CDS and Sunweaver Communities At the MoCA Fimi Exhibit Opening

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

On Sunday May 2, two communities took part in an event for three artists, notably one whom had been part of one and had fans in the other. This was Artistic Fimicloud. Known as Stephanie Koslow in real life, she passed away thirteen years ago this month from cancer. So while the event was also for the other two artists whom had pictures at the exhibit, Sanjeewa Kumara and Sujeewa Kumari from Sir Lanka, it was a chance for people to look back at memories of the little pink fox whom had made her mark through artwork and her efforts at the Relay.

The event started at Noon SL time at the CDS' Museum of Contemporary Art (also known as MoCA) in the Neufreistadt sim. Fimi's art, retrospective paintings, was on the ground floor. Kumara and Kumari's art was on the second floor (European first floor), provided by Asmita Duranjay. Sunweaver Shockwave Yareach was the DJ for the event. He took no tips for playing music. Instead a RFL kiosk was set up for the Sunbeamer team, the Relay team of the Sunweaver community. "We are supporting the Sunbeamer team for Relay for Life of Second Life," the current CDS Chancellor Kyoko Furse-Barzane (Samara Barzane) explained, "So love MoCA and CDS too, but hit that kiosk hard." One guy whose viewer was taking a while commented, "Well, currently I just see "Paintings from the Grey Period" until the textures will be loaded, then chuckled. Kyoko mused, "Ah yes, the specialty of many museums.

There were a number of Sunweaver and CDS noteables. Besides Kyoko, other locals included (but not limited to) Lilith Ivory, Callipygian Christensen, and Rosie Gray. Rosie was in a tiny raccoon-like avatar, commenting with a grin, "so glad everyone wears nametags in SL." "Rosie, you are adorable," Kyoko woud later say with a smile. Besides the journalist, other Sunnies there were Jenni Greenfield, Dusk Griswold, Cynthia Farshore, and Sunweaver chief and team Sunbeamer captain Rita Mariner. Dusk was in the poodle avatar she wears most of the time these days. She would comment, "I was trying to figure out why a poodle seemed to fit me, then my real-life sister gave me a possible answer. I lost my Mom to cancer when I was 12, so a lot I didn't remember about her. My sister told me her nickname was 'Poodle.'"

Kyoko would say, "I meet Fimi when I started exhibiting at her Park Galleries. After we lost her in May 2008, I took over Park Galleries and ran it until December 2011. Fimi was very special to a lot of us, the cutest, feistiest little pink fox, and I miss her terribly still." Rita would say, "We still relay in her memory. We have a pink fox statue we put out in our Campsite every year, just for her." "The (Redheads) hadn't been a group long when we lost her," Shockwave commented. Kyoko went on, "We were all on the Passionate Redheads in 2008 and 2009. ... We were the first furry/human Relay team. "Freaked people out I think," Shockwaved mused. It was brought up that around 2009 a number of people in the team split away to form their own, Inspired Dreamwalkers, and the Passionate Redheads were mostly people from the Sunweaver community until it's closing in 2013 just before the season started. "I was a Passionate Redhead till the bitter end and it was disbanded," Rita stated.

Shockwave would play songs such as "Mad World" by Tears for Fears, "I Will Remember You," by Asia, "Love Will Find A Way" by Yes, "Fly Like An Eagle," by Steve Miller, and "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty. "I can't help it," he would say of the last one, "I love Tom Petty. (I) wanted to see him in concert, but wasn't able to swing the cost of tickets.  Two weeks later, he was dead. Was my hint to QUIT (my) job -- no future in it." Dusk commented she would be retiring from hers in several more months. Rita added, "Bunny has been retired for 12 years plus, Love it." Shockwave would later play what Rita called, "one of the funniest songs I ever heard," which was "Viagra in the Water." "Listen to (the) words," Shockwave told everyone, "it's hilarious. I'll bet Fimi would have loved it." "Hungry like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, got a few jokes about "sheepishly made videos" and "not what I expected when they said the film was catered." "You don't need them the way you wolf it down."

