Casablanca

By Grey Lupindo

Tucked away on Nantucket Island is a build depicting the movie set of “Casablanca,” one of the most romantic movies ever made.   Go to Pelican Point at Nantucket, Nantucket Island (126, 112, 2011) to check it out.  SL Casablanca was created by Sommer Shepherd, who owns the sim, and TracyLynn Carpenter. 

 I chatted with Sommer Shepherd about Casablanca, which has been here for a few months.  “It started out as Rick’s Cafe Ameracain,” she said, “as a venue for a friend’s Engagement party. ....kind of grew to what you see... all before the party!”   Sommer said the site has received a lot of attention, which she said is very flattering.  It is currently one of the Editor’s Picks in the Destination Guide, which is how I found it. 

You can view this site as the movie set for one of Bogart’s best films.  There are tents, director chairs, movie cameras and other items behind the buildings. Only the flags have been altered to reflect a less menacing, hateful world.  This alteration is much appreciated and more appropriate for SL in this reporter’s opinion.  But my favorite way to experience Casablanca is to go as a time traveler visiting Morocco circa 1940.  The U.S. has not yet entered World War II, and Rick’s Cafe is run by an ex-pat trying to escape the chaos of the world and his private life.

As you enter Casablanca you see vintage cars lining the streets and palm trees swaying in the desert breeze.  Rick’s Cafe is lavishly decorated with potted palms, bead curtains, and a lively bar scene.  There are lots of rooms to explore and a fine restaurant to enjoy.    There are game tables, too, but I didn’t come to gamble.  I came to find Rick and, if I was lucky, priceless letters of transit.

I started in the bar, which is well stocked and filled with interesting characters.   The famous piano is here, too.  I didn’t see Louis Armstrong while I was visiting, but Sommer gave me a vintage radio that has him playing “As Time Goes By”.  A perfect souvenir of Casablanca.

 Upstairs has more places to explore.  Rick’s office has a number of surprises you won’t want to miss.  Although I didn’t find Rick there, I did find someone else who was searching for letters.  The view from the upstairs balcony is wonderfully detailed.  You can almost smell the camels.  There are also a few private alcoves here where you could meet a friend and enjoy a drink.  I recommend the cognac.  Rick has a great vintage that you can help yourself to upstairs.   

Of course no depiction of Casablanca would be complete without the airport.  Outside the walls of the city the plane is waiting, ready to take off as soon as its important passengers board.       

Casablanca is one of those places you can visit quickly or linger at with a friend.   Even if you aren’t familiar with the movie, you can enjoy the site’s creativity and beauty.  If you know and love the movie as much as I do, you’ll love the world that Sommer Shepherd and TracyLynn Carpenter have created.  

Grey Lupindo

Visiting Second Life Israel

By Grey Lupindo

A few days ago I was visiting SS Galaxy, SL’s luxury cruise ship, when I saw a sign for their latest featured destination, SL Israel.   Since I’ve never been to either RL or SL Israel, I decided to visit.    The landmark from the Galaxy teleports you to the Old Port, located at SECOND LIFE ISRAEL, KnoWorld (11, 249, 27).   

        The note from the Group that operates SL Israel describes the site this way:  “Israel Island presents a comprehensive Israeli experience featuring:  Seminar Hakibbutzim College, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, Caesarea, a Museum dedicated to the Peoples of Israel (Jews, Christians, Muslims and more), plus a village in the sky...”.    The sim is not only a place where you can learn about Israel, but also the home site for SL Jewish residents to connect and socialize.    I discovered there are a lot of things to do here.     

       I started my trip at the Old Port because I came directly from the cruise ship.  There’s a balloon tour available here that gives a very general overview of the sim.    However, I recommend using the excellent teleporter system instead.   They are conveniently located throughout the sim and are very fast.      I also recommend turning on the music associated with the site.    I wasn’t familiar with modern Israeli music.  The sim radio station has a good selection, at least from the prospective of someone experiencing it for the first time.  

         The teleporter offers a variety of modern and historic sites.   Most of them were familiar names, but there were a few surprises.     My biggest surprise was Zoola.   I was expecting a zoo, but discovered it was a resort style swimming pool.   The site was beautiful, with easy to rez swim balls and a swim-up bar.   There were lots of lounge chairs, too.   A great place to meet and mingle with your friends.

