The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream [Trailer Included]

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

With this week's announcement that The Infamous American Horror Story Murder House will open to the public for the first time ever, homeowners Dr Ernst von Schwarz and his wife Angela Oakenfold have now revealed the list of participants for the three-day, 24-hour first-ever live stream event from the notorious historical Los Angeles monument. 

Murder House - Trailer:

Murder House Trailer from The Murder House Productions on Vimeo.

Kicking off at dusk Thursday, October 29 and closing out at sunset Sunday, November 1, The Murder House livestream event will feature 15 cameras set up throughout the 10,000-square foot home streaming live throughout the entire weekend.

Beyond The Murder House live stream, viewers will see daily programming (details below). While the live stream is open to all via the ticketed event, The Murder House will open its doors to a few lucky ticket holders. Six fortunate (or unfortunate)--two per each of the three nights--Murder House fans in the terrifying basement all while being live streamed to the world (while a doctor monitors their vital signs and psychological condition).

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

An initial outline of the weekend's events is as follows:

• The first-ever paranormal investigation will be carried out by Exorcist Bishop James Long, who has appeared on "Ghost Adventures," "The Possessed," "Gates Of Hell," "Exorcism Live!" and "Portals To Hell"
• Famous psychic and white witch Patti Negri from "Ghost Adventures" will lead the houses first-ever seance
• Michelle Belanger, vampire expert and acclaimed author who has been seen on "Paranormal State," "Portals To Hell " and "The Real Vampire Files" will delve into the haunting world of the occult
• Prolific historian and Halloween expert Lisa Morton will take us on an exploration of the history & traditions of Halloween
• Tarot expert Sasha Graham will explain the world of tarot and one lucky ticket holder will get a virtual reading live on air
• Energy healer Satish Dholakia will give advice on how to protect yourself from negative energies and unwanted evil entities
• Psychiatrist Dr Waguih Ishak will discuss the addictive nature of horror and the pathology of fear
• Homeowner and cardiologist and Professor Dr Ernst von Schwarz will delve into the history of medieval torture techniques

The "American Horror Story" Murder House Is Opening To The Public For The First Time Ever For Paranormal Halloween Weekend Live Stream (screengrab)

• Tickets are on sale now at www.themurderhouse.com. In addition, a commemorative t-shirt for the event will be on sale on the website. 

• A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Baby2Baby charity.

SOURCE: The Murder House

Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29

Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29 (image courtesy of Sesame Workshop)

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind half a century of award-winning children's television, will launch its first-ever animated Sesame Street special "The Monster at the End of This Story" on Thursday, October 29 on HBO Max – and its star, Grover, is begging fans not to watch!

A reimagining of Sesame Street's all-time best-selling picture book "The Monster at the End of This Book," the special follows Grover's reluctant journey to the end of the story, where, based on the title, he believes a monster awaits. 

Drawn in the unmistakable style of the beloved book first published in 1971, the special adds new sequences, songs and surprises, and introduces other familiar Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Rosita, to the tale.

"After nearly 50 years, the lesson in 'The Monster at the End of This Book' remains timeless: It's okay to feel afraid, but also important to have courage and keep moving forward in spite of those fears," said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop's Executive Vice President of Creative and Production. "We brought this classic story from page to screen in a way that will feel familiar to longtime fans and exciting and engaging for young viewers. By expanding the original narrative and adding new layers, we share a strong lesson in friendship, showing how Grover learns to manage his fear with the support of his friends."

In celebration of the upcoming special, Sesame Workshop today released a new video of "The Monster at the End of This Book" being read aloud by celebrities Kelsea Ballerini, Sofia Carson, Ciara, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Josh Groban, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Lil Nas X, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Jordin Sparks, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Sudeikis, Jonathan Van Ness, and Olivia Wilde. 

"The Monster at the End of This Story" is the official special of Sesame Street's 51st season, set to launch on HBO Max later this fall.

