Video: "Tammy: The Player behind TJMoney on Mambo Motel "

 

 

 From Pooky Amsterdam on March 13, a short on the woman behind one of the characters in the video "Mambo Motel."

 

Ten Years Ago: The End of "Fluffee"

 

 

It was ten years ago, January 30 2013, that a certain character popular in early 2010s Second Life media gave his farewell. Pooky Amsterdam and Draxtor Despress would release the last of their "Flufee on a Meshion" videos. 

The series, which started in September 7 2011, was a hit. But there was a not so slight problem, pointed out in both the final video, and spelled out by Draxtor in his 2021 interview. Someone else owned the rights to Flufee, and they eventually had different ideas where to take him. So Draxtor and Pooky eventually decided to end the series. 

SL Video: Pookymedia's Second "Vector Inspectors" Video

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In 2012, Pooky Amsterdam's Pookymedia did a video to help educate young viewers on how to help fight the Asian Tiger Mosquito, "Vector Inspectors." Recently, they did another, "Vector Inspector Program Assembly Video." 

Pooky would explain in her blog, "In April of 2012 PookyMedia finished a video for the San Gabriel Vector & Control District which would be presented at schools in the San Gabriel Valley grades K-8, in conjunction with a scientific study. They needed to find out the scope of Asian Tiger Mosquito infiltration in the Valley, and they needed school kids to collect samples of trapped water around their homes for research.  PookyMedia created this gem of a Call to Action, which was SO successful that almost a decade later, not only is the film still being shown, but we just had to update the film, as new invasive species have been identified.

"So once again the Vector Inspectors will help eradicate mosquitos and the diseases they transfer, by getting rid of standing water around homes and giving samples for this ongoing study. The film has been shown to tens of thousands of schoolchildren, and it works! Even if one person avoided getting Dengue Fever, Zika or any of the other viruses these species of Aedes mosquitos carry it will be a triumph, but this has helped thousands of children and their families stay safe. And this new film will help thousands more!  

"Machinima Can save lives!  It's a great video and we encourage you to take a look at the newer version here with an introduction by real professionals!"
   

SL Video: "VCE3i HKPolyU Virtual Campus Promotional Video"

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From PolyU ELC, with the help of Pookymedia, Produced by Pooky Amsterdam Directed by Russell Boyd, "The Hong Kong PolyU Virtual Campus: An Evolution in Immersion, Interaction and Innovation (VCE3i) Funded by the Advisory Committee on eLearning (ACE) VCE3i objectives: The development of activities and learning systems that allow for collaboration between faculty and students, within and across the various disciplines at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and around the world. VCE3i ethos: The VCE3i is an immersive, interactive and innovative Carnival with both Circus and Park attractions. We wish to offer the local and international communities a cultural attraction that is familiar yet (hopefully) not clichéd. Additionally, animals and creatures living in the VCE3i are free of human shackles and interference. While this might seem contrary to traditional circus appearances, this is, after all, Second Life!"

SL Video: "VCE3i Introductory and Educational Video"

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From November 28. Pooky Amsterdam's Pookymedia helped make this video for the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Virtual Campus, "Virtual and immersive environments work exceedingly well and very affordably for those learning foreign languages. We recently had the opportunity to work on this advertisement with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Virtual Campus to showcase how their exciting platform within Second Life is teaching students around the globe."

SL Video: "Consent And The HIE"

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Pooky Amsterdam, once an active member of Second Life's video media, has been quieter in recent years. But she still works on occasional projects. Here, she uses Second Life as the media for a commercial for HealthlinkNY, a medical information exchange network in New York state.

Source: Pookymedia.

SL Video: Educating With MAD Lab

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Prom Pookymedia: "Merced County in California needed to upgrade and modernize their Vector Control outreach to schools in their county. They called us to create a mixed reality film to increase awareness of the threats that mosquitoes pose to people and animals. We were asked to help educate on how the professionals in this important arena help maintain a safe environment for all. The film has met with great success for the program. Speaking to the audience in a language they really understand!"

SL Video: "Time Travelers Episode 6 - Baby Universe"

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The sixth, and final, part of Pooky Amsterdam's "Time Travelers" series. With their teammate captured, the remaining two of the team turn to an advanced computer program for help. Events soon lead to a showdown between the opposing forces, one out to enslave humanity, the other to save it. Starring Rebecca Borrer, Marc Cholette, and Sonya Cerdan as the Time Travelers.

"Time Travelers" is an award-winning series by PookyMedia productions, started in 2010.

