International Jazz Day 2017 Worldwide Celebration Concludes With All-Star Global Concert, In Havana, Cuba

TMIJ/UNESCO, International Jazz Day 2017, Sun. April 30.

Following thousands of events taking place in over 190 countries, International Jazz Day 2017 culminated in a phenomenal concert streamed worldwide from Havana's historic Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso. As the International Jazz Day 2017 Global Host City, the musically vibrant city of Havana also presented a wide range of concerts and education programs in partnership with Cuba's Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Music, and the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO.

Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in coordination with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day is recognized on the official calendars of UNESCO and the United Nations. 

TMIJ/UNESCO, International Jazz Day 2017, Sun. April 30.

Each year on April 30, International Jazz Day highlights the role of jazz in promoting freedom, creativity and intercultural dialogue, and uniting people from all corners of the globe. Toyota served as Lead Partner of International Jazz Day 2017.

The Global Concert began with an all-star group of musicians from Cuba and around the world performing "Cuba Bop" and "Manteca" in tribute to the groundbreaking 1940s collaboration between Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo that blended Afro-Cuban music and jazz. 

Acclaimed vocalist Cassandra Wilson performed her sultry composition "You Move Me" and Cuban trumpet virtuoso Julio Padrón played Freddie Hubbard's inventive "Byrdlike." Beloved Cuban vocalist Bobby Carcassés joined forces with master bassist and vocalist Richard Bona of Cameroon for a fiery rendition of the Latin jazz tune "Bilongo."

"Bésame Mucho" showcased the global influence of jazz, with pianists Youn Sun Nah (Republic of Korea) and Tarek Yamani (Lebanon); bassist Esperanza Spalding and violinist Regina Carter (United States); and drummer Antonio Sánchez (Mexico). To mark the centennial of jazz icon Thelonious Monk, legendary Cuban pianists Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Chucho Valdés gave a stunning performance of the classic "Blue Monk." 

The concert came to a exhilarating end with artists including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Marcus Miller, vocalists Kurt Elling and Ivan Lins, French guitarist Marc Antoine, and Cuban percussionists Yaroldi Abreu, Adel González, Ramsés Rodriguez and Oscar Valdés performing the John Lennon anthem "Imagine."

For more information, visit www.unesco.org/days/jazzday     

The Video:

SOURCE: Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz

Trump Administration Executive Order Threatens Millions Of American Jobs And Billions In GDP

Today, the Trump administration announced plans to expand offshore oil drilling in U.S. waters, threatening recreation, tourism, fishing and other coastal industries, which provide more than 1.4 million jobs and $95 billion GDP along the Atlantic coast alone. 

• The executive order directs the Interior Department to develop a new five-year oil and gas leasing program to consider new areas for offshore drilling. 
• The order also blocks the creation of new national marine sanctuaries and orders a review of all existing sanctuaries and marine monuments designated or expanded in the past ten years.

"Our ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that would be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling, regardless of whether or not there is a spill," said Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. "With today's action, the Trump administration is putting the interests of the oil and gas lobby over the hundreds of communities, thousands of businesses, and millions of citizens who rely on the ocean and coasts for their jobs and livelihoods." 

New offshore drilling would threaten thousands of miles of coastline and billions in GDP, for a relatively small amount of oil. Ocean tourism and recreation, worth an estimated $100 billion annually nationwide, provides 12 times the amount of jobs to the U.S. economy, compared to offshore oil production. Even under the best-case scenario, America's offshore oil reserves would provide only about 920 days, or 18 months supply of oil at our current rate of consumption, according to federal agency estimates.

"Tourism drives our local economy, and the approval of offshore drilling poses a huge threat to the livelihood and quality of life in our beach community," said Nicole D.C. Kienlen, Tourism Director of Bradley Beach, New Jersey. "The effects would be devastating on multiple levels."

