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'. 

 

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

 

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).  

 

Fifteen Years of The SL Newser,

 

It was fifteen years ago yesterday in which one chapter in Second Life journalism ended, and another began. 

 

For about three and a half years, the Second Life Newspaper had been reporting on goings on in Second Life. Starting off as a simple blog in 2005, "one man's dream," it grew and developed into a real newsletter with a staff that ensured it was updated every weekday. Yours truly would join in 2007. But sadly real-life would catch up to the owner and editor, and in Spring 2010 we were informed the paper would soon be closing.

 

A few of the staff would simply depart and go on to different things, but four of us, Gemma Cleanslate, Shellie Sands, Grey Lupindo, and myself, had joined the dream of reporting the news and were not about to just give it up. So we got together and made plans for a new one, with me as the owner and editor since I had been the "office manager" of the SLN. And so on June 5 2010, Second Life Newspaper ended, and the Second Life Newser began.

 

It wasn't easy. While we had plenty of experience writing the news, this was a new paper, and owning one isn't the same as managing one. And we started just as some *major* news was hitting from Linden Lab laying of a third of it's staff to the CEO leaving and Philip Linden returning as interim, to the closing of the Teen Grid and others. But we were persistent. By the end of the month, our friend Ranchan Weidman and the Sunweaver community had provided us with an office, and the land to put it on. And it was becoming clear to everyone we were around to stay. We would report on the people, places, and events of this virtual world that has become for many of us truly our second life. 

 

Since those first days, much has changed. Linden Lab went from where to go after the end of it's Golden Age, for a time creating or buying other products. But after a few years, over time it would close them or sell them off, the last one being the next-generation virtual world Sansar which while looking good never really took off. Confidence with the Lindens would fall and rise over time as blunders of theirs made residents wonder about them, and smart moves encouraged users to invest more time and money as well as spreading the word.  And Linden Lab itself would find itself purchased. But the new investors knew a good thing when they saw it, and let the Lab to continue as it has. 

 

The land and people have changed. Over time, we've written about many places and people. Sadly, many areas would close, and time and real life would take some people away. But other locations would open, and other people would join. The residents over time would be less Boomer and Gen-Xer, and more Millennial, who would bring in new attitudes and outlooks. 

 

We have changed. Sadly Shellie and Gray would have to depart the Newser, but others would step in such as Grease Coakes, DrFran Babcock, and others. Those who have remained have gotten older, and have had some real-life challenges, yours truly's hair has become mixed with gray in real life, but the writing goes on. Some of our competitors have not, shutting down over time for various reasons. 

 

But much remains the same. This is still the virtual world that brings out creativity and inspiration. Builders continue to make great landscapes, buildings, and other creations such as lifelike virtual pets, vehicles large and small, and more. Artists come here to show their masterpieces and see what they can do in a three-dimensional landscape. Fundraisers, such as those done by the Relay for Life and conducted, bringing in money for valued charities that help thousands. And much more. 

 

And the future? Despite the naysayers over time who thought Second Life was doomed, it has continued over time and remains stronger than ever. And while we the staff of the Newser have seen some real-life challenges, we remain committed to continuing to bringing you the readers the news of this great, and sometimes crazy, virtual world. On occasion real life may slow us down a little, but we still deliver the news. 

 

Special thanks to the Sunweaver Estates and the Angels to giving us a location inworld, Farshore Radio for helping to spread the word, to James and Dana who taught us how a newsletter should be run. And of course special thanks to you the readers whose readership makes this paper possible.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor

SL Newser

 

Mieville Celebrates 15 Years

 

 

On Saturday July 8, there was a party in the Mieville community to celebrate a milestone, it's fifteenth anniversary. 

Time to party! Theme: Celebrating Mieville! Let's continue to kick off Mieville's 15th Anniversary in style with great music and party fun! DJ Anna LOCATION: Mieville Doyle dance floor Mieville Doyle (71,42,24) 

 

The event was held from 6-8 PM. There was a little joking around while I was there via an alt, including looking back at the community's founder, "Perryn would be proud." This would not be the only event to celebrate the community's anniversary.  There were also three anniversary market areas set up.

