A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR: WOODBINE DOWNS ESTATES- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 

A horse walks into a bar. 
The bartender says, “Hey, Buddy. Why the long face?”

(Pause for laughter)

OK…OK...OK…so it was a joke.   I am not serious.
But what IS serious is a lovely sim I stumbled upon called Woodbine Downs Estates. There I was met by dozens and dozens of the finest representatives of the equine species to be found anywhere on the grid. The ultimate in realism, as you wander the carefully groomed grounds, you will see animals that are unmatched in beauty and class. The brainchild of Marine and TaffyMarie Torraze, this is indeed unique among sims. Walk with me as we wander these beautiful grounds and chat with the owner.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB: Hi Marine.  Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions about your operation here.

Marine Torraze (marinefiend.redinamus) MT:  No problem Josh.  I love this place and never pass up an opportunity to share that passion with others.

JB:  So, tell me. What is Woodbine Downs Estates all about?

MT: Woodbine Downs Estates offers a Unique place for Boarding/Breeding and Selling  ABC Horses, Ponies & Kaiila's. I have spent at least three months in the design and planning of Woodbine, building and designing the sales yard with custom built pens, seasonal changing trees, and walkways, custom-designed breeder barns. We also offer ABC's own brand of Bid Boards. We have custom-designed stalls only found at Woodbine. The feel at Woodbine is very upper class. You can feel a sense of pride about just walking around and enjoying the scenery. The atmosphere here is breathtaking.

JB:  Yes Marine.  I agree.  The “atmosphere” around most barns can be described as “breathtaking”…but I wander.    Just what are “ABC Animals” anyway?

MT: ABC Awesome Breed Creations, is one of the fastest-growing ventures on the grid. ABCs unique blend of scripting, building, and team of experienced people will be sure to produce a product and provide an environment in which you can rediscover breedables as they were meant to be. These breedables are one of the only racing horses on the grid. Weekly race events for various breeds are held on ABC's special racing sim. You can track and trace sales, breeds, and generations of your breedables in the MyABC website. Read more about ABC here - https://awesomebreedcreations.com/

JB:  How did you first get interested in breeding horses?

MT:  I have been in breedables since at least 2010. Breeding many different things in Second Life. Bunnies, horses, dogs, and cats. I got hooked on ABC back in early 2012 when I was invited to the beta program of ABC by the owner. I had 4 sims at the time with 2 being a mall, one being my Club and one was a sales yard and auction house for all types of breedables. I switched to strictly ABC in mid-2012 and became one of 6 certified ABC auction houses.

JB:  What types of events do you have here?

MT:  Other than our auction house, that starts up on Sept 26th at 10 am SLT,  we have yet to do any events. I have a training track we placed up in the sky to allow people to train and play. The track is the same size as an official ABC track system minus the starting gates and timing systems. So in the future, we may come up with something fun.

JB:  Over the years, there have been many different types of breedables in SL.  What makes your operation different from those breedables that have gone before it?

MT:  Woodbine is a unique breedable place strictly for ABC Horses & Ponies. We provide superior customer service. We walk the yard daily to ensure all the horses are safe and sound. I am personally available 24/7. I can be found online at least 12 hours a day, and all direct offline messages come to email, so if its a serious matter, I can log on and deal with any situation that arises.

JB:  I see a really varied population of horses here.  Just how many of those beautiful animals are there here?

MT:  There are 75 different breeds of horses and 32 other breeds of ponies. Each has six unique traits. Coat, mane, tail, eye, face marking, and leg markings. ABC is like real-life horses, must be fed and cared for, or they will become sick and eventually die. ABC foals are born live, and they must be with their mothers for nourishment during their first three days (ages 0-2). At age three (3) they begin to eat on their own. Between the age of seven (7) and ninety ABC horses are eligible to race, as long as they haven’t bred. The racing side of an ABC Horse has Skill Sets. These skill sets are the specific ability that the horse uses in horse competition. Each skill is trainable and has its own values. Each skill will be determined by the breed of the horse The Horse skills increase as the owner trains the horse over time. The owner must choose the trait that he/she wants to train.

 
JB:  Tell me about your Auctions.  What are those like?

MT:  Auctions are a fun place to come and sell your horses and ponies. A true form of bidding area allows multiple buyers to bid against each other to buy a breeder's animals. I am usually found sitting in the back with a bag of popcorn, watching it all go down. Or sometimes jumping right in the fight. There are also Raffles and Fun Give-Aways, which many people enjoy. All Auction houses meet specific requirements and follow the guidelines put in place by ABC and must be certified.

