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2008 is coming to an end! Can you believe it? Time really does fly! Thanks to ALL of you islanders for making my stay on the island awesome!

Thinking back, there have been some really awesome and fun moments! All the times I was getting caged (*cough* lostpoet *cough*), building with peeps, being scared by the haunted houses (RandyLH), ghost hunting with Genie7, seeing Trev22 dress up as a girl for Halloween, watching everyone compete for the Member Spotlight, catching glimpses of the awesome builds by Shag, Matt, Flying Eagle, Lostpoet and so many islanders — the list is endless!

But most of all, it's been great being able to share all of this with each and every one of you!

You guys rocked my 2008, let's get ready to count down and make it a ridonculous 2009! Woot!

A BIG welcome to all the newbies on the island!

If you are a part of the new peeps and have no idea where to go shopping, get a job, house hunt, or plain old explore — we're here to help!  We host an island tour on the last Thursday of every month.  If you haven't been on one before, here is your chance to get involved!

For those of you islanders who have jobs as tour guides — please help out the new islanders! Leave a comment here and we'll have Cassie get in touch with you to host!

Date:                Every last Thursday of the month
Time:               1:00pm PST
Location:         Welcome Center

See you on the island!

You guys have rocked 2008 and made my island life full of fun and excitement! For that reason, I wrote you guys a little holiday jingle (and don't you islanders dare laugh!).

*ahem*

Another holiday — another year,
Just look at the island,
It's filled with cheer!
Spread the joy,
Share this season,
Give into warmth
For a reason!

Whew! Now that wasn't too bad was it? Don't be shy and write your fellow islanders a jingle here!

From all of us here on Stagecoach Island...Happy Holidays!

Looking for a spot to host your holiday party? Look no further! Darthvader has designed a club for all you party islanders!

Just take a look at the pics below! There are tables, cozy booths, a room for the ones who like to watch sports, a pool that overlooks the scenery, and even a festive band stage that actually includes a few dressing rooms in the back for all the performers! It's totally rad!

So if you're wondering where to go this season, here's your spot — just drop Darthvader a tele and swing by 167S 107W to check it out for yourself!

P.S. If you've got an idea for a party or a hot spot you want us to check out, just let us know!

 
 

Check it out, islanders! Now, for a limited time only (that sounds so much like an infomercial), you and a few lucky islanders that save 100,000 shells or more in your savings account will be rewarded with your very own Stagecoach Island T-Shirt!

And nope — no strings attached! The shirts are just a token of our appreciation and a way to tell you how much all you guys mean to us, not to mention to reward you for being super savers!

Click here to learn more about how to get your special t-shirt. Once you receive it, don't forget to let us know what you think! Post your feedback here!

It's just our way to help you kick start the holidays! Woo-hoo!

Unlike all the virtual clothes you islanders have been purchasing, here's your chance to wear a piece of the island in real life!

Yup, if you are a top saver, you can get your very own t-shirt*! All you have to do is put away at least 100,000 shells in your island virtual savings account. Once you've reached that goal, email us at stagecoachisland@wellsfargo.com using the subject line: SI Real World Rewards T-Shirt.

In your e-mail, please include:

1. Your first and last name
2. Your Stagecoach Island avatar name
3. The address you'd like the t-shirt shipped to
4. Your t-shirt size (shirts are unisex, sizes S-XL)

Once you email us, we'll send you a confirmation email. Oh, and please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Your information will be used to fulfill your t-shirt order only and WILL NOT be used for marketing purposes!

*While supplies last.

Everywhere you go there are flashy sale signs, mark downs, "free offers," this and that — so we all have to beware of our wallets! Not that you need pocket protectors or anything (unless you're into that sort of thing). Nope, it's just nice to keep a little plan in mind as to how much you're going to be blowing out of your bank account this holiday season.

