"What Thanksgiving Means To Me"

 

By Penny Shuftan (Deaflegacy), 

 

So what does Thanksgiving mean to us? Looking online, this is what I read: 

 

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the U.S. celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November to give thanks for the year's blessings and harvest. It commemorates a 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people, though modern celebrations are largely a secular tradition of gathering with family for a large meal, often featuring turkey. The holiday also marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.  

Thanksgiving is on a Thursday because it became a fixed federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November after being proclaimed as a national day of thanks by Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln set the precedent of celebrating on the last Thursday, and the date was later codified by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to end confusion, especially after he tried to move it earlier for the 1939 Christmas shopping season. 

But what does it mean to people? I would ask three I ran into. The first was Rita Mariner.

 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

 

Rita Mariner: Family, I only have my sister left, so nice to see her occassionaly, she brings me my turkey dinner.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): I'm happy for both of you, Rita. What's your favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner?
 

Rita Mariner: The turkey, I like the leftovers, makes great sandwiches.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Alright, is there any meaning behind Thanksgiving for you?

 

Rita Mariner: Nothing official, just a nice time when family got together and had a nice time sharing a meal together. Today I just spend my Thanksgiving, on the internet and hopefully friends on Second Life.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Is Thanksgiving a very special time of the year?
 

Rita Mariner: It was when I had a RL family to share it with. It is still nice when I can share it with my 
friends on Second Life.
 

 Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Okay, thank you so much again, Rita (smile).

 

I would also ask the Newser's editor and head reporter, Bixyl Shuftan

 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

 

Bixyl Shuftan: To me, it's reflecting on and being thankful for friends, family, and what you have. It often means a Thanksgiving dinner with family and sometimes friends. Mother and I used to cook with, and have dinner with her next door neighbors.  

 

Last but not least, I would ask my neighbor, Denise Unicorn Toonie.

 

Penny Shuftan (DeafLegacy Resident): Denise, what does Thanksgiving means to you?

 

DeniseUnicorn Toonie: Hmmmm.... Let's see.. On Thanksgiving, you get to visit and meet with your family. And eat some turkey as an added bonus. (smile) At least for the ones that do have a family in good standing... not everyone has that.

And there you have it. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Penny Shuftan 

 

Editors Note: Penny has been facing some medical difficulties in real life, which interfere with her writing. So this article was late in coming in. 

 

Bits of SL Life And Times

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Here's a selection of pictures and happenings that didn't make it in earlier, for various reasons.  

 

I posted some about Halloween, but this detailed avie from Kitacelia I thought deserved a mention. 

 

 Quite detailed, I hadn't seen anything like it. The pumpkin added to it. 

 

 This shirt worn by Charlee Harmony was certainly worth a chuckle.

 

 Ever see someone in Second Life whom everything rezzed but their head? I was thinking of both that and a few sci-fi tales in which the brain of a dying supervillain gets transferred to a nutrient jar with this look by Shockwave Yarreach. 

 

*  *  *  *  * 

 

In October, I wanted to get a picture of a Belleseria Fairgrounds party, but was in something of a mild hurry, and didn't want to disappoint anyone who wanted a long chat. So I sent one of my alts over, Droppa MaPants. So logging on him, I went to the party location, and greeted the people there. 

 

 [12:25] Waifu Ghoul: Hi Droppa, Hi KaL
[12:25] Now playing: Hexenkraft - The Thing [Synthwave Remix]
[12:25] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): hey :3
[12:26] BM - Dirty Spanker: Lillyth Waydelich dreams of kissing Sondra Le Stoop's ass
[12:26] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): drop ma pants what aname LMAO
[12:26] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): xD
[12:26] Waifu Ghoul: haha
[12:26] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): *chuckles*
[12:26] Elfi Stoker: lol
[12:26] Chucky Ghoul: Hi KaL, Hi Droppa
[12:26] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): Got the name from a Zelany novel
[12:27] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): ah sex novel?
[12:27] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): xD
[12:27] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): jk
[12:27] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): *chuckles* No, Fantasy
[12:27] Sondra Le Stoop (Distel Stoop): haha
[12:28] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): one of the characters was named that
[12:28] KaL (Kalegthepsionicist Resident): okay
[12:28] Elfi Stoker: O.O
[12:29] Droppa MaPants (DroppaMaPants Resident): thought it would be a good name for me :3

 

And so was this latest reaction of people to one of my alts. 

