Virtual_HG

There are people in every community who give everything and ask for nothing in return. In the OpenSimulator metaverse, Fred Beckhusen — known to thousands by his avatar name Ferd Frederix — is that person. An engineer, programmer, 3D artist, world-builder, and open source advocate, Fred has spent nearly two decades quietly making OpenSim easier, richer, and more welcoming for everyone who enters it. His tools run on grids around the world. His scripts are embedded in regions he will never visit. His generosity has shaped the virtual lives of people he has never met.

https://virtual-hg.com/index.php/fred-beckhusen_ferd-frede...
https://www.reddit.com/r/DreamGrid/comments/1u368ya/fred_b...

When we log into virtual worlds, we step into realms of magic and fantasy, leaving the real world behind, even if only for a few moments. These virtual spaces offer a magical escape, free from the politics and religion of the real world. Let's keep these issues where they belong, and preserve virtual worlds as sanctuaries from everyday problems. 🦄🪄💗

@FerdFrederix gave me a personal tour of Cinderella's Anniversary Castle, a beautiful creation he built together with Debbie Edwards. As we walked through the castle, Ferd shared the story behind its design, pointing out the incredible details and the many treasures Debbie discovered and contributed along the way. You could hear the pride, joy, and love they both poured into this project.

Then came the surprise.

Ferd placed the entire castle on my grid and told me to enjoy it as much as they do. I was completely overwhelmed by such a generous gift. Over the years, I've often thought of Ferd as a father figure, and receiving this on Father's Day made the occasion especially meaningful. Of course, true to Ferd's nature, he was the one giving the gift.

The castle is now open for everyone to visit and enjoy.

If you've ever wondered what makes Debbie Edwards and Ferd Frederix so special within our community, look no further than this castle. Their creativity, generosity, kindness, and willingness to share what they build with others continue to enrich countless virtual worlds and the people who inhabit them.

Thank you, Ferd. Thank you, Debbie. Your gift will be treasured, and I am honored to share it with the public so others can experience the magic you created.

three.hills.grid.outworldz.net:8002/CinderellaAnniversary/224/56/42

Every week it seems we gather to say goodbye to another member of our OpenSim family. We mourn, we remember, and we honor those who helped shape our community.

But every farewell is also a reminder of something we all share: none of us gets out of life alive.

For many, OpenSim is an extension of real life. For others, it is a place to step away from life's worries for a while—to imagine, create, explore impossible worlds, and become someone or something extraordinary.

One of the greatest gifts our departed friends leave behind isn't just our memories of them. It's the regions they built, the scripts they wrote, the avatars they designed, the artwork they shared, the friendships they fostered, and the countless moments they made possible. Every time we visit one of their creations or use something they contributed, a little part of them is still with us.

Imagine if they had never created anything at all. We wouldn't have those places to explore, those ideas to build upon, or those memories to cherish. Their creativity became part of the world we continue to enjoy.

Perhaps the greatest way to honor those we've lost isn't only through memorial posts, but by making the most of the time we still have.

Build that region you've been dreaming about. Finish that avatar. Learn Blender. Write the story. Host the event. Share your imagination. Visit someone's creation. Make a new friend.

Don't spend all your time debating what OpenSim should be or dwelling on what might have been. Spend it creating what it can become.

Our friends who have passed leave us with more than memories—they leave us with a reminder that time is precious. None of us knows how many tomorrows we have.

So create. Explore. Laugh. Inspire. Contribute. Leave something behind that will make someone smile years from now.

Because one day, someone may be walking through a region you built, wearing something you designed, using a script you wrote, or remembering a kindness you showed—and they'll be grateful that you chose to create while you had the chance.

All are welcome at Three Hills Grid. We embrace a spirit of kindness, inclusivity, and respect, where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or orientation—can feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves. Whether you're here to explore, create, connect, or simply be, you belong.

Fred asked me to post this:

DreamGrid is not ending. Updates with bug fixes will continue. There
may be a V6 which will have Opensimulator Dot Net 6 code from
Opensimulator.org. Opensim bugs may be reported at
http://opensimulator.org/mantis. Dreamgrid support is available via
http://mantis.outworldz.com.

Thank you, Fred

For years I relied on the animations and systems created by others, never imagining I would one day be creating my own. This week that changed.

I have successfully created my first custom surfboard system, complete with a new board script and original animations. The project is still a work in progress as I continue fine-tuning movements, adjusting timing, and creating additional tricks and poses, but the foundation is now fully working.