At another point, Rosie in her little tiny was wearing a tall hat that changed colors. "Rosie, you are glowing," Kyoko laughed. "It's the only sombrero I have," Rosie responded, "it's a good party hat, especially if you're really small." There was a joke about hat tricks, to which Dusk commented, "Rabbits are good at hat tricks."

There was some talk about movies as well, notably "The Dark Crystal." "I was really disappointed in it," Dusk commented, "I am a big Jim Henson fan. I got into puppetry because of Henson. But sorry, Dark Crystal was bad." Shockwave nodded, "It was difficult to follow.  That's the directors fault." "It is because of how it was made," the puppeteer commented, "He approached it backwards. He created the world and characters first, then made a story to fit them." She did say there was nothing wrong with how the puppetry and props looked, "looks good visually." Cynthia would say, "have to remember it was long before CGI and to get the puppets to act so well was craft."

The talk about puppets went on, Shockwave saying with a smile, "I played with puppetry because of Dusk here. Those were fun years." "Yeah, we had some fun performing at cons," Dusk responded. Rita added, "I got a puppet caused it looked fun at the cons." "Dusk is a wonderful puppeteer," Kyoko commented, "I saw her give a class, learned a lot." Rita added, "Dusk and I were even on the Dave Glover show a couple times, with our puppets." Shockwave had one story, "At the second TFF (Texas Furry Fiesta), a daddy with his cheerleader daughter was having conniptions that all the weirdos were sharing his hotel. I asked him what was wrong, automatically using the puppet. And to my surprise, the man was arguing with the puppet!!" Several people laughed, Shockwave commenting with a grin, "That was when I knew I wasn't bad at it." Cynthia remarked, "Sort of talk to the hand , with a cover over it." Shockwave chuckled, "I wish I had thought ot that then, that would be a good ending. My closing line was 'We may be wierd, but you 're the one fighting with a puppet.'" Kyoko had a good laugh, "Nice one Shocky."

Shockwave had another story, "We had a teams meeting.  And one of my group was on the island, from home. The joke was made, 'Is the SS Minnow fixed yet?' Everyone laughed but one guy. He said he was googleing what the SS minnow was. I NOW feel old." we all chuckled, Kyoko commenting, "I remember before dial phones."

Talk turned back to Fimi and two of her friends, Rita saying, "She was very close to Treminari," a female red Lusk fox whom was part of the Sunweavers until around 2010. Shockwave commented, "Don't know what happened to her. I know there was a falling out, yes. Well, I wish her the best wherever she is." I myself would say, "Tremi never forgot Fimi, saying she had with her some of her best times in Second Life." Rita would add, "Still hoping Lommy finds his way back," referring to Lomgren Smalls who was known for his six-inch tall avatar. Shockwave would say, "In Lom's case, I didn't KNOW he was sick. ... Lom I sense now and then here and there." Kyoko mused, "Check Rita's cleavage."

Eventually, things were getting close to the end. Rita invited, "You know Kyoko, you are still more than welcome to come visit us." Kyoko responded, "I will. I had forgotten how much fun you all are. The younger furs, too yiffy for me. But you guys and my vintage, and really intelligent." Rita offered to show off the demolition derby the Sunbeamer team made part of an event a few weeks ago, "I figure we will use it again later this month." Shockwave, whom made the derby with Cynthia, mused, "All those years of chasing cars." Dusk commented, "A poodle proved to be the most destructive." Cyanthia joked, "that kind of driving just seems to come natural to you." "I have driven a mail truck for 33 years," Dusk joked, "what do you expect?" Kyoko suggested, "Should I introduce Shocky to my exploding sheep?" Rita joked, "You know the sound a sheep makes when it explodes? 'Hiss BOOM  Baaaaaaa!'" Kyoko chuckled, "Good one Rita." Dusk changed to her sheep avatar, "see if I explode."

