Interview with Phoenixa Sol: SL Dancer

[9:01] Phoenixa Sol: hiya, hope all is going great!
[9:02] Niko Donburi: Hi! A question for you: why did you choose your last name to be "Sol" ?
[9:03] Phoenixa Sol: phoenix... firey. Sol... sunshine. (and also, I live in San Fran bay area, and most of the names in that time frame were streets of san fran, which I flat out REFUSED to have
[9:03] Phoenixa Sol: Sol also because spoken could be swapped as "soul"
[9:03] Niko Donburi: lol
[9:03] Phoenixa Sol: i dance from the core of my soul
[9:04] Niko Donburi: is it okay for me to quote you on my blog on how you derived your name?
[9:04] Phoenixa Sol: sure, make sure you say that "Phoenix" was already taken, so I created Phoenixa by adding the A

Interview with Durzle Darkstone: Virtual DJ

[20:47] Niko Donburi: Why did you choose Darkstone as your SL last name?
[20:48] Durzle Darkstone: It was mysterious
[20:48] Durzle Darkstone: grins
[20:48] Durzle Darkstone: and went exceptionally well with Durzle
[20:48] Niko Donburi: lol; mind if I quote you?
[20:49] Durzle Darkstone: depends
[20:49] Niko Donburi: upon?
[20:49] Durzle Darkstone: why? and to whom?
[20:49] Durzle Darkstone: what's the context
[20:49] Durzle Darkstone: LOL
[20:49] Niko Donburi: on my blog I am posting the response to all my friends in SL on why they chose their last name
[20:49] Niko Donburi: the story
[20:49] Durzle Darkstone: sure
[20:50] Niko Donburi: send me a SL photo of yoruself, a link or slyrl
[20:50] Niko Donburi: slurl
[20:50] Niko Donburi: it is okay to publish?
[20:50] Durzle Darkstone: how many responses have you gotten?
[20:50] Niko Donburi: two up so far
[20:50] Niko Donburi: www.nikoburi.com
[20:50] Niko Donburi: www.nikodonburi.com
[20:51] Durzle Darkstone: lol
[20:51] Durzle Darkstone: ok, you been drinking?
[20:51] Durzle Darkstone: what's the story behind it?
[20:52] Niko Donburi: just thought it would be something cool, all the neat people I know in Sl. That's why you are among the first asked
[20:52] Durzle Darkstone: how bout you?
[20:52] Niko Donburi: My last name?
[20:53] Durzle Darkstone: nods
[20:53] Niko Donburi: Donburi is a rice dish in Japan.
[20:53] Niko Donburi: Oyako Donburi is chicken and egg on rice
[20:53] Niko Donburi: Quite good. Incidently, it means "Mother and Child" on Rice
[20:54] Niko Donburi: Nikko means smile in japanese
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: shehs
[20:54] Niko Donburi: I shortened it to Niko for spelling
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: deep thoughts
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: that's great
[20:54] Niko Donburi: so, can I post it?
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: I came up with mine so quick
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: and loved it
[20:54] Durzle Darkstone: nods, sure

Interview with Elwood Abernathy: Virtual Landlord of Thousand Palms

[20:42] Niko Donburi: why did you choose "Abernathy" to be your last name in SL?

[20:42] Elwood Abernathy: only because it was at the top of the list, the first one there

[20:42] Elwood Abernathy: i never looked down the list

[20:42] Elwood Abernathy: and Elwood is my fahters middle name
[20:43] Elwood Abernathy: i did not expect to stay
[20:43] Elwood Abernathy: i was going to sign up see what the hype was and then leave
[20:43] Elwood Abernathy: and then in one week i met like 10 different people and had to stay to see them lol

[20:43] Elwood Abernathy: and here i am

[20:44] Niko Donburi: wow

[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: with no where to go

[20:44] Niko Donburi: 3 years later

[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: almost
[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: we are old timers now

[20:44] Niko Donburi: Can I quote you on my blog?

[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: lol
[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: sure

[20:44] Niko Donburi: cool
[20:44] Niko Donburi: feel free to send me a link to a site or something if you want it linked

[20:44] Elwood Abernathy: ok

Interview with Esch Snoats: Artropolis

[20:35] Niko Donburi: Hey, why did you choose "Snoats" as a last name
[20:36] Esch Snoats: I was trying to find a name that sounds like someone clearing their nose when they spoke.. My av looks like someone who speaks with this snooty nasally voice, so "Snoats" sounded good that way :P
[20:36] Niko Donburi: are you serious?
[20:36] Esch Snoats: Yeah :P
[20:37] Esch Snoats: Say my av's name out loud with a snooty nasally voice
[20:38] Niko Donburi: can I quote you on how you chose your name?
[20:38] Esch Snoats: lol sure

Blog alert: A N00b's Progress

Blogger & SLPhotographer Lelani Carver posted a nice entry on A N00b's Progress . Her posts have a definite Asian-vibe, which is really cool. I'll have to remember to play her "Christmas Cake" and some of my other songs from my time in Japan and Indonesia.