Mieville made the news last year when it's founder Perryn Peterson vanished and was presumed dead. This left the fate of the community uncertain until Linden Lab stepped in earlier this year and offered a rescue plan for the sims. 

 Bixyl Shuftan

 

Bay City Anniversary Parade and Party

 

While June is full of events with the Relay and the Second Life Birthday, last month had a number. Among them was the annual Bay City Anniversary Parade and Party. The Newser was there, and took a few pictures. 

 

Read and see more in Events.

 

Press Relese: Bay City Fifteenth Anniversay

 

 A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY FOR BAY CITY

First Mole Project Now Fifteen Years Old


BAY CITY, SL 

Bay City, the first major project undertaken by the “Moles” of the Linden Department of Public Works, will turn fifteen years old this May. In honor of this achievement, residents of Bay City will host their annual parade through the city, followed by a live music event in the Bay City fairgrounds.

Bay City opened in May of 2008 to initial viewing, with parcels being auctioned throughout the city not long after. In 2011, its land mass doubled, absorbing the copy of Bay City from the former Teen Grid. It has developed the largest community-focused virtual urban area in Second Life.

Parade participants are asked to gather at noon SLT/PDT on Sunday, the 21st 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 Jesie Janick from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, Maximillion Kleene from 2:30-3:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and AleyKat (Aleylia Resident) 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

 

 

Announcement: Furry Fashion's 15th Anniversary

 

This weekend, it's FF's birthday celebrations - We've lots of prizes lined up between gifting from MP and a lot of giftcards bought/donated by awesome merchants PLUS a hunt on the weekend too so please pimp all this week (FF birthday events may 7th, hunt 7th-8th) 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Furry/128/128/22
 

VWBPE 2022 Call for Sponsors

 

Every spring, the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education conference takes place in Second Life. Earlier this week, the organizers posted a request for sponsors for the 2022 conference, which will be the 15th. The theme this year is "Phoenix Rising," and it takes place from Thursday March 31 to Saturday March 2.

We are asking for your support by sponsoring the 15th Annual Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conference (VWBPE), Phoenix Rising, happening this March 31 to April 2, 2022.

This completely online conference provides educational and networking opportunities that are relevant to educational curriculum development utilizing virtual environments and “best practices”. Your participation in this conference not only helps the thousands of instructors coming together to champion immersive education during our conference, it also reaches out to thousands more throughout the year.

Your participation will help to:

    build community through extension of learning best practices to practical application of those ideas and techniques;
    provide networking opportunities for educators and the communities that help support education; and
    provide access to current innovations, trends, ideas, case studies, and other best practices for educators and the communities that help support education.

Community sponsors are the primary source of funding for this event and will help ensure its success. You can provide support in the following ways:

    Be an event supporter through a monetary donation.
    Volunteer at the event.
    Host a presentation on your products or services.
    Provide samples or trials showcasing your services

We invite you to help us promote online education as an official corporate sponsor.

The event is a major annual one in Second Life with hundreds attending and numerous discussions about various topics on education and virtual worlds. This includes some discussions in which Lindens, including CEOs, took part and talked about what was going on with the Lab. 

For the announcement in full, Click Here.
 

The Second Life Veterans Tribute

 

Veterans Day / Remembrance Day is in six days. But since November 1, one place in Second Life has been doing a homage to veterans: the Veterans Tribute. This year marks the fifteenth the Tribute has appeared in Second Life. It is known for it's Memorial Wall, which lists the names of hundreds of veterans, past and present. But there are also a few events going on.

Read more in Places.
 

CDS Oktoberfest This Weekend

Let's end our 15th Anniversary Month with a rousing OKTOBERFEST.