JB:  Anything ELSE you would like to share with our readers?

MT:  I would just like to thank all the people that have helped make Woodbine possible. Without the ABC community support, there would not be a Woodbine Downs.

JB:  How can interested parties learn more about your operation here.

MT:  Please feel free to come to visit our Sales Yard and enjoy the unique relaxing atmosphere. All are welcome to enjoy our Auctions to see for themselves the fun that is found when attending.  I doubt they could not leave without bidding on one of the beautiful beauties on display for auction, or they just might walk away with their first freebie horse if entered in our auction raffle. 

Many good Pics of Woodbine, plus lots of older pics
Flickr Pics - Check out my Flickr - https://flic.kr/ps/qJvja
SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stable/180/193/23

So…Stop horsing around and go check it out.  And that’s No Joke!
Be there.  Aloha!
JB

 

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GeekSpeak subject for Saturday 19th September at noon SLT

 

Scientists have discovered a marker for phosphine in the clouds of Venus.  That might indicate life on this barren planet since phosphine on Earth is produced only by living organisms.

But how barren is Venus?  On the surface of the planet lead will melt but up in the clouds it can be a comfy 30C.  We could live in cloud cities there, especially since Venus is ‘en route’ to Mars because of orbital mechanics.  Would you like to live in a Venus cloud city?  Are there maybe sentient lifeforms living in such cities now?

If there is no life on Venus where do you think we will find it?  On Europa, Callisto, Titan, Pluto?  What is life anyway?  Would we know it if we found it?  And if we find it, how will it change our art, our religion and our way of living?

Come and discuss alien microbes in GeekSpeak.  Bring your friends.

IM Vulcan Viper, who teaches a meditation class every Wednesday in the GeekSpeak auditorium at 1pm SLT, if you have ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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Maribol Inshan and Synergy Island Presents Diva's Of Song Concert

 

Wednesday September 23rd 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us at Synergy Island Beach for a spectacular Fully Staged & Produced Concert Show Experience featuring Songs From Barbara Streisand, Beth Hart, Bette Midler, Camilia Cabello, Celine Dione, Cher, Dua Lipa & Mariah Carey performed "Live" By Maribol Inshan and The Cool Cats Band.

Attire: Come dressed ready to dance!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Synergy%20Island/126/52/24

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Roxanne Ysabel – A Rising Star in the Music World-Brooke Blackburn Reporting

                                                 
 Music influences so much of our everyday lives we take it for granted. From turning on the radio in our car to slipping on a pair of earbuds to go for a jog, we all need music to entertain us. This year has been one for the history books and incredibly hard on the vast majority of people in the world. It is at this time we need music to lift us up and invoke the emotions needed to get us through these difficult times. Music has been a great passion of mine, and to get a chance to experience some of the world’s great singers is a dream of mine. I was at Coachella in 2006, I was at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary in 2009, and I was at the Fleetwood Mac “On with the show” tour in 2014 to name a few. But with real life venues canceling concerts and social distancing concerns, finding an outlet for great live music has been a challenge. So many of us need to have music to provide us with the entertainment and hope for a better future. But more than that we need it from great singers that can convey that with the heart and soul that touch us emotionally. 

One way to get that live music fix is to attend the myriad of music stages Second Life has to offer. Almost 24 hours a day you can be entertained with exceptional talent from around the world. One of those rising stars is Roxanne Ysabel. She has a vocal range few can match and although she prefers to sing Jazz and Blues, has a wide variety of songs on her list she has mastered. 

I was able to catch up with Roxanne one summer evening and with the vast number of talent Second Life has to offer, this is one performer you will want to go out of your way to hear. Her rendition of the song River Deep, Mountain High could give Celine Dion a run for her money! 

Roxanne Ysabel arrived in Second Life November 20, 2009, and quickly took to the music scene, starting to perform with a voice that is destined for greatness. Her lyrical style is more comfortable with Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra but can venture out to artists like Michael Bublé, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. 

Her set that night consisted of:

• Fire – Pointer Sister

• I wanna dance with somebody – Whitney Houston

• Give it to me right – Melanie Fiona

• Turn me on – Norah Jones

• River Deep, Mountain High – Tina Turner

• Chain of Fools – Aretha Franklin
  
  

Interview with Roxanne Ysabel (Roxy):

Brooke Blackburn (BB): At What age did you first start singing?