Even when there are no accidents, offshore oil drilling seriously pollutes our water and food supply at every stage. The ground penetration, the drilling, the rigs, and the transportation tankers all release toxic chemicals and leaked oil. The standard process of drilling releases thousands of gallons of polluted water into the ocean. High concentrations of metals have been found around drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and have been shown to accumulate in fish, mussels and other seafood.

"The Trump administration wants to pour money in to a sinking ship with relatively small return, instead of supporting growth industries like coastal tourism and renewable energy that are adding jobs to our economy," said Pete Stauffer, Environmental Director for the Surfrider Foundation. "We will stand up for what's best for the nation, and our oceans, by fighting new offshore drilling off our coasts."

Find out more and get involved at Surfrider.org

About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 500,000 supporters, activists and members, with more than 80 volunteer-led chapters and 60 clubs in the U.S., and more than 400 victories protecting our coasts.

 

SOURCE: Surfrider Foundation

  More Donald Trump Related Stories

Click here for more Donald Trump related stories...

"Flying Pigs" Video Marks Arrival Of The All-New 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid [Video Included]

“Flying Pigs” video marks arrival of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler brand is celebrating the arrival of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid with a new 60-second video "Flying Pigs," which will begin running across digital media channels beginning Friday, April 28. "Flying Pigs" can be viewed on the Chrysler brand's official YouTube page, in addition to the brand's social channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is arriving in dealerships now. 

"If I had told you even two years ago that the Chrysler brand would transform the minivan segment with the industry's first hybrid minivan, and that it would achieve 84 MPGe, with class-leading features and innovations, including hybrid-exclusive technology features, including a smartphone app, deliver relevant vehicle information, such as charge status and scheduling, charging station locations and an 'efficiency coach' for more efficient driving, many consumers would have said they'll believe it 'when pigs fly'," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. "With the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid arriving into dealerships, consumers will no longer have to say they'll believe it when they see it, and can now experience it firsthand for themselves."

"To celebrate this next critical chapter in our Minivan Firsts – our story requires a very specific message – one that speaks to two very distinct audiences (parents and children)," said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer – FCA Global. "Through the spot's unique story-telling device, flying pigs and blue moons are seen as the device to highlight segment-first features that are almost unbelievable and will appeal to adults and kids alike."

The 60-second "Flying Pigs" video opens in an animated picture-book view, from the perspective of a young boy and his sister sitting in the passenger seats of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as their parents take the minivan for a test drive. As mom and dad learn about the class-leading safety and technology features, the children see the unexpected as they gaze into the sky through the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's tri-pane panoramic sunroof. With sweeping CGI aerial shots that include flying pigs, "down under" freezing over and a blue moon, the moral of the story is that the all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid defies all conventional thinking.

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US LLC has transformed the segment with firsts, notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations.

"Flying Pigs" was created in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners.

The Video:  
SOURCE: FCA US LLC

Women's Most Desired Super Powers Revealed in thinkThin National Survey

(PRNewsfoto/thinkThin)

Today thinkThin announced it is celebrating its partnership with the feature film "Wonder Woman," by revealing unexpected comic book hero statistics and surprising a fan with her super power wish. This is the first of four surprises that will be granted to consumers who enter the thinkThin Super Powers contest by May 5th.

Inspired by the heroic feats of Wonder Woman and in anticipation of the upcoming June 2nd film release, thinkThin commissioned a national survey to uncover women's "must haves" when it comes to super powers.

The survey, which captured insight from women across all ages, revealed some startling results, specifically: 

• Two is better than one. While women desire invisibility, flight and telepathy, more than two thirds would use their super powers to be in two places at once. 
• Not a caped crusader. The majority of women, 56 percent, would prefer wielding a shield to a wearing a cape while saving the world. 
• Millennial mask mindset. Overall, 80 percent of millennial women openly wish for a super power, with 54 percent of them saying they wouldn't wear a mask when fighting crime. 
• Party of one. When asked to pick Wonder Woman's soul mate, there was universal agreement across all age groups that Wonder Woman does not need anyone to complete her…though maybe they haven't met Steve Trevor! 
• Truth be told. The majority of women polled wanted Wonder Woman's Golden Lasso of Hestia, over other items, including her bracelets and tiara. 
• Wonder Woman is wondrous. Wonder Woman is the top hero pick for women, beating out other well-known female heroes old and new. 