Finally came the last song of the event, "Together in Electric Dreams" by the Human League. Kyoko told everyone, "This exhibit will be up into June. So please bring friends over." She also invited the Sunweavers to explore the sims, "By the way, we will have a quad horse in our Representative Assembly next term." Cyanthia mused, "Well guess better than an ass at the Representative Assembly." Dusk joined in, "Horses always depress me, all those long faces." 

The Relay kiosk took in 5000 Lindens for Team Sunbeamers.

With the end of the event, people began going their separate ways, some after looking one more time at the paintings, and one quote of Fimi's.

"My art, my life, is about looking forward, never looking back. Looking back serves no purpose but to break one's heart when you're walking a path as difficult as some of us do. So instead, I look forward, to that next beautiful sunset on the river."

Bixyl Shuftan
 

The CDS Inaugural Ball

 
by Bixyl Shuftan

On Saturday December 5, The Confederation of Democratic Simulators held it's Inaugural Ball. The CDS holds one twice a year, a few weeks after it's elections for Chancellor and Representative Assembly. The event is to celebrate the coming in of the new community leaders, Chancellor Kyoko Furse-Barzane (Samara Barzane) and the elected and reelected RA members.

You are invited to spend an 'Evening in Morocco' as we celebrate the Confederation of Democratic Sims' 34th Term and welcome our new Chancellor and Representative Assembly members! Tunes by our own Callipygian Christensen.

The theme for the party was "Evening in Morocco." So besides formal suits and dresses, people were encouraged to wear Middle Eastern outfits. Some were what one would expect to see in pictures from the country. Others were more in the spirit of some Hollywood movies set in the Sahara.

Callipygian Christensen was giving out to some of the people Tuk-Tuk Rezzers. For those not in the know, they're a kind of three-wheeled vehicle that's a kind of cross between a motor scooter and a small car common in some developing countries, though are occasionally used by postmen and policemen in America. Trying it out later, I found it a little tricky to use, but was driveable.

Yours truly got to the party a little late. But I did arrive in time to see a couple members of the RA take their oath of office such as Tanoujin.

"I, Tanoujin Milestone, having been elected as a Member of the Representative Assembly of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully discharge my duties as such to the best of my ability, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Confederation of Democratic Simulators."

Following that, "Kyoko, our new Chancellor, back to you." As the CDS anthem played, the new community leader spoke, "Okay apparently It's my turn. Thank you Delia. It is true that we are the oldest continuous democratic community in SL. We turned 'sweet sixteen' in September." She paused as there were various cheers from the crowd, "Yay!" *applause*, then continued, "But I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the 33rd Term government, especially Chancellor Rosie Gray for their hard work last term. Currently elected to the Representative Assembly are Rosie Gray, Tanoujin Milestone and Almut Brunswick." 

She paused again for another moment, followed by, "Cat walked across by screen, ahems." This was followed by a few chuckles, and she resumed, "Brooke Beandenburg and Lauewre Levenque will be joining me on the Executive team to work on our various projects. We do have a few up our sleeves (smile). I'm hoping that we will, with YOUR help move CDS forward as an amazing community and democracy. I think we have a few ideas (smile), so stay tuned!"

There was more applause followed by, "Thanks again to Delia," then spoke in a quieter tine, "Just IM her her with your desire to run for the RA, don't be shy." She concluded, "And of course the Divine Calii for the music and Brooke for all the comfy cushions here and there. Let the party continue!" She bowed to more applause, "Well said Chancellor."

There were a few jokes and musings, "I've been inhaling the Moroccan spices.. sorry mum." And some were very polite such as one geshia, "Ookini san dosu for inviting us Kyoko san and again Omedetou gozaimasu. (smile)" Kyoko was complementary of some of the choices of outfits, "Look at Richie of Arabia! ... Sab and Eve you look perfect!" "Everyone looks wonderful," someone else commented, "I will have to get some ideas from you, for my own use." Kyoko added, "Sab and Eve are members of Aesopica who has performed at CDS a number of times. Good friends indeed!" Of the tiny avatars present, "And the hedgies are so adorable."

