1920s Berlin Project Fifth Anniversary's Open House

On Thursday May 29, The "1920s Berlin Project" held it's "Open House" as part of it's fifth anniversary events. Normally closed to nonhuman avatars, it was open that day to them.

On this day everyone is welcome to visit our sim ‘as they are’, with other words, you can ignore our strict 1920s dress code and you can also use non human avatars. Several of our tenants will also open their doors and an ‘Open House’ sign will show you where you can enter and explore how the people in the city live.

Near the teleport entry was a train station, which I used to go further into the city.

Looking around, I found some activity at an open-air cafe. The radio played music of the time period.

Both local residents and visitors were there. Community owner Jo Yardley herself was there serving drinks to everyone, both those in respectable positions, and even once dancer in "that vulgar Eldorado club." There was a tip jar people could drop a few Lindens into.

Besides sitting down for a "beir," one could also dance for a bit, "Well, now I can say I (am) finally dancing in Berlin....and with a fox!"

I wasn't the only fox around, others preferring nonhuman avs also taking the chance to visit. Most visitors chose to stick with outfits close to the era's fashion though. When I asked what was the most unusual avatar seen, one answered they saw a kind of mermaid floating around.

Later on would be events just for locals, such as a soap box derby. Jo told of some antics in the past, "once, my friend Jan, crashed into a pile of fresh fish on the docks ... we all stank of fish there, but it was fun to see." "Soapbox derby is serious stuff," another commented, "Kids don't fool around these days."

There was also a "Frau Jo" (joeldorado) joking around some distance away. Jo pretended to be upset, "Don't make me hit you into the hospital you cow. ... that evil woman pretends to be me. ... she dances at that vulgar Eldorado club, trying to ruin my reputation. If she knows whats good for her, she better stay out of my way." Other locals took this banter with amusement, "I would pay money to watch two Jos fight." "Unless you want to see your club on fire, you better not put that woman on stage again!"

It was a night of meriment, as visitors had fun with the locals. But except for Monday June 2nd, other days of the anniversary would be just for the locals. Besides the soap box derby, there would be  a Miss Berlin Pageant, a talent show at one club, a scavenger hunt at the train station, and more.

Jo would write on her blog, "I could have never imagined it to turn out to become such a huge success, a sim with a the most amazing community, a sim that in stead of being just a bit of fun turned into a huge part of my life. And not just my life, I’m very proud to have tenants who have been living in this city for 2,3, 4 and even 5 years! Many of whom I’d call close friends. I’ve loved every minute of this time traveling adventure and it still is only the beginning."

She mention the possibility of starting a second historical RP area, though "I'm not making any promises."

Besides her 1920s Berlin Project, Jo Yardley's also known for her blog of goings on in Second Life. One can read it here: http://joyardley.wordpress.com/.  She also cohosts Daxtor Despress in the Drax Files Radio Hour. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Ceremony at New Bastogne

By Bixyl Shuftan

 On Monday January 14th, the Luftwaffe JG-52 group in New Bastogne held a small ceremony for awards and promotions. The pilots were judged by the ranking officers as showing good teamwork and combat skills. The ceremony itself was conducted mainly by JessicaBelle Dayafter, whom was recently promoted to Commander, second only to Vickster Khun who owns the sim. Jessica promised to perform her job well, and stated she would continue to help build up the air group.

With "big band" music from the 1940s in the background, the ceremony was not all seriousness. There were a few jokes about an opposing aircraft buzzing overhead, "We'll kick their (tail) later." Of one pilot's long display name Adjutant-Gonzalo de Montalvo y Montignac, Jessica lightheartedly quiped, "I am so not writing out his full name all the time. Hee-hee." And of one pilot's preference for the Me 262 jet fighter, there were wisecracks about her being a "speed freak."

JessicaBelle was the pilot who told SL Newser about New Bastogne's WW2 Combat RP over two years ago. Since then, she developed a reputation for being a crack dive bomber and quality aircraft builder, helping to train pilots and help organize details. Vickster Khun got her start in the old RCAF air group, eventually creating the New Bastogne sim as part of the WW2 area that's become to be identified by it.

Earlier, there was some friction between the Luftwaffe and SS groups, when one of the stormtroopers abused his authority and ignored the orders of an officer from JG-52 to back down. The offender was later disciplined, and a reminder given to everyone they were supposed to be fighting as a team and have fun while doing so. Since then, the troubles have been largely forgotten, and the band of pilots flying on as before.

Lately there have been some special events with other combat groups which normally fight in other areas. On Thursday January 17th, the US Navy group set up an aircraft carrier in Bay Area next to New Bastogne and launched an arieal assault. Despite being outnumbered, JG-52 continued to fly into the furball. The Navy group claimed victory after a couple hours, though smaller skirmishes continued to be reported in group chatter.

Bixyl Shuftan

Prayer at Saint Quentin Basilica

With the recent changes in the New Bastogne WW2 RP area, among the new sims is Saint Quentin. It was decided to build a cathedral here, one that from the outside looked well built. On April 3rd, a nondenominational service was to he held, open to all who wanted to attend. The only thing that was asked was that people wear clothes appropriate for the era. The service was to be held by Father Kravyn.

Entering the cathedral at Noon Sunday, it was very well detailed inside as well as out, a table full of red candles not far from the pews, a spiral staircase leading upstairs, and more. Father Kravyn stood motionless at the altar as people came in from both teams, those from the German side as well as the majority of the Allied wearing civilian clothes. People greeted one another, Allied commander AngusGraham Ceawlin saying, “It is good to see everyone, and it is good to take pause and reflect.” He thanked Deusen Marx for building the basilica, whom answered, “It is always humbling to make something like this.”

For whatever reason, the preacher remained AFK, whatever emergency that kept him away never made clear. Angus then decided someone needed to speak in his place, “I am not a preacher, but as you all are here, I shall ... attempt to deliver something of hopeful value.”

“We are here to to pause and reflect and give thanks to the Maker of all. Our maker goes by many names, depending on our individual belief systems. We give thanks to him in how we perform our lives, in our dealing with people, and the use of our gifts. Deusen’s work here on the church is an example of such gifts. We must always use our gifts to the best use possible, whether as a creator of beauty, or as an employer, a mediator, and so on. This is how we give thanks. This is how we honor the Creator. When we are fair in our dealings with others we are honoring Him.”

“I ask that we all take a moment to give thanks. Bow your heads with me. (pause) Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities you give us each day to honor You. And thank You for the gifts you have given each one of us. Help us to remember to be upright in all that we do. It is in Your name we pray, Amen.”

After several “amens” from the parishioners, Angus apologized for not being able to offer more, only asking that everyone “go out and be a hero to someone ... thank you all for coming. This shall hopefully be a regular occurrence, held on schedule.”

Deusen then asked everyone to join her in a prayer, “Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

After several more “amens,” Angus wished everyone well, “Thank you all for coming.” And then the group went their separate ways, some presumably to battle, others to matters outside the sim.

The basilica is next scheduled to hold service is at April 10, 12 Noon SL time.

Bixyl Shuftan