A Busy Weekend: Linden Motown Trivia, Firestorm Anniversary Party

 

 

 This past weekend was a busy one in Second Life. Saturday Sept 2 was the Motown Trivia Party, at 12 Noon SL time. Madori Linden would ask various trivia questions.

Madori Linden: 4. What is the address of the original Motown recording studio?
a. 2648 West Grand Boulevard
b. 7365 Woodrow Wilson St.
c. 7373 Churchill St.
d. 6245 Avery St.

 

The place was a bit crowded, and laggy, but people braved the slow rezzing to answer trivia, or just for the music and dance, or to be at a Linden event. Some would get Madori Linden bears.  The event was scheduled to last until 2PM SL time.

 

 Sunday Sept 3 would have another big event. It was the day of Team Firestorm's Thirteenth Anniversary Party, taking place on a stage at the intersection of four sims. It started at 10 AM with Maxamillian Kleene singing some tunes. At 11 AM, it was Bell Tabak's (PrettyBelle72) turn on stage. In the four sims, the number of people attending was over a hundred. 

Jessica Lyon, the head of Team Firestorm, had always made it to previous anniversary parties. But unfortunately it would not be the case this time as a close family member was in the hospital someone quoting her, "cousin and I are sharing 12 hour shifts, ... and no Internet." During the event, someone shouted, "Jess asked me to several times during the party send her Thanks and Love to our Firestorm User Community. You guys are the best!!! Without you we wouldn't be celebrating today!!!"

 

 While the event is over, people can continue to drop by and grab a couple free gifts. Head to Fiewstorm Dow Forest at (219/229/3901). "Happy Anniversary Firestorm!"

There were other events going on, such as the Spoonful of Sugar charity event which started over the weekend. There will be more on that later. For those interested in checking it out now, head to SOS Uber Island (173/92/25).

 Bixyl Shuftan

Firestorm's 13th Anniversary Party This Sunday

 

Second Life's most popular viewer, Firestorm, is officially turning thirteen years old this Sunday, September 3. And for the event, Team Firestorm is planning a party. 

Can you believe it!! 13 years!! Yes, that is right, Firestorm is finally a teenager. We turn 13 on Sep 3, 2023! Of course, we are going to celebrate! You are invited to join us. We will have a party and there will be gifts – two really nice ones. There will also be some great entertainment.

Two live musicians are scheduled to perform at the event. At 10 AM SL time, Maximillian Kleen will be doing music on stage. At 11 AM, Pretty Belle will be singing. The event should last until Noon SL time.

There will also be two gifts available for anyone to get. One is a pet tiger. The other is a pet baby dragon on a stump that wiggles when pressed.

In the blog, it was stated the location of the party would be posted on the blog a few hours before the event. But in the past, it's been held at the Firestorm Dow Forest at (219/229/3901).

Thirteen Years of The SL Newser

 

 In 2010, the leading newsletter in Second Life was the Second Life Newspaper, run by JamesT Juno and Dana Vanmoer. For over three years, it had been reporting the news around Second Life. It had grown from a small blog, to a well-staffed online publication bringing out the news from around the virtual world. From people who made Second Life more interesting, to noteworthy places one could see and go about in, to notable events one could go to, we reported on the news big and small.

 

But on June 5 2010, James and Dana announced it's closure. Sadly events in real-life had taken difficult turns and it was time for them to leave in order to focus on them. They had let the staff know ahead of time, and four of the reporters, Gemma Cleanslate, Grey Lupindo, Shellie Sands, and Bixyl Shuftan (myself) took it upon themselves to start a new newsletter: The Second Life Newser. 

Almost right away, we had some big stories to tell. Just a few days later came news of Linden Lab laying off almost a third of its staff. Later on came the closure of one of the more popular sims, a scandal that led to the shutting down of the most popular third-party viewer, the resignation of Linden Lab's CEO and Philip Linden (Philip Rosedale) temporarily taking over as intirem CEO, there was the decision to merge the Teen Grid with the main one, and of course the Relay for Life and the Second Life Birthday.

 

We had our work cut out for us, but we also had support. Just after our start, the Sunweaver community gave us a home, providing an office for us. We soon had a sponsor, the Podex Exchange, which was soon followed by others, as well as people paying us to advertise. More reporters would join the ranks of our team, which meant more stories we could cover. And of course readers came to see us as a reliable and useful source of news about this virtual world as we continued to bring news stories to them, big and small. And before long, the team once again were the number one source of news in Second Life. 

