Will You Join Barack Obama in Second Life?

I entered the Second Life virtual world last year. My time in that virtual world has been limited over the past year. I missed the fact that Obama extended his campaign into Second Life. I need to head back in and see whether his transition team is using Second Life as well.

Are there any villagers active in Second Life? What do you like about it? If you are not in Second Life ... do you plan to visit that virtual world in the near future?

Woman Jailed for 'Killing' Her Virtual Husband

My name is 'Villager Barbosa' in the virtual game world. I'm a novice. I haven't learned how to dance well in the virtual clubs. I don't have a place to live in the virtual game world.

However, others are much more experienced. Some folks can use their "avatars" that represent themselves, to engage in relationships, social activities and fighting monsters and other obstacles.

Some folks get buck-wild in virtual worlds. Players often abandon their inhibitions, engaging in activity online that they would never do in the real world. For instance, sex with strangers is a common activity.

Drumbeats from Jamal Ali pointed me to the story of a 43-year-old player in a virtual game world who became so angry about her sudden divorce from her online husband that she logged on with his password and killed his digital persona.

The woman, who has been jailed on suspicion of illegally accessing a computer and manipulating electronic data, used his ID and password to log onto the popular interactive game "Maple Story" to carry out the virtual murder in May, a police official in Japan said.

"I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry," the official quoted her as telling investigators and admitting the allegations.

I've been divorced twice already ... I don't think I'll go that route in the virtual world! But, reach this way if you can teach me some dance moves in Second Life...

Mapping the Life of El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X)

I admire El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X) and the impact that he had on people of African descent. As such, I was pleased to see a Malcolm X exhibit on Second Life.

Drumbeats from Black Threads told us about the efforts of Moraine Valley Community College to analyze this autobiography in detail. The students of this community college map the life of Malcolm X, in geographic terms, based on the information provided in his autobiography.

Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X is at once inspirational, controversial, and historic. It is a novel that has had far-reaching success selling millions of copies and influencing Americans of all races and creeds.



This “autobiography” relates the life story of Civil Rights leader Malcolm X, who came of age in the segregated America of the 1940s and 1950s. He embraced religion while in prison and sought to free his people “by any means necessary.” By the end of his life, Malcolm X was one of the most prominent African American leaders. While on a journey to Mecca, he began to preach a more inclusive ideology that emphasized cooperation and understanding. The Autobiography of Malcolm X provides a valuable glimpse of America. More importantly, it is the story of one man rising up against oppression and learning, through his own experiences, how America might redeem itself.

Villagers have shared thoughts on the birth and death of Malcolm X in the past. I would love to hear from you again today. What is your lasting memory of El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X)?

Celebrate Kwanzaa in Second Life

I am one of over two million folks (up from 100k since January) that have built Second Life into a dynamic alternative community, resource and commercial venue far different from what many of us are familiar with. It is more than a game. It evolved into a virtual world experience. My Second Life character is Villager Barbosa.

People of color, consciousness and rhythm have establihed a presence in Second Life. In many cases, our peeps are generating new experiences, presentations and program material. For more about our collective role in the shaping of this medium, see The Virtual Is Real - Just Follow The Eye Movements or the Music.

I am pleased to see that Villagers can participate in the 2nd annual multimedia Kwanzaa celebration within Second Life. Just head to the Nguzo Szaba Park located on Hip Hop Island. Villagers are encouraged to participate, to engage in a form & forum of celebration unique in the history of this cultural holiday. While the primary locus of the event will take place in Second Life, you will be able to connect & interact with the collective here and here.

The candle lighting opening the celebration will occur twice each day -- at 7pm EST/4pm PST, and 10pm EST/7pm PST in Nguzo Szaba Park. Come join us, and live the experience, be the story. The celebration is FREE. The new century is almost 8 years old, well on its own legs, and emerging into the realm of innovative exploration and play. This is an opportunity to see and experience it firsthand.

Villagers, do you have a Second Life account?

Second Life

I decided today to check out Second Life. Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by over 8 million Residents from around the globe.

I never entered into Second Life until this morning. I signed up for the basic membership (no cost). I wonder if any other villagers are already in Second Life? My Second Life name is Villager Barbosa. You can choose your first name. You have to accept from a list of choices on the second name. I didn't see 'X' as a choice. I had hoped to become Villager X for some reason.

Like most things ... I hope to turn Second Life into a revenue stream at some point. I learned at a recent BDPA Cincinnati chapter meeting that Procter & Gamble has an island in Second Life in which they advertise their products.

Well Villagers, any tips for me as I enter into this Second Life thing?