While some people focus on how many people actually have a Second Life, media and tech companies continue to populate the virtual world. Some of the new Second Life gigs:
—Instead of creating a branded island of its own, iVillage has opted to act as a tour guide.  “iVillage Girls’ Night Out” launches in Second Life Thursday night. Participants are supposed to gather at the iVillage Loft on Sheeps Island using an iVillage-branded tour app; the free app will be updated automatically after every tour with info about the next one. The first tour includes a meeting with a fulltime SL fashion designer and a live concert with Cylindrian Rutabaga. Why iVillage? Women are believed to make up nearly one-half of SL’s population.
—Sundance network screens online: The Sundance Channel will open a virtual screening room in January with features, docs, shorts, original series.  Filmakers will host events. More here.
—IBM to open islands in virtual world:  IBM is opening 12 “virtual islands” in Secind Life, most open to anyone with an SL account. Some will be restricted to the cybe alter-egos of IBM employees, including CEO Samuel J. Palmisano. Possible uses: virtual off-sites, online education, customer service.