"Cover of Future" Boosts Global Awareness on Climate Change with Art

The original "Cover of Future" displayed at Tam The Palace of Tam Chuc Temple in Kim Bang, Ha Nam Province, Vietnam during 2019 UN Vesak festival

Scientists warn there are only a dozen years before millions of people experience the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty due to climate change (more details here). 

• This warning was also announced loud and clear to world leaders, Buddhist leaders, and Buddhists around the world at the United Nation's 2019 Vesak Festival through one single painting.

Called the "Cover of Future", Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc used traditional Vietnamese silk, Van Gogh inspired water colors, soft but bold strokes, together with deep and lifeless colours to paint a dying tree, partly submerged in sea water. This painting depicts the devastating results of climate change - a world without green trees, animals and humans.

Using a simple painting style, Mrs. Nguyen wanted the artwork to pass from "heart to heart", relaying her love for the environment, like in Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu's words: "People rely on land, land relies on God, God relies on religion, religion relies on nature". She also wanted people to realize that the planet can only be saved if they change their wasteful and polluting habits.

105 copies of this painting were given to the heads of states and leaders of Buddhism from over 100 countries who attended attend the Vesak celebrations. They include Buddhist leaders such as Professor, Dr. Phra Brahmapundit - Chairman of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung - Minister of Information and Communication of Vietnam, Ryan Giggs - Coach of the Welsh National Football Team, the Prime Minister of Nepal, the President of Bhutan's Senate, and Sang Ji Zha Xi - Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Buddhist Church. They were all very sympathetic and touched upon receiving the painting.

"Through the "Cover of Future, I want to remind world leaders about their responsibility of preserving our world. As the decision-makers, they must take the lead in this fight to spread the message of taking responsibility to protect the environment to their people and if they don't take action straight away, the world will end. I want to see them hang this picture in their living room, so they can be reminded of their duty daily," said artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc.

Artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc - A Vietnamese businesswoman who wants to see a green future and succeeded in captivating world leaders' attention on this issue at the 2019 UN Vesak festival

About the Artist

Nguyen Thi Km Duc currently serves as the Director of the Institute of Human Resources – HV Talent and the Chairman of the board of HTD Media Joint Stock Company. She also founded Butta, the first social network for the Buddhist community in Vietnam.

Mrs. Nguyen's passion for the environment is a result of her father's influence. Her father is the well-known Vietnamese author Nguyen Son Dong who wrote the famous novel "Xu Doai May Trang" and many Vietnamese poems. Mrs. Nguyen said her father's poem "The Freshness To Life" shaped her passion in helping preserve the world humans live in.

"On a block of wood this afternoon
Raindrops were so small
It pained my heart
But the forest was vast
People's immensity as well,
Please join me!
For evergreen forest
The freshness to life"

• Mrs. Nguyen hopes that "Cover of Future" will be considered as a brand ambassador for our environment and anti-climate change, and hopefully be present around the world to promote the Green Planet protection in the future.

SOURCE: HTD Media

Cuddle Your Candidate Tonight! Primary Pals Plush Dolls Featuring The Top Democratic Candidates Launches Just In Time For The Primary Debates

"You can be proud of who you are supporting by having your Primary Pal on your desk, in your home, or anywhere else you may go."

Build Dolls, Not Walls… that's the motto of one veteran toymaker who is set to launch Primary Pals, a humorous plush collection featuring the top six front-running Democratic primary candidates just days before the first Democratic Presidential debate on June 26th. 

Developed by Neal Hoffman, a Shark Tank veteran and entrepreneur, the new plush collection features candidates like Ridin' with Biden and Bernie on a Journey and 'campaigns' for your support as it launches exclusively on Kickstarter today.

"With Primary Pals we are looking to lighten the mood and at the same time add a hint of playfulness and humor to the serious political climate currently blanketing the United States," states Neal Hoffman, a long-time toy industry executive and entrepreneur. 

Hoffman also sees the dolls as another way to show support for your candidate beyond the standard buttons and bumper stickers and developed the entire product line to most accurately reflect each candidate's personality in a fun and engaging way.

