The Bay City Parade Float Fiasco | Events & Announcements | New Locations

THE BAY CITY PARADE FLOAT FIASCO

"I can help."

Why do I keep saying that? It's my catchphrase and once again landed me in a situation where I had to juggle creativity, time, and sanity. This time, it was all thanks to Bel the BBB CEO, who mentioned that the deadline for our float in the Bay City parade was fast approaching. By "fast approaching", she meant three days away and we had... nothing. No plan, no float, not even an idea.

I'd stumbled into the conversation oblivious to our participation in the parade. Without a second thought, I volunteered to build the float. We met with BBB founder Boo Rojyo to brainstorm, but soon I was alone in my workshop asking myself, "What have you gotten yourself into?" Luckily my friend Dylan Fairelander happened to be loitering there. He didn't know it but he was about to become my partner in chaos.

Our first task: swipe The Gazette's van to use as the centrepiece. For legal reasons I can't share the details of how this was accomplished, but once smuggled back to the workshop, Dylan took the job seriously and spent every spare minute there. Hour after hour passed with details emerging, fading away, being replaced with better ideas, until we had something to make the BBB proud. I tested our “finished” product (I use that term loosely because no project of mine is ever truly finished until I run out of time) by attaching it to myself and driving it around. In an hilarious moment, I accidentally ran over Dylan. Okay, Dylan says "hilarious" is not the term he'd use, but he's not writing this article, so...

If I was going to drive this rig, I wasn't going to sit there like a bump on a pickle. I needed a new plan. So I sat there like a bump on a pickle until I suddenly imagined myself as a cheerleader for the BBB. This was going to be EPIC! But now I needed more help. Enter my friend Dreamy Fairelander, who was hiding somewhere, probably sensing that I was about to drag her into another of my projects. Armed with cupcakes, I lured her out. "Aha! There you are! I need your help," I declared triumphantly.

Dreamy eyed me suspiciously. She knows me well. I explained my grand vision: the BBB ladies would dress as cheerleaders and lead the float, with the BBB men walking and cheering alongside. Dreamy, a member of the SL Cheerleading Squad, was all in.

Bay City Float 1

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I whipped up cheerleader dresses while Dreamy crafted matching shoes and pom poms. Dylan, Dreamy, and I worked tirelessly, and it was actually fun. We kept each other company, shared a lot of laughs, and before we knew it, the float was ready for its grand unveiling.

Boo came by to inspect our masterpiece. While impressed, he pointed out a tiny problem: its complexity was a staggering 240,000+. This was a problem because, you know, we wanted people to actually see our float, not just hear about it!

Bay City Float 2

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With only 24 hours left, we had to reduce complexity drastically without compromising the look. We reworked textures, consolidating dozens into one by using offsets on prim faces, and simplified numerous other elements. By some miracle, we lowered the complexity by about 100,000 without changing the appearance. Our float looked exactly the same, but was now parade-ready and visible to all. I'm grateful Boo caught that issue.

Finally, the big day arrived and we all donned our gear and headed to the parade staging area. After herding all our bureau-cats for photos, it was time to start down the parade route. I drove the float while our cheerleaders marched in front. I had the best seat in the house because I got to watch all of them as I tried hard not to run them over. People cheered, flags were waved. The crowd was very friendly. It was a great atmosphere and we all had such a great time!

Parade Crew Group Photos

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So, next time you hear me say, "I can help," feel free to remind me of the great Parade Float Fiasco. It might save me from another self-inflicted whirlwind of creative chaos. But just know that when you do, I will probably grin and say, "Yeah, that was so much fun!"

Article and photos by Liberty Fairelander | Additional photos by Bebe Crannock, Amandat Tamatzui and Gazette staff

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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have one of our stamp terminals and you're having an event or would like to make an announcement, just let us know and we'll be happy to feature it here. Please drop a notecard on the Editor, Dave (Lord.Junibalya) in-world or use the Email the Editor link in the sidebar to send us your information, posters and/or photos.

