Climate resets Doomsday Clock

For the first time, the Doomsday Clock has moved closer to midnight due to global warming. As reported by the BBC, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists voted for the move in response to new "threats without enemies" associated with global climate change. The clock now stands at 5 minutes to midnight.

Teens and DIY media

Howard Rheingold responds to this year's Edge.org question, "What are you optimistic about?":

"The tools for cultural production and distribution are in the pockets of 14 year olds... Ask yourself this question: Which kind of population seems more likely to become actively engaged in civic affairs — a population of passive consumers, sitting slackjawed in their darkened rooms, soaking in mass-manufactured culture that is broadcast by a few to an audience of many, or a world of creators who might be misinformed or ill-intentioned, but in any case are actively engaged in producing as well as consuming cultural products?"

Lay your doubts and fears aside

While searching the web recently for choruses and music groups in San Francisco (I'm an amateur singer), I stumbled across this Handel recording by Justin Montigne. A study break for anyone who appreciates classical music and virtuoso singing.

Social networking: a brief online history

A WIP history of social networking and blogging sites, curated by danah boyd.

Troubles at Backfence

Interesting Washington Post article on Backfence, the struggling local news site. Contains useful insights for other media companies big and small who are going after the hyperlocal market.

The future is not evenly distributed

The Apple iPhone underwhelms in Japan, where 3G has already reinvented the phone. iPhone will not be 3G compatible at launch.

How would you fix The Gap?

AdAge asks the question and gets some interesting responses:

"I don't think it can be done. The Gap represented a movement. It nationalized something regional at the same time they profited from the death of business dress. Both are over, quirkiness is back, and that's that." - Seth Godin

Something old, something borrowed

Axe is one of my favorite examples of a product whose primary differentiation is its message. Love it or hate it, Axe's "guys, wear this, you'll get lucky" marketing approach has created new growth in what was once considered a commodity category. Unilever is now laughing all the way to the bank.

It appears from this NYT article (as blogged in Good Experience) that Old Spice is about to jump on the same sex-not-efficacy bandwagon.

May the best deodorant win.

Trend blend 2007+

A humorous map of social and tech trends, from Future Exploration Network and What's Next.

Four Eyed SL video podcast

A cute video podcast from the makers of Four Eyed Monsters about tomorrow's SL screening and the future of film.

For me, Four Eyed Monsters is the film/innovation story that big media missed last year. Whereas Snakes on the Plane was a success story of an audience taking an active role in a film's content, Four Eyed Monsters is a success-in-the-making of an audience participating actively—and passionately—in a film's distribution.

From the podcast:

"Someday, immediately after a film is complete, it will be able to instantly premiere to worldwide audience in every theater that wants it... And even though it doesn't work that way in real life, Second Life is a place where this is possible today."

The monsters are coming

A project I was very excited to be involved with last year is coming to life. The indie hit Four Eyed Monsters premieres this Tuesday night in Second Life, on the new Sundance Channel island designed by the Electric Sheep Company. The live screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Arin Crumley and Susan Buice.

Global Kids redux

The Global Kids summer camp in Second Life that I blogged about last week has posted an awesome comic book summary of the 2006 camp.