are the people behind it? Among the staff is Emorald Resident,  often mentioned with her partner as "Lem and Em." But who is she on her own? The Newser recently had a chance to ask her.

Read the interview in People.

HEA, A Place to Unify The Arts And Artists In Second Life

It’s been months since LEA was closed, since then artists spreading to the whole grid. Some are building their own gallery, some are building public galleries, and some artists just wait for the new endowment for artists.

I have written about Tansee and Riannah who tried to keep the LEA alive, “I took some time before I realized that Linden Lab was not going to respond to us in any way,'' said Tansee. But she makes another move! She found someone who kindly helps with her ideas and they are establishing HEA : Hannington Endowment For The Arts.

“When we were trying to save LEA, I put out a distress call in group chat asking if anyone knew of a benefactor that might have land. I received only one reply from a very wonderful gentleman named Hannington Xeltentat, he offered his space. So I pursued getting to know Hann as I call him. I wanted to be sure it was someone truly interested in the Arts.

“It took a few months before we got together and discussed different possibilities. I wanted to pursue the LEA strengths but did not quite know-how. After some contemplation, I participated in a real-life Hive network, where one person has a building and other artists work there and sell art, I have always loved that concept. it was also the idea of a Second Life resident. So I started building using the hexagon that is the base of the building instinct of bees. Hann and I discussed the possibilities as I took baby steps,” said Tansee positively.

“It seemed that Art in Second Life became scattered and disconnected after LEA closed. But everyone found their communities, and some started their own ideas. I felt the need to connect all the places that involved The Arts in Second Life, so I started an Art Information HUB, it connects all the different levels of the arts: galleries, the artist builds, and places that are available for artists to build,” Tansee continue her explanation.

But when I ask about committee members, she replied: “There will never be committee members. That was a lesson to be learned from LEA. Time will tell if this is something that the true artists of Second Life are interested in. This is very manageable with only 6 grants and maintaining the Teleporter.”

So, how do you promote the artist's works here at HEA?

“I love to use the SL Art group. it is a good reputation and is well established for years in SL. I will be applying to the Second Life Destination Guide as well. As this unfolds, I hope to have our reputation speaks for itself as featuring the true arts in Second Life.”

The opening of Hannington Endowment For The Arts will be held on Sunday, Dec 1st, at 01:30 pm.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Xeltentat%20Enterprises/129/128/3503

Marcel Mosswood

Benefit at Veterans Isle Raises Over 140,000 Lindens

On Sunday November 24, Veterans Isle was the scene of a benefit concert. From 4PM to 9PM SL time, several live singers and one DJ performed for the crowd. The event was organized by Frets Nirvana to raise money for the Homes For Our Troops veterans charity.

Happy Thanksgiving folks!  We are conducting our best way of thanksgiving …. our monthly benefit for Homes For Our Troops.  And we have some fantastic performers to help us with that!  



DJ Waya Snowpaw started things off at 4PM. He was followed by Maven at 5PM. Lark Bowen took to the stage at 6PM. At 7PM Ryanne performed for the crowd. And last but not least was Wolfie Starfire at 8PM. As the musicians played, the audience donated Lindens to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage.

At the end of the event, a total of 141,250 Linden dollars had been raised.

Homes For Our Troops is an organization that helps disabled veterans by building and modifying homes for them. To learn more about them, check out https://www.hfotusa.org .

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: This Saturday in The Science Circle - "Movies about Science"

"Movies about Science"
Saturday November 30
10 AM to 11 AM SL time

A presentation by Matthew Burr with video clips of science-based films.
Join us for your favourite hour of the week!

By Matthew Burr

Read more here (link).

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Science%20Circle/67/129/32 (Auditorium)

Cartoon of the Day: Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey made by Celeste Cazenove. As you can see, it's not as easy for a fox to take on the choice bird of Thanksgiving as it is chicken.

By Bixyl Shuftan

New Office For KVXN

KVXN, jointly owned by Nydia Tungsten and JB Raccoon, is getting a new office. They recently invited the Newser over to take a few pictures.

The two story structure has a lobby, and a studio area for live broadcasting.