Featured in the collection are the top six candidates by most recent polling, and each dubbed with an amusing and friendly nickname, including:

• Ridin' with Biden
• Bernie on a Journey
• My Buddy Beto
• Mayor Pete in the Street
• Courageous Kamala Harris
• Persistent Elizabeth Warren

Hoffman has set a funding goal of $20,020 to support production for the line, which will be shipped this fall. Voters can purchase their favorite Primary Pals candidate for $25 each or a special collector's edition for $30, exclusive to Kickstarter supporters. The complete Primary Pals collection is also available for $100.

Once the Kickstarter campaign is completed, Primary Pals will be available for purchase on the Primary Pals website (coming soon) where 5% of the proceeds will be donated to the candidates' election funds based on the sales of each doll. To make it even more interesting, the donation will increase to 10% of proceeds to the candidate who sells the most dolls on Kickstarter.

The Candidates:

Bernie on a Journey (image via Kickstarter)

My Buddy Beto (image via Kickstarter)

Ridin' with Biden (image via Kickstarter)

Mayor Pete in the Street (image via Kickstarter)

Courageous Kamala Harris (image via Kickstarter)

Persistent Elizabeth Warren (image via Kickstarter)

In addition to each individual product, a collector's edition will be available for most candidates in the line, which includes unique features including variations in the objects representing each candidate. 

• For fans of Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand or the many other Democratic contenders, Hoffman has said he will add additional candidates based on demand and feedback on the Primary Pals Facebook page.

For Republican fans, Hoffman has hinted of "Trump vs. Democratic Presidential Candidate" Battle Pack in timing with the 2020 presidential election.

• The Primary Pals Kickstarter campaign is now live. Stay tuned for Primary Pals social media accounts to launch across multiple platforms.

Build Dolls, Not Walls (image via Kickstarter)

SOURCE: Primary Pals

Anime Expo 2019 Thrills Fans Of Japanese Pop Culture During Four-Day Show In Los Angeles

Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo, the largest anime event held in North America each year, prepares to welcome some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7.

Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo (AX), the largest anime event held in North America each year, once again welcomes some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7, including a special Pre-Show Night on July 3. 

In its 28th year, AX is the preeminent event featuring the newest anime films, television series, fashion, video games, manga, dance, music concerts, exhibitors and exclusive convention merchandise, all combined to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans of anime and Japanese pop culture.

"We are super excited with the AX 2019 line-up and know our fans will find plenty of events and activities to entertain and keep them engaged through-out the four-day show. From the exclusive screening of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution and the impressive works from world-renowned composer Yoshihiro Ike, to crowd favorites like the Fashion Show and all of the fabulous cosplay, we encourage AX 2019 attendees to sample it all - creating many amazing and lasting memories," said Ray Chiang, CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX's organizer.

AX 2019 features 400+ exhibitors, 19 premieres, 500+ artists and hundreds of hours of programming, as well as multiple programming tracks like Culture Day, Family Day and Career Day, many interactive events and 22 Guests of Honor and 100+ industry appearances.

Keeping things mobile and with so many cool events to see, AX makes it easy for fans to know when and where to be with their own App. The Anime Expo 2019 Mobile App is a virtual tour guide - turning a phone into a digital companion, accompanying fans on their journey while providing guidance and information about everything AX! Fans with smartphone access can get up-to-date schedule information, maps, guest information, exhibitor list, artist alley list, and more.

AX 2019 offers four-full days and nights jammed-packed with panel discussions, live performances and special appearances. 

Here are some must-see events:

4DX Anime Film Fest (July 3 & July 4 Regal LA Live Theater): 

At the first annual 4DX Anime Film Fest experience exclusive screenings of Detective Conan: Zero The Enforcer, Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) and Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the MOVIE – A Wakening of the Trailblazer - enhanced with immersive, multi-sensory 4DX motion and environmental effects! 

• In addition, a 30-minute Q&A panel with screenwriter and cast follows the Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) screening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series.

