SciFi Expo 2022 Applications Open

The SciFi Expo 2022 applications for merchants, performers and bloggers are now officially open. The SciFi Expo starts on Friday 14th October and runs through until Sunday 23rd October 2022 fundraising for Making Strides Against Cancer and The American Society.

The SciFi Expo (Voyage Through The Stars) brings together designers, roleplayers, performers and supporters from across the grid. The 2022 SciFi Expo is made possible thanks to the great support from the region and event sponsors. More details see the press release here.

Apply Here – make sure to read the guidelines before appying…

• Exhibitor Info
• Events Info
• Blogger Info

Please spread the word about the SciFi Expo 2022.

Fantasy Faire 2022 Blogger Applications Now Open

Great news to share today is that the Fantasy Faire 2022 blogger applications are now open and you can apply here. The Fantasy Faire is a huge charity event in Second Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. It offers live performances, immersive quests, auctions, Literary Festival events, roleplay, games, shopping and much more. There is a Discord group or the inworld group while we wait for the event to start.

The 2022 Fantasy Faire will open to the public on Thursday 21st April 2022 through until Sunday 8th May 2022. For more event details please read the press release below and spread the word around the grid. Thanks.

* * Fantasy Faire 2022, April 21 – May 8* *
A Benefit for the American Cancer Society

Many Realms – One Vision.
Fantasy Faire 2022: Building a World Without Cancer

Since 2009, Fantasy Faire has been the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players, and performers in the virtual world of Second Life®. It is also one of the most successful Relay For Life (RFL) fundraising teams worldwide. The 2021 Faire ranked 19th out of 5,000 RFL teams around the globe. Over its fourteen years, the Faire has raised close to $530,000 US Dollars, or over L$133,250,000 Linden Dollars.

For the past five years, the Faire has dedicated its fundraising efforts to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) global service and support programs, including the recently launched project BEACON (Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation).

A partnership with nine health institutions and organizations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, BEACON builds on the success of similar ACS programs in the US and elsewhere. The project answers the call from healthcare professionals and cancer patients in those areas for life-saving information that can dramatically increase survival rates. “Fantasy Faire is one of the cornerstones of our vital work,” says Kristie McComb, Managing Director of Global Capacity Development and Patient Support at the ACS. “It’s an inspiring example of a global community working together to address a global challenge.”

The Faire has long been considered the premier annual shopping event for fantasy-themed merchandise in Second Life, showcasing fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, and exclusive items by 250 of the grid’s top fantasy creators. In addition, Faire visitors enjoy dance and theater performances; attend auctions, art galleries, and a Literary and Film Festival; and share in an interactive quest and roleplaying events and classes.

Fantasy Faire Radio provides the soundtrack for visitors exploring the Fairelands, featuring music from blockbuster fantasy films along with a rich variety of world music traditions. A second radio station, “Live at the Fairechylde” features DJs spinning an upbeat, eclectic mix of tracks including classic rock, club music, jazz, blues, and pop hits. In 2021, more than 30,000 unique listeners tuned in from over 150 countries around the world.

It all comes to life again this year when the Fairelands return on April 21^st. “I’m always deeply moved that a realm made of ones and zeros has become home to a global community capable of affecting positive change for all humankind” says Elizabeth Tinsley, Executive Director of Fantasy Faire. “It doesn’t stop at the border between the virtual and the physical. In fact, that’s where the real magic truly starts.”

Fantasy Faire 2022 will be open to the public April 21 – May 8. The SLurl to the event will be found on the website on our opening day. We welcome you to come and join the story.

Fantasy Faire 2022 is made possible by the generous support of our Region and Event Sponsors, all of whom you can learn more about on the Faire’s website. For more information please contact one of the Faire coordinators:
https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/organizers/

Are you or a loved one battling cancer? Find out how many ways the American Cancer Society is there to help. Visit cancer.org or call (US) 800-227-2345.

Email: FantasyFaireRFL@gmail.com
Website: http://fantasyfaireSL.wordpress.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfairesl/
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/FantasyFaireSL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFaireSL
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/fantasyfairesl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FantasyFaireSL
Discord: https://discord.gg/cxN5NEzBe5
RFL in SL: www.relayforlife.org/secondlife

American Cancer Society SLurl:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/127/103/21

Good Press Coverage For High Fidelity Investing In Second Life

Over the past week there has been a noticeable amount of good press coverage around the internet about High Fidelity investing in Second Life and the good news on Philip Rosedale (founder of Second Life) is returning to Second Life as a strategic adviser. This is what Second Life strongly needs now going forward is more positive news coverage to grow Second Life out to reach a global audience.

