To Celebrate NASA's 60th Anniversary, Monaco Will Host US Astronauts, Aerospace Experts, and the Screening of "Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow"

"Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow" - Poster

This Thanksgiving the Principality of Monaco will host NASA legends from the US space shuttle program at a forum to mark the agency's 60th anniversary, featuring a special screening of the Discovery documentary "Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow" from Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winning film maker, Rory Kennedy.

Held under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, this initiative of the Embassy of Monaco in Washington, D.C. will start at 5:00pm with a screening of the film in English with French subtitles (free and open to the public with advanced reservations). 

It will be followed by an hour-long discussion with some of today's eminent aerospace leaders on the subject of air and space exploration with a focus on the importance of international cooperation (MonacoEventsUSA.com).

Panelists include Columbia (Jan 1986) Space Shuttle mission crew  and one of NASA's pioneering women astronauts:

• Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson, former US naval officer, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, retired NASA astronaut who flew aboard the space shuttles Columbia, Atlantis, and Endeavour;
• General Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator, Major General of the US Marine Corps and NASA astronaut;
• Dr. George "Pinky" Nelson, US physicist, astronomer, scientific educator and former NASA astronaut;
• Dr. Margaret "Rhea" Seddon, surgeon, NASA shuttle crew member, one of the first women accepted into NASA's Astronaut Corps;
• Captain Michael López-Alegria, NASA veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and one ISS mission;
• Mr. Guy Beutelschies, Lockheed Martin's vice president, Commercial and Civil Space; and
• Dr. Ilhami Aygun, president and CEO of SSI- MonacoSat

"The crew of Space Shuttle Columbia's 1986 launch is extremely honored to be taking part in this exciting program. We are so very grateful to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II for inviting us," said Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson.

The panel Moderator is Mr. Mesut Ciceker, director, EMEA for Lockheed Martin Space, and Master of Ceremonies is Mr. Christian Moore, President of Media SSI-Monaco. 

The documentary will be introduced by the Director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum and former NASA Chief Scientist, Dr. Ellen R. Stofan. 

Other esteemed NASA alumni expected to attend include French astronauts Patrick Baudry and Jean-Francois Clervoy.

"Earth science and space exploration have impacted humankind in countless positive and tangible ways. Monaco is proud to once again bring together such distinguished international panelists to share their experiences, and the Monaco screening of 'Above and Beyond' provides the perfect launch pad to celebrate 60 extraordinary years of NASA," said Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, Monaco'sAmbassador to the U.S.A. and the event's convener.

"This will be the second space forum initiated by the Embassy. The first, in 2016, premiered 'The Last Man on the Moon' (monacodc.org/Nov10), and underscores the Principality's historical interest in aviation and aerospace technology and exploration, given that SSI-Monaco, with partner Thales Alenia Space, launched its first communications satellite MonacoSat-1 with SpaceX's Falcon9 launcher into geostationary transfer orbit on April 27, 2015. A second satellite MonacoSat-2 is being planned by SSI-MonacoSat with an expected launch date by 2021-22."

"I am honoured that the Embassy has chosen to screen 'Above and Beyond' during this prestigious gathering of NASA astronauts and others who have dedicated their lives to understanding more about our planet and the world around us," says Rory Kennedy.  "Our goal in making this film was to present a record of the great accomplishments of NASA over the past 6 decades, and to look forward to its next great missions. From landing rovers on Mars to measuring the health of our planet, NASA's work is not only awe-inspiring but essential to our future well-being."

"In Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey To Tomorrow, Rory Kennedy commemorates the Apollo program's remarkable journey to the Moon, and the creativity of those who worked to achieve it, and most importantly, what we choose to do with our heritage of achievement," said Dr. Stofan, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

"Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow" - Astronaut on the Moon

When & Where:

Thursday, November 22, 2018. Film starts at 5:00pm, panel discussion from 6:45pm, Auditorium Rainier III, Boulevard Louis II, 98000 Monaco

⏩ The panel discussion only will be live-streamed from 6:45pm: 

SOURCE: Embassy of Monaco

NASA Related Stories:

• Museum of Science, Boston Celebrates the Charles Hayden Planetarium's 60th Anniversary with the Release of New Film
• Astronaut Sally K. Ride's Legacy – Encouraging Young Women To Embrace Science And Engineering
• NASA Cargo Headed to Space Station Includes Important Experiments, Equipment 

Related Video:

Heartwarming Japanese Anime Hit 'I Want To Eat Your Pancreas' Coming to U.S. Cinemas For Only Two Days

 'I Want To Eat Your Pancreas' - Poster

Fathom Events in partnership with Aniplex of America brings the uplifting, coming-of-age tale that has captured the hearts of millions in Japan, "I want to eat your pancreas." 

