Here's the video of my interview with the pioneering rapper DMC (of Run-DMC fame) talking about his new virtual hangout DMC World. It was great getting an opportunity to hear DMC's views about hip-hop culture, online games, and youth empowerment. The actual virtual environment looks pretty clunky and dated, I'm afraid. But DMC clearly has…
The fine art of online multi-slacking
Back in the day when I used to have cable TV, I would end every work day with some zone-out time channel surfing for an hour of two before bed. I would steer toward the crime procedurals, 80s action movies, billiards tournaments — anything that involved no intellectual thought whatsoever. I would often regret it…
Bergen Street Comics: Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shop in Brooklyn
Swifty and I stopped by a new comic book shop in the 'hood — Bergen Street Comics on Bergen Street near Flatbush Avenue. We're pretty excited about having a comic shop within walking distance of our apartment. But beyond the convenience, it's seems like a cool local business run by a couple that clearly just…
Shim Shamming in Times Square and Grand Central for “Frankie Week”!
Today about 50-60 lindy hoppers assembled in Manhattan to dance the "Shim Sham" line dance as part of the "Frankie Week" festivities taking place all over the globe. It was one of those remarkable days that make me grateful to live in New York and be a part of the lindy hop scene.
Smithsonian Launches Latino Museum in Second Life (video)
I got last minute word from SLballyhoo's Twitter Feed that the Smithsonian was launching today in Second Life a virtual Latino Museum! I happened to pop over just as they were cutting the ribbon and playing the introductory video, and managed to capture some jerky footage of it. Looks like this has a lot of…
“Swim Sham” on the Canary Islands (video)
I enjoyed very much this "Swim Sham" performed by dancers at the La Santa Swing dance camp in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Particularly all the splashing in the second section and the pool aerials. It just looked like so much fun! I continue to be blown away by everyone's submissions for "Frankie Week." Many…
Sign up for FOCUS: Cross-Generational Dialogue on Digital Media and Society April 13-May 4
My colleague Rafi at Global Kids sends out word about the opening of registration for Focus on Digital Media! Focus is a set of online dialogues to bring youth voices to the societal changes that digital media is bringing. According to Rafi, one important bit of feedback we got from the teens involved in our…
“Stacked” Blog (re)Launches: Cute nerdy girl talking about books
My friend Christina has re-launched her awesome blog "Stacked." Christina is chronicling her adventures as she works toward her goal of reading 100 books in a year, and along the way providing smart commentary about reading and literature in general. Check it out at http://stackedblog.com.
Frankie Week Day 7: Frankie’s Wednesday Class does the Shim Sham (with Celebrity Guest)
Here’s another clever Shim Sham video for “Frankie Week,” this time from Frankie’s Wednesday night class he has been teaching for many years. Watch for the celebrity appearance during the break in the middle! Filmed at You Should Be Dancing Studios . Awesome work, folks. Stuart Math, the videographer, also produced this awesome compilation video…
Catch Me Breaking at PMT Spring Showcase April 18 and 19
The performance group I'm in at PMT Studios is again doing a breaking performance as part of the PMT Spring Showcase the weekend of April 17-19. You can catch me and my team on Saturday April 18 at 8pm and Sunday April 19 at 3pm. We'll be performing along with several other dance pieces from…