This achievement marks the realization of a longtime dream. A huge thank you goes to my friend Ferd Frederix (@ferdfrederix), who pointed me to the correct Avastar tutorial and helped me finally understand the animation workflow. Once everything clicked, I was able to create, export, and test my own animations in OpenSim.

Over the coming weeks I will be refining the animations, creating new tricks, and improving the overall surfing experience. When the project reaches the next stage, Ferd and I plan to publish a complete how-to guide through Outworldz, along with the animations I created, so others can learn the process and begin creating their own custom animations as well.

It's exciting to move from simply using content to actually building the tools and animations myself. This is only the beginning, and I can't wait to see where the next wave takes me.

Image - A much needed break (I had been coding and animating for hours)

Outworldz DreamGrid makes it possible to create and run your own virtual world with an installation process designed to get people up and running quickly. Create regions, load OARs and IARs, manage content, customize your environment, and build the world you imagine — whether it is a personal grid, roleplay world, educational space, hobby project, or large multi-region experience. DreamGrid includes tools for region management, backups, HyperGrid support, updates, and a large collection of content resources to help creators get started. DreamGrid is designed for Windows and includes setup tools intended to simplify grid creation and management.

Whether you are new to OpenSim or an experienced grid owner, DreamGrid gives creators the freedom to build without monthly region fees and shape something uniquely their own.

Download DreamGrid:
https://outworldz.com/Outworldz_installer/
https://www.reddit.com/r/DreamGrid

I’ve crafted this article to assist individuals eager to upload their models to Opensimulator but unsure of where to begin. This guide aims to direct you toward exceptional resources, making the process much more accessible.

---->It is not all botted from SL
Many SL creators obtain their models from these same resources.
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
https://three.hills.grid.outworldz.net/index.php/2024/03/0...

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year! May this be a year of joy, success, and good health for you and your loved ones. Remember a New Year is a new 365 page Novel, the first day is the first page. So this year, write a good one! 2023!!

We added a fun page to Virtual-HG.com Ferd Frederix Bullshit News. Ferd is bringing back to life a paper he and Debbie Edwards published: https://outworldz.com/News/ You can see the new edition of Bullshit News at VHG.com on its own page: https://virtual-hg.com/JOpensim/index.php?option=com_conte... In times like these a bit of humor is called for!! Enjoy the day today, thank you for all your support!

Update!! I just placed the Fairy for you!

A special thank you to Fred for creating this beautiful Dryad Fairy. She brings the forest to life in ways that feel both magical and timeless. If you’d like to see her in person, come visit and experience the wonder for yourself. three.hills.grid.outworldz.net:8002/FairyDemesne/128/128/23 I am loving all this magic :) Thank you @FerdFrederix !! 🌳🧚🏽

@FerdFrederix shared this with me. To remind us what virtual means to so many of us. Watch The World by Robbie Dingo posted by SHAREFESTIVAL
https://youtu.be/vV1YbWBSXS8?si=7mD8FnIMCPD7fkCZ
Thank you Ferd, 🌸💗🌸

🌹 The Treasured Garden Hunt 🌹
A celebration in honor of beloved mothers.

In every corner of the grid, roses have been hidden — each one holding a never-before-seen gift created especially for this event. This hunt honors the spirit of all mothers, who deserve to be cherished and celebrated.

Explore and discover the treasures placed lovingly throughout the grid
Each rose offers a unique surprise, never before released in OpenSim
Ongoing through Mother’s Day week, with new gifts replenished as roses are found

Join us in celebrating the beauty, love, and strength of mothers everywhere.
Because every mother is a treasure — and in the Treasured Garden, they are honored with joy.

🌹 Please note: Once a rose is taken, that gift is gone — it will be replaced with a new, unique treasure. Each gift is limited, not copied, and only a few of each will be given, making every find truly special.

three.hills.grid.outworldz.net:8002:Catena di Isole

The Phantom of the Forums


A shadow lurks with many a face,
A master of disguise, yet leaves no trace.
Posts appear like ghosts in the night,
Burying truth, dodging the light.
One name? Two? Perhaps even three—
A puppet dangles, yet claims to be free.
Echoing loudly, drowning the room,
Spreading division, sowing the gloom.
No regions to share, no art to create,
Just endless chatter, laced with hate.
Hijacking boards with a flick of the key,
Yet pretending to be part of "we."
But riddles unravel and masks grow thin,
A hollow voice cannot truly win.
For those who build, who craft, who dream,
Will always rise, while shadows scream.
So let the puppets dance and play,
Their tangled strings give them away.
We see, we know, and we stand tall—
Truth and creation outshine them all.

