Sunday, December 23, 2007

Newsroom Building


Time-lapse movie of the Second Life project.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Middleton Village


Not what Douglas Copeland or William Gibson envisaged when they described virtual world - a virtual old peoples home!

Second Life is Unwritten


Short musical story of a girl and her Second Life.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Drowning 4 Definition


A film looking at multi-racial avatar expressions.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

even Wonders of the Digital World

In Second Life of course




from video.yahoo.com

Odissea the Musical


The first international official trailer about the "Odissea the Musical" in Second Life Project.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Windmills of Your Mind


Old song, new take. By Gary Hazlitt and filmed in Second Life.

Utopia


A short walk-through of the "Utopia" sim in Second Life.

A roof for Darfur


Newly posted film from the project in Second Life.

Angel


The song "Angel" by the wonderful Sarah McLachlan and film from Second Life. Nice.

Al Qas'r Al Jinn - The Fortress of Spirits


A fantasy roleplaying sim soon to open in Second Life.
Built by the amazing Zhella Nishi and the concepts and dreams of Harla Kurri and Twisted Surface.

Also ...

From the same creators, story-telling comes to Second Life. The first three episodes appear below - the latest was released today. Watch for more as they come.

The Azure Star


"There it was shimmering in the distance, dancing along the heat haze on the horizon.

Earlier I thought it had to be a mirage but it was cleraly visible now.

The dhow I was aboard suddenly seemed tiny compared to the vast fortress ahead of us and its 'Sea Gate.'

As I looked upon the beacon that had guided the vessel up close I could see why it had the name the Azure Star...

A wonder of magical prowess in this region, mirrors that projected light so bright no fires could compare..."

Scripted by Harla Kurri. Builds by Zhella Nishi and narrated by Danton Thirroul.

Directed and produced by Twisted Surface.

From Light to Shadow


"The Dhow rocked up against the stone wall and ... (more)
Added: November 15, 2007
"The Dhow rocked up against the stone wall and a ladder was passed down for me to climb.

It appeared that the figures around seemed much more interested at the ships cargo and had taken notice that I was not from this region.

I had set sail from Venice months ago but to reach the more remote parts of Arabia had been more difficult that I thought.

Despite the empire spanning this region there seemed much tribal conflict and yet despite the worlds most advanced medicines and magicks were bringing in curious travellers such as I...

It became apparent then they had noticed me a man came to greet, open arms in gesture friendly, but behind in this dark dimly lit area i could see shadows cloaked figures muttering and looking at me from afar.

"Welcome to Qasr al Jinn traveller!" The man declared his breath carried a sweet smell of a leaf much used in these parts, upon his belt i noticed a brief glimmer of a dagger.

He asked me of my business, and what I carried.

Before long however another figure appeared, a large man with a blue sash and a crest upon his tunic with two scimitars.

The shadowy figures that I had noticed earlier, I could see no more.

The man before me backed away making his excuses scurrying away into the dark alley from where he emerged from.

"Welcome to Qasr al Jinn traveller, come with me if you please".

The warrior gave his name and rank of the Azure Blades.

I walked just behind him up flights of stairs and my ears could hear a crescendo of sound building as we made the streets around the palace..."

Scripted by Harla Kurri. Builds by Zhella Nishi and narrated by Danton Thirroul.

Thank you to all those who were in the scenes there. Credits will be coming soon :)

Directed and Produced by Twisted Surface

Part 3 - The Sounds and Scents


"The street we walked along seemed bustling with activity, Peddlers and
traders approached me hesitantly as they noticed my armed escort; but were still persistent none the less.

The street we walked along seemed bustling with activity, Peddlers and
traders approached me hesitantly as they noticed my armed escort; but were still persistent none the less.

Through beaded curtains I could see men and women sharing a pipe.

The smell was similar to the scent I had encountered on the breath of the
man who came to greet me upon my arrival to the docks earlier.

This had to be the "hashish", the well known substance enjoyed in this
region.

I noticed a lady seated up high on a platform gazing down upon me.

My guard noticed her as well.

They exchanged tense glances for a time but did not speak.

We turned a corner beyond more street traders and suddenly I gazed up in awe
at the size of the inner palace...

The gates looming ahead seemed to open up by their own accord as the guard approached, revealing the lavish interior courtyard and its thick golden doors.

I could smell flowers, sweet and fragrant. The feeling of moisture in my throat as I gazed up to the sight of the hanging gardens.

As we entered the palace, the sounds hushed and the scents were
forgotten....

My eyes lit up at the splendour around....

______________________

Scripted by Harla Kurri. Builds by Zhella Nishi and narrated by Danton Thirroul.

Directed and Filmed by Twisted Surface

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Second Life Brasil


A Video Essay about the launch of Brasil into Second Life. Made for ICAM 130 at UCSD.

Intute in Second Life


A short film about the activities of Intute in Second Life. Yet another example of the extraordinary variety of construction inworld.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Noob to Knockout?