Music Galore: 

From DJ's, dance and AMVs to live concerts and karaoke, it wouldn't be AX without plenty of music-related events to choose from. 

Two musts: 

Yoshihiro Ike (image via showclix.com)

• Yoshihiro Ike: Anime Soundtrack World (July 7, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Main Events/Hall B): This international debut concert by legendary composer and musician Yoshihiro Ike is sure to awe the audience. Ike is one of the most recognized music composers in Japan, having worked on more than 100 titles in the last 20 years. 

Aqours (image via anime-expo.org)

• School idol group Aqours makes a return appearance with LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA 〜BRAND NEW WAVE〜 (July 5, 7 p.m. & July 6, 1 p.m., The NOVO).

Artist Alley (Kentia Hall): 

A must-see are the more than 500 artists who showcase a variety of handmade creations for sale to attendees, including original artwork, prints, crafts, clothing and comic collections in what is the largest gathering of amateur and semi-professional artists at any convention.

• This year's featured artists are Shinnosuke Uchida, the world's only wall-manga live paint artist, and LA-based pop culture artist Jared Yamahata.

Anime Expo Fashion Show (July 5, 12:30 – 3 p.m., Live Programing 1/Petree Hall): 

Japan is home to many of the most cutting-edge, fashion-forward trends in the world. AX takes pride in showcasing and introducing a variety of designers and their creations to the American market. 

Throughout the years, AX has featured authentic Japanese clothing brands, as well as a new generation of models and this year AX is honored to have Michelle Nguyen Bradley MC the Fashion Show. 

Designers include: h. NAOTO, Acryl CANDY, HYPLAND, amnesiA&paramenesiA, Metamorphose and Hot Topic. 

• In addition, in The Annex attendees are able to meet and get an autograph or photo from the designers and models, and shop each brand's offerings.

Charity Auction (July 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Live Programming 3 (408 AB): 

AX is proud to give its support to a very worthy local organization Terasaki Budokan, and encourages fans to stop by the auction and bid on items donated by AX 2019 Guests of Honor, and anime-related vendors and companies that will include signed merchandise, memorabilia, and original artwork. 

Terasaki Budokan's mission is to provide a facility in Downtown Los Angeles for youth, families and seniors that offers sports, community activities and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and to a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo. 

• Last year's Charity Auction raised nearly $18,000.

Masquerade & World Cosplay Summit US Finals (costumes) (July 6, 8 – 11 p.m. Main Events/Hall B): 

AX encourages and embraces cosplay and the AX Masquerade is a celebration of cosplay and performance competition steeped in history of more than 20 years. AX is excited to welcome all of the performers who are hoping to win the US preliminary for World Cosplay Summit.

Gaming (Entertainment Hall): 

With more than 200 gaming stations, including eGaming and eSports arenas, tabletop, mobile and arcade games, AX 2019 delivers the latest from Dream League, PUBG, KONAMI, Fate/Grand Order and others. 

With tournaments, learn-to-play, and free-play sessions, there's something for everyone at all skill levels in the tabletop games section. eGaming fans can compete with Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation consoles, plus an arcade section to compete with others or just have fun. 

• Additionally, fans can join the biggest names in the industry as they unveil their latest projects and releases during panels and workshops.

During all show days, attendees who can't fit everything into their schedule can connect to the Anime Expo Livestream channel to watch events in LP1/Petree Hall and exclusive interviews.

SOURCE: Anime Expo

Related Videos:

Hollywood Bad Boy and Legendary Directors Team Up for Short Film and Rock Video That Puts Spotlight on Opioid Epidemic [Video Included]

On the film set of CORE "Killing ME" the new music video and short film with Actor Tom Sizemore exchanging fight scene direction with Producer James Fargo

The rock band CORE released their 3rd hit single titled "Killing Me" to national radio this week. It was followed-up simultaneously with a high-end, high quality, and highly destructive fast-paced music video that is sure to keep you watching. 

The music video for "Killing Me" hit 44 TV networks and shows globally, with more than 60 plus radio stations worldwide supporting CORE in less than one week. Getting to millions of households and fans favorite radio stations in the USA and internationally combined is a first for the band. 