KVXN was once a 24 music stream that while doing decently at several venues, Nydia felt it could do more. Teaming up with JB, it expended to become an Internet radio station with growing numbers of listeners in and out of Second Life.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Geerkil%20Land/196/137/1366

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at Caledon's Newcomers Ball

By Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Emilia Dagostino, New CDS Chancellor

The Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS) has a new leader. Yesterday Emilia Dagostino (Emilia Avindar) was sworn in as it's new Chancellor. So who is Emilia and what does her election mean for the community? The Newser recently interviewed her to get some answers.

Read the story in People.

Reader Submitted: Elven Forest Celebrates Eleven Years

Over the last weekend the residents of Elven Forest celebrated the 11th anniversary of their land of fantasy and myth. It also marked the 5th anniversary of Bella (belladaine.nightfire) and Dᴀʀᴋ Mᴏᴏɴ (wakent) taking on the task of the forest caretakers. The festivities occurred with 2 Balls between Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th. The announcement  read-

"Greetings Forest Folk!  Today we will start the celebrations of the 11th Anniversary of Elven Forest and the 5th Anniversary of Bella and Dark as Caretakers.  Join us in the Ballroom as we honor DARK and BELLA and have a celebration of the past, present and future!  Dress as your 'past' avatar (5 years or even 11 years ago????) or come as your 'present' self and we will celebrate the 'future' of Elven Forest and rock out to amazing music presented by DJ Thiaben!! "

Both events took place at the Elven Forest Ballroom. The informal dance was first on Saturday from 7PM to 9PM SLT. DJ Thiaben presented the music while the guest came in old avatars, such as yours truly who hasn't changed much in ten years, to the newest mesh. Sunday was the formal dance, a masquerade ball, from 1PM to 3PM SLT. DJ Kirana spun the disk as many attended with much talked of earlier times which provided history to the newer residents. Great thanks were given to Bella and Dark for keeping the forest vibrant with the great improvements that have come.

The Elven Forest group once consisted of two sims, Blossom and Jaded Wings, Jaded Wings sank into the waters in 2014. If you ever visit you will be given a note card of rules, PLEASE READ IT!. There is a degree of nudity allowed however there are rules about it, one being humans can NOT be. There are regular events which occur weekly from Ballroom to a dance on the beach. The land is absolutely filled with things to do and see so no way to tell you here just drop in.

www.elvenforest.net
Elven Forest (240, 217, 21)

Cynthia Farshore

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

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

Cutlass: Best in 'A' , Thanksgiving, Cats and Dogs

The Happy Vixen: Rebels and Rouges, Pilgrims and Indians, Wings and Tails, Birds, Sheer and Sexy, Cats and Mice

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: Feral, Pokeman, Videogames, Hair, Sexy, Anime, Late Night, Horns and Hats

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.  

Lacy Day at Nisa

On Friday Novemeber 22 at 2PM SL time, a small memorial event was held in honor of Lacy Musketeer, whom passed away this summer.

Hi folks, we're finally ready to do the memorial for Lacy. It will be held at 2pm on the 22nd of Nov. We'll send out LMs a little while beforehand. If you have a group that she was involved in or who would like to show your support, please contact Oscelot Haalan to see about having your group logo placed on a banner for the ceremony. We look forward to seeing you all there!

The event had some light music and discussion. It was hosted by Amehana Ishtari and Oscelot Haalan.

Addition: Amehana would send the Newser the following message.

Lacy Day will actually be a yearly art day always held on her birthday for artists to work and chat together. Lacy Day and her memorial in Nisa were two separate events.

We look forward to next year's Lacy Day.

We also thank everyone that attended her Memorial ceremony where she was announced as the first modern person to have been instated as a kami of Arashiryuu Yashiro.

Thanksgiving Parade

It's just a few days before Thanksgiving in the United States. While the holiday is best known for big turkey dinners among family or friends, it's also known for parades, especially the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City which is televised across the country. Recently Gemma Cleanslate found out about a tribute to the Macy's parade here in Second Life set up by Franny DJ Dean. So she paused her explorations of Christmas areas to take a look.

Read Gemma's story in Events.