We've entertained as well as informed. There are the cartoons that appear twice a week, and there are the music videos that we show most Saturdays. But foremost on our minds is bringing you "news you can use" from what's going on with Linden Lab to interesting events and places. Unlike some other publications, the Newser has never gone out of it's way to create controversy for it's own sake. There has been occasional trouble, and troublemakers, that we felt needed a story. But we have sought to make the coverage of our virtual world an overall positive one, to report it not as full of griefers, but as an enjoyable place where one can find all kinds of interesting and fun sights, activities, and people. Over time, we would occasionally write about games and other virtual worlds. But Second Life has always been, and will remain, our main focus. 

Sadly, over time we've had to say goodbye to some teammates and old friends. Shellie Sands and Gray Lupindo would end up having to leave to take care of things in real life. Breezes Babii, our coworker from the old SLN would pass away. The Podex Exchange would shut down after Linden Lab changed it's terms of service and made it's continued operation no longer possible. But over time, we've had more talent come in to join the team. And more sponsors have stepped up to support the paper.

Thirteen years later, much in Second Life has changed. Sims have come and gone. Mesh has changed the way objects and avatars are made. Linden Lab would be purchased by investors. But Second Life goes on. It's safe to assume that unless there's some economic catastrophe of some kind, this virtual world will be around for many years to come. And as long as events in our real-lives remain smooth, we'll be around to cover it.

 

Special thanks to our sponsors, Farshore Radio, Lorena Chung Estates, Montecito Bay, the Safe Water Foundation, and the Sunweaver community which has been the home to our office all these years. Thanks to to Linden Lab which created this virtual world to begin with. Thanks to James and Dana to showing us the way in how to report the news here. And of course our thanks to you the readers.

 

"And that's the way it is." Good day from the Second Life Newser.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor

Second Life Newser

 

Join The Newser Crew For A PARTY!

 

 

Thirteen years ago, on June 5 2010, the Second Life Newser was formed.  And so this Saturday June 3, we'll be throwing a party to celebrate. There will be a party at the Happy Vixen Beach club in the Purrfection Estates sim. It will start at Noon SL time, and go on to 2 PM. From 12 to 1 PM, DJ Snowy will be spinning the tunes. From 1 to 2 PM, DJ Grease will play the music.

Besides the fun music, there will be a couple contests with Linden dollar prizes. So come on over and celebrate with good music, meet some of the Newser crew, and maybe meet some new friends.

 

Purrfection Estates (236, 219, 24)   

Happy Friday The Thirteenth

 

It's Friday the Thirteenth, so those with friggatriskaidekaphobia may want to watch out for easily breakable mirrors, walking under ladders, and of course black cats.
 
By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Bay City's Anniversary Event

 

A week and a half ago, one of Second Life's notable areas celebrated it's anniversary, it's 13th: Bay City. One of the first creations of Linden Lab's Department of Public Works, this largest urban area in Second Life has seen much and hosted many events. Part of it's annual celebration is it's parade, which remains the largest annual one held inworld. And then came the music event that involved a noted DJ and a few live musicians, and of course the conga line. The Newser was there, and took a few pictures.

See more in Events.
 

Happy Friday the Thirteenth

Today is Friday the 13th, a day associated with bad luck. With this in mind, be careful of any black cats around.

Caledon's Thirteenth Anniversary

Last week, Caledon celebrated it's thirteenth anniversary. They did so not with one, but several events. The Newser couldn't be at every single one, but we were at several, and took a number of pictures, as well as hearing and seeing a few things.

Read more in Events.

Reader Submitted: Happy Anniversary Caledon

Pictures taken by Cynthia Farshore. The noted Victorian/Steampunk community of Caledon had it's thirteenth anniversary yesterday, Tuesday February 26. There were four events that day and evening. Two were at the Book and Tankard Pub in the Victoria City sim at 1 and 4PM. At 7PM was the Caledon 13th Anniversary Ball in the Dragon Ballroom hundreds of meters over the Caledon OnSea sim.

Among those there at the Ball was Caledonia Governor Desmond Shang. Nicknamed "The Guv" by other Caledonians, he was doing a rather unusual dance. At 10PM was the Late Night Caledon/CCB Birthday Bash.

Events will continue in Calendon this week, such as a party at the Goblin Cave on Thursday February 28 and a Mardi Gras parade on Saturday March 2. Stay tuned for details.

Luskwood and Trotsdale's Anniversary Events

Last weekend on Saturday October 22 and Sunday October 23, the communities of Luskwook and Trotsdale held their anniversary celebrations, Luskwood their 13th, Trotsdale their fifth. Most of the events were in the older community of Luskwood. The Newser's Bixyl Shuftan, whom has a Luskwood red fox as his trademark main avatar, dropped in to join the fun.

Read the story in Events.