• This is CORE's first music video, and fans say, "…they did it right."

Going all out on talent and production, the video stars the award winning film actor and Hollywood bad boy himself, Tom Sizemore, and it's produced by the legendary director James Fargo. 

Fargo is known for directing many films for Clint Eastwood and working with Steven Spielberg. The video is directed by long-time MTV video producer Bruce Haymer-Coleman who is responsible for many iconic videos of the MTV grunge era through today.

"Killing Me" (the fictional video) set in downtown Los Angeles was written about a famous fictional Hollywood actor who has a dependence on prescription opioids and needs to make a choice to continue or face failure that is eating at his soul with career and family taking a toll. A horrific tragedy takes place. He then realizes during a dark moment of injury, loss of consciousness and near death that his opioid use is not at all worth it anymore and the drugs are "Killing Me over and over again" unless change happens. 

•  In some ways this parallels Tom Sizemore's real life from the past.

On Set for the CORE "Killing ME" video filming, with Producer James Fargo, Mike Quinn of Silverstone Entertainment Management and Silverstone Records USA, and film star Actor Tom Sizemore downtown Los Angeles, CA.

It is noteworthy to mention that the story for the video was originally written by Tom Sizemore's current manager and one of the producers of the "Killing Me" video, Mike Quinn of Silverstone Entertainment USA, and Silverstone Records USA (the label and management companies CORE is also signed to along with Sizemore and many others). Mike has directed and produced other network videos that also seem to match clients lives like the Amanda Perez videos that ran on MTV. However, this song and video may have hit closer to home for Tom Sizemore than any big budget film he has ever done. Tom has been falsely accused of a wide range of allegations, but admits to past addictions that he has spoken about on the Dr. Drew TV series "Celebrity Rehab."

Never-the-less Tom Sizemore's role in this video makes it a non-forgettable short film and music video that delivers what is certainly expected of an A-list L.A. actor. Tom has never before done a music video, turning down everything music video till now. 

He says, "this one just felt right with Fargo producing and shooting the fight scenes, with Bruce Haymer-Coleman directing the video project, we could not go wrong… some real pros and the song is absolutely incredible." Tom, being a musician and songwriter himself added: "It felt right, just a damn good record, and a video to match."

The video was expanded on by the director Haymer-Coleman and it took a number of weeks to set up and some very long days to shoot. The Killing Me video went way over budget on production while the LAPD had to shut down a number of streets while diverting L.A. traffic so the Fourth Street bridge in downtown Los Angeles could be completely shut down as crews shot the destructive limo scenes.

Tom Sizemore said, "watching the production crew flip a 140,000 dollar, and seemingly great working black super-stretch-presidential style limousine in the video and destroy it to literal pieces and smoke was out of this world for what I expected to be just CGI effects only. Not your usual for any video I have seen lately."

"Killing Me" is real rock, no sissy nonsense song. They have been compared to Stone Temple Pilots meets Guns N' Roses with the modern riffs and classic guitar solo. CORE is based in Austin, Texas and has roots in Las Vegas. 

• Silverstone is now planning a radio tour and other concert dates.

The Video:

SOURCE: Silverstone Entertainment USA

'Incognito Doritos' Unveiled To Help Spider-Man Conceal His Iconic Suit

Spider-Man: Far From Home And Doritos Join Forces to Design “Incognito Doritos” Bags that Covertly Transform into Official Replica of the Spider-Man Suit

In the technological feat of the century, Doritos has completed production on "Incognito Doritos," state-of-the-art, traditional-looking Doritos bags that covertly transform into an official replica suit from Spider-Man: Far From Home, in theaters on July 2, 2019. 

The Spidey-suit allows Peter Parker to be a hero, even far from home, completely undetected with his Spider-Man identity kept safe. And luckily for select fans, an official replica suit is now available for a limited time and a noble cause.