This special caps off the release of Sesame Workshop's series of "Monster"-themed content, digital activities, and product releases, which to-date have included an interactive "The Monster at the End of Your Story" video on Sesame Street's YouTube page (watch below), a "Monsterize Me!" avatar creator, the release of new editions of "The Monster at the End of This Book," and more. 

• Further details are available here.

About Sesame Workshop:

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We're present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. 

For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.

SOURCE: Sesame Workshop

#JTalksLive explores Media in Crisis: Can Journalism Survive - and Thrive - in this Year of Challenge?

The Canadian Journalism Foundation's Oct. 29th J-Talks Live webcast will feature S. Mitra Kalita, senior vice president for news, opinion and programming for CNN Digital, and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, on the challenges facing journalism. (image via Canadian Journalism Foundation)

In a year of unprecedented challenges, the Canadian Journalism Foundation's (CJF) next J-Talks Live virtual event will explore what it will take for journalism to survive in this new reality. 

The free webcast takes place on Thursday, October 29 at 1 p.m. EDT.

• The featured guests are S. Mitra Kalita, senior vice-president for news, opinion and programming for CNN Digital, and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. They will be in conversation with host Anna Maria Tremonti, also the host of the CBC podcast More.

"We are delighted to welcome Rasmus and Mitra to our CJF J-Talks to share their insights, knowledge and experience on the future of journalism in a troubling time," says CJF chair Kathy English, currently a journalism fellow at the Reuters Institute. "We know that journalism around the world faces multiple and multifaceted crises—exacerbated by this global pandemic—and that this is a critical time to examine how news organizations can move forward to serve the public's growing need for quality journalism."

In addition to the pandemic, the reckoning over race and gender representation in newsrooms, the polarized political environment, growing public mistrust of institutions including journalism, declining ad revenues and diverted audience attention all challenge media organizations to adapt, and to do so quickly.

Kalita, based in New York City, leads CNN's national news desk and efforts to share its journalism across an array of platforms. She was previously managing editor for editorial strategy at the Los Angeles Times, where she innovated new forms of storytelling and increased audience engagement, including hiring a correspondent to cover "Black Twitter."

In addition to his director role, Nielsen is a professor of political communication at the University of Oxford. He was previously director of research at the Reuters Institute and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Press/Politics. He has done extensive research on journalism, U.S. politics and various forms of activism.

• This free virtual event is part of the CJF's J-Talks program, which explores pressing journalistic issues.

• DATE: Thursday, October 29, 2020, 1 p.m. EDT. / 10 a.m. PDT. (Register now)

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation:

Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

• The CJF thanks the generosity of J-Talks series sponsor BMO Financial Group. 
• Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF.

SOURCE:: Canadian Journalism Foundation

Animal Lovers, Rejoice! New York City Has A Brand New Anti-Hero

The Calico

Sigma Comics, a comic book publisher dedicated to fighting animal abuse, today introduced the world to Calico, the company's first comic book character. As part of the introduction, the company revealed its flagship comic book series, entitled, "Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery". 

While there are other comic book superheroes that are Vegan, Calico is the first Vegan "Anti"-hero. "What's funny is, on the surface, it might seem like a gimmick, yet there's no reference to Veganism anywhere in the series," said Calico-creator H.H. German, and founder of Sigma Comics. "This is just one rough hombre who doesn't eat meat, and really, really hates bullies."

Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery, Issue #1 - Front Cover 

Set in the rough outer boroughs of New York City, Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery follows Hector Gil, a former boxer from The Bronx with a huge chip on his shoulder, created by life regrets. He decides to enter a prestigious boxing tournament, and as he trains, his new Brooklyn neighbors are unaware of the double-life he leads. On choice evenings, Hector Gil becomes the Calico, to pay unfriendly visits to people who abuse and kill animals. He is supported by a varied network of technically savvy and resourceful data professionals, all bent on making sure Calico completes his missions without a hitch.

Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery will be an 8-book series, with each issue featuring 22 pages of story by H.H. German and art by Javier Orabich, with cover art by Garnabiel. The first issue is expected to be released just in time for Christmas 2020. 

"If you love animals and comic books, this is an absolute must-have for your collection," said German. "The response has been incredible. I really appreciate the support we're getting from different groups of people, including Vegans, animal lovers, and comic book fans that are tired of lackluster comic books. Your unfriendly neighborhood Calico represents a big departure from the average superhero comic book. I'll leave it at that."

Introducing Calico - Video:

• Calico Volume 1: Pin-Up Gallery, Issue #1 is now available for pre-order at:igg.me/at/sigma.

About Sigma Comics:

Sigma Comics, LLC is a comic book publisher dedicated to fighting animal abuse. The company's goal is to reach a growing audience of readers across the globe, in order to promote animal rights advocacy and provide a powerful mechanism for animal rights charities to promote their efforts. 

• Comic book fans can learn more about Calico and Sigma Comics at sigmacomics.com.

SOURCE Sigma Comics, LLC

#TrustedJournalism Campaign Launched to Help Slow Spread of Disinformation on Social Media Among Older Adults Ahead of US Elections

#TrustedJournalism Campaign Launched to Help Slow Spread of Disinformation on Social Media Among Older Adults Ahead of US Elections

The Trusted Journalism Partnership, a coalition of nonpartisan academic and media organizations, today launched a public information campaign focusing on people aged 65 and over, encouraging them to take a reflective pause and consider whether a news story is true or not before sharing it on social media.

The campaign is based on research at Princeton and New York universities analyzing people's online behaviors in the final weeks of the 2016 elections:

• One quarter of all Americans visited a website masquerading as a legitimate news organization, but was in fact peddling false claims.
• The largest source of this internet traffic came from Facebook.
• While most people did not share the misleading information, Facebook users 65-and-over posted seven times as many articles from such websites, compared with adults under 29.

#TrustedJournalism Campaign Launched to Help Slow Spread of Disinformation on Social Media Among Older Adults Ahead of US Elections

"We want to help people sort fact from fiction at a time when they are bombarded with disinformation," said Dan Shelley, executive director and COO at the Radio Television Digital News Association, one of the participating organizations. "Our campaign is a critical reminder that fact-based journalism is different from other types of media. Legitimate news organizations hold themselves to high standards of transparency and accuracy. "

The PSA campaign, which provides 15-, 30- and 90-second videos, highlights the Trust Project's 8 Trust Indicators to help people evaluate the source of a news story and determine its validity.

"Our 8 Trust Indicators provide an easy checklist for making decisions about what news comes from reputable news organizations and what might be intentionally misleading or just plain wrong," said Sally Lehrman, Trust Project founder and CEO, and a member of the Trusted Journalism Partnership.

To reach older Americans with its message, the Trusted Journalism Partnership is advertising on Facebook, the most popular social media platform among seniors.

"Technology has dramatically altered the way we consume information. But one thing has not changed: the difference between the truth and a lie," said Akhtar Badshah, distinguished practitioner, University of Washington Evans School and founder of Accelerating Social Transformation. "We are giving people the tools to help them discern the difference."

The campaign invites people to take three simple steps to support a healthy democracy: 

1. Share the campaign
2. Learn the Trust Indicators 
3. Sign a pledge to share only trusted journalism and curtail the spread of disinformation. 

The campaign includes a social media toolkit and a collection of resources.

• Click here to help spread the word about misinformation and the critical need for sharing trusted journalism

The Videos:

The  8 Trust Indicator Cards:

Trust Indicator #1

Trust Indicator #2

Trust Indicator #3

Trust Indicator #4

Trust Indicator #5

Trust Indicator #6

Trust Indicator #7

Trust Indicator #8

SOURCE: The Trust Project

Shh! At-Home Workout Tips To Not Disturb the Neighbors

Shh! At-Home Workout Tips To Not Disturb the Neighbors (Photo by Elly Fairytale from Pexels)

With paper thin walls, apartment living can be a real bore sometimes. No playing piano at midnight, singing in the shower, or Hiit class will go unheard by the occupants below you. As we’ve been spending so much time at home this year because of the pandemic, keeping quiet all the time has been especially difficult.

