News of the World

We've been head down writing for the report for our Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds project so we haven't had much time to blog. But a few news items caught our notice that we felt compelled to share with you.

Cliff Twitters!

Longtime friend and compatriot of this blog, Dr. Clifford Pickover, who consistently graces these pages (and sends us hundreds, nay thousands of readers from his popular website, Reality Carnival) has started Twittering. Cliff bears some responsibility for the existence of this blog, since it was at his suggestion that Rita J. King explore the virtual world of Second Life. Cliff went on to give a popular interview on this blog in the form of his Second Life avatar, Cliff Nakamura.

Cliff is the author of over 40 books, including the most recent, "Archimedes to Hawking" with many more in the works.

Some of the most popular Twitterers include Xeni Jardin, Robert Scoble and Jason Calacanis. Will we soon see Cliff with 40,000-plus followers? Will his fandom extend to Twitter? We aim to track and find out. Check back on these pages for updates.

More importantly, tell us, do you follow Cliff's Twitters?

Cory gets reviewed in the New York Times!

Friend and source of much inspiration, Cory Doctorow, is having an amazing year. His book, Little Brother, which is a great read, in addition to going back for its 6th hardcover printing, was recently reviewed in The New York Times Sunday Book Review.

From the review:

“Little Brother” is a terrific read, but it also claims a place in the tradition of polemical science-fiction novels like “Nineteen Eighty-Four” and “Fahrenheit 451” (with a dash of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”). It owes a more immediate debt to Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli’s comic book series “DMZ,” about the adventures of a photojournalist in the midst of a new American civil war.

“Little Brother” isn’t shy about its intent to disseminate subversive ideas to a young audience. The novel comes with two essays, plus a bibliography of techno-countercultural writings, from “On the Road” to Bruce Schneier’s “Applied Cryptography.” It’s even been made available for a free download, a daring gesture that hasn’t hurt its print sales in the least.

Congratulations Cory!

Drax and Nonny release video about SLCC 2008

Yes, we did make it to the Second Life Community Convention. For proof of that pudding, you need look no farther than this video recap of SLCC that friends Friends Draxtor Despres and Nonny de la Peña produced recording the various observations and personalities present. Nonny is best known for her Second Life recreation of the Guantanamo Bay prisoner experience. Spot the Tuna (Oddfellow)!