Through a global promotional partnership with Columbia Pictures' upcoming summer release Spider-Man: Far From Home, in association with Marvel Studios, the "revolutionary" Incognito Doritos "chip bags" conceal the full-size Spider-Man suit… but not just any suit. It is the official replica of the "Black & Red" edition made by Spider-Man's official suit maker Shafton Inc. that will make its debut in the upcoming film, marking the first time fans can get their hands on one.

"Teaming up with Spider-Man, we knew we had to deliver something epic and iconic to fans around the world," said Leslie Vesper, senior director of marketing, Frito-Lay North America. "So we thought in a humorous way we could help Peter Parker keep his identity secret. We also know that there's a strong overlap between our core Doritos consumers and Spider-Man fans, so we wanted to create something fun that truly brings both worlds together and for a good cause."

"We're excited to collaborate with Doritos on this innovative campaign in support of Spider-Man: Far From Home," said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP, Brand Strategy and Global Partnerships, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. "This unique promotional partnership perfectly ties in with the themes of the film, and we are excited to see the never-been-done before replica of the Spider-Man suit camouflaged in a Doritos bag. No doubt this will get people talking."

Incognito Doritos will only be available via a social giveaway sweepstakes sponsored by Doritos, and one special-edition version will be auctioned off on eBay to benefit Capes4Heroes, which creates personalized superhero capes for kids with disabilities or illnesses or who just need to feel empowered. Doritos will also make a separate donation.

• Starting now, fans can tweet @Doritos to tell us what super power Doritos gives them using #IncognitoDoritos and #entry…before they disappear on June 30. And starting on June 20 and continuing through June 27, fans can also join in on the superhero action by bidding in the eBay auction at IncognitoDoritos.com

Incognito Doritos are part of the brand's overall partnership with the upcoming film Spider-Man: Far From Home. The collaboration also includes specially marked bags of Doritos that contain codes that can be entered for an opportunity to win unique Spider-Man: Far From Home inspired prizes, including a grand prize European trip for two. 

Consumers can enter on-pack codes at doritos.com and participate in the "Spidey-Sense Challenge," an online game where users playing as Spider-Man will run a series of web shooter training courses in various cities. 

Spider-Man: Far From Home And Doritos Join Forces to Design “Incognito Doritos” Bags that Covertly Transform into Official Replica of the Spider-Man Suit

About Spider-Man: Far From Home

"Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever."

• Directed by Jon Watts. Written by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. 
• Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. 
• Produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal. 
• Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Thomas M. Hammel, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Rachel O'Connor, Stan Lee, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach serve as executive producers. 
• The film stars Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal.

About Capes4Heroes

Capes4Heroes makes personalized superhero capes for kids with disabilities, kids with life threatening illnesses, and kids who just need to feel empowered. These capes give deserving kids an extra boost of strength and courage and make them feel like the superheroes they truly are!

Our Heroes (image via Capes4Heroes)

Founded in 2008 by Barbara Casados, Capes4Heroes is headquartered in Danville, California. To date, Capes4Heroes has personalized and delivered over 25,000 capes to children all over the United States. 

With support from partners and sponsors, heroes have received their capes at superhero parties, camps, Children's hospitals and through their online nomination process. 

• Their goal is to distribute capes to 5,000 more children during their 2019 East Coast Cape Crusade. 

SOURCE: Frito-Lay North America

Shania Twain Returns To Las Vegas With A New Residency “Let’s Go!”

Global Icon Shania Twain Announces Headlining Las Vegas Residency - Shania Twain "Let's Go!" The Las Vegas Residency Launches Friday, December 6 At Zappos Theater At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

One of music's most renowned trailblazers and the top-selling female country artist of all-time, Shania Twain, is returning to the Las Vegas Strip with Shania Twain "Let's Go!" The Las Vegas Residency, opening at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

Shania will serve as creative director for her new Las Vegas show, combining her three decade-long career with inspiration from her iconic videos and elements from her 2018 sold out global NOW tour. 

This country rebel at heart will push the boundaries in Vegas, just as she always has done, taking fans on a journey of nostalgia and blowing them away with outside-the-box concepts and visual spectacles. 

• Tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. PT. 
• American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, June 20 10 p.m. PT. 
• Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment's loyalty program, and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale on Thursday, June 20 from 10 a.m. PT through 10 p.m. PT. 

The 23 performances going on sale are:

Dec. 2019: 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18
March 2020: 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28
May 2020: 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30
June 2020: 3, 5, 6

General ticket prices begin at $60 plus applicable tax and fees, and may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com/shaniavegas or in-person at the Planet Hollywood box office. 

• All shows begin at 8 p.m.

Shania Twain (image via Shania Kids Can)

Additionally, Shania, Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased to Shania Twain "Let's Go!" The Las Vegas Residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be donated to Shania Kids Can. 

Established in 2010 by Shania Twain, Shania Kids Can (SKC) provides services that promote positive change in children's lives in time of crises and economic hardship. SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support, group activities as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. 

• For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit: www.shaniakidscan.com

Shania Twain (image via ShaniaTwain.com ©2018 Todd Kaplan)

About Shania Twain:

Shania Twain is a five-time GRAMMY winner and the reigning Queen of Country Pop. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide and U.S. sales topping 34.5 million, Twain remains the top-selling female country artist of all time. Twain's albums include Shania Twain, Twain's Platinum-selling 1993 debut; The Woman in Me, her GRAMMY Award-winning, Double Diamond-selling 1995 release; Come On Over, the best-selling studio album in Soundscan history by a female artist in any genre and the best-selling country album of all time with over 40 million units sold worldwide; and UP!, Twain's third consecutive Diamond-selling album release.

Recognizing her indelible impact and achievements in music, Twain is the first and only female to receive CMT's Artist of a Lifetime Award and she recently received the Icon Award at Billboard's Women in Music ceremony. Twain's hits include "Any Man of Mine," "That Don't Impress Me Much," "You're Still the One" and "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" Shania's first album in 15 years, NOW, was released in September 2017 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums, making it the first female country release in over 3 years to top the all genre chart. Additionally, the album landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country album charts and went to No. 1 in Canada, Australia and the UK. The release of the album was followed by a year-long sold-out World Tour.

SOURCE: Live Nation

Gibson: Tribute To Rock 'N' Roll Dads [Video Included]

Cliff Burton. Photo Credit: Harald Oimoen, from the book "Murder in the Front Row: Shots from the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter."

Earlier this week, one of the most famous rock 'n' roll fathers Ray Burton, father of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, sat down with Mark Agnesi, Gibson's Director of Brand Experience to reminisce about the formative years of the rock icon. 

Scroll down to the end of this post to watch the clip as Ray delves into Cliff's musical history and what it means to be the Dad of a kid who shows interest in pursuing a music career...

Burton's interest in music began at a young age when his father introduced him to classical music, guitar and bass. Burton had a strong interest in rock, classical and eventually heavy metal. 

Burton began playing the bass at age 13, following the death of his older brother, Scott and practiced up to six hours per day (even after he joined Metallica). 

Along with classical and jazz, Burton's other early influences varied from southern rock, country and the blues. Burton often cited Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Stanley Clarke, Lemmy Kilmister, Ed King and Phil Lynott as key influences on his style of bass playing.

"Cliff knew what he wanted to do and went out and did it," says Ray Burton. "How could you not support a child who has that initiative already in their system and wanting to learn an occupation like that? The way he pursued music and the enthusiasm he showed toward the playing, we thought, 'well, let's see what happens.' Then when he came and said, 'Can you support me for five years?' not long after that, it was absolute history."

Burton's advice to fathers and artists, "It's a love affair with my child because he wasn't just a good musician, he was an exceptionable human being. There's so much great music out there, and it's to be enjoyed. …Support them. Look at your kids as a treasure that you treat with love. Encourage them as much as you can and help them. Encourage them without being demanding. Allow them to be themselves and be kind to them."

Metallica. Photo Credit: Harald Oimoen, from the book "Murder in the Front Row: Shots from the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter."