Still, there are little workarounds that we all must do to avoid becoming the most hated tenant in the building. Exercising in particular presents a challenge, but there are plenty of modifications that will allow you to move around quietly. Grab your mens or womens supportive sneakers and try these tips for a whisper-soft workout at home.

Try Bodyweight Exercises, Rather than Lifting Weights

Lifting weights, especially with a weight bench, can be very noisy. All that clanking when you put the weights down might start to annoy your neighbors, so skip the weights and opt for bodyweight exercises instead. An online mat class, like Pilates or yoga, uses only your own body to develop long, lean muscles. If you are going to use weights, try some free weights that are coated in rubber to muffle the sound of the metal.

Skip the Jumping Exercises

If you are going to do a Hiit or other cardio class, modify the exercises by taking out the ones where you are jumping. Avoid burpees, doing quiet burpees that step through the positions instead. These will still be effective without making a ton of noise.

Use a Chair or a Wall

You don’t need anything to get a killer workout at home, but having a sturdy chair to do exercises with can be a help. You can get a full workout done, targeting your arms, legs, and core just by using a chair. According to healthline.com, tricep dips using a chair are the most effective exercise to target the muscles on the backs of your upper arms. You can also do wall sits and pushups agains the wall without making any noise.

Skip the Machinery and Head Outdoors

A treadmill or stationary bike can be great, but they can also be loud. Plus, they take up a lot of space and are costly. Instead, why not head outside for your workouts? All you need is a pair of womens or mens supportive sneakers and you’re ready to run. You’ll get the benefit of fresh air while making sure not to disturb the neighbors. Exercising outside can be done much more safely than in an enclosed space like a gym.

Shh! At-Home Workout Tips To Not Disturb the Neighbors (Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels)

Design Competition for Canada's LGBTQ2+ National Monument Launches

Design Competition for Canada's LGBTQ2+ National Monument Launches (Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels)

A major step has been taken toward creating a national monument remembering the historic discrimination against LGBTQ2+ people in Canada, including those who suffered and continue to suffer due to the LGBT Purge between the 1950s and the 1990s.

Teams of professional artists, landscape architects, architects and other urban design professionals are invited to submit their credentials and examples of work for consideration as part of the Request for Qualifications for the LGBTQ2+ National Monument. The deadline is January 5, 2021. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and the LGBT Purge Fund—the project proponent—issued the request in cooperation with the National Capital Commission.

The monument site will be located at the northeast side of Wellington Street near the ­Portage Bridge, next to the Ottawa River, close to the Judicial Precinct. The LGBT Purge Fund selected the site after consultations with LGBTQ2+ communities. The NCC approved the choice of site in January 2020.

The Monument will memorialize the profound impact of the discrimination experienced by Canada's LGBTQ2+ communities and will celebrate the achievements of those who fought for equality. It will also help educate visitors and inspire hope as well as change for the future

• .The site will have the capacity to host gatherings of as many as 2,000 people and balance public visibility and space for contemplation.

The design competition jury will include experts in the fields of visual arts, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design as well as LGBT Purge survivors, representatives from key stakeholder groups, and subject-matter specialists. The jury will review the submissions and select up to five teams, who will then be invited to prepare design proposals for the monument. 

The jury is comprised of the following members:

• Aaron Betsky, architect
• Maya Desai, architect and urban designer
• Michelle Douglas, Executive Director, LGBT Purge Fund, and LGBT Purge survivor
• Grant Fahlgren, landscape architect
• Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M., O.N.B, subject-matter expert
• Bernard Lamarche, art historian and curator
• Ann-Marie Macdonald, O.C., author, actor, playwright, affected community member
• Courtnay McFarlane, visual artist, poet and curator
• Martine Roy, Chair of the Board of Directors, LGBT Purge Fund, and LGBT Purge survivor
• Megan Torza, architect and urban designer

The LGBT Purge refers to the period when LGBT members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian federal public service faced systematic discrimination, harassment and often firings due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a matter of policy and sanctioned practice.

