Spotlight on Technology: Is SpotON3D on an iPad Possible??

Apple's iPad 3 is reportedly scheduled for release in early March, and there has been talk that it will include features which could move it closer to supporting higher-end gaming applications. This may open the door for development of a truly robust graphical version of SpotON3D that would run on an iPad, something that has not been possible before.

All of this is really nothing more than speculation at this point, because the information available (including the release date of the iPad 3) is based mostly on rumors and unnamed sources. But even if it turn outs that the new iPad is not the powerhouse that some are predicting, it seems obvious that the technology is not THAT far off. Will we soon be passing people in the supermarket aisle who are slumped over their iPads, while they're shopping in a store in SpotON3D at the same time? Yes, probably. As ridiculous as that scenario may sound, being able to have a fully functional viewer at your fingertips wherever you go will undoubtedly be an exciting and game-changing step.

Here's a quick summary of the upgrades that MAY end up as part of the new iPad 3 (keep in mind that these come from anonymous sources, and Apple has not released any information as of yet):

• a 1GHz quad-core processor (the iPad 2 uses a dual-core processor);


• a "retina display", which essentially is a super high-resolution screen;


• LTE connectivity, a standard which increases the communication capacity and speed using new modulation techniques.

You can read the full article on this at http://www.gizmag.com/ipad3-rumors/21487/.

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You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

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Creator's Cafe Grand Opening: February 25!

Hey Everybody!

Come on down to the grand opening of the Creator's Cafe...an area devoted to everyone who loves to create! The festivities will include a tour, a comedy routine, a puzzle speed-building contest, dancing, chatting, Q&A, and much more! It all happens Saturday February 25, starting at 11am MVT/Pacific time.

The Creator's Cafe is located in SpotON3D at http://3Durl.com/map/ veesome/London/46/54/22. To come, you'll first need to sign up for an account with SpotON3D, which you can do quickly from your Facebook page by going to https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/, or directly from our web site at https://spoton3d.com/register/.


The Creator's Cafe is the dream of builder and visionary Kitteh Noir, and thanks to her efforts it has become a reality. The goal of the Cafe is clearly stated in the mission statement, imprinted on an archway inside: "To provide a service and location for all creators of all skill sets... a 'cozy environment' to grow and to nurture their talent. A group for creators, created by creators."

Come and work in an area free of distractions, surrounded by fellow creators who are as driven for perfection as you are. Get inspiration from what others do, and inspire them to greater things. Learn skills from the best by taking part in a class, such as one of the building courses that 10 Goosson will be offering. Advertise on the job board for someone to help you out with your project, or go there to find a project that you can help out with. All of this and much more is possible at the Creator's Cafe!

The Creator's Cafe will be an exciting and welcome addition to SpotON3D/WorldWorks. Come to the grand opening celebration on Saturday February 25, starting at 11am MVT/Pacific!

A special thanks to Kitteh Noir, 10 Goosson, and Ixmal Supermarine for all the work they have done to prepare for this spectacular event.

Once again, the Creator's Cafe is located in SpotON3D at http://3Durl.com/map/veesome/ London/46/54/22. And in order to attend, you will first need to sign up for an account with SpotON3D, which you can do quickly from your Facebook page by going to https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/, or you can register directly from our web site at https://spoton3d.com/register/.


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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

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Statement regarding a recent content-related issue in SpotON3D

As the result of a situation that came up today regarding someone's content in SpotON3D, our COO Tessa Harrington has released the following statement:

We have a creator in SpotON3D who is upset with me personally. We have a Gorean grid that we are setting up for a gentleman and the main entry sim was in a state of flux, and needed to be in one person's name for it to be edited. I took it upon myself to do this, to ensure that it was done properly. This would put everything in the name of my admin avatar, so that I could ensure that content edited or modified was done by an authorized person using my mod rights. When the conversion to my name was made, I had no idea that there were active stores on the region, as we were not officially open and the individuals involved had their own region and marketplace. Their signs that display the goods they are selling were put into my name by accident, which had gone totally unnoticed until the creator in question came in accusing me of stealing her content.