To celebrate the highly anticipated release of the Wonder Woman film, thinkThin surprised its social media fan AnnaRose Etra of Santa Cruz, California, who posted on the thinkThin Facebook page that breathing underwater would be the ultimate ability. To bring this super power to life, thinkThin will provide scuba diving certification lessons, enabling her to explore the ocean as if she had that ability.

"We wanted to celebrate a hero film featuring a woman in the leading role," said Michele Kessler, the president of thinkThin. "We love that Wonder Woman has super strength and we're proud to offer delicious products that give women the everyday strength they need to power through their day."

thinkThin will award three additional fans across the country a surprise prize leading up to the movie's release, and four fans have a chance to win a swag bag of thinkThin products and movie gift certificates. To enter between now and May 5, 2017, comment on the thinkThin Super Powers Contest posts on Facebook or Instagram and tell us which super power you wish you had.

Fans also have a chance to win by participating in the thinkThin "Wonder Woman" sweepstakes! Post a comment or photo on Twitter, Instagram or the official thinkThin Facebook page about thinkThin or "Wonder Woman" using the hashtags #thinkWonderWoman and #Sweepstakes.

Enter by May 11th for a chance to win a "Wonder Woman" VIP Experience, including a trip for two to the movie's U.S. premier, and enter by June 8th to win other great prizes, including a replica of Wonder Woman's golden lasso and tiara, gift baskets of "Wonder Woman" memorabilia and thinkThin Products, or movie tickets.

Fans of both "Wonder Woman" and thinkThin can follow all the updates and contest opportunities on thinkThin's Facebook and Instagram pages. 

For more information visit www.thinkproducts.com.

About "Wonder Woman"
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Patty Jenkins directs "Wonder Woman" from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston.

The film stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Elena Anaya. It is produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, "Wonder Woman." The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2017, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.wonderwomanfilm.com.

Wonder Woman and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About the thinkThin Super Powers Contest
No Purchase Necessary to Enter. Must be U.S. resident 21 or over. Promotion begins 4/4/17 at 12:00:00 a.m. PT and ends 5/5/17 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT. Void where prohibited and outside U.S. Total ARV of all prizes is $2400. Winners selected based on feasibility, thoughtfulness and creativity. Subject to Official Rules (including full entry and prize restrictions) at thinkproducts.com/superpowers.

Sponsor: Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Inc. Not sponsored by Facebook or Twitter.

About the thinkThin-Wonder Woman Sweepstakes
No Purchase Necessary to Enter. Must be U.S. resident 21 or over. Promotion begins 4/21/17 at 12:00:00 a.m. PT and ends 6/8/17 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT. Deadline for Grand Prize drawing is 5/11/17 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT. If entering via mobile device, message & data rates may apply. Winners selected by random drawing. Total ARV of all prizes: $4,000. Grand Prize trip must be taken to attend Wonder Woman premiere screening on 5/25/17. Void where prohibited and outside U.S. Subject to Official Rules (including full entry and prize restrictions as well as odds) at thinkWonderWomanMovieSweeps.com.

Sponsor: National CineMedia, LLC, Centennial, CO 80112. Not sponsored by Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.


SOURCE: thinkThin

Documentary Exposes Threat to Humans' "Innocently Violent" Ways

Innocently Violent Movie Poster

Korey Rowe, Producer of "Loose Change 9/11" and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan engagements has released a new documentary, "Innocently Violent", concerning the future of our food supply as affected by climate change. Korey Rowe, an upstate New York native, travels from the glaciers of Iceland, to the labs of UCLA and the kitchens of Vancouver to understand what will happen in the years to come if the drastic changes we are witnessing can't be reversed. "A problem properly stated is half-solved," says Jordan Perry, farmer and conservationist in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada who is featured in the film. Jordan and his family are taking active measures in their own lives to educate themselves and others in sustainable living practices.