Over time, survivors and their allies worked hard to secure apologies, gain recognition, win compensation, and change Canadian law. A ground-breaking settlement was reached in 2018. Canada was the first country in the world to provide substantial compensation for the harm inflicted on its own people through decades of state-sponsored discrimination.

Quotes:

"I am confident Canada's design community can create a fitting memorial telling the story of those who were persecuted, dismissed and marginalized. Thousands of lives were devastated during the Purge. Careers were ruined and families were torn apart. I thank the LGBT Purge Fund for its vision of a monument that will inspire us to strive for a future that is free of LGBTQ2+ discrimination." — The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Purge was a disgraceful period in Canadian history. It had an effect not only on those who faced discrimination, but all members of LGBTQ2+ communities across the country. Unless we learn from our history, we are bound to repeat it. This monument will remind us that we must challenge normative values that perpetuate oppression in our society." — The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

"The LGBTQ2+ National Monument will be an enduring and important marker to commemorate the deep, state-sanctioned discrimination experienced by LGBTQ2+ people in Canada for many decades. The LGBT Purge Fund is proud to provide the funding for this project and to ensure that that the voices of the LGBTQ2+ community are extensively consulted on the vision for this project." — Michelle Douglas, Executive Director, LGBT Purge Fund

Quick Facts:

This first phase of the design competition will evaluate qualifications and select up to five teams to continue to the Request for Proposals phase in 2021, when the finalists will be invited to develop their design concepts.

Members of LGBTQ2+ communities and the public will be invited to review the finalists' proposals before a design is chosen.

• The monument is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

Associated Links:

• Request for Qualifications
• Upcoming Projects: The LGBTQ2+ National Monument
• LGBT Purge Fund on the LGBTQ2+ National Monument

About The LGBT Purge Fund:

The LGBT Purge Fund is a not-for-profit corporation established in 2018 to manage memorialization and reconciliation projects mandated by the settlement. They are responsible for building an LGBTQ2+ National Monument that will "memorialize the historical discrimination against LGBTQ2+ people in Canada, including with respect to the LGBT Purge." 

As the proponent of the project, the LGBT Purge Fund is providing $8 million for the project and is working with Canadian Heritage and the NCC to ensure the monument meets the objectives of the settlement agreement and embodies the vision developed with Purge survivors and Canada's wider LGBTQ2+ community.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

MUSE Going Strong with Its 2021 Creative, Design and Photography Awards

2021 MUSE Creative, Design, and Photography Awards: Calling For Entries Now!

The International Awards Associate (IAA) returns with two of its annual award programs, the MUSE Creative and Design Awards. "We intend to stay true to our vision," Kenjo Ong, CEO of IAA, said. "We are grateful that we can continue to be a platform for talents to showcase themselves."

The MUSE Creative and Design Awards are IAA's flagship of their award programs, among others such as the MUSE Hotel Awards, Vega Digital Awards, and NYX Awards.

With MUSE's theme being "Conquer Change" for 2021, entrants would need to bring their best and show that their works can withstand the test of time. 

• The competitions will begin accepting entries from October 15, 2020 until February 25, 2021. 
• Results will be announced in Spring 2021.

The MUSE Creative Awards are aimed at creatives of varying industries, from graphic designers, typographers, business owners, freelancers, students, videographers, content managers, web designers, and mobile app developers.

• For competition rules and entry forms, visit museaward.com 

The MUSE Design Awards caters to professionals in architecture, interior design, lighting design, fashion design, product and packaging design, furniture design, transportation, and conceptual design.

