EOTB: Meet The Lindens At The SL23B

 

One of the features of the Second Life Birthday for a number of years is you get a chance to listen to some of Linden Lab's finest, hear what's on their minds and what they've been up to and planning for the near future, and maybe get a chance to ask some questions. From Monday to Friday this week, there will be five Meet The Lindens events there.

 

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, June 22nd at 1pm PT – Meet the Founder of Second Life, Philip Rosedale (a.k.a. Philip Linden), live at SL23B

Tuesday, June 23rd at 1pm PT – Meet the Product team live at SL23B

Wednesday, June 24th at 1pm PT – Meet the Engineering team live at SL23B

Thursday, June 25th at 1pm PT – Meet the Marketing and Growth teams live at SL23B

Friday, June 26th at 1pm PT – Meet the Second Life Studios team live at SL23B

 

The event is at the Orpheum Theater, with the following SURL suggestions:

 

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 

 

For those with questions, you have until the end of the day to submit them in advance. While there may be some time at the end of events for questions straight from the audience, this is not guaranteed.

 

To read the blog post in full, Click Here. 

 

Reminder: Linden Town Hall Today

 

 Just a reminder, Linden Lab is hosting a Town Hall today, Monday April 20, "To answer questions and hear your feedback" concerning the planned closing of the Gaeta 1 Mainland continent, announced last week.  

 

The event is planned to go from 11 AM to 12 Noon SL time.  

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island1/241/15/29

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island2/8/23/29

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island3/234/246/29 

 

(old picture as the area is currently off limits to residents) 

RFL Press Release: Bid The Lindens Bald

 

 BID THE LINDENS BALD 2026

Bid the Lindens & Moles Bald returns for its 10th annual showdown in support of Relay For Life in Second Life — and this year will be the grand finale.

In this fan-favorite fundraising event, teams of Lindens and Moles literally put their hair on the line. Residents vote with their donations: the teams that raise the most keep their locks, while the team that raises the least will go bald until the next birthday celebrations.

Voting opens during RelayStock on April 10 and runs through April 15, culminating in the always-entertaining Haircut Party from 12:00–2:30 PM SLT, with the clippers coming out at 2:15 PM SLT. Team lists will be announced in April, so start planning your strategy and your donations.

As the Relay Rockers prepare to retire this beloved tradition, this will be the last time Linden hair hits the floor — so don’t miss your chance to be part of the laughter, the spectacle, and the fundraising magic for American Cancer Society.

Mark your calendars and come help
Bid the Lindens & Moles Bald!

SURL: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RelayStock2026/126/3/23

 

VWPBE Conference Ends (Officially)

 

 After three days of discussions, the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education conference, the VWBPE officially ended on Saturday evening. The closing ceremony was at 5PM and an evening dance from 6 to 8 PM. But there were a few events on the program afterwards, including March 27 and 31. There's also one on April Fools Day. 

 

While the Newser could not be at all of the Discussions, it was at some, such as "Catching Up With The Lindens." We'll report more when time permits.

 

For those who want to visit the grounds, including some activity areas, https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Grasslands%20Gateway/128/123/23 .

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reminder: Special Love Train & Isle of View Linden Events Today, Tomorrow

 

Just a reminder. Linden Lab's Lindens and Moles will be hosting Valentine's Day themed events today and tomorrow. 

 

Today, Friday Feb 13

 

Love Train "To Death Do Us Part" - 11:30AM  to 12:30 PM SL time

 

WelcomeHubLindenHomes (88/53/26) 

 

Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden "To Death Do Us Part"  - 1 to 3 PM SL time

 

Isle of View 2 (84/79/107) 

 

Saturday, February 14

 

Love Train  - 11:30AM  to 12:30 PM SL time

 

WelcomeHubLindenHomes (88/53/26) 

 

Hug A Linden/Dunk A Linden  - 1 to 3 PM SL time

 

Isle of View 2 (84/79/107) 

 

Linden Snowball Fight Tomorrow, Friday December 19

 

Have you always wanted to pelt Linden Lab's finest with a cold, wet, snowball?  Well, tomorrow's your chance. The Linden Snowball Fight will be taking place. 