Burton joined Metallica in 1982 and performed on the band's first three studio albums: Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. He also received a posthumous writing credit for the song "To Live Is to Die" from the band's fourth studio album, ...And Justice for All and was inducted into the Rock the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Metallica on April 4, 2009.

"Words can't describe how grateful I am that Ray received our own Mark Agnesi to talk about Cliff," said Cesar Gueikian, Chief Merchant Officer. "First and foremost, Happy Father's Day, Ray, Cliff will forever be a source of inspiration to all of us Rock 'n' Roll dads. I am particularly honored because the Cliff Metallica era had a dramatic influence on me, motivating me to learn how to play guitar from the moment I discovered the Master of Puppets album," adds Gueikian. "And a big thank you to Metallica for allowing us to use their footage and music to pay tribute to Cliff."

"Being a father myself, it was an incredible opportunity to sit down with and get insights from another father who not only raised a musical icon, but one of my childhood heroes," adds Mark Agnesi.

The Video:

SOURCE: Gibson

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society Partners with The Anthropocene Project on Canada-Wide Education Program Detailing the Extent of Human Impact on the Planet

Exploring the lifecycle of plastics by Edward Burtynsky on location at a Toronto transfer station shooting for The Anthropocene Education Program, May 2019 (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

This fall, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) will bring a unique bilingual education program to teachers across Canada in partnership with The Anthropocene Project from award-winning artists Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal. 

• The education program, to be released in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week in November 2019, will be focused on exploring the extent of human dependency on plastics within Canada.

The Anthropocene Project was met with great success with the launch of two complementary museum exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and a full-length documentary film in September 2018. 

Dandora landfill#3 plastics recycling, Nairobi Kenya 2016. Photo by Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Nicholas Metivier Gallery, Toronto (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

The new Anthropocene Education Program (AEP) will include incredible 360 VR films; educational short films by Baichwal and de Pencier depicting large scale anthropogenic activity; online, interactive gigapixel photographs; a brand new AR experience; and a large-scale high-resolution Giant Floor Mural depicting one of Burtynsky's photographs with related film extensions (part of a travelling school kit), all of which will augment specific teacher guides and lesson plans. All educational materials part of the AEP will be written by qualified Canadian Geographic Education (Can Geo Education) teachers and linked to the Canadian National Learning Framework for K-12 Geography.

Exploring the lifecycle of plastics by NIcholas de Pencier on location at a Toronto transfer station shooting for The Anthropocene Education Program, May 2019 (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

Additionally, the AEP will consist of travelling educational kits that will be made available free-of-charge to Canadian schools for a three week loan period. For schools without immediate access to these kits across the country, online resources will be available for free, accessible through download and streaming from the Can Geo Education and The Anthropocene Project websites.

The program will leverage these stunning audiovisual resources, and the proven expertise and distribution networks of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society to expand The Anthropocene Project's reach. In turn, this will create a powerful and change-provoking experiential understanding of human impact on the planet for students in classrooms from coast to coast, in grades 4 to 12 (ages 9 to 18). The project will reach more than 22,000 classroom teachers from across the country through the RCGS's educational arm, Can Geo Education.

"The Anthropocene Project is an exciting opportunity for the Society to collaborate with some of Canada's leading artists to influence how the next generation of Canadians thinks about their relationship with the environment, especially when it comes to an understanding of human impact on the planet," says John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. "Stunning AV resources along with immersive learning tools will help students deepen their understanding of how today's lifestyle of convenience may be having an irreparable impact on our planet."

"After witnessing the strong engagement by students with the documentary film and the museum exhibitions, we are very excited that the five years of research and production that formed The Anthropocene Project will now be available to students and teachers alike as part of school curricula. We are honoured to extend the collaboration that started with the scientists of the Anthropocene Working Group to the incredible educational experts at the RCGS and to educators across the country," Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal.

Beyond the subject of plastics, the AEP will also look to expand the teacher discussion guides to other key tenets of the Anthropocene investigation (deforestation, anthroturbation, extinction, etc), and will include a national school contest that challenges students to creatively interpret the themes of the Anthropocene in their own communities.