Roxy: Probably since I was about 6 months old lol. My mother said I would hum entire songs from the radio and commercials. But my first performance was of course when I was about 9 in church.

BB: So, you were encouraged by your family to sing?

Roxy: Yes, my father’s family all sang or played instruments in southern Baptist church. When they found out you could sing or play they would stick you right in front of the church and say “Go for it!!”

BB: How long have you been singing in Second Life?

Roxy: Since 2011, singing was the first thing I ever did in Second Life. The first word I typed in search was “Karaoke”.

BB: How much of your life has been dedicated to music?

Roxy: Most of it. I would say I was always in some type of chorus or choir, then went on to do my first year of high school in a performing arts repertory company. As a young adult, I also was in a theater group in my city and we did musical dramatic performances.

BB: Do you sing and perform in Real Life now?

Roxy: Not anymore, for a while when I turned 30, I gave birth to a special needs child and I felt my time was best spent at home with him and so Second Life is my main outlet for performing. 

BB: And Second Life allows you the time to look after you child and sing?

Roxy: Yes, it does, and I’m very grateful for this platform. 

BB: Is Jazz your favorite style of music or do you prefer something else?

Roxy: Jazz and Blues are like my forte, but I always believed in reaching. You can never better yourself if you don’t push your limits… River Deep is a really fun song. It’s my newest addition to the “Roxanne pushes herself secret song list”.

BB: What artists have influenced you or who are your favorite singers?

Roxy: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin….

(BB) Do you write songs? Have you written anything original?

Roxy: There is actually an old song on my YouTube channel written by me. It needs to be revamped, maybe it’s what I’ll start with…

BB: Do you sing any original songs in your Second Life sets?

Roxy: Oh, that would be great but it’s scary too.

BB: Well you like to push yourself, and we are always the most critical about ourselves. 

Roxy: Yes I do and it’s something I will be considering over the next year. Believe it or not I’m very shy, so something like that has the fear of god in me and yes even after all these years I still get butterflies.

BB: For booking who can fans contact?

Roxy: I have a manager, her name is Sol Mercury, and she can handle all inquiries about me from bookings to my song list.

BB: What is your fee?

Roxy: I ask the venue for L$3000 per show.

 

Roxanne Ysabel is an act few can follow. Check her out at one of the many venues around Second Life and one of her goals is to perform at the main stage at Second Life Birthday (SLB18). I for one can’t wait to see that happen!!  

"Music is food for the soul." – Roxanne Ysabel

Additional Information:

Join my group in Second Life!

Group Code: 32aae73f-8265-5aeb-0532-55653ea58df7

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ItachiOkasan
Calendar: https://www.roxannerox.com/roxanne-s-calendar
Website: https://www.roxannerox.com/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/188526654@N02/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.ysabel
Bookings Contact: Sol Mercury

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Club Lanai Music for the week of September 13th 2020

 

Wednesday 16 September
DJ Milan from France
12PM - 2PM SLT
Rock, R&B, Blues, and Soul

DJ Flame from The Netherlands
2PM - 4 PM SLT
FreeStyle Rock

Friday 18 September
DJ MZ Morbid from the USA
12PM - 2PM SLT
Mix: Rock, Oldies, Mash-Up

DJ Flame from The Netherlands
2PM - 4PM SLT
Freestyle

Sat 19 September

DJ Wizzerd from Switzerland
12PM - 2PM
Mixed Music

DJ Micka from France
2PM - 4PM SLT
Mix: Soulful Disco Deep

Sunday 20 September

DJ Sifis from Greece
12PM - 2PM SLT
Rock 80's

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Steele Live Music Presents Summer's End Party

 

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TEAM DIABETES OF SL TO RETURN FOR A FIFTH SEASON

We are pleased to announce the fifth season of Team Diabetes of Second Life! Team Diabetes of Second Life is an official and authorized team of The American Diabetes Association. The mission of Team Diabetes of Second Life is to raise awareness, tolerance, and funds for diabetes in the virtual world of Second Life. According to the World Health Organization (2016): 422 million adults in the world have diabetes and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.

