SL Video: "Gone But Not Forgotten"

 

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 From Blue Storm Productions on  September 2025, "What a time to come out of my hiatus just to create a sad video. My friend, Lexy Amore, passed away September 24th, 2025. In remembrance and in tribute to her memory... I put this together. Many tears were shed during the creation of this video. Hopefully, down the line. There will be much more in your face and high energy videos to come."

 

Reader Submitted: Anzac Day Veterans Concert

 

As real-life news centers around the Strait of Hormuz, in 1915 attention was on another straits, the Strait of Gallipoli, also known as the Dardanelles. The Western Allies in World War One wanted to capture it as control of the waterway would better allow them to send supplies to their ally Russia. And on April 25, thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, the Anzac Corps, stormed the shores. But the defenders were well dug in, and the result was a battle that lasted for months and resulted in the Anzac Corps suffering over ten thousand dead before the order was given to retreat. Considered Australia and New Zealand's "baptism by fire," April 25 would later be made Anzac Day, which commemorates the Australian and New Zeeland soldiers who died in the campaign and all servicemen and women of both countries who died in all wars and conflicts. Here in Second Life, there was an Anzac Day event, a fundraiser concert to raise money for veterans. Among those attending were Charlotte Williams, who would send the Newser an article. 

 

Read Charlotte's reader submission in Events.  

 

Anzac Day Memorial

 

 Today is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, a national holiday in both countries that honors all of it's soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served in all of their wars and other times of conflict. High above the Ethereal Isle, there's an Anzac Day memorial.

 

 

They shall not grow old as we who are left to grow old, 

Age shall not worry them or the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ethereal%20Isle/181/50/2615 

 

RFL: "Remembering Ren & Patty Flow

 

The beauty of a memory

Is that it will always be there

Like a coin in your pocket

You can take it anywhere

 

When your heart is heavy

And your eyes tear up

You can focus on a memory

And travel through the years

 

Your heart can visit happy times 

When laughter filled the air

And the presence of loved ones

Will lessen your despair

 

So as you continue on in life

Take comfort as you go

In a lifetime of sweet memories

Of one who loved you so! 

 

Honoring Cassie Fairelander

 

On Sunday, it was announced that Cassie Fairlander, the real-life and SL partner of Oldesoul Eldemar, had passed away. That night, there was a memorial dance for her at Junkyard Blues. 

 

 People were invited to wear wings in Cassie's memory. Bard Wasp was the one playing the music. Among the people coming in were performers such as Ichie Kamichi and Merryjest Starchild

 

 

On Monday, it was announced there was a memorial table for people to leave a message of condolence at the Chapel in Wooburn. There was also a black armband to pick up. 

 

 If anyone would like to write a condolence note to Olde...please come to the St. Barnabus Chapel in Wooburn.  Drop a nc into the table inside the chapel...light a candle...and bless Cassie on her next journey...we were all privileged to have known her  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wooburn/101/133/42

 

 When I dropped by, there were several people there, reminiscing about Cassie and how to remember her this Relay season.

 

Rest in Peace, Cassie,

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Beccca Baxton's Memorial Information

 

Beccca's Memorial will be  01/25/26, if weather permits most to be there,  to be determined. 

 

The memorial will be from 12 noon to 3pm  SLT,  it is a come and go.  There are past pictures of her and her friends.
Arra & Erin & Satin will sing a few songs in her honor.  Here is the URL for the venue.   I hope to see you all there.

  Moonlight Bay (154,77,3502) 

 Much love, Kara
 

Announcement: "Rememberance of The Baron At The R.F. Burton Library"

 

 The R.F. Burton Library will be hosting the Salon in remembrance of the Baron on Sunday.  

"Bring your favorite memory of Baron Wulfenbach, Tanarian, Corgi, or Melanippe to share. The real-life creative soul behind them has left our earthly realm."

