As brilliant plans don't always have a way of working out, I left for Austin quite late on the 9th. Not much was happening yet in the world of SXSW. Check-in took place from Noon to 8pm, but I was on a mission that could not be stopped. I was after the Nokia N800 tablet.

I arrived at 8:30pm after a two hour drive into Austin. I met up with BuhBuhCuh Fairchild and we immediately headed over to CompUSA to get the glorious device, which would later turn out to be downright awful. When we returned, it was time to party.

Word on the street was that the place to go was The Blind Pig...

As some of you may know, I was involved in a project with Edelman and The Electric Sheep Company that was called The Grid Review. It started in Mid-December and there would be new episodes weekly. Nylon Pinkney was my co-anchor, with her playing the funny role to my serious one. It became apparent soon after that it was just impossible for one person to do the writing, filming, narrating, and editing work for a project of this size.

That is why I'm happy to announce that is now in the talented hands of the ILL Clan, which recently merged with ESC. With Trent Hedges writing and filming, the ILL Clan managing and editing, and Johnny Ming narrating, they're producing more than I would ever be capable of doing. In its new format, there will be one longer episode every Wednesday, where they'll feature regular segments.

While I am no longer involved in the project (I chose to take a break from opening an editing program), I look forward to seeing what they have up their sleeves. They've already released two episodes with more on the way! Check out their pilot episode and if you like it, don't forget to visit their site!

Torrid Midnight is the owner and creator of TorridWear, a line of stylish fashion for avs of all types, genders, and dispositions. She was kind enough to sit with me recently to talk a little about herself and her work. I tried not to gush too much, though it's difficult, as a wolfie, to not drool. It's only because I've heard her speak on both Secondcast and The Goods, and am smitten by her voice and accent. I'm no stalker, though, so don't worry, Torrid, you're safe! I'll just pine from a distance...

SLI: How did you come to SL?

Torrid Midnight: I was playing The Sims Online at the time, back in May of 2003 and I was very bored. I was up late one night just playing around and I overheard someone mention Second Life and that it was in open Beta. So, I went and created account, checked it out and was hooked from there :)

SLI: How did you come up with 'Torrid'?

Torrid Midnight: Well, I went through the last names and loved Midnight, I was trying to be clever but when that didn't work out I went with something sort of "cheesy romance novel". *laughs*

More conversation and photos after the break!

Podcasting is the new Black. There is a metric tonne of podcasts out there, dealing with the gamut of topics from Aliens to Zebras. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before Second Life had its own. Developed and hosted by Johnny Ming, Secondcast is a wonderful example of the breed. Commenting on all issues relating to SL, Johnny heads up this podcast alongside usual suspects Walker Spaight of 3pointD.com, Torrid Midnight of TorridWear and Midnight City, Lordfly Digeridoo of Digeridoo Designs, and Cristiano Midnight of Snapzilla and SL Universe.

Covering a wide range of subjects, these outspoken members of the SL community bring a show filled with insight, sarcasm, and a heaping helping of hilarity (Damn my predilection for alliteration!). Frequently featuring a guest speaker (past episodes have brought Elex Dusk, Mistress Midnight, and our own Aimee Weber, as well as RL guests such as Philip Linden and Randy Moss of the American Cancer Society), the show continues to educate and entertain. It's well worth your time to dive into the archives, and hear how the show has developed over time to grow more accomplished and professional. Now, if they'd only consent to interview werewolves...