          Pioneer Park, located at KnoWorld  (128, 25, 2493), is serene and has an eternal flame memorial.    From this location you can walk up the stairs to the Exhibit Hall.    This site currently has a beautiful art exhibit featuring the paintings of two artists,  Raphael  Perez and Leonid Afremov.   Perez has a studio in Tel Aviv, and his paintings are bright and colorful.      Afremov is Russian-Israeli who has a very distinctive style.   He is known for selling his work only through the internet and rarely is involved in RL galleries or exhibits.   His works were also very colorful, but he used darker shades.   The exhibits are on display in association with the Arts and Culture Department of Kibbutzim College.  

             One of my favorite sites was Education Hall, found at KnoWorld (128, 194, 2496).  Inside is a wealth of historical information and photographs.  Currently the featured program is “Birth of a Nation”, which is a very interesting presentation on events leading up to the creation of Israel as an independent country.   Topics include the Birth of Zionism, World War I, British Mandate, World War II and Holocaust, United Nations Partition, and more.    I recommend that any SL residents who are interested in world history visit and plan to linger a while here.     

            The teleporters can also zip residents to Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Caesarea, and Jerusalem.   But SL Israel is not all work and study.    There’s a shopping district at KnoWorld (247, 114,2493).   There’s the usual array of fashions and skins, but also a few different shops.  At GiGi’s Art Gallary, operated by GiGi Onmura (Gigi Firecloak), there are colorful paintings depicting Jewish life as well as other subjects.   Next door is another art shop, Eligrafiks, owned by Eliyakim Brinner.  This shop’s motto is “Mesh are our art pictures.”   The shop features items not usually found in SL, such as menorahs, statutes, Mezuzahs, and more.   

       The two shops are typical of the international flavor found at this sim.    GiGi Onmura (Gigi Firecloak) is from Brazil, and Eliyakim Brinner is French.    While English signs are plentiful on the site, there are also signs and note cards written in Hebrew, French and other languages.   

       The Temple is located near the shopping district.   Inside is information about Shabbat candle lighting times for all of the major world time zones.   There is also information about educational classes in Hebrew as well as other topics related to Jewish culture.   A bookcase along one wall links to web pages with more information on music, books, the Talmud, and more.  

       My final stop was at the gym at Kibbutzim College.   I tried out a few of their exercise machines, too.  The SL version of the college is partly based on the new one that will be built near Tel Aviv.  Inside one of the conference rooms is a picture of the proposed construction.   Very impressive. 

         In addition to working out, SL residents can sky dive at the airport and take part in many social activities.   There’s a website at Israelisland.com that gives information on upcoming events.

Grey Lupindo

The Clock Museum

By Grey Lupindo

  One of my favorite things to do in both RL and SL is to visit museums.   I recently found a unique one here in SL, The Clock Museum, located at Triglav (104, 32, 75).  There are over 100 clocks in every size, shape and type in the beautiful stone building and surrounding gardens.   The Museum is a tribute to the creativity of SL residents as well as the generosity of the site’s owners, Selador Cellardoor, elisha Zamin, and Doll Ulysses.

         The three owners are all long-time residents of SL.  Selador Cellardoor has been a resident since 2003, and Zamin and Ulysses since 2006.   Their Museum is free and non-commercial.   They even have a few freebies, including clock patterned clothing, for visitors to take as souvenirs.   

         The variety of clocks is impressive.    Some are tall and massive.   Others are small and dainty.  There are Victorian and early American reproductions that are very detailed and historic.    Many of the clocks are imaginative and fanciful.  The styles range from antique to modern to futuristic.   Lots of steampunk ones, too.    At least two clocks are powered by water wheels.  One of them was inspired by a RL French clock from the 19^th century.   Notecards are placed beside each clock so that visitors can take a landmark to the clock maker’s shop for more information or to purchase.  

       My favorite clock is one that does more than just tell time.  It is a clock house that is powered by a gerbil on a wheel.   It is located in the garden and well worth the short walk to see it.    In addition to the clocks, the garden has a picnic table, dance pavilion, a maze, and plenty of benches where friends can meet for quiet conversation.      

