Today was one of those days I just love living in New York. In the morning I got to interview hip-hop legend DMC (of Run DMC) at the ENGAGE Expo at Javitz Center. Then in the evening I got to take a fundamentals of breaking class with legendary b-boy Ken Swift. I love my crazy…
Interviewing DMC (of Run-DMC) about hip-hop, virtual worlds and youth
I had a remarkable opportunity to interview hip-hop artist Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame today! I caught up with Dee at the Engage Expo at Jacob Javitz Center this morning, who was here to promote his new virtual space DMC World. We had a very interesting discussion about hip-hop culture, virtual worlds, digital games,…
Five cool job openings at American Friends Service Committee
The national service arm of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is the American Friends Service Committee, based out of Philadelphia. Over the years, AFSC has been a vital force in the United States for peace, social justice and human rights, which makes me so proud. I just got word that there are five job…
Congrats, Quest Crew! (Next stop: the Battle of the Year?)
Here they are: Quest Crew, "America's Best Dance Crew" of 2009. Well deserved, boys. Well played. Quest brought some seriously jaw-dropping tricks every single show, combined with near perfect team precision, creative choreography, and playful energy. No one, besides Beat Freaks, could touch them the whole season. That said, I do have to wonder how…
Bluegrass & Contemporary Dance: The Dang-It Bobbys at BAM Cafe (video)
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…