 

 

Grab your warm clothes and prepare for some snowy mayhem at the Winter Wonderland Snowball Fight Arena! This year’s event promises sparkling snowballs, big laughs, and a chance to face off against your favorite Lindens.

Event Details

• When? Friday, December 19th
  • First battle: 8 AM - 9 AM PT/SLT
  • Second battle: 12 PM - 1 PM PT/SLT
• Location: Winter Wonderland Snowball Fight Arena

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%201/241/212/44 

 

Arrive early to snag your free snow-launching gear from vendors around the arena. Assemble your squad and prepare for the ultimate showdown. See you on the battlefield!

 

This event is something of a tradition that has taken place every year for over a decade. It's been known by a few names, but people keep calling it the Linden Snowball Fight. Typically, it takes place twice a year, in December and February or March.  

 

Once again the action takes place from 8 to 9 AM, and 12 Noon to 1 PM SL time at Winter Wonderland 1 (241/212/44).  

 

Patch Linden at The Christmas Expo

 

On Friday December 5 at Noon SL time, Patch Linden 

Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5, 2025! From 12 PM to 3 PM PT/SLT, join us for a special festive event with Santa Patch and the “Molelves”!

Stop by for holiday fun, photos, and plenty of cheer. Share your Christmas wishes, and don’t miss out on the exclusive Sebastian Boopie, available only at the Christmas Expo!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

Among those there was Gemma Cleanslate, who would take a few pictures. 

 

There were many who would sit with "Santa Patch."

 

This would be one of many events on the last weekend of the Christmas Expo.  

 

Pictures from Gemma Cleanslate

 

Signal Linden Leaving The Lab

 

 Linden Lab is saying goodbye to one of it's own. On Friday November 21, Signal Linden announced on his Twitter/X account he was leaving. 

 

Today is my last day at Linden Lab! It's been an awesome nearly 10 years.

In an increasingly channelized digital environment remains one of the few platforms where creativity, exhuberance and natural social connection is encouraged and supported. 

In a second post: 

Virtual worlds remain a places where people can carve out little niches and build out their own nest - the cozy web.

Second Life is growing, and I'm excited to see where it goes in the coming years. 

 

Signal Linden was hired by Linden Lab in January 2016. He worked as the Engineering Director on the server and viewer. On his profile, he stated he had a personal account since 2005. He would appear at some events such as Lab Gabs and Second Life Birthday Town Halls, as well as Bid Me Bald fundraisers. 

 

 "Thank you for everything <3"

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Emerald Christal Golf Course Okay, For Now

 

Last month, we reported that the Emerald City Golf Course was in danger of shutting down due to lack of funds. Several days ago, caretaker Laz Dresler announced that the course had raised enough to keep going for another month.

 
Thank you all you amazing individuals that love golf here and continue to donate to the  games at ECGC.

We made our Tiers Goal for Our November Tiers., But please don't forget...  Tiers NEVER END! SO FORE!! 

 

So the golf course is up for another month. But as Laz mentioned, they still need cash for December.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Emerald Crystal Golf Course In Trouble

 

 

The Emerald Crystal Golf Course is a good place to golf in Second Life. The Newser has written about it, twice (1) (2). Unfortunately, it's been having some trouble. 

On October 1, Laz Dresler, the owner, or greenskeeper, of Emerald, posted the following in the golf course's group.

I always promised I would communicate when the Situation at Emerald Crystal Golf  Course became Grim.
Its  officially Grim. This Summer i hoped  for change. I thought  maybe  everyone was on Vacation and things would turn around and we would make a come back financially. Our Traffic has been good. Sadly our donations  are no longer supporting the 25K we need by the first of each month. September  we were short by half.

If things don't change for October ...

 

 A week later, Laz stated people had been donating, for which she was grateful for, but they still needed more help.

 

You are all gems  - However, among  you we have individuals in our Group that are jewels who appreciate our history and what Emerald Crystal means to Second Life.  

FYI - We are not close to meeting our Goal for next month yet. 

Please don't forget Every Linden matters to our survival  Tiers never stop being collected,  Every month it takes  25,000 Linden to keep the sim. We are officially out of the little cushion that use to make up for our shortages.   

 

For those wishing to donate, there's a wishing well not from from the entrance at Dark Sun Island (31/59/23). Donate to that, and the Lindens will go to paying for the sim. Or you can send them to  CrystalZalari . You can also go to the weekly event at their "19th hole" every Sunday at 12:30 PM.

