Yuri’s Night: Is it real life or Second Life?

Last week’s amazing Yuri’s Night festivities topped all previous in terms of uniqueness. First, there are 126 parties in 35 countries. That alone is great. Then there was the Yuri’s Night in the brave new cyberworld of Second Life, where people create characters called Avatars and celebrated the cosmonaut’s adventure.
Then, there was a unusual gathering at NASA Ames Space Center. Imagine NASA meets Burning Man! Held in one of Ames giant flight hangars, it was the first time that a rave took place on a government facility. Imagine science exhibits, art, presentations from luminaries such as Anousheh Ansari were blended in with hours of trance, glitch, and other modern dance tunes by PLAID, TELEPHON TEL AVIV, SUTEKH, and OOAH + BORETA.
Old school space engineers meet young art ravers. The mind boggles.
Is it possible that NASA may become cool again to a new generation? Cross your fingers.