Commentary: Twelve Years of Reporting SL News

Twelve years ago, the leading newsletter in Second Life was the Second Life Newspaper. Around the time of it's first anniversary in early November 2007, it took on a fox whom had sent in a few reader submissions over the previous month. Over time, that fox would write numerous articles about the people, places, and events about the virtual world. Today, yours truly looks back to reflect on his time as a virtual journalist.

Read the commentary in People.

CDS Election Results

On Friday November 22, the results of the election in the Confederation of Democratic Simulators were announced by Lilith Ivory.

We only had one candidate running for the office as chancellor.
So the chancellor in the 32th term will be:

Emilia Dagostino (emilia.avindar)

6 candidates were competing for 5 seats in the 32th RA

Winners are
Kyoko Furse-Barzane (samara.barzane)
Lyubov (20180414 Resident)
Richie Deschanel
Rosie Gray
Tanoujin Milestone

Congratulations to our new chancellor and the RA members of the 32th term
and thanks to all candidates who placed their names on the ballot

Soon after, Chancellor-elect Emilia Dagostino (Emilia Avindar) congratulated the winners of the Representative Assembly in another announcement, followed by:

I would like to invite also ran, Cathy Sabre, to join the EM team, and also perhaps be a member of the PIO Team.

Open Door to your ideas,; notecards are good. Thanks, Citizens, and carry on.


The outgoing Chancellor, Kyoko Furse-Barzane (Samara Barzane), had her own announcement.

Congratulations to Emilia Dagostino (avindar) who is our incoming Chancellor for the 32nd Term. I know you will support her during her term, as you did me. If she asks you to join her team, please say yes!

As outgoing Chancellor I want to thank  C.D.S. citizens for the honor of serving you this past year.

The Inaugural Meeting for the 32nd Term is scheduled for Tuesday November 26, at 12:30 PM SLT.  The meeting will take place in the RA Meeting Room in the Praetorium.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the Inaugural Ball.

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the KVXN office

by Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

ONE HOLIDAY, AND THE HERALD OF "THE PROJECT"
It's just one week till the joyous madness that annually is The Dickens Project opens to the public. And if that were not enough, this weeks Giving of Thanks means another Seanchai tradition, and we are warming up the Group W bench JUST for you! Join us this week for stories LIVE in #secondlife, and on our properties in #kitely, live in voice.

Check out the stories and the storytellers at www.seanchailibrary.com

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT


*SUNDAY, November 24th at 6:30pm : MAGICLAND STORYTIME - Ann Mary, Her Two Thanksgivings with Caledonia Skytower, live on stream at The Golden Horseshoe at Magicland Park.
The New Golden Horseshoe
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bracket/181/57/30

*MONDAY, November 25th, at 7pm:  TEACHER'S PET / WAR AND PEACE by Matthew Joseph Harrington (written with approval by Larry Niven) continues with Gyro Muggins.

*TUESDAY, November 26th, at 7pm: Craig Johnson's SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT continues with Kayden Oconnell.

*WEDNESDAY, November 27th, at 7pm: WHAT'S COOKIN'? - Favorite Food Stories & Recipe Exchange. This week, the Thanksgiving Edition, with Turkeys and stuffing galore. Bring your knife and fork, and a favorite recipes to share, on notecard.

*THURSDAY, November 28th, at 10am: The Annual Seanchai Tradition: ALICE'S RESTAURANT MASACREE with Shandon Loring. Come along and claim you place on the Group W Bench, and don't be late!  The story is only 17 minutes long. (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

COMING SOON! In Just 2 Weeks!  The Dickens Project 2019 Edition will crack its cover open!
http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/the-dickens-project-sl.html


All sessions held at the Seanchai Library in Second Life unless otherwise indicated. Schedule subject to change. 

Various Events Last Weekend

There were a few events going on last weekend that I didn't have time to write about in detail. One was the Newcomers Ball in Caledon.

The event would take place twice that day, 12 Noon and 7PM. The music was provided by Cynthia Farshore and Ms. Nyree Rain. There was plenty of dancing at the double-event.