 

Hopefully for Emerald Crystal, soon the only scary things for Halloween will be the spooks, bats, and wolves.  

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Sun%20Island/31/59/23

 

Hat tip: Charlee Harmony 

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

Lindens, Team Firestorm Members, Appear At "Outrageous" Charity Fashion Show

 

On Wednesday September 17, the Spoonful of Sugar Festival held a fashion show to remember. Not only were some of Team Firestorm involved, but also some of the Lindens

 

At Noon today, Two teams from Firestorm and Three teams from @Second Life 's LDPW and Linden Lab will be dressed to impress and raise funds for Spoonful of Sugar Festivals charity - MSF/DWB.  

Come along support us and have a little fun

One of the two Firestorm teams was made up of  Pantera Północy, and the Firestorm Team manager Beq Janus. The second team would be "Wyatt and his entourage Jolie Serendipity and Sparkle Weatherwax." The three teams from Linden Lab were Kady and Madori Linden, the second Oatmael and Wendy Linden, and the third Dion Mole with Kit and Jade Linden.

 

Beq would comment, "I'll be dressed in a more Regency appropriate gown (of sorts) of my own design in an attempt to win the favour of the gathered mob." 

 

Pantera would send the Newser a few pictures of the event. 

 

The totals were  

 

Linden Team 1  L36,050
Linden Team 2  L$35,850
Firestorm Team 3 L$105,700 (Dev)
Firestorm Team 4 L$352,100 (Gateway)
Linden  Team 5 L$36,052

 

"A nice sum for charity."

 

The Spoonful of Sugar event raises money for the Doctors Without Borders association.  

 

Pictures and totals from Pantera Polnocy

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Commentary: The SL22B At A Glance

 

It was a Birthday remarkably free of surprises. 

The Lindens often take the occasion to tout something new. Last year, it was the PBR or "Mirror Update," that finally allowed working mirror reflections. For the SL20B, it was new Linden Homes exclusive for Premium residents, as well as new starter avatars (the Senra, which were never very popular). For the SL19B, it was the new Premium Plus account option. For the SL16B, it was that the Lab was fully in charge of the Birthday celebrations. 

But sometimes the Birthday events have a cloud overhead that helps darken the mood. Last year it was the then recent (and unsubstantiated) rumors concerning some of the Lindens and Moles, as well as people complaining the PBR update was causing more lag and crashes. The SL18B was overshadowed by the recent death of Linden Lab CEO Ebbie Altberg. The SL16B had a few people missing some things that marked the resident-run birthdays, namely the Cake Stage, and there were some grumbles about recent price hikes by the Lab. 

This year, there wasn't much in major announcements. There was Patch Linden announcing a new Linden Home theme for the future and a "foray into the commercial," but no date was given, meaning it will likely be weeks away. And there were no dark clouds over the celebrations, aside from people at the end being a little sad the party was over. 

So it was basically a Birthday in which we had chances to listen to the Lindens, dance to some good performers, and see how the exhibitors worked with the theme, Myths and Legends. Silvia Ametza's build for the Newser, the Pyramids of Giza, had some interesting facts about the surviving Ancient Wonder of The World, as well as a cautionary tale that applies to the present. There was a little confusion as somehow the Newser sign vanished. This shouldn't be a problem next year. 

So after "double deuce" what's next? What the SL23N will be like can only be imagined right now. As we mentioned sometimes the event is somewhat overshadowed by other events, sometimes not. But there's always good fun to be had. 

Happy 22nd birthday Second Life, and many more.

Bixyl Shuftan
SL Newser

New SSP Sims On The Map

 

On the Second Life map, I stumbled across some new SSP sims. For those who don't know, SSP is a temporary name to a sim in development by the Lindens and Moles.

 

 They were in four groups that when the map was panned back so they could all be seen, the names were too small. 

Most of the sims were moderate, listed as SSP5*** to SSP6***. But one group was rated adult, listed as SSPR*** and SPRC***.

 

 Currently the sims are grouped at the high end up the map. What the Lab plans for these sims is currently unknown. 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Scenes From the B6B

 

The Linden Home continent, Bellisseria, is celebrating it's sixth anniversary. There's an exhibit, music, chances to meet up with Lindens and Moles, and special stamps from the BBB. Gemma Cleanslate dropped by, and took a few pictures.