The staff members who were present, and even some of our community members, tried to explain that the signs do not contain the content. They only have an HTML trigger in them that opens up a Web page for our marketplace, where people actually buy their items. Her merchant box was ALWAYS in her name, and she was compensated for any and all purchases made, and we proved this with multiple people making a purchase and her receiving the funds for those purchases, including myself.

Except for giving away an item for 0, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SELL PRODUCTS DIRECTLY FROM A SIGN ON SPOTON3D. So, yes, the signs never should have been taken over, but that in no way made it possible for anyone to "steal" her content. I have NEVER taken any sales money or diverted any sales money from this or any other person. She simply misunderstood our selling system and assumed my name being on her HTML trigger signs meant that I owned her content too, and that I was diverting funds from her sales. This is impossible to happen with our system, and that's exactly why we do it this way. We have set up stores for creators in the past with them taking care of their boxes and we help set up their signs. This in no way constitutes ownership of anything BUT those signs. The product being sold is in a box owned by the creator, and they receive all proceeds from the sale.

We at SpotON3D have taken content protection very seriously, creating the most secure and responsible means to create, sell and even enable creators to expand to other grids more securely. We take any situation like this very seriously. We regret the error and have tried to communication with this vendor as openly, professionally and honestly as possible. Having said that, we cannot change the fact that she refuses to acknowledge that her content was never in jeopardy, no matter what evidence we give to her. We understand this is probably due to years of abuse at the hands of real copybotters. We would never intentionally or wantonly take over anyone's content, even their signs that simply point to a web page when clicked on. Our community is understanding of this, and hopes this vendor will come around at some point and reconsider her stance on this. If not, we feel we've done all we possibly can to rectify the mistake and take responsibility of it as soon as the problem was made apparent to us.

Frets Nirvana Performs at the Blue Shanty - Friday, Feb. 24, 2012

Total Guitar! That's what you hear when you listen to Frets Nirvana. Using acoustic, resonator and electric guitars, Fret's pallette of sound is quite varied and always interesting!

Frets Nirvana grew up in the rock and roll city of Cleveland, Ohio and in his good old band days could be seen hanging out and playing in clubs with the likes of Joe Walsh and the James Gang and Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp. Adding vocals to his wide music variety of tonal colors, a performance by Frets Nirvana always offers interesting music for the listener.

Frets always rocks the stage when he comes here. He pours his heart and soul into what he does, and it definitely comes through on stage. Check Frets out in in SpotON3D...you are guaranteed an enjoyable music experience!

Come on down and listen to Frets Nirvana perform an hour of fine rock/blues/jazz this Friday, February 24, from 1pm-2pm MVT/Pacific, at the Blue Shanty stage in Shanty Town. The stage is in SpotON3D at:
http://3Durl.com/map/spoton3d/ Shanty%20Town/65/58/35.

The Blue Shanty always strives to bring you the best in entertainment. These are the real deal folks, not pre-recorded performers, or stand in artists. They search and scour the metaverse every day to enrich your Web World experience!

If you don't already have your FREE SpotON3D/WorldWorks account, get one now at https://spoton3d.com/register, or thru your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

Also check out our SO3D Like Bytes page on Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/TessasLIKEBytes

RESIDENT PROFILE: Anya Ibor (Colleen Crary) of Fearless Nation

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have. All of us face stress in our lives, in one form or another. The truth is that I personally have very little to complain about, and much to be thankful for. But I know how stressful my days can be. Some of this is self-imposed, but it is also the result of some life-changing events that I have gone through. I know there are many out there who have faced traumatic situations much worse than mine, either at home or abroad, which make it difficult for them to cope from day to day.

