The Flight 93 Memorial Show, And Other September 11 Events

As America goes through a Pandemic that has killed thousands, on September 11 it looked back at another historic crisis nineteen years ago when the country suffered it's deadliest terrorist attack.  There were events large and small across Second Life. A small one was held at the Happy Vixen, a Patriot Day tribute, the night before on September 10. People were reminded about the Homes For Our Troops kiosk, and over a thousand Linden dollars went into it that night.

On September 11 itself, there was a show at the Bob Hope Theater at 6PM SL time.

Including the performers, over 80 people were packed into the sim.

The show got a standing ovation.

 On Saturday September 12 was a double event at the Flight 93 Memorial at the same sim.

 At 4 PM, JustinElias Anatara would sing live over the radio stream.

At 5PM, people got away from the tower.

And the light show would start.

It was quite an impressive light show, and a reminder than even in times of darkness, light will soon be around to show the way.

Bixyl Shuftan

Autopilotpatty Poppy Memorial Dance

By Bixyl Shuftan

Earlier this month, word had gotten around Caledon and other communities that Autopilotpatty Poppy had passed away. During her time in Second Life, she had accomplished much such as having set up several art galleries and was a sucessful DJ and photographer, as well as the co-captain of Caledon's Relay for Life team. She had been knighted by Caledon's governor and was given the title Dame.

On Saturday July 18, a memorial dance was held in Autopilot's honor. It was held in Roshaven Laudanum. It was stated while the ceremony would be a respectful one, the tone would be an upbeat one and not somber.

This is a celebratory dance hosted by the Duchies of Carntalgh and Trikassl to honor Poppy's love of a festive occasion. It is a time to share fond memories in a joyful setting. Attire: formal, festive uniforms. 

Dropping in at 2PM, a crowd of friends, neighbors, and others that wanted to pay their respects came by. The sunlight was somewhat dim, but not dark. The music was classical, such as Mozart Conchertos. "Welcome to the many of you that arrived while I was on air!" Gabrielle Riel told the crowd, "This is a celebratory dance, so please feel free to start dancing! The dance machines are behind me. Next to the cherry tree. We'll take some time to allow more people to arrive and then Liz will lead us into some memory-sharing."

There were a number of noted personalities from the Steamlands, Relay, and others. Among them were Bain and Panza Finch (Panza Eilde), Vic Mornington, Andrea Jones, Stereo Nacht, Holocluck Henly, Oldesoul Eldemar, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (KlausWulfenbach Outlander), and others. "It is like the old days," the Baron commented, "I wish it were under lighter circumstances. Guten abend, all." When he made an observation about one duchess, another commented, "Herr Baron, you know there are too many duchesses in this one space to count. Be specific, bitte?" "Excellent point, Duchess Magda," he responded.

People would say their praises of her. Elfbiter Skysmith (elfbiter Resident) would say, "Patty was the first to welcome me to Caledon when I first came here. And pointed me towards the BlakOpal store what was in the Village at the time."

RockAndRoll AllNight (RockAndRoll Michigan) offered, "Patty was a gentle soul. A friendly presence, and a friend to me as well as most if not all of the people here and many other people who cannot be here. Her loss will leave a permanent hole in SL and our lives, but we will be all the better for having memories of our friend. Godspeed, Patty."

Jaz Beverly would add, "And she has remained one of my major Caledonian role models. Her kind warmth, her joy in life and creativity, her grace under the most intense moments of life's fires. She was organized, enthusiastic, and always at the center of something welcoming and fun. She was a spark that lit more than just her own prodigious creativity. And I will always be grateful to have known her even a little bit in this wonderous place to which she has contributed so much."

Magda Kamenev (Magdalena Kamenev) spoke, "One of the many things I liked about Patty is how she was ambitious but playful about it. I remember her photo exhibit of the 12 Days of Christmas. And all of those props and settings. And then someone took her photos of the various Lords and made them ammo in a temp gun. And it was the toy of the season in Caledon. ... Patty was wonderful at pouring oil over roiling waters. But every once in a while, she'd set fire to that oil."