Tracks a new user's seamless transformation in Second Life's Gossip Girl from clueless noobie to dancing diva - with the help of Metaverse Mod Squad. Too funny, but educational in it's way.

Friday, December 14, 2007

CSI: NY/Second Life Virtual Experience Mystery


A couple of months back the US TV series extended it's reach into Second Life with an ongoing mystery to solve in parallel with events on the show. It continues until February but this trailer released to day covers events so far in summary.

Although focused more toward gaming at real comunications and the social/work experience, one can't fault the TV show for helping more people become aware of the metaverse and it's potential for the future.

Immersive Workspace


A short film from London company Rivers Run Red illustrating the ways in which Second Life can be used as a practical application for business use. This company are responsible for some innovatory builds inworld and th film makes a good introduction to the possibilities.

Soap or Fiction?


It looks like Second Life is now considered a suitable environment for filming drama series. I don't read Italian, so I'm publishing the blurb below for those that do.

"Sms - Scegli Metodi Sicuri" è la prima fiction italiana interamente realizzata nel mondo virtuale di Second Life. Racconta in 30 episodi, in onda dal 20 dicembre 2007 su www.intermedianews.tv, www.sceglitu.it e SL, i problemi dell'avatar Sara, un'adolescente sessualmente non troppo informata.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Caroline Says


The classic Lou Reed song as a music video recorded in Second Life. Love it!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Final Project: Second Life


Dec 9, 2007 Introductory Presentation on Second Life




from www.mefeedia.com

Friday, December 7, 2007

Smokers! Run Faster...


Glurk! A public service announcement made in Second Life. Cough! Splutter!

Bali Conference 06/12/07 - WWF India Interview


Daniel Nelson of OneWorld UK interviews Shruti Shukla of WWF India (World Wide Fund For Nature) at the United Nation Climate Change Conference in Bali.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Second Life - Episode 1 (Baram Voom)


The first of four short films (the next three are below) by Second Life resident Hcho Jun designed to showcase the world for a Korean audience not yet using it. Of course, they work for others too.

Second Life - Episode 2 (Reka Eel)

Second Life - Episode 3 (Gatsu Dench)

Second Life - Episode 4 (woolhwatong Boa)

Bali Conference 05/12/07


Daniel Nelson of OneWorld UK interviews Dr A.A. Nambi of MSSRF (M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation) at the United Nation Climate Change Conference in Bali.

Second Life for Education


An introductory Digital Story/Slideshow on Second Life and it's Educational Possibilities.

Second Life for Education


An introductory Digital Story/Slideshow on Second Life and it's Educational Possibilities.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Bali Conference 03/12/07 - Oxfam Interview


Daniel Nelson of OneWorld UK interviews Marita Hutjes of Oxfam New Zealand at the United Nation Climate Change Conference in Bali in Second Life yesterday.

Copenhagen in Second Life


Copenhagen - Knowledge City of the Future.
9 Concrete proposals from Copenhagen Think Tank for Internationalisation and Business Development is showcased in Second Life - ready to be implemented in Real Life: How to turn Copenhagen into a Worldclass Knowledge City.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Spook Show


A one-day machinima filmed entirely in the Ebuddy Rezzable sim in SecondLife.

Making of Richard Hawley's Second Life - Massively


The musician Richard Hawley recently came inworld to perform his protest against the UK's draconian tobacco smoking ban. The event was also exceptional in that he used mation capture sensors to control his avatar, as this short film shows.




from www.massively.com

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Ethan?


That's all I know but this is just a fun Second Life music piece from Europe. I don't get to cover foreign language areas much, so it makes a nice change and I like the song. So there!




from www.youtube.com

Chimes Of freedom


To the rousing sound of Bruce Springsteen comes the first footrage of the "Don't Iraq Iran" day of protest in Second Life. Most of these scenes depict the protests outside the various inworld media services like Sky, CNN and Reuters. There were plenty of other activities and events, with an opening concert at Democracy Island feauring a real-world sixties veteran musician, Leslie McCarey. A worthwhile day.




from www.youtube.com

Tarja - I Walk Alone


Another great video filmed in Second Life. Reinhold Waechter did this one as part of a competition by Universal Music Germany.

DiVAS


It claims to be the first virtual comedy sitcom, DiVAS, written, directed and edited to you by Phaylen Fairchild. Brought to you direct from Second Life.

Second Life Coffeeshop / Headshop


You will find everything in Second Life. Just a short and simple impression of the Cannabism towers Coffeeshop / Headshop Netherlands.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Works by Troy McConaghy (troymc) > Nearest Stars Exhibit


B Troy McConaghy, a "Nearest Stars" Exhibit in Second Life. Bringing outer space to the metaverse.




from www.cruxy.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Past-Time Paradise


I nver know the wonderful Patti Smith had recorded a version of this song but here it is. Since the visuals were filmed in Second Life I needed no further excuse to bring it to you.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Practical Motion Capture


Lookee See! The future of interfacing comes ever closer. For Second Life this could just be the kit that takes the ticket.

