Memorials For Renee Good And Alex Pretti At Book Island

 

 At Book Island a memorial has been set up for two people who were killed recently in Minneapolis Minnesota by Federal ICE agents, Renee Good on Thursday January 8 and Alex Pretti on Saturday January 24. 

 

Light a candle if you wish.

There is a small shrine to the two Minnesotans gunned down by ICE recently by the main teleporter and message board.

We were donated a system for leaving a candle to them, which is by the pictures.

America has our sympathy at this time ♥ 

 

Originally brought into Minneapolis following stories of major fraud by Somalian immigrants, the ICE agents have been accused of creating a climate of fear among legal immigrant residents and there have been confrontations with protestors. The Trump Administration, as well as supporters of ICE, claim the two people shot were trying to harm the agents, who were there to arrest dangerous criminals, and the shootings were justified. Critics feel what the agents did was outright murder, and the real purpose of ICE being there was to intimidate a state and city unfriendly to the President into submission. 

 

 Sources: Associated Press, ABC News

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/173/208/37

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Rough Weather On East Coast May Mean Power Outages

 

 

 Hurricane season may be over, but that doesn't mean the threat of storms on the Eastern coasts of America has passed. A huge storm system has been making it's way from Florida to up the East Coast, arriving in the Northeast by Monday today. It is "spreading heavy rain, strong wind gusts, coastal flooding and possibly spawning a few tornadoes." This will likely mean power outages for many in the areas affected. 

So if someone you know who lives in the Eastern US who's usually online but isn't, this may be the reason.

 

Source: weather.com

 

 Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: "Stand With Ukraine" by Theatre on The Hill

 

We all know what happened on February 24, 2022. The Russian Federation invaded Ukraine and war has been raging in that country ever since. After 12 months of suffering, this country bravely stands up to the aggressor and defends the values that we understand as freedom and democracy. On this anniversary, "Theatre on the Hill" would like to present a special solidarity show with very beautiful Ukrainian and international songs in honor of the Ukrainian people.

There is also an opportunity to donate L$ to the benefit of suffering people during the show.

The show takes place on 02/24/2023 at 01:00pm SLT.

And here is the cab:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/TheaterOn%20The%20Hill/194/39/21

 

Hurricaine Ida Smashes Inland, Knocks Out Power to One Million

 

On Sunday August 29, Hurricane Ida reached Louisiana after quickly strengthening to a Category 4 storm. The result was flooding and damage that brought back memories of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Over a million people lost electric power, including practically everyone in New Orleans. One or two people have been confirmed dead, though more may be found. But for many, it may be some time before they places they evacuated from are safe to return to, and it may be weeks until some places get full electric power, and Internet, again. 

What's left of Ida is continuing to move northeast, and may create flooding and tornadoes along the way.
 
Sources: Weather Channel, CBS News, AP News 

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