Beth Ghostraven would say, "I met Poppy early on in my Second Life, wandering around Caledon exploring. I came upon people dancing around a bonfire on a hill, under a spectacular airship, and I learned to dance there listening to Poppy's music. I loved her themes, and cherished her friendship. I'm really going to miss her. Thank you all."

Wildstar Beaumont added, "In 2011, when we kicked off the Aether Chrononauts RFL Team, Patty was the Captain of Team Caledon. It was an important and experienced team and there was a lot of working together with us noobs. Also Patty organized my first exhibit outside my gallery. At her art place in Oxbridge village. And she did the music for some of the early editions of Christmas at Wild Castle and Privateers Ball. I will miss her."

Star (astarynite Resident) offered, "I remember when I was new I moved to Mayfair and Poppy was having a dance at the Rusty Garter and I rode my horse there.  Caledon was so big to me, I think it took me 1 1/2 hours to get there weaving back and forth through the same sims trying to find my way.  Eventually I moved to Caledon II because where Poppy was so was a lot of the action and events in Caledon."

Phrynne Resident told, "I met her at a concert up over the top of the Village, when it was a concert venue.  She made room for me to see better, and asked me how I was doing, and then invited me to Alley Cats in Morgaine.  And that's how I got to know most everyone early on."

Jan Stroikavskoi added, "I just wanted to add to Patty's many talents, back in 2011 The Black Moon Marauders of Caledon hosted their very first 'Walk the Plank Fashion Show'. Under Captain Tao Mistwalker's direction, Patty Poppy laid the foundations of what was to become a very successful show over the years, while raising funds for Relay For Life. We continued with our annual fashion up until a couple of years ago."

Gabrielle would say with a smile, "Patty did so many special photo shoots. She was so active with her photography. And my favorite piece she ever did was 'Moons Over Caledon,' which was 10 of us women sitting naked with our backs to the camera." Magda remarked, "Oh my ... I still have the male and female versions of 'Moon Over Caledon.'"

Then came a certain musical tune, "Marching With The Band Of The Army Air Corps." Then Oriella Charik announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please look to the skies for a flying display!" A few planes were flying low in the sky overhead, leaving colored smoke trails.  "The NAS Aerbats Ladies and Gentlemen!" Liz added, "Patty was a huge part of their team. ... Patty would be pleased, at all of you here, airplanes in the sky, drinks handy, dancing all around."

I ended up crashing after the first hour, and logging back on I needed to be elsewhere and my system was having trouble with me having my alt on at the same time. But just half the event was quite a tribute to this woman of many talents.

Rest in peace, Autopilotpatty Poppy.

Bixyl Shuftan

Bay City's Sixth Anniversary

What a hoot!! Sunday May 18 at 12:30, the parade started. Right on time Uccello Poultry led off the celebration of the Bay City 6th Anniversary parade . From the start to finish it was an amazing event. 

Elegant floats took the corners with some trepidation but for the most part made it without a hitch. 

Noise makers and fire abounded. The fire was deliberate. As you know one of the most loved citizens, Ever Dreamscape, passed away so she was dearly remembered during this time. I ear she loved to set fires so in her honor most of Bay City was in flames when I checked in this morning. Fire was prevalent even in the hair of some. 

I took numerous pictures of the citizens and the floats. Marianne Mccann played a huge horn as she marched. Pygar Bu waved the flags proudly. Vic Forcella, with burning hair, announced they had they best team! 

Everyone worked hard on this parade and it was a great one. It terminated at the fairgrounds with enormous lag as everyone rushed into the party area. But finally we got to the dance floor and listened to the music of Christov Kohnke. 

Great fun for all!