The following day on Sunday November 17 at 12 Noon was the Raglan Shire Talent Show. The event was packed, with over 80 avatars present.

There were various acts from dances to live singing to scripted skits by bots that ended up exploding. Almost as entertaining were the reactions and gestures from the tinies in the audience. This annual event in the noted community is often videotaped and posted online.

At 2PM was the Aether Salon discussion in New Babbage. The topic was for writers interested in publishing their work. Unfortunately, I forgot to save my notes before teleporting away, and I crashed.

There's always something going on in Second Life. One just has to find it.

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Duran Duran - Come Undone"

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Calacal on Dec 2011, "A Second Life movie, Duran Duran's Come Undone, inspired by Bride of Frankenstein. I hope you enjoy it!"

One SL Music Video Maker's Reaction to COPPA

This week in a number of Second Life and Discord groups, there's been some discussion about a law called COPPA and what it means to Youtube. Called the Child Online Privacy and Protection Act, it recently imposed a huge fine on Youtube, which reacted by announcing a new plan that confused and scared a number of content creators. Among them is Nydia Tungsten, whom has made many music videos in Second Life over the past few years and put them on Youtube. But no more. This week, she announced that no more would be going up on Youtube. I would talk to her about what she thought was the big worry, and what she may do next.

Read the story in Extra.

Two Art Galleries at Chilbo

Chilbo is not a new place in Second Life, but has been around for over a decade. It's long been known for being a community with a number of artists and other talented residents. For Newser writer Marcel Mosswood, it was where she got her start in Second Life. Earlier this year, she set up an art gallery there, "Marcel and Sebastian's Art Gallery." Later on when more land was available, she set another, "Art2048."

Read Marcel's article in Design.

Press Release: Homes For Our Troops Bennefit, November 24

Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce 2019’s November 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 the 2019 November benefit in Second Life for the Veterans Support Organization 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).  Since its inception in 2004, over 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT OVER 274 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR WOUNDED VETERANS.”

In 2018 the community in Second Life sent over $13,000 to Homes For Our Troops, thanks to may kind hearts and great Second Life performers.  HFOT built 34 homes for extremely wounded veterans in 2018.  We hope to help them exceed that in 2019!

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle.  The November concert on November 24, 2019 is scheduled from 4pm to 8 PM PST. Featured artists will be DJ Waya Snowpaw, Mavenn, Lark Bowen, Ryanne and Wolfie Starfire.

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

Announcement: New Event at The Ivory Tower

This Saturday and Sunday we will have a mini build contest at Ivory Towers. I want you to get acquainted with the place and the folks there and thought this would be a good start. The theme will be, "Baby It's Cold Outside!" The platform is all set up with snow and you are to create a build that makes people shiver and run for the hot chocolate!  ... I will need for you to contact either Avi Arrow or me to say you want to join so that Avi can add your name to a list which will prevent your prims from being auto returned. So please do this sometime before early Sat. morning.  Ivory Towers is a really nice sandbox. I think you will like it there and will also like Avi Arrow. She is a peach!

Theme: "Baby It's Cold Outside"
Starting date: Saturday Nov. 23 - six a.m. SL time
Ending date: Sunday night midnight SL time
Voting open from Sunday night midnight until midnight Monday, Nov. 25

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Natoma/156/131/3752

Luna (LunaEnigma Resident)

For complete details, message Luna or Avi Arrow, or get the notecard from the Ivory Tower Library group.

Breaking News: Linden Lab Says Last Names Available Again By Jan 31, For Premium Residents

Earlier today, Linden Lab posted on the official blog a date on one of the more persistent questions of residents, the return of last names. The Lab stated it is "working furiously" to have the option to get or change a last name. However, the option will only be available for Premium Residents, and there would be a fee for it.

Soon it will be possible to change the name of a Second Life account. This is one of our Residents’ most requested features and we’re working furiously to make it available by the end of January.  Name Changes will be exclusively for Premium members at an additional fee. Changing one or both of your First and Last Name will be available as a single transaction. Last Names will be picked from a list, which you can help us curate.

It was also announced the Lab would soon hold a contest for suggestions on new last names. Five of the people who submit suggestions will get a free name change, regardless of their being Premium accounts or not. The contest will run for a month from December 16 to January 15.