           I visited the Museum twice in order to see all of the clocks.  In addition to being visual treats, most of the clocks make beautiful sounds.   The sounds vary with each clock and provide a soothing background.    The Steampunk clocks hiss and vent steam, too, so be careful to not get too close.     In the entrance is a modern clock that shows that time doesn’t fly—it falls.   With each changing minute the old numerals fall to the floor and are replaced by the current ones.  

           As you stroll through the Museum, make sure you turn your sound up so you can hear the clocks.  Plan to stay long enough for the hour to change, too.    On my second visit the time changed to 3:00 p.m.    What a great surprise!    All at once the Museum filled with the sound of coo coo’s, chimes, whistles, bells, music, and more.    It was amazing.

            The Clock Museum is a hidden gem in SL.    A visit won’t take much time, but the pleasant memory will last forever

Grey Lupindo

A Visit to Folkvang Norse

By Grey Lupindo

       I recently visited Folkvang Norse, located at Lexicolo  (239, 15, 45).   In Norse mythology, Folkvang is the home of the Viking Goddess Freja.   In SL, Folkvang is one of the most unique and interesting places on the grid.  The site was created over five years ago by three SL residents, Dizzi Sternberg, NightShade Fugu, and Janet Rossini.   The three live in different countries, England, Denmark, and the United States, respectively, and met in SL.   

         Dizzi Sternberg told me that Folkvang, “is open to all as a public park as we believe open spaces are rare in SL.”  They also hope to share more accurate information about Viking life than is usually shown in the media.  They have succeeded in doing this in a variety of fun and exciting ways.    

         To begin my journey I teleported into the main landing spot at Lexicolo (224, 11, 2998).   This area has a floor map with teleports to all the major spots within Folkvang.   It also has Viking buildings, clothing, and other useful items for sale if you want to RP or explore in proper attire.   However, wearing Viking clothing is not required.   Do wear comfortable shoes or boots, however.   Folkvang is huge and has lots of places to explore.

           I went straight to Sessrumnir, which is Freja's Castle.   I kept on eye on the Jaguar guarding the courtyard as I quickly walked up the winding staircase.   Inside are lots of nooks and rooms to explore.  Among the many rooms are a library and an art gallery.   Most of the walls showcase beautiful paintings and drawings.   

         I found a few treasure chests in some of the rooms.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but the chests are part of Freja’s  Quest.   In this Quest you try to find treasures while you search for the Goddess Freja.  I found three treasure boxes, but I need to find more.  I couldn’t open them until I found some previous ones.  I looked around a bit, but I didn’t find them.   But this sim has so many other treasures that I wasn’t disappointed.  I’ll come back another time to search more thoroughly.    

         As I wandered through the rooms I also found that some of the items and furniture are for sale.  However, there are no annoying signs to spoil the beauty and ambiance.   You only realize the items are for sale when you click on them.  You need to click, however, because so many of the items are magical.  It takes a click or two to turn them on or open them up.    My advice is to touch everything.  If you don’t, you may miss out on a hidden room or an interesting object.   Explore everywhere, too.  At the end of one very long climb I found a beautiful outdoor room with a table and carved dragon chairs.    On another rooftop I found a flying dragon ride. 

         I flew the dragon ride into Thor’s Garden, which has ancient rune stones in it.  Beautiful flute music began to play, too.  There was also a wild boar hunt that I could have joined in, but I skipped that.  There are other free games to play that don’t involve hunting.  I fed some ducks, chopped wood, explored a Viking village, and more.  

            While I was exploring another building, a horse and cart clomped across the bridge.  I decided to hop on and ride around the site.  I soon found that Folkvang has more things to ride than any other place in my recent memory.   In addition to the flying dragon and the horse cart, I took a tour in a NorsePunk Balloon and sailed a small boat.   During my visit I saw even more things to ride that I didn’t have time to try:  an elephant, a swan, a giant hen, horses, and different types of boats.   