It is exactly for these reasons that I am thankful for people such as Anya Ibor of Fearless Nation. Anya has been running her PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) program in both real life and in online worlds since 2009. With the opening of her region on Second Life, Anya’s PTSD recovery organization became the first to have a Web World presence. I am proud to say that she has now moved her Fearless Nation program to SpotON3D.

Anya, who is Colleen Crary in real life, says that her early experiences helped to prepare her for what she now does. After a brief career as a showroom model, she started in graphic design and TV production doing early computer animation. After this, she moved into advertising, marketing and new business development in emerging and fringe technologies including nanotechnology, green/clean tech, medical imaging and neurobiology R&D. After her father’s PTSD-related death, and learning of her own misdiagnosed PTSD symptoms, she decided to devote her life to helping fellow trauma sufferers. She went back to school and earned her Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology, and began applying proven research in trauma treatment to Web World environments.

Anya started her online Fearless Nation program in Second Life in 2009, then expanded it to SpotON3D/World Works in October of 2011. She has now closed her Second Life operations due to loss of participation. She attributes this both to Second Life expenses and to difficulty with participants adapting to the newer style viewers. “Most people with PTSD, especially military personnel, have very little money,” she explains, “and may be disabled (amputees, traumatic brain injury) or very medicated... the new viewers are impossible for the disabled.”

Anya says that she is thrilled to be in SpotON3D. Not only is it cost-effective and supportive of non-profit organizations, but she is impressed by how helpful the staff is. “(SpotON3D) is ultimately community-minded, and really lives up to the original idea behind the Internet: Civility, community, and good citizenship.” She has set up four regions here for Fearless Nation. The main one is rated Good4Everyone, and is where the classroom and PTSD library are located. Because of the presence of some content that could be disturbing to young children, the other three regions have been rated Good4Grownups, and require a Premium membership to visit.

Anya continues to be excited about the possibilities of the 3D Web. It is “more than a web page to help trauma survivors—in the web world they can reconnect with others, learn to control PTSD symptoms and move past trauma on multiple levels: These are the main tenets of recovery.” She wants to show others how the 3D Web can offer them an enriching and healing experience while providing the education and support they need.

Come and join one of Anya's PTSD classes within SpotON3D/World Works, held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Fearless Nation Sim. Sign up for your free SpotON3D account at https://spoton3d.com/register/, or directly from your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/. For a complete schedule of classes, please see Our Calendar.

Anya/Colleen sums things up well: "Real time interaction in a 360 environment online is a powerful means to help people survive trauma and become flexible and resilient. Join the revolution in recovery at Fearless Nation!"

If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, or simply would like more information about this subject, please visit http://www.fearless-nation.org.

Anya Ibor/Colleen Crary is the Founder and Executive Director of Fearless Nation PTSD Support... A 501c3 NonProfit Charity Organization



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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Also check out our SO3D Like Bytes page on Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/TessasLIKEBytes

Creator's Cafe Grand Opening: February 25!

We are very pleased to announce that next Saturday will be the grand opening of a new region that has been set up especially for those who love to create... the Creator's Cafe! Opening day will be marked by festivities and prize giveaways, and will begin at 11am MVT/Pacific time on the Cafe region within SpotON3D (landmark will be posted later in the week).

The Creator's Cafe is the dream of builder and visionary Kitteh Noir, and thanks to her efforts it has become a reality. Her intent was to provide a cozy place where creators such as herself could relax, work on their projects, mingle with other creators, and collaborate on ideas. The goal of the Cafe is clearly stated in the mission statement, imprinted on an archway inside: "To provide a service and location for all creators of all skill sets... a 'cozy environment' to grow and to nurture their talent. A group for creators, created by creators."

Come and work in an area free of distractions, surrounded by fellow creators who are as driven for perfection as you are. Get inspiration from what others do, and inspire them to greater things. Learn skills from the best by taking part in a class, such as one of the building courses that 10 Goosson will be offering. Advertise on the job board for someone to help you out with your project, or go there to find a project that you can help out with. All of this and much more is possible at the Creator's Cafe!