Eventually, it was soon time to head out. There was some talk about the place recently having changed for winter with the snow, Delia saying, "The horse riding trails are now snow covered, and at the top of the Monastery mountain is the ski trail head. if you don't have skis no worries because you can help yourself from the free box." Kyoko commented, "I hear the lakes are about the freeze over so sharpen those skate blades."

After the party, I would walk around, and came across a few people talking. We chatted for a while about goings on in SL. One person had just moved in and was about to open a new shop. I would later hear that under their by-election procedures, Tor Karlsvalt had been made a member of their Representative Assembly.

And so ended the Dec 2020 CDS Inaugural Ball. But as the community changes it's leaders twice a year, it won't be too much longer before there's another one in mid-2021.

Bixyl Shuftan

International Women's Day at The CDS

By Bixyl Shuftan

Sunday March 8 was International Women's Day. It is "a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality." The Wikipedia article stated it's commemoration "ranges from being a public holiday in some countries to being largely ignored elsewhere. In some places, it is a day of protest; in others, it is a day that celebrates womanhood."

In Second Life, there would be a celebration of the day at the Confederation of Democratic Simulators.

 There would be several events that day. At 10AM SL time was a performance by the Debauche dancers

The dancers had quite a show.

I dropped in when DJ Babe was playing some music on stage, "a bit over half way through my set so still time to TP in all your friends and enemies."

Besides LRA (Leader of Representative Assembly) Lyubov (20180414 Resident), there were other notable CDS personalities, such as Rosie Gray. Rosie was among those whom had set up the event.

"Welcome everyone, to the Confederation of Democratic Simulators!  If you haven't already, take a turn on the Sharing Wall to the side of the theatre building, and check out the Making Waves display on the history of feminism and the advancement of women, just behind us here on the dance floor."

Another was Lilith Ivory, whom cracked a few jokes, "Obviously my computer is male and wants me to stay home in the kitchen." "Is it mansplaining that to you?" another mused. Lilith answered with a laugh, "It makes me crash whenever I make a wrong move or zoom around."

Lyubov would comment, "Lilith has found a few outfits already today!" Lilith responded, "I was diving DEEP inside of my inventory. Had to as you stole my dress, Lyubov (laughter)." The amused LRA responded, "Hey! I stole it first!" Someone else commented she was going to lock her lingerie drawer.

Behind the crowd was the "Making Waves" exhibit, made by Scylla Rhiadra, "This exhibit chronicles the historical contributions of Feminism to the continuing struggle ... acknowledging the past while looking ahead to the future of the women's movement."

The exhibit traced the beginnings of Feminism to the publication in 1792 of "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" in England. Although women would gain the right to vote in New Zealand in 1892, it wasn't until after the First World War that many Western nations would pass Women's Suffrage. But this was only the first part, or "wave" as the exhibit called it, of the road to equality as other problems remained.

The exhibit would also attempt to answer why those calling for more support for women's rights sometimes find themselves in conflict with one another.

One example was those who saw the idea of freer sexual expression as a threat to women versus those whom felt the right to enjoy sex was important to them.

But one thing all can agree on is violence against women is wrong.

At 2PM SL time, it was Aleykat's turn to get on stage, where she would sing for the crowd.

There were a few other topics discussed, such as the last names issue.

Quite a bit of fun was had.

Others also took some pictures, Sudane Erato, and Lyubov and Rosie Gray (two of these would be used in the article).

Addition: One exhibit that I missed was "The Broken Balance" (picture by Lyubov) an "installation by Sudane Erato.  The door is a tp to a nearby parcel where she had two installations, the Chapel of Women and the Sanctuary of Women."

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes From The CDS Inaugural Ball, Bay City's Christmas Party

By Bixyl Shuftan

The weekend of Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8 saw a number of happenings, such as the Designing Worlds Christmas party, the Chateau Trikassi Holiday Ball, and various events at the Christmas Expo. But there were others. On Saturday at Noon SL time, the Confederation of Democratic Simulators held it's Inaugural Ball.