           The balloon tour started at Hedeby and flew past the Folkvang castle and the Valkyrie tower.   It made a stop at Janet’s Land, which has laboratories and a variety of inventions and gadgets to see.   The tour continued, but I got off here.  I heard trains and saw Shallot, another beautiful building that was nearby, both of which I wanted to explore.    

             The Valkyrie Transport Rail Road was my favorite ride.   The first thing that struck me as I waited at the station was the variety of trains.   Some carried cargo or did other industrial work.  All of the trains were unique and different.   I watched for a while before getting into one of the passenger coaches.  The train has great sound effects and a realistic rocking feel to it.   I was even able to bring along the cup of Steelbuck coffee that I had picked up at the stations’ rooftop cafe.        

            For residents who like challenges, there are four different types of quests here.   The Visitor area, located at Lexicolo (239, 15, 45) has teleports and information cards about the different options.  The quests combine fun with Norse mythology.  “The Road to Hel” goes though the Underworld to the throne room of Hel.  “The Old Vanirheimr” goes to the home of the Vanir Gods and Goddesses, Njord Frej and Freja.  The journey goes through both lovely landscapes as well as some hidden worlds.  “ Back to the Beginning” is said to be the hardest quest as it goes back in time to Norse creation.

           I went on the newest adventure, “Journey to England”, which is an amazing 30 to 40 minute simulator ride.  I boarded a Viking long boat in Yorvig. The ride portrays a Viking couple’s journey from Denmark to England, approximately from the RL home of Nightshade in Denmark to Sternberg in England.   Along the way they encounter storms, enemies and other hazards.    The storm, which includes a great lightning show, is so amazingly realistic that I could almost smell the wet sheep that shared the boat with us.  Sternberg told me that all of the places named in the story really exist, and the night sky has the stars accurately placed. 

           Folkvang is one of those wonderful sites that you can spend hours and hours exploring.   I didn’t have time to check out the other quests, the dwarf caves, any of the underground worlds, or the harbor.  There’s even a hidden amusement park called Dizzi World that you can only reach by going through the subway, which is located at the train station.  I peeked inside it, just long enough to know I must return. There are many other hidden gems and jewels in Folkvang, too.  All of them are waiting to be discovered.

 Grey Lupindo

Two Coastal Retreats: Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos

By Grey Lupindo

I started the new year with a trip to two connected sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Both are part of the award-winning Calas Galadhon Park.    Belegaer, located at BELEGAER, BELEGAER (32, 75, 21), is an open water retreat that has a number of hidden surprises within its borders.   While exploring there, I saw a nearby villa.  It was so beautiful that I knew I had to visit it, too.    The villa is located at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).

         I found these two jewels of SL when I visited the main sim, Calas Galadhon Park in December.    Created in January, 2010, by SL residents Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith, Calas is an 11 region estate.  My friend and fellow reporter Gemma Cleanslate reported about this magical place in “A Wintery Favorite:  Calas Galadhon Park”, published December 13, 2013.     During my visit there I saw posters for Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Unlike the active and busy winter sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos are warm weather sites with an emphasis on quiet beauty. 

        At the landing point for Belegaer I found the “Blackspot”, an ancient sailing ship that may be haunted, and a small kayak that is available for anyone to use.    The “Blackspot”, like many places on Belegaer, has dance balls ready for couples to use.    But I didn’t want to spend any time exploring the ship.   I was eager to try out the kayak and see the other sights.

       The kayak was a perfect fit, and I was soon out in the open water.   The ambiance is wonderful here.  Sea gulls and pelicans call out as they fly by.  The sound of crashing waves alerts you to the danger of getting too close to the rocks.    I’m sure I heard a pair of humpback whales, too.             

      Although kayaking on the water was serene, the outcropping of rocks near land was more inviting to me.    Ignoring the danger, I headed toward them.   At one point I was hung up on a reef, but I quickly floated free.     I guided the kayak through an arch and was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful garden near the shore. 

     I left the kayak and waded ashore.  At first all I saw was the garden, but I kept exploring.   On the other side I found many hidden treats, like benches for relaxing and great places to snap pictures.   Bird watching is great here, too. 

      Tucked away on the far side of the garden is a private pool that would be perfect for couples.   Nearby I found a picnic blanket with a basket of goodies and a nice vintage wine.   Dance balls are located in many spots, often concealed in statutes of birds or sea lions.    Although the area seemed small at first, the path winds up and around in a way that makes it feel bigger. 

