My friend and colleague Rhiannon Chatnoir sends out word that she is putting together an impromptu machinima festival/screening at the Second Life Community Convention in Tampa, FL for next Sunday, September 7th. She has allocated a three hour block of time free before the Machinima Film & TV Track and thought it would be great…
Unplugged in the Berkshires
I just came back from a really lovely Labor Day weekend with my buddy Rafi and his family, up in their vacation home in the Berkshires. This was my first opportunity to visit the area, and I have to say its some of the prettiest country I’ve seen in the Eastern United States. We…
A decadent Manhattan morning: doughnuts, bahn mi, massage, haircut and a strong cuppa
I had a wonderful and indulgent summer morning doing some of my favorite stuff in lower Manhattan. I started out having breakfast at the Doughnut Plant on Grand Street. The featured flavors were fresh peach and hazelnut, so I had to try both of course. So amazing — full of flavor and just the right…
I’m going to SLCC after all
Through a confluence of several random occurences, it turns out that I am headed to the Second Life Community Convention in Tampa from September 4-7. I’m looking forward to seeing all my avatar friends in the non-digital flesh. Now where do I find a dragon furry costume?
Global Kids Launches Game, “Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City,” to Raise Youth Awareness on Eve of 3rd Anniversary of Katrina
I’m proud to announce that on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, youth leaders for Global Kids, have created an online community and game that connects young people with the ongoing relief efforts in New Orleans: “Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City.” Global Kids and Game Pill, an innovator in online games development, have created…
Musicality: hip hop versus lindy hop
Today in my breakdance class, our teacher Alan had us do some cool musicality exercises, which were really challenging and fun. Everyone in the class basically got a couple eights of music that they had to do some floorwork to, and finish with a freeze that punctuated a hit in the music. What the exercise…
The Virtual Port Authority Bus Station: why why?
Seriously, did we absolutely NEED a virtual recreation of a crappy New York bus station in Second Life? This one at least has no virtual homeless people or bridge and tunnel folks. Sigh. Head here, if you absolutely must see it in person/avatar.
Checking out Jim Henson “Fantastic World” Exhibit at the Smithsonian
Tucked away a couple of stories underground at the "International Gallery" at the Smithsonian is a quirky and tiny exhibit on the life and works of master puppeteer and visionary Jim Henson. Entitled "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" the three room exhibit gives you a quick snapshot of what must have been a remarkable human being. …
“I Dig Tanzania” teaches teens about paleontology, African culture, and field research using Second Life (video)
In July 2008, I helped organize the "I Dig Tanzania" virtual summer camp, a collaboration of Global Kids, the Field Museum of Chicago and the Biodiversity Synthesis Center. This innovative project brought together 16 teens in Chicago and New York to learn about paleontology, scientific field research, and Tanzania culture using the virtual world…
The International Lindy Hop Championships: a kickass showcase of the best lindy hoppers in the world
I just returned home from an awesome weekend at the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington DC. A new entrant in the lindy hop competition circuit, ILHC was organized by Tena Morales of Houston and Nina Gilkenson of DC, two well-respected dancers and organizers in the national scene. So the expectations were quite high for…