There has been news coverage on Yahoo Finance, VentureBeat, The Verge, TechCrunch, Daily Advent, Axios, ZDNet and more. There will be a Lab Gab special which will be announced either later this week or next week. Stay tuned for that to hear what Philip and Brad has to say about all of this.

There has been good coverage on many Second Life bloggers sites from New World Notes, Inara Pey, SL Newser, Ryan Schultz, Orca Flotta, Mainland London and many more. There was been good discussions on Twitter, Plurk, Facebook etc.

As many know already Philip Rosedale will work with Linden Lab executive chairman Brad Oberwager. The majority of High Fidelity people, some of the money and patents are moving over to Second Life. There has been interesting discussion happening on the Second Life Forums about this investment. The feedback so far is mostly positive from what I am seeing.

In the Linden Lab press release there were some impressive statistics for Second Life now into it’s 19th year of operation. Hopefully Second Life will continue to grow further in 2022 and beyond that.

Now in its 19th year of operation, Second Life has had one of its strongest years ever with a growing user base and booming economy including an annual GDP of $650 million USD with 345 million transactions of virtual goods, real estate, and services. Over 2 billion user-generated assets exist inside Second Life with 8 million unique items sold on its Marketplace.

More news on this will be posted very soon. Lab Gab is the next big thing to watch out for now.

Press Release: Bay City Annual Tree Lighting 2021

Marianne McCann has released this year’s press release for the upcoming annual Bay City Tree Lighting event scheduled to happen from 1pm to 4pm SLT on Sunday 5th December 2021 over at the Bay City Fairgrounds in the North Channel region in Second Life.

The event will feature DJs, ice-skating, refreshments, dancing and much more. A silent auction supporting Child’s Play Charity will be held and hopefully new records will be set this year.

Here is the full press release below…

BAY CITY, SL (2 December, 2021) -The Bay City Alliance will host its annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, Saturday, 8th December 2019 from 1-4 pm SLT at the Bay City Fairgrounds, in North Channel ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/North%20Channel/128/128/24/ ). The event will feature DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream and live performances by Tamra Hayden and FrankLee Anatra. There will be much merry-making,  ice-skating, dancing, refreshments and lots of fun for all!

As part of the event, a silent auction supporting Child’s Play Charity (www.childsplaycharity.org) will be held. At our 2020 event, we raised L$135,994, and hope to break that in 2021

Confirmed designers, artists, and brands participating in the event include GenusProject, Diana Takeda (of Meshbody), Cica Ghost, Lunar Tripsa, Owen Lusch (of Lusch Motors), Brick Swansen, Late Billig (of Junk Food), Cindy Henusaki, Javatar Mocha, Plato Novo, Bryn Oh, Trinity Yazamoto, Vinsie Bunny, LadyJane Shippe (of Shippe & Saille), and OldManChristmas.
DeeDee Dakota will also be offering a parcel in Bay City – Falconmoon!

Additional Second Life™ designers and artists who wish to participate by providing fun, interesting, unique, or other transferrable items (or a no-copy object that the auction winner can give to you to redeem their prize, if the item(s) have to be no transfer) may contact ThomasHooker Resident to participate.

Auction will end at the conclusion of the event. All proceeds from the silent auction and from donation bins at the venue will go to Child’s Play Charity. Child’s Play is a 501c3 non profit organization offers online communities such as ours an opportunity to help seriously ill children around the globe during their hospital stays with the purchase of games and gaming equipment.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.

For more information, or to participate in the event, please contact Marianne McCann.

Please spread the word to everyone you know in Second Life. Thanks! 🙂

Linden Research, Inc. to Be Acquired

Linden Research, Inc announced today it signed an agreement to be acquired by an investment group led by Randy Waterfield and Brad Oberwager. Apparently Mr. Waterfield and Mr. Oberwager will join the Board of Directors of Linden Research, Inc very soon.

“The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval by financial regulators in the U.S. related to Tilia Inc.’s status as a licensed money transmitter as well as other customary closing conditions”.

The lab will continue to operate normally on a day to day basis including all Second Life operations. I don’t think there will be any immediate visible changes at the moment. I would imagine now there could be more speculation, concerns or even fears as to the future of Second Life.

This will be a new chapter, an new opportunity and another expansion for Second Life along with Tilia. Check out this statement made by Ebbe Altberg CEO of Linden Lab.

We’re excited for this new chapter to begin. We see this as an opportunity to continue growth and expansion for Second Life and our money services business Tilia. We’re grateful for the ongoing support from our community, business partners and investors. Now more than ever, there is increased recognition of the value and utility of virtual worlds to bring people together for safe, shared, and social on-line experiences.

Who are they ?

Mr. Oberwager has spent his entire career in technology and consumer-focused companies. Mr. Oberwager is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jyve, a Silicon Valley based technology company. Prior to Jyve, Mr. Oberwager owned Bare Snacks, acquired by PepsiCo. Mr. Oberwager is an advisor to several technology start-ups and sits on the boards of several technology and CPG companies.

Mr. Waterfield is the Chairman and CEO of the Waterfield Group. The Waterfield Group has invested in over 100 technology, financial, insurance, bank and other companies.

Linden Lab have released this press release below…

2020-07-09 00:00:00 UTC

New Growth & Expansion Opportunities on the Horizon for Second Life and Tilia

SAN FRANCISCO, July 9, 2020 — Linden Research, Inc. announced today it signed an agreement to be acquired by an investment group led by Randy Waterfield and Brad Oberwager. Closing of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval by financial regulators in the U.S. related to Tilia Inc.’s status as a licensed money transmitter as well as other customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Mr. Waterfield and Mr. Oberwager will join the Board of Directors of Linden Research, Inc.

“We’re excited for this new chapter to begin. We see this as an opportunity to continue growth and expansion for Second Life and our money services business Tilia,” says Linden Lab CEO Ebbe Altberg. “We’re grateful for the ongoing support from our community, business partners and investors. Now more than ever, there is increased recognition of the value and utility of virtual worlds to bring people together for safe, shared, and social online experiences.”

“Both the company and its virtual world community have a unique culture and creative energy that remain important to the long-term success of Second Life,” says Brad Oberwager. “There’s a bright future for both Second Life and Tilia and we’re excited to help fuel these growth opportunities.”

“Since its inception 17 years ago, Second Life has been a pioneer in the concepts of virtual societies, land and economies,” says Second Life founder Philip Rosedale, who is now CEO of High Fidelity. “I’ve known Brad for 14 years personally and professionally, and I’m confident he will bring his passion and proven strategies to help Linden Lab achieve new heights in distribution, scale, and quality while remaining true to the original vision, creativity, and community that makes Second Life unique and special.”

Mr. Oberwager has spent his entire career in technology and consumer-focused companies. Mr. Oberwager is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jyve, a Silicon Valley based technology company. Prior to Jyve, Mr. Oberwager owned Bare Snacks, acquired by PepsiCo. Mr. Oberwager is an advisor to several technology start-ups and sits on the boards of several technology and CPG companies.

Mr. Waterfield is the Chairman and CEO of the Waterfield Group. The Waterfield Group has invested in over 100 technology, financial, insurance, bank and other companies.

ABOUT LINDEN RESEARCH, INC.

Linden Research, Inc. dba Linden Lab develops platforms that empower people to create, share, and benefit from virtual experiences. Founded in 1999, the company first launched Second Life, the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe, in 2003, which has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy. For more about Linden Lab, its products, and career opportunities, visit its website.

For more information, contact presscontact@lindenlab.com

Kultivate’s Dene Art Gallery Holding Special Resolution Exhibition From 10th To 12th July 2020

The Kultivate’s Dene Art Gallery will be holding a special Resolution Exhibition from 10th to 12th July 2020 in Second Life. This event will feature over 30 Flickr talented photographers and Flickr artists along with three days of live music. Everyone is welcome to attend this event and share the press release below. 

Here is the events schedule…

All music events take place at the stage.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/192/136/25

Friday, July 10, 2020:
-8 am slt – Exhibition Opens
-3pm to 4pm slt – live performer Samuel James
-4pm to 5pm slt – live performer Abby Jaidov
-5pm to 6pm slt – live performer Mavenn

Saturday, July 11, 2020:
-2pm to 3pm slt – live performer Wolfie Starfire
-3pm to 4pm slt – live performer Jesie Janick

Sunday, July 12, 2020:
-11 am to 12pm slt – live performer Max Kleene
-12pm to 2pm slt – live performer DimiVan Ludwig
-1pm to 2pm slt – live performer Samm Qendra
-1159 pm slt – Exhibition Ends

Here is the full press release…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESOLUTION EXHIBITION

Dates: July 10 to 12, 2020

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/147/128/24

Kultivate’s latest gallery, Dene Gallery, presents the Resolution Exhibition! This special three day exhibition will feature some of the top talented photographers and artists that can be found on Flickr. The exhibition is curated by photographer and artist,  Tempest Rosca (Huntsman) and will feature 3 days of live music. 

ParticipatingArtists Include: Beuanna Banana, Brian2 Werefox, ByrneDarkly Cazalet, CalebBryant Resident, Giselle Chauveau, INARA PEY, Ivyana Szondi, Johannes Huntsman, Kacey Macbeth, Kalina Sands, ladycharis, Lam Erin, LawrenceD, Morgaine Blackrain, Myra Wildmist, nugget ichibara, Paradox Mercury, PinkRayne, Reya Darkstone, Rockcail Resident, Roman Godde, serenaelia, sirspanking, Skip Staheli, Skye Fairywren, Sugarfairy88 Resident, Tempest Rosca, TrishaSrose, Whata Conundrum, & Wicca Merlin

The following live performers will provide entertainment throughout the exhibition: Samuel James, Steph Sinatra, Mavenn, Wolfie Starfire, Jesie Janick, Max Kleene,  & Samm Qendra. 

About Dene Gallery & Kultivate:
Dene Gallery is part of the Kultivate family of galleries and is located in Rosehaven. The gallery is curated by Tempest Rosca (Huntsman) and highlights one artist each month. Kultivate consists of Kultivate Magazine, Windlight Art Gallery, The Edge Gallery, Kultivate Loft Gallery, Kultivate Signature Gallery, & Kultivate Select Gallery. The goal of Kultivate is to promote and support the cultural aspects of Second Life. Kultivate is proud to be the official sponsor and media partner of Team Diabetes of Second Life, an official and authorized team of The American Diabetes Association.

For More Information:
https://kultivatemagazine.com/resolution-exhibition/

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The 5th Anniversary Issue of Kultivate Magazine is now available here. 

Press Release: Relaystock and Bid the Lindens Bald Return for Relay for Life 2020

Check out this new press release….

RELAYSTOCK AND BID THE LINDENS BALD RETURN FOR 2020 RELAY FOR LIFE

(Arinultra Cay)  The enormously popular annual ‘Gathering of the Tribes’ at RelayStock will return for the seventh year.  Teams of the Relay For Life will hoist their banners above tents and campers as they come together for ‘3 Days of Peace, Love and Hope’, at the annual event hosted by the Relay Rockers.

The event which will run May 15th through the 17th highlights entertainment and camaraderie throughout the weekend.  The main stage will be shared by entertainers from the various teams, as well as SL headliners Maxamillion Kleene, Turner Harbrough and, Todd Rumsford. The entertainment wraps up on Sunday evening with the Finals of the Celebrate Remember Fight Back Top DJ Competition, followed by T1Radio’s Time Machine and a Flash Mob dance with The Roo’s With a Dream.

VW vans and tents will once again be supplied by the Rockers for registered RFL  teams to use as ‘team-sites’. The event is organized by Relay Rockers Co-Captain Arizona Ballnger. When asked about the success of the event she said, “RelayStock remains one of the most awaited events of the Relay season and offers teams a chance to hangout, listen to good tunes and dance in the mud. It’s a fun event for everyone and the Rockers love to see all the teams come together and take a breather before the sprint to the season finish.”

FOURTH ANNUAL BID THE LINDENS BALD

In addition to RelayStock, the Rockers are once again hosting Bid The Lindens Bald.   For the 4th year teams made up from employees of Linden Lab will compete to see who can raise the most donations to Relay For Life, with the last place team going bald.  The event will start on May 13th and wrap up on the 20th.  The team losing its hair promises to go bald in Second Life until the opening of Relay weekend on morning of June 6th.  Since 2017 Bid The Lindens Bald has raised more than L$ 2.5 million to support the Relay For Life of Second Life.

Linden Lab has provided a listing of the teams competing in this year’s event

Team 1:  Darcy, Jet, Oz, Spots, Volo Team 2: Derrick, Kit, Patsy, TJ, Wendi

Team 3: Dottie, Kristin, Rocko, Vanessa, Whitney Team 4: Izzy, Madori, Patch, Roran, Vix

Voting for Bid The Lindens Bald is done by donation to Relay For Life kiosks, located at the barn in the RelayStock2020 region, and is open to ALL Second Life residents. (For a SLURL please visit relayrockers.org.

Teams wishing to take part in RelayStock 2020 can apply online for team-sites.  To find out more and to register for team-site please visit www.relayrockers.org/relaystock .