Computer Prediction from 1964.


The way we thought it would be back then. Actually not so far off the mark - shopping did take over in the end!




from www.ebaumsworld.com

Saturday, November 24, 2007

I'm no Good


Music video filmed in Second Life. With it's ready-made animation environment a lot of video-makers come inworld just to film sequences.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

In the Real World there is no Second Life

Last week our own UK foreign minister, David Milliband, went to a climate change conference inside Second Life. This is a report.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Italian Space


Roaming through an Italian pavilion in Second Life.

Windlight - Portucalis


Another wonderful clip demonstrating the new realism in Second Life.

Disembodied Voices


Rich and Bonita Palmer were interviewed by Fox News in their area on their involvement in Second Life




from dvoices.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Culture Show - Beowulf


Discussion on the Beowulf Poem from the BBC series. On the film front it has an interview with Neil Gaiman and others, but is also of interest near the end when the commentator has to enter Second Life for his final piece.

Rather ironic, especially as Gaiman himself had to come inworld for the first time recently in order to actually promote the film.

What is Second Life?


Part one of Two, this video aims to answer what Second Life is by using the metaphor of a garden. Part two will answer who participates and what they do.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Force Sun to Midnight


Daruma Picnic's interactive sound and movement exhibit high above the Library Islands in the very beautiful Second Life.

Infotainment Island.... jump up!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Philip Rosedale


The Second Life creator addresses the Long Now Foundation.




from fora.tv

FLeeF's Second Life Sojourn


Inspired by the beauty of the WindLight"
A Second Life music video as seen through the eyes of the WindLight client and featuring the song "From Agnes, Flowers" by Frank L. Fox. Windlight is the latest environmental enhancement to Second Life and this piece may be one of the first to show the increasing realism of the world.

GreenerBusiness 07: The SecondLife Island Etopia (Part 2)


Part 2 of the Second Life and Ecology feature.




from blip.tv

Friday, November 16, 2007

Cisco Connected Life Contest


This is a machinima video that was taken during the Second Life winner annoucement event.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Maldives Foreign MInister's Speech


Maldives Foreign Minister's Speech to the Virtual Conference on Diplomacy Island in Second Life.

David Miliband takes part in a Climate Change press conference in Second Life


British Foreign Secretary David Miliband takes part in press conference hosted in the virtual world of Second Life. The event marked the end of a vital meeting of the world's Small Island States in the Maldives (13-14 Nov). The meeting aimed to raise international awareness about the plight of Small Island States ahead of the Bali Summit.

Using Second Life


A short machinima clip from Text 100 illustrating how companies can use Second Life to improve both internal and external communications.




from uk.youtube.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Monday, November 12, 2007

Richard Hawley


A BBC radio video featuring musician Richard Hawley in Second Life.

Greener Business in Second Life


A special look at sustainable developments projects in Second Life.




from blip.tv

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Comcastic Island


A comprehensive overview of the major attractions of Comcast's official outpost in Second Life.

NASA CoLab's Second Life Mission


NASA CoLab is a Collaborative Space Exploration Laboratory being developed at NASA. CoLab will provide a framework for exciting partnership projects between the nation's space program and the thriving technology-entrepreneurial community.

In addition to the benefits to collaborating with intellectual assets of the technology business sector, the general public will benefit through various projects supporting the NASA's goals.

CoLab will feature a physical space in downtown San Francisco, a collaborative online space where scientists and engineers from NASA will collaborate with the entrepreneurial technology community, and a space in "Second Life", a virtual learning community with interactive content.

This video is focused on NASA CoLab's Second Life efforts.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Saving Student Brian


Filmed partially in Second Life, this library orientation video shows how UK Libraries helped Brian.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Importing a City

First movie illustrating a section of the 3.3 million buildings in Virtual London loading in Second Life. Only small parts of london have been inworld until no but this massive project may soon remedy that.

Second Life for Reuters


Not new but an interesting piece on Adam Reuters running the famous bureau in Second Life. As the clip points out, they were the first to come inworld, despite recent moves by the likes of Murdockpire and CNN.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Virtual 'Garden of Remembrance'


A film illustrating the Royal British Legion's virtual 'Garden of Remeberance' in Socond Life.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Temple of Aphrodite


Video tour of the as yet uncompleted (about 1/3rd done) 'Temple of Aphrodite' built by Scottie Menges in SECOND LIFE. Particle effects by Ryder Dryke.

One of the best things about Second Life is people re-creating lost examples of real-world culture.

Mega-Morphing


Some tech that isn't strictly art or Second Life but I could sure use this as an inworld plug-in. A great looking creative tool.




from www.vtoreality.com

Friday, November 2, 2007

Historical Movie


A film by James Linden looking at the early days of Second Life. This is "Lindenworld" in August 2001.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

EAT ME, DRINK ME


Serious neat film from Second Life here ...

