The “Winter Wonderland Snowglobe” at the Fitzgeralnd

Some Nighclubs hold special Winter events. One decided to build a room-sized snowglobe. Drakken Calhoun of “The Fitzgerald” told me about the “Winter Wonderland” those visiting his club could walk into.

“When you come into the club, “Drakken told me, “you will see doors to your left. Open the door, touch the wall inside, and it will take you on a magical winter trip. Please stop by, and we hope you like it. Winter has arrived at the afterhours at the Fitzgerald, stop and have a look at our Winter Wonderland, and dance in our Giant Snowglobe.”

The Fitzgerald itself is, as Drakken describes it, “a 1940’s style ballroom and lounge” one can “bring your freinds and go back in time. ... It’s retro decor with deep reds and hints at jazz-age frivolity make it a welcoming and lighthearted date destination.” The ground floor has a ballroom for music and dancing, and for more laid back events and happenings, there’s a small coffee shop on the second floor, called the “Morning Coffee Lounge.”

Currently the crew of the club is on holiday break with no events after New Years, though Drakken would sometimes leave his avatar dressed at Santa Claus at the sim, often Away From Keyboard, “Would you believe how many people took pictures at the Fitzgerald thinking I was only just the traveling Santa (laughter). I spend from December 1st to December 26th as Santa every year.” Events will resume after the holidays are over, their “Martini Hour Venues” and Sunday morning poetry readings at 10 AM, “and coming soon is the Open Mike Comedy Night,” which is in the lounge upstairs.

The Fitzgerald is at Unsung Village at (54, 91, 22). The Snowglobe will remain until winter ends. Drakken plans to put something else in it's place, but isn't saying what it will be.

Bixyl Shuftan

Nine Years Yesterday

The 911 memorial day has dawned again, and it seems like it just happened.

Attending a reading of the names of the first responders who were lost on that day 9 years ago is always poignant. Some of the names become familiar over the years. I went to the reading of names at the 9-11 Memorial 2010 in Unsung Village this morning. Hope McAlpine keeps it all alive every year.

I moved on to the WTC Memorial and Statue in New York, NYC where the reading of names of all those who perished were being read. I heard some of the same names again, recognizing their affiliation, police, fire … all those in the towers, and the planes then the names of those who died in the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. And on and on. So many names. It is wonderful to see them remembered in SL as well as RL. Some of the relatives were there and spoke of their lost one. Also, Jasoncool, a relative of injured said “My 2 cousins were firemen that day helping on recovery and cleanup and they are permanently disabled from the health issues.” Respects were offered by the listeners.

My last visit of the day was to Lion’s Gate at Journeys End. How fitting. It was a place of tribute and celebration for all. It seems fitting now. Some years ago I could not celebrate, but as the years pass it is easier. A live concert seems to soothe. Sid Slade was fine for an ending. Now we will pass another year in safety I pray.

Thanks to all the world who understands our remembrance, RL and SL, and our sorrow that does not ease.

Gemma Cleanslate