Individuals can make a difference, and this documentary focuses on the trajectory of that change. Filmed over the course of three years by one man with one camera, this story of humans is one that will make you think while forcing you to ask the question: "Is this the best society we can create?"

Currently, the movie is free to Amazon Prime members and will be on other platforms such as Hulu, iTunes, YouTube and more soon. "Innocently Violent" is produced by Prism Pictures, a Los Angeles, California, production company and distributed by Indie Rights Movies, who is handling global distribution for the film.

For more information about the movie and the director, Korey Rowe, go to www.innocentlyviolent.com.

The Trailer:

SOURCE: Prism Pictures

Superhero Musical 'Tara Tremendous' Gets Docuseries Leading to Launch of Cast Album

Image via wonkybot.com

Wonkybot Studios has released the trailer, key art and confirmed a May 3rd launch date for its new original documentary web series Tara Tremendous: Making Of A Musical.

(The trailer can be viewed here)   

The series, which will air in short segments exclusively on Wonkybot.com, follows company founders Stewart St John, Todd Fisher and Michael Plahuta — who are also the creative forces behind the Tara Tremendous brand — as they take their #1 iTunes kids and family podcast to New York and prepare to launch it as a musical concert premiering at world-famous Feinstein's/54 Below.

Says St John, "Getting this show up and in front of a real audience is the first step toward our goal of bringing Tara to Broadway. We were blessed with some amazing talent along the way, from Micky Dolenz, MiMi Ryder and Kecia Lewis to Annie Golden, Brian Charles Rooney, Ramsey Whitney, Mary Stout… so many wonderful, talented souls came on board to make this happen and we are eternally grateful."

Tara Tremendous is the story of an 11-year-old girl who goes from ordinary to extraordinary overnight after she accidentally inherits all the powers of every superhero in the world. St John created the concept in 2015 and the company launched it as a musical podcast series in 2016, where it quickly became a #1 kids and family series.

Tara Tremendous: Making Of A Musical chronicles the funny and frantic weeks leading up to the New York City stage debut, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the blood, sweat and tunes that goes into launching something like a new musical.

"We were newbies at the whole musical thing," says Fisher, "And it was challenging because we were primarily working out of our LA office. There was a lot of frustration trying to wrangle this project from across the country."

They were aided along the way by key folks in New York, among them Van Dean, CEO of Broadway Records and a producer of Anastasia The Musical, and Mia Moravis, also part of the Anastasia team and a cast member of Tara Tremendous. "They were incredibly generous in helping us navigate the New York theater scene and offered a solid net whenever we started to become a little anxious," adds St John.

St John, who created, wrote and directed the podcast series, adapted the project for the stage. He wrote the book, lyrics and co-composed twenty songs with musical partner Michael Plahuta.

"We literally finished the last song two hours before our plane left from LA to New York," says Plahuta. "It 's been an exhilarating ride to say the least, maybe the best time of my life. And it's far from over. Actually, it feels like the journey has just begun."

Tara Tremendous: Making Of A Musical will air on Wednesdays beginning in May, building toward the release of the Official Tara Tremendous Cast Album, which was also recorded in New York and will be released in July.

"We see this docuseries as an excellent way to showcase our new musical," adds Fisher. "The series will be filled with exclusive sneak peeks at all the wonderful new songs and music from the show. At this point, we're just trying to get as much exposure as we can because it's all about raising awareness and getting investors on board who believe in the project enough to help get it funded and on stage."

SOURCE: Wonkybot Studios

Rescued Eaglet Returned To National Arboretum Nest In Washington, DC

In Washington DC, the leg of 23-day-old Bald Eaglet "DC4" became lodged in the stick-rails of its nest, resulting in a human-coordinated rescue.