The event was held in honor of the community's new Representative Assembly and the new Chancellor, Emilia Dagostino (Emilia Avindar). The theme was "Sugar Plum Delights," with lots of candy decorations around, as well as couches made to look like cake. "Your buns will be frosted," someone mused. Emilia spoke of the set, "thanks to Lyubov who couldn't join us after working all night with Lilith (Ivory) last night!"

Other community noteables such as Rosie Gray, Hand Held, former Chancellor Kyoko, and others were also there. "Thank you for two wonderful terms, Chancellor Kyoko," Hand Held would say. DJ Dino Viper provided the tunes for the fist hour, live performer AleyKat sung for the second.

"Here's to a great 32nd term, and long live the CDS!"

For Sunday, the big event was the "Annual Tree Lighting, Concert, and Fundraiser" in Bay City. Local residents of the community and their friends headed to the community center in North Channel for things to start up at 1PM SL time.

Welcome to Bay City's annual tree lighting, music event, and silent auction!" Marianne McCaan, Bay City's most noted resident greeted everyone, "The silent auction is ongoing, and there are some great deals to be had! Check out the goodies just south of the stage/north of the skating rink."

For the first hour, the music was provided by DJ GoSpeed Racer. She played music from classic Christmas shows such as "The Grinch," as well as traditional songs of the season and some more modern twists. Her audience in and out of Bay City was from around the world, "Listening in I have the US, UK, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Canada, and the Netherlands!"

Many of the audience got into a conga line. This included artist Moya Patrick, and even Lacie Linden joined in. "I look forward to this conga line every year now," someone would say.

One resident, Moo Money, was the subject of some bovine humor, which was "udder chaos." "I'd like to submit a cow abuse report," she mused.

The other Linden at the party, Wendi Linden, was dressed for the season. While April Linden was asked about, it was explained she was busy with something at the time.

Not far from the dancing were the silent auctions. People would bid on various items, and those outbid got their Lindens back. The high bidders would get their items at the end of the event. The money raised went to the Child's Play charity, which provides games to the children of poor kids in hospitals. People could also just donate straight to the charity, Marianne announcing, "CaithLynnSayes also has put a donation into Child's Play on Bay City's behalf, to the tune of US $500.00."

GoSpeed's last song was "John Denver and The Muppets - Twelve Days Of Chirstmas." After the first hour were live performances by Mimi Carpenter and Wolfie Starfire.

It was a fun event for all. But this won't be the end for Bay City's fun this month. On New Year's Eve, the city is host to the annual "Prim Drop" event to ring in the New Year.

Bixyl Shuftan

The CDS Election Candidates Speak

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Modnay May 13 at Noon SL time, several candidates for the Representative Assembly of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators met at the Colonia Nova Amphitheatre. Showing up were Rosie Gray, Emilia Avindar (Emilia Dagostino), MadmaxSoulLover Resident, and 20180414 Resident (Lyubov). Laura Azalee was delayed somewhat due to real life.

After a few minutes of waiting for latecomers, Lyubov (20180414) spoke first, "I have really enjoyed my time in CDS, and Second Life so far.  It has been nearly a year in CDS already. I have felt very welcome here and inspired by what I have experienced. And this has made me want to do more, to not only create my own places and events, but also to participate in government (smile).

"It has been a learning experience. I make mistakes, and will continue to do so! But I feel like this is a special place, and we all have the same goals at heart, to make this a beautiful and enjoyable place to be. I have enjoyed my time on the RA and I feel like we do good work and create a positive impact. I would like to continue to do my part, through modernizing old laws and procedures and thinking ahead to our future. The impacts of new Second Life technologies, and also changing to adapt to the evolving economy and society in SL. I do have strong opinions! But I also try my best to learn from others' experiences and consider our community as a whole. I would appreciate the chance to continue to serve on the RA, to have your vote, and do my best. Thank you."

