I didn’t expect such a fuss when I blogged about the 9/11 memorials in Second Life and Madeleine Albright speaking in SL from UT Austin. But I guess others found those topics interesting, because I got several mentions on prominent political, news and gaming sites. Thanks to: Gothamist Kotaku Game Politics The New York Times…
Category: New York
9/11 Commemoration today in Second Life: Giving virtual voice to those who were lost
Today was a particularly emotional day for lots of people from around the world. However most of us don't have the luxury of sharing those emotions and thoughts in the middle of a workday with our friends and family. So virtual spaces like Second Life serve a potentially important role in providing emotional outlets and…
September 11, 2001, 8:45AM
Using my geek powers for good: a Global Kids teambuilding exercise
Yesterday at Global Kids, we did a team-building activity called "The 2008 Street Fair: The Fall Collection." Organized by my colleagues Dominique and Sandip, the game was actually quite challenging and nuanced. We divided up into five teams of about eight people, who were each given a bag containing two items. The rules were as…
“Sling Shot Hip Hop” documentary on the Palestianian hip hop movement premieres in NY on Thursday
At breakdance practice last night, I was talking with Waleed, another dancer who told me about a real cool film project he is involved with. "Sling Shot Hip Hop" is a film about the role of hip hop music for Palestinians as a form of political expression: Slingshot Hip Hop braids together the stories of…
Good bye, AstroLand!
So I hear tale that "Astroland," the beloved and somewhat seedy amusement park in Coney Island, is going bye-bye very soon. This bums me out to no end, even if I have never been one of those who were big into the thrill rides or carnie games. "Astroland" is just part of what makes Coney…
Unplugged in the Berkshires
I just came back from a really lovely Labor Day weekend with my buddy Rafi and his family, up in their vacation home in the Berkshires. This was my first opportunity to visit the area, and I have to say its some of the prettiest country I’ve seen in the Eastern United States. We…
A decadent Manhattan morning: doughnuts, bahn mi, massage, haircut and a strong cuppa
I had a wonderful and indulgent summer morning doing some of my favorite stuff in lower Manhattan. I started out having breakfast at the Doughnut Plant on Grand Street. The featured flavors were fresh peach and hazelnut, so I had to try both of course. So amazing — full of flavor and just the right…
The Virtual Port Authority Bus Station: why why?
Seriously, did we absolutely NEED a virtual recreation of a crappy New York bus station in Second Life? This one at least has no virtual homeless people or bridge and tunnel folks. Sigh. Head here, if you absolutely must see it in person/avatar.
The International Lindy Hop Championships: a kickass showcase of the best lindy hoppers in the world
I just returned home from an awesome weekend at the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington DC. A new entrant in the lindy hop competition circuit, ILHC was organized by Tena Morales of Houston and Nina Gilkenson of DC, two well-respected dancers and organizers in the national scene. So the expectations were quite high for…