Based on the bestselling, award-winning novel by Yoru Sumino, "I want to eat your pancreas" the anime adaptation beautifully explores the relationship between the terminally ill Sakura and the unnamed protagonist, "Me," as they embark on an emotional journey during an unforgettable spring.  

As these two opposites try to learn to find happiness, they in turn discover the true meaning of compassion.  In addition to the poignant feature, attendees will also view exclusive extra footage, including interviews with the cast and crew.

"I want to eat your pancreas" - "Me" (VA: Mahiro Takasugi/Robbie Daymond): A high school student, who avoids getting to know anyone too deeply. Likes reading. Accidentally discovers Sakura’s secret after picking up “Living with Dying.” (Image via iwanttoeatyourpancreas.com)

• Presented by Fathom Events and Aniplex of America, "I want to eat your pancreas" comes to more than 400 U.S. cinemas subtitled on Thursday, February 7 at 7:00pm (local time) and English-dubbed on Sunday, February 10 at 12:55pm (local time). 

• For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

The special two night event includes the world premiere of the English dub featuring cast members Robbie Daymond ("Sailor Moon," "Digimon Adventure tri.") and Erika Harlacher ("Fate/Apocrypha," "Violet Evergarden") voicing the two main characters, along with Kira Buckland ("Blue Exorcist," "Durarara!!x2"), Kyle McCarley ("Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]," "DEVILMAN crybaby"), and Dorah Fine ("Magi: The Kingdom of Magic") in supporting roles. 

Making her directorial debut is voice actress Erica Mendez from "KILL la KILL" and "Your lie in April," who has signed on to handle the voice direction in addition to composing the English adaptation of the heartwarming film. 

"I am pleased to be able to share this beautiful story to everyone living in the U.S.," said Aniplex of America president, Shu Nishimoto. "This film captures both the beauty of Japan's landscape as well as the beauty in growing up. I hope the film gives everyone a renewed appreciation for life and the people that shape our life choices."

"I want to eat your pancreas" was produced by Studio VOLN ("Ushio & Tora") and marks Shinichiro Ushijima's ("One Punch Man," "All Out!!") directorial debut. 

The Japanese cast features popular actor and 72nd Mainichi Film Awards Best New Actor winner, Mahiro Takasugi, who will voice the main character "Me" alongside veteran voice actress, Lynn ("High School Fleet," "A Place Further Than the Universe"), who will voice the female lead, Sakura Yamauchi. 

The impressive voice cast also includes Atsuko Tanaka("Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]," "Ghost in the Shell"), Shin-ichiro Miki ("Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," "Initial D"), and three-time winner of the Japanese Academy Awards, actress Emi Wakui.

"We are excited to once again partner with Aniplex of America to bring this highly anticipated title to the U.S.," Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. "It is a wonderful story and appeals to people in all walks of life."

"I want to eat your pancreas" - Sakura (VA: Lynn/Erika Harlacher): “Me’s” classmate. She has not shared with anyone outside of her family that she has limited time left due to a pancreatic disease. Cheerful, openhearted, and very outgoing. (Image via iwanttoeatyourpancreas.com)

⏩ Tickets for "I want to eat your pancreas" are available now at FathomEvents.com and participating box offices.

SOURCE: Fathom Events

The Trailer:

Bestselling Book Series Comes to Life in Episodic Video Game Series With Release of the Second Episode in "The Lost Legends of REDWALL" Entitled "Escape the Gloomer"

The Lost Legends of REDWALL: Escape the Gloomer

Soma Games, in association with Redwall Abbey Company Ltd, and Penguin Random House UK, releases The Lost Legends of REDWALL: Escape the Gloomer, a conversational adventure game in nine chapters. 

Escape the Gloomer, the second episode of The Lost Legends of REDWALL video game series, has been written and directed by video game designer and innovator Scott Adams.

The game features characters from the wildly popular best-selling book, Mossflower, second in the twenty-two book series by Brian Jacques. 

"This interactive tale immerses the player in a fantasy world where their own imagination is what drives the outcomes," says Chris Skaggs, Game Director and Principal at Soma Games. "We're also very excited to have pioneering game developer Scott Adams and his team on board for this collaboration. Scott's been making games for over 40 years, and his is a name very familiar to many interactive game fans."