• For competition rules and entry forms, visit design.museaward.com 

The awards have been faithfully honoring promising talents, and it will continue to do so alongside its newly announced sister award, the MUSE Photography Awards. It caters to photographers worldwide, with entrants choosing from categories such as Architecture, Black and White, Fine Art, Mobile Photography, and more.

• Entries will be open from October 15, 2020 until July 15, 2021. 
• For competition rules and entry forms, visit musephotographyawards.com

Entries can be submitted as individuals or teams, regardless of location or nationality. A small fee will be charged for administrative purposes. Entries are assessed by an international panel of distinguished judges.

MUSE Awards: Evolution of MUSE Statuettes | 2021 MUSE Statuette Unveiled!

The newly designed MUSE statuette enhances the original design and features the iconic MUSE figure. Exquisitely detailed, it is dressed with either pearl white, gold, or silver, symbolizing ingenuity and imagination.

About The International Awards Associate:

IAA is an international group of award-winning industry professionals. "We believe that more individuals will be nurtured and surface over the coming years," Ong said. "I am looking forward to be blown away by extraordinary talents standing above the rest and conquering this ever-changing industry."

SOURCE: International Awards Associate (IAA)

Stars Of "Friday the 13th" & "Supernatural" Along With Musical Guests Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco Join The "Queen Mary Live: A Virtual Haunt & Music Fest"

Stars Of "Friday the 13th" & "Supernatural" Along With Musical Guests Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco Join The "Queen Mary Live: A Virtual Haunt & Music Fest" (screengrab)

Halloween is not cancelled! The Dark Zone Network announces their biggest Live Streaming Virtual Paranormal Event yet! The revolutionary and innovative creative team at The Dark Zone Network is at it again! 

This time, the people that brought you ground-breaking television like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Mine, Mountain Monsters and more, thrill and entertain viewers with four fully packed days of ghost hunting and Halloween festivities - music and celebration at the world's most haunted ghost ship, the Queen Mary. Do not miss their latest—and BIGGEST--live streaming, interactive, fully immersive virtual global event - "The Queen Mary - LIVE: A Virtual Haunt and Music Fest!" 

• Never before has anyone had full and unrestricted access to the Queen Mary. Because it is currently closed to the public, every level, every haunted area will be virtually accessible by anyone watching the live stream. For the first time, the world's most haunted ghost ship will reveal her secrets to The Dark Zone's world-wide audience.

Stars Of "Friday the 13th" & "Supernatural" Along With Musical Guests Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco Join The "Queen Mary Live: A Virtual Haunt & Music Fest" (image via TheDarkZone.tv)

Hosted by renowned resident apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, partner Becca Knight and The Dark Zone's Susan Slaughter, viewers will be treated to more ghost hunting over four days than seen on most reality ghost hunting shows. This is a fully immersive, interactive experience as viewers watch the locked down camera feeds from the safety of their living room couches, looking for shadow figures, objects moving or even full-bodied apparitions. When they spot them, and they always do, they'll communicate directly with The Dark Zone and the on-site investigators to tell them where to investigate next.

Because it's their favorite holiday, The Dark Zone will host a full, live-streaming Halloween party and Day of the Dead celebration. TDZ proudly announces music performances from Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco, Dead Sara, Metalachi and Sound Barrier as well as celebrity guests Kane Hodder (Jason from Friday the 13th), Chad Lindberg (Supernatural), Calico Cooper (Alice Cooper's daughter/Beasto Blanco's lead singer), and Britton Buchanan (The Voice). 

Stars Of "Friday the 13th" & "Supernatural" Along With Musical Guests Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco Join The "Queen Mary Live: A Virtual Haunt & Music Fest" (image via TheDarkZone.tv)

There will even be a virtual costume contest with prize giveaways. Oh, and there will be ghosts - and ghost hunters. 

• This event will feature some of the biggest names in the paranormal ghost hunting community to search around in the deepest, darkest depths of The Queen Mary looking for what goes bump in the night. 