At the SL16B this year, Oz Linden stated that the reason it was taking so long for last names was, "every part of Second Life, absolutely everything, was built with the assumption that your name can never change.  ... we have to go back and find that assumption everywhere in Second Life. And that's a *lot* of code."

The Lab would also announce a new level of Premium membership, Premium Plus, "an additional choice for Residents who want to get even more value from their Second Life."

Also announced were changes in Marketplace, including the fee to list an item as Featured reduced ten percent and "commission rates on Marketplace sales will become 10% of the item price." There was also a reminder about the Linden Home at the Christmas Expo.

To read the blogpost in full, Click Here.

Second Life Destinations: Surfing Enthusiasts

For those of you in Europe, northern Asia, Canada, and the US who miss the warm summer months already, and aren't too crazy about the ice and snow for the next few months, relief in Second Life is just a teleport away. In the latest Second Life Destinations on the Linden blog, there's a focus on surfing spots. And it includes a video by Draxtor Despress.

Catch a wave and hit the beach! The surf is up in Second Life, and the sunshine, beach sand, and horizon are the perfect place to feel the thrill of riding those waves! Even if you can't hit the beach in the physical world, you can surf all year long in the Internet's largest virtual world Second Life.

The four locations in the video, and others, can be found in the Destination Guide's Surfing category.

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at Studio 86 in Montecito Bay. In a virtual world full of foxes, bunnies, and felines, anteater avatars are rare. So it's easy to think they might be used by engineers whom deal with different kinds of "bugs."

By Bixyl Shuftan

Commentary: Second Life Is Dead, Long Live Second Life

Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) recently wrote a  commentary. In it, he asked himself why do people still come to Second Life. Social networks seem to come and go. And in the virtual world, clubs and hangouts seem to last only a few months. So why does Second Life continue to last? Cyfir believes he knows the reason why.

Read Cyfir's commentary in Extra.

The Texas Tree Farm and Christmas Village

With December just days away, residents in Second Life are already making Christmas-themed places. Gemma Cleanslate decided to give her exploration of these places, and checked out two. The first place she went to was the Texas Tree Farm in the Larsen sim, where she was able to chop down a tree and check out the shop. After that, she visited Christmas Village 2019, which had more shopping.

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Editor's Note: Article updated after it was found a paragraph was missing, my apologies.

Eye On The Blog: Lab Gab Episode Seven Today

Today at 3PM SL time (6PM EST) is another episode of the "Lab Gab" program by Xiola and Strawberry Linden. This week, the two popular Lindens will talk about various winder areas.

We’re all set to go walking in some Winter wonderlands in our next episode of Lab Gab with Xiola & Strawberry. What’s not to love about sweater weather, a cozy scarf, and the calming crackling of a toasty fire? Winter is a time of year for family, friends, holidays, and cheer - and we’re ready to bring some of that cheer to Lab Gab.

People can tune in on Linden Lab's youtube channel to see the program livestreamed

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

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

Cutlass: Best in 'X' 'Y' and 'Z', Hooved, Black and White Night

The Happy Vixen: Mythology, Lingerie, TBA, Dragons, Rainbows, Sweaters, Bikers, Bunnies and Foxes, Skimpy, TBA

Club Zero Gravity: TBA

Montecito Bay: TBA

Furry Fashion Lounge: CAYA, Rock, Pink Vs Black, Fire Vs Ice , Sea Life,  Goth, Mah Wolf release party, Late Night, Steampunk

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'.  

Nydia's Last Video, For Now : "KDA Popstars"

(Click here to see the video)

Filmed at "The Rift," from Nydia Tungsten on November 16, "The Angels are dancing away and having fun with KDA Popstars!"

Unfortunately, a couple days after the video was made, Nydia would announce this would be the last of her videos, at least for now. Thanks to recent changes in how the COPPA law (Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act) affects Youtube channel owners and how vague the law is, Nydia has reluctantly ceased making videos and is seriously considering taking down her videos on Youtube rather than risk being fired $43,000 USD per video.

More on the issue later.