The official Team Diabetes of Second Life’s season will take place from October 2020  to December 2020 , with the following events scheduled to take place:

• 5th Annual Scare Me Silly Event – October 16 to 23, 2020
• Art Asylum Event – October 16 to 23, 2020
• 5th Annual Red Hunt – November 1 to 15, 2020
• 5th Annual Red Party – November 7, 2020
• World Diabetes Party – November 14, 2020
• Red Discount Hud Shopping Event – November 15 to 30, 2020
• 5th Annual Winter Showcase & Winter Art Show – December 8 to 15, 2020

In addition to the events mentioned above, individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to hold fundraising events in support of Team Diabetes of Second Life!  The official 2020 fundraising season toolkit will be available to the second life public on October 1, 20202, at the organization’s office in the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life.

About The American Diabetes Association:

The American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The American Diabetes Association leads the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fights for those affected by diabetes by funding research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association delivers services to hundreds of communities and provides objective and credible information and resources about diabetes.

Free resources are available in English and Spanish at http://www.diabetes.org and 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2382).

For More Information:

Team Diabetes of Second Life’s American Diabetes Association Page:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=11304578&pg=personal&fr_id=13123

Team Diabetes of Second Life’s Website:

www.teamdiabetessl.org

American Diabetes Association Page:

www.diabetes.org

International Diabetes Federation Page:

http://www.idf.org/membership/meet-our-members

SLURL:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Plush%20Non%20Profit%20Commons/221/30/26

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NIRVANA: RETREAT FOR BODY AND SOUL - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 Occasionally, in my wandering about the grid, I stumble across a real gem of a build. Unique among regions, Nirvana is truly an island of peace and tranquility in the hurricane of clubs, sporting arenas, and combat sims that abound in SecondLife.  There I met Sky Wildmist, the true inspiration behind Nirvana.

Josh Bellic (JB):  So tell me, Sky.  Just what is Nirvana Island all about?

Sky Wildmist (SW):  Nirvana is about providing a place of healing and nurture of the mind-body and spirit. It is a place of peace and serenity open to all who visit without an emphasis on any single belief system, cult, or creed. Some say Nirvana is a sanctuary for your soul. Originally conceived as a home for the Forest of Eye-Blinks Group, it is now evolved and continues to do so.  Nirvana is spiritually based... diverse traditions and systems are harmoniously connected. It is a place where you can explore divergent pathways at leisure, according to your interest; a place where, when you seem to arrive at the end of a trail, another begins.
Here is what I say to people when hosting events - Nirvana is a sim dedicated to wellbeing - a not for profit sim.  If you are in need of healing, solace, or sanctuary - you will find it here. You will also discover many romantic areas with cuddles and dances for you and your lover. Solitary sits for reflection and group gatherings for a pleasant chat can also be found.

JB:  What was it that inspired you to build Nirvana Island?

SW:  I taught a troubled resident to meditate during my first weeks in SL and realized that my path in SL was to form a spiritual group.  My main avi, Isis Pleides, created The Forest of Eyeblinks on 1 Jan 2010.  Now Isis does the talks and I do the building and management. I built Nirvana Island about a year later as the group had grown and we needed a full sim to allow access to meetings. Its design came as a series of visions - based on the development of the mind-body and spirit.

JB:  You seem well laid out.  Just what are some of the activities people can do here?

SW: Well all manner of spiritual practice - meditation, chanting, Tai Chi, discussion, drumming.  We also do Healing.  Many different forms may be undertaken here in the virtual world and especially now with COVID and social distancing so prevalent, many now are more open to these things. (I have been doing virtual healing as a RL professional practice for many years).  We also have a games area, a balloon tour for two, a butterfly ride to explore the floating islands, a 2-person canoe, and riding horses and bicycles for exploration.  Many people just come to chill or dance.
JB:  So tell me.  What is this Great Tree in the middle of the island all about?
SW:  This is a replica of my first home in SL - The Great Tree of Elven Glen - I have no breathing issues personally but when I entered the canopy in the tree, I experienced a physical sensation of deeper breathing which opened my eyes to the potential the real benefit of the virtual experience.  Here also, there is here a concept of a Mother Tree on which the land's ethos is based with strong roots in the Earth-loving space and a glorious canopy representing a stable well-balanced humanity.

JB:  What has been your greatest challenge in operating Nirvana Island?