Zoo-Palooza 5: Hamanji

Adventurers beware: Come and experience the awe and wonder that is Hamanji. A place for those who seek a way to leave their world behind. But remember do not begin unless you intend to finish!! Hamanji is governed by these five rules:

1. There are magical orbs hidden in the land of Hamanji.

2. Some take you to places low.

3. Some take you to places high.

4. Wild and dangerous animals guard the orbs.

5. Save Hamanji by finding the dragons eyes and win the game.

The adventure awaits... This event marks Zoo-Palooza's 5th anniversary, making this a very special year for us. We can hardly believe this will be our 5th zoo in Bellisseria! We hope you will swing by to discover all the secrets of Hamanji, enjoy some events with old and new friends, grab the limited edition stamp and of course .. see if you can locate the end game prizes in the lush junglescape! 

 

All the parties are listed here. 

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CDS Photo Competition 2024

Show your vision of the CDS (Confederation of Democratic Simulators) and win cash prizes! All SL photographers of any level are welcome to participate.

Theme: Capture the essence of the CDS! The CDS - cdsdemocracy.org/ is the oldest Democracy in Second Life and consists of six beautiful sims with lots of countryside, two cities and two villages. CDS regularly holds different art, music and cultural events and has many small art galleries.

Bonus: Additional prizes will be awarded for the best photos in the categories "Landscapes", "Urban Environment" and "People and Events."

DEADLINE: June 16, 2024 at 11:59 PM SLT

PRIZES:
First Place: L$1,500
Second Place: L$1,000
Third Place: L$500

Full details and rules here.

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NEW LOCATIONS

The Bellisseria Animal Sanctuary has established an event that is already a tradition in Bellisseria. This year's Zoo-Palooza opens on 25th May at the fairgrounds and continues until 22nd June. The theme is Hamanji and we're eagerly waiting to see what the Hammies have in store! 

Every year, the Liberty Fire Department honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day. 2024 is no different. There will be a display honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by the station, as well as a guest book for visitors to sign. The stamp won't be in place until the day itself. 

Come and enjoy the DJ's at Loving Kitties Club, established on March 1, 2024. This is an LGBTQ+ supporting location.

Zoo-Palooza 5: Hamanji BE Event: 25 May - 22 June 2024
Liberty FD Memorial Day 2024 ST Event: Monday, May 27 (stamp not in place until the day)
Loving Kitties Club JE

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The Great Passport Stamp Adventure | Events & Announcements | New Locations

The Great Passport Stamp Adventure

Welcome, dear readers, to the wild and wacky world of SL bureaucracy. Today, we’re diving into the thrilling saga of getting your very own Second Life® place or event featured with an official passport stamp. Hold onto your hats and glasses, because this here’s the most bureaucratic ride in the metaverse!

Step 1: The Application Odyssey

Our journey begins with the application process. This is no ordinary form-filling exercise; it’s an epic quest of details, precision, and—let's face it—sheer perseverance. The application form is designed to weed out the faint of heart, ensuring only the truly dedicated make it to the end. Remember to be thorough in filling out every section. Double-check those coordinates, triple-check those dates, and for goodness' sake, make sure you spell everything correctly. We’re a bureaucracy, after all.

But wait, there's more! You must also submit a 500-word essay on why your place or event deserves a stamp (Okay, it's really just a short description, but treat it like it's a thesis defence!), accompanied by a short interpretive dance video demonstrating your passion for passports. Just kidding about the dance—though it couldn't hurt to add a bit of flair!

Step 2: The Art of Communication

Once you’ve filed your application, the real fun begins. The official assigned to your case will be your lifeline in this bureaucratic maze. Maintain contact like your virtual life depends on it. Respond promptly to their messages, answer their questions with the diligence of a court stenographer, and for the love of Second Life®, don’t leave them hanging.

Imagine your bureaucrat as a rare and exotic creature—half wizard, half paperwork ninja. They have the mystical power to transform your chaotic scribbles (or your carefully-crafted personal artwork, if you have the skill) into a sleek, official passport stamp. Respect their craft, follow their instructions, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get your stamp on time.