Step into The Dark Zone on October 29th through November 1st for four terrifying nights of Halloween on the haunted Queen Mary. Tickets are only $19.99 for this once in a lifetime, live streaming, fully immersive, virtual event. 

• Go to www.thedarkzone.tv for tickets and more info. Live, multi-channel stream available to view on Roku and Apple TV. 

SOURCE: The Dark Zone Network

Nashville Music Duo Brother Gabe's House All Set To Anger Trump's Base With Controversial New Single 'Mother Freedom' [Video Included]

Nashville Music Duo Brother Gabe's House All Set To Anger Trump's Base With Controversial New Single 'Mother Freedom' (screengrab)

This October 13th, Nashville-based southern rock duo Brother Gabe's House are exploding into election season with their fiercely political new single 'Mother Freedom' — and they're not afraid to speak their mind.

The song was penned by Gabriel Jordan (AKA Brother Gabe) as a response to the destruction of American democratic values that he, like most of the world, has witnessed with horror over the last four years. Beke Love (Brother Gabe vocalist), worked out the melody and brought his words to life.

Occasionally a song will surface at just the right time to define a crucial moment in American history — Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin'', for example, or Green Day's 'American Idiot'. These songs exploded on the American music scene equipped with enough zeitgeist to make them eternal. 'Mother Freedom' by Brother Gabe's House hums with that same potential.

"The lyrics came to me quickly. I almost felt as if Mother Freedom herself had grabbed my hand and taken the pen. I felt like a spectator actually." – Gabriel Jordan

As America faces economic uncertainty, pandemic and social unrest not seen since the 1960s, 'Mother Freedom' is the heart cry of a nation. With the country's most important presidential election in a century just weeks away, this powerful song could not be timelier.

'Mother Freedom' - The Video:

• 'Mother Freedom' is the first single from the duo's debut album, set for release in March 2021.
• 'Mother Freedom' will be available on all digital streaming platforms from October 13th 

Nashville Music Duo Brother Gabe's House All Set To Anger Trump's Base With Controversial New Single 'Mother Freedom' (screengrab)

About Brother Gabe's House:

Brother Gabe's House is a southern rock duo based in Nashville, comprised of Gabriel Jordan and Beke Love who first met at a local writer's night. The pair soon formed Blended 328 — a country group that became a U.S. music ambassador, sharing American values with at-risk youth around the world.

• Although Blended 328 disbanded, Beke and Gabriel continue their music journey through Brother Gabe's House.

Bonus Video:

SOURCE; Brother Gabe's House

4 Tips To Follow When Driving A Truck This Winter

4 Tips To Follow When Driving A Truck This Winter (Photo by Seb Creativo on Unsplash)

Winter is approaching and driving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) during this time of year can be extremely dangerous, especially when the temperatures plummet and the roads can be icy. No matter how long you have been driving a HGV, it’s important for you to brush up on your driving knowledge to ensure you are prepared for a long journey that will get you to your destination as safely as possible. This post will look at four tips to follow when driving a truck this winter. 

Make sure you are well-rested

The winter months can affect everyone and leave you feeling more tired and sluggish than usual. As a truck driver, it’s essential that you get plenty of rest to avoid a potential accident on the road. The daily limit for driving a truck is 9 hours which includes a 45-minute break every 4.5 hours. Try to sleep as long as you possibly can to avoid exhaustion and remember to read up on tacho rules as there are some that all operators and drivers need to be aware of.

Drive slowly and carefully

Winter conditions can include heavy rainfall, wind, fog, ice, and snow so you must drive extra carefully. There will be times when you will need to drive slowly and take extra precaution on the roads. By slowing down, this will give you more time to react should you need to. Even the most experienced drivers still need to be careful on the roads in winter because bad weather can mean poor visibility or slippery roads. Remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles around you for your safety as well as the safety of others on the road. If you are taking medication make sure you read the possible side effects that could also affect your driving ability.