 

*  *  *  *  * 

 

 On Sunday November 2 at Noon SL time, I went to the grand opening of something called AI Land, showing artwork done completely by AI. Pooky Amsterdam, who I hadn't chatted with in a while, told me about it. Longtime residents will remember her for "The 1st Question" game show. Since then, she's occasionally been involved with something. And now it was this show about AI. 

 

 Sometimes it's hard to tell when art is done by AI, to me. 

 

 There was certainly quite a light show. 

 

 

 But what I remember the most was seeing Pooky again. 

 

*  *  *  *  * 

 

 

 It's been *years* since I last wrote about wrestling. But on November 17 came another chance to. Merryjest Starchild's been noted for his stage performances and his singing. But that day came a new one: Wrestling. He'd gotten a slot for a "Dark Match" on Monday Nov 17, and invited people to drop by, "come early if you want to see me either succeed or fail spectacularly XD."  It was at United Furry Wrestling. So it was my first time watching a furry wrestling match.

 

 Merryjest put up a good fight against his opponent, him getting in a few body slams.

 

 "Go Merrryyyyyy!"

 

 But sadly for the Cheshire Cat of the stage, it didn't end with a grin. His opponent eventually got the better of him, and after the "one, two, three" was declared the winner. Merryjest's reaction wasn't being dispirited, but exhaustion, "That was kind of nerve wracking, the lag is for real tonight." 

 

As it turned out, Merryjest had good reason not to feel down. Several days later, he announced, "I just got news, I passed my Dark Match and I'm now part of the main roster at UFW O_O" 

 

So it seems Second Life's colorful opera singer will be adding the wrestling ring to his talents. 

 

*  *  *  *  * 

 

Then there's this gem from Bellisseria chat. People get alts for all kinds of reasons, but this one is a new one to me. 

 

 [10:31] Dreamer Pixelmaid: Poor calts, they keep getting send to "safe" hubs lol
[10:33] Kialaya (Kialaya Shilova): I know what alts are, but calts?
[10:33] Dreamer Pixelmaid: The alts I have because of cats for especial birthdays etc lol
[10:33] Kialaya (Kialaya Shilova): x-D LOL ooook
[10:34] Dreamer Pixelmaid: I should have sent them in before posting the notice lol
[10:36] Kialaya (Kialaya Shilova): yeah, hahaha poor babes
[10:38] Bixyl Shuftan: Heh, you made an alt just to get a one per customer kitty?
[10:41] Dreamer Pixelmaid: One per account kitty :P
[10:42] Emily Abbot: I thought it was about the houses?  hehehe

 

One of those "only in Second Life moments. 

 

*  *  *  *  * 

 

 And finally, there's the funeral for Crim Mip that I covered in early October. What I should have done was post a few pictures the following week. But I thought that it wouldn't take me long to have the whole thing done. I had forgotten how busy I can be sometimes, especially in October with Burn2, then Halloween. And by the time I've finished writing about those, here comes Christmas. 

 

 (click here if the video does not load)

 

I'll finish it up, soon. For now here's a picture and the video. 

 

Well, that's all for now. A few bits of my Second Life that were better late than never.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

KathyZog Destiny Offers Popular Music To Church Services

 By Netera Landar

Second Life plays a significant role in our lives. It offers friendship, allows us to be creative in unique ways, and consistently provides entertainment.

We begin the interview in Kathy’s disco roller rink.