Update: Nydia has the video up once again on Vimeo (link).

Announcement: This Week at the Seanchai Libraries

OLD FRIENDS RETURN & ROMANCE TAKES THE TOUGH ROAD
Craig Johnson's Sheriff Longmire comes back for a visit, as does the delightful P.G. Wodehouse, and Louisa May Alcott - just in time for the holidays. Join us this week for stories LIVE in #secondlife, and on our properties in #kitely, live in voice.

Check out the stories and the storytellers at www.seanchailibrary.com

All stories told in open voice unless otherwise noted. All times SL/PT

 *TUESDAY, November 19th, at 7pm:  WHAT'S COOKIN'? - Favorite Food Stories & Recipe Exchange. This week Cale shares the P.G. Wodehouse story "Best Sauce." All are welcomed to bring some of their favorite recipes to share, on notecard.

*WEDNESDAY,  November 20th, at 7pm: Craig Johnson's SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT begins with Kayden Oconnell.

*THURSDAY, November 21st, at 7pm: Louisa May Alcott's AN OLD FASHIONED THANKSGIVING with Shandon Loring  (Also in Kitely!  Find teleport from the main Seanchai World grid.kitely.com:8002:SEANCHAI)

COMING SOON! In Just 2 Weeks!  The Dickens Project 2019 Edition will crack its cover open!
http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/p/the-dickens-project-sl.html

All sessions held at the Seanchai Library in Second Life unless otherwise indicated. Schedule subject to change. 

Some Veterans Day Events

It was a hundred years ago last week, November 11, in which the first Veterans Day, or Armistice Day as it was called then, was held. In real life, there were parades, ceremonies, and other events. There were also some events held in Second Life to honor those who served in the Armed Forces.

Read more in Events.

Eye On The Blog: Call For Merchants in Christmas Shopping Event

Christmas is coming. For Second Life, it means a number of things from Christmas displays to holiday music to parties. And of course, it also means shopping. Linden Lab has been getting into the act with inworld Christmas shopping events. A few days ago, they announced on the official blog that the next such event would be taking place again and asked for merchants to sign up for it.

Winter is coming...and that means festive tunes, glitzy decor, snuggly scarves, and lots and lots of shopping adventures.

Our last big inworld shopping event for SL16B was a great success, and this is gearing up to be another one for the books.

Like previous years, we’re winding up for a winter inworld shopping event - and we’re now looking for Merchants who would like to participate!

This event, which opens on December 13th, 2019 and runs through January 6th, 2019, is an opportunity to bring a ton of new customers to your brand, offer some of your best items, and celebrate the holiday season in a huge shopping event across several Regions.

We are looking for merchants willing to offer a discount on some of their items (think Cyber Monday deals!) and provide a small gift to holiday shoppers.

Merchants interested in taking part need to fill out a form (here), and have it done by Wednesday November 27. The event is scheduled to start on December 4.

Press Release: EPIC OOAK Linden Home Auction At 2019 SL Christmas Expo

The American Cancer Society in Second Life® and Linden Lab, the 
Society’s partner in the fight against cancer, announced a  
BLOCKBUSTER AUCTION as part of Believe In The Magic of 
Christmas, the 9th Annual SL Christmas Expo. 

 The auction will be held during the Expo which runs from Dec 5th 
through the 15th and supports the Society mission to fight 
Childhood Cancer. One lucky bidder will receive a 6 month 
Premium Membership and a 4th Edition Linden Home with 
Exclusive Seasonal content and located on a special parcel 
designed just for them by LDPW Moles.  The auction is the 
fourth and final element of the Lab’s participation in this year’s 
Expo. As previously announced the 4th Edition of the New 
Linden Homes will be revealed at the Expo, Linden homes will be 
decorated and take part in the annual Lights Of Hope house 
decoration contest, and the  first ever Ebbe Linden Bear will be 
revealed and available for a L$ 250 donation to the American 
Cancer Society, toward the Expo’s goal of raising $20,000 to 
provide VR Headsets to be used by kids undergoing cancer 
treatments.

Silent bidding on all OOAKs begins Dec 5th, with final Open 
Auction Bidding starting at 10am Dec 15th.