Pack a winter emergency kit

Breakdowns and delays increase during winter, so it’s best to be prepared by packing a winter emergency kit. If you find yourself stranded, some items you may need to assist you during this time include a high-vis jacket to ensure you are visible to other drivers, a flashlight, jump cables, de-icer and scraper, and a shovel with sand and salt to grit the road. Other important items to pack are extra clothes, a blanket, and some food and water in case you are stranded for a long period.

Make sure your vehicle is prepared

Driving in the winter can be unpredictable so try to prepare your truck as best as you can. It’s advised that your tank should be half full at minimum before setting off on any journey. Ensure that your windows and mirrors are clean, as well as your lights and that they are working and visible. Before you set off make sure the heater works, check your defroster, top up the washer fluid, and check that your tyre pressure meets the legal requirement. 

It’s important that you plan your journey and to make sure that you and your vehicle are as best prepared for the trip as you can be.

4 Tips To Follow When Driving A Truck This Winter (Photo by Cris Tagupa on Unsplash)

#FreetobeOnline - Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment

A Plan International survey of 14,000 girls in 22 countries, including Canada, reveals that more than half (58%) of those surveyed have been harassed and abused on social media. (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)

Social media platform to work with Plan International to kick off a series of listening sessions with girls from around the world, which will inform work across Facebook platforms

Girl activists will be teaming up with Instagram, in collaboration with global children's rights and gender equality organization Plan International, to address how the platform can respond to online harassment. 

This will include listening sessions with a diverse group of 15 youth activists who will provide insight into their own negative experiences to policy and product teams from Instagram. Insights will also be shared with Facebook and WhatsApp as part of this initiative.

This announcement comes on International Day of the Girl and follows a landmark survey by Plan International of 14,000 girls in 22 countries, including Canada, which revealed more than half (58%) of those surveyed have been harassed or abused on social media. Amongst the list of power holders that girls want to take action to tackle abuse, social media companies top the list, followed by governments, police and civil society organizations.

"Girls in our research identified social media companies as the critical actors responsible for ensuring safety from online harassment on their platforms. This partnership with Instagram is an encouraging first step and will help ensure girls' voices are not silenced," said Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO of Plan International Canada.

The sessions between the youth activists and Instagram will begin this November and will provide an opportunity to hear directly from girls about their lived experiences on social media. The aim is to create a dialogue about more ways the companies can continue to invest in protecting girls from bullying and harassment. The youth participating come from Benin, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Philippines, Spain, UK and the US.

"Listening to girls who have experienced being harassed online is a crucial part of the process, to ensure that mechanisms being implemented to eliminate online harassment are truly effective," said Ramandeep, 15-year-old Youth Ambassador for Plan International Canada. "We need to amplify their voices to help create solutions to this issue."

Cindy Southworth, Head of Women's Safety at Facebook, said: "Abuse of women on the internet is a serious problem, one we tackle in a variety of ways – through technology that identifies and removes potentially abusive content, by enforcing strict policies and by talking with experts and people experiencing harassment or abuse."

"We know this is a particular challenge and really value the opportunity to work with Plan International and hear directly from young women affected by these issues so we can improve and ensure we are a platform where women feel safe."

Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment (image via Plan International Canada)

Girls around the world have written an open letter to social media companies, calling on them to create stronger and more effective ways to report abuse and harassment. This International Day of the Girl, Plan International Canada is standing with girls in their call, which includes developing better and more accessible reporting mechanisms, and stronger monitoring measures to identify and respond to cyberbullying and online harassment.

More than half of the girls surveyed in Canada say social media companies should do more to fight such issues on their platforms. Supporters of this call-to-action in Canada are encouraged to read and sign this letter, which will urge social media giants to enact significant changes and make online spaces safer for everyone.

Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment (image via Plan International Canada)

• Click here to read Plan International’s full report on online harassment around the world

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries. 

• Visit plancanada.ca for more information and follow @PlanCanada on social media to join the conversation.

SOURCE: Plan International Canada