What services will be provided? Here is a brief list of what you will find there:

• Coffee / Tea house: Where creators can sit and chat without fear of prejudice, or fear of being griefed or bullied for their thoughts or creations.


• Jobs Wall: A post-it note wall that will have active jobs posted by creators should they choose to, offering others to join them in finishing a job for either a split of the profits or a discount on end product.


• TP / Banner Board: A wall dedicated to advertising your product or service. We do ask for a tiny donation for this per week of OS$100 to help support the Cafe. Help for this is always greatly appreciated!


• Taste test: A weekly product that the group can test for a limited time before sale.


• Sand box: A place where creators both new and old can come and build. There will be 3 sandboxes available: one reserved for scripting projects, and the other two for builds.


• Classes: This is purely voluntary and must be scheduled on the Cafe calendar. We would like four classes per week to start with, dealing with anything creative. For example, there may be classes in graphics programs for texture artists or soon to be artists; classes for scripters and coders; sculpt making classes; or even classes in effective ways to market your products. All ideas are welcome.


• Gift Shop: What cafe, real or online, doesn't want to have people enjoy looking at great knickknacks and fun things? Well if you have an item listed on SpotONSynergy and want to offer it up to the group in the Cafe shop, then let us know. We would love to have it out on display for you. :)


• Rez and RL Birthday Parties: Each member will have two parties a year -- their rez day and their actual birthday, if they choose to have these listed on the Cafe calendar. You may opt out of this if you wish. A list of other events within the 3D Web Worlds will also be displayed there.

The Creator's Cafe already has a web site address picked out: http://www.creatorscafe.co.uk/. The site is not yet active, but will be available soon. There you should be able to find everything that is available within the cafe, as well as discussion forums.

The Creator's Cafe will be an exciting and welcome addition to SpotON3D/WorldWorks. Come to the grand opening celebration this Saturday, February 25, starting at 11am MVT/Pacific! The area is still being made ready, so we will hold off posting a landmark for the time being. But check back here later in the week for your limo to the party!

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Also check out our SO3D Like Bytes page on Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/TessasLIKEBytes

Grid Wrap, with Abel Dreamscape: Fri., Feb 17, 11am MVT/Pacific

Come join us for a special Grid Wrap program this Friday, February 17, from 11am-12pm MVT/Pacific. Varda will be speaking with Abel Dreamscape, owner and dream builder of Morphe Inc. He has been creating high quality 3D models and digital content for the world of Second Life, and he is now bringing his talents to SpotON3D!

Abel is well known for his phenomenal work in castles and medieval/fantasy builds. Suffice to say, there are few who can compare to his ultimate mastery of design, build, and production.

Abel has been building since 2008. There are many who currently enjoy his work, and many more who will come to know and love the art that has inspired him to create such interactive beautiful visions. Abel's work includes castles, manors, chapels, churches, shops, cathedrals, bathhouses, medieval and gothic/vampire dwellings, sculpt kits, bridges, fireplaces, furniture, land decorations, crypts and fencing.

Varda will take an in-depth look at what got Abel started on his road to creation, as well as his experiences, dreams, and what we can expect to see from him in the future. If you are able to make the live show, you will have the opportunity to ask Abel any questions that you might have.

Along with Abel will be our special musical guest, Randel Forsythe. Besides being a funny and articulate man, Randel is a true lover of instruments and music. He plays a wide range of instruments that include the bagpipes and the fiddle. Randel has been involved in movie soundtracks, has played for a U.S. President, and has opened for Scotland's premier band, the Tannahill Dream Weavers. His friend Coolidge Winesett says that "he has the 'touch' that moves people who hear him and choose to listen. You will know what I mean if you do."

Finally, to top things off, we will have a special report by a member of our staff, Ixmal Supermarine. With so much to see and hear, you won't want to miss out on this jam-packed hour. So be sure and come early to get a good seat!

