Bastille Day in Paris 1900

 

July 14 is Bastille Day in France. And yesterday when the clock struck midnight in the country, people in the Paris 1900 area in Second Life were celebrating with a party in a sky platform above the sim. People were dressed in red white, and blue, and waving French flags. From the stage, someone was playing accordion music. Not very fluent in French, I couldn't understand the chatter very well. But it was a friendly crowd. 

The Paris 1900 region is best known for its Eiffel Tower, which can be found at Paris Eiffel (14, 99, 21). There may be some events today.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Cartoon of the Day: Big Organ

 

 Taken at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris 1900

By Bixyl Shuftan

Five Places in SL To Explore With Your Friends

Second Life has thousands of sims to explore. But which ones are the best to visit? Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) has done some occasional exploring around Second Life. So he put up a list of five of the more interesting places in Second Life to explore.

Read Cyfir's article in Places.

Gathering at Notre Dame In Memory of the Original Struck By Fire

It survived for over eight centuries, outlasting revolutions and two world wars, only to go up in flames in a matter of hours. On April 15, the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris France was hit by a devastating fire. Ironically enough, the building was starting to undergo renovations to repair parts that were deteriorating from age. Some artifacts and art were saved, including several statues which had been taken down from the roof for cleaning. But the building itself was gutted.

In Second Life, people were gathering at the Notre Dame building in Paris 1900. Conversation was a mix of English and French, "I pray for our church. Even though I am not from France, Notre Dame is the heart of Europe." "Truly horrible." "Breaks my heart and for the people in Paris."

The sim would be close to capacity for a while, some looking in from the next sim.

At one point, fires broke out in the building. People thought it was griefers and a couple Lindens came over to invistigate. It turned out the one of the staff had set the fire.

Someone started passing around French flags to those at the club.

An article from a French paper would eventually be posted next to the cathedral.

I would stay for over an hour, but as the place remained full, and presumably remained so for much of the day, I eventually left to let others come by.

The disaster was bad. But thankfully no one was hurt. French leaders have vowed to rebuild the cathedral. Notre Dame will never be quite the same again, and reconstruction will take years. But it will be remade. It's just a question of time, money, and effort.

Third picture from  Lia (Female Winslet)

Bixy Shuftan

Paris 1900 is Ten Years Old

Last week on March 16, the Paris 1900 area celebrated it's tenth anniversary. In was in 2009 that this area representing the capital of France at the turn of the last century was formed. The most visible part of the sim is of course the Eiffel Tower, which when built in real life was the first structure to surpass the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which had held the record for millennia. Other places in the area include the Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph), the Moulin Rouge, and the Catacombs.

Yours truly didn't see the actual celebration, but the event grounds and signs about it. Among the events there was a Michael Jackson tribute.

Paris 1900 has been the scene of some other celebrations, such as Bastille Day. But not all events there have been happy ones. in January and November 2015, people gathered there to pay their respects to the fallen of two terrorist attacks.

Bixyl Shuftan

Bastille Day in Paris 1900, The Creation Story

July 14, or "La Quatorzieme (The Fourteenth)" as it was known in France, was Bastille_Day, or officially known there as "la Fete nationale" (the national celebration). And so in the Paris 1900 sims, they were throwing a party. The event lasted two hours, with a DJ, a performance troupe, and live music, provided by Sylvana. The event took place in the Paris 2000 and the Les Champs Elysees sims.

There probably hadn't been as much red white and blue around since the American Independence Day celebrations ten days earlier. While the majority of the crowd were "Francophones," there were a number of English speakers happy to join the party.

* * * * *

That night at 7PM was a showing of "The Creation Story," a Christian stage production. Performed by Pet Karu and Unity Stage Productions, the Newser wrote about them several years ago. Pet stated then that the point of the play was getting the Christian message, “not just from the pulpit, not just from church, but in a new light.”

The play was performed in front of a mixed crowd of human and furred avatars. The play will take place again today at 4PM, Friday the 28th at 7PM, Saturday the 29th at 2PM, and Sunday the 20th at 4PM

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dreamworld%20Pirate/51/125/2051

Bixyl Shuftan

Reader Submitted: Rakucia's Journeys

 Two pictures submitted by Rakucia Resident. One is of the pink sharkgirl and her pet kitty going about the Paris 1900 sims.

Hearing about my troubles getting a good picture during the Masquerade Ball at the Cake Stage during the SL14B, she sent me this picture as well, she with a couple fans.

Tragedy: Memorial to the Fallen of Nice and Paris

Je Suis Nice: "I am Nice." 