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Canals/195/63/105

 

Crim's Memorial Service: Saturday at 2PM

 

Memorial service for Crim Mip

Saturday October 4th 

 

2pm slt
 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wooburn/89/142/43

Semi Formal Attire Requested
 

"All will be on the Green, and after...refreshments at the Falcon Pub"

Video: "The Missing All"

 

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From Merryjest Starchild on September 16, " On Thursday, I lost a dear friend. On Saturday I spent a sleepless night with the words of Dickinson's poem in my head. I sat down to compose and this took shape in his memory. Composed for piano and a choir of most likely very nervous sopranos. Rest well, Crim."

 

Performance At The Varro in Honor of Crim Mip

 

 On Saturday November 13 at 3PM, there was an event at The Varro high above the Queue sim. About every week, Merryjest Starchild has a performance there. But after the recent death of Crim Mip, he dedicated the concert to him in his honor. 

 

 Merryjest, a trained opera singer in real life, would perform for about an hour, with an occasional moment of commentary. Crim's partner Kari was among the people there in the audience. 

 

Details are still being worked out for the date and time of the memorial service

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

More on Crim Mip's Passing

 

 After word began to go around about Crim Mip's death yesterday, people were moved to do different things. At his new home Wooburn, a wreath was placed at the church in his honor.

 

 Inside was a small table with Crim's picture, candles, and a book for people to place notecards with any words of well wishes. The church is at Wooburn (101/128/43). 

 

At the pub near church, friends of Crim gathered to talk about him and some things he did.  

 

The date for the memorial service has yet to be announced, But there is one event going on today in Crim's honor. When Merryjest Starchild heard the news, he announced his event today at the Varro at 3PM SL time would be dedicated to him. Queue (192/238/2493).

 

More details to come.

 

Update: People have been telling me that they talked to Crim just a few days before his passing, and he seemed just fine. So it seems whatever happened was sudden. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Remembering Sept 11

 

 It was 24 years ago today that the deadliest terrorist attack on the United States, the September 11 attacks, took place. Carried out by members of the Islamofascist group Al Quedia, they would hijack four airliners, crashing one into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia, and two into the World Trade Center in New York. A fourth airliner heading to Washington DC crashed after it's passengers found out what was going on and rebelled. Almost three thousand were killed, and a shocked America found itself at war with a shadowy enemy. 

 

Second Life would come about a few years later, and over time, there have been numerous memorials to the fallen. Some were large and detailed, such as the one by Alliez Mysterio, the Stairclimb Tribute, and the Stagg Island memorial. Sadly these grand tributes are gone. But there are still some memorials left in this virtual world.

 

 

One is the Gold Haven Memorial, "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001" 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343

 

High above Copperhead Road is the Flight 93 Memorial, a tribute to the hijacked airplane whose passengers fought back, and crashed near Shanksville Pennsylvania.  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995 . 

 

At Miramare, there was this unnamed memorial, lights representing the Twin Towers beaming into the sky.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25

 

 While, not 9/11 specific, there is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World, located in Iris. 

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21

 

Commentary:

 

As those who remember the attacks know, within weeks America would respond to the evildoers who brought death to our country, liberating Afghanistan from the Taliban which provided a safe haven for the terrorists. The mastermind Bin Laden slipped away, but would be tracked down and killed several years later. 

 

Today, a generation later, America has changed. Politics has become more sharply divisive than at any other time in living memory, and the country has become "A house divided" with politicians and people alike looking at the opposing faction with fear and hate, blaming them for their troubles and accusing them of destroying the USA. While we may worry and panic at news headlines, we can also take a moment to remind ourselves that when confronted, we can all be a nation united against a common enemy, and take a moment to remember the fallen. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

More on Mal Burns' Passing

It's been a couple days since word began going around about Mal Burns, who has been writing and doing videos about Second Life and other virtual worlds, suddenly passing away. The cause of death is not yet widely known, though the first few people who found out kept quiet about it for a short time until his family in England were contacted. 

