Last Looks At Some SLB Exhibits

 

 

While the Second Life Birthday is over for most, for the exhibitors there were a few more days to see something. And so when I had a few minutes I checked out a few. One was the Relay for Life's exhibit, whom one Relayer described as "simple." But it did the job. It was at SLB Spectacular.

 

Eric Mondrain's Second Life Topography, which had a map of Belisseria, was at SLB Electrify.

 

Holocluck Henley's "Clucky Studios" at SLB Sparkle.

Hope by Raven at SLB Fabulous, a memorial to optimism and hope.

But some exhibits were already picked up, the plots empty.

 

Today is the last day for pickups, and tomorrow the sims will be closed to all but the Moles. And so the sims will once again be shelved until the next birthday.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Scenes Around The SL23B: Hollywood Hawt, Bryn Oh's Stormgirl

 

When I speculated the other day after the official parties there would be more, I was right. Going about the SL Birthday grounds, I noticed activity while at SLB Fabulous. And at the Hollywood Hawt exhibit, a bask was going. Talking to someone they had two more planned next month, Monday July 6 and Monday July 13 from 4 to 6PM SL time. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fabulous/47/211/43 

 

SL artist Bryn Oh has an exhibit at the Second Life Birthday, "Stormgirl." It's at SLB Marvelous.

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Marvelous/179/139/21

 

More to come. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway

 

One of the big draws at this year's Second Life Birthday is the Golden Ticket Giveaway.  It offers a chance at winning something most of us will never see, a million Linden dollars. 

 

Who wants to be a L$ millionaire? Inspired by this year’s Golden Age of Hollywood theme, the Golden Ticket Giveaway promises to award one lucky resident a grand prize of one million Linden Dollars that can be used for a luxury virtual shopping spree or anything else you can imagine! 

 

One can enter up to five times a day until Sunday July 14. To do so, you visit one to five of the five kiosks around the SL23B grounds, such as the one at the "Red Carpet Welcome" at SLB Incredible (151/98/21). It should be noted that at least one kiosk keeps getting moved around, at least according to chatter in Second Life Birthday group chat. 

 

What happens next is of those who entered each day, one winner is picked for each of the 23 days the contest is active. The 23 winners are then entered in a second contest. 22 will get 10,000 Linden dollar prizes. And one lucky winner gets the one million Linden prize. 

 

It should be noted that some residents of certain countries are ineligible, and any taxes resulting from winning the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. So the winner should get ready to receive a Form 1099-MISC from the IRS. 

 

Read more about the contest in the official blog.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SLB Music Events (Officially) End

 

 

After ten days, the music events in Second Life have ended, at least officially. The last one scheduled was at 11PM SL time last night. And now, the stages are quiet, such as the "Funky Monkey" pictured above, with only the radio stream going, with only the occasional visitor passing through.

 

But this doesn't necessarily mean no more music events period. In the past, occasionally a DJ would take to the stage of one and play for a while. And there just might be some of that going on the last night of the SLB, July 19, maybe. In the meantime, there's the Shop and Hop, the Golden Ticket contest, the Swaginator hunt, and of course the exhibits. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

A Busy Weekend

 

It was quite the weekend here in Second Life this past weekend. Friday June 19 was Juneteenth, a holiday in honor of when slavery ended in the United States. From 12 to 8PM SL time, the Premier Business Center would hold a Junteenth celebration party. Hosted by Jarden Alexis, there was music. There was trivia. And much like a real-life Juneteenth there was food. Unfortunately in virtual reality, you can't taste a thing. 

 

 

 

 There were also DJs playing at the Second Life Birthday celebrations. At 2PM Friday June 19, DJ Minty was performing some tunes at The Salty Saloon, the one stage in the Birthday's Adult-rated areas. She commented she wanted to "sexbang the Lindens" with some Ninja Sex Party songs among her 80s hits.

 

On Saturday June 20, DJ Tantari would play at the Golden Palms at 3PM SL time. The "Mix Vix" had made a special track for the SL23B, and was playing it for the group of fans and SLB partiers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Saturday would also see the main horse races of the RFL Royal Ascot. Sunday June 21 would have the closing party at 1PM SL time with music from Gabrielle Riel. Near the end, fireworks went off. This would be the end of the last major event of the Relay for Life. While a few teams may hold smaller events, for most the Relay is over until next year. 

 

It was quite a weekend. But with the Second Life Birthday, and other events this week, the fun continues.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Second Life Birthday Starts Today

 

 After weeks of preparation, the Second Life Twenty Third Birthday Celebrations, also known as the SL23B, begins today. There's smaller events such as Meet The Lindens, music concerts, the Yapestry of Time, and of course the exhibits by regular residents, hundreds of them.

 

The main area has forty-one sims, with a separate area for Adult-themed exhibits and one stage for unfiltered music performances, totaling fourteen sims. 

