Yesterday, August 13, I got to organize a really fun event in Second Life that brought together several of my interests — global human rights, virtual worlds and electronic music. Mr. John Washburn, convenor of the American NGO Coalition for the ICC, spoke at the International Justice Center in Second Life to an attentive and…
REMINDER: Justice Jam Dance Party at the Second Life Justice Center tomorrow
Just a reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13, at 5PM PST, the Second Life International Justice Center (teleport link) will be hosting our first Global Justice Jam. Catch real world / virtual DJ Doubledown Tandino spinning an eclectic mix of global grooves for your dancing pleasure. During the dance, we’ll also be asking for donations…
Me and James Paul Gee on the RezEd podcast this week
On this week’s RezEd podcast, I helped out my colleague Amira with the news and events section about recent developments in virtual world education. I think it turned out really well. The featured guest on this week’s RezEd podcast is Dr. James Paul Gee, a brilliant researcher and big thinker on digital games and learning…
Holy German Import! Has Batman been kidnapped?
Atalanta, Booosh, Lilieblue and I were walking around lower Manhattan yesterday when we saw a ghastly sight on Lafayette Street. Apparently some super-villain (who drives a VW) has kidnapped the Caped Crusader and has him trapped in the trunk of his 4-door. No amount of shouting and pounding by Boosh was able to revive the…
Waterboard Thrill Ride at Coney Island: crass entertainment as political discourse
Today my friends Sara Jane, April and I checked out the "Waterboard Thrill Ride" created by artist Steve Powers at Coney Island. A heavy-handed piece of interactive political art, "Waterboard Thrill Ride" takes the tortuous act of "waterboarding" and makes it into a sideshow attraction using animatronics, flashing lights and music. For the price of…
Rick’s Picks Phat Beets
My friends Rubymae and Arfer got me this cool jar of pickled beets while they were in the Catskills. Gotta love a product named "Rick’s Picks Phat Beets"! No idea if they are any good, but how could they be bad?
Virtual Worlds and Bowling Alone: are virtual communities “real” or not?
I got brain-dumped a ton of provocative ideas and questions from the virtual worlds symposium sponsored by the USC Network Culture Project last week. (Thanks, Doug, Tori, Staci, et al!) One of the more relevant discussions related to why people are motivated to get involved in online games and virtual worlds by the hundreds of…
Justice Jam Dance Party at the Second Life Justice Center August 13
This Wednesday, August 13, at 5PM PST, come to the Second Life International Justice Center (teleport link) for our first Global Justice Jam. Catch real world / virtual DJ Doubledown Tandino spinning an eclectic mix of global grooves for your dancing pleasure. During the dance, we’ll also be asking for donations to aid victims of…
Comcast spanked by FCC for violating Net Neutrality!
Yes, I am days late on this, but I still thinks it important to blog this up. The cable company Comcast on August 1st got cited by the Federal Communications Commission (which is chaired by a Republican) for violating the principle of Net Neutrality. Specifically, the FCC found that "Comcast Corp.’s management of its broadband…
How to mount a U-lock on a Brompton folding bicycle
I got a new Brompton folding bicycle recently, and after my recent unfortunately experience, security is foremost on my mind. Obviously the best solution is to carry the bike everywhere with you. But that is not always practical or possible, which means you have to lock up your expensive wheels on the mean streets where…