http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/07/seco ... t_techtues

And that is why I think a virtual version of the Guthrie Center could be a positive good. I'm not that big a fan of Second Life being a VRML/X3D guru, but a gig is a gig. A lot of folk and other artists who could never make the trek to Massachusetts would login and play in a virtual world version. Put up a tip jar and it adds to the box that buys the air conditioner for the real one.

I don't know how I feel about this. While it may be a great way to raise money, I think it would sort of take away from the experience of having been to the Guthrie Center. I went over the summer and it is something that I will always remember, and I just don't know if it would have been the same if it had been virtual.

I've never been so I think it'd be neat to see it that way. But I can understand it's something you just gotta be there to appreciate...

It was such a genuine experience, that I just don't think you can duplicate it. The people were so pleasant to talk to, it was a very warm atmosphere. I just don't think you can recreate it through something virtual.

I understand how you say you want to see it, but to me that's what pictures are for. I understand where you are coming from, don't get me wrong I just would prefer pictures for that.

It is a way to host media and interact with people that is fun. It enables community. It enables gifting. It enables friendships to be formed. It enables communication. Outreach.

Nothing recreates the experience of live in another place. It creates a live experience in a place even if you are the only one there.

I want to do this because I can and because it can be a way for the great thoughts formed in and around that church to reach more people faster. I guess it is the difference in the center being an idea and a club when it is really both.

Look at this way: today there is a Facebook page for the Guthrie Center. A Facebook page hosts Vivaty 3D worlds by simple subscription. Avatars meet and greet. People chat. They watch videos and listen to music. We do all those things here now. This adds animation and shared video/audio.

What if we could go there and every day whatever was dropped on YouTube with Arlo's videos were on the screen for us to watch together while chatting? What if Arlo dropped in wearing his best Carnaby or a Spanish hat? What if the times he appears at the Center can be streamed live into the virtual center so the rest of us could watch at the same time and have a sense of being stronger than when we do it alone?

Our Master taught us in the Zen center to rise and meditate at the same time of day. He said that all of the minds and spirits meditating at the same time created a richer more connected day for all that do that. Anyway we can come together we are stronger.

Screw the poetry.

Go to this page.

http://3donthewebcheap.blogspot.com/200 ... latts.html

Click on the embedded app. That is the Vivaty-hosted world for Rascal Flatts. It may ask to install the Vivaty app. Let it.
Click in the window and move around. Chat with people. Have fun.

DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!!!!

Adventure! ... and a bottle of rum, Captain Jack!

I seem to have come off the wrong way, and I really don't want to have offended anyone. I can see why you guys seem to this is a great idea, and that's okay with me. To me it just doesn't seem like something that I would be really into. If it happened, I may join and I may love it or I may hate it. I'm just not really into the virtual reality world. It isn't my type of thing, that's all and I don't mean to be rude to someone who it is their type of thing.

No offense taken, Alicia, here. VR is a hobby of mine that got a little deeper than some others. 'slinger snaps photos and shares them. I build virtual worlds and do that.

It's not something I would build unless the Guthrie's or George said it was ok. Facebook has embedded 3D capabilities from Vivaty and the company founder is a friend of mine. He and I are charter members of the VRML (now X3D) cabal. It's a passion.

Dave: It's one of the things I owe John Junod for. Carderock paid the bill for me to learn about VRML. The US Navy is a friend of X3D. People shouldn't be scared by that. They work for us.

If I knew some way of contacting them I'd try to help out, but I'm not sure if I do. It would be interesting if Arlo and/or George would occasionally log on. I met George when I went to the church and I must say he is an exceptional person that I will always remember.

Not a worry, Alicia. The idea is out there. If a good one or opportune, it will find it's way to the right ears. That is the beauty of community: choosing the among the best shared as neighbors.

So tell about yourself. What do you do for fun and mischief?

I agree it's an experience that can't be duplicated. At the same time sadly I'll never get to experience it...

No offense taken in any way! I for one happen to practice the ancient religion of "Smartassism". I know I'm not alone here as we always seek chuckles and snickers and stuff.

I usually spend my time listening to music and coming up with ways to make time travel possible. I read a lot. I also live in the middle of a giant corn field (I'm from Southern Illinois) so it's hard to get out and do things. I have birds, and dog, just at different houses. That's really about it, music is my main passion in life.

I'm also in high school, sophmore, I'm 15. I don't particularly enjoy the experience. The people are a drag.