Scenes From Thanksgiving 2015

By Bixyl Shuftan

Thanksgiving doesn't get much attention compared to Christmas. That stores seem to start their Xmas shopping season once Halloween is over hasn't helped. Still, there were a number of events that went on Thanksgiving week and weekend.

The Happy Vixen club held it's themed event, Pilgrims and Indians, a week before Thanksgiving on the 19th. Cutlass would have it's Thanksgiving party one day before, on the 25th.

On Thanksgiving Day, Gemma Cleanslate celebrated by having some friends over at her place at Skye Condos. Plenty of turkey for all.

Aero Pines Park had an all-day Thanksgiving event, their Harvest Festival and Pow-Wow, with people, some in American Indian and Pilgrim outfits, dancing around a fire.

There were other things to do, such as the mechanical turkeys, in which like mechanical bulls, you were timed to see how long you could keep a hold of it.

There was also fishing, or one could peek in the Indian lodges.

At one point, a dragon dropped by. For a moment, I wondered if it might want horse for a Thanksgiving dinner. But instead, it just listened to the music for a few minutes, then flew off.

While not a Thanksgiving themed event, the fundraiser for Kalli Birman (Brandy Maltas in real life) on Friday evening drew plenty of attention with it's kickoff. TerryLynn Melody and Seth Regan (Mankind Tracer) performed live for the crowd. The event would raise many hundreds of dollars

Saturday November 28 was the start of the Roman community's monthly festival. First was a roleplayed ceremony at the Temple of Jupiter. Perhaps not the most Thanksgiving like of events, but afterwards was the "Feast of Jupiter," which had lots of food next to the dance floor.

Following a chariot race, the third event of the day fit perfectly with Thanksgiving: the Turkey Hunt. Three volunteers donned tiny turkey avatars, and with the promise of a prize for those who could tag all three, several residents, locals and visitors, went after them. Among those who got all three was a certain vulpine, leading to jokes about how foxes have a natural affinity to taking down poultry.

Also on Saturday November 28 was the "Life Seems to be Normal" event by Kikas Babenco and Marmaduke Arado.  An interactive art show, those coming by to watch were invited to take part. A prankster (or griefer, depending on your opinion) tried to disrupt the show, but the event went on.

Sunday November 29 was the second day of the Roman festival. At 10 AM was the Lectica Race, which was of teams driving litters. I wasn't able to attend that one, but did make "Jupiter's Grand Feast at 12 Noon. The theme of the party was "Modern Gods and Goddesses." The plurality of those dressing were in superhero outfits (maybe they saw the movie "Hancock," in which there was a comparison made).

The winners were Ronijn Resident, who came as Merlin the Magician, and Rasberia Cornelia Daciana (Raspberrykiss) whom was in a tub of golden coins as the "Goddess of Fortune." Unfortunately for Rasberia, one of the turkeys at the event kept walking over to her tub, "Shoo turkey! Go away!" Maybe the bird mistook the gold for feed.

And what would Thanksgiving Day be without a parade? At New Las Vegas in the Isle de Casanova sim, there was a tribute to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. From Thursday to Sunday at Midnight, floats went down the street.

I dropped by to get a few pictures. One thing I noticed was the floats were designed for residents to ride, on, and one, a "SheilaDDulySweet" in a "Betty Boop" av was hoping on them, sometimes singing a line or two, "Yay my parade! *smiles big* Tee-hee-hee-hee! Boop-Boop-De-Doop-Boop!"

"Tee-hee-hee-hee! It's the Navy handsome fellows! Boop-Boop-De-Doop-Boop!"

It was quite a fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend. Stay tuned for Christmas.

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 at Stagg Island

By Bixyl Shuftan

Fourteen years after the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, September 11 is still marked by rememberances in both real life and Second Life. Some of the more impressive memorials in the past are no longer in the virtual world. Still, there are others. A grand memorial to the fallen still stands at Stagg Island. Two events were held at the location. One was at 6PM SL time.

I dropped in about the same time a teacher did with a few child avatars, "Okay class, this sim it has a wall that has the names of the fallen (last I heard) there are some displays around, there is a new area that has a real nice display as well. Take a look around but don't get lost as there are many people here." Others here were dressed as firemen and soldiers.

As I and others stood around, looking around at the scenery, notably the large wall of names, we could overhear news footage of the attack on the Twin Towers. Geena Zackerly, the owner of Stagg Island, gave a narration, "A live television broadcast that we all watched that day , a very comprehensive description of the events of the day. NBC 9/11/01 Compilation of news coverage. End of the Today Show news coverage. As the day progressed every human being felt the need to arm themselves, protect their families, friends, their property and their neighbors. Not really knowing why this happened, who was behind it, why so many innocent people had to die in such a horrible way, for what reason?? How could this act be justified ?? by anyone?? With no valid answer to any of those questions all there was to feel was 'vengeance.' Someone will pay for this!"