Inspired by the iconic mainframe game Adventure, Adams is perhaps most well known for creating Adventureland, the first ever commercial adventure game. Adams is also the creator of Pirate Island, and the Marvel Questprobe series: Spiderman, Hulk, and Fantastic Four.

The Gloomer

"You will be living the life of a true explorer and adventurer when you enter into an immersive conversational adventure game world," says Adams. "Exploration, obstacles, dangers, along with laughter and suspense, will unfold within the rich tapestry of the world you find yourself in. With natural language sentences, you are in command; creating the story as the adventure unfolds."  

"Jacques first wrote this book for the blind, and that was what inspired us to create a game that isn't visually based," says Adams, referring to the fact that author Brian Jacques wrote the book initially to entertain the children at Liverpool's Royal School for the Blind. "The popularity of the book series among fans, as well as the desire to take technology that I pioneered in the 20th century and bring it into the 21st century, all came together to make this the perfect project for us to develop."

Adventureland only had a vocabulary of 120 words, but Escape the Gloomer recognizes over 1,400 words and features third person narrative with an emphasis on exploration and overcoming obstacles. 

"The appeal here for Redwall fans is that we're building upon the familiar backstories but allowing new developments," says Adams. 

He also describes the game as family friendly and staying true to the REDWALL characters and spirit of the novel.

Gillig the Otter

"Adams's work was very influential in the adventure-gaming industry," says John Bergquist, of Soma Games. "Similar to The Scout, we're adding to the Redwall stories with new content and allowing the player to use their imagination to have some ownership in the outcome. The format of this particular game is much like a novel, with chapters and text based, including an option to use Amazon's Alexa for voice commands, which bridges the gap between video game and novel."

"I think people are looking for more enjoyable things to do and really desire this in a game," says Adams. "It's not a passive endeavor, you get to have some ownership in the outcome, and it brings us back to the basics of good old fashioned game play, reminding us what made Adventureland such a beloved game almost 40 years ago, and why Jacques book series has also been loved by generations of readers."

"Mr. Jacques was quoted in a 2001 NY Times article as describing his stories being written from the viewpoint of a kid, sitting in the movie house while World War II is on, watching all this magic come on the screen,'' says Skaggs. "In a way, what we've done here with Escape the Gloomer is gone back to a simpler way of story telling, really the way Mr. Jacques would have wanted it."

SOURCE: Soma Games

The Trailer:

MPs: Give Us The Final Say On Brexit! [Petition]

Brexit chaos: let us decide! (Image via Avaaz)

Dear friends across Britain,

With Parliament logjammed and ministers resigning, Theresa May’s Brexit plan is in deep trouble. 

She’s admitted that Brexit could now be stopped, giving us the best chance we’ll get to win a final say that can get us out of this mess. 

The more people who sign our open letter calling for the British people to decide whether we want May’s deeply damaging Brexit, the more weight it will have with MPs -- add your name with, then send it far and wide. 

To all MPs: As you read this, 30% of Britain’s children are living in poverty. The number of rough sleepers in England is at a record high. And Brexit will make this even worse, threatening jobs, the economy and the NHS.  The promises of prosperity made by the Brexiteers have evaporated. There are no good Brexit options left. Instead of allowing public money to be wasted and our economy harmed, we call on you to protect the most vulnerable and support the British public having a democratic final say on Brexit, with an option to stay part of the EU. Yours sincerely,  ⏩ ADD MY NAME ⏪

The Prime Minister is desperate to put a positive spin on the shambles of her Brexit deal -- but she’s fooling no-one. Even the man she put in charge of Brexit negotiations, Dominic Raab, is so fed up he resigned today.  All over the country, support for a public vote on Brexit is growing. With the government in open civil war and parliament deadlocked, the only legitimate way to choose the way forward is asking the people to decide.  Sign the open letter to MPs now, and when it's massive we’ll deliver it in constituencies across Britain before the key Brexit vote in Parliament, with Avaazers everywhere delivering our call for a final say! With hope and determination, Loup Dargent On behalf of Alex, Bert, Fatima, Mike, Antonia, and the whole team at Avaaz  More information: Theresa May’s Brexit is dead – a Final Say on the deal is the only route out of the chaos (Independent) Six possible scenarios in light of Theresa May's Brexit deal (Guardian) British public wants second referendum if Brexit talks break down, poll says (Politico) Anna Soubry demands People's Vote in Commons speech amid Brexit deal turmoil (Evening Standard) Bonus Images: (Via The Brexit Comic - Facebook Page) "Prime Minister announces she has very little confidence in herself either" - The Brexit Comic "Brexit Chess" - The Brexit Comic More Brexit Related Stories: ⏩ For more Brexit related stories, click here... ⏪

Despite Concerns About Content, Screen Time, and Online Security, New Research Reveals The Internet Improves Communication and Quality of Life Across Generations

The Internet (Via Pixabay)

A new study released by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) examines the online attitudes of parents and seniors, highlighting the benefits and challenges of intergenerational technology use. 