Step 3: Deployment Drama

Your stamp is ready, and the moment of truth approaches. It’s time to coordinate with your representative to deploy your stamp terminal in-world. This is where many a hopeful applicant has stumbled. Here are a few tales of woe to serve as cautionary tales:

• The Phantom Terminal: One enthusiastic event organiser placed their stamp terminal in a location so obscure even Indiana Jones couldn’t find it. Pro tip: if your terminal is in a hidden cave guarded by virtual boulders and dragons, no one will get their passport stamped.
• The Time Traveler’s Terminal: Another well-meaning soul forgot to coordinate the deployment time with their bureaucrat minder. The result? A terminal that went live two weeks after the event ended. Oops.
• The Great Grid Gremlin: And then there was the case of the individual who didn’t test their terminal before launch. On the big day, eager visitors clicked the terminal only to receive a message saying, “404 Stamp Not Found.” Always, always test your terminal! -Okay I totally made this last one up! We always test the terminals before we send them out! But even so, you should test them when you get them just to be sure because even bureaucrats can make mistakes.

Success!

Assuming you’ve navigated these treacherous waters, your reward awaits: publication in The Gazette and the StampFinder (StaFi) HUD in-world and a new yellow dot on the interactive stamp locations map. Your location will also be added to the slideshows at the Bellisserian Embassies around SL. This is your moment of glory, your time to shine, your fifteen minutes of Second Life fame. Bask in the adulation of your fellow residents as they flock to your newly minted stamp terminal.

The Moral of the Story

In conclusion, dear Second Lifers, getting a passport stamp is not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to following instructions. But for those who persevere, the rewards are sweeter than a virtual cupcake.

So, fill out those forms, stay in touch with your stamp designer / terminal technician, and test those terminals. In the immortal words of every bureaucrat ever: when in doubt, fill it out - in triplicate! Happy stamping!

Article by Liberty Fairelander | Photo by Gazette staff photographer

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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have one of our stamp terminals and you're having an event or would like to make an announcement, just let us know and we'll be happy to feature it here. Please drop a notecard on the Editor, Dave (Lord.Junibalya) in-world or use the Email the Editor link in the sidebar to send us your information, posters and/or photos.

...Fats Lardner's Unsinkable II
est. 05/2024
carefree and playfully decorated exterior but step inside and things take a spooky turn!

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New edition available of the Bellisseria SLRR Map

You can pick up your copy from the kiosk at Radioactive Rosca's Linden Home. Enjoy!

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Bellisseria Bike, Drive and Scoot! fourth annual Golf Around Event

here's your taxi.

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Review of Women's World: Art & Perspectives in Second Life®

Well-known blogger Inara Pay has visited Zoey Rhodan's Black Tulip Gallery in the CDS and reviewed the current exhibition there, which of course is currently offering an event stamp for your passport. You can read the review here. Inara concludes that; 

Women’s World brings together some extraordinary digital artists, presenting their work in a manner than both emphasises the rich diversity of art and expression available through and because of Second Life, and does so – thanks to the gallery’s size and general ambience – in a manner that encourages a level of intimacy with the art which might have been lost within a larger, more formal environment.

If you haven't already, why not stop by and check it out?

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Liberty's article last week for the Gazette made into a song!

You seem to have enjoyed last week's article by Liberty Fairelander about her experience in joining the BBB. The BBB's resident bard, Robert Rhodan, has made it into a song so you can enjoy it again – and this time sing along!

Here's the link to the song. And if you're into karaoke, here's the link to the lyrics. 

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Stamp Locations Map is now fully released

You can now find stamp locations via an interactive map created by our HTML guru, Robert. Hovering your mouse over a dot on the map pops up the location name. Just click on the dot TPs to teleport there. 

Here's the link, which will also be added permanently to the sidebar of The Gazette for future reference. 

Our thanks to Sandy Burgess who showed us how to convert SLURLs into grid coordinates; making these interactive maps possible. Thanks also, as always, to Robert "Kaizen" Rhodan, who works hard at continuously enhancing our services. Sandy and Robert, between them, have made stamp collection tour planning much easier and more fun. 

As our contributions to SL cartography grow, we'll be adding links to the maps to our new sidebar section in The Gazette called Useful Maps.

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Bay City 16th Anniversary Celebration

Every May, Bay City has a big anniversary party, including a parade down our Route 66 to celebrate. We welcome all revelers to participate, regardless of being a Bay City resident. We want the grid to feel welcome in our city, and help us celebrate our anniversary! To that end, we would like to welcome you to take part in our anniversary parade.

To do so, join us on Sunday, 19th May, starting from the bandshell in Bay City - Harwich. We will then and travel down Route 66 and Park Place to the Bay City Fairgrounds at North Channel.

We welcome you to just show off along the route, bring your friends or inworld group to march, create a float or other conveyance, and have a silly time. Parade lineup begins at noon or so, with the parade itself kicking off promptly at 12:30. Also, we welcome people to come and cheer on our revelers as they march, and welcome you to come and just enjoy the show!

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NEW LOCATIONS

The Second Life Endowment for the Arts (SLEA) is an important SL institution. Linden Lab contributed regions to be made available for ambitious art installations that might not otherwise find a home. Anyone can apply and over the years some of our favourite SL art shows have taken place there. There's also a permanent musical arts venue at SLEA1 called The Factory, where selected musicians can showcase their talent in performances advertised on the SLEA website and the SLEA Facebook page.

A now-traditional event at the fairgrounds is brought to us by one of the Linden Continent's most active groups – Bellisseria Bike, Drive and Scoot! It's their annual "golf-around". This year the theme is "Back to the 80s" so break out those shoulder-pads and Princess Diana hair-dos!

On 18th May at noon SLT is the opening party of the community exhibition, Elements at the Museum of Contemporary Art in the Confederation of Democratic Simulators. DJ Anjoux Herbit will provide the tunes. The exhibition ties in with the theme of Second Life’s 21st Birthday celebrations. Come along and be captivated and inspired by the photos, images, and art of CDS citizens. Don’t forget to visit the other galleries in the museum and its sculpture garden.

Artsebarsky Gardens started as a personal challenge for BBB founder, Boo Rojyo,  to create a reasonably realistic and interesting garden on a small thin L-shaped plot comprising three tiny unwanted parcels joined together. The resulting lovely little build is a thoughtful example of "in-fill" mainland development sympathetic to its surroundings. Mainland doesn't have to be ugly and chaotic even when neighbours are not working together as long as they respond intelligently to what they see around them.

Green Harbour is the bigger twin of Artsebarsky Gardens. It's a GTFO! port and gardens. We were amused to see on the GTFO! notice board that Boo's been busy in his retirement delivering love letters! We hope some of them were to his wife, Fiona. We think we detect her delicate influence here. Fi had a big influence in the design of the BBB's own locations in our early years so we recognise her style. It's another lovely build so please enjoy it. 

Bay City is one of the oldest planned communities in Second Life® and was added to the continent of Sansara in 2008. Every May, it has a big anniversary party, including a parade down its Route 66 to celebrate. All revellers are welcome to participate, whether or not Bay City residents. The parade is on Sunday, 19th May and you may see a BBB float if you come along. 

The Factory (SLEA Musical Arts Venue) PE
BDS - 4th Annual Golf Around BE Event: 16-22 May 2024
Elements Community Exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art CDS Event: 18 May 2024
Artsebarsky Gardens GV
Green Harbour GV
Bay City 16th Anniversary Parade BC Event 19th May 2024

Please feel free to leave comments. We welcome feedback! The comment form asks for an email address but that's entirely optional. Just leave it blank if you prefer.

PBR is here! | Navigating the Bureaucratic Bermuda Triangle | Events & Announcements | New Locations

PBR IS HERE!

What the heck is that? Physically-Based Rendering is the new-to-SL way that your viewer will render textures.

So what?

Without getting technical, let's just say for starters that everything in our world is going to look a little more realistic. Linden Lab is still tweaking, but over on the SL Beta Grid it's already easy to see the difference in things like grass and rocks (terrain textures in SL have always been pretty awful). The differences may be subtle, but you'll feel them even if you don't see them.

Me in a mirror on the Beta grid. You can see it's very imperfect, but the reflection is absolutely sharp.

What excites me most as a clothing creator who specialises in things that sparkle and shine, is that PBR gives us mirrored reflections. Mirrors are working (albeit quirkily) on the beta grid; in our active world they already exist (I've got some at home) but are fuzzy.

However on things like clothing, building parts and vehicles, mirror textures can look incredible! My motorcycles have bright chrome pipes and candy-apple red fenders; my dresses, boots and riding suits reflect everything I pass.

Some PBR rock on the Beta grid. It's hard to tell here, but those little bumps are all casting shadows.