The VHG Exclusive Interview with Cherry Manga has been added to the new website. I will be adding more Exclusive Interviews in the next few weeks. They can be found here:

https://three.hills.grid.outworldz.net/index.php/2024/06/2...

💗Thank you @CherryManga💗 Each piece you create challenges the norms and brings a new perspective that is thought-provoking.

As promised I wrote a tutorial on what I use to create 3d clothing. Whenever I learn something I have always been open and shared it with anyone who asked and also through tutorials seen at Hypergrid Business: https://www.hypergridbusiness.com/author/marianna-monentes...

This helps to build a supportive and collaborative community where everyone can learn and grow together. Sharing knowledge and skills can lead to new ideas, innovations, and collaborations, which can benefit everyone involved. I know this, I hope you know it too.

http://virtual-hg.com/JOpensim/index.php?option=com_conten...

Our Winter's Magic region has been graced with @JoeBuilder OAR "Time of Year" a wintery sim we will have ice skating soon here, stay tuned. Thank you Fred for making this available to us, and thank you Joe! Also thank you to the many creators whose creations helped to create this OAR. We have free shops available if you have winter themed items to share, please IM to get set up.

@CherryManga is a brilliant artist please learn more about her here: https://virtual-hg.com/index.php/2024/06/23/exclusive-inte... Image copyright Cherry Manga "Freedom Avatar" Thank you Cherry your art graces my grid, I love it 🎨💓

Most of the noise about “theft” tends to come from people who are also moving content around that wasn’t theirs to begin with.

In OpenSim, the ones who actually make original work from scratch usually don’t waste time on witch hunts. They know the culture: once it’s out there, it’s going to walk. Instead, they keep building, share because they want to, and let their reputation speak for them.

The real creators aren’t guarding the door—they’re busy building the house.

This week alone, three people have asked me about Outworldz DreamGrid. Simply put, it's a powerful software developed by Ferd Frederix (Fred Beckhusen) that makes it incredibly easy for anyone to run their own virtual grid. If you're curious to learn more, you can check it out here: https://outworldz.com/Outworldz_installer/Grid/
https://www.outworldz.com/

@FerdFrederix designed Dream Grid Software with one goal in mind: to revolutionize the way we load grids. Its lightning-fast performance is made possible through a combination of innovative technologies and optimizations, ensuring that your grids load at blazing speeds. A new release 5.4993 is out now, upload now! https://outworldz.com/outworldz_installer/Grid/ https://youtu.be/01CCiUCixiI?si=ADykZ-ijiIeCpcMA

Thank you, Ferd, your many hours invested are very much appreciated!! You are a shining testament to brilliance in coding. Nice work!

One question that comes up often: "Where do I find good music streams for my region?"

After trying different methods over the years, one of the easiest tools I have found is StreamURL.Link. Simply search for a radio station name and it helps locate stream URLs that can be added to parcel music settings in OpenSim.

Need jazz for a coastal cafe? Ambient music for a fantasy forest? Rock for a bowling alley? Classical music for a castle build? Finding stream URLs can make a huge difference in creating atmosphere.

I have found this especially useful when building themed regions and experiences.

Tool:
https://streamurl.link/

How to use:
• Search for a station
• Copy the stream URL
• Open your region or parcel music settings
• Paste the stream URL
• Test and enjoy

Small details create immersion. Music can completely change how a region feels.

I've just completed an exclusive interview with the incredibly talented digital artist and photographer, Hella Yver. In this conversation, we delve into the creative process behind her stunning works, her inspirations, and the unique perspectives that make her art so compelling. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who continues to push the boundaries of digital photography. Image courtesy of Hella Yver nadej dae/hella yver copyright 2024

https://three.hills.grid.outworldz.net/index.php/2024/08/2...
Thank you, Hella 💗

I have rebranded the grid to Three Hills Grid. When we first named the grid we thought to name it after the magazine and since then, I have seen another grid named Virtual Grid, so as to eliminate any confusion I thought it would be best to rename it. I have always thought of Black Hills Gold as Three Hills Gold (the trio color of the gold) so naming it Three Hills Grid seemed right. The virtual-hg.com address is the same, I may also change that in the future. https://virtual-hg.com/JOpensim/index.php

While the heart and soul of Virtual-HG magazine remain unchanged, this rebranding is a testament to my profound passion for crafting intricate jewelry pieces.

In OpenSim, people don’t really vanish.
Sure — the avatar logs off, the profile goes still, and the regions they touched fall a little quieter. But the truth is, no one who poured their creativity into this world ever truly leaves it behind.

Every builder, scripter, artist, designer, and dreamer who passes on becomes something more permanent than any prim or mesh:
they become a new star over our metaverse.