 “We are grateful to Linden Lab for their invaluable support of 
the Expo,” Expo Director Nuala Maracas stated. “Every aspect 
of this year’s Linden Lab participation will help us not only reach 
our goal of $20,000, but will also help make more residents familiar 
with all the programs available at American Cancer Society here in 
Second Life® and in the organic world.”

In addition to the Linden Homes and Ebbe Bear, this year’s Expo 
will feature more than 170 merchants, spread over 12 regions, and 
bringing every aspect of SL living to the event.  Fashion, Childrens 
shops, breedables and home and garden are only part of the 
excitement. Nearly non-stop entertainment, Christmas trees, 
a Snowman Contest, a Kids Fashion Runway Show, winter 
activities, gachas and raffles are also on tap at the largest and best 
known Christmas Event on the grid.  There will also be a Stocking 
Stuffer Hunt and the Magic of Christmas Mega Raffle with more 
than L$ 155,000 of gift certificates!

Help bring the Magic of Christmas to children with cancer by 
attending the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, December 5th - 15th

---

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the Fight Against 
Cancer. All proceeds from the 2019 SL Christmas Expo supports the 
Society and its efforts to provide research to end and support for those 
affected by, childhood cancers. For more information about the Expo 
visit www.slchristmasexpo.com.
Need help with cancer? Needs answers or information? Visit the 
American Cancer Society region in Second Life®, call 800-227-2345, 
or www.cancer.org.

Cartoon of the Day: Flagging Appeal

Taken at the Happy Vixen. When it comes to the American Flag (or in this case, the one of the Phillippines), people in the US do things that would get a fine in other countries. Technically, a flag in the form of a bikini is against the flag code. But nobody seems to mind ... for reasons.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Newcomers Ball at Caledon

Today is the last day of Caledon's Harvest Festival. There are games and activities. But there are also events.

It starts with a reading with Ms. Aoife, at 11am, followed immediately by our early Newcomers' Ball, 12-2pm, both at the Guv'nah's mansion; Ms. Cyntrhia Farshore will be our DJ.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/201/54/23

Then from 4-5pm, we'll have a folk and fairy tale workshop, where you can learn more about their structure and tropes, and even try your hand (or paws) at writing them! This will be at the Tinyville library.)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tanglewood/21/197/22

And finally, from 7pm-9pm, we close the festivities with the late Newcomers' Ball, with Ms. Nyree Rain providing the music..

Then Sunday is cleanup time, so if you haven't tried all the games and activities in the park, hurry up!

SL Video: "Can't Help Falling In Love"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Nair Sky on April 2018, "This song was cover by Jemma Johnson.  The original song by Elvis Presley."

News and Commentary: More on Blizzard's China Controversy

This month, the players of the game "World of Warcraft" are celebrating it's fifteenth anniversary, with in-game presents, events, and bonus experience. But there's been a dark cloud over the celebrations. It was last month that the company that owns Warcraft, Blizzard/Activision, banned a player from Hong Kong in another game, Hearthstone, after when given a chance to speak on a televised stream, he called for the freedom of the people of his city. Since the Newser's first article on the subject, the situation has continued to develop. And finally at Blizzard's annual convention, the company President addressed the issue.

Read more in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.

CDS Election Update

On Saturday November 2, the election campaign of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, or CDS, officially began. The largest event would be an election rally at Cathy Sabre's venue at Alpine Meadow a week later on Saturday November 9. There was a little dancing with music provided by Maggi696 Resident. Afterwards was a discussion. Asking Rosie Grey if there ware any issues, she answered, "Nothing in particular has come up so far. ... perhaps people are a bit exhausted by real-life politics at the moment." Cathy herself thought, "There is always the discussion of how to attract more avatars to CDS. Everything else is mostly administration."

Of the sole candidate for the Chancellorship, Emilia Dagostino (emilia Avindar), Rosie thought, "I'm sure she will do fine (smile). She loves the CDS, and that's the biggest thing." Cathy thought, "She is extremely intelligent, so will probably get the dance without much problem." A third felt, "She seems to have old knowledge about the CDS too."

