Today at approximately 8:50 PM PDT (Server Time), Blizzard Entertainment/Vivendi, sufferred a huge outage, affecting their world server, as well as their corporate website.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Marc "Mister Marc" Asturias
Wizards of Technology

Most of us have real lives, jobs, families, and responsibilities that we juggle everyday as we look forward to that never-ending weekend at the end of the week. We listen to radio, watch television, and a perennial downpour of commercialization, with advertising galore.

More and more of us also juggle a "virtual life" as well. Whether you blog, have a wiki, play World of Warcraft, or have a Second Life, your few moments of "down time" are now being shared with companies that wish to bring their content to you in these places where many hide from "real life."

Cisco Systems is one of such companies. Cisco's "Virtual Campus" inside of Second Life is one of these efforts, with a twist. It provides a forum where information is displayed, interactive media kiosks provide podcasts and other content, and gathering places for virtual events. Even CEO John Chambers has virtually walked across the stage and spoken at the events hosted in this corner of Second Life. This effort is less about advertising and more about education than other efforts seen on the internet these days. It feels right.

Where Cisco has provided a positive space where educational and events occur, other companies will soon be invading your down time with the same kind of advertising that you have been running from in real life.

The question is, "What's next?" Company branded events and advertising in World of Warcraft, Apple branding of podcasts with advertising, or other means?

Ultimately, it is the consumer that determines the success of media initiatives. Attend and support those ideas that you feel comfortable with. Eventually companies will get the message.

Marc Asturias
Wizards of Technology

Disclaimer: Marc is a Cisco employee, but the views contain herein are his and his alone.

Today, diverging from a past of remaining neutral during political campaigns, the Wizards of Technology have publicly endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President.

This unprecedented move, which is unusual for a technology focused site, was described as a "must," to continue America's path of technological innovation, defense of personal liberties, and to address "net-neutrality," among the issues at hand.

"It is time to move away from the "Bush-Clinton era" into new territory. Barack Obama has the vision and understanding required to master the complex dilemmas that America faces. I think it is time to take a stand here and vote for a new era. From a technology standpoint, we need to elect someone who "gets it."

Obama's technology focus:

• Ensure an open Internet.
• Create a transparent and connected democracy.
• Encourage a modern communications infrastructure.
• Employ technology to solve our nation’s most pressing problems.
• Improve America’s competitiveness.

"If you are a Republican, cringing at the notion, visit Republicans for Obama, and decide for yourself."

"In any case, if you care, get out and vote. If you don't, it will be another four years before you can complain again." - Mister Marc

Best,

Mister Marc,
Wizards of Technology

A question or two came up recently, what is Mister Marc doing and what is going to happen to the Wizards of Technology, so I'll take the opportunity to answer these publicly.

On the personal side, I have taken a position with a leading technology company in Silicon Valley, leading efforts on one of their teams in editing and writing content, web initiatives, and new media. In addition, my new book is doing very well (marcasturias.com).

As thing begin to settle down in those fronts, I am looking at the Wizards of Technology in new ways, and have found that some of our original ideas, still have life in them. Once things are on track, I'll set a new show schedule, format, participants, and distribution in place, and see how the concept does.

In the next few days, you will see website changes, as I gear up and re-tool the website. I apologize in advance for any issues this may cause.

I am looking for new blood to add to the team. Forward-thinking innovators with an edgy look and feel, are welcomed. Mail us at mistermarc at wizardsoftechnology.com.

I thank you for your friendship and support throughout the years.

Marc "Mister Marc" Asturias
Wizards of Technology

On Thanksgiving Day, Aloha Airlines announced that usage of iPhones are not allowed on Aloha flights as this device is not certified by their airline for in-flight use.