       When it started to get dark I stopped exploring and tried to find my way back to the kayak.    By the time I found my landing spot, the kayak was gone.    While I was scrambling over the rocks, I slipped and fell into the water.  What a happy accident that turned out to be!  Under the water is another beautiful park.  I swam with some fish and looked around a bit.  Because it was now very dark, I opted to teleport out and come back another time to visit the villa.       

        When I returned to explore the Island of Armenelos, I teleported in at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).  At the landing point I was greeted by Shelly the sea lion, who was looking for a treat.    After I fed her, I walked up the stone steps toward the villa.

         At the first landing I came to a dance area near a colorful fountain.    The opulence and beauty of this sim is evident immediately.   As I continued up the long set of steps, I found a number of decorative mosaic tiles on the landings.  There are scenes of dolphins, turtles, a swordfish, and other marine life.

        At the top of the steps are apartments that are open for exploring.   There are no rentals here.  Visitors are free to walk inside the villas without worrying about invading anyone’s privacy.   There are many apartments connected by narrow passages and stucco stairs.    I had a great time exploring in and around the many villas.

        Outside many of the apartments and on some larger patios are chairs where visitors can relax in the sunshine.   I met resident DowJones Fullstop when I stopped to have a cup of coffee.   Fullstop often comes to this and other Calas sites.   He told me about the skating and other activities that can be found here.     

         I was impressed by the unique and detailed interiors that can be seen inside the apartments.  When I was talking to Fullstop, he had remarked about how realistic the site looks.   I agree with his observation.   Tenk and Meredith have added many unique items that make this site special.   For example, in one apartment a small oscillating fan sits on a table and cools the room.   Other villas have pet cats inside while birds chirp on the ledges outside.            

         On their website, Tenk and Meredith state that these sites are their gift back to the residents of SL.    Although they accept donations to help with the operational costs, the donation boxes are limited and located only at the entrances to the sims.    Tenk and Meredith have created a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy some quiet time on the sea or relax at a seaside villa.     

Grey Lupindo

Finlandia

By Grey Lupindo

Finlandia invites Second Life residents to “hangout, relax and enjoy” and see what Finland is like.  Located at Finlandia, Finlandia (191, 48, 23), it is a beautiful place to visit. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first SL site that is based on Finland.  Finlandia’s creator, Daniela Finchy, has made a wonderful sim that showcases her lovely country.   One of her notes states, “So everything you see, feel and touch is all about Finland.  We are proud ... and happy to show it to you.”  

Finlandia is representative of the southern and southwestern areas as they appear in late summer and fall, a season which is known as “ruska.”   The terrain is comprised of rolling hills, forests, and beautiful rocky coastline. 

The rez zone is a small wooden structure that is functional but not representative of the rest of the site.   It is filled with information and necessary notes, as well as a few odd objects.   A large cut out of Marilyn Monroe is there, but I’m not sure what her connection is to Finland.        

Outside of the rez area, however, the land is peaceful and beautiful.  Wide paths cut through the woods and lead to various sites around the Finlandia.  Bridges straddle winding streams.   There is a bicycle stand, too, since they are very popular in Finland.   However, the paths are also great for horseback riding, which is one of my favorite things to do.   I saddled my horse and rode all over the site.

The area has lots of activities for residents to enjoy.   There are many spots where friends can gather, including a campfire site with a moonshine still brewing.   A large picnic and dance area is found at Finlandia (139,16,24). 

There are lots of free games to play, including Whack a Mole, Mah Jongg, Minesweeper, and others, located in a large cottage at Finlandia (45,71,25).  Try out the rope swings that are outside, too. 

The rocky coastline is ruggedly beautiful.   There are row boats available that you can use to explore it.  I rowed up to the sauna and stopped, although I think I could have continued further.  It is located at Finlandia (84,95,23).   The sauna is a wonderful steamy place that you don’t find very often in Second Life.  Approach this area with care since it is the only area where nudity is allowed in Finlandia.   There were other people visiting the sim during all of my visits, but no one was using the sauna.    

