Holy Presence Christian Church

 

 

With so much publicity about the naughty side of Second Life, it's not always easy to remember there's a spiritual side as well. There are a number of churches still offering services in Second Life. Among them, the Holy Presence Christian Church in Majorero.

 

The church considers itself interdenominational, and services are at 9AM every Sunday by Michiel Allaire (MichielAlarie Resident).

 

Holy Presence Christian Church is a REAL Church which offers a full range of Christian church experiences like, weddings, baptisms, Christenings, prayers for healing and emotional deliverance, family gatherings and social events.  We have everything a real life church has to offer, right here in SecondLife. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Majorero/181/92/154 

 

Gyazo Image-Sharing Service Hacked, Over 23 Million Users Affected

 

One thing most Second Life users like to do is share images. The regular way costs 10 Lindens per picture, the fee to upload a picture. So many turn to links of images they put on places on the Internet, such as Facebook or Discord. But those who don't have the software of such places won't see them. So many of them turn to Gyazo, an image sharing platform one doesn't need the software to see the links. Over time, it's become popular, with over 23 million users. 

 

But earlier this month, they were hacked. On Wednesday September 16, Helpfeel, the company behind Gyazo, issued the following:

Gyazo, our image-sharing service, was subject to unauthorized access by a third party, resulting in the unauthorized disclosure of user information and certain metadata associated with uploaded images.

We have blocked all access routes used in the incident and have completed remediation of the vulnerability that was exploited. We continue to prioritize measures to prevent further harm while investigating the scope and impact of the incident. 

 

 They would go on to say on Friday Sept 11, "a third party exploited a vulnerability in Gyazo’s image upload server to gain unauthorized access to our systems and execute arbitrary commands." They soon sensed something was wrong, and by the next morning had blocked the hacker. But the damage was done, "We have confirmed that approximately 23.62 million records containing data related to Gyazo users were disclosed without authorization." The information included user emails, passwords, user and device IDs, and more. Thankfully "no payment information, including credit card numbers, was disclosed." 

 

The company planned to email all users whose information was compromised, "To help prevent further harm resulting from this incident, we ask all Gyazo users to change their passwords. If you use the same or a similar password for Gyazo and any other services, we ask that you also change your passwords for those services." 

 

Also, "the hackers also obtained a list identifying private images, and the company cannot rule out that some were viewed." Service was suspended to all affected accounts.

 

"We sincerely apologize to all Gyazo users and other affected parties for the significant concern and prolonged inconvenience caused by this incident." 

 

Sources: Helpfeel, Bleepingcomputer.com . 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Memorial Service For Rita Mariner

 

 

On Saturday evening August 1, it was time for the Sunweaver community to say goodbye to a special friend: it's founder Rita Mariner. A number of people gathered to give their farewells, sometimes saying a few words about her. Complicating things were technical glitches which prevented some people from being there, so ways had to be found to work around them. But the event would proceed, with much spoken. 

 

Read the story in People.

 

A Farewell To A Friend And Community Leader

 

Saturday August 1 at 6PM SL time was Rita Mariner's memorial service. The event for the Sunweaver's departed community leader was held at Sunweaver Air next to Farshore Field, with Shockwave Yareach and Cynthia Farshore being the organizers. Unfortunately our sadness was mixed with frustration as despite this being a full sim, the capacity was capped much lower than it should have been. Cynthia tried restarting, but that didn't work. So Nydia had to broadcast it on her Discord channel while Lom copy-pasted the chat onto the Sunny group.

 

For those who missed it, I'll soon have a more detailed article of what those who could be there spoke about Rita. 

 

 Shockwave would also add Rita Mariner to the Sunweaver Memorial in Sunweaver Eclipse. He would comment on Facebook since she was the community leader, she would get the biggest flame, which went up like a beam when the sim was viewed at night. 

 

She joins others whom have passed on, Zorro, Alleara Snoodle, Jessicabelle Dayafter, Akea Gromet, Artistic Fimicloud, and several others. Time has taken it's toll on the community.

 

But while memorials are supposed to be lasting, sadly this may not be the case. With the future of the sims in jeopardy,  it's very possible that the memorial will fade away into the virtual nether. 

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Memorial Service For Chrissy Chemistry

 

On Saturday July 11 at 2PM,  a memorial service was held for Chrissy Chemistry. She had passed some time ago from cancer. Organized by her partner Sophiekittycat Chemistry (Sophiekittycat Resident), the event was held at Wolftail Inn. The seating area had numerous bunny chairs and small rabbits hopping around, as well as cloud chairs. 

 

Doug Brently started the tribute with a message in voice. Then people were invited to speak something on her behalf. People talked about how quiet and gentle she was, as well as her love for Sophiekittycat. "Chrissy was not outspoken, but her caring and love and support for those in her family was and still is always there."

 

Following the service, there was a short intermission, then a concert was held in Chrissy's honor. BilliAnn Bravin and her band were on stage, playing music for those attending. 

 

Rest in peace, Chrissy.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: Celebration of Life Service For Crito Galtier

 

Celebration of Life Service For Crito Galtier

Saturday February 21

1 PM to 4 PM SL time

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lake%20Ruby/128/31/23

 

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
 

Remembering Baron Wulfenback

 

On Sunday November 16 at 2PM SL time, residents gathered at the R.F. Burton Library for a memorial service to Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, or the other personalities of the person behind the avatar Tanarian, Corgi, or Melanippe of Themiscyra. At least a few dozen were in the building, including a few people whom it is guessed have not been online for some time, taking a break from their hiatus to honor the departed. 

 

 One at a time, various people would go over an old memory, whether it was a first impression, a memorable event, or something else. A couple people would recite poems. 

 

"... he gave me a personal tour of the Cavorite mines, during which he warned me about the unstable, dangerous floor, just before he accidentally fell through and got trapped himself!  He was also my very first dance partner at my first, formal Caledon Ball.  I will always miss his grace and presence.  He made a newbie feel welcomed and brought me into the Steam community." 

 

"Herr Baron vaz der great guy, hyu knowz?  He encouraged me, alvays, to do crezy schtuff."

 

 "I remember the Baron well, from the time he was Consulate for Antiquity. He was always polite and friendly to everyone.  Personally, I always felt he kept many Estates linked together, so many people attended each other’s events. He is one more person who is sadly departed from us all."

 

"...we had many adventures together. But the greatest was when she returned the favor and dragged me into the Steamlands, with Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, played to the hilt from the Girl Genius online comic. And all our friends spun new characters and stories from that universe. My thanks to the rest of you for recounting the memories."

 

"I will only say this: it is because of Ms. Tanarian that I am here today. She taunted me with promises of many hijinx if I joined SL. And so there has been." 

 

 After the remembrance, some went to where the Baron's casket was on display at the Capitol Building in Texas Antiquity. Antiquity's Prince Jacon Desanto Cortes de Bezar (Jacon Cortes) would thank the Honor Guard which had been standing watch, and give a statement in the departed's honor, "It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Herr Baron ... I had no idea he as also in Roma. I dealt with him there as Mel, and had no idea. Herr Baron was well known as you can tell by the many that have attended services for him. The services were fuill for a reason. He touched many people. Now we bid good bye to our friend, in whichever form you knew him...."

A larger article will be done, eventually, with all tributes given. For now, the Aether Salon has a transcript of the talk in the library available (here). 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Honoring Baron Klaus Wulfenbach And Melanippe of Themiscyra

 

Last week, the person behind two personalities in Second Life passed away, Melanippe of Themiscyra (Melanippe Karas), and Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (Klauswulfenbach Outlander), People honored both of them in different ways. The Roma community held a memorial service for Melanippe. Caledon and Antiquity would also honor the Baron. 

 

Read more in People. 

Announcement: Memorial Service to Melanippe.

 

 With deep sorrow, Roma announces the passing of Melanippe of Themiscyra (melanippe.karas), consul and one of the most beloved members of our community.

On Saturday, November 8, you are all invited to attend the memorial ceremony as follows:
•     12:00 PM SLT: The Funeral Parade – Pompa Funebris
•     12:30 PM SLT: The Funeral Ritual – Ritus Funebris
•     1:00 PM SLT: The Funeral Feast – Epulum Funebre

We await your presence!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Insula/24/53/27

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"

Announcement: Wake For SL Musician Reno Jones

 

A reliable source has told the Newser that SL musician Reno Jones has passed away. There will be a wake for him at his Reno's Junkyard venue at 7PM tonight, (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mishiland/216/184/1701)    

In his profile, Reno would say of himself, "I've been playin' guitar since I was 10. Started singing out of pure necessity when I was 15. Wrote my first good song that year. I've been fortunate to make music with some of the best I Love it all.  5th Generation Californian.

 

"Reno Jones' singing and guitar playing defies all expectations. 'A voice like golf balls in a dryer.', and "'You call this music?', are just a few of the things critics have said about Reno Jones' musical stylings. Mixing it all up in a blender, Reno Jones covers songs from the 1920's to the 2020's; from Louis Armstrong to Foo Fighters to Tom Waits to Radiohead and even originals, Reno adds his unique spin to all genres. As a studio musician and recording engineer for many decades, Reno has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Train, Foo Fighters, YES, Tom Petty and David Bowie.'

 

"Every Linden I make from performing fees and tips goes directly to American Cancer Society's Relay-For-Life. Thank you in advance!" 

Once again, the wake is at 7PM tonight at Mishiland (216/184/1701)

Rest in peace. 

"Our Holiday Gift To You" Linden Lab Announces All Residents Get Six Months Free of Madpea Unlimited

 

Madpea has long been providing games for the residents of Second Life to play. Years ago, one could play them for free, such as Virtual Medical Doctor from 2011. In more recent times, they've been making more detailed and challenging games that they've been charging fees to play. They've operated independently from Linden Lab. But a few days ago, the Lab would announce they had made a deal with them, and the result being every resident from basic accounts to Premium Plus would be getting a free six month subscription to Madpea's Unlimited game package.

Get ready for an amazing treat, Second Life community! We’re thrilled to announce that all Second Life residents are receiving six months free access to MadPea Unlimited - the acclaimed and popular subscription service from MadPea Productions. Valued at an incredible L$12,000, this gift unlocks a world of engaging Second Life content and surprises including exciting story-driven games and hunts, exclusive gifts, and fun experiences to play alone or with friends. 

 

The Lab would go on to say that the free service doesn't start right away, but takes effect on Wednesday January 1st.  Also, residents don't need to do anything to activate it. 

For more information, check out the Lab's blog entry (here), and the page on the Madpea website:

https://madpeagames.com/unlimited-2025/

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Memorial Service for Lady Lovie Benoir

 

 

 Celebrating the life of 

Lady Lovie Benoir

Gone Too Soon

Your candle burned out long before your legend ever will

 

Balloon Release

 

Sunday July 14 at 4PM SL time

Dressy Attire 

 

PBC Colosseum

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PBC/1412/177/3533

 

Beverly Montgomery's Memorial Service

 

NCI Kuula - New Citizens Incorporated has a number of people behind it to help newcomers. Sadly one of them, Beverly Montgomery, passed away last month. On Sunday May 21, the people there held a memorial service for her, which included real-life family. There were problems covering the event, but thanks to a couple people it was done.

Read the story in People.

Weekend in Brief

 

 

 A number of things happened this weekend. Bay City would celebrate it's 15th Anniversary with a parade followed by a party with DJs and live musicians. The Raglan Shire Artwalk is talking place. The Relay for Life's fundraising season hit the 100 million Linden mark. Sadly, not all of the events were happy ones as among them was a memorial service for Beverly Montgomery's memorial at the NCI newcomer area.

Stay tuned for more about these events, and more, as time permits.

 

Xzavia Yifu's Memorial Service

 

On February 1, Xzavia Yifu passed away, the news not reaching Second Life until two weeks later. On Saturday March 11, there was a memorial service in her honor. There was much spoken about the content creator who had a following in Mieville, Raglan, and other places, people coming to pay their respects. 

 

Read the story in People.

Waya Snowpaw's Second Memorial Service

 

Last month, a military memorial service was held for Waya Snowpaw, a disabled veteran and DJ who was part of the monthly benefit concerts at Veterans Isle for over ten years. But not all of his friends and SL family could make it over. So a second one was planned, and last weekend it took place. Some would speak a few words in honor of the veteran.

 Read the story in People.

 

Memorial For Waya Snowpaw

 

 

On Saturday October 22, a memorial service was held for DJ Waya Snowpaw. He had passed away on Sept 27 and his death announced on the weekend of October 15-16. He was in his 60s. The service was conducted in voice by Suta Northman, EndoraMcandrewsII, and Stacy Maracas. 

Waya in real life was an American Indian, and the ceremony had a number of tribal elements such as a bow, drum, and axe at the coffin, along with a helmet on top of a rifle planted barrel down in a pair of boots, his SL avatar picture in front. American Indian music was played for much of the service. The event happened high above the Veterans Isle sim in front of a group of fellow veterans, friends, and people coming by to show respect.

 

Waya had been DJing for about forty years, most of his adult life. A passionate music lover, he had a noteworthy collection of songs and records, even a few Edison wax cylinders from the 19th Century. A few LPs he supposedly rescued when kids were tossing them around like a frisbee. 

 

Numerous stories were told, in voice, many that sadly were not written down, "I'll miss those wolves that Waya had with him when he DJed." Following the event, there was a 21 gun salute, followed by an informal dance by those who stuck around. 

I was told by one resident, "There will be another service too on 11/5/22 at 2 for all of Waya's furry friends that maybe could not make it here."

Bixyl Shuftan

Remembering Ktadhn At The Seanchai Library

Yesterday at the Seanchai Library in The Glen, there was a small service for the late Ktadhn Vesuvino, who passed away earlier this month. It was at 1:30PM SL time, with Cale (Caledonia Skytower) as the host of the event.

REMEMBERING KTADHN for those who wished to participate in a community remembrance and have not had the opportunity to do so. Caledonia presents a final honoring of Ktadhn Vesuvino, and you are welcome to contribute your memories and honors in local chat  ~  Seanchai Library in The Glen - Live in on Stream..  Nowhereville (198,130,21)

A number of people showed up, including Wildstar Beaumont. Much of Cale's discussion was on the land stream. In text, she shared some of Ktadhn's amusing comments over time. She would say of him, "I've never known anyone who so dilligiently re-wrote and devised." Fayleen Bellios would say, "He has been a part of our Wednesday night Stories With Friends for at least 2 years, if not longer.   He wrote every week on  his story of Kintor.  We will all miss his on going tale." Trinny Mizin added, "Yet he did it in an hour, probably not to his complete liking."

There were a few other events for KT as he was often called earlier. This is likely to be one of the last ones, if not the last.

Rest in Peace

Bixyl Shuftan