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

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