At the top of another hill there is a very cozy country cottage and a large barn, at Finlandia (164,72,33).  Inside the cottage you can try out a loom or sit in a rocking chair by the fireplace.   There are three rooms, all  furnished.  A cat named Tuikku sits on the front porch, and other farm animals roam about in the yard. 

There is a cottage for rent in Finlandia, but I don’t know if this cottage is it.   One of the nicest features in Finlandia is the lack of commercialism.   There are no glaring signs or items for sale to spoil the natural beauty.   Except for a few tip jars and teleporters to transport shoppers to the store area, the site is a peaceful park. 

The shop area is located above the rest of the sim in a sky box, and it is worth seeing.  Finlandia Stores, Finlandia (119, 61, 2022).   Although it isn’t as beautiful as the rest of Finlandia, the shops are set along wide paths in a landscaped area.  There are fourteen shops from Finnish creators, including Mad Pea, SiO, Ihan Sama, Jinxies, S.L.A.D, CakeFox, Linealrise Design, and others.  There is also a club where you can hear Finnish rock/metal music. 

 In addition to the shops, Uleria Caramel, a Finnish artist, has paintings on display there.  Caramel creates art that is abstract expressionism in style.  She uses oil painting, glass, ceramics, aquarelles, photography, and other techniques in her art.   Her works are very colorful and unique.

Newsweek magazine ranked real-life Finland as the overall "best country in the world" in 2010.  According to Wikipedia, many sources rank it as one of the best countries for quality of life.  In creating Finlandia  Daniela Finchy has done a great job creating a sim that shares her beautiful country with the rest of Second Life.

The Yamato Memorial

By Grey Lupindo

     The Yamato was the lead battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II.  Along with her sister ship, Musashi, they were the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever built.  A replica of the famous battleship is being constructed at YAMATO Memorial (223, 56, 22). The note on the LM states that this is a realistic tribute site.  Along with the Yamato, there is the Akagi, a Japanese WWII era aircraft carrier, and an aircraft factory. 

 The Memorial is owned by the Yamato Factory, a private SL group.  Its founder, resident Kody730 Radek, has been in SL since 2007.   Another long-time resident, Kundali Jun, is also involved with the project as a builder and as owner of the aircraft shop.   

       The landmark places you across the road from the ship yard and in front of a visitor’s center.  Inside the center are photographs of the RL Yamato.  The SL replica is an amazing replica of the huge battleship, including its armament.   

       The Yamato is placed as it would have looked while being constructed at Kure Naval Arsenal in Hiroshima, Japan in the late 1930s and early 1940s.   In real-life, the dock had to be deepened and a huge crane installed. The gantry crane is in place at the SL site.  The scale of the SL site is huge, too.  I quickly tired of walking and began flying in order to see the Yamato and other ships and planes that are here.

     The point of having a massive warship is that it can be heavily armed.  The real-life Yamato had nine 18 inch 45 caliber naval guns, the largest ever used on a battleship.  There were also twelve 6 inch guns that were placed in sets of 3 in four turrets, as well as anti-aircraft and other guns.  Similar weapons are also on the SL Yamato.

      There are also replicas of many WWII era planes, some of which are for sale.  There is also a Macchi M33 on display, which is an Italian racing sea plane of that era.  Inside the aircraft factory are some uniforms for sale too, plus a freebie sailor's outfit.  

      On the second level of the Visitor’s Center is a garden area with tables and chairs, a juke box, and dance balls.  Interesting aircraft are on display here, too.

     The real-life Yamato was commissioned in 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.   Although it was present at some battles, it only engaged in battle one time during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in Oct 1944. In April 1945, The Yamato was sent to help defend Japanese forces on the island of Okinawa in Operation Ten-Go. American planes repeatedly bombed and torpedoed the ship, until it finally sank. After the battle, what was left of the Imperial Navy was unable to launch another major operation. "The word Yamato was often used as a poetic name for Japan. Thus, the end of (the) battleship Yamato could serve as a metaphor for the end of the Japanese empire."

The sim is part of a group of sims, some also having aircraft, ships, or both. South of the battleship is mostly empty land. So maybe there is more to come for the Yamato in Second Life.