For KathyZog Destiny, Second Life offers a welcome form of independence that enhances the quality of her real life. Kathy is a DJ and the owner of both Wishing Well Venues and the Church of Cozy Comforts. For 18 years, she has called this virtual world home and has opened many doors to venues featuring a variety of themes.

“I was born with my disability, so I pretty much learned to adapt to everything. My family didn’t let anyone say ‘no.’ I couldn’t say I can’t do it. My family came up with adaptive ways to be included in just about anything. Second Life offers me an opportunity to have a full life without my disability. In here, when I’m dancing, it feels like I’m dancing. It feels real,” explained Kathy as we stood in her disco roller rink. 

Woodstock Field brings you back to a time of freedom of expression

Kathy learned about Second Life through a friend from Canada who visited her and a former roommate. He said that he couldn’t visit that often. He also mentioned a virtual world called Second Life. 

“So, I went there and yelled at him for not coming to see me so much. From that moment on, I truly didn’t want to leave,” Kathy admitted. 

Rock around the clock in Kathy's 50's Diner

Shortly after, she became a hostess for one of her partners, who was a DJ. They met in real life and spoke via Skype. He taught her how to use the SAM Broadcaster Pro. Kathy learned the basics rather quickly. She then chose to host her own music events, because if she couldn’t come in-world, she would feel like she was letting people down. Occasionally, she will DJ at other venues and take pictures during events.

Kathy and Kragon give me a tour around the Halloween venue. One ghost has a habit of following guests around.

During the interview, her close companion, Kragon Vlodovic, joins us. He appears to be proud of Kathy’s accomplishments. He also informed me that he’s part of the Perfect Chaos band in Second Life.

Enjoy long summer days on the beach listening to Kathy spin your favorite music

Ask Kathy about her venue themes, and she’ll gladly tell you that, placement-wise, they are stacked vertically. She has a beach, a garden ballroom, and a ballroom in the clouds. A Halloween venue, Christmas holiday venue, ice skating rink, roller rink, Woodstock field, Mardi Gras venue, diner, cabaret, blues and jazz venue, and even a wedding venue, if someone needs a place for the reception. She can even provide the wedding service at her church.

For Kathy, some of the difficulties of being a DJ include getting the right songs. In terms of turnouts, she can get 3-5 people or up to 20. She has a subscriber for people without room for new groups. One for Wishing Well and another for DJ Kathy.

Put on your favorite gown and have a romantic evening at Wishing Well Garden Ballroom

What does she love about being a DJ? She loves meeting people and finding new music she wouldn’t have ordinarily chosen for herself. 

“I’m also a pastor of The Church at Cozy Comforts. I try to make our church as inclusive as possible. The service audio is pre-recorded and streamed into the land on the music stream. The service is also printed to nearby chat, where people who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow along. Having both the audio and the text available is also beneficial to those with learning disabilities,” said Kathy.

The Church at Cozy Comforts welcomes all for prayers and services

“The Church at Cozy Comforts believes that everyone should have the opportunity to hear and experience the Word of the Lord. As such, we accept all - every race, all ages, genders/gender preferences, and any shape. Many who are rejected from other churches come to our services,” she added. 

Netera 

Honoring Baron Klaus Wulfenbach And Melanippe of Themiscyra

 

By Bixyl Shuftan,

 

 

After the passing of Melanippe of Themiscyra (Melanippe Karas), and Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (Klauswulfenbach Outlander), whom in real life were the same person, different areas of Second Life are paying their respects. On Saturday November 8, the Roma sim and community held a memorial service 

 

With deep sorrow, Roma announces the passing of Melanippe of Themiscyra (melanippe.karas), consul and one of the most beloved members of our community. ... you are all invited to attend the memorial ceremony

 

 The event was part funeral, and part roleplay, with two of the community playing the part of Roman priests. 

 

"But who was Melanippe of Themyscira? ...  Melanippe left us a life full of generosity and devotion. A silent illness took her, one that many of us were unaware of, because that was who she was: discreet in her pain, generous even in her suffering. She preferred to bear her cross in silence rather than worry us, as she so often did in life, always thinking more of others than of herself. ... 

 

"Her absence hurts, but her memory embraces us. In every kind gesture, every word of encouragement, every act of selflessness, Melanippe remains present. And although she is no longer physically among us, her legacy lives on in each of us who loved her.  Her generosity wasn't limited to the everyday. It extended to her commitment to causes she considered just, those that sought to alleviate the suffering of others, give hope, and build community. Relay For Life was one of them.  Melanippe didn't just participate; she was deeply involved. She walked alongside those who were struggling, those who had passed away, and those who still had a long way to go. She did so with conviction, with tenderness, with that blend of humility and strength that defined her. 

 

"For her, helping wasn't an occasional gesture; it was a way of being in the world. And those of us who shared those moments with her know that her presence was a beacon: discreet, yet constant. She never sought recognition; she only sought to do good. ..."

Besides the funeral ritual, there would be a parade and a feast scheduled. 

 

 People would say various things about her, "She had respect to all and she was very happy to help the others." "I did not know much about her real life, but if you needed a suggestion, an opinion, also regarding RL, she was there for you. I will miss her a lot." " ...As i got to know Mel, I realized, here, was a woman of distinction. Here was a woman of excellence. Here was a woman, of unusual ability, and understanding..."

 

 The event would last about two hours before people, locals and visitors, bade the others "vale," and went their separate ways. "Thank you everyone - Mela would have been so proud .   It was  a lovely service." "Thank you all for making this a beautiful memorial for Mela!" 

 * * * * *

 

At Caledon's Chapel of Hope, a wreath was left in honor of Baron Klaus Wulfenbach.

 

 There were also nameplates set up for both Melanippe and the Baron, as well as two other personas with the same player in real life, Tanarian Davie and "Corgi." There was also a nameplate for Crim Mip who passed away several weeks ago. 

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Mayfair/34/21/23

 

 

At the Capitol building in Antiquity Texas, the Baron was lying in state. Dropping by at one point, there was a tiny standing guard. 

 

 Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach, who have ties with Caledon, would also come by to pay their respects. As of now, no date has been given as to when the casket will me moved.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Antiquity%20Tejas/151/173/26

 

Rest in peace,

 

Bisyl Shuftan 

 

A Few Words With Beq Janus

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

On Saturday September 6, Team Firestorm celebrated it's fifteenth anniversary party. Among those there was the team's Project Manager Beq Janus. I would have a few words with her. 

 

"Good to have you here," Beq tolds me, "It seems incredible that anything lasts 15 years, let alone the more than two decades of Second Life itself. The fact that there's enough passion that a bunch of residents come together to help or at least try to make Second Life the best it can be and supplement the work of the Lab is great, but the fact we're still here, still doing it 15 years later, is mind blowing really. So many people ask me ;how is FS funded?; ;How do you make a profit?; they don't realize that this is entirely voluntary not a single person in my team get paid a penny, a dime, a linden or a peanut, but I think that is also why we are still going strong."

I asked her, "I take it managing things since the departure of Jessica has been a challenge?" She answered, "Jess will always be the spirit of Firestorm. When she told me I was taking over (yep told me, (laughter), no asking!) I had no real idea of how these things work really. I've run large teams in real life, but never a team where pay is never the motivation, where the only reason someone stays is because they enjoy what they do or draw some satisfaction from what they contribute.

 

"This ragtag  bunch of weirdos, and the entire structure of the project is probably close to unique. So it's a real honour to lead them or at least wander in a given direction and hope that they follow (smile)."

 

"SL is full of unique things, social structures and behaviors that simply emerged, while it has never really found that killer  features that perfect use that everyone needs it for, just look at yourself and your role, the griffins over there, the singers and artists, the Goreans and all the RPers of all forms, there's not many places where you can find real people living out dreams/hobbies/needs in such diverse ways."

