By now, you’ve probably seen Obama’s new policy website Change.gov. The media and blogosphere have reported on how ground-breaking and historic this "open government" website is, allowing the public to be involved in the public policy-making process in ways impossible to imagine before. What has received less attention is the intensive web development process that…
Category: Politics
Yes We Did! New Yorkers celebrate Obama victory (video)
I had the pleasure of spending this historic night with friends, family and colleagues at the Global Kids office watching the results roll in from around the country. Then I ran off to a breakdance practice from 10-11PM. As I came out of the class, I saw this spectacle — a thousand or so people…
Teens in Second Life cast their virtual vote today!
Young people under the age of 18 usually don’t get to experience the joys of voting in the United States. But today teens on the Teen Grid of Second Life can head to Global Kids island (click here to teleport) to vote for their favorite presidential candidate. A virtual voting booth, created by teen Ryan…
One more vote for Obama in Brooklyn
Had a very smooth time voting in Fort Greene at PS 11. Lots of other folks were in long lines, but my district had only one person ahead of me! Took me 45 seconds to vote, and another 10 to take this picture. We are still using the ancient "ca-chunk-a-chunk" mechanical machines that look like…
“Tiny Nation” takes on the election (machinima)
Just got to screen the first live public premiere of the latest "Tiny Nation" mini-sode. It was at the 2008 Machinima Festival at Eyebeam studios in Chelsea. Find out what happens when backyard critters decide that they want to right to vote. Produced by my friends at Ill Clan, I think you’ll enjoy this light-hearted…
Who is your night elf voting for? Rich Kuras asks WoW players “McCain or Obama?”
I enjoyed this machinima piece created by Rich Kuras about how different World of Warcraft players are voting on November 4th. The bits about which class of player Obama and McCain would be are priceless. Reminiscent of the Wired blog challenge asking which D&D monster McCain would be. Obama is for various reasons the clear…
Live electoral map on Second Life Capitol Hill
In the final dash towards election day on November 4th, those nice folks at Capitol Hill in Second Life have created yet another cool US Presidential race tool — a live projected electoral vote map. From Kei Moana: We’ve installed an electoral map on the lower patios at SL Capitol Hill that gives the most…
Machinima that Matter: A list of machinima films with a Social / Political Message
I view machinima (digital films created using a game engine or virtual world) as a powerful and accessible medium for storytelling and artistic expression. And despite its game-based roots, I think there is ample evidence that machinima can be used to engage people on serious issues and ideas — whether its the upcoming US Presidential…
Art for Justice Event at Second Life Justice Center October 24
Can virtual art stimulate real-world political action? Find out on Friday, October 24, as digital media artists Peggy Weil (Ping Rau in SL) and Nonny de la Peña (Nonny Writer) discuss how they are using 3D artwork as a form of political expression and civic engagement. In Second Life at the International Justice Center (click…
Amazing swing dance fundraiser for Obama tonight at Union Pool in Brooklyn!
Just got home from an inspired, amazing night of dancing and music to support Barack Obama. Local lindy hopper Ramona Staffield got together an all-star cast of musicians, singers, lindy hoppers and hoofers to throw on a fundraiser dance concert at Union Pool tonight in Williamsburg. The event was officially in support of the non-profit…