SW: My greatest challenge? Well, to be honest, the answer to that question is two-fold.
First, there are Financial Challenges. We are not for profit and the monthly tier relies on the donations of Patrons and a few residents who support what is here and why. Second, Nirvana aims to be as unconditionally loving as possible. That means setting aside assumptions and judgment. As we develop and grow, these things have to be worked on and it is not always easy.

JB:  Have you actually seen lives changed through your efforts here?

SW:  I have yes - including my own. As a professional therapist, I rarely talk about these things.  In time people can gain better balance in their lives at every level when they feel supported by a constant stable presence.  There are very many spiritual and healing sites in SL but I think Nirvana is one of the longest-running now on a constant site.
People come and go and land disappears and reforms. But when people need support at any level, they require underlying stability which is often missing.  By maintaining this site as a constant presence many who no longer visit Nirvana still support it with just a dollar a month, knowing that I will do my best to ensure that needed continuity for others. We have been recognized as one constant on the grid.

JB:  Can you share any of your success stories?

SW:  Everyone who lands on Nirvana is part of that success, although we cannot measure it scientifically. The fact that those who recognize its value sufficiently to support it financially speaks for itself and there are those who have supported for 10 years. I send them all LOVE and GRATITUDE
There have been those who come here when they are dying and help to create some areas which enriches their time and quality of life and can dull pain. One lovely gentleman created a sound garden up at spirit park for those sight challenged.
And now we have offered space to the Gardens of Absentia who logged in one day to find their land gone. They now have a new home up at Spirit Park.

JB:  Tell us about some of the events you host here?

SW:  We have many different types of activities here.  We have Open Mic Poetry, Art Appreciation, Music, Dance, Opera, Ballet. Art and Music are enormously important to wellbeing even if it is not realized. Watching and participating in the art and skill of the DEJA VU Scenic Group who perform here monthly is an amazing experience.
Musicals, ballet, contemporary dance and opera also is an experience which can be enjoyed by people in their own way. We have many different venues for dance, music and performance. Those who are unable to see can enjoy the music and those unable to hear may be able to use acoustic processing software that allows them to appreciate beat and identify sounds. at Nirvana I really try to enable and include as far as possible.

JB:  What types of events and activities do you have planned for the future?

SW:  I would like to encourage more spiritual speakers and events and some art exhibitions and Charity Events. My new Events Manager will work with me on this as the greater variety and opportunities that are here will attract those who would not normally visit a healing spiritual sim.

JB:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

SW:  The whole island is a model - an allegory for the development of mind body and spirit as I interpret it.  Like all of us, it is constantly evolving. It is constructed on many levels both below the water and above. Nirvana is an experience for everyone to share and enjoy in their individual way. Some fly and miss it all!  Others take time and walk or ride and explore thoroughly to return often. finding what is not so obvious. There are parts of Nirvana that have never been discovered where there is a hidden gift for those who find it.  Maybe some of your readers will be the ones who find those places?"

Nirvana Island now has a google calendar for events - please see
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=ha6t6cth0hcsot4od96qfuimdk@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles
Nirvana a sanctuary for your soul:  https://youtu.be/ekXo8TX5N7o

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Paris/227/27/22

 

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Schedule of Performances for Week of September 13 at PETRA's ~ A Live Music Venue

 

Tuesday, September 15

The Point Ballroom

International Day

1:00 pm  TOXIE - USA

2:00 pm  Lisa Brune - France

3:00 pm  Hogan Baily - USA

4:00 pm  Edian Tey - Mexico

5:00 pm  Agatha Martin - Brrazil

6:00 pm  PutriSoloSinger - Indonesia

Wednesday, September 16

PETRA's

4:00 pm  Savannah Rain

5:00 pm  Aaron Cabott Jones

6:00 pm Noma Falta

7:00 pm Red Heaven

9:00 pm  Gabriel da Silva

Thursday, September 17

PETRA's

4L00 pm  Holly Giles

5:00 pm  Aron Cabott Jones

6:00 pm  Wolfie Moonshadow

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm  A Double Shot of Wayne Davis

Friday, September 18

PETRA's

3:00 pm  AMforte Clarity

4:00 pm  TBA

5:00 pm  Hogan Baily

6:00 pm  Red Heaven

7:00 pm  TwinGhost ronas

Sunday, September 20

Pointe Beach & Boardwalk

3:00 pm  SUMMER'S END - BEACH BOYS . Featuring Joker's Wild Tribute Band

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GeekSpeak subject for Saturday 12th September at noon SLT

GeekSpeak – How I stopped worrying and started to love finance!