PBR on clothing and vehicles is tricky, though. Because it is so reflective, it depends on the light and environment far more than regular textures. That means something bright chrome at Midday turns almost black at Midnight. I do my best to inform my customers about these changes, and make the surprises exciting and fun!

When can I get and use things made in PBR?

The identical suit under Midday and Midnight lighting, just to show what difference it makes.

You can buy, make and use PBR materials and objects right now. But you will only see the PBR material in a PBR-enabled viewer. These include the official SL viewer and beta versions of Firestorm, Alchemy and perhaps others I don't know about. This could change any day without warning.

Where can I learn more?

As the Sun moves, the shadows on the mortar (and on the bricks themselves) change, making them look much more realistic.

I have a big Flickr album where I put all my experiments and creations, along with a lot of informative graphics and videos. Full disclosure: the promotional material for the PBR clothes I make are there, but even those should give you a really good idea of what these are like to wear.

Finally, here's a split-screen video that gives you an idea of what to expect.

So there it is; PBR – coming Soon™ to a viewer near you!

Article and photographs by Dana Enyo

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NAVIGATING THE BUREAUCRATIC BERMUDA TRIANGLE: AN ACCIDENTAL ADVENTURE AT THE BBB

In the digital universe of Second Life, where avatars frolic and dreams take on pixelated forms, there exists a mystical realm known as the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy (BBB). And lo and behold, dear reader, yours truly, Liberty Fairelander, stumbled headfirst into its bureaucratic Bermuda Triangle, armed with nothing but a pixelated smile and a healthy dose of bewilderment. Let's hit rewind for a moment, shall we? Picture me, Liberty, a wide-eyed dreamer with aspirations of dragon-slaying and adventure, suddenly thrust into a world of virtual paperwork and shenanigans. Becoming a bureaucrat was about as likely as finding a unicorn in a pixelated haystack. But fate, as it often does, had other ideas, and faster than you can type "Ctrl+Alt+Del," I was knee-deep.

Now, picture this: a bustling hive of activity where avatars flit about like caffeinated hummingbirds, and virtual paperwork flows like a never-ending stream of consciousness. It is a well-oiled machine and the members make it look effortless, but let me tell you, dear reader, beneath the surface the feet paddling could cause a tsunami. The movement is akin to herding cats on a sugar high. My journey into the world of bureaucracy began with a chance conversation with Jezebel (Bel) Bailey and then another with Sandy Burgess, two seasoned bureaucrats who offhandedly expressed a need for help. "I can help," I declared boldly as my words morphed into a commitment to assist. And just like that, I found myself hurtling down the rabbit hole of bureaucracy with Robert Rhodan as my mentor. My initial foray into the world of BBB? Crafting passport stamps for places and events of Second Life. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. Armed with little more than my wits and a prayer, I dove headfirst into the task, seeking guidance from my fellow BBB'ers at every turn. Terrified I would let them down, I probably drove them crazy showing them every change I made with that first stamp. But they were very encouraging and helpful, and if any of them screamed profanities into a pillow about the "new girl" I am unaware, and gratefully so!

 

But here's the kicker: despite my initial fears, I found myself strangely drawn to the world of bureaucracy. There's something oddly satisfying about navigating the labyrinthine maze of virtual red tape; untangling the web of virtual paperwork and emerging victorious on the other side. Who knew bureaucracy could be so... exhilarating? And perhaps the greatest surprise of all? The sense of camaraderie that permeates every pixelated corner of the BBB. From the moment I set foot in this virtual office space, I was welcomed with open arms and a plethora of virtual high fives, my fellow bureaucrats guiding me through the intricacies of their world with patience and understanding. So there you have it, dear reader. My journey into the heart of Bellisseria's bureaucratic jungle may have been unexpected, but it's a journey I wouldn't trade for all the virtual stamps in Second Life. Because in the end, whether you're navigating paperwork or forging friendships, there's one thing that remains constant: the sweet satisfaction of a job well done. And maybe, just maybe, a healthy dose of humor to keep you sane along the way.

 

Article by Liberty Fairelander

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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have one of our stamp terminals and you're having an event or would like to make an announcement, just let us know and we'll be happy to feature it here. Please drop a notecard on the Editor, Dave (Lord.Junibalya) in-world or use the Email the Editor link in the sidebar to send us your information, posters and/or photos.