The GridWrap Studios are located on SpotON3D/WorldWorks at
http://3Durl.com/map/spoton3d/GridWrap%20Studios/113/132/23. If you are unable to make it to the show, you can access the broadcast on the Web at www.livestream.com/spoton3dcom.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Spotlight on Technology: An Online Burn Treatment?

There are many different reasons that people decide to try out 3D Web Worlds such as SpotON3D. I am quite aware of their value from my personal experience... I was confined to home for several years taking care of my mother who had developed severe dementia, and found that the ability to travel, socialize, and create in an online world was an great psychological relief for me in my situation.

But can online worlds provide relief from physical trauma? I thought that I'd pass along a rather fascinating article that was brought to my attention by Riley Hope, founder of SpiritVenture Ministries here in SpotON3D.

The story is of First Lieutenant Sam Brown, a soldier in Afghanistan whose life was turned upside down after his vehicle ran over an IED (improvised explosive device). His face and exposed areas of his body were burned beyond recognition by the incendiary material, and although he survived and was rescued, he was unable to find sustained relief from the pain. Other than high doses of morphine, nothing seemed to help. It seemed that Lt. Brown would be forced to deal with the unbearable pain for a very long time.

That's when Hunter Hoffman, a cognitive psychologist who had used virtual reality as a way to treat certain phobias, decided to see what he could do to help burn patients such as Lt. Brown. He set about constructing an online world that would help distract them from their pain, by using images that are the total opposites of fire and heat. The result was Snow World, an immersive environment where the patient wears special 3D goggles and can then interact with a world of nothing but snow, snowmen, and similar cooling images.

With Lt. Brown, the results were quite significant. He reports that taking part in the therapy literally allowed him to forget about his pain. Overall, researchers who have used this are reporting reductions in pain from 30% to 50%. The key to this, according to the research, is the fact that the patients begin to feel that they are actually a part of the world, not just a spectator.

After much reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and time to heal, Lt. Brown is now married with a family and leading a relatively happy life. It sounds as if Snow World was a big factor in helping him to deal with his pain and keep a positive outlook throughout the ordeal that he went through.

While this story may or may not be typical, what I take from it is that we should never underestimate the potential of 3D Web Worlds. They can provide a realistic experience for family members or friends separated by miles, for business meetings or learning... and quite possibly as a therapeutic tool.

If you want to read more about Lt. Brown's story and Hunter Hoffman's use of virtual reality, you can check out the following articles:

GQ Article on Lt. Brown
NPR article on Lt. Brown
Article about VR Pain Reduction

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Freebie of the Day: A Mission-style Setting

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, a Mission Style Setting. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

Freebie of the Day: An Antique Double bed

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, an Antique Double Bed. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

Freebie of the Day: A Sculptie Deck

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, a Sculptie Deck. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

Coming Soon: The Creator's Cafe

If you're someone who enjoys creating things, you know that surroundings play an important part in the success of your work. It's hard to be creative when you're distracted, or when you are around others who aren't supportive of what you are doing. It is also helpful to hang around with other creative people. You can bounce ideas off of them, and you may find someone who has just the skills you were looking for to help you complete your project.

This was the inspiration behind the Creator's Cafe... a cozy place where you can relax, mingle with other creators, and collaborate on ideas. It was the dream of builder and visionary Kitteh Noir to bring such a place to SpotON3D, and it will soon be available for everyone to use.

The goal of the Creator's Cafe is clearly stated in its mission statement, imprinted on an archway inside: "To provide a service and location for all creators of all skill sets... a 'cozy environment' to grow and to nurture their talent. A group for creators, created by creators."

What services will be provided by the Creator's Cafe? Here is a brief list of the major things that you will find there:

• Coffee / Tea house: A place for creators to sit and chat without fear of prejudice, or fear of being griefed or bullied for their thoughts or creations.



• Jobs Wall: A post-it note wall that will have active jobs posted by creators should they choose to, offering others to join them in finishing a job for either a split of the profits or a discount on end product.