"Last month, the UN released a report that showed nearly a million species are at risk of extinction due to human impact on the planet. Over the last three and a half years, Canada has taken action to double the amount of our protected nature, beat plastic pollution, and fight climate change. I'm so glad that this project is educating and engaging more young people in such an important conversation that Canada is having right now. It's young peoples' future that is at stake—we must all recognize that we don't pass the earth on to the next generation when we're done with it, instead we are borrowing it from them." Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

The AEP will offer a window into the scale of human impact as it explores plastic proliferation around the world, with an aim to provide students with an experiential science-based education about the cycles of extraction, consumption and waste that humans participate in.

• The Anthropocene Education Program was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change and RBC Foundation and produced with the participation of TELUS Fund.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Leonard Cohen Lights Up Montreal's Nights

Tower of Songs, the mural commemorating Montreal icon Leonard Cohen (image via MU)

The mural paying homage to Montreal icon Leonard Cohen will now cast its benevolent gaze over the city at night. In response to public demand to have the monumental artwork lit up, the charitable organization MU has secured permanent lighting for the mural with support from the Ville-Marie borough and Tourisme Montréal. 

Project partners and collaborators were gathered this evening at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in presence of Montreal Mayor, Valérie Plante; President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, Mr. Yves Lalumière; and representatives of the Cohen family to celebrate this defining moment for Montreal.

Tower of Songs, MU's 100th mural, was completed by artists El Mac and Gene Pendon in 2017. It was unveiled during the week of events commemorating the legendary artist's death and is part of the cultural legacies left by Montreal's 375th anniversary.

"Our administration is pleased to contribute to illuminating this mural commemorating the great Montréal poet whose work has brightened millions of lives all over the world. From now on, the memory of Leonard Cohen will shine in the heart of downtown Montréal in both the literal and figurative sense" said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal.

The 21-storey portrait of Leonard Cohen is Montreal's largest mural and has become a signature landmark in the city. It has contributed to Montreal's international renown and has affirmed the city's standing in the urban art scene. Tourisme Montréal acknowledged the artwork's major impact by awarding MU the Innovation Award, for companies with less than 50 employees, during the Distinction Awards ceremony held last March.

"Leonard Cohen is a Montréal legend. The Tower of Songs mural was created in honour of his legacy and quickly became a key feature in our urban landscape. This year, as Tourisme Montréal celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are offering permanent lighting for the mural as a gift to Montrealers and tourists alike," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "Founded in 1919, our organization is the rallying force behind the city's tourism ecosystem and plays a key role in defining tomorrow's tourism trends by supporting innovative initiatives that help Montréal shine on the world stage. We're confident that the new lighting will make our city brighter than ever."

The Tower of Songs mural is part of MU's "Montreal's Great Artists" collection, which pays tribute to the creative minds and forces who have made outstanding contributions to Montreal's cultural scene. It includes murals of Alanis Obomsawin, Michel Tremblay, Alys Robi, Janine Sutto, Oscar Peterson, Émile Nelligan, Dany Laferrière and Oliver Jones, among others. Beyond celebrating Montreal's cultural ambassadors, both past and present, the collection also contributes to the city's cultural legacy, providing Montrealers with opportunities to discover and connect with the history of their city and its neighbourhoods.

Earlier in 2019, MU won the 34th Grand Prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal, an important recognition within the city's cultural community. The award recognizes the expertise which the organisation has developed over the last 12 years, as well as its social inclusion work and its positive impact on the city's urban landscape.

About MU:

MU's is a charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to beautify the city of Montreal by creating murals that are anchored in communities. At the heart of its approach is the desire to see and experience art on a daily basis, to trigger a social transformation and to turn Montreal into an open-air MUseum. In 12 years, MU has produced more than 120 large-scale murals in 17 neighbourhoods of the city and over 300 community-youth murals. In 2019, the organization was awarded the 34th Grand Prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal in recognition of its social inclusion work and its murals, which have become true Montreal landmarks.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Ville-Marie

Related Video:

Related Story:

• Leonard Cohen: Une Brèche en Toute Chose / A Crack in Everything - Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal