Press Release: HFOT February 2026 Benefit Concert, Feb 7 at 2PM

 

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the 2026 February benefit  Homes for Our Troops benefit in Second Life.   The benefit will be held on February 7, 2026 from 12PM - 5 PM SLT at Veteran’s Isle.    http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Veterans%20Isle/176/58/3501.

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 have suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 429 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.” 


This HFOT benefit concert will feature the following DJ’s and artists from 12PM-5 PM February 7, 2026:

DJ Kyle 12 PM
DJ Texas Starchild 1PM
Austin Moores 3 PM
Grace Loudon 4 PM


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 

 

Applications Being Accepted For Valentine Shop and Hop

 

It's not yet Christmas, and people are still shopping at the stores for gifts. But already Linden Lab is getting ready for February.  On Friday December 12, Linden Lab announced it was accepting applications for the Valentine Shop and Hop.

 

We are thrilled to announce the early opening of applications for the 2026 Valentine Shop & Hop!

As we prepare for an extra special Valentine’s event, we're on the lookout for enthusiastic Creators ready to join the celebration of love ...

Merchants wanting to take part will need to fill out a Google Doc (here).  They will need to offer at least 20 percent off on items on sale at the stores. They will also need to offer a new gift for shoppers, regardless if they're in the merchant's group or not, or a gift certificate worth at least 300 Linden dollars. No adult items are permitted, nor are political themes. Also, applying does not guarantee approval.

 

 The Valentine Shop and Hop will run from Friday January 30 to Monday February 16. 

 

For the blog post in full, Click here.  

 

Press Release: December 7 HFOT Benefit

 

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the December 2025 Homes for Our Troops benefit in Second Life.   The benefit will be held on December 7, Pearl Harbor day from 10-2 PM SLT Veteran's Isle Military center.

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 have suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 425 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.” 


This HFOT benefit concert will feature the following DJ’s and artists from 5 PM- 8 PM on October 5:

DJ Zack 10 PM
Quartz 11 PM
Paul Kindhartdman 12 PM
Ed Lowell, Mr. Multiwriter and Wizard Sideshow triple stream 1 PM

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

 

Press Release: Homes For Our Troops Benefit Concert Tuesday April 8

 

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the April  2025 Homes for Our Troops benefit in Second Life.   The benefit will be held on April 8  from 6PM-8PM SLT.

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 have suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 406 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”


This HFOT benefit concert will feature the following DJ’s and artists from 6-8PM on April 8, 2025

DJ Zack 6 PM
Hogan Baily 7 PM

In conjunction with the April 8 benefit, there will be a Easter Hunt at Veteran's Isle during the month of April sponsored  by Sinclair Worthington and Splintered Creations.  Fun for all  in support of Homes For Our Troops!


The benefit on April 8 is 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

EOTB: New Valentine-Themed Last Names

 

 

 As part of the Valentines Day celebrations, Linden Lab announced a few days ago there will be some new account surnames in theme for the time. 

... we have just released new last names for the season! The following Valentine-themed names are only available for a limited time

The new last names are Bae, Flirt, Lovelace, Lovingood, Simp, Snuggler, Sweetheart, and Trueheart.

Some of the names may be more or less popular than others. "Bae" meaning "before all else" is a slang term popular among the young, but not so much among those well into adulthood. Calling someone a "simp" isn't exactly a complement. "Trueheart" may get some attention as it's been the last name of some characters, notably some female love interests, in stories. 

 

As a reminder, changing one's account name takes a one-time fee to Linden Lab.

 

There were other things mentioned in the blog, such as the upcoming Hug Or Dunk A Linden event, the Love Train, and the Valentine Shop and Hop. 

Source: Linden blog

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Valentine Shop and Hop

 

 

 It's February, and for Second Life shoppers, and those looking for romantic-themed gifts, it means that the Valentine Shop and Hop event is now open. 

The 2024 Valentine Shop & Hop ... with 280 participating merchants across 14 shopping regions. All are offering their best to inspire your Valentine's fantasies from a romantic evening with your bae, to a party with your friends, and everything in between. You will definitely find something to suit you! Every store will have at least a 20% discount on all items and a free (non-group) gift for shoppers or a gift certificate valued at L$300 or above!

For a list of the almost three hundred stores, check out the list of merchants on the Linden blog (here). To get a list of the sims, check out the Destinations Guide. Or just straight on hop over to Forsythia (128/126/54).

 

Happy shopping,

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

EOTB : Applications Being Accepted for 2024 Valentines Day Shop and Hop

 

 

 It's not yet Christmas, let alone New Years Eve. But already Linden Lab is getting ready for February 2024. Yesterday, Thursday December 14, Linden Lab announced that it was accepting applications for the Valentine Shop and Hop, but only for a limited time. 