While much of Second Life was busy celebrating the Relay Weekend, there was a small corner with a memorial for a recent tragedy. On Thursday night local time, July 14,  in the French city of Nice, a large truck plowed into a crowd of people whom had gathered to enjoy the Bastille Day celebrations. The result was over eighty people crushed to death and over three hundred hurt before local police killed the terrorist, a Tunisian delivery driver with a criminal record including one previous charge of assault. While he had no known connections to any group, the ISIS terrorist organization has claimed credit for the mass-murder.

In the Paris 1900 sims a memorial was set up for the victims in this attack, and two other acts of terrorism last year. There was a list of names of the 130 whom were killed in a number of attacks on Friday November 13 in Paris France, and a hand holding a pencil with a list of names of those killed in the attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine on January 7 2015. One could pick up a small copy of the small Charlie Hebdo memorial.

Earlier,  there had been a picture of a ribbon, a combination American flag and rainbow with the caption "We stand with Orlando," a reference to the terrorist attack on the attack on the Pulse nightclub last month. Beneath that were a few candles, one with the display, "Please allow peace." There was also a Belgian flag, possibly referring to the bombings in Brussels in March 2016, all of the attacks linked to Islamic extremism.

This marks the third time in a year and a half the Paris 1900 sims have been the location of memorials, the previous two for the attack on Charlie Hebdo and the November 2015 attacks.

Les Champs Elysees (248, 114, 24)

Bixyl Shuftan

The Catacombs of Paris

Arrete! Cestici Lempire De La Mort. (Stop! Here lies the Empire of Death.) These are the words that greet you at the entrance of The Catacombs of the Paris  1900 sim. More noted for it's Eiffel Tower and depiction of Paris at tne dawn of the 20th Century, the sim also boasts having this more macabre attraction based on it's real life counterpart. Recently hired Britty Bee went down and braved the spooky passages, describing the erie sights and sounds, "frightening scenes that would terrify even the most seasoned explorer."

Read Britty's article in Places.

The Paris Vigil Continues

Stopping by the Paris 1900 sims yesterday on Sunday, November 15, people were still gathering there to pay their respects to those killed on the attacks on the real life Paris on Friday the 13th. At one place, residents were leaving candles and other items from flowers to flags as part of a shrine for the dead.

But the tributes were not only at the Paris sims. At Creations Park, a small memorial, "We Pray for Paris and World Peace," was set up.

Barbie Alchemi, the owner of Creations Park, sent the Newser the above picture, "I built it as soon as I heard what happened. and as soon as I put it in place this women spontaneously knelt down to pray.  She told me her family lives in Paris. It really touched me. I love the way the whole world comes together in Second Life."

Several blogs and newsletters have commented on the reactions to the Paris attacks, including the SL Enquirer, Daniel Voyager, and  New World Notes.

As Second Life, and the world, mourns for the civilians who were killed, the retaliation has begun. Ten French military jets bombed the city the ISIS/DAESH group consider their capital. No doubt there will be more to report on about the attacks in their aftermath.

Bixyl Shuftan

More at Paris 1900

Saturday morning before I did anything else I stopped over at Paris 1900 at the Eiffel Tower which wore a sign that said “ Je suis Paris”. 

There were many avatars from all over the world gathered to express sympathy for the events of Friday night in Paris. We all took signs that echoed the sign on the tower,  Je Suis Paris and stood. Some prayed, some stood in silence, some expressed anger, but all were there. 

There were many languages spoken but the sentiments were the same. We stood in solidarity against radicals who can strike anywhere , anytime. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20Eiffel/14/96/22

Gemma Cleanslate

"I Am Paris." Residents Gather at Paris 1900 Following News of Terrorist Attack in France

On the evening of Friday the 13th in Paris France, terrorists launched a series of attacks, murdering scores of people. The terrorist targeted bars, clubs, the Paris Stadium where a game was being played, and the Bataclan theater and concert hall where over 100 people were massacred. So far, the death toll is over 150. At least eight terrorists are accounted for, all dead, seven from detonating suicide vests. So for, no group has yet taken credit.

In Second Life, people headed over to the Paris 1900 sims to show their support of the people in the real Paris. "These terrorists aren't just enemies of single nations. They are enemies of the world." "My heart is heavy with sorrow for all who have suffered at the hands of violence." "Much love prayers from our country to yours. Our hearts are with you all." "My sympathies and love go to those families who have lost their loved ones. May they be at peace. May the lost rest in peace, may their families find peace in their hearts. Much love to Paris."

One French resident told everyone, "Thank you all for joining us in this difficult night full of panic and fear and excessive sadness. and I thank you for your prayers. (I) need to try to get some rest now. I am alone in my house and panic and uncertainty, I can not sleep, try to get some rest now. See  you, God willing and we'll see you tomorrow. thank you again. (takes leave giving a big hug to all, with tears in his eyes and heart, always wondering why such violence, many unjust situations)."

Michael Romani sent the Newser a picture (shown above) of earlier in the evening when a few more people were at the sims. 

