Happy Memorial Day - "All Gave Some. Some Gave All!"

U.S. Veterans Network #server-announcements

SERVER

 — Today at 7:53 AM

Dear @everyone ,

On this solemn occasion of Memorial Day, we gather together as a community to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Today, we remember and honor the selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment of our fallen military personnel.

Memorial Day stands as a poignant reminder that freedom and peace come at a great cost. It is a day when we set aside our daily routines and come together to reflect upon the profound sacrifices made by our heroes. These remarkable individuals, from all walks of life, answered the call of duty, standing tall in defense of our nation's values and principles.

Their lives were a testament to the ideals we hold dear – liberty, justice, and equality. They understood the weight of their responsibility and faced adversity head-on, forging an unbreakable bond with each other and with the nation they served. They marched into the unknown, with unwavering resolve, often in faraway lands, driven by their unyielding commitment to protecting our freedoms.

We remember those who fought valiantly on the battlefields, those who served with distinction in the air and at sea, and those who carried out their duties behind the scenes, providing crucial support and care. Each and every one of them played an essential role in defending our way of life.

While we cannot fully comprehend the depth of the loss felt by their families and loved ones, we can offer our deepest gratitude and unwavering support. Their sacrifice remains etched in our collective memory, and we stand by them, ready to lend a helping hand and provide solace whenever it is needed.

On this day, we come together not only to mourn but also to celebrate the lives of these extraordinary individuals. Let us cherish the memories they have left behind and honor their legacy by striving for a better future. May we never take for granted the freedoms they fought to protect, nor forget the price they paid to secure them.

As we gather in solemn remembrance, let us also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who continue to serve in our armed forces. Their commitment and dedication ensure that the torch of liberty continues to burn brightly, and they stand as a testament to the resilience and strength of our nation.

In the spirit of unity, compassion, and remembrance, let us take a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and valor will forever inspire us, and their memory will endure as an everlasting symbol of the indomitable spirit of our great nation.

Lest we forget.

With profound gratitude,

USVN

 

Become an Owner as Co-Partner with us @ Door to America and/or manage your own Club (free) for DJ's and Singers

 

We are currently looking for a co-partner/owner to join our team managing DtA (Door to America). There are 4 (four) of us, and we are looking for a fifth @ $46.00 usd per month going forward to protect the ongoing growth of Door to America!

https://doortoamerica.blogspot.com/

Door to America is a region within Second Life built specifically to onboard new users using the theme “Second Life is a virtual world for human connection!”  Door to America lists at least twenty-eight (28) benefits to joining Second Life that help people connect with others regardless of their real-life circumstances (including physical, mental, emotional challenges), and can promote a healthy, positive, transformative learning curve for users. Second Life is porous and learned skills, talents, and lessons of all types can transcend the virtual world and bring real world benefits.

Above the tutorials and intake of new SL users at the ground level, DtA has 9 vehicle tracks (mostly motorcycles) that follow U.S. States as follows:

1. Niagara Falls, NY

2. Florida (beaches and Disney-esque)

3. Texas (with 6 shadow boxes to view)

4. Hollywood, CA

5. Hollywood, CA and Beverly Hills

6. Hawaii (with volcano tour)

7. Hall of Rock Hall of Fame Cleveland, Ohio

8. Pirate Level of South Carolina

9. Stargate Atlantis Track (like the TV Series)

Also:

10. Top Gun Speed Track

11. Blade Runner City (like the movie)

12. Many DJ/Live venues & Movie theater/bars

If you want to be part of the future and intake good people to SL then come, give us an inspection.

Door to America is 1 (one) of 5 connected sims titled Destination Adventure.

NOTE: **if you want to own your own music venue or club (DJ's & Live Singers) we have many venues and bars you can manage. Pay zero in rent, and you keep your own club tips.

Warm regards, and we look forward to meeting you!

A G

Contact Angelor Galanter

 

Second Life, the original metaverse app, is getting a mobile release

After two decades, Linden Lab is bringing its virtual world to mobile devices

By Alfonso Maruccia March 17, 2023 at 9:04 AM

Linden Lab recently posted a brief video on its community forum to announce that Second Life will soon have a mobile counterpart. For the first time in 20 years, the virtual world where "residents" enjoy their low-polygonal internet life is expanding its reach beyond traditional desktop platforms.

The mobile version of Second Life will (run) on Android and iOS devices. Linden Lab chose the Unity engine to create their Second Life mobile "viewer" (likely, a dedicated app) and port their online experience to tablets and phones, which is easier to maintain across different platforms.

According to the San Francisco-based company, Second Life Mobile will provide a virtual world which is on par with the one available through desktop systems. The developers had to make some small compromises, but the "complex behaviors" of users' avatars and the "rich" 3D world of Second Life should still be there for residents to enjoy.

The original version of Second Life was released in 2003 and experienced rapid growth and popularity over the years. By 2013, the virtual world had one million regular users but by 2017, the active avatar population had declined to between 800,000 and 900,000 users.

To outsiders, Second Life always felt like a MMORPG game with fewer polygons and interaction opportunities than World of Warcraft. Linden Lab has always insisted that their creation is not a game though, as there are neither "manufactured conflicts" nor set objectives.

To read the complete article click this link: Second Life, the original metaverse app, is getting a mobile release | TechSpot

3 Toxic Personality Types Exist, Say Experts — Here's How To Handle Them (Woman's World)

3 Toxic Personality Types Exist, Say Experts — Here's How To Handle Them

Story by Kristina Mastrocola and Amanda Cargill • 7h ago

According to a recent study co-sponsored by Self.com and Today.com, 84 percent of women have at least one negative person in their life. This high number may sound shocking — but if you’re a part of that 84 percent, you’re likely not surprised. People are complicated, and relationships can be fraught — particularly among women, whose natural intuition and high emotional awareness serves us well in general, but can make certain unions feel like minefields.

But there’s a difference between having a rough patch with a friend and having a chronically toxic friend. The latter is more a burden than a support, and can do real emotional harm. And the experience isn’t limited to friendships; bosses, colleagues, neighbors, and family members can also be toxic. So what, exactly, is a toxic person, and what do you do if you’re friends with one? Below, experts define the most common ‘toxic personality types,’ and offer easy ways to stand up for yourself when confronted with them.

Toxic Personality Type: “The Narcissist”

Narcissism, or an inflated sense of self-importance, is marked by “3D” behavior: denial, defensiveness, and dismissiveness, says expert Wendy Behary. “A narcissist might say, ‘I never said that; you never listen.’ Then they get defensive, downplaying it as no big deal, and dismiss your feelings by walking away.” A fourth “D”? Devaluing you, by saying you’re crazy. “Knowing their behavior is about their damaged psyche helps you reclaim your truth.”

How To Handle It: Raise your voice

If they’re willing to change, Behary suggests “empathetic confrontation.” “This isn’t an endorsement of their behavior; rather, it uses your understanding of them to communicate effectively.” For example, since narcissists are hypersensitive to criticism, you might say:

Toxic Personality Type: “The Passive-Aggressive”

This type of behavior is an indirect way of expressing anger. “It’s often sly and hard to spot,” says expert Loriann Oberlin. “For example, they might be rude, then tell you, ‘I was just joking’ or ‘You’re so sensitive.’” If you see a pattern of stonewalling with silent treatment, trust your gut that it is them (and not your imagination).

How To Handle It: Start with honesty

Passive-aggressive people tend to avoid taking responsibility. “For example, if you’re ordering food, they might say, ‘I don’t care, get anything.’ But when you eat, they don’t like it and imply it’s your fault.” When they avoid expressing their true feelings, you might say, “It actually helps me when you tell me what you want.” The key is opening the lines of communication so they no longer hide their feelings through “covert anger” and learn to express themselves honestly and respectfully.

Toxic Personality Type: “The Critic”

While constructive criticism is solution-oriented, someone who’s chronically judgmental is often bullying, says expert Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D.Since they often push you to see how much you’ll take, she advises deciding what your line in the sand is, then saying, for example, “There’s something I need to talk to you about: It’s not okay when you say X to me.” Sarkis says to never feel guilty for having boundaries.

How To Handle It: Set healthy limits

Since they often push you to see how much you’ll take, she advises deciding what your line in the sand is, then saying, for example, “There’s something I need to talk to you about: It’s not okay when you say X to me.” Sarkis says to never feel guilty for having boundaries.

You Deserve Better

Whether you’re dealing with a narcissist, passive-aggressive type, or chronic critic, Sarkis urges reminding yourself that you deserve three things: courtesy, love, and respect. Perhaps the central takeaway is that just because someone treated you unfairly, the pattern doesn’t have to continue. “I’ve seen so many people go on to have healthy, fulfilling relationships — your destiny is what you decide.”

Read Full Article on Woman's World

DtA Niagara Falls Start of Track

CLICK PIC FOR TELEPORT MAP

Door to America is built with the new Second Life user in mind. The ground level has tutorials to teach a new user "how to" do just about anything they wish in SL. However, above the tutorial ground level are nine (9) levels of motorcycle tracks - many of the tracks are custom built - just for SL'ers who enjoy riding. The tracks follow U.S. States:

1. Niagara Falls, NY

2. Florida

3. Texas

4. California (Hollywood 1)

5. California (Hollywood 2)

6. Hawaii

7. South Carolina

8. Ohio (Rock Hall of Fame)

9. Atlantis (Star Gate)

10. TOP GUN Speed Track and Kansas City BBQ (Movie)

We have a full Scifi Blade Runner sim, too!

Looking for a fast, fun ride to remember? Come on over to Door to America!

 

ANDERSON PARKES LIVE ON-STAGE Friday, April 14th, 6pm @ DtA

Anderson Parkes Live On-Stage

Friday, April 14th @ 6pm slt

Anderson Parkes Live On-Stage Friday, April 14th @ 6pm slt 

Anderson Parkes, a talented and dedicated musician with almost 30 years of experience in music, provides Second Life shows. With just his voice and his guitar he will project the fun he has on stage onto the audience, singing songs from the 60's to the 2000s: From the Beatles to Metallica, from Suzane Vega to Aerosmith. Out of his repertoire of more than 100 songs, you will certainly find many tunes to request. 