Now I have to just figure out how to get on her Flickr page like Maxamillion!

Check out these podcasts!

Since my foray into the wild world of Podsafe Music, I've gotten notices that two podcasts thus far have played some of my SL parodies:

Atlantic Wave Radio out of the UK and Virtual Yooper out of Michigan. His blog is worth checking out, particularly if you ever dreamt of moving up, up and away or ever wanted to be an EMT!

Niko + Podcast = More Listeners?

While all of my songs have been Creative Commons licensed, I took a few minutes and uploaded a few of them to the Podsafe Music Network for those podcasters amongst you. Two of my new songs, The Linden and Virtual Strangers are uploaded for your listening pleasure. Here's the link.

ASD 1 year anniversary show: Sun 9/14 @ 1:30 pm SL

Yes, it's been TOO LONG since I've had a show in SL. The last one being the Music Isle show--which does make for good watching on your iPod, btw.

But whenever I get a chance to perform at ASD Studios, I'm taking it. So mark your calendars, fire up your recording devices and get ready for an hour of SL parodies, audience participation and as much virtual fun as your internet connection can stream.

Drop me an email or IM in-world if you aren't in the group and I'll get you a slurl or TP.

SLCN - Music Arts on the Isle

Always wondered what a Niko Donburi performance was like? Short of logging into Second Life, take a look at this week's episode of JeuL Resistance's Music Arts On the Isle, a weekly videocast from the Second Life Cable Network, where I perform a half hour or so set of SL parodies including the debut performance of Wasting Away the Day (in Second Life), an SL parody of the Buffett classic.

Thanks to all who logged in just for the show. It was good to see you on so late!

It's official: Niko for President

Evidently only viewable with IE. In the words of Liam Serf, guess that makes me a "single platform" candidate:

The Niko Donburi Fan Club

As do most performers in SL, I have a fan club. Members of this group have given me one of their coveted 25 group slots so that they can get notices of my shows. There is no higher compliment in SL than that. To all of you, thank you very much. I truly appreciate it Ace Clellon, Anjali Lebed, Austin Shepherd, Avalon Chevalier, BD Gilmour, Calypso Monentes, Caroline Fierrens, Chrissy Cordeaux, Christina Guffroy, chugabug Goodnight, cinnamon Daniels, Clever Darcy, Diomy Takakura, Douglas Rishmal, Drizael Doobie, Durzle Darkstone, Eeyore Anza, Elseamae Daviau, Elwood Abernathy, Esch Snoats, Ethan Oxbar, Evan Drake, Flameheart Sol, fmires Brun, Friesian Steuben, Fritzees Fizzle, Gando Thurston, Gomem Desoto, Grave Darkstone, Haffa Gaffer, Harmony Patel, Heidi Okelly, Hunter Maltese, Irelyn Christensen, Jaxom Winger, JohnF Munro, Jovana Qinan, jukeboxxx88 Writer, Kaisolin Woonona, Kaklick Martin, Katronix Serf, Kayleigh Cordeaux, Kikoto Takaaki, Kira Finn, Kronos Kirkorian, Kyla Marshall, Kylynn Kemsley, MarkusMatthew Jonesford, Memzie Sideways, Olive Blachere, Penelope Ofeq, Priya Dollinger, Prometheus Windang, Pukk Abel, Radar Masukami, Robin Dale, Rocky Merosi, Sayuri Collas, Serenity Brezoianu, Silver Claymore, Simeon Kondor, Splotch Bloch, Susie Aleixandre, Talia Rosher, Tux DeCuir, Valerian Romeo, Xerses Goff, Yummie Olsen and Zena Karas.

something amazing

My good friend BZ sent this to me. He was pretty amazed by it, as was I.
I modified it slightly to remove the names. The photo on the left is of the flowers he is speaking about....

Dear family and friends...

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the death of my mother-in-law. She was an amazing person in many ways, and she is greatly missed by all who knew her. I wanted to share with all of you something I believe is a special sign from her that all is well and that she's watching over us.

My wife and I have lived in our house for 17 years, and every year the space on the East side of the house would get overgrown with nasty, thick weeds. This year I was going to get the strongest weed killer I could find and spray that whole area, but for some reason I just haven't made the time to do so.

Two nights ago as I was messing with the grill, trying to get it lit, I happened to look back at the already overgrown weed patch and couldn't believe what I saw.

There in the middle of all that ugliness was a beautiful bunch of daisies!

Again, we've never had anything but ugly weeds back there, and here on this sad anniversary date we were treated to this amazing sight!... By the way, can you all guess what my mother-in-law's favorite flower was?...

(TM)? We don't need no stinkin' (TM)!

Just got an email from Vint Falken notifying me that my new verse for Dear Linden, Dear Linden was chosen to share in the grand prize for the L10,000 Bounty for Best Trademark Parodies with Kanomi's The Tiny Dancing (R) Brand Center. Vint organized the contest in lieu of going on strike, as some other well-known bloggers have done. If I get some time this weekend I'll record the new version and get a link out to all members of the fan club---and post one to Vint's blog as well.

I'd best be transferring that L5,000 before LL gets word of my success... ;-)

Will the fun NEVER end?

In light of the new trademark and copyright issues being enforced by those that run the virtual world "formally known as Second Life" (see Gwyneth Llewelyn's excellent summary of the issue), a new verse for Dear Linden, Dear Linden seemed fitting:


Dear Linden, Dear Linden,
I just don't understand
The new terms of service
About using your brand.
Registered trademarks
And copyright signs,
Must I use them all of the time?
Signed, a blogger

Blogger,Dear blogger
We hear what you say
And at Linden Lab (R)
We don't like things this way
But our lawyers insist
That it must be done
We sincerely hope it won't ruin your fun
Signed, a Linden (TM)

No more calendar :-(

If you haven't noticed, I dumped the web-based calendar system I was using to post gig info. This one was always out of date. Just check my in-world profile for a listing of upcoming shows....

SLUnder the Radar - #26: The Linden

Check out the newest episodes of SL Under the Radar podcast to hear the latest SL parody: The Linden (with all apologies to Kenny Rogers & Company's "The Gambler").

Just a note: all members of the in-world "Niko Donburi Fan Club" received an mp3 download a few weeks ago so log in and sign up!

something sad

Someone sent me this photo, along with a whole bunch of others who are heavily tattooed, pierced, scarred and otherwise voluntarily mangled. This one, however, is the one that caught my attention the most.

What happened to this person during the course of his or her life to cause them to wind up this way? At one time this was a little infant child, helpless and dependent upon the world. Cute and precious beyond anything. And now?

There is much sadness in these eyes. Just look for it. Beyond the piercings, the cuttings, colorings and distortions. Look in his eyes.

something funny

According to the newspaper article, a man named John Beahan sent them this:

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.

Because of hectic schedules, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidently left out one letter in her e-mail address and, without realizing his error, sent the e-mail.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who had had a heart attack and died. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends.

After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room and saw the computer screen, which read:

TO: My Loving Wife

Subject: I've Arrived

Date: October 16, 2004

I know you are surprised to hear from me.

They have computers here now and you

are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones.

I've just arrived and have been checking in.

I see that everything has been prepared for your

arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!

Hope your jouney is an uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is freaking hot down here!

So I Married An Avatar.... part 2

Last month Business Week ran an article "So I Married An Avatar" to which I posted a list of the top 10 reasons why a virtual wedding was better than a real life wedding (or something to that effect.) Evidently it wasn't as funny as I thought because it wasn't posted to the comments section NOR did anyone on the SLEducators listserv even comment.

Then, much to my surprise I received an email from one of the editors late one Friday afternoon asking to use my comment in a new section "Featured Readers Comments" and requesting a photograph. Unfortunately I didn't get the email until after the deadline had run, but evidently that didn't matter as a few days later I found myself--er, my virtual self--as one of the Featured Readers. Here's the link.

Contrary to my wife, I am NOT lame. Yeah to Business Week!

Second CD?

Rumors of a second Niko Donburi CD are... TRUE! Yes, I am working on a follow-up to my first CD, Tales from the Grid, which debuted at SLCC2007. While I am not sure if I will be performing live at SLCC2008 in Tampa (check out their new site) in person like last year's Chicago show, I'll certainly be there virtually--if they'll have me!

If you've been to a show in the past few weeks, you've heard some of the new ones: Virtual Stranger, 44 Lines about 22 Lindens, Should I log in or should I go now, The Linden, and most recently, SL Man. I be firing up the recording studio in over the summer and will start circulating demos to my group members so join up if you haven't already.

Meanwhile, I'm soliciting names. Thus far suggestions include: Tales from the Grid 2.0 and More Tales from the Grid.