During the evening of April 20th, the right leg of 23-day-old Bald Eaglet "DC4" became precariously lodged inside a hole within the outer rails of its large stick-nest. The eaglet was unable to free itself after many attempts to do so over a considerable period of time.

DC4 resides in a wild nest located at the top of a Tulip Poplar tree at the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) in Washington DC along with its sibling DC5 and Bald Eagle parents Mr. President & The First Lady.

Via the live-streaming cameras on dceaglecam.org, it became apparent to worldwide viewers that DC4 was in trouble and distressed, and that a human-coordinated rescue could significantly decrease the chance of serious injury to the eaglet's leg. The non-profit American Eagle Foundation (AEF) and the U.S. National Arboretum immediately cooperated with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Ex-Cel Tree Experts to plan the removal of the eaglet from the nest.

"Typically when something goes awry in a wild eagle nest, we don't even know about it and nature simply takes its course," says AEF President Al Cecere. "In this case, however, we could all clearly see how much the eaglet was struggling and how human intervention might make the difference between life and death. We had the power in our hands to help, so that's what we did."

After being retrieved and lowered from the tree by professional arborists Matt Morrison & Marty Levine, the eaglet was initially assessed on the ground by US Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Craig Koppie (also an experienced tree climber). It then received further examination by veterinarian Samantha Sander at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, who truly gave the eaglet the "presidential treatment!" A physical check-up and radiograph revealed no permanent damage to DC4's leg, with the only visible signs being a slight abrasion and swelling. Overall, the eaglet received an acceptable health report and was approved by the veterinarian to be placed back into its nest.

DC4 was successfully returned to its nest at the Arboretum on April 21st at around 5pm EDT. Mr. President, The First Lady, and DC5 welcomed DC4 back home, safe and sound!

The entire process of freeing the eaglet's lodged/stuck leg, getting it checked out/radiographed, and then returning it to the nest took less than 24 hours.

Sue Greeley with USNA helped facilitate the entire process at the Arboretum, while AEF President Al Cecere guided and monitored the effort virtually by phone and internet from Tennessee.

"We are extremely grateful for all USFWS, AEF, USNA, Ex-Cel, & Maryland Zoo staff and volunteers who readily responded to this emergency situation and helped make this a quick, safe and successful rescue effort," says Cecere.

The Video

SOURCE: American Eagle Foundation

Dutch Philosopher Koert van Mensvoort, Founder of the Next Nature Network, Writes a #LetterToHumanity

Dutch philosopher Koert van Mensvoort has written a ‘Letter to Humanity’ in support of International Earth Day. 
(PRNewsfoto/Next Nature Network)

Dutch philosopher Koert van Mensvoort - founder of the Next Nature Network and Fellow of 'Next Nature' at the University of Technology in Eindhoven - has written a 'Letter to Humanity' in support ofInternational Earth Day. In this letter, he calls on humanity to avoid becoming a slave and victim to its own technology, but to employ technology to enhance our human race.

His letter is addressed to all 7 billion people on Earth. It has been translated into 25 languages right around the world and is endorsed by international ambassadors such as astronaut André Kuipers, philosopher Bas Haring, designer Daan Roosegaarde, National Geographic presenter Jason Silva and experimental architecture Professor Rachel Armstrong. 

>> The letter can be read here. <<

In his letter, Van Mensvoort describes how Man has entered a new evolutionary phase and that, apart from creating the biosphere, has now also created a so-called technosphere. According to him, its impact is similar to the evolution of animals 500 million years ago. "Your presence is transforming the face of the earth so profoundly, that it will still be evident millions of years from now", he writes.

According to him, Man is standing at a crossroads and can develop his relationship with technology either into a dream or into a nightmare. In the nightmare scenario, technology has a parasitic effect on human beings and we become the first species to cause its own demise. In the dream, human technology is based on human needs as a starting point and it is actually used to create a more natural world. The latter path is not only rewarding for mankind, but for the entire planet.

