My buddy Glitteractica sends out a cool challenge being promoted by the NetSquared conference for technology mash-ups for social change. If you have a cool idea combining different web, mobile or other tech that meets some need in your community, draft it up and send it in to NetSquared by March 14. Here’s some examples:…
Second Life panel discussion on “Credibility in the New News” on February 29
Our friends at USC are organizing a Second Life discussion on "Credibility and Reputation in the New News" featuring Tony Curzon Price, Editor of OpenDemocracy.net, Jonathan Zittrain, Professor and Internet Scholar at Oxford University and Kathy Im, Program Officer at the MacArthur Foundation. The event will be held on the USC Annenberg Island [http://tinysl.com/Sf08849] at…
Global Kids receives new grant to create social network for virtual world educators
I am in Chicago right now representing Global Kids, who is one of 17 recipients of a grant for our work on digital media and learning. We received $72,000 to support the creation of "RezEd" a new social networking site and blog to support educators who use virtual worlds and massively multiplayer online games for…
Sharon Burns profiles eight virtual worlds in eight minutes (video)
Sharon Burns of the MacArthur Foundation has released a neat video that gives a brief overview of several virtual worlds, with an emphasis on their educational applications. In this eight-minute video she looks at HiPiHi, Club Penguin, Whyville, Webkins, Mokitown, There, Entropia Universe, and Gaia Online. Several of these I had almost no background on,…
Video preview of “ICED” immigration computer game
I just threw together a quick video preview of the first level of the computer game "ICED," which I just posted about on this blog. "ICED" — which stands for "I Can End Deportation" — allows the player to step into the shoes of five immigrant teens and find out what it takes to avoid…
“ICED” computer game teaches about US immigration laws
Heidi Boisvert, the lead designer of the "ICED" computer game, sends us news that "ICED" has been officially released for download, after more than two years of work. "ICED" — which stands for "I Can End Deportation" — allows the player to step into the shoes of five immigrant teens and find out what it…
Why I love Virgin America
[This post is not a paid endorsement] I just flew from Los Angeles to New York on Virgin America, and I have to say it was one of the highlights of my trip. Here’s some of the stuff I liked: Seats: Leather, comfy, good legroom in coach class. Decor: Lounge-y and muted, with ensconced magenta…
Congrats to Eff and Sara Chu for typing the knot!
My best buddy Neal "Effervescent" Blangiardo just got hitched with his fiancé Sarah Chu in a super-secret ceremony that occurred this Saturday in Massachusetts. Somehow they scored an really awesome write-up of their wedding in the Sunday New York Times! I’m ecstatic for the two and wish them every happiness and a long life together.
“Planet B-Boy” premiering in New York March 21!
I am ridiculously excited about the theatrical release of the breakdance documentary "Planet B-Boy." This is one of the best dance movies I have ever seen, rivalling "Rize" and "Wild Style." The premiere will be on March 21 at the Landmark Sunshine Theater in New York! Then it goes on limited release in eleven other…
Hello Kitty Online Beta-launching Soon: The cuteness overload may destroy the metaverse!
I have to admit, I am super-excited about the upcoming beta launch of the newest virtual world "Hello Kitty Online." The press release (which you can read after the jump) notes that the persistent 3d virtual environment will be able to accommodate thousands of players and NPCs from the popular kiddie franchise, including Badtz-Maru, My…