 

It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the news that our dearest Mal Burns has passed away this week.

 

He has been a cherished friend, trusted colleague, and a vibrant voice in our virtual and real life community for over 20 years.

 

We met through a shared passion for virtual worlds, and that connection blossomed into decades of collaboration, camaraderie, and friendship. 

 

Mal was an avid reporter, an insightful storyteller, and a tireless advocate for truth in all its digital forms. His work helped shape how many experienced and understood online spaces — always with integrity, always with flair.

 

For two decades, we shared laughter, many conversations, and a passion for exploring both the fun and serious sides of life — especially in the evolving landscapes of virtual worlds. He was more than just a show host or fellow journalist; he was a pioneer, a storyteller, and a sharp observer of the digital age.

He had that rare gift — the ability to make you laugh with his wonderful humour even when the subject was complex or challenging. 

 

He brought so many people together, sparked meaningful dialogue, and gave voice to stories that might have otherwise gone unheard. His dedication to journalism and his unrelenting curiosity helped shape the way many of us see and understand virtual communities.

 

His absence leaves a space that words can hardly fill. But the legacy he leaves behind — in friendships, in stories, and in the memories we carry — will continue to inspire.

 

Rest well, my wonderful Grumpy Old Avatar, my Metaverse TV colleague, My Metameets buddy and my dear funny friend. Thank you for the years, the wisdom, the laughter, and the journey.

 

There were numerous comments on Facebook and some in Discord expressing sadness at his passing, some in a new Facebook group "Friends of Mal."

 

"I am broken hearted with the loss of such a wonderful and charming man. He was so much fun to work with, funny and patient. I very much enjoyed working with him and talking with him and joining him on Inworld Review. My condolences to his family and close friends may God grant you peace and comfort in this time of loss and sadness. Blessings and much love to all." 

 

"Incredibly sad to hear you have passed away. I hope you are at peace . We never know what to say truly in times like this but rest well. Condolences to those that knew you so much more." 

 

"I am devastated. I loved and respected Mal, and I will miss his friendship and spending time with him, as we all will. ... I am honored to have photographed him and had the opportunity to know him. It's a lot, and there are many more, as I enjoyed taking photos of him. I couldn't narrow it down any further, so here they are. Rest in Peace, Dear Friend. Until we meet again." 

 

"I just learned of Mal’s passing and it truly feels like the light in SL has gotten a little bit dimmer. He was a constant source of inspiration during the many years I was part of large events. He was a thoughtful and encouraging man who was a shining force all his own. Rest well, Sir, you have earned it."

 

"I am sorry, Mal Burns passed away. A voice unmistakable among all, a considerable and inexhaustible flow of words. A burst of laughter, frank and infectious. An endearing personality, mixing curiosity, humor and sharing. The OpenSim community will miss him so much; he put so much energy and investment into it; it's a great loss for all of us. My condolences to all his loved ones, as well as to the HIE team." 

 

"This breaks my heart, he was such a wonderful and charming personality, intelligent and funny and always interested in what people are doing to make Opensim an enjoyable and educational place to be. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones."

 

"I will miss his infectious wit and candor. A long standing fixture in the opensim and a few other communities, he was always a gentleman and diplomat. Mal's voice and presence set a good example of how we could engage and inspire each other, to create freely and try our best, to be collaborative, and share openly. Of course he will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Safe paths, my friend." 

 

"Here in Craft-World we are deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Mal Burns, a cherished figure for all the OpenSimulator community and the voice behind the long-running YouTube talk show Inworld Review.Mal was a passionate advocate for the open metaverse. Through Inworld Review, he brought together voices from across OpenSim - creators, developers, dreamers - giving space to dialogue, inspiration, and that friendship spirit that makes OpenSim a special place. His commitment to documenting and discussing the evolution of virtual worlds made him a cornerstone of our shared digital culture....His presence, insight, and dedication will be sorely missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all who knew him and collaborated with him. The entire Craft-World team, and the broader OpenSim community, mourn his loss. Farewell, Mal. Thank you for everything you gave us. The metaverse is quieter without you."