 

I then asked, "How's it been working things out with Linden Lab, and other challenges?" Beq answered, "Linden Lab has a tough job. they need to keep SL relevant, they need it to grow realistically, its a tough job. I'm really glad, as I'm sure most of us are, that they remain committed. We have different perspectives on some things because of our differing motivations. But our working relationship is probably a lot closer these days, and that applies to all third party viewers not just Firestorm."

Beq added she was a supporter of the Relay for Life and what it did here. Going on, "The amazing Tally Mercury, who you heard tonight. I believe he didn't really think he was a singer until friends talked him into singing in SL. ... I've met published authors who used Second Life to play out new ideas or just enjoy RP to escape their writing. Others who inspired by their chosen community develop the ideas into tales. and others who may not have been inspired directly by Second Life found that the creative spark of SL led them to take a leap into writing and sharing ideas. If you pause to look, see beyond the "dressup" and clothing events and perhaps the inevitable sex and kink mentions, the number of spinoffs, the lives changed and improved through SL is nothing short of breathtaking (even the clothing events the showcases of creators are of course another example, of job creation, upskilling and enablement through Second lIfe) it never ceases to amaze me."

 

Eventually, Beq had to go, and we parted ways. 

 

Beq Janus continues to manage Team Firestorm on a daily basis

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

SL Burner Gets Her Build To Be Made At Burning Man

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

This is from the Burning Man Journal.

”The Black Rock City Honoraria Program funds artists from around the globe to create innovative participatory art projects — big and small — that rise on the city’s open playa. These grants from Burning Man Project support returning and new artists alike, they catalyze cross-cultural understanding, and help communities nurture artists and community leaders. These capacities may emerge through the process of creating art in Black Rock City, but their impact extends well beyond the dust to advance a more creative and connected world.

Funded by the nonprofit Burning Man Project, the Black Rock City Honoraria Program helps artists from all traditions and walks of life tell their stories through collaborative projects. When you contribute to the nonprofit through donations or higher-priced tickets, you’re directly funding these grants, bringing art to the playa and more connective creativity to the world. The Honoraria grants are designed to cover a portion of the artists’ costs, but projects require additional financial and logistical support from the community.”

At the July Conception weekend in Second Life, 3V (3vilyn Vortex) and Jeff Olhoeft (jolhoeft Resident) erected a beautiful effigy to be burned. It is one of the few I have seen that I did not want to see flame and disappear. Now it is being constructed for the Burning Man on the Black Rock City in real life!

3V ‘s vision won an honorarium for this year. This is allowing her to recreate that effigy. Burning Man opens August 24 and runs until September 1. Jeff is helping her along with a support team working on the installation. Jeff did the same thing several years ago . He had a beautiful butterfly on the playa and was encouraged to bring it to Black Rock and he did. The name of 3V’s creation is “Inikadowa, “. To see some photos of them working along with team members you can visit https://www.burn2.org/

Scroll down on the left, you will see a slide show of the labor. You can learn the background of the name Inikadowa in a link above the photos.

Congrats to all! What an honor! I can’t wait to see it on the Black Rock TV! 

 

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

 

People

 

More on the "Gang of Homos" Controversy

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

On Monday, the Newser reported on Jani La Belle (Janire Coba) having to move her store, Bella Epoque, after being evicted by her then landlord Lighthouse (landland.ansar), saying he didn't like having lesbians on the land, a screenshot showing the words "gang of homo." As a response, she was giving out "Gang of Homos" womens' tees, and was getting much support by fans.