** Come, Dance, Have Fun - Venue capacity 100 Avatars ** 

[ Door to America TP]

 

A-R-R-A LIVE ON STAGE, Mavericks MC, Tues, 4/11, 7pm slt

Click Pic for Arra's Soundcloud

A-R-R-A LIVE ON STAGE @ Mavericks MC

Tues, 4/11, @ 7pm slt

You know A-R-R-A, you're a fan, you love her humor, you love her voice. Can't get any better than this! Come, enjoy her show, request songs, dance, and have fun!

Bring your JOY! Followed by Anderson Parkes @ 8pm slt

MAVERICKS MC CONCERT SHUTTLE

 

 

ANDERSON PARKES LIVE ON STAGE, Mavericks MC, Tues, 4/11 @ 8 pm slt

Click Pic for Anderson's Soundcloud

Anderson Parkes, a talented and dedicated musician with almost 30 years of experience in music, provides Second Life shows. With just his voice and his guitar he will project the fun he has on stage onto the audience, singing songs from the 60's to the 2000s: From the Beatles to Metallica, from Suzane Vega to Aerosmith. Out of his repertoire of more than 100 songs, you will certainly find many tunes to request.

** A-R-R-A kicks off the show @ 7pm slt **
** Venue capacity 100 Avatars **

When: Tuesday, April 11th @ 8pm slt

Where: Mavericks MC @ Ruffneck Falls, Concert Venue

 

Door to America presents AVATAR: The Way of Water

CLICK PICTURE OF MAP TP TO DtA

Now is your chance to see Avatar: The Way of Water @ Door to America. Come visit, relax, and stay for the full show.

Synopsis: Over a decade after the events of the first film, the film begins with Jake Sully narrating his modest and peaceful life as Chief of the Omaticaya Clan and raising a family with his wife Neytiri, which includes his sons Neteyam and Lo'ak and his daughter Tuk, his adopted daughter Kiri (born from Grace Augustine's comatose Na'vi avatar), and a human boy named Spider, the son of Miles Quaritch who was born on Pandora but was unable to be transported to Earth in cryostasis as an infant. While Jake can accept Spider as an adopted son, Neytiri is distrustful of him given his human origins. However, all the children mingle and socialize well with each other including Spider, whom Kiri is affectionate with even though he is a human. Spider does not embrace his human heritage and feels more inclined to Na'vi culture and traditions. They lead a normal life until one day they notice a strange star in the night sky. Much to their dismay, they realize it's an RDA spaceship with humans returning to Pandora to colonize it, erecting a new main operating base yet again, causing significant destruction to Pandora. Among the new arrivals in the ship is Colonel Quaritch, who has been cloned into a Na'vi body and with his memories uploaded from before his death. As a result, Quaritch is unable to remember his demise at the hands of Jake but is only able to recollect the events in the past and his vengeful mission to eliminate Jake.

Read more on IMDb

 

JOHN ROCKY LIVE @ DOOR to AMERICA Thursday, March 16th, 6:00pm slt

 

CLICK PICTURE FOR MAP & TELEPORT

  John brings Second Life his wealth of real-life experience. His shows are in English and are often described as being "beautiful," groovy," "retro to modern," "heart-touching," and "rocking." Each how can feature pop, rock, hard rock, metal, 80's, 90's, and even  some classic rock ballads! Today his covering bands include Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Guns'N'Roses, Journey, Metallica, Mr. Big, Whitesnake, Queen to Originals, and more.

John's presence on stage is one full of energy, and his passion for music & entertainment shines through in every performance, drawing the crowd in to enjoy the show. In addition, fans are encouraged to make requests from a song list distributed to them near the beginning of the show. Which further improves the draw for the attending audience!

In real life, John recently returned from an Asiatic Tour in China. With his return to the Second Life music scene, he brings this vast and exciting experience to share with us in a truly captivating show.

Dress: Casual with hints of green, if you wish.

4 Day Work Week, Anyone?

 

Four-Day Workweeks Could Be Coming to the U.S. — Here's How

Story by Marisa Sullivan • 4h ago

California Rep. Mark Takano has reintroduced a bill that aims to trim back the traditional

40-hour workweek, after dozens of companies in the United Kingdom have already

jumped on board and reported positive results, according to The Washington Post.

Read the full article - click the picture above

Note: Health Insurance will have to be re-written to include full time workers @ 32 hrs

per week instead of 40 hrs per week. This will greatly benefit many industries but

especially retail workers in the U.S.

If Second Life isn't a game, what is it? (NBC NEWS)

 

If Second Life isn't a game, what is it?

The mainstream press has struggled with how to characterize Second Life. The term “3-D online virtual world” doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily as the term “game.” And it’s a whole lot harder to get in a headline. But what is it, really?

Click Picture above for the NBC NEWS WORLD article by Kristin Kalning.

Remember to visit Door to America, Mavericks MC, & Cannery Cove, Marshlands & Wilds inworld