• TP / Banner Board: A wall dedicated to advertising your product or service. We do ask for a tiny donation for this per week of OS$100 to help support the Cafe. Help for this is always greatly appreciated!



• Taste test: A weekly product that the group can test for a limited time before sale.



• Sand box: A place where creators both new and old can come and build. There will be 3 sandboxes available: one reserved for scripting projects, and the other two for builds.



• Classes: This is purely voluntary and must be scheduled on the Cafe calendar. Hopefully there will be 4 classes per week to start with, dealing with anything creative. For example, we would like to offer lessons in Gimp, Photoshop, Illustrator, Paintshop Pro, etc. for texture artists or soon to be artists. There may also be classes for scripters and coders, sculpt makers, or even classes on effective ways to market your products. All classes are welcome.



• Gift Shop: What cafe, real or online, doesn't want to have people enjoy looking at great knickknacks and fun things? Well if you have an item listed on SpotONSynergy and want to offer it up to the group in the Cafe shop, then let us know. We would love to have it out on display for you. :)



• Rez and RL Birthday Parties: Each member will have two parties a year -- their rez day and their actual birthday, if they choose to have these listed on the Cafe calendar. You may opt out of this if you wish. A list of other events within the 3D Web Worlds will also be displayed there.

The Creator's Cafe already has a web site address picked out: http://www.creatorscafe.co.uk/. The site is not yet active, but will be available soon. There you should be able to find everything that is available within the cafe, as well as discussion forums.

The Creator's Cafe will be an exciting and welcome addition to SpotON3D/WorldWorks. We look forward to its opening, and hope that ALL creators will come and take advantage of it. Please stay tuned!

------------------------------

To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Freebie of the Day: An Original Framed Photograph

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, an Original Framed Photograph. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

Frets Nirvana Performs at the Blue Shanty - Friday, Feb. 10, 2012

Total Guitar! That's what you hear when you listen to Frets Nirvana. Using acoustic, resonator and electric guitars, Fret's pallette of sound is quite varied and always interesting! Frets Nirvana grew up in the rock and roll city of Cleveland, Ohio and in his good old band days could be seen hanging out and playing in clubs with the likes of Joe Walsh and the James Gang and Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp. Adding vocals to his wide music variety of tonal colors, a performance by Frets Nirvana always offers interesting music for the listener.

Frets always rocks the stage when he comes here. If you haven't yet experienced one of his performances, then you SERIOUSLY need to be here this Friday! Frets pours his heart and soul into what he does, and it definitely comes through on stage. If you like great guitar playing, then check Frets out in in SpotON3D! You are guaranteed an enjoyable music experience!

Come on down and listen to Frets Nirvana perform an hour of fine rock/blues/jazz this Friday, February 10, from 1pm-2pm MVT/Pacific, at the Blue Shanty stage in Shanty Town. The stage is in SpotON3D at:
http://3Durl.com/map/spoton3d/ Shanty%20Town/65/58/35.

We at the Blue Shanty strive to bring you the best in entertainment. These are the real deal folks, not pre-recorded performers, or stand in artists. We search and scour the metaverse every day to enrich your Web World experience!

If you don't already have your FREE SpotON3D/WorldWorks account, get one now at https://spoton3d.com/users/register, or thru Facebook at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds.

Freebie of the Day: An Adirondack Table Setting

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, an Adirondack Table Setting. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

RESIDENT PROFILE: Varda Silver

We have had many great people who have chosen to make SpotON3D at least one of their 3D Web homes. But every once in a while someone comes through with a little something extra -- a blend of personality and energy that really makes you take notice. That’s what you get with Varda Silver!

When not busy creating skins and clothing for her in-world business Silver Wolf Designs, or with developing her five family-friendly role play sims, Varda keeps herself actively involved in the SpotON3D community. She has helped out with some of our videos, and did a wonderful job of narrating a story as part of a video promoting 10 Goosson’s Winter Wonderland HotSwap Scene. She also runs the Blue Shanty, a club in Shanty Town that is a perfect venue for DJs and concerts. But Varda is perhaps best known as the host of Grid Wrap, a bi-weekly program where she speaks in depth with a member of the SpotON3D community. Her ability to prepare insightful questions and to put her guests at ease during the interview is quite amazing. I always look forward to attending Grid Wrap, because I know that I will walk away from it feeling that I understand that week’s guest much better, thanks to Varda’s professional approach.

Before starting out in online worlds, Varda was a blues and rock singer with a band on the Austin circuit, but says that she felt empty during that time...that she was not really fulfilling her creative potential. Also, there were negative connotations that came with being a female rock singer, which made her want to back away. She describes herself as a “severe introvert”, and that is what fueled her love of art, music and theater, since these gave her the chance to play a role and not be so self-conscious.

When Varda did begin venturing into 3D Web worlds, she brought her love of acting, art and music with her. She has consistently immersed herself in role play groups that involve creatures such as fairies, elves, dragons, ogres, and even humans...but always in a family friendly manner. She started as SilentSilver in IMVU in 2006, which she later changed to VardaSilver. She joined Second Life in 2009 as VardaSilver Spearsong. She had also spent short amounts of times in other online worlds before coming to SpotON3D in 2011 as Varda Silver.

Despite encountering negativity and drama from some of those involved in her role play scenarios, Varda also found herself part of a close online family, which is what has made her want to stay with it. While in Second Life she met the love of her life, Raven Wrath, who helped her to get past many of the mental roadblocks that were holding her back. Raven has joined Varda in SpotON3D and is a talented artist in his own right, having produced some incredible artwork and skins.

Varda is thankful to many people she has met at SpotON3D. These include Colleen (Anya Ibor) of Fearless Nation, who has helped her deal with some traumatic childhood issues and move on from that; Tessa Harrington, who believed in her and gave her the opportunity to host Grid Wrap; and Victor Hua, for his constant helpfulness and incredible patience. But she is also thankful to the SpotON3D community as a whole. "I knew there is such a thing as an online community that really CARES about the people they are with, who puts their priorities in the right place and not turning a great place into a giant mall or a sexy sandbox. I feel honored to be in a place where I know my little niece could come hang out one day and I would not be worried, or where I can really concentrate on working, and not worry about cyber bullies like so many other places! Thank you SpotON3D for helping me on my way to becoming great!"

Thank YOU Varda, for all that you do. We’re sure that the best is yet to come!

While in world, be sure to stop by Varda's role play sims: Iron Kingdom, Kanjania, Iron Dragon, Shadow Fang, and Iron Rose.

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You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Grid Wrap, feat. Michael Somerset - TODAY Sat., Feb 4 from 11am-12pm MVT

Come join us today for Grid Wrap, from 11am-12pm MVT/Pacific. Varda will be speaking with an important member of the SpotON3D community: our in-house animator, Michael Somerset. Michael is an innovative and talented fellow who creates all of his own animations. He has already listed a new Male and Female AO on SpotONSynergy, giving everyone a fresh alternative to the standard animations we have all seen before. He also has done animations for ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, and other activities that are part of our new Snowybrook Winter Resort community.

Come and take this opportunity to learn more about how animations work in SpotON3D. This should be a fascinating and informative hour, so be sure and come early to get a good seat!

The GridWrap Studios are located on SpotON3D/WorldWorks at
http://3Durl.com/map/spoton3d/GridWrap%20Studios/127/134/23. If you are unable to make it to the show, you can access the broadcast on the Web at www.livestream.com/spoton3dcom.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Freebie of the Day: A Rustic Cottage

Stop by the SpotON3D Freebie Store or VeeSome Freebie Store to pick up today's freebie, a Rustic Cottage. Find more free stuff at our online Synergy marketplace.

SpotON3D's Community Chat Channel - Staying Connected!