Everything you always wanted to know about finance but were afraid to ask.  Ask all your finance questions now.  Let’s explore the financial system.  What are shares?  How should we invest?

Even if you have close to zero in your account right now, let’s see where to go.  Erik Goff has been there and got the T-shirt and knows the way out. 

Why does the world work as it does?  What are the financial markets doing?

If you want to know more and if you want to know how to get extra money into your pocket, come and join us in GeekSpeak.

IM Vulcan Viper, who teaches a meditation class every Wednesday in the GeekSpeak auditorium at 1pm SLT, if you have ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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9/11 – NEVER FORGET: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

It was a Tuesday morning, and it started pretty much like any other Tuesday morning.  I was in college, heading across campus heading for my 9:00 AM class.  As I passed the student center, a girl came running past me, saying something about an airplane that flew into a building in New York.  I went inside...and sat, transfixed as the horror unfolded before me.  My Nation was under attack.  Later that afternoon as I drove home…dumbstruck by what I had witnessed…and trying to prep myself for my 3-year old son’s birthday party that evening.  The contrast couldn’t have been more striking. Celebrating his young life, on a day of so much death.

September 11, 2001 started like a “normal” day for most people, little knowing that in the days, months, and years following, we would all be operating under a “New Normal”.  Walk with me as we examine the impact of that fateful day on a few of today’s SL Residents

Lanai Jerrico is the Owner and Editor in Chief of SL Enquirer

Josh Bellic (JB):  Tell me Lanai.  Do you recall what you were doing that fateful day?

Lanai:  Certainly I do, Josh. I remember I was getting my daughter ready for afternoon kindergarten. I was watching television when the breaking news came on that an airplane had slammed into the World Trade Center.  I then watched, horrified, as the second plane hit, covered on live TV. Then I saw the towers fall. It was awful. I immediately thought of my cousin who worked in Tower 2.  I later learned that he was off that day.

I next asked Miakoda Tala (sackawho) (MT) about that day.  Mia was employed by a privakevate business jet company in Little Rock, Arkansas.

JB:  So, Mia.  Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?  What were you doing?  And how did that affect you?

Mia:  Of course I do, Josh.  I was working at Dassault Falcon Jet, so since we are in the aircraft industry, watching the plane hit the tower was devastating.  We had a TV brought into our office and we couldn't keep our eyes off it all day and we just sat there and cried.  It was one of the saddest days in history and it changed the world.  Not knowing why it happened was one of the hardest things to deal with. Who would do such a thing, killing innocent people? That day started the War on Terror. Bin Laden became the subject of a decade-long international manhunt.  It was a commercial aircraft and we are business jets but in the long run, it did affect the aircraft industry.  It was a day I will never forget.

Finally, I chatted with Paul Woodrunner, the creator and curator of the September 11th Memorial in SecondLife.  

JB:  Hey there Paul.  Do you remember where you were at 8:46 AM EST when the first plane struck the North Tower of the WTC on 9-11-2001?

Paul:  I was getting ready for work in New Orleans, and I saw the news,  When I arrived at work someone put the tv on and there in front of us the second plane hit, and we knew at that point in time the world changed.  It was terrible. The ppl in the towers and the planes were all innocent. Many were trying to help. That is what Americans do.  That is what Humans do --- they help.  This is what we are on this earth to do - Help people. The world changed on 9/11 and forever we will remember. Many, many people who perished were heroes, including the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who I consider the first combatants in the War on Terror. They had the info and they had the time and like Americans, they took a Vote and took action. I say their phone calls home to loved ones and folks that just picked up the phone changed history.  Their voices rang out and have not stopped in 19 years and they forced us to wake up and see the world differently. These people stood up and fought. They are the First Patriots of the new America. Their actions changed the course of America and the World and their voices have been heard. We have cried for all the victims of 9/11 but for the passengers and crew of flight 93... It is time now to celebrate their actions and make a great joyous noise…In New Orleans, we would. On Nov 3rd everyone should remember their voices and do what they did:  VOTE.

So there you have it, Folks.  Be sure and check out the 9-11 Memorial.  Tonight, beginning at 6:00 PM SLT, catch the 9-11 Memorial show at the Bob Hope Theater.  And never forget.  Never Never forget! Speak of this day to your children, and to your children’s children.

Just Do it.  Aloha

JB

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/53/95/1515

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