Ongoing at the Fairgrounds: Mental Health Awareness Weekend

Here's your taxi

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Ink & Inclusion: Navigating Disability in Writing

Discover how embracing your unique journey can supercharge your productivity and creativity as a writer! Whether you're navigating physical challenges, neurodiversity, or invisible disabilities, this session will offer practical tips and inspiring insights to help you thrive in your craft.

Don't let anything hold you back from pursuing your passion! Let's unlock your full potential together!

May 16, 2024 at 2pm SLT

Here's your taxi.

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Radioactive Rosca is featured artist at the Firestorm Gateway Art Gallery this month

Here's your taxi.

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NEW LOCATIONS

The SL representative of Burning Man – BURN2 – is now represented at the Second Life Community Exhibition, where it's issuing a special passport stamp. 

The largest and most influential group in Bellisseria –Bellisseria Citizens – is staging a Mental Health Awareness Weekend event at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds this weekend. It's in progress already so do visit and check out the programme of speakers, as well as collecting your event stamp.

Our stamp designer, RL Artist AmandaT Tamatzui, has a number of personal gallery spaces in world as well as exhibiting regularly at the major art galleries of Second Life®. One of her personal galleries is in the CDS and it's now issuing its own passport stamp. 

Finally, and with your Editor's apologies for jumping the gun by publishing it some weeks ago – before it had actually been released, there's Surfer's Hangout, which is on a small island in the middle of the sea. It's a sailors' stop, you can surf nearby and there's a rez zone. We are very sorry if you visited fruitlessly before.

BURN2 Expo @ Second Life Community Exhibition BE
Bellisseria Citizens Mental Health Awareness Weekend BE Event May 10-12 2024
ATG in C.D.S. CDS
Surfers' Hangout PE

Please feel free to leave comments. We welcome feedback! The comment form asks for an email address but that's entirely optional. Just leave it blank if you prefer.

Out & About: LDPW Locations | Final Results for Stamps Collected at B5B | Major Improvement of the Boat Rez Zones Map | Events & Announcements | New Locations

OUT & ABOUT: LDPW LOCATIONS

One of the ways Linden Lab kindly supports the BBB is by allowing our stamp terminals to be placed at selected public places. Abnor Mole takes care of this. Over the years, he has placed seventy-two terminals at Linden Department of Public Works (LDPW) locations.

In line with our Bellisserian roots, many scenic spots on the Linden Homes continent are featured in this category of the Gazette Online Travel Guide (and of course the StampFinder – StaFi – HUD in-world). However some of the locations are older than Bellisseria.  For instance the Meauxle Bureau, which is the headquarters of LDPW and where senior Moles are to be found at the bar of the local pub. 

Second Life® was conceived by founder Philip Linden as an enormous building playset where – unlike in MMOG's or MMO's where everything you see is made by the game developers – all content would be made by residents.  This ideal is most purely realised on the Mainland Continents of SL, where a delightful (to some) anarchy prevails. Residents with building skills and design sense can, and do, make wonderful places there – just as Phil must have hoped.

Humans are social beings so this works best when neighbours cooperate, such as in the delightful regions of Seogyeoshire. Fans of the wonderful Zany Zen Railway have built an environment based on the villages and landscapes of your editor's home country of Wales, through which ZZR trains can run. 

So who then, in this resident-made world, are the Moles? What exactly is the LDPW? Early in SL's history it became apparent that the original vision was a bit too anarchic for many. There was a clear need for professionally-made content, as evidenced by those clever residents who made fortunes building planned and landscaped environments on private estates for sale or rent.

To bring some professional landmarks to Mainland, Linden Lab hit on the idea – not of employing new Lindens as game world developers – but of hiring residents. They called their new recruits "Moles" and the LDPW was born. Bridges, ski-lifts and volcanoes appeared as landmarks to give a permanent shape and reliably-professional tone to the shifting landscapes. 

The Moles of the LDPW built not only isolated features like the Leviathan Skeleton in Nautilus, but major projects like the Pyri Funfair, Bay City and Horizons.

So, the Moles are residents just like us who've made a career in-world using their SL skills. As LDPW employees they build and take care of Linden Lab's own estates in Second Life®. If you're interested in their handiwork and want to explore the LDPW estate then collecting this category of passport stamps is a fun way to do it.