Due to some technical issues, the opening of the polls was delayed. On Thursday evening, Nov 14, one of the Representative Assembly candidates, Lyubov (20180414 Resident) invited people over for a candidate chat. A few people showed up, and it was a small, friendly discussion. People were looking forward to the Inagural Ball on December 7, though didn't mention any burning issues.

So it appears This month's election at the CDS is a low key affair with the voters and candidates in a laid-back mood. It has been hoped that despite the lack of burning issues, there will be a high turnout at the polls anyway, as a healthy democracy depends on a high turnout. Time will tell.

Bixyl Shuftan

Team Sunbeamers Pre-Season 2020 Fundraising Hits 100,000 Lindens

To help get Relay for Life team Sunbeamers to a flying start next season, team captain Rita Mariner has encouraged people at Club Cutlass to donate a few Lindens in a tip jar marked for the purpose. A few days ago, it hit the 100,000 Linden dollar mark.

In 2019, a total of 100,000 Lindens raised would put the team firmly in Silver rank fundraising. What will it be in 2020? We'll soon see.

Bixyl Shuftan

RFL Announcement: Ho! Ho! Ho! We Need You

Hi everyone!!

We are looking for jolly, round, happy, cookie eating, holiday loving Santas...   Yes, it's the time of year for Santa. If you want to be Santa at Christmas Expo, give me a notice. I'd love to know what days you are available..etc..

HUGS.. and we are a very diverse Santa, so all creatures and beings are welcome!!  

Hugs,
Prettykitty Gumbo

Cameo on Bay City Locationon Destination Guide

From the Bay City History Pavilion page on the Destination Guide. Looks like a certain fox reporter wasn't the only one taking pictures that day, and ended up getting a cameo.

RFL Press Release: 2019 SL Christmas Expo

Believe in The Magic of Christmas is the theme of the 9th Annual 
SL Christmas Expo, to be held Dec, 5th - 15th, benefiting the 
American Cancer Society and Childhood Cancer research and 
support. Every L$ raised will be dedicated to the Society's Virtual 
Reality Headset program for kids in treatment for pediatric cancers.

The biggest and most popular Holiday Shopping and Entertainment 
event since 2011 this year will be even bigger and is proud to 
welcome its partner in fighting cancer Linden Lab!

Some 2019 Expo Highlights

ELEVEN REGIONS

MORE THAN 160 MERCHANTS - FASHION, HOME AND GARDEN, 
BREEDABLES AND MORE!

4th EDITION LINDEN HOME REVEAL; 

12 LINDEN LIGHTS OF HOPE DECORATING CONTEST ENTRIES

AND THE 1ST EVER EBBE LINDEN BEAR - AVAILABLE ONLY AT 
THE EXPO

NEARLY 100 HOURS OF LIVE PERFORMERS, DJ SHOWS AND 
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

A KIDS FASHION RUNWAY SHOW AND MORE THAN  20 KIDS 
SHOPS

AND THERE'S RAFFLES:

WIN A  L$160,000 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE! 

PLUS 

THE GIFT OF HOPE MEGA RAFFLES WITH MORE THAN 
L$150,000 OF GIFT CARDS!

TREE LOTS, SNOWMAN CONTESTS, ICE SKATING

AUCTIONS - GOTYAS - STOCKING STUFFER HUNT

*****  WHY VR HEADSETS? ******

The American Cancer Society and Children’s Hospital of 
Atlanta (CHOA) have partnered to provide virtual reality 
(VR) headsets for pediatric cancer patients to use while 
undergoing various cancer treatments within the hospital. 

Studies have shown:

        o    VR Distraction helps to reduce pain during 
procedures

        o    VR improved patients’ emotional well-being

        o    A reduction in patients’ distress in terms of cancer-
related psychological symptoms.

        o    A significant decrease in anxiety, distress, and f
atigue immediately after 

              chemotherapy sessions with VR

              

******

The SL Christmas Expo is in support of the American Cancer 
Society and its Childhood Cancer 
programs.  For More Information visit http://slchristmasexpo.com 
or the ACS Campus in Second Life