SpotON3D makes it very easy for everyone to communicate while logged into the world. You can use text chat, instant messages (IMs), group notices, and even voice chat to get your message across to other residents. But what about those times when you cannot be in world? We realize that residents of our online community have jobs and other responsibilities in life, and cannot always be logged in to SpotON3D to receive or to convey important information with others.

This is why we set up the SpotON3D Community Chat Channel on Skype! Now everyone who wishes to be a part of it can communicate with other SpotON3D residents directly from their Skype account, either on their home or work PC or from their mobile device. There are nearly 40 members hooked up to the channel already, and you can join in just by setting up your own Skype account (if you haven't already), and then speaking to one of our "hub huggers" at our Welcome area. Or if you know someone who is already a part of community chat, just ask them to invite you in!

Once you've been hooked up to Community Chat, you will discover that it isn't all business...there is a fair amount of joking around and general levity that goes on as well. However, all conversation and content that takes place there must be G4E (Good for Everyone).

Because of its versatility, we use Skype for many different purposes. We often hold impromptu or scheduled meetings in Skype voice, and we have special channels set up for use by our greeters, technical support, and marketing areas. We may at some point explore other off-world communication options, but for now Skype has proven to be a reliable and convenient method for everyone.

If you join Community Chat, then you may wish to turn off the notifier for incoming IMs, since it can become rather annoying if you are using speakers or a headset. To do this:
- Choose Call from the Skype menu, then Audio Settings.
- Click on the "Sounds" icon in the left-hand bar of the Options screen.
- Uncheck the box "incoming IM" from the list.
- Click the Save button.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Grid Wrap, feat. Michael Somerset - Sat., Feb 4 from 11am-12pm MVT

Come join us on Saturday for Grid Wrap, a bi-weekly program hosted by Varda Silver. This week on Grid Wrap, Varda will be speaking with an important member of the SpotON3D community: our in-house animator, Michael Somerset. Michael is an innovative and talented fellow who creates all of his own animations. He has already listed a new Male and Female AO on SpotONSynergy, giving everyone a fresh alternative to the standard animations we have all seen before. He also has done animations for ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, and other activities that are part of our new Snowybrook Winter Resort community.

This edition of Grid Wrap will be held this Saturday, February 4, 2012, and will start at 11am MVT/Pacific time. After the show there will be a Q&A session, where you have the opportunity to get answers to your questions about animations. This should be a fascinating and informative hour, so be sure and come early to get a good seat!

The GridWrap Studios are located on SpotON3D/WorldWorks at
http://3Durl.com/map/spoton3d/GridWrap%20Studios/127/134/23. If you are unable to make it to the show, you can access the broadcast on the Web at www.livestream.com/spoton3dcom.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.

Spotlight on Technology: High Tech Cufflinks?

The cufflink has been a part of a businessperson’s dress shirt or blouse for quite a while now. Most of the time, it is nothing more than decoration...a fancy substitute for a button. Well, the next time that you get dressed up for that important meeting, you can impress your colleagues and clients with these nifty cufflinks that are MORE than just decoration. They not only let you carry valuable data around with you, but can even hook you up to the Internet!

Each cufflink has a hidden component that you access by sliding it out of its base. In one of them is a 2GB USB drive where you can store your important documents for quick retrieval. The other contains a small wireless router that you can plug into any computer connected to the Internet, creating a mobile hotspot that you and others nearby can use to get online from laptops or other devices.

The prestige of carrying around such technological marvels on your wrist does come with a somewhat hefty price tag. Expect to pay $250 USD for the set. You can find the full story on these cufflinks, and where to find them, at http://www.gizmag.com/wi-fi-usb-cufflinks/21232.

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To follow all of our blog postings, please be sure to subscribe by clicking the "Join this site" button, or by submitting an email address in the "Follow by Email" box along the right margin. And if you see something that particularly interests you, be sure to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media pages using the icons provided.

You can sign up for an account with SpotON3D by going to https://spoton3d.com/register/, or through your Facebook page at https://apps.facebook.com/webworlds/.