"It has been several years since Alice was last seen in Wonderland. She had grown older and tired of Wonderland's riddles. She did "not want to be among mad people," she told them and bid her farewells; but she could not forget what she had seen and heard there.

Little did she know that the very grounds of Wonderland were now saturated in the toxic torment of the Red Queen's tyrannical rule. The Mad Hatters love for his queen drowned all else as he spent years deliriously creating a new army of cardsmen to serve her. He vowed to protect the queen at all costs.To prove this, he prepared a game in the Royal Courtyard and a feast to be remembered throughout the ages.

Still bitter after all these years over Alice's disgusting display of disrespect for his Queen during the trial of the Knave of Hearts, he had the Knave tortured and scattered in pieces around the outskirts of Wonderland to warn all those who entered to respect his queen or die.

"Wonderland," he echoed unto all the land, "has changed. Let every Royal, every servant, every tweedle in the land know you will obey the Queen of Hearts or you will die. Send out and find Alice. Bring her back here so that she may set the example for all."

Upon hearing the dreaded plot of the Hatter, Alice tried to take her own life and was unsuccessful in her attempt. She was sent to the Liddell Asylum for psychiatric evaluation.

Unbeknownst to her, a new Alice, the name for the feared prophetic child queen who would one day rule all 4 corners of Wonderland, had already been introduced to the land... or had she?

"Alice" wasn't originally going to be more than just one single movie, but after hearing Marilyn Mansons song I just couldn't stop myself lol.

Soon, there will be a part 3 too."

Sky News on Second Life Wonderland


In case you missed it this is the Murdockville scare-mongering piece (SkyNews) that has got media and government into a frenzy. Sadly, it plays into the real-world surveillance agenda given the issue of sox and children is something everyone approves of policing.

The crucial thing the clip fails to address is that Second Life is an adult metaverse grid in the first place and the underage persons have their own separate grid that adults cannot access. I posted more inworld thoughts on this at http://malburns.blogsome.com if you are interested.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

DreamTime eXPerience


Bit psychedelic this one. Another experiment with brain waves.

Mandala Bead Games - Autumn Equinox Celebration 2007.

Preview of the DreamTime eXPerience - Part 3. MindSurfing in Second Life.

Monday, October 29, 2007

MoShang Zhao @ Terra Incognita


A Second Life machinima taken from Taiwanese "sound jeweler" MoShang Zhao's live inworld performance at the Terra Incognita sim. One of the best "live music" Second Life machinimas for a while.

Meteors


Electronic Musician Kirsty Hawkshaw and Second Life Filmmaker Rob Wright Collaborate for the Millions of Us New Artist-in-Residence Program.

NPR: Don't Stand So Close To Me

A bit of psychology but we are talking about Second Life.




from www.npr.org

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Dance for the World


Join groups of residents across the Metaverse and in Reality came to Dance for the World (D4TW) on Friday, November 9th, 2007

CUSO is a Canadian organization that has been sending volunteers overseas since 1961 and D4TW is part of a campaign to fund these volunteers with the tools they need to complete their community projects in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

For more information, please contact rubianneellison@gmail.com or phedredumouriez@gmail.com, or visit www.dancefortheworld.ca

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Drug Overdose Episode - Second Life


Really not sure what to make of this one - great little film though.

Drug Overdose Episode - Second Life is a 3D film performed by Brunina Flow. Directed n Produced by Steve Beck, music by Skazi. Sponsored by Mateverse Branding.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Old Media - In Bed with the Sheep


How CSI came to Second Life.

The new "who dunnit" virtual game coming to second life is not the Paris Hilton murder investigation but an interesting marriage of old and new media. Electric Sheep Company releases browser and merges sims with successful TV show brand. A new era of growth for SL or the death of culture?

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

CSI:NY in Second Life


Tonight - but you know that didn't you? Still awaiting email with new viewer though.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Long Walk Home


A nice bit of Brice Springsteen and a home movie that is a pretty nice advert for Second Life - something about the lyrics I guess.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Versailles Palace


Running around Versailles in Second Life. Another impressive build.

Music: "Whatever Happened" - The Strokes

Women In Art


Well it doesn't quite come up to date with avatars but this morphing excercise has just got to be one of the best videos I have watched in ages. And this was originally an art blog anyway.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

NBC Nightly Newson Recruitment in Second Life


Published on YouTube so I don't know about the copyright notice. We'll let Google figure that out.

Nice feature though.

Santa in snowland


It seems like Second Life has been celebrating Halloween for weeks now, even though it hasn't come around yet. Now comes another season avatar style which will no doubt plague us for a few months.

BritneysPeer Pink presenting new santa avatar in Second Life. Truth be told, it has a certain charm. But on top of all the religion propaganda and the annual marketing feast, I may be sick of this come yuletide.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

NASA CoLab's Second Life Mission


NASA CoLab is a Collaborative Space Exploration Laboratory being developed at NASA. CoLab will provide a framework for exciting partnership projects between the nation's space program and the thriving technology-entrepreneurial community.