With the economy like it is, everything is unpredictable, so this year I've decided to hand-make everyone's gifts. Here's why:

1. It's a bit more personal
2. It's a little easier on the budget, and well...
3. It's just so much cooler!

Now I do always keep an eye out for big red "Sale" signs, and try to think of ways I can get a bigger, better gift that my friends will like, but of course...at a lower price. It's a great time for bargain hunting, so make sure to browse around before settling on the price of a certain MP3 player or video game.

Of course, I do save up to buy those fancy new monthly items at GCK, but come on! We all have to splurge a little on ourselves once in awhile!

For next month, we're going to pick an islander who you think razzles and dazzles the island with his or her charming outfits! This islander has to have a unique sense of style and is always dressed to impress! If you have someone in mind, then post your nomination here!

One more big congrats to this month's winner — Freckles! Your creativity has rocked the island, and everyone seems to agree! Enjoy your celeb status and for those that need some creative tips, feel free to shoot her a tele.

As for now, don't be shy and make your nominations. Name that island fashionista!

Well another year on the island has gone by, and we want you to know that it wouldn't have been possible without each and every one you islanders! So this is just a little note to let you all know how awesome you are! You've all truly made the island sparkle with holiday cheer!

This season, treat yourself and enjoy the snowcaps in Olympic Valley, kick back at the Cabana at Isla Del Sol, explore the cactuses in Desert Hollow, or take a boat for a sail on the docks of Sapphire Springs!

Happy Holidays!

Well, not entirely...that kind of mystery could take decades to explain! But I'll just give you the short and sweet CliffsNotes  version. And if you guys absolutely want to know more...well, that can be arranged too!

Let's start with paycheck taxes: What are they for and where do they go? Those are kind of the big questions. I mean, you work all month for every shell, and then *poof*! A chunk of it is gone or given to the SIRS.

Well, that actually helps contribute to the upkeep of the island! Look at the trees, flowers, roads — all of that is well-maintained thanks to the beautiful tax shells of all the islanders! It's not just taken, stashed and sitting around waiting to be used. Lots of times there are already plans and ideas drawn up, and then the taxes come in to fund them.

Take houses, for instance. We pay what is called a "property tax."  It's almost like a little fee to own the land and make sure everything on and around that land is working and running properly. It costs the government a lot of money every year to maintain schools, roads, sewage systems, assistance programs, and just about every little thing you can think of!

So the next time you get your paycheck and wonder why you're missing a chunk, that's why! It's the good ol' tax deduction!

Oh, the joys of living!

Just a quick heads-up to all you islanders out there...SpecialEd and his team of mechanics need to do a little bit maintenance on the site, so it might be a little quiet for the next few days. We'll still be receiving your comments (so definitely keep sending them!) — we just won't be able to publish them until Friday when we're back in action. Otherwise, everything will be going normally!

Thanks a lot and see you Friday...

If you want to find a sweet little get-away on the island, you have to check out 50s 54w! There's a ginormous, serene and peaceful waterfall with rocks, ponds and hideaways where you and friends can camp or chill-ax this season.

Hey, you might even want to hang out with the guy fishing — seems like he could use some company! And the tip top of the waterfall is super nice and the view is amazing. If you haven't seen it yet, you should definitely grab some of your fellow islanders and check it out!

Take a "stay-cation" on the island today! I can already hear the rushing of the waterfall — sounds like it's time for me to go find a spot! Race ya...let's go!

 
 

If you're new and fresh to the island, fear not! Here are some helpful pointers on how to get a job and make some shells on SI. The important spots to remember:

1. ATM Virtual Banking

2. Learning Lounge

3. Career Center

Remember: You can always go to the ATM for info on how to earn and learn. Or check out our User Guide (PDF). And don't worry, it's not rocket science! As a matter of fact, all the info you need to answer the questions are given right to you at the Learning Lounge.

A big round of applause for Freckles — our winner of the Member Spotlight this month! The "Creativity" spotlight is shining on her, so if you get a chance, be sure to check out some of her great work!

Everyone else who was nominated, don't worry — you are all still being honored for your creative contributions to the community!

As we pass the spotlight from our newbie Trev22 last month, congrats again to Freckles! You've earned your title — now go be the island creativity celeb!