 

Among those with exhibits is the Second Life Newser, in the SLB Beguile sim. Sadly due to real-life, the talented Silvia Ametza whom has done most of our builds and all of them for the past several years was not able to do one this year. So as a backup plan, the office from the SL9B is back, with a few touches. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Beguile/163/93/21

 

The Opening Ceremony, with Philip Linden speaking, will be from 1 to 2 PM at the Orpheum Theater, with three suggested teleport locations:

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

Following Philip's speech will be several music events, with Merryjest Starchild and dancers performing the first one. 

 

Keep up with the events here lower on the page, or the Linden event calendar. From today to June 28 are music performances. Next week are the Meet the Lindens events. 

 

Be sure to have plenty of fun. For those with older computers, coming by late at night should help with the lower lag.

 

Happy Birthday Second Life 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

EOTB: SL23B Live Music Events & Performances

 

 The Second Life Birthday is tomorrow. And recently on the official blog, Linden Lab announced the schedule of the music events and performances.

 

 The countdown to SL23B is on, and the celebration begins on June 18th! From June 18th through June 28th, experience a full lineup of live music and performances across five SL23B stages. These performances bring together a wide range of talent from across the community. From DJs and live musicians to dance troupes and immersive acts, the SL23B stages will be filled with energy throughout the celebration. Mark your calendar and stay tuned to the Second Life Birthday Events Calendar so you don’t miss any performances.

As a reminder, the music events go on for ten days, to Sunday June 28. The Birthday goes on for a month, to July 19.

 

To read the blog postin full: Click Here.

  

 

 

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 

 

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) 

 

Patch Speaks At The BBB7 Start

 

Tuesday, April 14, was the start of the Bellisseria Birthday celebrations. And they started off with a speech from Patch Linden. The event was at 1PM SL time.

 

"Wow! I can't believe it's been seven years," he told the crowd. He would speak for several minutes, "Second Life has been shaped by all of you ... into a living breathing world. Bellisseria represents one of the most exciting chapters in that story." Patch would say this had all started with Linden Lab wanting to provide residents with ready-made homes, "What we've seen since then has exceeded every expectation."

Patch would go on to talk about the Linden Home continent's expansion, and with many different themes from coastal retreats to suburban neighborhoods. He stated Linden Lab had responded to feedback, and was always looking for how to improve accessibility. Patch would say Bellisseria is defined by those Second Life residents who live there, and it continues to inspire. The community and platform, in his words, were "a collaborative world in the highest sense."

 And so, this week they would be celebrating "everything Bellisseria represents... to all of you, our residents, thank you. Thank  you for being part of this journey. Now take some time to celebrate ... Happy Birthday Bellisseria! And thank you all foe being here."

 

The speech was listened to by a crowd of close to fifty residents and several Moles and Lindens. 

 

Patch would go "off script for a second," giving a shoutout to AmandaT Tamatzui, a key member of the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy, saying it was her birthday as well. He would also say in the coming months, Bellisseria would continue to see new themes as well as "revisits to old themes" in which "a few may see some changes."

After the speech, most of the crowd stuck around.to listen to music by a DJ. There would also be posing by Lindens and Moles on stage for pictures.

 

Happy Birthday Bellisseria,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Bellisseria Birthday Celebrations Begin Today, Speech By Patch Linden 1PM SL Time

 

 

Truly, there is no better place for it. The Fairgrounds have always had that unmistakable Bellisserian energy, where community, curiosity, and just a hint of delightful absurdity all mingle. For one week, that energy will be turned all the way up.

The festivities officially begin on April 14th at 1:00 PM SLT with opening remarks from Patch Linden. If you’ve ever heard one of Patch’s speeches, you already know they carry a rare mix of warmth, insight, and (often) surprise . Then, without missing a beat, we pivot straight into celebration mode with our opening DJ. I confidently predict a party worth rearranging your schedule for.

Throughout the week, the ever-adventurous Scarlett Amethyst will lead guided tours across the continent using a variety of transport; each offering a different lens through which to experience Bellisseria’s charm. Whether cruising along coastal waterways, rolling through scenic routes, or taking to the skies, these tours are more than just journeys – they’re curated experiences. Of course, being who we are, each comes with its own collectible stamp. If there is one thing the BBB understands deeply, it is the quiet thrill of the hunt!

This year’s celebration brings a constellation of new passport stamps to collect. Some of your favorite Moles will be in attendance, each offering their own unique mark, alongside stamps from Bellisserian Ambassadors, BBB volunteers, event stamps scattered across the fairgrounds, and yes – even one from Patch himself.

There is something undeniably satisfying about watching your collection grow, each stamp a moment captured – a memory you can hold onto long after the tents come down.

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, or competitive, there will be opportunities to put your skills to the test. Special driving, boating, and flying challenges will be available throughout the week for those who want to prove they’ve mastered the Bellisserian lifestyle. Whether you glide through effortlessly or provide entertainment for onlookers, you’ll be in good company.

Then there is something particularly meaningful waiting at the end of this energetic week. On April 20th, we will gather for a ceremony that is, in its way, at the heart of what we do. Led by Abnor Mole, we will officially welcome our newest Ambassadors. If you’ve never attended one of these ceremonies, let me tell you – they matter. Bellisseria reaches outward. Community becomes a little more intentional and enduring. That, I think, is what makes this entire celebration so special.