The article got a few comments, including one from Zada Bury, saying she had been read the group notices twice, "it was such kind of stupid 'move.'" Another commented, "If you wanna be in business, the only political viewpoint you should have is what are you paying with. If you wanna wave a political banner, you will lose customers the more you judge them. ... It is your sim... right until you started renting it out. ... You are a weak businessman, aside from whatever other issues you may be having." Another responded, "I think the landlord was awful and should be banned from SL, but is calling a challenge to harass him really a good idea? Not only is it against LL's ToS, but it drags everyone down to his level and makes you just as bad. Why not just report his comments to LL, or create an event to uplift the communities he targeted rather then launching a harassment campaign." And someone else commented a sign of the political situation of the country in real-life, suggesting yours truly write about politics more often (in support of her faction).
 

Since then, more details have come in. Among them, Lighthouse finally answered the Newser, responding:

This is my answer you even i dont care what she said, she is a pure bitch and slut as well like to do a lot of photoshop 

https://gyazo.com/eaa464c4e09df18ff25b0409a0189833

lighthouse  

 

The picture showed more conversation taking place, and instead of "gang of homos" there was "gang of losers."

 

But that wasn't the only development. I was send a link to Lighthouse's rental page on Marketplace. Besides Janire's comment, there was a follow-up by Veronika Nightfire

Landland Ansar is not someone who should be trusted with your business or your events. He donated land for a charity event we were hosting and then turned around and sabotaged it. The moment he felt challenged by queer women, he started showing his true colors. Misogyny. Homophobia. Power-tripping behavior.

He gave us two days' notice to vacate and then banned us from the land entirely before we could even pick up our items. We lost work, decor, and personal belongings we had put into the space. No explanation. No professionalism. Just ego and bigotry.

This was a charity event. This was about helping people. And instead of supporting that, he let his hatred and fragile masculinity ruin it for everyone.

If you’re queer, a woman, trans, or just someone who respects others, avoid him and Lighthouse Realties. He is not safe to work with. Period.

And more notablly, there was one from a few years ago by a MuscleManEric.

WENT TO HIM AS OUT ESTATE GUY WITH A PROBLEM . NOT A BIG ONE BUT IT WAS WORTH ASKING FOR HELP, INSTEAD I WAS MET WITH HOMOPHOBIC RANTS THREATS AND ABUSE, THEN WITH FIVE DAYS REMAINING ON OUR HALF SIM THAT WAS 8050 A WEEK, AND REFUSED TO SPEAK OR TALK TO USE. HE EVEN TRIED TO KEEP OUR OBJECTS. STILL WONT REFUND THE RENT, LIED TO HIS GROUP 100% AND TRIED T MAKE ME LOOK LIKE A LIAR, THEN HE SAID I HAD GAY PHOBIA , WHICH MADE NO SENSE AS I AM GAY AND HE WAS THE ONE ABUSING ME THE CUSTOMER, HE SAID HE DIDT CARE IF WE LEFT THE PARCEL AS HE DIDNT NEED THE MONEY YET STILL, HE HAS KEPT 5 DAYS OF TIERS STIL THAT MORALLY BELONG TO ME.. HE IS A THIEF BEWARE DONT RENT FROM HIM ..
 

I also heard about some developments on Merryjest's Discord (where I first heard about the incident). With the "Band of Homos" tees being made for girls, "I went ahead and made my own hoodie," then post a picture.  

 

Merryjest would do more than just make his personal statement of support, but he would go over to Lighthouse's office and check things out. While there, he would run into him. Merry would try talking him, "He tried to claim Janire was an anti-semite. I pointed out they both support the Palestinian cause, which he verified, so I asked how, then, was she an anti-semite... and he refused to answer." When the "homos" comment was brought up, Lighthouse grumbled he was getting tired of the issue. 

Merryjest would also ask Lighthouse how many properties were currently being held in the rentals. His response was "none of ur boz." On his profile, he claimed to manage 190 sims. Merryjest thought this was odd, noting how bare the office was compared to Loxury Estates (which runs Second Norway).  He would also point out that on the Bonniebots website, there was no listing for Lighthouse. 

 

I would message Lighthouse again. His response by notecard was faster this time.

 

listen mate i knew she will do that so i didnt comment i left her drop herself in the trap she made which is funny

this women been with me 10 years , amd i knew she is a leabian or pride and dont care, even its againt my value and btw dont care whatother says about me on MP each can say whatever they want and its none of any one biz im here from 2007 :) and been grow will i have 190 sims : so dont care

but when come to fraude poeple and say UNRWA and they tell me they dont know her nor they been  aware of this and this must be dont through them as cancer society and many antisemit this no BS on me

and she did photoshop the chat and you can see what I sent you a snapshot, but honest she can fuck herself :0

and sorry no furtern comment now this matter is higher hands and story end here 

He ended me by thanking me for contacting him, wishing me well.

 

This is unlikely to be the last we hear of the issue as Merryjest says he may do a stage performance later about the incident. In the meantime, the rebuilding of Bella Epoque continues with shoppers dropping by.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

It Came From Bellisseria Chat: "The Priest Who Poofed"

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Several days ago, I had Bellisseria chat open, when I noticed someone message, "Hi. Anyone having a problem with a intruder dressed as a priest he rezzed in my home after i turned secruity off he just stood then poofed, 1 day old? I have been here a few years never had this before." Someone else responded, "Are you the first person to own your house? He may have had it first and didn't change where his home is." A third didn't think so, "If he was 1 day old, he probably hadn't been there before." "True that."

Others were chuckling, "Oh, emm, gee." "Wow!" "He came to bless your home." "It was 'The Bishop!'" "Quick...engage panic mode.....someone was in someone elses house ? (laughs)" "Good story material, though, 'The disappearing priest.' You could turn it into a Bellissarian Mythic Trope." "Won't someone please think of the prim children!" "'The Priest Who Poofed' sounds like an Agatha Christie mystery."

The homeowner continued, "He walked and followed me." So did the comments, "You can always ban him. Do you have his name?" "No, I was so shocked, I didn't think." "He prolly never came back." "EIther turn security back on or ban him by name in your land settings." "Security back on." "(He) reminds me of that creepy *** guy who used to slime around....." "(laughter) awww I remember ***, he was funny. People lost their collective cr*p over him." "You're sure right about that (big grin)." "Some guy named ***....used to be a 'peeping tom' and posted all his snaps on Imgur/tumblr (I can't remember which)." "Oh emm gee. Because that's totally not weird at all." "It was funny.......people were losing their cr*p left, right and centre." "There is no catagory for how gross that is." "What? running round Bellisseria being a 'Peeping tom'? I mean it takes all sorts but still. the reaction from folk was hilarious,  like he'd broke into their real-life homes and pee'd on their kids." "Even in second life there is a thing called privacy, some people should remember that, others should grow up." "Bravo ****....well said!"

The conversation soon movied on to other topics. Whatever became of "The Priest Who Poofed," I would not know.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

People

Exploring Creativity and Scientific Inquiry Through the Metaverse: Our Journey in the Student Building Challenge

 

By: Marcel Mosswood

As an educator deeply committed to integrating immersive technologies in learning, I had the privilege of guiding a group of students through a transformative experience in the metaverse. Together, we participated in the Student Challenge held by VWEC (Virtual World Education Consortium), a competition that encourages learners to design and build creative, research-based virtual environments. We joined with three dedicated teams under the collective name Ice BeAm Team, each of them bringing unique perspectives and thoughtful designs into the metaverse.

The first team, Blue, developed a project titled The Rise of H2O, which explores the profound impact of global warming on water systems. What made this team’s building especially compelling was their use of extensive literature-based research to inform the entire virtual experience. Their environment provided a comprehensive narrative—from rising sea levels and melting glaciers to disrupted water cycles—presented in an engaging, visually informative format that invited users to explore and reflect.

Blue Team building: The Rise of H2O

The second group, Orange, chose a more futuristic theme with their project, Moon Life: Dream or Reality?. Their virtual space simulated conditions on the moon, examining how lunar phases and environmental factors would affect the possibility of human habitation. The highlight of this project was the Lunar Cycle Interactive Ride, an experiential attraction where avatars could ride through the different phases of the moon while absorbing key facts and scientific insights. This interactive component turned abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making learning both fun and memorable.

Orange Team building: Moon Life: Dream or Reality

Our third team, Red, focused on the very real and pressing issue of natural disaster preparedness. Their project, Earthquake Resistance House, modeled how Japanese architectural strategies are applied to build earthquake-resilient homes. Their virtual environment featured a simulation video of an earthquake, utilizing assets from our metaverse school, Suluh Bangsa Mulia. This simulation provided users with an understanding of how specific structural elements help reduce damage during seismic events—a vital topic for students living in earthquake-prone regions.

Red Team building: Earthquake Resistance Building

Behind each of these projects was a rigorous research process. The students built upon lessons they had previously studied in school, applying them in meaningful ways that demonstrated both comprehension and creativity. We encouraged them to investigate beyond the classroom, seek credible sources, and collaborate intensively as part of their project development.

Participating in the VWEC Student Challenge was more than just a competition for us—it was a milestone in experiential learning. It showed how virtual environments can serve as powerful platforms for scientific exploration, critical thinking, and teamwork. Through the lens of the metaverse, our students not only learned new content but also developed skills that will be essential for their future academic and personal growth.

 

Marcel Mosswood

 

 

 

people

Second Life Cheerleaders Squad (SLCS) Winter Girls Night Out

 

From Dancerina Starlight

 

It is that time of the year when we spend extra special time with each other; regardless of which group or what sim. This year, SLCS did what it does best; planned holiday activities to spread the joy of the season. This year, Lumyai (Lum) planned a fun night at Sandy Point and The Calas; it was fun! At least 15 to 20 cheerleaders bundled up with hot chocolate and braved the snowy pathways of exciting rides and intriguing sites.  The "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" were harmonious as the enjoyment ensued from sleigh to sleigh!

Cheerleaders standing around at the Sandy Point meet-up location as they await other arrivals. Some were grabbing hot chocolate and others company-keeping candy canes. A few might have had coffee. However, hot chocolate always seems to win this time of year.

Cheelreaders at Sandy Point waiting for sleigh rides! Some were steering along the snowy path while others were flying miles and meters away from the ride location. Who have we to blame? A naughty reindeer or bad steering? Others were stuck in snow drifts. It was fun and funny altogether!

As the reporter sat in a decorative hanging chair, she got lost in her thoughts of how beautiful the sim looked and missed the trail to the next location. As she walked along the snowy path on Sandy Point, she happened upon this beautiful Christmas Village. Beautiful Candy Cane home.

Quick snap of Lum, Ali, and Taylor!

There were so many fun things to see, do and enjoy at Sandy Point. The perfection of sleigh rides completion and crashes added to the fun on the sim. The next location was calas! Just as had expected, Calas delivered yet another Holiday Season with great expectancy and joy of the Holidays! So many intriguing builds - from the Magic of Santa's Workshop to the Pavilion and Ice Skating. So many lovely sites.

The magic of a sleigh ride that left everyone in awe!  

Like children in a Candy Shop or Santa's Free give-aways?

The Loading Area! Fun!

Checking to see if SLCS' found their names under the tree!

We enjoyed seeing Holiday Horses and The Pavilion Trail *smile* The Trail spans across all three sims. The signs and snowflakes were our guides.  There are Cross Country Ski tour for enjoyment!  Group members were able to grab group gifts! What a wonderful time of the year! This was so much fun! Well--there is a "kicker" to all of this.

The reporter, instead of remaining in Wonderland, went to Dreamland. And many hours later arose to an....

...an SLCS Cheerleader who missed the activity, but showed up hours later to enjoy ice skating and to awaken the reporter to remind her to submit her article! What a Wonderful Winter WonderWorld! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Dancerina