The Happy Vixen's 15th Anniversary

 

Some clubs don't make it to their first year. So when one reaches 15 years, it's reason to celebrate. Last month, the Happy Vixen Beach club turned 15 years old. And at the end of the month, Nydia Tungsten held an anniversary party for it. 

 

Read more in SL Clubbin'. 

 

A Fun Weekend

 

 

The weekend had some fun activities. With this being the 250th Fourth of July weekend, while some went to celebrations in both Washington DC and locally in real life, there were some inworld as well. Sometimes they were a day early, such as the one at Club Cutlass. Sadly, community Rita Mariner wasn't there, possibly due to power outages that took down some residents. But Jenni Greenfield took a break from her hiatus to appear for the red white and blue celebration. 

 

 

Cutlass and other places would be closed on Saturday July 4, as were others. But some places had small parties, such as a the pool party at Raglan Shire's "Ool" (the running joke here is there should be no "p" in the "pool"). One resident showed up as a cloud of red, white, and blue fireworks. 

 

 

 

 

Sunday July 5 had some events. At the Second Life Birthday grounds at SLB Delightful, there was a "Dream Machine Gala" at 12 Noon by Carolyn Handrick, which lasted for about three hours. 

 

Also at Noon was the Anniversary Ball of Antiquity, at,it's Buckingham Palace. The community has been around for nineteen years. For the upper crust, the wearing of crowns and sashes was encouraged as for roleplay purposes this was a state event. The ladies and gentlemen danced, as well as chatted, and mused, about goings on. There was also a note of thanks from the Relay for Life for it's contributions to Team ACTS. 

 

There was also a Homes For Our Troops fundraiser. But sorry to say real-life would drag me away from seeing it. There will be another one for today, Monday July 6.  

 

Finally at 5:30 tonight was a small party at the Happy Vixen Beach Club with "Mister E" DJing the tunes. Hostess Kitacelia brought her own fireworks. 

 

It was a great Fourth weekend.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Announcement: Happy Vixen Anniversary Party

 

 This weekend, the Happy Vixen Beach club will be celebrating it's anniversary, it's fifteenth. For fifteen years, the club and the people behind it have entertained both locals and their friends and the occasional traveler. And now it's time to celebrate with a special party.

 

The event will be on Sunday June 28, from 6 to 9PM SL time. DJ Mallit will be spinning the tunes. 

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Purrfection%20Estates/134/145/21

 

"The Squeeze"

 

There's a lot going on, and just a little time to write about it.

 

I've thought of June as our Busy Time, and this year is no exception. First came the SL Newser anniversary, a time for me and the staff to look back at what we've done and celebrate a little. Then came the Relay Track and Relay Weekend. And while this was going on, getting ready for the Second Life Birthday. This meant more than just writing about it  but also getting the exhibit ready of which the main builder Silvia had some bad luck that couldn't be helped. So time was spent getting the backup plan ready. Gemma still needs some time to recover before she can write. And of course there is real life and it's demands.

 

What this means is we're not gong to be able to cover things quite as much as we like. Some Relay exhibits we would have otherwise put the spotlight on will need to wait until a reader submission. Some things about the Second Life Birthday will need to wait, from a few days to over a week. 

 

We'll keep doing the best we can. It's just that some things will have to wait, and a few things with a window will be missed. And you can still count on daily updates. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Newser 

 

Reminder: Newser Party Today

 

Just a reminder, the SL Newser anniversary party is today, Saturday June 6, at the Happy Vixen Beach club at Noon SL time, with DJ Snowy scheduled to play the tunes. 

 

Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)  

 

See you there

 

Join the Newser For a PARTY!

 

It was today, sixteen years ago, in which the Second Life Newser began.. It was quite an eventful month, in which we wrote about the end of the classic "Greenies" sim, the decline of Ozimal breedable pet bunnies, the Relay for Life, the Second Life Seventh Birthday, and of course Linden Lab laying off thirty percent of it's workforce followed soon by the resignation of then CEO M Linden. And since then, the Newser and it's writers have kept on going.