 

 Read Gemma's article in Events.

FF Announcement: Jail & Bail: Patch Linden

 

 Jail & Bail: Patch Linden

Friday, April 18·1:00 – 3:00pm
 

When Patch Linden wanders into the Fairelands, strange things happen! Who would’ve thought that a peaceful magical pond on The Golden Hour would manage to trap him by some mysterious force that is too mysterious for even our finest Pawlice minds to solve? Oh, the finest minds are on a waffle break? And it’s the flamingos and frog-disguised …special forces on the case? Oh well. Due to unforeseen complications Sheriff Darkwatch is calling for reinforcements, namely all the Fairelanders to help Patch escape the pond. Patch knows the Hearts of the Fairelanders and is ready to provide offerings in exchange to the linden donations flowing into the Relay For Life kiosks. Come get yourself a plushy frog, bid on the bribes fair exchange for freeing Patch and party to the tunes of DaveOSaurus!

Jail & Bail takes place in the Faireland of The Golden Hour.

 

Bid The Lindens Bald Results

 

On Wednesday April 9, the "Bid the Lindens Bald" event took place. Organized by the Relay Rockers, it would take place just a few days after the multi-team Relaystock. Arizona Ballinger-Whiplash would have this to say about both events.

 

RelayStock 2025 was an unforgettable celebration of community, hope, and togetherness. With 45 Relay teams—our second-highest turnout ever—and 22 teams filling the stage with music, the energy was incredible. This beloved halfway point in the Relay For Life of Second Life season is more than just an event; it’s where friendships deepen, memories are made, and we’re reminded why we Relay. From dancing 'in the mud' to welcoming the traditional final-day rain, the spirit was alive in every moment. In just 2.5 days, our amazing teams raised L$2,103,576 ($8,414 USD) for the American Cancer Society—a record-breaking total that shows the heart of this community.

"Just days after RelayStock, 'Bid The Lindens & Moles Bald' returned for its 9th year of brave, heartfelt fun in support of the American Cancer Society. Four teams of 22 Lindens and Moles rallied donations during a spirited two-hour party, all putting their hair on the line in the fight against cancer. In a nail-biting finish, Team 3 saved their locks by just L$75—proving that every linden truly counts when we come together to fight cancer."

 

 Yours truly wasn't able to get to the event on time. But the totals on the kiosks were still there:

 

Team 1 43,225
Team 2 39,675
Team 3 - 39,500
Team 4 - 49,604 (Patch) 

From Selene Jashan

So Team Four, consisting of Spiffy, Dion, and Abnor Mole and Jade, Hobbes, and Patch LInden, got the most donations. Team Three, Brigantia, Mini, and Chronos Mole and Keria and Derrick Linden were the ones whose hair ended up cut and shaved on the barber chairs. Derrick had been sporting a huge wig. Fuzzball Ortega was there and talked later that he thought of donning "The Hair," but decided against it as he didn't want to take away from Derrick's moment to shine.

 

Between the Relaystock and "Bid The Lindens Bald," the Relay Rockers' total raised for this season has gone up to 528,428 Linden dollars, or $2,113.71, making them 11th place of 179 teams.

Be sure to keep an eye out for other Relay events this month, such as Bellisseria for Life, and the popular Fantasy Faire.

 

Go Relay!

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: "Bid the Lindens Bald," Tomorrow Wednesday April 9

 

In 2017 Linden Lab took part in their 1st team challenge and since that time have raised more than L$5,440,000 -$21,764 US to help The American Cancer Society Ensure Everyone Has An Opportunity To Prevent, Detect, Treat And Survive Cancer

Governor Linden has announced the rosters for the five teams to compete in the 9th Annual Bid The Lindens & Moles Bald fundraising competition, in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Second Life. 

 The teams, made up of a total of 27 Lindens and Moles, have accepted the challenge to out raise their colleagues and “Save Their Hair”.  The top fundraising team will be awarded the scissors with which they will shave the hair of the team with the lowest total.  

The competitors have agreed to go bald until SLB.  The fundraiser will be held April 4th thru April 9th in conjunction with the Relay Rockers’ annual RelayStock multi-team event.