Others also made comments, "Respects to all that lost...and to those that survived..........is the will of mankind and the heart of us left behing to always remeber...the loved ones...and the family's...and not the ignorance of the world...." "Well said." "I lost my class." "Rest in Peace, heroes." *salutes*

Geena continued, "The world realizes that this tragedy not only effects the families of those taken , but strikes at each person, it has touched us all!! We are all saddened! We have all been violated! Victims family's reach for their loved ones... praying they made it through everything. Hoping against all hope that they survived. Our hearts have been hardened and desensitized to everyday life. Reality is more than we can bare. Every day life will never be the same as we knew it. The shock, the pain that all of us have to deal with as to what has happened to our nation, our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, children and neighbors.....our very existence!"

As these words were spoken, paper lanterns appeared, with small flames at the bottoms, and began floating into the air. A woman told her child, "Sweetie stand by Mommy, watch the lanterns." A man openly wished "he could call his lil sister." He was comforted by others. One spoke, "I miss muh uncle Tom and my Cousin Mike Collins, they were brave firemen ( sittin' in tears as this was played at there funeral )." One lady looked upwards, "For all my Marine friends and Navy shipmates" *kisses her hand and blows it to the sky*. Not all comments were in respect to the fallen, one cursing what he saw as the incompetence of the leaders in Washington.

Geena went on with her narration, "Only time will reveal what is going to happen. Will this happen to us again? Have we learned to protect ourselves against evil in the world? Will we become complacent... let our guard down? Who can say? Only time!! It is our duty and our responsibility to those we lost to do everything in our power to prevent this from ever happening again. Let us hope for a strong nation and better times as we honor our loved ones in their peaceful rest. A senseless act like this reminds us all that our lives are just a drop of water in a large ocean. At any given time we or our loved ones can be gone, So hold those you love close, EVERYDAY, for tomorrow may never come."

The others continued, the ones as solders standing at attention, some others shedding tears, "Hello brother." "Welcome to the Memorial Brother." "This really means a lot ,,,,and says alot for our USA." "Just an awesome Memorial, thank you Fazz for putting this all together."

Geena came to the last parts of her words, "The time has come to accept what has happened... it isn't a nightmare... it's real! We are mad , we want vengeance, someone has to be held responsible for these horrible acts. On the other hand however, our innocents... our family members, our loved ones are free now. Free from the human suffering brought on to them from these evil people. It's time to let go of their physical beings and embrace their spirits." With a glance to the soldiers, "Our Honor guard will now Play a final tribute to our fallen." She then read from a notedcard, "Notes from the Memorial Creator: The music you have heard may very well mean something different to you. However I offered you music that I felt best portrayed the feelings of the heart and emotions of the day. The bottom line is these beautiful spirits will never be forgotten by me. Like you, that day has been burned into my memory! I would like to thank you all for your donations to the memorial. This memorial has been dedicated as a permanent landmark for all Second Life residents to visit. Your donations help to assure its permanence. Thank you for attending the 2015 9/11 tribute, Be well and peace be with you !! ~~ Fazio Magic."

It was now a little past 7PM SL time, and the ceremony came to a close, Genna saying, "Thank you all for your kind wishes and donations to the 911 Memorial. This memorial has been dedicated to all Second Life residents. It will be here for you always. So glad you all came. Please stay as long as you like." Visitors expressed their thanks, "Thank you so much, Geena." "Awesome place, congrats to who ever made this. You in the honor guard I salute you." Genna would also notice me, sending me an instant message thanking the Newser for the article about the 9/11 Memorials that morning.

The Stagg Islands 9/11 Memorial can be found at Stagg Island (13, 146, 37)

* * * * *

Stag Island was not the only place 9/11 memorial events would be held. McCoy Island would also hold its own that day. I dropped in a little late when the last musician had finished his performance. Several people were still around, including sim owner April McCoy whom thanked the Newser for mentioning her memorial that morning.

There was memorial which the Newser had failed to mention, that of it's local fire station at Sunweaver Bay. It's still up for people to see at Sunweaver Bay (57, 177, 32).

Of Aero Pines' Stairclimb Tribute that was up for a few years but wasn't set up this year, Gemma Cleanslate had a few words with the park owner Cindy Bolero. She explained events in real life, as well as the threat of griefers had simply made it impossible to provide the experience they once had, "The Co-Producer/builder and myself have both recently lost our dads and we've each been busy with family affairs in Real Life.  The tribute also became too much work and expense where much of the labor involved a full crew to protect the remembrance visitors from the Islamic griefers and other anti-Americans."

The good news, Cindy Bolero has been working on an Opensim version of Aero Pines, and plans to have a lasting Stairclimb Tribute there. She will announce when it is ready.

Fourteen years later, America and the world, in real life and Second Life, still remembers.

Bixyl Shuftan

9/11 in Second Life

Sunday September 11th was the ten year anniversary of the terrorists attacks that took more than three thousand lives in Arlington Virginia, Shanksvile Pennsylvania, and NewYork City. Across Second Life, residents took part in various commemorations across the grid. Some were well-publicized, and drew hundreds of people. Others were quietly attended by only a few. But all honored the innocent victims and rescue workers whom fell that day.

One of the memorials to get the most attendance was most likely the World Trade Center Memorial in the New York NYC sim. Taking a look at the sim a couple days earlier, there were about 3,000 flags, mostly American, placed on the streets. In the northwest corner of the sims, a transparent replica of the twin towers reached high into the sky. Next to both towers was a small memorial park, with a statue of a firefighter leaning down, and bronze reliefs of firefighters on the wall: “Dedicated to those who fell, and those who carry on.” The place wasn’t all memorial, though. Much of the sim was commercial shops

Dropping by the next day, the place was packed with close to fifty avatars. Many were gathered in a small park across the road from the memorial part, listening to various live music performers. A problem developed when a griefer tried to stir up trouble, but few paid attention to him.

The memorial is at New York NYC (71, 179, 22)

The other 9/11 memorial mentioned in the Destination Guide was the 911 Memorial at Stagg Island. Despite the name of the sim (I never looked much beyond the memorial at the outside land in the sim. Large walls of white granite held the names of the fallen as waterfalls behind the memorial. There was a huge brazier, made to look like a torch, the Earth floating over it. Two columns of blue light reached into the sky. The back of the memorial was a waterfall, which was described as symbolizing the “tears of the world.”

On 9/11/2011, there will be several ceremonies in remembrance of the innocent lives lost on 9/11/2001. This will NOT be a show, political statement , or religious event. If you wish to pray in the faith of your choice, please feel free to do so.

Ceremonies were held four times that day. Dropping in between them, I heard both soothing music and narration, at one point the voice spoke, "Thank you for coming here ladies & gentlemen. Now if you don't think Second Life has a heart, if someone says that, tell them … well, you know what to tell them."

Another memorial that got plenty of residents dropping in was the Stairclimb in Aero Pines. Opened a few days before September 11th, many people were continuing to drop by and climb the tall staircase. Some remained at ground level, either watching the documentary up for view, or contemplated about the events that day. The stairclimb had been getting attention from musicians as well, one doing a 9/11 machinima there. More on this memorial can be read in the article Here.

Some events didn’t have many decorations or extra builds. At the Mystery sim, many of the staff gathered along with regulars of events to contemplate what had happened ten years before. DJ Bloodrose writer played songs and excerpts of speeches, a mix consisting of Martin Luther King’s “We Shall Overcome,” to “I Will Remember You,” to Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” to Metalica’s “Don’t Tread on Me.” He also narrated.

“Ten years later, there are still some questions and mystery on what happened and why. Many have theories, but evil is evil, and the attack upon the helpless was a woeful and dishonorable act. And though time passes and for some memories fade. But justice and right, like a phoenix, was reborn from the ashes, and will soar to heights not seen before. Not America or American, not New Yorkers or those losing loved ones, but HUMANITY will become and has become stronger. But we must never forget, or we will be dammed to repeat it.”

Not all the staff were there. The sim owner was absent. At one point, Bloodrose spoke, “Many years ago, before the tragedy, A lady had a dream to be a singer. She worked toward this, and she & her husband had it as a goal. All she did was to improve her voice and learn how to sing. On September 11th, she lost her husband her main cheerleader and father to her daughter. She then recorded a song.” And then after the name and title were announced, the song began playing.

“This is your club owner Alexis 'Tygeria Mirabeau,’ “ Bloodrose told, “who cannot be with us today. But she thanks all of those who remember. ... This is the first year the owner has given permission to speak on her story,” he would explain later, “She is at the unveiling of the memorial and will bestow her blessings on all and thanks from her and her daughter to you all for not forgetting and remembering.”

Much more happened at the Mystery vigil, the details of which can be read on the Queen of Hearts Blog.

Numerous comments were expressed in group announcements. Tuna Oddfellow, who runs the psychedelic “Odd Ball” had this to say, “Boliver Oddfellow, aka Drew Stein, was a SL developer and friend to many of us. He and Tuna used to joke that they were virtually brothers. On this day, ten years ago, while many were running away from the Twin Towers, Bolliver was running in, as a volunteer first responder. Some months ago, we lost him to sarcoidosis. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/know/physical.shtml”

Club Zero Gravity owner Nydia Tungsten, usually known for her daring choices of songs in DJ events, had some thoughtful comments, “Today is the day. 10 years ago so many people died with out even knowing why, day we will never forget, how we spent the day watching and hoping, a day of evil to be sure, but never forget we also learned of hero's those that risked their own life to help others, and those that paid the ultimate price, over 3000 people lost their lives that day all because one group wants us to believe the way they do, and to make us live in fear, well they failed, we still live, not in fear but with our heads held high, knowing we are not better than they, but our lives mean more, we fight back with fuller lives, so take this day to remember not just the victims, but those you love.”

It was a day of remembrance, both in real life and Second Life. This year did have a couple differences. The NYC sim, made by a Brookliner and had some ceremonies involving the SLFD, was no longer around. It was also the first year in which the mastermind of the atrocity was not somewhere out there, still plotting, but was dead, having been shot a few months earlier cowering behind a woman.

Ten years later, that dreadful day is passing to history, the world a different place, but people still take the time to remember and reflect.

“If we do not remember the past we will be forever doomed to repeat it.” - Nydia Tungsten.

Bixyl Shuftan