So tonight is the first of two shows by the breakdance performance class that I’m in. It’s a complicated, six minute piece with difficult tricks and freezes throughout. The Thursday night show is sold out, and we’re first on the bill. We’re understandably concerned and nervous about executing it perfectly. So last night was not…
“What are kids learning in virtual worlds?” event today in Second Life
Today the MacArthur Foundation, along with Common Sense Media , the USC Center on Public Diplomacy and Global Kids present " What are Kids learning in Virtual Worlds? The Wonders and the Worries" today, November 14, at 6PM PST. This event will be streamed into Second Life at the USC Annenberg Islands (click here to…
Honoring our nation’s veterans in Second Life
As a Quaker pacifist, I am often conflicted about how to ethically respond to Veteran’s Day. While I myself do not condone violence as a means of settling our differences, either personally or as a nation, I have no problem honoring those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect my country and our…
Earthlink customer service hell
I’ve been a loyal customer of Earthlink ever since they acquired the excellent Mindspring ISP back in the 2000. For the most part, I’ve been happy with their service. But for the past couple of years they have been harassing me about paying for an additional "premium email account" and dial-up fee, even though I…
Dancing for diabetes research at the Waldorf
I just got home from an amazing night of fine dining, music and dancing at the swellegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It all started a few weeks ago when my friend and fellow lindy hopper Lauren asked me if I wanted to volunteer to be a dancer for this classy fundraiser in November. I’m always happy…
Watching the virtual sausage get made: what it takes to put on a successful Second Life event
Today, for the first time, I was on the staff side of a high-profile Second Life event put on by the Electric Sheep. Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary appeared for an in-world interview to talk about their upcoming film action-adventure film "Beowulf." The movie is completely computer-generated and will be shown on IMAX 3D, so…
AMEX machinima highlights business opportunities in virtual worlds
American Express has just released a couple of cool machinima videos highlighting the opportunities for business in virtual worlds, notably Second Life. The first gives a general overview of virtual worlds from a business perspective, while the second delves into retail opportunities within virtual worlds. The third machinima in this series will focus on real…
Reminder: My breakdance performance next week!
Just a quick reminder that tickets are almost sold out for several of the shows that are part of the PMT Dance Studio‘s Fall Showcase. I’ll be performing a breakdance routine with six other b-boys and girls on Thursday, November 15 and Sunday, November 18, choreographed by our awesome instructor and world-class B-boy Pavan Thimmaiah,…
Global Kids Open House and Non-profit Career Fair tomorrow in SL
My friends at Global Kids, a New York City based youth empowerment non-profit organization, will be holding an open house and non-profit career fair tomorrow (November 9) within Second Life. This is part of their job search to fill a number of positions within their Online Leadership Program (OLP). Come by from 1-2PM PST to…
Women’s Health Fair on Oleander Island today in SL
Today at Oleander Island (click here to teleport), come to the Second Life Women’s Health Fair, where medical professionals will speak on important health issues affecting women including cancer, heart ailments, and PCOS — a hidden womens health problem. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to the organization Drive By Agony/Life…