Next was MadmaxSoulLover, "Well first of all, Thank you all for coming today. And also thank you for not only allowing me into this unique yet very wonderful community of ours, but also allowing me this opportunity to participate in this process and hopefully with your votes, continue to participate further in our government and our future. I know I'm the newest member of our community but I'm learning not only of our history and laws but also our goals as a community and hope to help see them all grow and change as they need to. Thank you."

Emilia Dagostino (emilia.avindar) spoke, "Tthanks to our attendees, and to anyone who may read the transcript later, thank you for taking the time to give thought to this process, which is at the heart of what CDS represents. And inasmuch that we present ourselves to you here as candidates to be that representation for all Citizens of CDS, I have only this basic statement of my positions, which you may see in my profile.

"What approach shall I take? I like both stability and change. I prefer change in the sense of maintaining a fresh, well rendered environment as seen in the Viewer. I crave stability in the sense that we maintain the history and tradition of CDS. Most of all, I value Community, and I would like for us to be inclusive and diverse, and to be supportive of people here who might struggle.

"I present myself for RA, to be a reasoned voice of the Citizens of CDS who will expect me to represent them, as one of five members. ... Soro, my partner, is on the Scientific Council of CDS. We make our home here, too. ..."

Next was Rosie Gray. "I think everyone here knows me, and has likely been at meetings where I've been on the RA. So you know how I operate, pretty much! I think it's important that we have a government that functions here in  the CDS. Aand to function, we need to participate, actively, something all of you know, as you all do! Anyway, I've wanted to work through the existing laws of the CDS, starting with the oldest ones,  reviewing them, updating, and archiving old ones that are redundant now.

"This past term, we made some real progress with that, for which I thank my fellow outgoing RA members. ... So, I'm not sure what else I need to say, except for thank you for coming today, to my fellow candidates and to you in the audience."

After Rosie finished, there were questions from the audience. Pip Torok asked, "This is to the two who have been in theRA one term : What advice wd you have given your younger selves six monthe ago as you first entered the RA?" This wasRosie and Lyubov. Lyubov answered, "Myself?  Patience!  I think all will agree to this! (smile)  It is still a learning process how Second Life works and CDS too, what the technology is capable of doing, what the community of CDS requires, and just the practical fact of how much time and effort doing anything here requires, and because we are all volunteers, doing this for our enjoyment, this also impacts how quickly things can be done." Rosie's answer was, "Well, I've been on the RA quite a few times now. So not sure that six months has made much difference to how I would/can do things. So, not really sure what else to say about that."

Cathy Sabre asked, "I know there has been an effort to update the graphical environment with mesh, which I applaud. Howdo you balance history with novelty?" Emilia answered, "Well, I will begin by thanking Rosie for paving the streets in town,and Sudane and Rosie for updating buildings. I totally approve of these changes, as a Citizen. The visual experience has come a long way, and Delia and others have added realism to natural settings. I like that we have a harmonic here, and the builds don't clash with our history and estate environments. We do let the LUC advise on many of the questions or challenges, and this is an excellent step, having that Land Use Committee."

Rosie's response was, "I think that it's important to remember the spirit of the history of the CDS, and honour the ideas of the founders, even in their what seems to be very crude building, from today's perspective. But I do not think that we need to keep the old buildings. Things have changed so much, if we don't continue to update and evolve, the sims would be nothing but a museum to old SL technology."

Lyubov spoke, "I strongly agree with Rosie's perspective. I appreciate the 'spirit,' but we do need to continue to update to remain relevant and not be a museum to old technology. And it is not only mesh objects, as rosie has shown with her work in the Forum. Using the three-part Materials textures does a great deal to completely refresh an old space. I would think that our founders used the best available methods capable at the time. And they might be disappointed if in the years since, that we have not continued to evolve off of their work."

Madmax crashed, and his answer was delayed, finally saying when he was able, "To be honest, I'm still figuring out my answer to that question.  As I'm learning more and more about the community a learning what it has done in the history of it and also what it has planned for the future already." Emilia added, "We do have a handful of sites here that are worthy of preservation. The Monastery and the Temple of Minerva are a couple of my favorites. I'm grateful that Ranma Tardis preserves the Monastery, for instance. It's a real tribute to the longevity of CDS, and that some actually are patrons, and in fact all of us are."

