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

Summer Fair at Aero Pines Park

By Gemma Cleanslate

Aero Pines Park, a favorite place for many of us, has a Summer Fair and Carnival in Equus hosted by the Aero Pines Park Rangers and the Bravo Carnival Company. Every fun game that you have ever played, and every ride you have ever enjoyed in Second Life seems to be here for your vacation fun if you are having a staycation like many of us. Take your friends and have a ball!

 

On the way in, grab a mallet and test your strength at the High Striker game. There are lots of arcade games on the midway to try, some very familiar like Whack a Mole. One game I had never seen called Zombie Meltdown was great fun. Out in the rodeo field I saw someone riding a bucking bull for points. I will skip that. There is a fast carousel, a scary roller coaster, bumper cars, and an enormous ferris wheel, my favorite ride, along with some others you will recognize.  Take a walk through the Fun House, that is a real maze. Good luck! 

 

Wandering around all the sims of Aero Pines is always so interesting no matter when you go. I took the long long ride from the sky isle down the water slide and right into the ocean! When you land, you are near the bumper boats so have some fun there too.  Do not miss the log flume ride!!! Rezz a log and jump in and you will be on the journey of your life. The log is hauled up inclines and slides down the water ways, wending its way to the end. 

 

Outside the entrance to the carnival you will find the brochure and a list of the many teleports you can take to various areas of the Park that are always available. I saw some people  riding horses on the beach not too far from the carnival. Rezz a demo horse and ride the trails. I do that often. I also found some new little golf cars to rezz and took a ride around before I had to leave. Be sure to read the directions (laughter).  

 

Just get to the Carnival before the end of August! Enjoy!  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Equus/47/206/23 

Gemma Cleanslate

4rth of July at Areo Pines

On the evening of July 4rth, Areo Pines held their annual Independence Day music concert. The place was crowded, close to fifty avatars present at times. The event took place at the Equus sim. This was the seventh year the virtual forest park has held these events.

Sorry for the late invite but the sim has been packed! Come experience and up close and personal High Quality concert with the EAGLES as we Rock in the USA!!!!

There were a number of lawn chairs set up for people to sit in. Or one could sit at one of the picnic tables and grab a hot dog. One of the park rangers was at a grill, serving up burgers and more franks. There were also dispensers one could pick up sparklers, and some of the people there had them in hand.

There were also some beer kegs about. No word on whether or not anyone was picked up for horseback riding while intoxicated.

Being a 4rth of July party, many were dressed in red white and blue. One was dressed in a "Wonder Woman" outfit. There was also a horse avatar walking about. And Areo Pines Park owner Cindy Bolero was there, dancing away with the group as the music from the "Eagles" played.

The event went late into the evening, the place still packed and all having fun.

Areo Pines Park has many events around the year. Plus any day people can come by for horseback riding, or just walk the forest trails at their own pace.

Bixyl Shuftan