 

While the festive cheer, twinkling lights, and echoes of holiday celebrations still continue, we are thrilled to announce the early opening of applications for the 2024 Valentine’s Shop & Hop!

As we prepare for an extra special Valentine’s event, we're on the lookout for enthusiastic Merchants ready to join the celebration of love ...

 The event itself will from from Thursday February 1st to Tuesday February 19. Merchants interested in taking part are asked to fill out a Google Docs form (here). Like previous Shop and Hop events, stores will be required to discount their items at least 20 percent and have at least one free gift available to residents coming by, regardless if the person is in the store's group or not, or offer a free gift card worth at least 300 Linden dollars. Merchants are asked to tell the Lab what they primarily sell.

 

What's different about this Shop and Hop is that Linden Lab wants to put the spotlight on merchants offering items for their new line of Senra starter avatars, "This year we will also be highlighting designers who are creating for our new Senra mesh bodies. To be considered a Senra designer for the Valentine Shop and Hop, you need to have at least 2 items available at the Shop and Hop for Senra bodies. Special consideration will be given to Senra designers when applications are being reviewed." The days merchants have to set up their stores are January 25 to Jan 28.

Some might note that the picture on Linden Lab's announcement shows a furry couple. Maybe the Lab is trying to appeal to this particular demographic, or in that it's showing a feline/canine couple trying to say that love can bring very different people together. 

Source: Linden blog 

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: February 2021 Donations For HFOT

 Wow!  Over a 100% increase in donations over last year’s February results!

Hi everyone.  In February 2021 we were able to send $1615 to Homes For Our Troops.  This is an increase of over 100% compared to February 2020 donations of $770.  So year to date our total for 2021 now stands at $2660.  Let’s keep this up and stay in the top ten of HFOT donors!

Jamie Crossman, Philanthropy Advisor at HFOT stated this regarding February’s performance:

"Each month I struggle to find different words to express my and HFOT's thanks and gratitude for all of your efforts for us in Second Life.  The impact you are having helping severely injured Veterans rebuild their lives is powerful and Patriotic.  They are truly blessed by your efforts.  I attended February's concert and continued to be amazed at how many support our critical mission.  In my monthly report to Senior Leadership, where I shared your success they too were impressed and sent their appreciation. This month I would like to share a statistic regarding employment.  After receiving their specially adapted custom HFOT forever home, there is a 99.5% increase of Veterans who reported an increase in employment.  This is amazing, some of our Veterans even start their own businesses.  Additionally, there was a 285% increase of employment reported by spouses/caregivers.  Because the Veteran is able to be independent and safe in their home, spouses/caregivers have more time for their independence and growth.  HFOT helps the entire family, not just the Veteran.  You are responsible for these amazing accomplishments.  We can't do this without you!  Please don't hesitate to contact me if I may ever be of assistance.

Best wishes and my sincerest thanks.

Jamie Crossman”

Results like this always take a lot of effort from folks who invest their time and energy.  

To our performers ….thank you:

Waya Snowpaw DJ
Wes West
Wolfie Moonshadow
Paul Nowles
Lark Bowen
Charice and Amforte Clarity at LOV MC

As always you put great effort in your performances for this cause.

Next we have those extra special efforts from some folks who give freely their valued time and effort.  Thank you:

EastbayRay, Lily Bender, Octavia Romano and the Legion of Vets MC
Carrie Raymaker and all the folks at Paradise Beach Gaming
Hayanah Resident and everyone the Torvalds Rest Dance Show
JulesA Flow, Salonios Koolhoven and DOOWOPS FOREVER at Gigli  Isles
Bixyl Shuftan and all the folks at The Happy Vixen at Purrfection Estates
J.J. Firestar-Roseblood and everyone at Four Seasons  DFS Marketplace & Auction
All the folks at Club Mojo
P0Ps Paw and everyone at Pop’s Crew
ℳѕ Tamm Schism and all the folks at Dandy’s place.
DJ Morph and all the folks at Snowy River Saloon

And thank you to our growing family of supporters with donation kiosks placed throughout the grid.  Thank you:

Cayleen Linette and everyone at Cay's at Woodland Lake
JacksonTrig Resident and all the folks at Jacksonville Island
LeeAnn Clawtooth and all the folks at HAVOK Entertainment
Tulia Ƈօɾⱱʋʂ and everyone at The Fallen Hunters MC
Each and everyone who has taken the time to place a donation kiosk somewhere on the grid for HFOT

Lastly thank you Bri McMahon, Sabryne Hotaling and Gjackie Winkler for all your help with our monthly event at Veteran’s Isle.

We also once again ask that you continue praying for our good friend Dahlea Milena of Veteran’s Isle, who is now fighting cancer.  We pray she beats this and is back with us soon.

We are off to a great start this year folks.  We can do this ….let’s become Homes For Our Troops #1 donor in 2021!

Thank you for letting me a part of this.

Frets Nirvana