     Note:  Information used in this article came from Wikipedia.

YAMATO Memorial (223, 56, 22)

Grey Lupindo

Pirates at Snug Harbor Maratime Museum

 By Grey Lupindo

        While I was sailing a few days ago, I found an interesting pirate exhibit on a pier in Snug Harbor.   I quickly learned that the exhibit is part of a larger museum being constructed at Snug Harbor Maratime Museum, SH 2 (92, 188, 22).   The landmark describes the site as "A mini course in boating history and real life facts about boats."   

         The exhibit is a huge outdoor museum that is still under construction.  However, there is already a wealth of material about every aspect of ships, from the mechanics of engines and anchors to the people and how they lived aboard these ships.   There’s even a 16^th century Galleon that you can board and explore.  

         I found the pirate exhibit to be the most interesting.   This exhibit has drawings and notecards with information about many different pirates, both male and female, from many different countries.  Some of the names were familiar, but there were many pirates that were new to me.   Sometimes one country’s “pirate” is often another country’s hero.    

        The museum gives an interesting explanation as to why a person would turn to piracy as a career.   A sign explains that "In the 1700s for many sailors the prospects of sharing in a big haul was overwhelming.  When a man could be a pick pocket and be hanged for stealing a shilling, why not be a pirate and steal a fortune?"   Sometimes, it seems, crime did pay.

          One of the famous women pirates was Lo Hon-Cho, a Chinese woman who is said to be the inspiration for the Dragon Lady pirate in the comic strip "Terry and The Pirates."   In 1921 she became a pirate when her husband died and she took command of his pirate ship.   She was very successful and grew the business into a fleet of 60 pirate ships.  She was also very ruthless and took women and girls as prisoners to sell as slaves. 

          An American woman pirate from an earlier era was Rachael Wall.  She went into the pirate business with her husband, George Wall.  Her skills are detailed in the notecard available at the site.  In 1782 her career as a pirate ended when their ship sank in a storm.  Later, after being arrested for robbery, she admitted she had once been a pirate.  As a result of her confession, she was the last woman to be hanged in Boston.

       Piet Hein was a Dutch hero but considered a pirate by other countries.  In his early 20s he had been captured by the Spanish and held as a slave for four years.  After his release he became a privateer for the Dutch West India Company and captured many ships.  Later he became an Admiral and captured a Spanish treasure fleet loaded with silver from the American colonies and the Philippines without any loss of life.  Following the Dutch policy, Hein gave the Spanish crews enough supplies to reach Havana and released them. The treasure Hein captured was the company's greatest victory in the Caribbean.

        The Maratime Museum has informational notecards about all of the pirates, including Englishmen Sir Thomas Cavendish and Sir Francis Drake, Indian Kanhoji Angre, and many others.  The notecard about Jean Lafitte offers an interesting look at a man who was a pirate, a hero, and a savvy businessman who chose piracy even when other options were open to him. 

        There are exhibits on modern day pirates, too, and the U.S. Navy’s reaction to it.

         When you visit the museum, be sure to turn on your music.   The site plays shanties and sea sounds.  I heard "Whiskey Johnny", "Wild Goose", "Blood Red Roses", and "Hilo Jonny Brown".  There’s even a notecard that explains the different types of shanties and why they were sung.

        Of course no pirate exhibit would be complete without rum.   Located on the pier is Barnacle Ben's, the place for you to “rest your timbers” after a hard day of sailing.  

          For sailors, Snug Harbor can be reached by water.  The dock at Snug Harbor also allows you to moor your boat for an hour or so while you visit the museum. 

Grey Lupind

NeverLand Valley - A Tribute to Michael Jackson

By Grey Lupindo

      I have attended many concerts by tribute bands in SL, but this was my first visit to a tribute sim.   Created by MICHAELjackson Follet, NeverLand Valley is devoted to honoring, remembering, and celebrating the best of Michael Jackson’s life.   It is located at NeverLand  (247,250,25).  This isn’t a new site, but it was new to me.

      The site is amazingly true to the RL Neverland Ranch that existed in Los Olivos, California from 1988, when Michael Jackson purchased it, until 2005.   During those years, the 2500 acre Neverland Ranch was Jackson’s home as well as a wonderland for visiting children.  There was a petting zoo, amusement park, two trains, and other attractions.  