 

Mal had been the main host of the Youtube broadcast "Inworld Review." July 13 would be the first show without him, and the people did it in his honor.

 

Rest in Peace

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted: The Ertina Loopen Memorial Foundation

 

Every Relayer has a story behind them. Sometimes they do it as it's a good cause. Sometimes as a show of support for others. Sometimes the reasons are very personal. And sometimes even the most comical of us have a sad story to tell. Journey Texan dedicated his campsite to a close late friend, Ertina Loopen  It this article, he describes his tribute to her. 

 

Read Journey's story in Design. 

Why I Relay: Remembering My Mother

 

 Taken at the Sunbeamer camp at RFL Win. There are many reasons people Relay. For some, it's a good cause. Others have personal reasons, friends or loved ones having had cancer, or having passed away from it.

 

From the beginning for me it was both. I've had close friends who'd passed away from it.  Then in Fall 2021, it became much more personal when my Mother developed a growth that turned out to be cancerous. So I became a caregiver to help her recovery. She'd given birth to me and raised me, and then it was my turn to care for her. She was recovering for a while, then in spring 2022 the cancer came back and things went downhill. She passed away three years ago this morning.

 

I still have plenty of fun with my Relay friends, the joking around, the admiring of the events and builds, the comradery. But my part in this mission has taken on a more personal meaning. I will continue to help bring us a little closer to the day cancer is something Americans, and then all people on Earth, no longer have to worry about dying from.

 

Rest well my Mother, 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Memorial Day

 

 Today is Memorial Day, in which America takes a moment to remember its fallen veterans. For those who fell during the Vietnam War, a conflict that claimed over 58,000 American servicemen and women.

 

 

A replica of the memorial in Washington DC, the names of the fallen are etched on granite, the sheer number a sobering reminder of the huge number of casualties.

 

Vietnam wasn't our last war, America getting into wars about every generation, the years since seeing the Gulf War, the Afghan War, and the Iraq War. America always needs its veterans. And sadly some never come home alive.

 

We shall remember

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Veterans%20Isle/177/185/2485

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

September 11 Memorials

 

 

 It was twenty-three years ago that the September 11 terrorist attacks took place. Nineteen hijackers from the Islamofacist group Al Qaeda, led by Osama Bin-Laden, would take over four airliners, and use them for suicide attacks, crashing them into both towers of New York City's World Trade Center, and the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. One airliner, thought to be headed to Washington DC's Capitol, crashed to the ground near Shanksville Pennsylvania after the passengers heard what was going on through cell phones and began overpowering the hijackers. Almost 3000 were murdered, making this the deadliest terrorist attack in American history, and in the years afterward many more would pass away due to illnesses related to the dust from the collapse of the Twin Towers and the cleanup afterward. It would also launch the "War on Terror," as well as bring about changes in the lives of Americans that continue to this day. 

Over time, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen in Second Life. One of the largest was the memorial set up in 2009 by Alliez Mysterio. A decade ago, Cindy Bolero would set up a Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters who braved the doomed World Trade Center before it's collapse. At Stag Island was a detailed memorial done by Fazio Magic. After his passing, it would be at Yellow River for a few years.

Sadly, those memorials are now gone, with only pictures, films, and memorials remaining. But there are still some inworld. For several years, there's been one high above Gold Haven. Made by Bryston Vanvleck, it's official name is "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001," It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343 .

 

Most of the 9/11 memorials are focused around the World Trade Center. But high above Copperhead Road is one to the passengers who foiled the terrorists on the fourth airliner, the virtual Flight 93 Memorial. It was created by Paul Woodrunner, and can be found at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995 .

On the Mainland, there is this unnamed Twin Towers Memorial. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25 . 

Also on the Mainland is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World. While it's about numerous acts of terror, the 9/11 attacks are mentioned here. Made by Prokofy Neva, the memorial is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21 .

 

A generation later, much has changed. In real-life news, headlines are about an election of which numbers of voters fear the victory of the candidate they're voting against will result in the end of America as a democratic republic. But maybe, we can take a moment and not only remember the fallen, but how unified as a country we were. It didn't matter if one was a Democrat or Republican, red state or blue state. Our country had been attacked like it hadn't been since Pearl Harbor, and we were united in striking back against those who dared murder our people. 

Twenty-three years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 Memorials

 

 

 Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, in which four airliners were hijacked by Islamofacists intent on suicide missions. Two would crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, sending the Twin Towers crashing down after the fires weakened the steel supports. One slammed into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The fourth plane ended up crashing in Shanksville Pennsylvania when the passengers found out what was going on through their cell phones and tried to take control of the plane back. Almost 3000 were killed as a result of the attacks, the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in it's history. 

Over time, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen here in Second Life. In 2009, Alliez Mysterio had a well-designed memorial people could leave flowers and other momentos at. The Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters by Cindy Bolero at Aero Pines was another. Fazio Magic made a detailed memorial at Stagg Island, which was there until his passing and was moved to Yellow River for a few years. Sadly, these memorials are gone, but there are others up today.

from Gemma Cleanslate

One memorial that's been around for several years is the one in the Gold Haven sim. Called "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001," it was made by Bryston Vanvleck. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343 .

 

 

 High over Copperfield Road is the Flight 93 Memorial, the virtual version of the real-life one. Set up by Paul Woodrunner, it can be found at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995.

On the Mainland, there is this unnamed Twin Towers Memorial. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25 . 

Also on the Mainland is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World. By Prokofy Neva, while this memorial isn't specific to September 11, the attacks are mentioned here. The location is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21 .

Twenty-two years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Relay Weekend: Part One

 

Saturday June 10 was the first half of the Relay Weekend. It started at 10AM with the Committee giving a pep talk to the Relayers, some at the stage, most listening from their team camps.

 

 

At 11 AM was the Survivor and Caregivers lap, or honor lap. And those who know what cancer is like because they either experienced it themselves or cared for someone who has took a walk around the track.

12:30 PM was the Parade of Teams, including that of the neighborhood the Newser office makes its home in, the Suunbeamers. 

The track had many hundreds of avatars, from large ...

to small, all united in a cause, to help stop cancer.

 

The campsites had some impressive sights, such as the double helix tower from the Second Life Cheerleading Squad.

And there was the designer sim by artist Fiona Fei, with the theme being the song "Clouds."

9PM was the Luminaria Hour, when the Relayers paused to reflect on those they lost to cancer. At the ACS sim, paper lanterns went up into the air.

Most would reflect from their camps or where they were on the track when the hour started.

It was quite a day in the first half of what's been described as the most intense 24 hour period in the virtual world every year. 

Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

WW2 Memorial

 

 

Today is the 79th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of World War Two, also known as Operation Overlord, on June 6, 1944. Well over a hundred and fifty thousand American, British, and Canadian soldiers stormed five beaches on the coast of Normandy France, Omaha Beach being the most heavily defended, following the dropping of paratroopers over the interior. The Allies would suffer over 10,000 casualties including over 4,000 dead. Germany would loose up to 9000 dead, captured, or missing. The successful invasion and the liberation of France over the summer would help ensure the defeat of Nazi Germany less than a year later.

At the World War 2 sim, there is a memorial, the World War 2 Campus - Memorial Garden. While the sim itself serves a variety of roles, including a shop area with "a variety of World War II-themed merchandise," the purpose of the memorial garden is a serious one, "a serene and contemplative Memorial Garden, where you can reflect and pay your respects to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives during World War II. It is a place of solemnity and remembrance, and we kindly ask that you maintain an atmosphere of reverence while visiting this area."

World War 2 (134/200/23)

Bixyl Shuftan