Cathy followed up her question with, "Is there a time line for the renovation?  As I remember this venue was extraordinary five years ago, but now it is outdated.  Is there a plan to renovate all prim builds?" Rosie asked to answere that, "being on the LUC (smile). As you know, Cathy, it is the job of the LUC to look at the regions and make recommendations on what to update. Unfortunately this last six months hasn't been great with LUC meetings. It's been difficult to get everyone together for one reason or another. So, the region reviews haven't been proceeding that way. However, the work on the CN fishing village, and the forum/inner city of CN has been moving forward. So it's not as thought things aren't progressing. We DO need the LUC to be proactive, to review the regions and make the recommendations to the RA. Having said that, this amphitheatre has not come up as a project to renovate... yet."

It was shortly after that when the discussion came to an end.

As of the writing of this article, the polls are open in the CDS for the local citizens to vote, and will close tomorrow.

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes From The CDS Inaugural Ball

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Confederation of Democratic Simulators is unique among the communities in Second Life that the residents get to choose it's leaders, the most important one being the Chancellor. Twice a year, the community gets a chance to keep the current one, or elect someone new. This year, Kyoko (Samara Barzane) was the winner of the Chancellorship election. In honor of her, as well as the new Representative Assembly, the CDS held an Inaugural Ball. But this ball would be different as it was the new leader who was doing the decorating for the occasion.

The Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS) invites all CDS Citizens and friends to the Inaugural Ball for our 30th Term. The theme is TOKYO NIGHTS in honor of our newly elected Chancellor, Kyoko (Samara Barzane), and the Representative Assembly.  Music will be provided by Callipygian Christensen. Dress is not required to be formal, although you may feel welcome to wear evening dress. You are encouraged to dress for the theme; Japanese cosplay, kawaii or goth, would be welcome.

On Saturday December 15 at Noon SL time, people headed over to the Neufreistadt Schloss Ballroom. For those not familiar, "Schloss" is a German term for manor or palace. The building was created by Rosie Gray and Sudane Erato, with the help of others.

As RA member Rosie Gray put it, "Chancellor Kyoko has given us something very different for this Inaugural Ball!" The ballroom was set up like a scene from the streets of the downtown of a major Japanese city, like one would see in some magna or anime. Kyoko mused, "It's two weeks and (already) I have fled for foreign lands." Drewski Northman, her opponent in the recent elections, responded, "You're doing great so far, boss."  To the side were some refreshments, "Please avail yourselves of the sake and wine while we wait for Calli to be ready."

 Kyoko had been in a kimono when showing me around earlier. But for the ball, she was in a more formal dress. "Mostly in the last two weeks I've been learning the job.  I call it 'death by spreadsheet.' (laughter)"

Oldesoul Eldermar was there, in something not exactly traditional Japanese. Kyoko remarked, "Olde, I think you channel the last emperor very nicely. (smile)"

Han Held (Hannah Marie Tempestwolf), the previous Chancellor, was at the party as well.

 There were a number at the party, including some from the Representative Assembly. Kyoko told the crowd, "We are very lucky to have much of the Representative Assembly here. Rosie, Lyu, Tan, Lady Kiki and Em Warden. We are lucky to have such amazing people be willing to step up for CDS. So how about some applause for them?"

Callipygian Christensen was the lady performing the music for the event. Drewski commented, "I regularly attend a Sunday night set that Calli does."

Also there were members of Kikuyu and Kikutsuru's Geisha school. "Konbanwa Kyoko san and congratulations on your election to Chancellor, I am sure you will do a wonderful job. *smiles warmly*"

The event continued to get compliments, "What a great idea this was Kyoko." Drewski commented, "I love all the creativity in the outfits."

 It was quite an Inaugural Ball, and a good sign for Chancellor Kyoko for her term

Bixyl Shuftan