A bright point of light watching over the worlds we keep shaping.

Their work, their ideas, their imagination — those stay woven into the grids, the stories, the landmarks, and the communities they helped grow. And every time we rez a prim, sculpt a landscape, or chase some wild idea just to see if we can… we’re carrying their spark forward.

We honor them best by continuing to build boldly.
By creating freely.
By keeping OpenSim vibrant, weird, beautiful, and alive.

Because the metaverse doesn’t forget its creators — it turns them into constellations.

And we look up, keep going, and make sure our worlds shine even brighter. #Luna #Mal #Torben #Triz

Happy Birthday, Ferd Frederix! 🎉

Today we celebrate not just another trip around the sun, but the man who’s kept whole worlds spinning.

Ferd, thank you for the countless hours you’ve poured into OpenSim — the fine-tuning, the bug hunting, the late-night fixes, the jaw-dropping characters and assets you’ve created, and the tools you’ve built that make our grids feel like home.
You’ve kept servers alive when they should have flatlined, solved problems the rest of us couldn’t even pronounce, and inspired new creators with your generosity and skill.

The OpenSim community runs smoother, plays harder, and dreams bigger because of you.

Here’s to your brilliance, your humor, your creativity… and to many more years of building worlds with your signature magic.

Happy Birthday, Ferd — we adore you!💕😘

Did you know that running your own OpenSim grid can be more affordable than renting land from a commercial grid? With an energy-efficient mini PC and Outworldz DreamGrid, you can host your own virtual world for as little as $3.53 per month capable of hundreds of regions?https://www.reddit.com/r/DreamGrid/comments/1j9qcxs/own_yo...

Roz Carr, born Rosamond Halsey Carr, was an American humanitarian and author who became widely known for her work in Rwanda. Born in 1912, she spent much of her early life as a fashion illustrator and model in New York before marrying British explorer Kenneth Carr.

In 1949, Roz Carr moved to Rwanda with her husband, where they managed a pyrethrum (a type of chrysanthemum used in insecticide) plantation. After her marriage ended, she remained in Rwanda, which became her home for the rest of her life. During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, she witnessed the horrors of the conflict firsthand. Following the genocide, Roz Carr dedicated herself to helping orphaned children, founding the Imbabazi Orphanage on her plantation to provide care and education to children who had lost their families.

Carr authored a memoir titled Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda, which recounts her experiences in the country, from the time she arrived in the 1940s to the years following the genocide. Her work earned her recognition as a significant humanitarian figure, and she continued to live in Rwanda until her death in 2006 at the age of 94.

Roz Carr's legacy lives on through the orphanage and the lives of the 400 children she helped.

Fred and Deb created Virunga with Roz Carr's plantation featured here, that you can visit and leave flowers and notes in a little mailbox at the house. Outworldz Virunga 701, 194, 24 - www.outworldz.com:9000:Outworldz Virunga Thank you for all the magic you share with us Deb and Fred 💗🌷💗https://www.facebook.com/Loveboundus/

I love coming here to reflect and leave flowers 🌸🌸🌸

SkyRealm Observatory is a work in progress-please stop by anytime and see the transformation of this observatory. We are making progress, thank you to @FerdFrederix just wow! Also @JamieAnnaWright thank you for contributing to my clock collection!

virtual-hg.com:8002/SkyRealm/447/381/56

Skyrealm Observatory is a work in progress. @FerdFrederix is giving me a hand with building this project. I showed him my Observatory Model and he explained it could be greatly improved with Blender modifiers like the edge modifier. It will take some time to complete it is a huge build. Thank you, Ferd for teaching me about the blender modifiers and what can be achieved, just wow!

Working on a photo studio called MashUp! There are props to interact with for the photos and also the pose balls to become part of the scene. We have three created and will be creating more soon. This is the LM if you want to stop by and see what we are working on. Special thanks to Jamie Anna Wright for the Abbey Road texture, and Clarice Alelaria for the great warehouse! virtual-hg.com:8002/MashUp/139/103/29

I catch the 3HG Studios bus today and my driver is this cool, magical troll-like guy with huge feet straddling the gas and brake pedals. He flashes this wild-eyed grin and shouts, “Get in and buckle up!”

Before I can even find my seat, he’s spinning the bus out of control and diving straight into the ocean. We’re cruising underwater, octopuses scattering as we zoom past. The troll just laughs and says, “How do you like my shortcut?” 3HG has a new adventure coming soon...stay tuned! Thank you @ferdfrederix @ferdzee @FredBeckhusen 🚌🦈🪸🦑🌊🧜🏽‍♀️