In January, Paris was the scene of an earlier attack when terrorists stormed the office of the Charlie Hebdo magazine, murdering twelve. Residents also gathered at the Paris 1900 sims then in a show of support. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Horror and Hope

A few days ago, innocent lives were cut short. There was an attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine building in which several people were killed. Police officers, writers, cartoonists...It's hard to wrap my head around. When I heard the attack, I couldn't quite believe it. It seemed so far away, involving people that I didn't know. Sure, it was tragic, but...well, I just couldn't quite understand. I didn't have the capability of doing so. It wasn't until today, at the time of this writing, that I was able to grasp what was going on.

People died. Good people, innocent people died.

Our editor took me to the Paris sim to see the memorial and ... well, seeing all these people, reading the prayers, the support from all over the world. It finally sunk in.

All over, as you read this, there are rallies being held in support of the families that have lost loved ones in this horrifying event. Millions are out in the streets, show us all that these acts of violence will not cull us. We will not be cowed. We will stand strong.

Even here, on the grid, people are standing united in support of Charlie Hebdo, of France. Even in this slower time of day, dozens still mourn the people killed, all with the same phrase, a phrase indicating our unity....Je Suis Charlie.

Locke Esgal

"Humor Has Become a Profession at Risk"

By Gemma Cleanslate

 "L'humour est devenu une profession a risque."

 

The group Je Suis Charlie: Ce groupe est pour expirmer la solidarité avec les victimes du la tuerie dans les bureaux de l'hebdomadaire satirique Charlie Hebdo à Paris le 7 Janvier 2015. "This group is to  express our solidarity with the victims of the shooting at the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. on January 7, 2015."

 

Saturday and Sunday morning I spent some time standing at the Je Suis Charlie memorial in Second Life, in the  Paris sims, along with many others. Sunday it took a while to get into the main sim. I spent some time waiting in the next region until there was room. This was at the same hour as the massive gathering in Paris. It felt like a good thing to do. 

 

People from all over the world sent their regrets in to all in the Je Suis Charlie group chat and in the local chat, many in English , most in French. But the camaraderie was there and messages of support and peace. Several Muslims made their sympathies and brotherhood with all the mourners known too..” Not in my name”! Of course there were a few trolls with unfriendly comments but they were quickly dismissed by the participants. 

 

Many cartoons of support were posted near the photo of some of the murdered cartoonists.  Flowers and candles have been placed on the ground in front of the photo. This is temporary memorial but there will be a permanent one placed somewhere on the regions . If you would like to pay respects and view the memorial it will be here for a few more days I believe.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Les%20Champs%20Elysees/228/76/24 

 

I was glad to be there in support. 

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Paris 1900 Reacts to Terrorist Attack in Real Life Paris

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was yesterday, January 7, when terrorists struck in Paris France, attacking the office of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine. The magazine has a history of lampooning subjects of all kinds from public figures to  politics to religion. But it's poking fun at Islam made it the target of death threats. Their office had been closed for a time after they were bombed. Their editor continued their no-holds-barred approach, once quoted as saying he would prefer to "die on my feet than live on my knees." The terrorists stormed the building, murdering him and eleven others, including two of France's most noted cartoonists and two unarmed policemen, one of whom was shot at close range while raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.

The reaction from both France and around the world has been people making shows of support for the fallen journalists. Some with demonstrations. People have been making and holding signs: JE SUIS CHARLIE :  "I am Charlie." Among the places is one here in Second Life. The owner of the Paris 1900 sims responded by draping the Eiffel Tower with two signs in support of the magazine, "I Am Charlie," and "de tour cour avec Charlie Hebdo" (Any court with Charlie Hebdo). Also in the sim, "I Am Charlie" flags were flying, at half mast along with the French national flags."

I happened to see the owner of Paris 1900, Netpat Igaly , around. Getting his attention, he told me, "Yes we are deeply affected by this crime. Paris 1900 is also in mourning." He explained that there would be an event soon to honor the fallen, but were looking to see what would be the most appropriate. The banners themselves would be up for three days, and there are plans for a permanent memorial of some kind. Netpat expressed some problems translating what he had to say in English, "Ils ont voulu tuer la liberte de la presse il ne reussisse qu'a rassembler les francais autour de la liberte, légalite et la fraternité. !" This translated to ("They wanted to kill the freedom of the press. The press has to succeed. The French gather around freedom, equality, and brotherhood!")

Not everyone was there to support the dead. There was one resident there dressed in an Arab outfit. One other who was there to show support was BeCkYe Burnstein, "(I) could not believe it when I saw the news today." She then mentioned, "someone gave me a shirt and a texture." She then passed it on to me. The shirt was a women's one, so it doesn't fit men well.

For the next few days, one can still see the tribute at Paris Eiffel (14, 99, 21)

Bixyl Shuftan