In addition to the benefits to collaborating with intellectual assets of the technology business sector, the general public will benefit through various projects supporting the NASA's goals.

CoLab will feature a physical space in downtown San Francisco, a collaborative online space where scientists and engineers from NASA will collaborate with the entrepreneurial technology community, and a space in "Second Life", a virtual learning community with interactive content.

This video is focused on NASA CoLab's Second Life efforts.

VAT more do you need to know?


Linden Lab's CFO, Zee Linden explained VAT to many European SLers on Pooley recently. The protest culture in SL showed that it is alive and well: anti-VAT signs, shirts and many groups have sprung up and found a new cause! Seriously: VAT will really hit the pocket books of many and many more plan to sell their land. Momi Despres reports.

Botanical Fly Through


A Botanical Fly Through Second Life Sculpti Trees. Life inworld doesn't get much better than this. Lovely.

Monday, October 15, 2007

English Village October 2007


This video gives details our educational mission at English Village in Second Life.

Feedback at Virtual World Conference


At the 3rd Annual Virtual World Conference in San Jose, CA, attendees share insight about the future of virtual worlds and its potential impact on businesses.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

An Introduction to Second Life


A new layman's introduction to Second Life which does a good job of summarising all the potential and facilities of the inworld environment.




from slvid.com

Friday, October 12, 2007

William Gibson


An interview with author William Gibson about his recent encounters with virtual worlds, following a publicity event in Second Life for his book Spook Country.

Produced by Darren Alexander and Ian Daffern




from uk.youtube.com

Lingerie Model Search in Second Life


In July and August 2007, Budweiser Select, through ad agency Millions of Us, extended a 2 real life model search events into Second Life. A winning avatar from each event, and then an ultimate winner--SLer Scarlet Niven--was chosen. Something for all tastes inworld these days I guess.




from uk.youtube.com

Thursday, October 11, 2007

CSI: NY Second Life Virtual Experience


Released today by CBS is this promotion for the television programme entering Second Life on October 24th. The actual plotline will continue until next February.

At the same time, the Electric Sheep company will be releasing a new inworld viewer known as the "On-Rez" viewer with an interface designed to be familiar to general mainstream web users. A CBS/CSI branded version will also contain links relevant to user participation in the show itself.

Whatver your interest in the television series, this is an important step forward in bringing the metaverse interface to the mass consumer and will benefit us all. Despite its simplicity, the On-Rez viwer still contains all the functionality of the Linden Lab version.




from uk.youtube.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Jabara Land


Welcome film.

OnRez Viewer


OnRez Viewer
Originally uploaded by Electric Sheep Company.

Seriously good new for many today as a company called Electric Sheep announce new viewer software for Second Life.

This version will allegedly bring a familiar "web feel" to the mass usre and also include web-compatibility features to make life easier for those of us who need to switch frequently. From this preview snapshot it certainly looks like an improvement in the Linden's own idea of an interface.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Through the eyes of an avatar


Through the eyes of Scottie Menges - a slow tour of his place in Second Life set to music by Enigma.

One More Dismal Morning


A fairytale filmed in Second Life.




from uk.youtube.com

A Universe of Possibility


For the benefit of French speakers, another extended clip discussing the endless potential of Second Life.




from www.dailymotion.com

Monday, October 8, 2007

VAT hits the Metaverse


Second Life users living in the European Union will now have to pay Value Added Tax or VAT. The fee, which could be as high as 25 percent, will be applied to any type of transactions SL residents have with Linden Lab directly. The news caused widespread discontent among Second Lifers, many accusing the Lindens of implementing a country-specific price hike unfairly affecting EU citizens.

Marmaduke Mertel sat down with one outraged citizen, who says the VAT tax creates unfair competition and will kill off many small businesses.

A look at Second Life


Short piece of journalism on financial transactions in Second Life.

Stateline report featuring SLCN

As part of the launch of the Melbourne laneways project, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation did a feature on their 7.30pm current affairs show about Second Life.

SLCN, the Second Life Cable Network which provides inworld television services, featured prominently, with Keren Flavell interviewed and excerpts of footage filmed by SLCN for Multimedia Victoria used in the report.




from uk.youtube.com

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Everything Must Go!


Fun with a corporate future - French style




from www.dailymotion.com

Virtual Recruiting


Find your job these days means getting to grips with using the metaverse - especially Second Life.




from uk.youtube.com

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Real Hope in a Virtual World

Accompamying article in Washington Post : Real Hope in a Virtual World. Some of the benefits of Second Life.




from digicmb.blogspot.com

Kucinich on Second Life


Clearly the candidates for the US presidency think there's is something to be gained from going inworld. Here we see one of them show us around his virtual HQ. Not much else though - certainly no indication of his politics.




from slvid.com

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Virtual Holland


Short promo film on bringing a virtual Holland into Second Life.