        In the SL version MICHAELjackson Follet has recreated the amusement park, zoo, a train, a large home filled with Jackson memorabilia, and beautiful gardens.     Make sure your music is enabled when you visit.   While I was there I heard  "We are the World", "Things I Do for You", "Another Part of Me", "Bad", “You are My Lovely One”, “Dancing Machine”, and others.    

       There are reminders when you enter that this is a unique, memorial site.     A note states, “Neverland is my Home...I created Neverland as a home for me and sharing with others. (MJJ).   Respect each other and you are the most welcome.  Feel free to go around, play, enjoy or simply relax.  It's all for love.”    There is a reminder that visiting residents may experience different emotions when recalling Jackson’s memory, and visitors are urged to respect their privacy.  There were other residents there on the three occasions that I visited, but no one was chatting.   We each seemed to be content with remembering this special and talented man.    

        When you enter the gates you can pick up a free Smart Car to drive or you can walk on the stone walkway to the house.   The two-story house is huge, with a library, multiple sitting rooms, pianos, and many portraits of Michael Jackson on display.   Upstairs there is a bedroom with Shirley Temple photos and other children’s items.  In one of the offices there is a framed copy of a RL legal document relating to the Ranch hanging on the wall.    My only criticism is that I wish there had been a few notecards describing some of the items.   Everything is very interesting, but I left wanting to know more. 

          The gardens surrounding the house and open areas are beautiful.   There are bridges to cross and ducks and swans to watch.   Benches are available, too. 

           In the amusement park, MICHAELjackson Follet provides SL residents with many of the same type of rides that Michael Jackson owned.     There’s a Galleon swinging ride, the kind that always makes me sick in RL, a huge Ferris wheel, Merry-go-Round, Lollipop carousel, and a few more.   I rode these rides, and they are great.  

            Nearby there is a theatre, too.   In the entry are images of toys and characters from favorite children’s stories such as Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, ET, and Pinocchio.     In the theatre section there are plenty of comfortable seats.  Unfortunately I couldn’t get the video to play, which I’m sure was caused by my system limitations.        

        I was able to view many videos created by MICHAELjackson Follet on his website, http://mjfollet.com/Neverland.html.   My favorite video is the one located on this first page.  Entitled “Forever Neverland”, it shows images of both the SL site and RL photos of Michael Jackson.   While the images are shown, Michael Jackson sings “Have you Seen My Childhood?” and “Smile”.   Although I only know a little about the abuse and loneliness he experienced as a child performer, I found the video to be very moving. 

          Next to the amusement park is the zoo, found at NeverLand (52, 96, 22).  As you walk toward it, moneys wave and birds fly by.  Be sure to approach the animals slowly so that they have time to become animated.   Touch them to hear their sounds.     Michael Jackson would have loved the SL version of his zoo.  There are no cages, and while the lions and tigers growl, they don't bite.

         Another amazing thing about NeverLand is that everything here is free.   There are no tip jars and almost nothing is sold here.   Inside a building located in the amusement park there are a few children’s items that appeared to be for sale, but they are discretely hidden away.      All of the rides, cotton candy, and other items are free.   

      The site and its members do support a RL charity in Haiti.   Tucked against one side of the sim, at NeverLand (142,247,26),  is a display where donations for “Haiti’s Children” are accepted.   There is a picture of Mideau Pierre, a child that is being supported by Neverland Friends and donations from other SL residents.    They have been supporting him since 2010.   At the time of my visit, they had collected  $44,169L in the donation box located there. 

     SL NeverLand Valley is a unique site that honors and celebrates the life of one of the most talented musicians of our time.

Grey Lupindo

 Editor's Note: Following the death of Michael Jackson, a number of tributes were created in his honor, one of which was featured in Second Life Newsepaper. Neverland might have been among them, but most of the others are gone. As for the real life Neverland Ranch, it was sold in 2008 due to Michael Jackson being deep in debt, and fell into disrepair following his death. Recently there was a partial restoration with what was left of the amusement park rides replaced with a zen garden.