Gemma Cleanslate

Editor's Note: Arriving at the tail end of the event, I caught a surprise. One of the Lindens had dropped in: April Linden. "Heya!" she greeted us, "I can't stay long, I just wanted to come see what was goin on and say congrats to Bay City. (smile)" April was in a furry bunnygirl av, which got complements from the crowd, "April, aren't you an adorable little rabbit. Oh and you're a Linden too. Nice to meet ya!"

I had time to ask her a couple questions, "How's Ebbe doing?" "I've only seen him in passing, but seems to be a very nice fellow." "Word has it Ebbe's been encouraging the Lindens to interact with the residents more." "That is correct. (smile)." But she soon had to depart, "Bye everyone!! Yay Bay City!! (smile)" She waved, and ported out.

As the last musician finished his set, Marianne McCann directed everyone's attention to the sky. We then saw fireworks going off. The crowd cheered, "Yay for Marianne!" "(gigglemews) Mari wants BIG BOOM!" "Woot Woot!" "Yaaaaaaaaay!" Marianne called out, "Happy Sixth Anniversary Bay City! ... And to Ever Dreamscape, It was a honor to know you!"

People talked on about the late Ever Dreamscape. Uccie commented, "It was an honor to have Ever sneak into my house and scare the crap out of me. .... we need a Fire Day for Ever. Someone pick one." People suggested her rezzday or her birthday. Uccie reminded, "April 1 is her birthday." So Marianne decreed, "The 1st of April will be Ever's Night."

And so, the place that was built to represent the mid-20th Century North American urban experience had ended it's Sixth Anniversary. This time it was to both celebrate what they accomplished, and to say goodbye to a friend whom would be remembered.

For more pictures, check out ZZBottom's and Daniel Voyager's Flickr accounts.

Reflections of 9/11 in Second Life

By Gemma Cleanslate

I wrote in the guest book at Aero Pines Memorial  Climb, “Gemma remembers the second plane hit in shock. “ September 11 is indelibly in the minds of those who remember that day and lived through it on new media . Every year there are lovely memorials in sl to shadow those held in rl at the original site in New York City , at the Pentagon and at other places . The USA is recalling that disastrous day when three planes carrying terrorists tried to attack our land. So many died leaving families and friends mourning nd a nation aghast and mourning with them.

 

“In 2007, the New York City medical examiner's office began to add people to the official death toll who died of illnesses caused by exposure to dust from the site. The first such victim was a woman who had died in February 2002 from a lung condition.In 2009, a man who died in 2008 was added, and in 2011 a man who died in 2010.” Many first responders still suffer illness that are debilitating. As you can see from the countries affected, this is really an international event although it was on our soil. It is nice to see people from around the world visiting these memorials and participating. 

 

Aero Pines Park rangers and firefighters  sponsor a 9/11 tribute to fallen firefighters every year and gives you free gear to wear on the climb.There is a kiosk with information of how to donate to firefighters organizations . The buildings  will be there until the 12th if you would like to visit it.  Equus (45, 229, 23). I spent some time watching the video of the firefighters in the buildings talking into radios , climbing stairs, looking for people to help. I chatted with an avatar in a naval uniform .pepinnery told me that two days after that infamous day she enlisted in the Navy for 2 years. 

 

I stopped over at Stagg Island also. I was trying to find out about events there because I recalled last years wonderful tribute but learned that the owner of the memorial was not available this year in order to plan events. Here you see the names of all the victims on the walls, the twin towers, airplane victims, and the Pentagon. This is a permanent memorial that you can visit anytime. There are viewers on the walls  where you can look at images captured from that time: just click them. Try the night view to see the beauty of the whole memorial. Remember to get the souvenir bell. The setting is lovely , high above waterfalls the marble glistens.  STAGG ISLAND (13,153, 37). 

 

I am glad I was able to start my day doing this as a reflection  of September 11, 2001. 

 

Gemma Cleanslate