Koert van Mensvoort is a philosopher, artist and Fellow 'Next Nature' at the TU in Eindhoven. He is the founder of the Next Nature Network, a foundation that explores and visualises the extent to which we are surrounded by a technology that is becoming our 'next nature'. This international network now has members in twenty countries.

The Teaser
    

Examples of other projects by the Next Nature Network are the ECOcoin that rewards positive sustainable activity, a fictional sneaker company that raises a discussion on biotechnology and research into the impact of cultured meat.

SOURCE: Next Nature Network

Related Articles

• Koert van Mensvoort at Springforum 2017
• When is Earth Day and how can you do your bit for the environment?
• NASA Earth Day 2017 Events: Adopt Part Of The Planet
• What's The Cost Of Surfing The Internet? 'Earth Mode' Browser Plug-in Helps Users Understand Their Impact On The Environment

Texas Instruments And NASA Launch Virtual Scavenger Hunt With Out-Of-This-World Prizes

Texas Instruments and NASA have partnered to launch “The Search for STEMnauts,” a virtual scavenger hunt that challenges students to unravel space-related riddles for a chance to win stellar prizes.

Texas Instruments (TI) and NASA today launched "The Search for STEMnauts," a virtual scavenger hunt designed to ignite students' interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Each week, for the next six weeks, students in sixth through 12th grade are challenged to solve space-related puzzles for a chance to unlock virtual reward points. The student team with the most points at the end of the challenge wins an out-of-this-world prize pack, including TI's new limited-edition Galaxy Gray graphing calculator, a $500 Amazon gift card, a stellar NASA swag bag and a live video chat with an astronaut.

The weekly challenges range in difficulty from beginner to advanced and introduce students to the coding and problem-solving skills NASA employees, including astronauts, use in their jobs every day. From cracking a code using TI's basic programming language to calculating the travel time between Earth and Mars, students will put their STEM skills to the test.

"The future of space exploration lies in the hands of students in today's classrooms," said Peggy Whitson, a NASA astronaut who has been to outer space three times and is currently living and working on the International Space Station. "By creating opportunities to encourage teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, we can make learning fun and set students on a course to become the next generation of explorers."

Students who accept the mission will automatically be entered to win TI's new Galaxy Gray TI-84 Plus CE, one of the coolest STEM tools on planet Earth. Students are also invited along on weekly virtual field trips, offering exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to NASA's headquarters. Student teams can check out where they stand, in relation to their classmates and other competing teams from around the country, by following real-time updates to the "Search for STEMnauts" leaderboard on the contest website: STEMnauts.com.

"We've added a high-tech, interactive twist to the traditional scavenger hunt that will appeal to all students," said Peter Balyta, Ph.D, President of Texas Instruments Education Technology. "By making a game out of learning important skills, like coding and problem-solving, we hope to foster a life-long love of STEM and open students up to a variety of exciting career opportunities."

The Video:

International Space Station (ISS) Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson and Commander Shane Kimbrough invite students to enter “The Search for STEMnauts” contest. Watch this short video from the ISS to learn more about this virtual scavenger ...

To view the official contest rules and to accept the mission, visit: www.STEMnauts.com.

SOURCE: Texas Instruments

Comedian Keeps Her Sense of Humor When Facing Ovarian Cancer

When I Die Take My Panties by Jen Coken

Ovarian cancer claims the lives of 14,000 American women and 140,000 women worldwide every year. Jen Coken, whose mother died from the disease, has a mission to end late-stage diagnosis by educating women about the signs and symptoms. "If I knew then what I know now, my mother might still be alive," Coken said.

In When I Die Take My Panties: Turning Your Darkest Moments into Your Greatest (Morgan James Publishing) Coken uses jokes she co-wrote with her late mother to bring awareness to the cancer that is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. For example, as Coken's mother's disease progressed she looked like she was pregnant. Her mother used to rest snacks on her "belly" just like she did "when I was pregnant with you," she told Jen "only then it was an ashtray and a martini!"

