Molaskey's Pub News

As news came yesterday of Ginsu Yoon's departure from Linden Lab®, I reflected on my interview with him, which occured in March, 2008. Some of this commentary can be found in our book, 'The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life® Virtual World'. Here's the content of the email-interview with Gene (Ginsu) Yoon;

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Just as we were wrapping up the Monday night concerts at Molaskey's Pub, we noticed someone wandering the beach, taking notes and looking around. It seemed like they were methodically looking for something, as if they were on a treasure hunt or excavation. Turns out, that's exactly what they were doing. They were hunting for a legendary virtual portal to the Metaverse. We watched as they stopped, raised their arm and 'step' into a new dimension.

With disbelief to what we witnessed, we went after the explorer on the beach, only to find a notecard and a box, containing all of their inventory. We have our suspicions as to who the explorer may be, but until they come forth, the legend lives on.

Molaskey's Pub is participating in 'Red Nose Day - Virtually Funny Comedy Festival' in Second Life®. As the founder of Live Comic Enthusiasts in Second Life®, I am always looking for ways in which to foster comedy in 'the virtual world'.  For pennies a day, you could support a family of metaversal comics. Do it for the poor, poor comics. They suffer so. Please, they need you.

Join us Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14 at Molaskey's Pub as we host Open Mic during this fun festival. Check our event calendar for details.

Apple MacKay and I attended the Engage! Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York this week. Last year, the event was known as 'The Virtual World Expo ' with dozens of content creation companies demonstrating their goods and talking the talk. Last year, Linden Lab®, Millions of Us, various virtual world legal teams, Mattel and IBM were present, speaking on panels and vying for the spotlight in packed conference rooms. We came home with a bulging pocket full of business cards, running out of our own cards; they were from the people we spoke with. It was crowded and loud, with an undeniable energy, which we felt for months following the event. This year, only about two dozen start-up companies were on hand, demonstrating their virtual worlds, products and skills - hoping for the attention of investors. Although The Electric Sheep Company , Habbo and ActiveWorlds were on hand demonstrating their latest projects, they were about the biggest names we could find. We were initially disappointed with the small turnout of the convention, but then, after speaking unhurried and uninterrupted with those in attendance, we found that we were in the company of some very interesting professionals with a sincere interest in developing the virtual world for their specific market. Some of the professionals we met represented the music and entertainment industries, which have enthusiastically embraced the idea of using the virtual world for fan interaction and promotions. We met music industry icon, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. Darryl is launching DMC's 3D Virtual World through Worlds.com on March 31, 2009, just in time for his induction to Rock and Roll's Hall of Fame in April. We also met television producers, mass marketers and investors, who were surprised to learn that we are independently producing live music concerts, stand up comedy and book promotion with the Guest Lecture Series at Molaskey's Pub in Second Life®. Without the large crowds of last year, I guess we were at an advantage to have the attention of some very powerful and interested people. I can't think of any other way of having the attention of, and exchange of business cards with the caliber of professionals that we did, even if it was just a few. So, looking at the glass as half-full, I think this year's convention was worthwhile and interesting, even if it was less attended than last year.

Second Life® talk show host, Paisley Beebe spoke with Molaskey friend, Chestnut Rau on SLCN's 'Tonight Live '. The show, taped in front of a live audience, also featured Celtic singer, CelticMaidenWarrier Lancaster and SL™ Public Works Director, Jack Linden.

Chestnut has been part of the Molaskey Pub group since the early days, writing about her experiences and sharing her insight with us. Recently, Chestnut was asked to join famed virtual world blog, 'New World Notes ', by the invitation of NWN's founder, Hamlet Au, who is known in the real world as Wagner James Au . Last night, Chestnut spoke with Paisley about writing 'Chestnut's Choices ',  a special events colum for New World Notes. In addition to posting weekly events for thousands of NWN followers, Chestnut continues to write her own blog, 'Second Life® of My Dreams ', where she offers a keen perspective of virtual life. Her interview with Paisley Beebe was an event in itself!

We would like to thank Chestnut Rau for her heartfelt praise for Molaskey's Pub while speaking with Paisley last night. Perhaps now, even more people will visit Molaskey's, enriching the experiences of all who enter our 'global, neighborhood pub'. 

Cheers, Chestnut!~ Great job!

Filthy Fluno, long time friend and patron of the Pub, will be featured in the March 8, 2009 edition of The New York Times Magazine for his artistic talent using Second Life®. Fluno, whose real life name is Jeffrey Lipsky , is well known around Second Life for his art, which transcends the real and virtual worlds. Jeffrey is featured in the book, 'The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life® Virtual World' by Sue Martin Mahar and Jay Mahar (AMACOM 2009). He has several shows at popular galleries around New York and New England featuring his Second Life-inspired art. At the time of his interview with the NYT, Jeffrey demonstrated his artistic style and talent by using our very own Mia Kitchensink as his Second Life subject.

Mia, who quietly maintains a shop on the Wichi Riverwalk at the foot of the Pub, is Molaskey's Pub quintessence host of several events and devoted friend to many. We are very proud of both Jeffrey Lipsky (Filthy Fluno) and Mia Kitchensink for achieving greatness through Second Life, and of the NYT for recognizing them.