Melbourne Laneways Comes to Life


Australian Metaverse developer The Project Factory has unveiled an artistic remix of the alleys and laneways of Melbourne (my local stomping grounds). Rather than simply replicating a chunk of the city, the installation draws on the elements and flavor of many scenes and locales, mixing them into an artistic reinterpretation of the feel and mood of Melbourne's almost mazelike webwork of minor streets and byways.




from www.theprojectfactor

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Blues Al Andalus


A new project headed by Michel Manen wants to to combine ancient Islamic laws with modern progressive values. The Al Andalus sim hasn't even officially opened yet, but many residents are up in arms about the form of governance proposed. Do women have to wear headscarfs in SL now? Are virtual beheadings next? Yes, Islam is coming to SL and it might be the beginning of a new constructive dialogue!




from uk.youtube.com

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Using Second Life Voice

Newt Gingrich on Capitol Hill


In the interests of promoting Second Life ...

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, appears on Capitol Hill in Second Life to launch a series of "Solutions Day" Workshops to be held in the virtual world.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Chances


Another new music video from Second Life - machinima story by Gary Hazlitt.

Story "In Memory of Lost Love" set to the song Chances by Athlete from their 2005 TOURIST Album.

"The story of a couple very much in love whose upward journey ends in tragedy. Flashbacks from the wake and their favourite time in Venice"

Avatanimation, Machinimatography, Editing, Story Written, Directed and Produced by Gary Hazlitt - Copyright 2007

Makes extensive use of the Second Life Joystick cam feature using a Space Navigator to control all six axes of movement.

http://www.justvirtual.com

The world is not enough- Music Video


Filmed in Second Life, a homage to Bond with a song by Garbage. Shame they kept the interface screen on - lol!

Gawd - I'm a sucker.

Human Chain


A review of the human chain formed yesterday in Second Life in support of freedom in Burma.

Second Health: Planned care


More about the health services being developed in Second Life for residents here in the UK. The shape of things to come.

Srikshetra at Night


Simply soothing - a wonderful meditative environment in Second Life.




from blip.tv

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Beyond


A fictional biography of sorts which is pure science fiction. Or is it?

I wasn't sure where to put this so it's here. Bear with it - there's food for thought in this bizarre mix.

Mal’s Second Space

Mal’s Second Space

Quick plug for what will be my new Second Life Hub. No RSS available yet though, so bookmark it if you like it.

Blogged with Flock

Live Window - Final 10 Hours


This clip is a year old now, but shows the final hours of a New York City build, together with a great Bowie/Queen clasic as the soundtrack. Could not resist posting it for prosterity.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Burma Day Inworld


Vigil/Meditation for Burma
Originally uploaded by KCasavecchia.

In Second Life as around the RL world there is huge concern for the flight of citizens in Burma, especially the monks. Today there were a number of vigils and meditation sessions around the metaverse in a concerted effort to draw attention to the issue.

Red t-shirts were worn everywhere and there was a concerted attempt to enlighten more casual residents to the RL problems being faced. In it's own small way, the event succeeded and generated great interest.

Let's hope our concerns spread to the greater world and that anyone who can will bring pressure to bear on the powers-that-be to end these crimes.

Fun in the Sun

Here in London, Northern Hemisphere, RL, summer is coming to an end, but such things don't matter in Second Life. Here is a tour of some of the beaches you can find - re-live the days of warmth in style.

The MetaVerse


An overview of the new medium using Second Life as a template.




from video.tipsdr.com

Narrated Tour of Intel Island


A look at the processor giant, Intel, in Second Life.




from video.tipsdr.com

Visiting Second Life


This seriously pleasant film is a short tour of unusual scenes in Second Life. Music by SaReGaMa freely available at Jamendo.

Philip Rosedale on C4 News


Finally - here is the feature on Second Life broadcast here in the UK by Channel 4 other other night.

As the mainstream goes this is good coverage and it's my favourite news programme anyway. Enjoy.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Restore Habeas Corpus


Restore Habeas Corpus
Originally uploaded by ana herzog.

Kinda.

Second Life. Newt Gingrich escalates his Contract on America to an American Final Solution and talks about it in SL. He rented Capitol Hill South.

The Capitol Hill team allowed 5 protesters to be outside.

Neither I nor most other individuals actually working inside Second Life could get near the place - I got the brick wall job trying to go under the radar from a neighbouring SIM. I do wonder about the famed "lag" - the overload of avatars present were mostly an army of virtual "bodyguards". Be it overkill or paranioa - something tells me the guy has not quite absorbed his own message in a quest for "hip" PR.

Greenies Home


From Rezzable comes the Greenies SIM - a bizarre and popular experiment in Second Life. This silent home movies captures some of the essence of it.

Rezzible are also behind the Cannery SIM which is a massive inworld art gallery and as I write I am currently in search of a new venture of theirs called "Hallucinogen".

Rezzable Reel 001


Some scenes from the Rezzable sims in Second Life. More info http://www.rezzable.com

Rezzable are one of the leading edge environment developers in Second Life achieving magical experiences with SIMs that push the boundaries.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

"Second Life" et L'Art


A French film looking at art in Second Life. Some nice avatars on display here too.




from www.dailymotion.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Big Avatar on Campus

It's a virtual world, but the transactions are real. Go inside Second Life, an online game where millions of people are creating digital personalities called avatars and are living virtual lives – meeting other avatars, going to events, and even buying property with real money.




from www.kqed.org

A new 3D scene arrives

SceneCaster jhas just been announced and here Robert Scoble has an interview with Mark Zohar, founder. He tells us how SceneCaster is different from Second Life and how it'll enable new 3D experiences for Web site owners.




from www.podtech.net

Blogger Party - September


We bloggers in Second Life have our own group and some of them are prone to holding frequent parties. You might want to turn the sound down on this before hitting the play button though.

Yours truly and partner can be seen in close up bopping on the roof here - I'll leave you guessing which I am. In fact, I spent most off it with the music turned off and conversing quite seriously in voice chat instead.

Living Inworld


This short theme-movie was made for the yearly filmfestival "Beelden aan Water" in Goes, Zeeland (province in Holland), september 2007.

It was intended to display the experience of "Living in Second Life".

Monday, September 24, 2007

Many Worlds, One Planet


Chris Melissinos from Sun Microsystems at last weeks Life 2.0 summit.

Threedie Ceegie


A light hearted comment on Second life. As someone who used to work in the comics field it strikes a chord.




from slvid.com

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Ascalon


Another immersionist experience in Second Life - The land of Kyria Ascalon and it's market.

Sadar Fair in Wastelands


A walk through the SIM in Second Life. Another example of a wonderful environment to explore.

Fiësta at Puerto Banus


Friday's spectucular in Second Life. I didn't get there but looks like it was fun. Great music anyway!

Chichén Itzá


The recreation of the ancient world of Chichén Itzá in Second Life. Part of the (successful) bid to become one of the Seven Wonder The recreation of the ancient world of Chichén Itzá in Second Life.




from uk.youtube.com

Virtual Health Island


This is a promo for the MD kiosk on the Health island in Second Life. I'm publishing it here because it is also a good overview for those of you not already active in the metaverse.

This accompanying text also provides convenient links to get to started. What are you waiting for?

http://www.mdkiosk.com THERE ARE MANY FREE AREAS ON THE ISLAND YOU CAN EXPLORE.

Follow these steps to open a free

Second Life® account:

1) Open the URL #1: https://secure- web9.secondlife.com/join/index.php /Choose- Name?form%5Baction%5D=Skip+This+Step

2) Follow the steps specified in Second Life (make sure you activate your account by the email link sent to you.)

3) Download Second Life software--this should be automatically offered to you after you activate your account.

If not, go to URL #2: http://secondlife.com/community/downl...

4) Open the URL#3: MD Kiosk Health Island. Press "Teleport Now."

5) Make sure you download URL #4 or #5: Quicktime player 7
WINDOWS: http://www.apple.com/support/download...

MAC:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/


7) When Second Life open, type your user name, password, and press "Connect."

TO MOVE: use arrow keys on keyboard, or go to VIEW

TO SELECT A CLASS: Right click on the teleport ball and select "pay." Right click again to select teleport. (Free classes only require that right click the ball and then hit "teleport.")

TO VIEW THE VIDEO: Video screens are viewable by a SINGLE CLICK (it should say "video loading" and then "video playing").

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Friday, September 21, 2007

Diving vessel


Nice submersible build by "Save Our Seas" in Second Life.

Students build


Some art students start a build in Second Life.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Inworld Linden meeting


Inworld Linden meeting
Originally uploaded by Torley.

The Lindens are the inhabitants of the lab that runs Second Life, or more accurately the Second Life Grid. They are seem here at a large inworld meeting today discussing the future of its development just as they have opened a public discussion of the direction of its architecture. Torley Linden took the snap.

Today also came this quote.

"Lovers conversing at a great distance will behold each other as in the flesh. Doctors will examine patients' tongues in another city and the poor will enjoy visual trips wherever their fancy inclines."

This is not about Second Life, this is about what would later become known as fax - transmitting images via wires. From the NY Times, February 24, 1907

The Virtual And The Far Away


Some nice "art" from Second Life. Chosen by Roo Reynolds of IBM for a forthcoming talk at the Wigmore Hall here in London.




from video.google.com

Evergy Saving Island


The first part of a tour of this SIM in Second Life. This features the showroom and event area. Parts two and three of the tour appear below.

Evergy Saving Island


Second part of a tour here featuring the CO2 exhibition area of this Second Life SIM. Part three below.

Evergy Saving Island


The third part of a look at the Energy Saving Island in Second Life.

This is a tour of an area which focuses on providing water through wind and solar energy.

Exploring Tomorrows Educational Tech Today !


Short film from Greenbush labs.

Virtual Guantanamo in Second Life


Over 300 men and women are still at the US military run detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, most of them never charged of any crime...they are enemy combatants in the war on terror, the worst of the worst say defenders of the prison, outside of US law and according to president Bush not protected under the Geneva Convention against torture. So how does it feel to be locked up indefinitely and utterly hopeless?

Draxtor Despres visited virtual Guantanamo in Second Life!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Virtual Learning Report


A report from Teacher's Tv, featuring Accipio Learning, highlighting the use of virtual/online schooling.

What They Learned At Coventry


From Coventry University (UK) opening in Second Life.




from metaversed.com

Glimpse Inside a Metaverse


Google looks at Second Life - a programme from last year but worth the revisit.




from video.google.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Do U Hear It


Music video from the Planets Citizens. Entirely realised on Second Life and made by the band! Ambient lovers, this is for you!

Beautiful Ecovillage


Building a model ecological village in Second Life.

Interdependence Day

In both SL and Mexico City a week ago marked the 6th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. One lesson has become clear by now: isolation doesn't get us far in the fight against extremism. We are all in this together! Which was exactly the message of "Interdependence Day", held in Mexico City this year, organized by the Citizen's Campaign For Democracy or CivWorld. Draxtor Despres witnessed the Second Life portion of this mixed reality event!

India goes virtual


The sub-continent arrives in Second Life. A film shot to celerate Indian culture and community inworld.

Location Jumping


The future is coming. Highlight the location on Google Earth, showcase the fine details in a traditional 3D software, offer a 'live' experience in Second Life. In this example real estate goes virtual!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Police Department


Self appointed forces of law and order are appearing in Second Life. Are we really ready for this ...?

News from the Virtual World


New services coming to Second Life.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Ken Wohlrob (Part 3)


Third part of the interview in which Ken reads from one of his stories.

Ken Wohlrob (Part 2)


Th second part of the interview with the author in Second Life. See below for first installment.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Calogero "pomme c"


Another romantic interlude from Second Life but I'm a sucker for the song mostly.




from uk.youtube.com

Wedding In Old York


I'm not too keen on the invasion of Second life by religions all promoting their own version of afterlife propaganda. Indeed, in the metaverse there is no place for death or violence - without which organised religion has barely a leg to stand on.

But people are actually getting married in there now. As this demonstrates. Sadly there are modelling the union on old real-world stereotypes rather than exploring alternative social systems and methods of communication.

Coventry University in Opening Ceremony


The UK university opens up in Second Life. Recorded during Serious Virtual Worlds conference launch event on 13th September 2007




from www.viddler.com

Greek villa


Fantasy Greek villa built by Scottie Menges (aka 'Scottie the Builder'). Music is a dance version of great classical piece. Another example of Second Life as an environment for re-creating worlds lost to history.

Greenies Tour


One of the most talked about creations in Second Life is the "Greenies" SIM which plays fantastic games with perception and environmental exploration. This film is a short tour of the experience but almost any point in the journey contains a waelth of things to explore that cannot be seen here. A must visit.

Terra Incognita


Introduction film to a new series filmed within Second Life.

Virtual Fashion shows


There's something for everyone being done in Second Life these days. Actually this is a just issued student project and there are many more like it being run by the regular fashion houses. Some are inworld only but an increasing number of demonstrations of costumes by real-world comapnies and designers.

Canadian Centre for Digital Media is launched!


BC Premier Gordon Campbell becomes the first Canadian politician to visit Second Life - seen here unveiling the Centre for Digital Media in first and Second Lives with MDM Director Dr. Gerri Sinclair.

Some of the US congress are already there of course and the issue was raised into high profile by Brazian President Gilberto Gil's speech on the importance of the metaverse last week.

Here in the UK of course, we can expect the politicians to be asleep for the next decade. Bu which time they will be playing serious "catch-up". The tax man is snooping though!

Friday, September 14, 2007

My little cottage


Nice old Billy Idol track as someone shows us around a home built in Second Life. The inhabitant also has some pretty good animations about her.

Irene Grandi - Bruci La Città (MV)


Yet another music video filmed inside Second Life. I don't understand a word and the music is pop-rot but the visuals are nice, albeit with some RL thrown in to detract from the experience.

Walk this way


Re-release for the classic Run DMC track with a video filmed in Second Life. Not the most imaginative but an example of how far avatar animation has come.




from slandreamedia.wordpr

About Second Life


An everyman's introduction to using Second Life.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Interdependence Day


Held simultaneously in Mexico City and Second Life. Included an extraordinary speech by musician and Brazilian president, Gilberto Gil.

CRC Machinima Camp Part 2 of 2


The second part of the clip featuring Global Kids contributions. Part one I posted yesterday.

Biker Gangs


Oooo - LOL - everyone is in SL. This is a fun example bu I'm posting it mostly because it is one of my all-time favourite songs. The sound of an era. So there!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

CRC Machinima Collection Part 1 of 2


This is the first half of the CRC Machinima Camp 1-minute series made by teens in Teen Second Life