Coken can share:

• How to find humor in the darkest topics.
• New research shows that ovarian cancer starts in the fallopian tubes, giving hope to young women who get diagnosed and want to start a family later in life.
• How to B.E.A.T ovarian cancer by learning its symptoms: persistent bloating, feeling full while eating less, abdominal or back pain and trouble with bowels and bladder.
• How to get your doctor to listen.
• Why every woman is at risk and Jewish women are ten times more likely to be diagnosed with it.

Praise for When I Die, Take My Panties

"Coken's debut memoir provides a close-up and, at times, funny view of dealing with the illness and death of her mother while her own life continued on. The relatable content and all-too-familiar story line make this an easy book to engage with....and Coken's honesty is genuine."— Publisher's Weekly

Jen Coken

About the author

Jen Coken is a life coach and stand-up comedian who has coached thousands of people for nearly 20 years to go beyond their self-made limitations and produce breakthrough results. She uses humor to help her clients transition through tough times to rediscover their joy, purpose and passion.

SOURCE: Jen Coken

Discovery 2017 Welcomes Gina McCarthy, #EPA Head Under President Obama

Gina McCarthy, former EPA head under President Obama (CNW Group/Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc.)

A leading advocate for public health and the environment for over 30 years, Gina McCarthy will be the Day Two keynote speaker at Discovery 2017. McCarthy will deliver an environmental message that conveys common sense strategies and sustainable solutions backed by science at the annual innovation conference, hosted by Ontario Centres of Excellence.

Discovery 2017 participants can look forward to an exciting and informative keynote address about the dangers, challenges and opportunities that face our planet and its people, as well as an energizing call to action.

McCarthy is well-known and celebrated for her work with the Obama White House as the former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During that time she spearheaded historic progress on the Climate Action Plan to achieve the administration's public health and environmental protection goals.

In 2015, McCarthy signed the Clean Power Plan, which set the first-ever national standards for reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants, underscoring the country's commitment to domestic climate action and spurring international efforts that helped secure the Paris Climate Agreement, signed by 175 countries. During her tenure, EPA initiatives cut air pollution, protected water resources, reduced greenhouse gases and strengthened chemical safety to better protect more Americans, especially the most vulnerable, from negative health impacts. Internationally, McCarthy worked with the UN and WHO on a variety of efforts and represented the U.S. on global initiatives to reduce high-risk sources of pollution.

McCarthy is currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard and as a Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizing her career-long position that public health and the environment are critically interconnected.

"With a keen interest across sectors in cleantech, climate change and lowering greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario, Gina McCarthy will be speaking at Discovery at an ideal time," says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE's President and CEO. "Her direct and practical message of environmental protection based in science is an exciting addition to this year's amazing line-up of speakers."

Named Canada's Best Trade Show in 2010, 2011, and 2016, and celebrating 12 years of bold, new ideas, OCE's Discovery is Canada's premier innovation showcase. It brings together the best and brightest minds in industry, academia, investment and government to showcase leading-edge technologies, best practices and research in the areas of energy, fintech, cleantech, the environment, advanced health, digital media, information and communication technologies and advanced manufacturing. The annual conference and showcase attracts more than 3,500 attendees and 500 exhibitors.

For more on Discovery, visit www.ocediscovery.com

NB: Gina McCarthy is available for media interviews on May 16.

Trailer:

SOURCE: Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc.

Feature Film About Eating Disorders, Little Miss Perfect, To Be Screened In Dallas

Little Miss Perfect Screening April 27 in Dallas

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, The Elisa Project and film director, Marlee Roberts, are hosting a free one-night-only screening of the compelling drama titled Little Miss Perfect, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Studio Movie Grill, 11170 N. Central Expy in Dallas.

The award-winning feature film chronicles the life of Belle, a 14-year-old overly-ambitious straight-A freshman. As class president, Belle seems to have it all together, but as her family troubles and daily social academic pressures grow, she seeks a way to control her chaotic world. In the film, Belle is triggered by a blog promoting anorexia and other eating disorders and she drops to an unhealthy weight. Belle utilizes weight measurement as a means to regain a sense of self control.