Bid Me Bald is the signature fundraising event of the Relay Rockers and Celebrates survivors. Those who hear the words ‘You have cancer’ have little choice when it comes to hair loss. We can choose and we do so in solidarity with our honored survivors.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

Kiosks will be placed out at 7:00am slt Friday, April 4 and opened for donations.

Kiosks will be closed for donations at 2:00pm slt Wednesday, April 9, 2024

YOU decide who keeps their hair and who goes bald!

 

The team with the highest total in their kiosk will be given the Bid Me Bald scissors to cut the hair of the team which has the least amount of donations in their kiosk. 

Haircuts: Wednesday April 9 2:15pm slt

The team with the haircut have agreed to be bald until  date TBA

 *  *  *  *  *

 

More information, including about the Limited Edition Linden Bear and the "I Bid A Linden Bald" T-shirts, at https://relayrockers.org/bidthelindensbald/

 

SURL: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RelayStock/127/235/24 

Troll of The Year: The Linden Ageplay Allegations Controversy

 

SL news is full of people accomplishing great things and helping others. Unfortunately, one of the biggest news stories this year was caused by a single individual whose accusations led to questions about some of the Lindens and Moles and resulting in policy changes which irritated many.

In late February, a number of residents were taking about an article that accused a number of Lindens and Moles of taking part in ageplay (sexual roleplay between an adult and a minor) with avatars designed to look like young teens. While the writer claimed to be well-known, a search of his name didn't point out other articles. Prokovy Neva, no friend of the Lab, would state that aside from a real-life name or two mentioned, there was no real evidence anything in the write-up was true. As one commenting in the Newser would say, "Anyone can make any claim they want about anything. And in SL, its also easy to create evidence of anything - you take a picture then add awful textures to replace the innocent ones on their wall. Sorry, but in this postPhotoshop world, having a picture is not sufficient to hang someone. Anyone can take any picture in SL and edit it to look like anything else."

 

Eventually, the Lab would take the discussions seriously enough to start investigating, reminding people, "we have a zero-tolerance policy against sexualized ageplay" and they were taking the accusations seriously. On May, Linden Lab announced changes in their child avatar policy, notably that they could no longer be nude and needed a "modesty layer," and could no longer enter any sim rated Adult, even if the location had nothing of a sexual nature. The later led to a number of complaints, particularly because some residential sims were labeled adult out of fear the Lab would boot consenting adults for what happened behind closed doors. The change in policy would affect the Burn2 festival as it had allowed both nudity and child avatars, notably Marianne McCann who helped out at the event. But with the new rule, she could no longer attend. 

Bellissaria chat would be quiet of blue dialogue from the Lindens and Moles for a while, and for a time those named in the article, notably Patch Linden, would keep a low profile for a while. Many cheered when he reappeared, but there were a few going along the lines of "hide the children!" 

Yours truly is not going to mention the man who caused all this by name, or psudonym, but he is our "troll of the year" for 2024. 

Bixyl Shuftan

The Renaissance Festival And I Pink I Can

 

 

 This weekend, two events for Making Strides against Breast Cancer got started. One is the Renaissance Festival, taking place in a few sims south of American Cancer Society. The main stage is at Ren Fest 2, with live music events taking place. 

There's also tournaments, such as archery and swordfighting, and I saw one fighter practicing. 

There's also shopping, auctions, and the "Pillory the Lindens" event later this wee, Friday October 4 at 3PM SL time. 

North of American Cancer Society in American Cancer Society2 and 3, there's a Halloween-themed event taking place, I Pink I Can. A few days ago we mentioned the shops. But there's also a hunt going on, the Pinkula Hunt (as if vampires weren't scary enough already). 

There was also a "Halloween Dance Show" by "Kidz Dance" on Sunday.

Be sure to check out both events. The Renaissance Festival goes on to Sunday October 6, and I Pink I Can goes on to October 20.

Bixyl Shuftan

Cartoon of The Day: In The Money

 

 

 Taken at Scorn during one of it's events. At around 250 to 1, Second Life prices don't seem like so much when compared to real-life ones. But a thousand here, and a thousand there, and pretty soon you're talking some serious cash.

 

 By Bixyl Shuftans