Yes, it will be wacky. There will be laughter, missed turns, probably a few spectacular crashes, and more than a few “wait, where did everyone go?” moments. But underneath all that is something steady and real; a community that continues to show up for one another, year after year, in ways both grand and quietly meaningful.

So come for the party. Come for the stamps. Come for the tours, the challenges, and the delightful unpredictability of it all. But stay for that feeling – the one that reminds you exactly why Bellisseria feels like home.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whiskey%20Bay/173/4/24 

From The Gazette

 

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

 

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

A Request To Extend The SLB Sim Time

 

Those with suggestions for Linden Lab are free to post them up on the feedback board (board for Land and Public works - here). And there are many. Among them is one submitted by Zada Bury of "Drivers of SL," titled "Enhanced Time For The SLB Event."

 

The SLB-event is one/the central yearly event(s) ... There are a lot other awesome events ones, too - I don't wanna "declassify" any of them, but the SLB is kinda central, include(s) a lot work from many residents, too ... and is controlled and sponsored (eg. the costs for the Sims) by (Linden Lab).

 

 

I ... try to participate in all offered activities ,,,But doing it in the 4 or 5 weeks, beside real-life, beside regular SL-activities ... while maybe having just 1-2 hours the day for SL is stressful. ... I barely made it to just take pictures the exhibitions, but not find time to get in touch with them.

 

Then it is ... taken down. After that, the awesome work of residents at the exhibitions is gone.

 

Zada suggested extending the time the exhibits are up until the next "big thing" (Halloween). 

 

Following the Second Life Birthday, while there are smaller, less publicized events still going on around the Grid, the better known ones go quiet, at least until October approaches with Burn2, Making Strides, and of course the Halloween season. So if enacted, some residents would have more to do in the summer.

 

Zada's post remains open for comments, and one can post comments here below.

 

Bixyl Shuftan.  

Club Fun At Cutlass And Scorn

 

 Friday June 27 was the first I was able to drop by a favorite club in a while, Club Cutlass. DJ Perri had recently returned to the staff as one of the DJs. For the "Cats and Canines" event, she was sporting a "Luna" avatar.

 

 But as the party went on, it was soon "raining cats and dogs" at the event for felines and canines. 

 

Saturday June 28, Club Scorn had a birthday party for it's DJ Juana, which went from the afternoon to late in the night.

 

 It was a blast.

 

 Cutlass is at Sunweaver Bay (114/117/757). Scorn is at Elysium Tartarus, but has several venues with different locations on the map which changes. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL22B Scheduled Music Events End (Exhibits And Shop & Hop Continue)

 

 Sunday June 29 was the last day for music events and performances at the SL22B, and there were a number across the stages in the SLB grounds. 

 

 Among the singers was the longtime SL musician Maximillion Kleene, who played at The Observatory.

 

 At 11 PM SL time came the final event, at the one stage in the Adult sims, at Odin's Bar and Grill, with music by DJ Ninja.

 

Then at Midnight, fireworks went off at the venue's huge door, with people happily yelling "Happy Birthday Second Life!"

 

This was the end of the scheduled music performances. But this is *not* the end of the Second Life Birthday. The exhibits and other areas, as well as the Shop and Hop stores, will remain open until Sunday July 20. And there will likely be an occasional impromptu music party during this time.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Last Day For Sceduled SLB22 Music Events

 

There's been plenty of music events at the SLB for the past week. But they will soon be coming to a close, at least scheduled ones. 

 

Today is the last day for scheduled music performances at the Second Life Birthday. While there will likely be some unscheduled ones afterwards, this marks the end for when people can drop in the Birthday grounds and expect a music concert.

 

This does not affect the exhibits, which will still be open to see until July 20.  

 

You can check the musician/performer schedule (here). 

 

Some Exhibits And An Event At The SL22B

 

The Second Life Birthday has begun, and there's plenty of exhibits, and music events, going on.  Bixyl Shuftan was there, and took a some pictures of a few exhibits, and made it to one music event. 

 

Read and see more in Events. 

 

 

SL22B Starts Today

 

 After weeks of preparation, the Second Life Birthday celebrations finally start today. The builds are finished (baring a few last minute minor tweaks), and ready for the public to see them. 

 

The area for the celebration makes up 52 sims, including eight for adult-rated exhibits not shown on this map, being some distance to the east.

 

This includes the SL Newser's exhibit, at southeast SLB Enchant. Built by the talented Silvia Ametza and her team, it shows how time has altered the Pyramids of Giza. 

 

You can head to the Newser build at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Enchant/213/74/21 

 

The event begins at 11AM SL time when the sims all open. At 12 Noon today is the Opening Ceremony by Patch Linden at the Royal Keep at SLB Mesmerize (245/10/76), followed by numerous music events at the stages, with the resident-built exhibits available at any time from start to finish.

 

Bixyl Shuftan