 

And now, we're taking a moment to celebrate. There will be a party at the Happy Vixen Beach club tomorrow, Saturday June 6, from Noon to 2PM. There will be a small contest prize (CAYA) up for grabs. It's a chance talk to some of the reporters, and a moment to celebrate journalism in this virtual world.

 

Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)  

 

*Addition* It slipped my mind earlier to mention the party was on Saturday, for some reason.  

 

Subject to last-minute change 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

The Newser Is Approved To Be In The SL23B

 

 We got the news last week, but wanted to wait until we received the final stage of approval, the plot of land. We got word of that yesterday, and now we can say we've "thrown our hat into the ring."

 

The Second Life Newser will be part of the Second Life Birthday, the SL23B. 

 

Our plot's in SLB Beguile. The big hat's our marker until the exhibit is placed there. 

 

So what will it be? Well, you'll see. For now, this is all we can show of the plot, at least until the opening on Thursday June 18.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

A Busy Weekend

 

It was quite the weekend in Second Life. Sunday had the 18th Annual Bay City Anniversary Parade and Pary (above). Also that same day was the start of the Raglan Shire Artwalk, which began with a music party. There were also a number of Relay events, including a "Bronzing Party" in which a number of teams that raised just a little money got a boost to Bronze level.

 

More on these events later.

 

Press Release: Bay City's 18th Anniversary Celebration.

BAY CITY CELEBRATES EIGHTEEN YEARS

This Classic City Area was the First “Mole” Project

BAY CITY, SL (30 April, 2026) - The Second Life® mainland community of Bay City reaches the eighteenth anniversary or its initial release this May, and Bay City Residents are once again hosting their traditional parade down the city’s Route 66, followed by a live music event in their fairgrounds.

The first project of the Linden Department of Public Works, Bay City opened in May of 2008 to initial viewing. In 2011, its land mass doubled, as it absorbed the copy of Bay City that existed on the former Teen Grid. It has developed into the largest community-focused virtual urban area in Second Life.

Parade participants are asked to gather at noon SLT/PDT on Sunday, the 17th of May, to lineup at the band shell in Bay City - Harwich. The parade will wend its way down Route 66 beginning at 12:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and will conclude at the Bay City Fairgrounds in the North Channel region. 

A music event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. SLT/PDT at the Fairgrounds with DJ DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream providing music leading into the event until 1:30 p.m.SLT/PDT , followed by AleyKat (Aleylia Resident)from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, Jesie Janick from 2:30-3:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and Raspberry Rearwin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. SLT/PDT.

All Residents of the Second Life grid are encouraged to participate. Celebration goods, including parade float bases and ideas, are available at the Bay City Community Center, in the Daley Bay region for those who wish to be a part of the event. Ample viewing areas are provided for all. The music event is also open to all who desire to attend -- not only Residents of Bay City, but the entire grid is welcome.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life® and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest Bay city group, and home to most Residents of Bay City.

For more information, contact: Marianne McCann

 

EOTB: Applications Being Accepted For SL23B Shop & Hop

 

For merchants wanting to take part in the Second Life Birthday Shop and Hop event, good news. Yesterday on April 30, Linden Lab announced it was accepting applications for the shopping event. 

 

For those interested, business owners wanting to be part of the event need to fill out an application on Google Docs (here). The SLB Shop and Hop will last for the duration of The Birthday, Thursday, June 18 thru Sunday, July 19. The setup itself will be from Friday June 5 to Monday June 8. Merchants are required to have all items in their store discounted by at least 20 percent, and have at least one available as a gift to anyone, or a gift certificate worth at least 299L, reguardless if they're in the store group or not. Politics is to be avoided, and items not for sale at the store cannot be advertised. 

 

This year, the Shop and Hop sims will be in two areas, one General-rated, and one Adult-rated. So those wanting to be in the Adult area can request it. Those wishing to be part of the General-Audience area need to keep their items and decor fit for the sim rating.  

 

Applications for the Shop and Hop need to be turned in earlier than other SLB applications, by Sunday May 10. Volunteers, Exhibitors and Entertainers need to turn theirs in by May 18. 

 

For more information, read the official blog post here.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SLB23B Open To Applications For Volunteer Staff

 

Last week on April 14, Linden Lab announced they were accepting applications by residents wanting to be volunteer staff for the Second Life 23rd Birthday celebrations, or SL23B. 

 

 

We’re looking for volunteers to help bring the celebration to life. SL23B volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors, assisting with events, and helping guests explore the birthday regions.

We’re seeking Residents with strong people skills, patience, and enthusiasm for sharing the best of Second Life with others. Volunteers help answer questions, guide visitors through the celebration regions, and support the many activities happening throughout the event.

If you enjoy helping others and want to be part of the team that makes SL23B run smoothly, we encourage you to submit a volunteer application ....

 

Those interested in submitting an application need to do so through this Google doc (here).  Besides being courteous, you need to keep your appearance appropriate for a General-audience sim, as well as wearing the group tag and team shirt. You must commit to shifts two hours long and be available for at least a minimum total of eight hours for the event, longer totals very much preferred. And volunteers *must* attend a pre-event training session, with those not showing up removed from the group. And as these are strictly volunteer positions, no compensation in Linden dollars will be offered. 

 

Volunteer applications need to be submitted by Monday May 18.  This is the same date as exhibitors and performers. The information for those wanting to take part in the Shop and Hop is currently pending. 

 

The SL23B will take place from Thursday June 18 to July 19.  The theme this year is The Golden Age of Hollywood. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

(sorry for the delay, lots of things happening) 

 

SL Video: "Bellisseria 7th Anniversary "

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Sceneris on April 13, "Second Life Bellisseria 7th Anniversary"

 

SL23B Announced: "The Golden Age of Hollywood," Applications For Exhibitors, Performers, Being Accepted

 

 Earlier today, Linden Lab announced it was planning for the Second Life 23rd Birthday, or SL23B. The theme this year is "The Golden Age of Hollywood."

 

Save the date! On June 23rd, Second Life turns 23. The 23rd annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL23B) will take place from June 18th through July 19th, 2026. Get ready for a full month of live music, performances, community exhibits, and celebrations across the grid.

This year’s theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood. Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. 

 

Linden Lab would also announce they were accepting applications for Exhibitors and Performers.

 

We are inviting Residents from across the community to create non-commercial exhibits that reflect the depth and diversity of Second Life. From art and roleplay to communities, nonprofits, and interactive experiences, exhibits highlight the many ways people connect and create together.

 

 

Performances are a major part of the SL birthday celebrations, bringing energy and entertainment to stages throughout the event. We are looking for a wide range of performers to join the festivities. DJs, live musicians, singers, dance troupes, theater groups, particle performers, lecturers, workshop hosts, and community storytellers are all welcome to apply. Performances help create the lively atmosphere that makes the birthday celebration memorable for visitors from around the world. 

 

Those interested in being an exhibitor for the SL23B need to fill out this form on Google docs.  Exhibitors are not required to follow the theme, though "We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity." Some exhibition sims will be Adult-rated, and you can apply to be in one. It's pointed out an exhibit cannot be commercial and one cannot sell anything there (you can offer gifts) or be blatantly advertising (simple mentions of sponsors are okay). Political messages are considered not appropriate for the celebration, and what is considered hateful content is prohibited. People are asked if they want a small, medium, or large plot, and will need to explain why if they want medium or large, and if it's water or land. As there are a finite number of plots, applying does not guarantee a spot. 

 

For performers, they need to fill out this form on Google docs.  While DJs and live musicians certainly come to mind, there can be others such as comedians, particle show makers, script class teachers, and more. They are also required to show up at least an hour before their sloted time and if late a replacement will be found to fill in the slot. They are also required to bring in their own audio stream. For events in Gemeral-rated sims, the clean versions of songs must be the ones used. 

 

Both those wishing to be exhibitors or performers have until May 18 to apply. Applications for SL23B volunteer staff and shops for the SL23B Shop and Hop will be offered at a later date. 

 

For the blog post in full: Click Here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Caledon Celebrates Twenty Years With Anniversary Ball

 

 A few days ago, the Second Life community of Caledon celebrated a milestone anniversary: it's twentith. On Thursday February 26, there was a Founders Ball.

 

 Tonight marks our 20th year since Desmond Shang founded Caledon.  Join us in a lovely new ballroom as we celebrate 2 decades of our wonderful nation.  Show your spirit with Caledon colors, formal wear especially welcome.  Music begins at 6:30pm SLT

 

Yours truly was able to drop in late in the event, just in time to see Desmond Shang, the founder of Caledon and it's former "Guvnah," tell everyone good night, "can hardly believe we lasted this long. ... Thanks for keeping this place going, Neo. means a lot to me." People raised a glass to the past and current leader, "It's lovely to have you both here, Des and Neo." NeoBokrug Elytis smiled, "The good and the bad are the sum of who we are, I'd have it no other way."

 

As the event went on, people reminisced about the times they had, "I was just thinking where I have been 20 years back in my life. I just had lost a job, met again with my crush and visiting her family." "I remember when Des first announced Caledon in the old SL forums." Someone would find it: (link, "The old SL forums are so badly broken now and it's difficult to find anything on them."

 

A couple times, the Caledon anthem played, which got comments from the crowd, "Dougie McLean's greatest song," "So angelic," "Gives me shivers every time I hear this." 

 

Andrea Jones would post some pictures of the ball on her Flickr , "I hope I got everyone's picture."

 

There would be further events two days later on Saturday, but the ball was the key event.  

 

"And happy anniversary again, Caledon! Here's to many more years!" 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Cartoon of The Day: Handy Chair

 

 Taken at the Caledon Anniversary celebrations. When people were watching a movie, there were only a few seats around. But this lady found a solution in hand.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

 

In Gaming: Rise of Cultures Marks Five Years

 

 

Just a note, one of the games I play, Rise of Cultures, marked it's fifth anniversary. It did so with an inworld event, and on it's Discord. Since doing the review two years ago, I continued to play, though took breaks when I was extra busy. By now, I've gotten to the Feudal Age, or about 1000 AD. Of this level, your allies are Vikings. So some of the resources you need to progress can be acquired only from their pillaging, "We didn't steal it, it was just there and we took it." 

 

Rise of Cultures can be played on both compatible webbrowsers and some smartphones. Making "RoC" jokes, "I'm a RoC star," "Upon this RoC I stand," are optional.

 

Bixyl Shuftan. 

 

Eighteen Years of Writing About Second Life

 

It was eighteen years ago this month in which my time in SL as I know it began. 

 

While I had first logged in on December the previous year, for months my time here was on and off as my one friend here at the time was busy, and I didn't know where to go. The "Destination Guide" we know today did not exist then. So I just randomly TPed to a few locations. Then I heard about the Relay for Life Weekend Track. While the event was over, the exhibits got my attention. So I began to log on more often, eventually coming across my first hangouts, Luskwood, then the STA, and began making a few friends. Also at Luskwood I would get a red fox avatar and finally upgrade from the starter avatar. 

 

Wanting to know more about this wacky and wonderful virtual world, searching around on the Internet I came across blogs and newsletters. One was the "Second Life Newspaper" run by JamesT Juno the owner and Dana Vanmoer the editor. Once in a while, they would ask for reader submissions. Eventually, I emailed them a story, then a picture, then another picture. They then asked me to show up at their office for a job interview. 

 

And I got the job, the "fox reporter" among this team of newswriters.

 

It took a little time for me to "get in the groove," but I was soon able to easily come out with one, sometimes two stories a week, along with at least one screenshot cartoon picture. I would document events, review places, and interview people of all kinds. After about to and a half years, things took a sad turn when James left SL, then Dana announced she would have to close down the paper due to real life. Saddened, but determined to keep on writing about the news, I would get together with Gemma Cleanslate, Shelie Sands, and Grey Lupindo and form the Second Life Newser. "One man's dream" had become a shared dream, and I along with my teammates would continue it. 

 

Year after year, I've continued to write about the people and places of this fantastic, sometimes weird, virtual world as Second Life's fox reporter. While I've come across some chicanery and selfishness, there's been no shortage of people wanting to build great things for others to see or do great things for others. The Relay for Life is certainly an example of this, with unforgettable well-designed sims in the Fantasy Faire, and great camps and hundreds getting together in comradery on the Relay Weekend. To me it is this, and not a few point to old scandalous stories a few people for some reason still point to, that is the real face of Second Life.

 

By all means not everyone's been happy. There have been a very few over the past 18 years who expressed dissatisfaction, notably the partner of one person who was caught robbing a charity.. But for the most part, I've received praise and applause. And to you I thank you. You have been the big reason I've kept going for all these years. 

 

Unfortunately, I have had to slow down from the amount I was doing a few years ago. After my real-life job at a depot ended several years ago, I had more time to write. While I took the time to finally make progress on and complete the novel I published several months ago, I also had time for a few more stories. Finding full-time work again got delayed for several reasons, including the Pandemic. But eventually I did. But unfortunately that means not quite the time for writing I once did. There's also that when I came to SL, I was a relatively young man. Today, I'm not that far from real-life retirement. So that may be slowing me down a little as well. While I am spending a little time on more novels to publish, most of my writing time still goes to Newser articles and briefs. 

 

That doesn't mean I like writing about here less, I'm always finding something. It's just that Real Life has a way of tapping me on the shoulder, a lot. Some mornings all I can do is put up the "Later today" sign, and finish whatever I'm working on in the late morning or early afternoon. 

 

The paper will keep getting updated every day. That will not change. But it's looking like there won't be quite as many longer articles from me.

 

In any event, it's been quite "a long strange trip" writing about this wacky and wonderful virtual world, and looking forward to writing more in the years to come. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Editor and Reporter 

SL Newser 

 

Announcement: Rosehaven's 19th Anniversary and Farewell Ball

 

 Join us for a formal farewell ball to celebrate nearly two decades of community, memory, and magic.

 

Saturday November 1, 2025 at 12 Noon 

 

Attire: Formal fantasy of any era. Costumes are welcome, but please, no masks this year.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Realm%20of%20Rosehaven/117/26/1860

 

Team Firestorm's Anniversary Party

 

 Saturday September 6 was the day of Team Firestorm's anniversary party. From 12:30 PM to close to 4PM, various musicians performed music at the intersection of four of the group's sims. When I looked, close to about 140 people were there, so there were likely more earlier. 

 

 I arrived too late to see Maxamillion Kleene, but did see Tally Mercury sing live.

 

 Due to the lag and viewer crashes, I could never get a wide shot of the crowd. This picture was the best I could do. After Tally finished his set, DJ Trick returned to do an unscheduled set for about an hour.

 

 There were a few gifts for people to pick up, such as a pet dragon. 

 

 Beq Janus, Team Firestorm's manager, was among those there, happily celebrating with everyone, and thanking her teammates and Firestorm's loyal users.

 

"A special thank you to Teresa, without here you'd probably have to rely on me to remember stuff and organize things and yeah.... that wouldn't happen. Teresa is the true powerhouse behind organizing this party so a massive hug and thank you to her for putting this all together."

 

 For those who didn't make the party, Team Firestorm usually has the freebies up for a few days afterwards. You can get them near Firestorm Ghost Town (14/240/3903).

 

Happy Anniversary Firestorm

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Firestorm Anniversary Party Saturday Sept 6

 

 Team Firestorm, the people behind Second Life's most popular viewer, is celebrating it's fifteenth anniversary tomorrow, Saturday September 6. And they're throwing a party to celebrate. 

 

Firestorm is turning 15 this week! Our actual birthday is on September 3, but we want to celebrate BIG TIME, and we want you to join us. That is why we are moving our party to the weekend… Saturday September 6. Yes, we will have a party. And yes, there will be gifts – three really nice ones. There will also be some amazing entertainment. There is only one more thing we need – you! Please join us.
 

 The events are scheduled to go from 12:30 PM to 3PM

 

12:30 – 1 PM SLT – DJ Trick
1 – 2 PM SLT – Maximillion Kleene (Live Singer)
2 – 3 PM SLT – Tally Mercury (Live Singer)

 

There are also a few gifts for people to collect, including a pet dragon.  

 

It is asked that people used the following SURLs based on the first letter of their SL account name

 

A – J:
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Ghost%20Town/14/240/3903
K – R:
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Aerodrome/238/15/3903
S – Z:
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Dow%20Forest/237/238/3903 

 

For more information, check the Firestorm blog (here).