Tonight, I and a friend enjoyed the hipster bluegrass stylings of the Dang-It Bobbys in the BAM Cafe in my nabe Fort Greene. I love going there because the space is so cool, it always draws a funky, diverse crowd, and the concerts are free! What's not to love? The Dang-It Bobbys were quite talented,…
Happy Fun Smile: the best damn Okinawan pop band in New York City
I had the pleasure of seeing "Happy Fun Smile" perform at Forbidden City last night. One of my favorite New York City acts, Happy Fun Smile seems transplanted straight out of the 1300s Japan, perhaps picking up a couple of NY hipsters to play the sanshin and sanba along the way. Brian the lead singer…
DMC launches first hip-hop virtual world: where’s my digital Adidas?
I just got word that Hip hop artist Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame is opening the first hip-hop oriented virtual world, called DMC World. Officially launching next week, the 3d environment will include a rooftop club overlooking a "crazy NYC skyline", a VIP screening room, a "VIP access-only backstage hangout", and a stage to…
ICC issues arrest warrant against Sudanese President for murder, rape & torture
In a historic development, the International Criminal Court in the Hague has issued a formal arrest warrant against Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, President of Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Specifically he is charged with "intentionally directing attacks against an important part of the civilian population of Darfur, Sudan, murdering, exterminating, raping,…
Last chance to sponsor me for Global Kids Dance-a-Thon this Friday!
Thanks everyone who has already sponsored me for the Global Kids Dance-a-Thon fundraiser taking place this Friday. These are financially tough times, so even the smallest donation is very much appreciated! It's not too late, if you would like to contribute. All proceeds go toward college scholarships for our very deserving Global Kids teen leaders…
WebWise 2009: Museums and libraries pursuing the innovative edge in a digital age
From February 25-27, I had the opportunity to go to the WebWise conference in Washington DC, an annual gathering of 300-some professionals from libraries and museums to discuss how to keep their cultural institutions relevant in the digital age. It was great getting to hear from some of the leading museums and libraries in America…
No hands kip up, finally (video)
I have been off and on trying to do this frakking no-hands kip up for literally about a year. Finally I sorta kinda did it today at breaking practice tonight. Feels pretty good.
“B-Girl” the movie: please don’t suck
Well, here it is, the trailer for "B-Girl" the movie. Starring Lady Jules of Beat Freaks, with a cast of b-boys and b-girls, it promises to at least deliver on the dancing front. The question is whether the plot will enhance or detract from the movie. With that in mind, I have to say, the…
“Playing 4 Keeps”: Global Kids social-issues games program
I haven't written much about Global Kids' work in the serious games arena. We have developed a successful program called "Playing 4 Keeps" that engages young people in the process of game design as a way to get them thinking critically about digital games and examining social issues in new ways. In the past three…
My snow day pics from Fort Greene and Madison Square Park
While I did not get a snow day, unlike some other lucky folks, I did get to take some pics on the way into work from Fort Greene and Madison Square Park. And I only fell in the snow once! I'll try and take a few more later today. Check out my full photo set…