"The final episode - for now, brings together our Time Travelers and the Meks, with Zanzibar's capture of Maria. We will experience what the Time Travelers, with the help of the advanced AI Sebastian must do to stop the Meks and their leader Zanzibar...by using every resource in their power. The opening of the Baby Universe becomes a trap. Whose future will win out, are we running out of time to Save the Future?

"We are all of us connected, none more so than the Teen Time Travelers who must fight to escape the danger of the approaching Meks. As they jump through time and again meet their future selves, the stakes escalate around the future as they must follow their present destiny. Game on!

"The award winning series, Time Travelers, is an animated adventure series about the future. The series showcases future careers in science such as geoengineering for alternative energy, nanobiolology and neuroscience for learning and health care.

"Time Travelers was sponsored by the leader in education financing SLFC www.slfc.com and iHelp www.ihelploan.com committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. For over 30 years SLFC has been a pioneer in enabling students to realize their dreams for the future through education. SLFC's support made Time Travelers a reality.

"Time Travelers will be seen online, at International Film Festivals and throughout the nation at FutureLab: The Innovation Expo www.FutureLabExpo.com."


See Episode 5 Here, Episode 4 Here, and Episodes 1-3 combined Here. 

Interview With Pooky Amsterdam Part Two

Second Life Newser recently interviewed media personality Pooky Amsterdam, noted for her work on the game show "The 1st Question" and machinima such as the "Time Travelers" series. She had so much to say, we met again the following day to finish. Here is the second part of the interview, in which she talks about her "Date Your Avatar" parody, Pookymedia's "Flufee" videos, and her future plans.

Read the second half of the interview in People.

Interview With Pooky Amsterdam: Part One

Pooky Amsterdam is one of the major personalities in Second Life media. In the past, her "1st Question" science quiz show was filmed every week on the Grid in front on an audience, and entertained thousands on Treet.tv. Today, she's taken on other projects such as the "Time Travelers" machinimas, and on occasion will give a public talk on the future of the Internet and social media. Recently she got together with the Newser for an interview about her and her virtual career.

Read Part One of the interview in People.

The End for "Flufee"

Since September 2011, the "Fluffee on a Meshion" video series from Pookymedia has been entertaining Second Life residents. But after a year and a half, it seems the videos are coming to an end. Episode 19, "Quo Vadis Fluffah," will be the last.



The videos took a brief hiatus in June 2012, but after the summer there were a few more.

Comments have been coming in on both the Youtube video and the "Superflufee" account, expressing sadness over the news. Producer Draxtor Despress stated in the video he and Pooky Amsterdam didn't own the rights to Flufee. In the comments below, he stated there were differences in opinion "about how to make someone popular in today's world."

And so, the final video shows Flufee driving off into real life. At the end are a few words from Torley Linden wishing Flufee well, "You truly are an iconic character."

SL Video: "Three Rolaids" aka "Fluffee on a Meshion #17"

Number 17 of the "Fluffee on a Meshion" series from Draxtor Despres and Pooky Amsterdam. Looks like the Flufster is singing a sad song.

SL Video: "Beer Break"

This video from Pookmedia in 2009 was made to show the potential of machinima, but it was fun too, with a tiny surfer demonstrating size doesn't always matter with the babes on the beach.

"A concept in the making, taking place at the great surfing location, Tsunami Beach. We crafted around the location with some typical surfers, some not so typical surfers, the lifestyle and the beer they would drink. Made for a targeted demographic."

SL Video: "Flufee for [P]resident!" aka "Flufee on a Meshion - Episode 15"

From Draxtor Despress and Pooky Amsterdam, "It is that time of year again: American voters are asked to pick their president. But never mind real life: Democracy can be messy in the virtual realm as well....and campaigns can be even messier: watch as a certain gaggle of avatars is trying to win over the ever important & elusive [and often cranky] undecided voter! Hilarity ensues? Maybe...if things were not that serious....."

SL Machinima: "Time Travelers Ep 5 - Quantum Entangled "

The latest "Time Travellers" episode by Pookymedia is up, "We are all of us connected, none more so than the Teen Time Travelers who must fight to escape the danger of the approaching Meks. As they jump through time and again meet their future selves, the stakes escalate around the future as they must follow their present destiny. Game on!

"The award winning series, Time Travelers, is an animated adventure series about the future. The series showcases future careers in science such as geoengineering for alternative energy, nanobiolology and neuroscience for learning and health care.

"Time Travelers was sponsored by the leader in education financing SLFC, www.slfc.com , and iHelp, www.ihelploan.com , committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. For over 30 years SLFC has been a pioneer in enabling students to realize their dreams for the future through education. SLFC's support made Time Travelers a reality.

"Time Travelers will be seen online, at International Film Festivals and throughout the nation at FutureLab: The Innovation Expo www.FutureLabExpo.com ."

Written by James Canton and Pooky Amsterdam. Pooky, whom is known for hosting the game show, "the 1st Question," takes on a role in this episode.

See Episode 4 Here, and Episodes 1-3 combined Here.

Special Show of "the 1st Question" this Sunday at SL9B 4PM

This Sunday June 24th, Pooky Amsterdam's "The 1st Question" will have a special two hour show at the Second Life Ninth Birthday. The "The Quiz Show to the Stars" event will be held at the Auditorium in Negen at 4PM. The show may be broadcasted live on treet.tv (so your chance to get on SL TV during a shot of the audience), and will be recorded for later viewing in the archives.

"If you have an answer, we have a question."

4-6 PM DreamSeeker SL9B Negen (70, 56, 23)

SL Machinima: Flufee's Goobye (Flufee on a Meshion Episode 14)

And so the "Flufee on a Meshion" video series staring the popular mesh figure ends at number 14, at least for the season, "All good things must end and so does Flufee. Many thanks for helping out with this farewell episode - with talent, product and mostly both ..." But they promise they'll be back, after a chance to relax in Europe for a while.

"See you on the other side...the Flufee Zone."

SL Machinima: "Vector Inspectors" by Pookymedia

Pooky Amsterdam recently created a machinima in Second Life, with Rusell Boyd directing, to educate students in Southern California about a program to help combat the Asian Tiger mosquito, "Vector Inspectors."




"We have just finished working on a project which is our first Public Service Announcement (PSA) for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito Vector Control District. This video will be shown in school auditoriums to help kids learn what they need to do to keep their home areas safe from the invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito. These school children will also be given sample kits to collect samples of water from around their home areas, which will help determine the extent of the mosquitoes' breeding.

This mosquito has been seen in Southern California since last September and while not indigenous to the area, if allowed to establish, they could potentially spread disease and be a game changer for lifestyle there. They transmit a number of dangerous human diseases as well as dog heartworm. This is a community issue that requires community level support and participation.

PookyMedia was given the task of creating a film to be shown in schools and using real-time animation, or machinima, we were able to give life to the characters, personalities and really show what kids will be required to do to help and participate in this important scientific study. It will also illustrate how to keep their home areas safe as well. We added music that would inspire and with the great unlimited creativity of Second Life and its creators, along with our PookyMedia team, have created a video that will hopefully teach and help eradicate this real and present threat to the great state of California.

I have relatives and friends who live in Southern California so this was brought especially home to me. I am very very proud that our work will be a help to public health and safety for this nation. We share it with you and if you are in the Southern California area, now you know what to do - get rid of the standing water anywhere around your home!"

Source: Pooky Amsterdam's Blog

SL Youtube: "The Italian Job ," "Flufee on a Meshion - Episode 12":

The latest in Draxtor Despres & Pooky Amsterdam's "Fluffe on a Meshion" series, "Jeff Smith's 'Bone' series plays a big part as Flufee travels to the old country to find out what happened to an abducted fellow spy. Did GS [the gecko syndicate] have anything to do with it? We might find out albeit the story picks up somewhere in the middle. Epilog and conclusion to follow in season two a little birdie tells me....

"The 'physical' world portion was shot at Current Comics in Salinas, California [ http://www.facebook.com/CurrentComics ] . What a blast to be on set with the Fluffmeister."

SL Enquirer: Interview with Pooky Amsterdam

"Pooky Amsterdam is amongst a handful of people in Second Life that have instant name recognition. She's prominently known for her Machinima productions and her production company, PookyMedia. She's produced clips for a variety of clients, including Linden Lab itself. If you do a search for television shows with her name, you get numerous returns. Her YouTube channel has received over 1.2 million views. One of her early experiences with VR has been Habbo Hotel, where she was producing videos as well.

"I had the tremendous good fortune to be able to sit down with Pooky on a Thursday evening for a chat about herself and her values in both her company and in Second Life. While my interviews are usually short and pointed, I discovered an hour had passed by the time we were wrapping up! She's a very open and easy personality to get to know, and I'm glad to count her as one of my friends in SL."

Read Allen Eppenberger's article Here.