Goodbye SL13B

July 6 was the last day the sims of the Second Life Birthday were still up. The majority of exhibits were taken down by then. This one by Levi Clownski (israel.schnute), Lapar's "Big City," had just been demolished as I had gotten there, "Well, it was a big city, now it's the ruins. We had a depot and a hotel. ... If I had known it would be so spectacular, I would've make a notice."

Among the few exhibits still up was this volcano. It had a small ride, "Epi's Adventure" by Baron Jiminy (Jimc Jiminy). which took residents on an underwater pod ride through an ocean area. It had a free scuba-diving outfit for those who clicked on the giver.

Pygat Bu had the job of demolishing the stonework the water exhibits were on. As I stood next to him on an arch, the rock collapsed all around me, "Don't be alarmed if you're hit by a flying road or two, deleting them now." I soon ended up in the drink and had to swim to shore. Pygar, with his wings, just flew off.

There were a few others around. Some had cleaned up their plots at the last moment, "Hi there guys. I grabbed all my stuff. Is it safe to leave this group now?" Others were going to wait, "Well, will stick around for that. Should only be a half hour before it's all said and done." Diana Fire (Diana Renoir) joked, "Oh wait, we're having a drawing to give away Bixyl's hat in this group."

 I saw Marianne McCann fly above me, "Here, watch this." And exhibits around me began vanishing, as well as the roads. "Go Team!!  We cleared 12 regions in less than an hour!" "It's like my Mom used to say about holiday dinners....'takes weeks to prepare it, and moments for it to be over.'"

"Naked I came unto this world, and naked I will leave." to paraphrase a quote from the Bible, and so it was for the sims of the Second Life Birthday, which were soon bare before finally closed to exhibitors. The sims will likely fade into the virtual nether today or in a day or two, at least until next year. The SL13B was truly over.

"Look to the future!" Marianne posted as what is likely to be the last group notice, "Don't think of this as the end of SL13B, think of it as the start of SL14B! It's only months away!" others gave their comments, "I just want to thank all of the exhibitors, especially those in Wonderous, as well as the musicians, DJs, and all of my fellow volunteers for a great birthday celebration!" "Thanks to all it was a wonderful adventure. To feel good. See you next year." "Thanks to all for the wonderful Birthday, I hope to see you next year!" "(It) has been a pleasure to be (here) this year also, all people great, charming and nice. Spaces interesting, full of adventures. I think the topic was fulfilling. Thanks for letting me participate." "Thank you all so much! I had a blast at this birthday event...my first as an exhibitor. I'm already full of ideas for 14!" "Thanks for being a part of the biggest party on The Grid!"

"Thank you everyone for a great SL13B. See you next year."

Bixyl Shuftan

We Want Your Second Life Birthday Stories

You've seen some of our stories about the Second Life Birthday. Now let's see some of yours.

The Second Live Newser is always interested in what you the readers have to say about virtual life on the Grid. And goings-on about the Second Life Birthday is no exception. Was a ride especially great, or was something basically a thinly-disguised advertisement until the volunteer staff took care of it? How many auditorium events did you see in which newbies not knowing any better sat on the stage? How many friends of yours when you told them where you were going scratched their heads and asked "What's the SLB?"

Send us your cheers, your jeers, and your chuckles.

Mail submissions to bixylshuftan(at)gmail.com.

PLEASE include your SL user name and tell us if you wish it to appear with your story.

Second Life Newser reserves the right to investigate any names used in submitted stories. Please ask permission before using anyone's name or picture or use an alias for them.

SL Video: "Draxtor Visits SL13B [and the madness ensues]"

(Click here if the video fails to load)

From Draxtor Despress on Tuesday June 21. This is an uncut hour and a half of video recorded live when at the Second Life Thirteenth Birthday. For those whom have only seen his "Drax Files," this may seem slow going at times. But there is some good footage of places such as the Cake Stage and Mad Monster Mountain, and some bits of commentary, "I'm going to have to be careful not to swear." "Hello VR people, take off your goggles and put on these goggles."

*Note* Some profanity in the video, but how often do we hear Draxtor swear?

Reader Submitted: The SL13B - An Experience To Remember

by ClarisseJane

Each Birthday,  Second Life of Linden Lab comes with big plan of ideas calling all Second Life creators, performers, coordinators and greeters to join on the weeklong celebration.

I remember last year where I applied as a greeter despite a fact that I was busy as a hostess on one of prestigious and oldest ballrooms in Second Life, I almost did not make it, when I lodged on 2nd to the last greeter training.  This year I prepared myself, I applied once again two months ahead of June, monitored it every day, and went on first training schedule. It was quite a heartfelt happiness for me.

When the opening of Second Life 13th Birthday (SL 13B) hits the date June 19 noon time, it  comes with a blast of parties. I pop on the Pirate Ship - The Welcome Area. I did not have the time to question how the ship looks like at first, when Treacle Darlandes (Greeter Lead) came after a few seconds to monitor us greeters at the welcome area. I was open mouthed when the Greeter Lead asked me if I am doing fine. I said “oh my gosh Treacle chats with me.” I was star-strucked first time. I managed to get back my composure quick and answered her right away said “all is perfectly fine.”

Then on my third day as greeter, I tried to explore the hype SL 13B Celebration. I went to visit first the Left Stage, when I saw there was only one Stage Coordinator, and no hostess.. I decided to postpone my tour and stayed. The party started with quite a few guests around, less than ten with the DJ playing house genre. Then slowly, it started.. a lot came, some are flying over and others just walk all through the long lines of big scattered papers on the ground until they reached the Left Stage. One person said that he tried to take a walk exercising his legs through it all, and all smiled at him.

All of a sudden, more stage coordinators came making it to three, Catboy Qunhua (Welcome Area Builder) came, Clocke52 (Stage Left Lead) rushed in, Sullybaby Gomez (Exhibit Assistant Lead) landed all smiles. I said, “oh oh my gosh Celebrities” as I was star-strucked again.

On the last day, June 26, just a few minutes before the last party ends, I went to the SL 13B Cake Stage. No one can stop me now I said, and believe it or not, all the main staff of SL 13B Celebration are all there except Catboy, were all accounted for. Seeing all the Staff and Sponsors for making SL 13B Celebration amazed me. I may not had experienced this last year but this time I am full of joy, as if my whole day is complete, as it made me aware that all the guests on the Cake Stage, are all present for making SL 13B Celebration a BIG SUCCESS.

I thank Second Life for this experience, a truly worth an experience to remember.. as the theme says it all.. A Shared Adventure to recall a few years from now.

Gently I turned around, the fire works display is still an hour to go, I went back to see the Left Stage to take remembrance photos. When I glance around where snapshots drop by drop went on, I saw the Editor of SLNewser (which is another story) and smiled full of glee.

http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/staff-and-sponsors-for-sl13b/

ClarisseJane

SL Video: "It's SL13B"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Hexapoda on June 23

SL13B Sneak Peek

This year's exhibit for the Second Life Thirteenth Birthday celebrations by the Second Life Newser is almost complete. While we're not showing the whole thing just yet, here's a small part of it.

We'll show you the whole thing, which is in the southwest corner of  SL13B Electrify, just before the SL13B opens on Sunday June 19.

SL13B Open to Exhibitors

With a little less than a month to go, the seventeen sims of the Second Life Thirteenth Birthday event, often called the SL13B for short, were open to exhibitors yesterday on May 25th. The various parcels are now ready for exhibits.




(Click here if the video fails to play)

Inara Pey released this "First Teaser" video a few days ago, showing some of the builds already built.

Among the exhibitors will be the Second Life Newser. This time, our exhibit will be in a water sim. As usual, the spot's been marked with the big oversized fedora. We have yet to determine how it'll be part of the completed exhibit. But we'll think of something.

The next notable day in the preparations for the SL13B will be June 10 when the various performers for events are notified. The event itself, one of the biggest annual events in Second Life, attracting thousands of people every year, begins on Sunday June 19. So don't forget to stop by and see the exhibits, including our own.

Bixyl Shuftan

Second Life Birthday 13's Theme Annouced: "The Shared Adventure"

Yesterday on Thursday March 24, the Second Life Birthday website was updated for the first time since last year's celebration. The theme for this year's anniversary event was announced. It is "The Shared Adventure." Harper Beresford wrote the following:

Merriam-Webster defines Adventure as “an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks” as well as “an exciting or remarkable experience.”

One could argue that Second Life itself was a risk when Linden Lab first created a virtual world out of their haptics testing rig so may years ago, and their risk has turned to a remarkable experience for millions of uses over thirteen-plus years.

Second Life has been home to countless virtual adventures, and continues to break new ground. Each of us shares in the adventure, as our creations are enjoyed by avatars from far and wide.

What does adventure stir in you? Is it an endless vista of unexplored jungles and ocean depths, a space opera, or even intrigue in dimly-lit alleyways. What dangers are afoot, and how will you and your cohorts seek to overcome them?

How will you present your escapades with others in Second Life? Will you send them on a great quest, tell them the stories of your own exploits, or present them with the tools to craft their own adventurous experiences?

For the 13th Anniversary of Second Life leaving beta, we invite you to put on your pith helmets, your G-Suits, or whatever gear you need, and share with your adventures with the global Second Life community.

And so, the work for one of Second Life's biggest annual events begins once again. The sims have been set up, and now the theme chosen. Those interested in helping out with the building can contact Doctor Gascologne and Diana Renior.