"Little Miss Perfect tells the story of a girl who struggles to control her life by controlling her weight. This need for 'control', much like our protagonist Belle, had led me to research the psychological and behavioral effects of those who cope with a loss of control, particularly in anorexia," said Roberts. "I wanted to explore the disparity between our physical and psychological selves and question what that says about us as individuals and as a society."

Little Miss Perfect began first as an adaptation of the traditional French fairy tale 'La Belle et la Bete,' popularly known in English as "Beauty and the Beast." The adaptation borrowed Belle's studious perfectionist nature and combined it with the Beast's shame and temper. Similar to that of the original story, Belle was given a father who sets off on a work venture, a mother who is out of the picture and a confident bordering-on-arrogant suitor.

However, as work was done on the screenplay, it transformed into its own story and themes from the classic fairy tale have become only symbols paying homage to the original tale. While not completely autobiographical, Roberts wrote the character of Belle from personal experience in high school struggling with similar themes many young girls are facing: social exclusion, academic pressure, body image, and family disconnection. 

The event, open to the public, offers complimentary hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, national eating disorders awareness advocate and community relations specialist for Timberline Knolls, will emcee the event.

Following the screening, Haglund will lead an interactive panel discussion with the film's director and Cindy Cole, LMFT, LPC, Director of Primary and Family Therapy at Timberline Knolls. Also on the panel will be Andy McGarrahan, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Children's Medical Center Dallas.

Registration is required to attend the event. Those interested can register here 

SOURCE: Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

"Attack On Titan" Season 2 To Premiere Saturday April 1 On FunimationNow, Hulu And Crunchyroll

"Attack On Titan" Season 2 To Premiere Saturday April 1 On FunimationNow, Hulu And Crunchyroll

The wait will soon be over for countless anime fans of "Attack on Titan" across the U.S. and Canada. Funimation Entertainment announced today that "Attack on Titan" Season 2 will premiere on FunimationNow, Hulu and Crunchyroll on Saturday April 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern / 9:30 a.m. Central. Both the premiere and future English-subtitled simulcast episodes of the new season will be available across all three platforms as well as the Crunchyroll and Funimation channels on VRV. Details on Season 2 English SimulDub episodes will be shared within weeks.

"We're thrilled to be premiering 'Attack on Titan' Season 2 together with Hulu and Crunchyroll to anime fans across the U.S. and Canada," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. "Fan excitement has been building non-stop since our acquisition announcement and our clip reveal last December. 'Attack on Titan' Season 2 will not disappoint."

"Attack on Titan" ("Shingeki no Kyojin" in Japanese) is based on the New York Times best-selling manga series by Hajime Isayama and tells the story of a world in which the last of humanity fights to survive against man-eating giants called Titans. With now 21 volumes in print and an estimated 70 million copies in print today, "Attack on Titan" has inspired spin-off manga and novels, the anime series, a live action movie and numerous video games. Funimation simulcast the original 25-episode, Season 1 of "Attack on Titan" as well as released it on home video throughout North America.

"We're excited to bring the pop culture hit "Attack on Titan" back for a second season after its long hiatus," said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. "And based on clip reveals, it will be an action-packed season that fans can look forward to watching. It's definitely been worth the wait."

Synopsis

Eren Jaeger swore to wipe out every last remaining Titan, but in a battle for his life he wound up becoming the thing he hates most. With his new powers, he fights for humanity's freedom facing the monsters that threaten his home. After a bittersweet victory against the Female Titan, Eren finds no time to rest—a horde of Titans is approaching Wall Rose and the battle for humanity continues!

Viewers can catch up on all past episodes of "Attack on Titan" on FunimationNow, Hulu and Crunchyroll as well as the Crunchyroll and Funimation channels on VRV.

SOURCE: Funimation