^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ + ^ +

Explore CDS by balloon (all weekend)

10/5: Maggi696 live! 12-1pm @Rhenus Docks

10/5: DJ Patricio 1-2 pm @Venus Cafe

10/6: Paintball with Lilith 10am - Meet @NFS Platz

10/6: Party on the Platz with DJ Calli 12:20-2:30pm

Note: Originally Jaynine Scarborough was performing Saturday, but canceled due to illness.

Weekend in Review

Quite a bit happened in Second Life this weekend, including the following events. On Friday night (Saturday morning), the Australian club "The Pocket" was briefly opened for a special one night performance, which included singer OhMy Kidd. The Confederation of Democratic Simulators held five events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as part of their fifteenth anniversary. Virtual Ability had a "Relog Party." The SL Regional Search And Rescue had an exercise in which a cruise liner had crashed into an oil rig.

Stay tuned for announcements this week for more exciting happenings.

The SL15B Gift Grab: The Last Gift

After fifteen weeks, The Second Life Fifteenth Birthday Gift Grab, (described in their blog post of the event and briefly at the end of our June 22 article of The Birthday), is coming to an end. The first fourteen weeks have offered gifts from silly string to hoverboards, to crystal balls, to teddy bears, to magic wands, and more. The fifteenth gift we were told would be reserved only for those who had collected every one of the previous fourteen gifts, and was promised to be extra special.

Finally on Monday September 24, the fifteenth and final gift was made available. The clue on the Linden blog was, "The FINAL SL15B Weekly Gift Grab Hint is: Home of the Moles is where this could be. Hidden among things for everyone to see." The clue led to Meauxle Bureaux (152/127/29). The sim was quite picturesque at certain angles.

For those whom had the first fourteen notches on their "Swaganator HUD," the gift was available to claim. So I got it, and headed to a sandbox to see what the grand prize we'd all been waiting for was.

And it was ... a crystal carriage. You could sit on it. But to operate it, you needed the HUD that come with it. Once attached, you could move the carriage around, even fly it in the air. Something that would be fun for Fantasy-themed areas.

And that's it. That's the last of the SL15B Gift grab gifts. Hope you had fun collecting them. Do you have a story about a hunt area that was extra good or bad? Anything to say about a gift that was really great or a disappointment? Send your reader submissions to bixylshuftan@gmail.com

Bixyl Shuftan

SL15B: Another Whole Week To Go

There's so many exhibits to see at the Second Life Birthday, The Newser can't show you all of them. But we can show you a sample of what's there. Following her trip on Press Day, Gemma Cleanslate went to the SL15B grounds again to check more of them out.

Read Gemma's article in Places.

Press Day At The SL15B

The Second Life Fifteenth Birthday celebration grounds aren't open until Noon today. But some members of the Second Life media got a chance for an early peek. Gemma Cleanslate in the past had been a volunteer for SLB events. She returned on Press Day, Saturday June 16, for an early look at the exhibits and builds.

Read Gemma's article in Events.

Linden Lab Releases Second Life Infographic For 15th Anniversary

Linden Lab posted yesterday about the upcoming SL15B, and it's "Crystal Anniversary" theme. They also had an infographic showing off some statistics about Second Life.

The SL15B "crystal" theme this year aims to inspire our Residents to reflect on the past 15 years and peek into the future to explore the next 15 years of Second Life. To kick things off, we've rounded up some interesting statistics and facts about the past and present state of Second Life in this new infographic ...

The post was made by Brett Linden.

The last time Linden Lab had an infographic was the one for the SL10B five years ago. Both mention the number of accounts, 36 million then compared to 57 million now (obviously only a small part which are active). Both also mention the number of new account registrations per month, 400,000 per month five years ago compared to 350,000 today, a loss of one eighth. A total of over 217,000 years spent inworld by all avatars combined in 2013 compared to a combined total of 482,000 years today. 2.1 million virtual goods were available for sale five years ago compared to five million today, more than double back then. The top three destination categories in the Linden's Destination Guide have changed a little. Five years ago it was Games, Events, and Adventure and Fantasy. Today, the top three are Games, Editor's Picks, and Photography Spots.

They would post about more, which we will write about later.

For the blog post in full, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan