Journeys Across the SL14B: Dragon Island and the Stages

By Bixyl Shuftan

From Sunday June 18 to Sunday June 25, the main event to celebrate Second Life's fourteenth anniversary, the Second Life Fourteenth Birthday, also known as the SL14B, is taking place. The event has had it's drawbacks, notably the lag caused by all those avatars dropping in (and whatever they're carrying) which drives some residents to visit only after Midnight, or the few days after the official closing in which the sims are left up. And some communities don't bother with exhibits, either to concentrate on the Relay for Life or for some other reason.

But despite the troubles "The Birthday" has always been popular. When Linden Lab announced in 2012 that they would no longer be organizing another Second Life Birthday event, following the initial shock some residents stepped forward to try and organize one of their own, and have continued to do so since to this fifth resident-run SLB event in a row (SL3B was organized by the residents but the Lab contributed several sims).

There was too much to see everything in the first few days, but I could get some peeks around.

 The official entrance is at SL14B Impressive (96/122/80), which is called Dragon Mountain."Here Be Dragons," says the sign, and there certainly are.

There's one dragon standing atop the mountain, breathing fire.

There are also flyable dragons you can hop on and ride.

The mountain had a welcome center.

 And inside one could find teleports to various places on the SLB grounds.

 Ever get the feeling you're being watched?

The SL12B had a noted train build. The train for this one however was off the rails.

And the mountain had a balloon one could get on.

However, it landed on the road where the air bag vanished and the basket turned into a pod.

Leaving me to go about the exhibits.

 On Press Day, I had some trouble getting in. But it was taken care of by Doc Gascoigne. I waited a while for a tour, as every year before there had been one. But when I finally asked, I was told there would be none, later told that from their point of view the writers and bloggers had been going their own way rather than take one. But Treacle Darlandes

 The biggest structure at the Birthday grounds is the Cake Stage. Once again, it has been designed and made by Mikati Slade. She has been the "Baker" four times in the past six years.

 As a build, "The Cake" is massive, taking up four sims.

The build looked different in ways from Mikati's previous stages, but still retained her style.

 "I think more each year, it looks really fab," Terrace commented.

The reason the Cake Stage is so big is so that larger numbers of people can listen to a single performer in the four corners where the sims meet.

In theory, over thirty can dance in each sim for an audience of over 120.

Treacle next took me to the Live Stage at , SL14 Incredible, "I like this build its quite an urban feel."

There were some people nearby who soon came out on stage.

Treacle told me, "These nice folks are stage staff and greeters."

I also noticed some "soap bubbles" which floated around, and were still around when I checked the place later during events.

Next she took me to the DJ Stage, in SL14B Astonish. It resembled a fancy top hat.

Getting up there meant going up a ribbon, of which where you stepped a hexagon would briefly glow, leaving a trail as you went up.

 Near the stage were a few small amusement part attractions.

I would later drop by here during an event (note, my appearance then was due to a Relay "Bid Me" event).

 Next was "Stage Left" at SL14 Stupendous and Mesmerize.

 This enormous build resembles a Chinese lion sculpture, though with three heads, which move around, and occasionally puff smoke. It was build by Faust Steamer, "This is the 3rd year this builder has been at SLB I think. or maybe four."

It's a little unnerving when one looks down at you, as if contemplating having you for lunch, in a bad way.

There was quite a bit of detail.

Sitting on top of the lion is the stage.

Which was where the parties were held, the performers just in front of the curtain in the back.

That's it for now from the SL14B. Stay tuned for more pictures, of the "Max Mystery Land," the resident exhibits, and more.

Bixyl Shuftan

Journey Across the SL14B on Day One

By Gemma Cleanslate

Sunday was a good day in the sl14b regions. It was very crowded at the stages, and at the builds. So lag was present. I took a couple of pod rides just to read the description of the build and hopped off at a couple places to look more closely at them.

I stopped by the Cake Stage to see the party going on . There were some interesting avatars enjoying the dj. Mikati Slade , the builder of the stage, was there checking out the party also.

I spent some time in two parcels that were very meaningful to me. The first was a memorial to Ladyslipper Constantine.

              

 LS as she is known passed away last year in September and is fondly remembered by all who knew her. She was also active in the Virtual Ability Group, Burn2, White Tiger Mentors, and so much more. The Drum, “ DRUM's goal is to bring the world to you via the power of drumming” was her love as she was profoundly deaf. Her unselfish help to so many in sl is well known. She served as a volunteer in many roles at the previous slbs and they are recalled here in the peaceful corner.

 

The memorial is a build of Darkstone Aeon and BB Woodford. It is lovely and reminds us so of Lady. Pictures of her real life and Second Life and all her SL Birthday badges surround a sweet little pool.  It is a restful pause in the clamor of the event. She was a good friend and I still miss her.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Enchant/217/247/22

But, over in Astound I found another beautiful tribute area to Lady. This one by Dream Wrexan and Darrk Gothly as co-builders..

Here you can see the memorial service that was held at Virtual Ability and pictures of Lady in her different roles.  

 It is lovely and shows how much Lady is missed. Her favorite flower and the reason for her name rises from a fountain. It is so fitting. Play the drums for her  if you visit.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Astound/43/185/22

 There is another memorial in Spellbound. I spent some time there too remembering my first years in Second Life when I was determined to learn how to do something with a prim. This parcel is dedicated to the creator of the Ivory Tower. Lumiere Noir who passed away in 2015 gave the Ivory Tower to Second Life to help all newcomers understand the power of the prim.

 Here Kennylex Luckless has built a history of the Ivory Tower and a history of Lumiere. There is a quote from Lumiere that embodies his work,” I seem to be hardwired to teach and explain. When I learn something or figure out a thing my first and most natural response is to try to pass it on to others.”  

Wander through and learn about someone who is also missed in second life for his generosity of spirit and kindness to all. The Ivory Tower is still in sl and if you have never  been there pick up a landmark at the door and go visit. Here is the landing point for the memorial.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL14B%20Spellbound/197/186/22

Gemma Cleanslate 

SL14B Exhibit Plot Holders

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Second Life Fourteenth Birthday celebrations, or the SL14B, are almost here.  And just about everyone interested wants a sneak peek. But there's an understanding between those exhibitors who write about Second Life and those who don't that unless a build is obviously incomplete, no pictures of the whole thing are to be published until just before the event. Exhibits are often tinkered on until a few days before, and of course there's not wanting to spoil the surprise. But we can show a few sneak peeks, and placeholders, which can give some ideas who will be around, and sometimes a little of the builder's imagination.

 Some just simply left their cake slice on the plots.

Others left their own objects as placeholders.

 Or a logo or picture, such as this drawing reminding the volunteers, and neighbors, there would soon be something.

 Bay City's flag, marking it's exhibit.

 Pictures of the "Black Spy," the late Lumiere Noir's avatar, in the plot of someone from the Ivory Tower of Prims.

Loki Eliot's placeholder, at his plot in SL14B Spellbound.

Obviously, this guy's not finished.

 The Museum of Archeology's placeholder was a description of who they are.

Jo Yardley's placeholder for the Berlin 1920s Project at SL14B Wonderous.

 At least they're not pink.

 Virtual Ability's placeholder sign and ground cover.

 For those who "wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole," would a hundred foot one do?

 London City's placeholder.

 RacerX Gullwing of the Giant Snail Races, one of the groups in both the SL14B and the Relay for Life, had his statue as his placeholder.

The National Space Society's placeholder, their flag on a barren landscape.

And finally, this man's wall cover says it all about the state of his exhibit.

Opening day of the SL14B is Sunday June 18, with the gates open at Noon. Be sure to see what these exhibitors, and others, have in store.

Bixyl Shuftan

HealthInfo Island

By Gemma Cleanslate

Right next to Virtual Ability region there is a region called Healthinfo Island. I was asking Gentle Heron for information for two friends and she sent me there to search for a support group I was trying to find . “The mission of Healthinfo Island is to provide timely, accurate, and accessible information on topics of physical, emotional, and mental health.  This is done through interactive displays, links to outside resources, group events, and personalized assistance. The Consumer Health Library at HealthInfo Island is here to help SL residents with health information needs.” The region is supported and maintained by Virtual Ability. 

I was amazed at the wealth of information I found. There seem to be inworld support groups for almost anything you or a friend need! There is a Path of Support that displays a myriad of signs with information about the groups. I was able to locate three groups that seemed to fit and brought my friends there to see.

           
All around the island  there are Health Exhibits that offer a multitude of knowledge about various illnesses, and some slide shows. Each poster contains a notecard with information in most of the exhibits.

 

There is a delightful herb garden with each herb named on a placard. Next to it  a beehive with a warning about the loss of bees going on now.There are some programs that take place either at the Herb Garden, The Farmer’s Market near the garden.

The Research Pavilion is filled with Studies from all over the world on many diseases and all available right here in second life. It is a treasure trove of information . Gentle told me, Researchers”   describe their upcoming research at the Research Pavilion, and recruit there, and come back and tell us the results."

Another treasure is the Consumer Health Library. Here you can find urls to lists of resources on the internet. 

One room is named Daisy’s Reading Room. I went in. I learned the room is named Daisyblue Hefferman .”Daisyblue Hefferman dedicated her time in Second Life to helping those in need. Daisy spent countless hours providing medical knowledge as Consumer Health Librarian on Healthinfo Island.” It is a lovely place to sit and read or work as I did on this article. Gentle told me she loves this place to sit and read also. 

I would recommend anyone with any kind of illness, or a caretaker, or have friends with issues to take a long walk through the region to see what is there that can be helpful. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/243/128/23

Gemma Cleanslate  

H.G. Wells' Exhibit at Netera's Coffee Lounge

By Bixyl Shuftan

Longtime readers may remember Netera Landar who wrote for the Newser for a time, and has been running "Netera's Coffee Lounge." In the past, the place was known for offering regular discussions of writers and musicians. For the past couple years, the Lounge has been ad Snug Harbor. Right now, Netera is showing off an H.G. Wells exhibit. On the second flour of the building, the exhibit is accessible through a teleporter on the floor.

Some of Well's science fiction stories are so well known, they've been made and remade into many movies and television programs, such as "The Invisible Man," "The Time Machine," "War of the Worlds," and "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Most can still be checked out at the library or purchased at bookstores. Probably only Jules Verne is about as well-remembered of the sci-fi writers of his time. On occasion, Wells himself has become a character in fiction such as the 1979 movie "Time After Time." Steampunk equipment and weapons are occasionally referred to as "Wellsian." Having inspired many beyond his time from science-fiction fans and writers alike to those with just a casual interest, Netera herself wondered what would it be like to have an actual conversation with the writer "with a fascination for history, politics, and social commentary."

The exhibit is a combination of written displays describing Wells and his life, photographs, pictures of movie posters based on his works, and props such as the time machine that one can sit in. Some of the facts are less than common knowledge, such as Wells' father was a professional sports player. And some are well known, such as the Orson Welles' radio play of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" novel in 1938 that was told so much like actual news broadcasts, it caused widespread panic. The exhibit does not go much into Wells' later years of which his article on Wikipedia describes as a time when his reputation as a writer declined.

So if you're a fan of science fiction, especially steampunk, the H.G. Wells exhibit is worth a visit. For more information, check out Netera's own article on the exhibit, or Inara Pey's article.

And Netera, give me some time to think on which three books I would take with me.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snug%20Harbor/115/112/23

Bixyl Shuftan.

Return to Yosemite

Last July I introduced you to Yosemite and all its glories. Later, Deaflegacy did an interview with the owner, Jadyn Firehawk, and her other varied and helpful interests in Second Life. I have been back to Yosemite several times during the year for relaxation, a horseback ride, a visit to the Art Forest, and the new Ranger Station. Now there are so many new venues to visit, I felt the need to tell you about some of them. 

At the entrance, there are teleport boards to aid you and a new guide to the sim you can pick up and save.

 My first stop was to see the  Keao's World.  What a story behind this new spot. The builder of the obelisk is totally blind and did the build with Jadyn’s assistance. It is hard for me to imagine, but there it is, a two story build with area to dance , sit and have a dinner at the table or relax on the couch listening to the chimes of the fountain. Pick up the notecard there where Keao Wright explains herself and her life.

Another new and fascinating area is the new ArchLives . I was thrilled to see that this is an area set aside by Jadyn for “A visitable 3D architectural archive featuring replicas of famous buildings that were created for past purposes in Second Life, builds that would otherwise no longer exist, including the Barcelona Pavilion, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Hatch Memorial Shell, and Villa Overby, with more exhibits to come.” This is the Canadian Parliament Library and Peace Tower.  I  immediately sent a message to a friend of mine who has marvelous builds from the past in his inventory and hope to see one there soon. Go see and feel the nostalgia. 

 
My next TP was to the Yosemite Village Stores that are now near the Maganda Arts. A great collections of unusual shops to visit . I saw items here I have not seen anywhere before from art pieces to clothing to fertilizer. Don’t miss that area!!

From there you can wander right over into the Art Forest where there is an exhibit by Rage Darkstone at this moment.There are two get-togethers every week for friends and family and anyone is invited to come. Fridays from 5-7 people get together at the campfire next to the visitor building to talk and toast marshmallows. Sunday Morning you are invited to have brunch in The Bear's Lair Coffee Shop which is located inside the Visitor Center.

Jaydyn is relaxing in the new Eagle's nest in the forest of ancient Giant Sequoia trees. You can take your honey and have a private place to talk.

There is so much more to enjoy and explore at Yosemite and some wonderful places to live if you are so inclined. get yourself over there and look at the new places I have written about here, and use the teleporter to find the other treasures. The new horses are great for riding in the forest. Perhaps I will see you there. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/193/64/22

 

 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Back To The Future: The Ride

By Bixyl Shuftan

Most are familiar with the "Back to the Future" sci-fi comedy movie trilogy. A sequel of sorts was the "Back To The Future: The Ride" at the Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando Florida. The ride opened on May 2 1991 (about a year after the third movie was in theaters), and ran until 2007, with a duplicate ride in Universal Sudios Japan running until 2016. As it turns out, there's a version of the ride here in Second Life at the ASD Studios sim. The tribute was created by Alicia Stella.

In order to experience the ride properly, one has to have media available. Ouside the ride is the first part of the pre-show in which the riders are spoken to by Doc Brown, having moved back to the present in order to found his "Institute of Future Technology." The riders were supposed to be volunteers for his new eight-seater version of his DeLorean time machine in which they would be sent forward into the future one day. Unfortunately, Biff Tannen, (the antagonist in the first two movies), has somehow gone from 1955 to the present day institute. In the second part of the pre-show, of which the doors open to every few minutes, Biff is shown trapping Brown in his office, getting into a time machine, and laughing as he speeds away into time. Doc pleads for the volunteers to get into the other time machine and go after him. Thanks to a tracker in Biff's machine, they can catch up to him and all they have to do is bump into him.

In the Second Life version of the ride, only four people can fit into the DeLorean time machine. The ride is best viewed in mouselook, as it shows the riders chasing Biff through time, occasionally crashing into things as he tries to throw them off through Hill Valley 2015, the Ice Age, and the Creaceous Period. Eventually, the riders catch up to their target. At the end of the show, Doc Brown thanks the riders, reminding them, "the future is what you make of it," and asks the riders to leave "before you meet yourself coming in." There's a donation jar near the exit to help with tier payments.

A fun ride, especially for fans of the movies.

More on the ride can be found on Wikipedia, and Universals Studios Wikia .

ASD Studios (18/89/27)

Hat tip: Skylark LeFavre

Bixyl Shuftan