The report, "Online Safety Across the Generations," investigates behaviors of connected families, with 57% of parents citing that technology has improved communication in their family.

For parents, top concerns focused on the content kids access, notably surpassing concerns over screen time. For seniors who reported connecting to the Internet, a multitude expressed worries about Internet safety and security.

Overall, the study showed a cyclical nature to how generations interact with and learn about technology. While dynamics and specific challenges vary by age range, respondents showed a strong consensus that digital activities have a positive impact on their lives and family communication. Parents of connected children are nearly twice as likely to feel technology and the Internet have made their job as a parent easier rather than harder. Findings also indicated that families rely on each other as a main resource for online safety and understood the major role they play in supporting digital wellbeing.

When asked what worried them more, 64% of parents felt that the content their child accessed online was more concerning, compared to just 32% who worried more about the amount of time their child spends online. Only one in three parents reported feeling satisfied with the control they had over both content and time spent online.

Among seniors polled, 80% reported going online. Of this group, large majorities reported fears of identity theft, viruses and malware, and financial hacking. While more than nine in 10 seniors report taking at least one technical step to protect their personal information online, far fewer feel confident that they are doing all they can to protect their privacy. The 20% of seniors who reported that they do NOT go online stated that it was due to little interest in getting connected, and concerns about the online world.

Despite these concerns, both generations felt that technology had enhanced family communication, and notable proportions said that parents and elderly relatives draw on a variety of technologies to communicate with children and grandchildren. When it comes to understanding technology and navigating the digital world, seniors trust the advice of family above all others.

"It's very encouraging to see intergenerational technology use bringing families together," said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. "While there are still many unique safety and security challenges for both parents and seniors, these results show an overall positive impact on daily life and family connection."

The study also includes intentional oversample interviews among minority and low-income populations, highlighting key differences in technology use and attitudes across different groups.

Notable differences between socioeconomic and minority groups include:

• African-American (66%), Hispanic (61%) and Millennial (62%) parents are the most likely to use technology together with their children.
• Hispanic (72%) and African-American (70%) parents say that they discuss online safety with their children more often than white parents (59%).
• The 20% of seniors who are not online are, on average, appreciably older, less white, less educated, and lower income than those who are online.
• Low-income parents are just as likely to say their child has access to a smartphone (91%) as are parents overall (91%), and just as many say their child has his or her own smartphone (53% of low-income parents, 54% of all parents). When it comes to children having their own laptop, the gap is most pronounced between low-income parents (32%) and upper-income parents with household incomes over $100,000 (53%).

"This research affirms that once a family, regardless of income, has connected to the Internet at home, the entire family benefits from its transformative technology" said David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation.  "Through our Internet Essentials program, which helps connect low-income families to the Internet, we know that online safety concerns are a major barrier to broadband adoption. We are grateful for the opportunity to have partnered on this research, building on our commitment to making online safety a key pillar of our Internet Essentials program."

"The internet of things" (Via Pixabay)

Results from the study will be presented today in Washington, DC at the Family Online Safety Institute's Annual Conference, "Creating a Culture of Responsibility Online." 

• This research was made possible by the support of the Comcast Innovation Fund and Comcast's Internet Essentials Program, and conducted by Hart Research Associates. The study reflects quantitative data as well as qualitative data from focus groups of parents and seniors in Pennsylvania. The quantitative findings are based on data from national surveys conducted by telephone among 701 American seniors aged 62 and older, as well as an online parent survey of 673 parents with children aged 2-17. Both surveys included oversamples of African-American, Hispanic, and low-income households.

 SOURCE: Family Online Safety Institute

Regal Welcomes Aquaman Star Patrick Wilson to Knoxville

"Aquaman" - Patrick Wilson as King Orm (PRNewsfoto/Regal)

Regal (a leading motion picture exhibitor operating one of the largest theatre circuits in the United States) will host Aquaman star Patrick Wilson at the movie's exclusive advance screening on Thursday, December 13, benefiting Variety – The Children's Charity of Eastern Tennessee. 

In partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, Regal is bringing Wilson to the Pinnacle theatre in Knoxville to meet fans and promote the deserving charity.

