I visited the new solo show from Eva and Franco Mattes (aka, a bit obnoxiously, as 0100101110101101.org) at Postmasters Gallery directly after catching the final weekend of Marina Abramovic’s “The Artist Is Present” at MoMA. This is significant, considering that the Matteses once staged virtual renditions of key Abramovic works — like “Imponderabilia” — using the virtual medium of Second Life. There’s more Second Life-facilitated art here at Postmasters — all of it oddly beautiful and bizarre, humorous yet also ingenious in its exploration of how digital animation and virtual reality can affect human interaction (and the nude anatomy).

The videos are displayed on monitors that are offhandedly set on the floor, propped against the wall. Gallery visitors can sit on crummy air mattresses and watch the Mattes duo, as avatars, flying, contorting, or suffering quasi-epileptic fits. The decorative aesthetic in the gallery is half college dorm room, half Bushwick squat. In one video, Medication Valse, Franco’s avatar “melts” into a chair in the center of a room; other avatars float around the space in various states of undress, part of a Second Life orgy fantasia. I know that it’s all a state of mind features the virtual Franco and Eva twitching, convulsing, falling through each other’s bodies, and generally performing the sort of high-pain, high-endurance antics that would be right at home over at that Abramovic retrospective. (If these descriptions don’t fully convey the content of the videos—and there’s little chance they do—all of the work can be screened in its entirety on the artists’ Web site.)

more…

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game (PS3)

Leading analyst firm Gartner Inc. has named nTeams a Cool Vendor in the category of Social Software and Collaboration for 2010. Gartner defines a Cool Vendor as one that offers innovative, impactful, and intriguing enterprise solutions. nTeams is the publisher of an enterprise virtual world solution designed to help widely distributed teams collaborate. The nTeams solution is designed to be usable off-the-shelf by any enterprise customer, with prebuilt buildings, avatars, and locations available for users who want to design their virtual world quickly.

The nTeams solution also comes with over 40 hours of virtual team-building exercises that team leaders can use to build up a sense of team values and shared vision. Ideation tools that allow users to role-play situations, quickly prototype virtual items, or facilitate brainstorming. Users can also share documents in nTeams, display over 100 forms of multimedia, edit videos, and alter 3D prototypes in real-time in a secure environment.

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Well, the bureau closed early last year, and Linden Lab’s virtual utopia is full of malls selling nothing but pixilated genitalia. But Second Life is hoping to polish up its reputation in the business world by solving virtual reality’s very real problem: the absence of security layers and administrative control functions that would make such an environment a safer place to do business.

Second Life Enterprise, which will launch midyear, is designed to be a virtual meeting space and prototyping tool–except that instead of being out in open cyberspace, where hackers can attack servers and virtual streakers can ruin a presentation, Enterprise is a piece of hardware that allows companies to create a private world behind their own firewall.

The package, which will retail for $55,000, includes 10 customizable business casual-clad virtual workers and support for 700 more, comes installed with an auditorium, two conference rooms and prototyping areas. Businesses can also build their own virtual spaces (hot tub in the break room, anyone?) or import the buildings and spaces they’ve already designed on the public Second Life site. Using VoIP, text chat and document and CAD integration, companies can offer training, lectures, meetings and collaborations without rounding up the troops IRL (in real life).

iClone3/ CrazyTalk5 Bundle

Though it might seem like an expensive employee play land for anyone who hasn’t utilized a virtual workspace, the technology is becoming a necessity for companies with multiple offices, large numbers of telecommuters or scattered vendors. So far the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., has used the beta version of Second Life Enterprise on its secure network for training and to let engineers collaborate remotely. IBM and Northrup Grumman are also experimenting with the technology. A Second Life Work Marketplace lets third-party developers sell business-oriented apps, hairstyles and pantsuits to let companies tweak their virtual worlds.

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Both studies have identified a population of unusual red spiral galaxies that are setting out on the road to retirement after a lifetime of forming stars. Crucially, nature and nurture appear to play a role in this transformation: both the mass of a galaxy as well as its local environment are important in determining when and how quickly its star formation is shut down. The scientists’ work appears together in a forthcoming edition of Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Astronomers place most normal galaxies into two camps according to their visual appearance: either disk-like systems like our own Milky Way, or round, rugby-ball shaped collections of stars known as ellipticals. In most cases, a galaxy’s shape matches its colour: spiral galaxies appear blue because they are still vigorously forming hot young stars. Elliptical galaxies, on the other hand, are mostly old, dead, and red, and tend to cluster together in crowded regions of space.

The Galaxy Zoo team examined the connection between the shapes and colours of over one million galaxies using images from the largest ever survey of the local Universe, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the help of hundreds of thousands of volunteers from the general public. A key ingredient to their success was reliably classifying the appearance of galaxies by actually looking at them, rather than relying on error-prone computer measurements.

Surprisingly, they find that many of the red galaxies in crowded regions are actually spiral galaxies, bucking the trend for red galaxies to be elliptical in shape. These red spiral galaxies may be just the smoking gun astronomers have been looking for.

Dr. Steven Bamford, an STFC postdoctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham, led the Galaxy Zoo study. “In order to have spiral arms, they must have been normal, blue, spiral galaxies up until fairly recently. But for some reason their star formation has been stopped, and they have turned red. Whatever caused them to stop forming stars can’t have been particularly violent, or it would have destroyed the delicate spiral pattern.” The Galaxy Zoo team concludes that a more subtle process must be at work, one that kills off star formation but does not disrupt the overall shape of the galaxy.

While Galaxy Zoo looked at the gross properties of millions of galaxies across a large chunk of sky, the STAGES project took a complementary approach by examining in detail just the sort of neighbourhoods where these transformations are expected to occur. Dr. Christian Wolf, an STFC Advanced Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, trained the Hubble Space Telescope on a region of space crowded with galaxies known as the A901/902 supercluster. Like the Galaxy Zoo team, Dr. Wolf also uncovered a surprisingly large population of spiral galaxies in the supercluster that are red in colour.

So has the star formation in these red spiral galaxies been completely killed off? The answer is no: despite their colour, the red spirals are actually hiding star formation behind a shroud of dust. Invisible to our (or Hubble’s) eye, this star formation is only detectable in the infrared part of the spectrum i.e. radiation emitted from the galaxies at wavelengths longer than visible light.

Dr. Wolf remarks, “For the STAGES galaxies, the Spitzer Space Telescope provided us with additional images at infrared wavelengths. With them, we were able to go further and peer through the dust to find the missing piece of the puzzle”. Within the supercluster, Dr. Wolf discovered that the red spirals were hiding low levels of hidden star formation, despite their otherwise lifeless appearance in visible light.

Putting the observations from both projects together, the picture that emerges is a gentle one: the star formation in blue spiral galaxies is gradually shut off and hidden behind dust, before petering out to form smooth “lenticular” (lens-shaped) red galaxies with no trace of spiral arms. To go further and transform the galaxy into an elliptical would require more violent mechanisms, such as the wholesale collision of galaxies.

Location is key: the red spirals are found primarily on the outskirts of crowded regions of space where galaxies cluster together. As a blue galaxy is drawn in by gravity from the rural regions to the suburbs, an interaction with its environment causes a slow-down in star formation. The closer in a galaxy is, the more it is affected.

But if environment decides where the process occurs, the mass of the galaxy decides how quickly it takes place. Because both STAGES and Galaxy Zoo looked at such large numbers of galaxies, they were able to further subdivide them according to how much they weighed. Sure enough, both groups find that galaxy mass is also important. Professor Bob Nichol of Portsmouth University, a Galaxy Zoo team member, explains: “Just as a heavyweight fighter can withstand a blow that would bring a normal person to his knees; a big galaxy is more resistant to being messed around by its local environment. Therefore, the red spirals that we see tend to be the larger galaxies – presumably because the smaller ones are transformed more quickly.”

Chris Lintott, Galaxy Zoo team leader at the University of Oxford, pays tribute to the role of the general public in the Galaxy Zoo research. “These results are possible thanks to a major scientific contribution from our many volunteer armchair astronomers. No group of professionals could have classified this many galaxies alone.”

Meghan Gray, STFC Advanced Fellow at the University of Nottingham and leader of the STAGES survey, comments on the agreement of the two projects on the role of environment and mass: “Our two projects have approached the problem from very different directions, and it is gratifying to see that we each provide independent pieces of the puzzle pointing to the same conclusion.”

The next step for both teams is to find out exactly what shuts off the star formation, by looking inside the galaxies themselves. One suspect behind the slow demise of galaxies is a process known as strangulation, in which a galaxy’s fuel supply is stripped away as it encounters the crowd. Starved of the raw material needed to form new stars, it will slowly change colour from blue to red as its existing stars age.

The STAGES team’s findings on the properties of red spiral galaxies will appear online on November 25 2008 at http://arxiv.org/list/astro-ph/new.
The Galaxy Zoo results are available online at http://arxiv.org/abs/0805.2612.

Image

A composite of images from the two surveys (click for high resolution version):

About this image

These images of three galaxies from the Galaxy Zoo (top) and STAGES surveys (bottom) show examples of how the newly discovered population of red spiral galaxies on the outskirts of crowded regions in the Universe may be a missing link in our understanding of galaxy evolution.

At left, both surveys find examples of normal spiral galaxies displaying all the hallmarks of youth: blue in colour, they are disk-like in structure. The obvious spiral arms host knotty structures where large numbers of hot young stars are being born.

On the right are examples of typical rounded balls of stars known as elliptical galaxies. The reddish colour indicates that their stars are mostly old. With no gas left to use as fuel to form any more, they are old, dead and red

In the centre are examples of the new “red spiral” galaxy found in large numbers by both the STAGES and Galaxy Zoo collaborations. While still disk-like and recognizably spiral in shape, their spiral arms are smoother. Furthermore, their colour is as red as the ellipticals. Astronomers from both teams believe these red spirals are objects in transition, where star formation has been shut off by interactions with the environment.

STAGES image credit: Marco Barden, Christian Wolf, Meghan Gray, the STAGES survey
STAGES image from Hubble Space Telescope, colour from COMBO-17 survey
Galaxy Zoo image credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey

LifeCam HD-5000 Click for high-res version

“Color quality and brightness are critical aspects of video calls. Through our research we know that a large number of video calls are held in either low light conditions or uneven lighting, and these are challenging situations for any webcam and represent a common pain point for webcam users,” said Daniel Anguiano, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. “Our engineers at Microsoft Hardware created TrueColor Technology to improve the video experience, combining software and firmware to help people look bright and natural in virtually any lighting situation.”

True Colors Shining Through

Microsoft’s new image processing technology analyzes the user’s environment and automatically adjusts the LifeCam settings to provide brighter and more colorful video. It does this through a carefully designed proprietary combination of software and firmware technology to deliver a great experience. To achieve these results, TrueColor Technology includes face tracking technology developed by Microsoft Research, which can detect a person’s face and help ensure it’s not overexposed or underexposed, so the video call picture looks great even in the most challenging lighting scenarios.

LifeCam HD-5000

Launching with Microsoft’s new TrueColor Technology, the LifeCam HD-5000 offers best-in-class video quality in most lighting scenarios and is the only webcam on the market to offer 720p HD widescreen video and Auto Focus for an estimated retail price under $50.¹ The LifeCam HD-5000 also features a flexible attachment base that bends to fit on most surfaces, including on top of flat-screen monitors and notebook screens, or directly on the desk, so people can use it at home on the desktop or with their notebook while on the road.

Best Buy will launch an exclusive version of this product, called the LifeCam HD-5001, that includes all the same great features as the LifeCam HD-5000, but will have a custom design with a white faceplate.

LifeCam HD-5001 Click for high-res version

LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks

Also launching today is the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks, which includes TrueColor Technology, 720p HD widescreen video, Auto Focus and a design just for notebooks. The LifeCam HD-6000 features a 360-degree rotation view so people can point the webcam in any direction to share more with friends and family. With a compact design, short three-foot cord and carrying case, the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks is the perfect webcam for sharing life on the go.

Pricing and Availability

The LifeCam HD-5000 and the LifeCam HD-5001 will be available later this month for the estimated retail price of $49.95² and the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available in May for the estimated retail price of $59.95.² The LifeCam HD-5000 and LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com and Buy.com starting today. TrueColor Technology will be available via a software download for LifeCam Cinema, which is already broadly available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx.

LifeCam HD-6000 Click for high-res version.

Microsoft backs these products with a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

About Microsoft Hardware

For more than 27 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. More information about Microsoft Hardware is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware and http://www.microsofthardwareblog.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

¹ Based on estimated or suggested current webcam products commercially available as of March 2010

² Estimated retail price. Actual retail prices may vary.

Bliss Couture Lover's Hunt and Falling Into Bliss Fashion Show! Valentine Gift

February may be the shortest month but it will also be a very busy month at the Bliss Couture sim. February 13th at 11AM SLT Bliss Couture will have a Valentine’s Themed Fashion Show, “Fallin’ Into Bliss,” that will feature Bliss Couture’s most romantic gowns. This will also be the first fashion show in which Miss Bliss 2010 winner Melanie Sautereau will be representing as the Face of the Bliss Couture brand. Jewelry featured during the fashion show will all be from Virtual Impressions, created by Chrissy Ambrose. Amutey Decuir has a keen sense of style and she keeps giving us a glimpse of what is inside that creative mind of hers with each new fashion piece she brings our way. Each design is uniquely crafted with immaculate detailing, luxurious fabrics, and beautiful bold colors that are sleek and stylish enough to make every woman feel sexy. The bold use of color leaves a footprint in your mind of the outfit you have just seen and really makes the detailed design work stand out. So go ahead, embrace your inner Goddess and reward her with a beautiful Bliss gown. Be gorgeous, gracious, feel like a Goddess…in Bliss

*We ask that those of you who will attend the fashion show try to arrive thirty minutes early in order to be sure to secure a seat. Please help our models to have as much of a lag free show as possible by turning off your ao’s and being seated upon your arrival.

For more information regarding Bliss Couture, please contact Caymon Zhora-Manager. Media wanting to interview or setup appointment with Amutey please contact Annette Wilder-Wilder Public Relations Firm Inc™ Owner.

Date: February 8, 2010
Venue: Gown
Slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gown/147/163/295

Bliss Couture blog:
http://bliss-couture.blogspot.com

Ora Trei Designs Going out of Business Sale!

Potnia Theas has accomplished much during her time in Second Life. She was introduced to this virtual world via a real-life friend and almost immediately set out to make something of herself. After acquainting herself with the platform and learning about the many different facets that make it so versatile, Potnia made her first foray into fashion with the clothing line “Urban Funeral”. With its unique urban gothic and Harajuku styled designs, Urban Funeral brought Potnia her first taste of success. During this time, Potnia also completed her associate’s degree in real life. Riding high on successes in both lives, Potnia decided to challenge herself to creating a more couture SL label.

Potnia Theas has accomplished much during her time in Second Life

Thus, in February of 2009, Ora Trei Designs was born. Since then, Potnia has worked tirelessly to provide residents of Second Life with stunning, cutting edge designs in a wide array of styles and themes. There is something for everyone at Ora Trei, and Potnia, along with her executive director Kat Msarko, have made the service and satisfaction of their customers top priority. With a special VIP section with discounted fashions, weekly gifts for group members, and sales and hunts, Ora Trei’s loyal consumer base has been well tended. Potnia acknowledges that it is her supporters that make her a success, and that the consideration she gives them serves to enrich her designs. Ora Trei is Romanian for 3 O’clock, and Potnia has described this as a reference to time and trinity and relates it to the traits of perseverance, practice, and patience, which she rates highly.Her work is the embodiment of these traits and her attention to them has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the many awards and honors Potnia has received in her short career.

Thus, in February of 2009, Ora Trei Designs was born. Since then, Potnia has worked tirelessly to provide residents of Second Life with stunning, cutting edge designs in a wide array of styles and themes.

Though this may be the end of Ora Trei, it is merely the beginning for Potnia and the wonderful things she has yet to accomplish. Ever growing, Potnia now turns her attentions to the real life ambitions of furthering her education and career. Second Life has been fortunate to see a small portion of Potnia’s talent through her designs in-world, and we know that this only foreshadows the great things she will accomplish in the future. We wish her the best of luck in all she does, and we are confident that she will be successful in anything she puts her fabulous mind to. At Wilder Public Relations Firm, we’re proud to name Potnia as one of our clients and honored to call her our friend. We know there are great things in store for her, and we cannot wait to hear about them. We encourage all of you to bravely pursue your goals as Potnia is, for we have faith in the great minds that make up our virtual world and know that among us there is amazing and unlimited potential.

As always, we extend our deepest gratitude to all of our clients, colleagues, and friends for their support of Wilder Public Relations. You have given us success that we never could have imagined, and we can never thank you enough.
Wishing you only the best,
Ansleigh Beverly
Office Manager, Wilder Public Relations
—————————————————-
Date: 11 February 2010-17 February 2010
Venue: Nova Lux
Slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nova%20Lux/180/194/35

Ora Trei Designs Blog:
http://oratreidesigns.blogspot.com

Here is an invaluable tutorial giving you the low down on selecting things in second life.

How to select objects from Torley on Vimeo.

If you are keen to have your say on the metaverse, contact Skylar Smythe in world to enquire about writing for the Tribune.

After viewing the Metaverse Tribune I must say I was impressed imediatly by its savvy Newspaper style layout, it really is the perfect add on to a virtual world a virtual news paper!

After all where does life really begin!

At work or when we log on!

*In commemoration of this highly anticipated launch, Angel Dessous has prepared fashion spreads in the renowned AVENUE Magazine for both its February and March issues. For the month of February Angel Dessous will also be featured in TO-Magazine’s (The Other Magazine) Designer Spotlight. The issue will hit the stands February 13th be sure to pick up your copy in-world.

For more information regarding Angel Dessous, please contact Leandra Breen-Angel Dessous COO. Media wanting to interview or setup appointment with Nando Korobase please contact Annette Wilder-Wilder Public Relations Firm Inc™ Owner.

To view the fabulous designs visit the Angel Dessous flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nandokorobase/

Date: February 6, 2010
Venue: Blue Sky- Angel Dessous- lingerie and couture
Slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blue%20Sky/128/20/24

To learn more about Angel Dessous visit the blog:

http://angeldessous.wordpress.com

To contact Wilder PR by email:

wilderprinc@gmail.com

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To learn more about Wilder PR visit our website:
http://www.wilderpublicrelationsfirminc.com