Duran Duran Set to Invade SecondLife

Eighties icons Duran Duran are primed to become the first major pop act to have a presence inside of Second Life.

According to their official Web site, John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Andy Taylor have commissioned a set of custom avatars that they plan to use to perform concerts and schedule media appearances that mirror their real world activities.

DD keyboardist Nick Rhodes sees endless possibilities in Second Life: "our community will be able to help develop the island into a fully functional, futuristic utopia, where you can never be quite sure what to expect."

The quintet is expected to make their virtual debut later this month.

Another One Microsoft Blogger Bites the Dust

Four months into his gig at Microsoft, fellow RSS-addict Niall Kennedy has decided to part ways with the company, citing a desire to venture out on his own.

Whether or not the big M decides to move forward with development on the feed platform he was hired to lead is anyone's guess, but Niall certainly hopes so.

So do I.

Primp Your Avatar

Sponsored by Wal-Mart, The Yahoo! Avatar Fashion Show invites consumers to dress their virtual selves in the retailer's gear and submit their creations for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards.

Launched this morning, the competition is already heating up. Best in show will be determined by an open vote.