Article & Photos by Gazette staff

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FINAL RESULTS FOR STAMPS COLLECTED AT B5B

click to enlarge

It's official. The Bellisseria Hammies are more popular than Bellisserian diplomats, BBB Bureaucrats, Lindens or Moles! The most popular stamp collected at B5B was the main event stamp (194 collected) but the most popular personal stamps collected from residents carrying SSiD Tablets at the event were those for Varihammy (134) and Miss Hammie (124). Of course the rest of us stood no chance in the face of their 100hm cuteness factor¹. 

The most popular Mole was Cornelius (122) and the most popular Linden was Patch (120). The most popular bureaucrat was Robert (113) and the most popular ambassador was HE Sandy, the honorary ambassador to CDS (83).

Of course, we're just having fun with this. It was not a popularity contest^2. How many stamps were collected for each person depended on their availability and the time zones in which they live, quite as much as their hammiemeter points. 

The BBB would like to thank, officially, all of the residents who carried SSiD tablets so that our passport holders could have fun chasing them down. We hope new friendships arose in the process. 

You can read the full results here, thanks to "Mr Popular" Robert's sterling work in statistical analysis. 

If you're interested in who collected the most stamps, we can now tell you the final results of that too. In the end (partly thanks to the huge turnout of Moles and Lindens at the B5B closing event, hosted by the Hammies) nine people "got them all"; collecting all 49 B5B event stamps. They are Martina Voxel, radioactive.rosca, Chloe Roth (chloexs), Wren Woodrunner, Kensey McMillan, Elysiane Sapphire, Liekie Ivory, Opal Faith and Betth Ashbourne.

Honourable mentions go to Jezebel Bailey (our CEO, Bel), Webbi Jonson, Traci Quandry and Evelyn (Evelynna95). You guys almost got them all. Well done!

We hope everyone enjoyed hunting down SSiD stamps and meeting new people.

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¹Hammiemeters (hm) are Bellisseria's official measure of cuteness on a scale of 1 to 100hm.

² Especially as your Editor didn't win!

Statistics by Robert Rhodan and article/photo by Gazette staff.

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MAJOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE BOAT REZ ZONES MAP

Navigating the virtual waters of Second Life®  just got a whole lot easier with the unveiling of a major upgrade to the Boat Rez Zones Map. Developed by Robert Rhodan of the Bellisserian Bureau of Bureaucracy (BBB), this enhancement promises to revolutionise the way residents explore the seascapes of Bellisseria and beyond.

Just over a year ago, a rudimentary image map was released, marking the locations of Boat Rez Zones as listed by Jon Ree. While this initial effort provided a helpful starting point for sailors, it lacked the functionality and interactivity needed truly to streamline navigation. So here is the latest innovation: an interactive map powered by the Second Life Map API.

 

Gone are the static images of yesteryear; in their place, a dynamic, scrollable, and zoomable map graces the screens of eager seafarers. Boasting a sleek interface adorned with vibrant yellow dots, each representing a Boat Rez Zone, this digital cartography marvel is poised to become an indispensable tool for maritime enthusiasts.

 

One click on any of these yellow beacons reveals crucial information: the location's name along with a SLURL (Second Life URL), enabling users to teleport directly to the desired spot with unparalleled ease. Whether embarking on a solo voyage of discovery or charting a course for adventure with friends, the enhanced Boat Rez Zones Map promises to be a faithful companion on every nautical journey.

 

The brainchild of dedicated individuals committed to enhancing the SL experience, this invaluable tool is currently available for beta testing. With 57 Boat Rez Zones already integrated into the map, and plans underway to incorporate more locations across various continents, the future looks promising.

 

To access this groundbreaking resource, simply visit this website and embark on your  voyage of exploration! Whether a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the high seas, this  is sure to become an indispensable companion on your adventures. So hoist the sails, set course for adventure, and let the waves of innovation carry you to new horizons!

 

Oh, and Robert has other Rez Zones maps in preparation. Watch this space. Please notify him in world if you find any other Rez Zones that should be added.

 

Tool and image by Robert Rhodan | Article by Liberty Fairelander (formerly Liberty Marques)

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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have one of our stamp terminals and you're having an event or would like to make an announcement, just let us know and we'll be happy to feature it here. Please drop a notecard on the Editor, Dave (Lord.Junibalya) in-world or use the Email the Editor link in the sidebar to send us your information, posters and/or photos.

We have no new Parade of Homes open houses to announce this week. However we have received several application forms and Change Request forms that were empty. It may be that applicants simply  changed their minds and abandoned the application, but if you ran into any problems submitting a new location or a change to an existing listing, please IM Robert Rhodan in-world and let him know.

 

In the meantime don't miss Teresa Firelight's latest article over at our sister publication Parade of Homes Review. She writes about what Laurelrose Anthony did with her Tortuga stilt home and you'll find it – as always – inspirational.

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A Woman's World at the Black Tulip Gallery: Opening Party

Here's your taxi. 

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Updating your old  Passports

1,091 V3.00 passports have been issued as of May 1st, 2024. However we have also received notice of some failed upgrade applications. This seems to have happened, to our surprise, because a few people have old SL-generic passports with a 10-digit identification.  V3.00  passports have 9-digit identifications.  

If you are affected by this issue, there is a simple procedure to migrate your stamps to a new V3.00 passport:

1. If your "old" passport is Bellisserian with a 10-digit identification number, please do NOT select the "upgrade" option in the application form. Just apply for a new one. Then Please inform Dulcinea Andretti via IM that your application is actually an upgrade and that you need the Stamp Migration Reader HUDs as well as your new V3.00 Bellisserian Passport.
2. If your "old" passport is non-Bellisserian with a 10-digit identification number, just obtain a new V3 passport from BBB HQ or any of the BBB embassies and IM Dulcinea to ask for the Stamp Migration Reader HUDs. Then migrate your stamps to the new passport.

Please note that the stamps on your old passport are associated with your avatar UUID, not with the passport identification number - so nothing will be lost.

The stamp migration procedure is simple: rez your old passport main page, the main Stamp Migration Reader HUD and your new V3 passport to ground (e.g. at a public sandbox). Sit on your "old" passport, click on the Stamp Migration Reader HUD, and wait until all transfer messages in local chat end.

Repeat the process with any extension Visa pages and the Extension Visa Reader HUD. Then take your V3.00 passport back into inventory, wear it, and click once each on the forward and backward navigation buttons. Please note it can take a moment until all the stamps appear, so please be patient.

Issued by Robert Rhodan for the BBB

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B5B photos from Radioactive Rosca

Radioactive took many photos during the B5B celebrations and has put them all in a Flickr Album for us all to enjoy here. Thanks RR!

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Mark your Calendar! – Advance notice for "Ink & Inclusion: Navigating Disability in Writing"

Discover how embracing your unique journey can supercharge your productivity and creativity as a writer! Whether you're navigating physical challenges, neurodiversity, or invisible disabilities, this session will offer practical tips and inspiring insights to help you thrive in your craft.

Don't let anything hold you back from pursuing your passion! Mark your calendars and let's unlock your full potential together!

May 16, 2024 at 2pm SLT

Here's your taxi.

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Statistics about Passports and Stamps

BBB Stats May 3, 2024

Click to scroll/enlarge

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Statistics and graphs by Robert Rhodan. Published by order of the BBB.

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NEW LOCATIONS

Calleta Union Station is a part of Calleta County and the main rail hub in southern Heterocera. The GSLR and SLRR rail lines are connected here and there's access to air and road transportation nearby.

Sanctuary of the soul is a location of natural beauty awaiting exploration. From the beach through the walking trails and rolling hills, with something to see around every corner and below. You will want to revisit often.

A Women's World is a new show at Zoey Rhodan's Black Tulip Gallery in the CDS, highlighting exciting SL women artists. The event stamp will be available at the opening party today, May 5th at 1-3pm SLT.

Mindful Cove is a Second Life Community Gateway with a focus on mental health. It offers fun, interactive resources for new residents and a tranquil space for all residents to visit and enjoy. It's a good place to draw a virtual breath and think quietly. There are two stamps to be found there; one for Mindful Cove itself and one for its café. 

Calleta Union Station HE
Sanctuary of the Soul PE
Black Tulip Gallery A Woman's World CDS Event: May 5th from 1-3pm SLT
Mindful Cove PE
Mindful Cove Café PE

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