I did a quick trawl around the blogosphere to see what folks were saying about last night’s "CSI:NY" episode "Down the Rabbit Hole" that featured Second Life prominently in the story. As someone who has been active in Second Life for a year and a half, I don’t have much understanding of what it must…
“CSI: New York” proves that virtual worlds can be compelling plot devices
As a Second Life resident, I was both excited and worried about the recent episode of "CSI:New York" that was to include Second Life as a plot device. Other shows, even other CSI episodes, had used virtual worlds and online games to show us as either a bunch of sociopathic killers, weird perverts, or as…
World Bank releasing global business report in Second Life on Friday
According to a press release, the World Bank and the IFC will hold a virtual event in Second Life on Friday, October 26 as part of their public release of the report "Doing Business 2008." Starting at 8AM PST, the World Bank hopes to attract business owners, investors, aid donors, and other interested people to…
CSI invades the metaverse today
As any avatar that has not been totally disconnected from the grid knows, today the CBS television show "Crime Scene Investigators: New York" is launching a full suite of multimedia products aimed at bridging old broadcast media and new internet-based media. Here’s the rundown: Tonight’s episode of "CSI:NY" entitled "Down the Rabbit Hole" will feature…
Yes, I’ve become one of THOSE assholes
I cashed in my $100 back from Apple for being a sucker early adopter and got an Aliph Jawbone bluetooth headset. Look for me yammering on self-importantly on a major thoroughfare near you.
The Patty Limerick Pedestrian Diet & Exercise Plan
I love the simplicity and eloquence of Patty Limerick’s “Pedestrian Diet and Exercise Plan.” So much of it just makes sense and echoes my own diet and exercise regime. But one tidbit really struck me about the value of walking beyond just the health benefits: As you set out for a walk, choose a problem…
“The Yellow Peril” Figurine: a reminder of Asian xenophobia
Shopping for antiques while up in the Adirondacks, I came across a cute figurine of a Chinese girl carrying water. This reminded me of a prized possession of mine, a tiny statuette of an asian woman of indeterminate origin lying with her kimono-ish dress spread out before her. An old work friend gave it to…
MacArthur Foundation asks “What Are Kids Learning in Virtual Worlds?” on November 14 at USC
I just got notice from the MacArthur Foundation that they are sponsoring an event entitled "What are Kids Learning in Virtual Worlds?" happening on Wednesday, November 14th at 6PM PST. The discussion, taking place at the University of Southern California, will feature the following speakers: Julia Stasch, Vice President of the John D. and Catherine…
Live online discussion tonight with FCC Commissioners Adelstein and Copps
Josh Stearns of media reform group Free Press sends along word of a live web event this evening with Federal Communications Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps: A front-page New York Times story revealed that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is secretly rushing to unleash a new wave of media consolidation. Now you can now fight…
“Knock Yourself Up”: one woman’s tale of becoming a single mom
There was this lovely woman Louise who had been coming to our weekly swing dance last year. She was attractive, tall, brunette, fun to dance with, and by the spring, very obviously pregnant. Apparently light exercise like walking and dancing is good for expectant mothers, and we’ve had more than a few come by our…