"We are excited to welcome Patrick Wilson to Knoxville for a benefit screening of this highly anticipated film," said Ken Thewes, CMO at Regal. "As a Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award nominee, Wilson is an incredibly talented performer, and we cannot wait for his return to the big screen with Aquaman. We are grateful to our friends at Warner Bros. for making this screening possible and helping raise funds for Variety's special needs children."

Patrick Wilson (Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Variety – the Children's Charity is a multi-million-dollar philanthropic organization that empowers children with special needs to grow, socialize, and express themselves independently. 

With 43 chapters in 13 countries, Variety makes an impact on both local and national levels through medical equipment donations, specialized therapeutic programs and well-placed donations. 

Regal established the local chapter of Variety in 2001 and has since raised over $10 million to aid children in East Tennessee.

Beginning Friday, November 16, a limited number of tickets will be available for sale to the public at the Regal Pinnacle theatre in Knoxville. Advance tickets are $50 through Thursday, December 6 and will increase to $75 on Friday, December 7 with all proceeds benefiting Variety – the Children's Charity. 

⏩ All event guests will enjoy a catered reception in the Pinnacle lobby before Wilson walks the red carpet. After the red carpet reception, attendees will have the opportunity to be some of the first moviegoers to view the movie.

"Aquaman" (Image via aquamanmovie.com)

About Aquaman:

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa in the title role and Jason Patrick as Orm/Ocean Master. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king.

The film also stars Amber Heard, Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, as well as Ludi Lin and Temuera Morrison.

Wan directs from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall, story by Geoff Johns & James Wan and Will Beall, based on characters created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger for DC.  

The film is produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada serving as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Peter Safran Production, a James Wan Film, Aquaman.  The film is set to hit theaters December 21st in 3D and 2D and IMAX, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. 

SOURCE: Regal

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• US: The Man of Steel's 80th Anniversary Culminates With Big Screen Double Feature of 'The Death of Superman' and 'Reign of the Supermen' in Special Event This January 
• Madame Tussauds Orlando Reveals Jason Momoa as Aquaman! 
• Royal Canadian Mint Launches Justice League Coin Collection at 2017 Central Canada Comic Con

More Comic Books/Superheroes Related Stories:

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#IfLoveHurts -Video Developed to Mark White Ribbon Day in the Campaign for the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Survivors make domestic abuse film to mark White Ribbon Day - #iflovehurts

Sunday 25th November marks White Ribbon Day - The UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A short film has been developed to mark the day. 

Director Peter Giblin says: "The film explores the emotional aspect of domestic abuse and how that abuse takes place within a context of love. It takes on average up to eight abuses before a victim will feel able to speak out. Often, victims of domestic abuse love their abusers, as well as fear them. Frequently, victims will not realise they are in an abusive relationship. That's one of the reasons why it's so hard to leave an abusive relationship, and why the message of the film is 'If love hurts, it's not love'."

'If Love Hurts' was written and directed by Peter Giblin, will be screened at the House of Commons on 28th November to an audience of MP's and campaigners. This year, the campaign is focusing on domestic abuse, saying "If love hurts, it's not love". 2017 crime figures from the Crown Prosecution Service revealed that 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner, and an overwhelming majority of domestic abuse crimes are committed by men.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive at White Ribbon UK said, "For real change to occur, men must understand the systems in place that give rise to toxic masculinity and male violence towards women. This film powerfully shows the impact of abuse in all its forms in relationships. White Ribbon UK asks men to take responsibility in ending male violence against women by being active bystanders, calling out abuse and sexism among their peers; talking openly about the male cultures that can lead to abuse and why men must take a stand against them."

A 2015 crime survey for England and Wales revealed that 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner, and an overwhelming majority of domestic abuse crimes are committed by men. (PRNewsfoto/White Ribbon UK)

• To also raise awareness, White Ribbon UK are asking people to wear a white ribbon and pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
• Be part of the conversation: #IfLoveHurts

About White Ribbon UK:

White Ribbon UK is a team made up of a number of domestic abuse survivors, working with men and boys to challenge those male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.  Their volunteer ambassadors engage with other men and boys to call out such behaviour among their peers and promote a culture of equality and respect. 

The film was self-funded and donated to White Ribbon, made by a diverse team which included domestic abuse survivors. A world-class production team featuring Somesuch, MPC, Trim Editing, and Wave.

Pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women at whiteribbon.org.uk and find out how individuals can do more to raise awareness in their community.

SOURCE: White Ribbon UK

'If Love Hurts' - The Video: