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DAMIAN & STEPHEN MARLEY COMING TO M RESORT SPA CASINO, AUGUST 2, 2024
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com
Damian “Junior Gong” and Stephen Marley are coming to Las Vegas and will make an exciting stop at M Resort Spa Casino as part of their Traffic Jam Tour 2024 across North America. The brothers will take over the M Pool stage with their curated set of Reggae sounds on Friday, August 2, 2024. Tickets start at $30 plus taxes and fees and go on sale on Friday, June 14. They can be purchased by visiting themresort.com or ticketmaster.com.
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is a multi-Grammy winning Jamaican musical luminary, celebrated for his genre-defying tracks, profound lyrical themes, and philanthropic endeavors. His own collections, along with collaborations with iconic artists such as Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars, Jay Z, Nas, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Cypress Hill, and many others showcase Damian’s diverse musical influences. By blending reggae with dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, and rock, he has crafted a signature sound that resonates globally.
With an impressive Grammy collection that includes victories for “Halfway Tree,” “Welcome to Jamrock,” “Distant Relatives” (a collaborative masterpiece with Nas), and most recently as the producer for the album, The Kalling, by Kabaka Pyramid, Damian aims to continue to blaze a trail in producing hits. With millions of monthly Spotify listeners, “Jr. Gong” not only reigns as a chart-topping musical virtuoso, but also maintains his status as an influential reggae icon and a pivotal figure in the worldwide music arena.
Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen Marley has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him free as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer—whether collaborating with his own illustrious musical family or with the likes of Lauryn Hill, Bobby Brown, Nas, or Erykah Badu. Beginning his lifelong musical journey at the age of six, Stephen shared some historic stages with his legendary father and toured the world with his brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella and Sharon, The Melody Makers. Over the past 45 years, Stephen has won eight Grammy Awards—three with The Melody Makers, three times as a solo artist, and twice as a producer of his younger brother Damian Marley. Every one of his solo projects to date has topped the Billboard Reggae charts.
The Traffic Jam Tour marks the first time Damian and Stephen jointly present a curated set, offering a unique showcase to their fans of both brothers’ catalogs and a medley of their father Bob Marley’s classics. The two have written and performed a multitude of singles together over the last two decades, including the most recent collaboration, “Cast The First Stone” from Stephen Marley’s new LP Old Soul. The brothers also wrote, produced, and performed on the anthemic Grammy-winning reggae classic “Welcome To Jamrock,” as well as timeless compositions like “Medication,” “Grown & Sexy,” “All Night,” “It Was Written,” and, of course, “Traffic Jam.”
Doors to the M Pool will open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 2. For more information on M Resort Spa Casino’s upcoming concerts, events, and special promotions, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit themresort.com.
ABOUT M RESORT SPA CASINO
M Resort Spa Casino, the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders, is a Forbes Four-Star resort located on more than 90 acres on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center, and restaurants. The resort offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, eleven restaurants and bars, the Forbes Four-Star Spa Mio, a modern fitness center, and a 100,000-square-foot pool and events piazza. PENN Entertainment operates M Resort. -
Marta Thoma Hall and David Hall Launch a New Foundation with Rising Tides, an Art Exhibition
On June 8th, 2024, “Rising Tides,” the new Hall Art and Technology Foundation is exhibiting its art collection, celebrated with festivities on June 8th at the Floating Museum in Alameda, CA. The viewing experience is uniquely situated on a river barge. The exhibition features contemporary paintings, sculpture, and installations from the HAT Foundation (Hall Art and Technology Foundation) on the theme of cycles of the changing times.
On a floating barge, otherwise known as the Floating Museum, is the perfect place to view the river and contemplate artwork. The exhibition’s title references the tides of Alameda and the Pacific Ocean as it is always in flux. The movement and view of water inspired the title, “Rising Tides,” and consider other cycles of change in the environment and social sphere. The expectation of a rising tide is a hopeful notion, promising that no matter how bleak things look in the moment, if one just holds on long enough, eventually things will turn around. Does the tide truly float all boats?
How are we adjusting to difficult times with climate change and social/political polarization? The paintings and sculpture in the exhibition are visions from thirty artists who share unique views and insights into the times. Themes are organized and described on the museum walls as “Rising Tides,” an overview, “Threads,” and “Seaworthiness.”
There are many literal and symbolic “threads” in the exhibition. Notable artists Peter Foley, artist of “Bandana,” produced an expressive flag-like painting on raw canvas, as if representing an unknown or new country. Jeremy Dean created an American flag unraveled and restitched with rainbow colors representing the LGBTQ population. New threads woven with the original threads create something altogether new. Julia Couzens challenges the notion of traditional materials as the work “Off the Grid,” includes a canvas wrapped with yarn, rope, and tule.
Represented in the exhibition are Bay Area legendary artists Mildred Howard and M. Louise Stanley. Mildred Howard is represented by the stunning, “Memory Garden House,” made of 450 bottles forming a unique, miniature house. M. Louise Stanley created the large painting, “Melancholia,” after an etching by the artist Durer. It is a perfect reflection on the times (including the Covid pandemic,) including a dancing artist, (she paints herself into her work) trying to cheer up a rather weary and despondent angel.
Artists featured: Chie Aoki, Whitney Bradshaw, Rolando Castellon, Enrique Chagoya, Carl Cheng, Julia Couzens, Dewey Crumpler, Jeremy Dean, Kathryn Dunlevie, Ana Teresa Fernandez, Pete Foley, Marta Thoma Hall, Jud Hart, Valerie Hegarty, Archana Horsting, Mildred Howard, Kazuo Kadonaga, Carol Law, Carrie Lederer, Linda MacDonald, Kara Maria, Tony May, Blessing Ngobeni, Pat Perry, Maria Porges, Michele Pred, Lucy Puls, Gregory Rick, M. Louise Stanley, Masami Teraoka, Watchery, Archana Horsting, Carol Benioff, Kim Thoman
Artists represented in the exhibition hail from Japan, South Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, New York, Chicago, Hawaii, as well as from cities in California.
About David Hall and Marta Thoma Hall
The Hall Art and Technology Foundation is a multi-layered project of Marta Thoma and David Hall, thought leaders from the Bay Area. David Hall is currently founding a new technology company, Shoot the Moon, while Marta Thoma Hall is managing the HAT foundation and making art.
David Hall is inventor and entrepreneur, founding Velodyne Acoustics LLC in 1983, Velodyne Lidar Inc. in 2020, along with Marta Hall, as President. David Hall received the Smithsonian Inventor of the Year Award in 2018, among many national awards. Marta Thoma Hall founded the World Safety Summit for Autonomous Cars in 2017.
The Hall Foundation follows the Hall’s interest in pursuing visionary, futuristic advancements in technology and art. The foundation will promote future exhibitions, events, and public education.
Please contact kkotlier@stmrlauncher.
com for tour reservations. The hours of visitation are Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 – 3:00 pm and by appointment. Contact the foundation ahead via kkotlier@stmrlauncher.com. 
SOURCE Hall Art and Technology Foundation
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Unlocking the Battle Within: Insights on PTSD from Veteran Warriors
If you are feeling a bit cagey, jumpy and easily frightened, you may be experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The PTSD language is in vogue in the mental health discussion and is usually par for the course for first responders, military members, and veterans who have experienced traumatic events, such as serving in the theatre of war. Yet, the reality is anyone is susceptible to this condition.
If you were involved in or witnessed a traumatic event during your lifetime, you may experience the signs and symptoms for PTSD. Each traumatic event is unique to that individual. The signs and symptoms can manifest themselves emotionally and physically such as through severe anxiety, nagging arousals, triggers, and haunting nightmares and they may stick with you for awhile.
These traumatic experiences may lay dormant for many years, or they may revisit you daily as a constant reminder. Young children may re-enact certain elements of those traumatic events through play; adults may be paralyzed with the past and act out behaviorally.
Dealing with deep-rooted stressors might be the cause of disruptive sleep patterns or general loss of focus. It is important to seek professional help if you or your loved ones are seeing these kinds of signs and symptoms surface. As a complement to your professional support, we encourage developing self-care habits, be that exploring your feelings and bodily reactions, learning relaxation skills, and restructuring of your thoughts.
Some other self-care tips can be found in our book The Resilient Warrior: Battle Tested Life Hacks for Military Men and Women, a collaborative collection providing needed wisdom for complete well-being from and for those who serve as well anyone else looking for some life hacks for self-improvement.
About the Editors
Nick Benas, USMC, is a former United States Marine Sergeant and Iraqi Combat Veteran. He travels around the United States training individuals on how to recognize a developing mental illness and how to prevent someone from slipping into a crisis. Nick attended Southern Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree in Sociology, and for his M.S. in Public Policy. He has been featured by more than 50 major media outlets for his business success and entrepreneurship. He’s the author of Mental Health Emergencies, Tactical Mobility, and The Warrior Book of Virtues.
Buzz Bryan, USN, is currently the Outreach Coordinator for the West Palm Beach VA medical center. He previously served as the OEF/OIF Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) for the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN4) based in Pittsburgh, PA for ten years, working specifically with Iraq & Afghanistan veterans. Buzz was a member of the Navy/Marine Corps team and retired from the United States Navy in July 2007 after 22 years of honorable service as a Fleet Marine Force Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. He is the author of The Warrior Book of Virtues.
“…compelling self-help tactics for all of us who want to better ourselves and our families.”
—Patrick J. Murphy, 32nd Under Secretary of the ArmyThe Resilient Warrior
Edited by Nick Benas & Buzz Bryan
Foreword by Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC
Afterword by Sarah Plummer Taylor, MSW
978-1-57826-920-4, $20.00 paperback
978-1-57826-932-7, $9.99 eBookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Orange County, N.Y., Tourism Rebrands, Urging All to ‘Pick OCNY’ With New Slogan, Logo – and the Friendly Mascot ‘Hudson’
New Campaigns Will Spotlight Endless Reasons to Visit: Events, Family Fun, Farm-Fresh Foods, Entertainment and Cultural Touchstones, All Just One Hour from NYC
Orange County Tourism & Film unveiled its fresh new branding today, with an eye-catching apple-themed logo, the upbeat slogan, “Pick Orange County” – and even a new mascot, Hudson.
In keeping with the new slogan, the tourism website’s address is now pickocny.com.
“Tourism is vital to Orange County, N.Y.’s economy, and Orange County is a terrific Tourism destination. The County offers adventure, family fun, farm-fresh goodness, rich history, a thriving craft beverage scene and spectacular views and vistas, all just 50 miles from New York City,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “Our new tourism branding brings a lively dynamic that will reflect these qualities on the County’s tourism website, social media, travel guide, ads and many other platforms.”
Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film, added, “Our diverse attractions and destinations are among the many reasons to love Orange County, which is why we welcome visitors from New York City and around the region, nation and world. The new logo, slogan and mascot make a great introduction for people to see why they should Pick Orange County!”
Neuhaus and Dana were joined by travel expert Josiah Brown, known as “The New York Sherpa,” who is a national expert on tourism. They unveiled the new logo in a ceremony at the Orange County Tourism & Film Welcome Center, 99 Main St., Goshen.
The new branding introduces an eye-catching logo that features an illustration of a red apple with “Pick” written on a green leaf and “OCNY” in the body of the iconic fruit. The logo conveys a fun, laid-back atmosphere, while maintaining a mature and confident appearance. It calls to mind the many orchards and farms where visitors pick their own apples and other produce, and also entices visitors to Orange County’s traditional bucolic settings, diverse family-friendly activities, arts and envelope-pushing cultural touchstones.The spirit of the region is also captured in the new Orange County Tourism tagline: “The Fresh State of Mind.”
The star of the unveiling was the mascot, Hudson, a friendly dog with large blue eyes and an orange “Pick OCNY” bandana. Hudson will help educate visitors about the endless rewards of a visit to Orange County, from discovering a hand-crafted gift in a quaint downtown to visiting some of the state’s most iconic destinations – including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Storm King Art Center, LEGOLAND® New York Resort and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
“Hudson will be the loveable, friendly face you’ll find around the county,” Dana said. “Look for him to guide you in how best to enjoy everything Orange County has to offer.”Tourism is a cornerstone of the county’s economy, attracting $1.1 billion in visitor spending in 2022 while supporting more than 11,000 jobs. That revenue saved Orange County property owners more than $1,000, on average, in annual state and local taxes.
“Tourism is a crucial component of Orange County, N.Y.’s charm and lifestyle,” Neuhaus said. “Visits to our attractions, restaurants and accommodations create jobs, significantly drive our county’s economic growth, and have helped us lower County taxes to rates not seen since the 1960s.”
The new campaigns will invite visitors to explore Orange County, which for New York City Metropolitan Area residents, is close enough for a day trip and jampacked with enough fun and fascinating activities for a weekend or mid-week stay. Orange County also is accessible via New Jersey Transit’s (Metro-North) Port Jervis Line and regional bus service.
In addition to its year-round and seasonal attractions, Orange County hosts widely renowned annual events such as the Pine Bush UFO Festival, the Great American Weekend in Goshen, the New York Renaissance Faire and the Warwick Applefest. Orange County Airport is one of six locations across the country where the New York Airshow wows audiences.
Attendees at Orange County’s rebranding ceremony sampled some of the county’s most iconic offerings. They sipped apple cider and munched on tasty cider doughnuts, a regional specialty from Soons Orchards. They also enjoyed maple syrup from Finding Home Farms and gelato from the Ice Capps food truck.
“Even though I’m nearing 1,000,000 miles driven on the road across New York State and America, Orange County is still where my heart is,” said Brown, the tourism expert. “The vibrant communities that make up Orange County are not by mistake, but the product of leaders fostering and preserving the quality of life here. The visitor economy here has been built and stewarded with intentionality which has created a quality-of-place that so many residents enjoy year-round. The measure of success for the future of every county will be their ability to create, herald and steward a positive brand impression in the minds of future and current residents, businesses, and investors. I’m so excited to see this rebranding process take place here and confident it will keep Orange County, N.Y., leading into the future.”
Making the most of a visit continues to become easier with Orange County Tourism’s easy-to-use website, now at pickocny.com, which drew more than 1 million annual visits for the first time last year. That was a 23% increase over 2022. The site helps visitors to find the places and activities that entice them the most and to tailor their adventure for a richer, more rewarding and fresh-feeling visit.
“We love seeing visitors from all over enjoying everything that Orange County has to offer,” Dana said. “Our new branding perfectly introduces the sights, the tastes and the spirit of fun discovered by guests from around the world. We hope to continue seeing the many repeat visitors who have come to love Orange County, and to welcome newcomers discovering our county’s pleasures for the first time.”
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a fun, free, 60-page travel guide is available for digital download at orangetourism.org/travel-
guide/. CUTLINE FOR ATTACHED PHOTO: Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus (left) and Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film, pose with Hudson, the newly introduced Orange County tourism mascot.
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Rod Stewart & Son Liam Celebrate Father’s Day Behind The Bar Shaking Up Rockstar Martinis
Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Rod Stewart and his (newlywed) son Liam joined forces behind the bar at his Essex country estate to kick-off their Father’s Day celebration, ahead of the June 16 holiday. Equipped with whisky, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla syrup, lime juice, Champagne, a shaker and martini glasses, the duo hilariously demonstrate how to make a Rockstar Martini, in time for everyone to grab the ingredients and celebrate Father’s Day with a cocktail.
In a video posted to Rod’s Instagram (@sirrodstewart), Liam plays bartender, taking his dad through the steps to make a Rockstar Martini, a twist on the popular Pornstar Martini, using Rod’s whisky Wolfie’s in place of vodka.
The 29-year-old, who married Nicole Artukovich on Friday in Croatia, is Rod’s son with ex-wife Rachel Hunter. He is also a new father, who celebrated the birth of his son, Louis, with now-wife Nicole in 2023.
“Family is incredibly precious, and I’m grateful that I get to spend as much time as I do with my kids between travel and touring,” said Rod. “I try to bring us all together as much as I can. I’ve always loved Father’s Day – it’s a bit of an excuse to get everyone together, isn’t it? I always raise a toast to my dad Robert too, although this year we’ll be celebrating with a Wolfie’s Rockstar Martini, which will go down a treat with the rest of the family.”
Wolfie’s is available in more than 20 countries. In the US, it’s just launched throughout California, Nevada and Florida and is available for shipping to all states excluding Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee & Utah via online orders at wolfieswhisky.com.
Sunday 16 June is a double celebration for Rod this year, as it also marks his wedding anniversary with wife Penny Lancaster. Stewart, in the midst of a sold-out European tour, will play the QE Arena in Leipzig on Friday 14 June, and the Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin on Saturday 15 June before flying back to England to celebrate his anniversary with Penny and mark Father’s Day with his family.
Wolfie’s Rockstar Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 40ml Wolfie’s whisky
- 15ml passionfruit liqueur
- 15ml vanilla syrup
- 15ml lime juice
- Splash of champagne
Method:
- Add 40ml of Wolfie’s to cocktail shaker
- Add 15ml Passionfruit liqueur
- Add 15ml vanilla syrup
- Add 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- Add ice to shaker and secure lid
- Shake hard and fast, like you mean it.
- Strain into your cocktail glass
- Add a splash of champagne to the top of the cocktail
- Forget the garnish – get sipping!
About Wolfie’s Whisky:
Wolfie’s Whisky is a 40% ABV blended Scotch whisky distilled in partnership with Rod Stewart
Wolfie’s is available in more than 20 countries. In the US, it’s just launched throughout California, Nevada and Florida and is available for shipping to all states excluding Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee & Utah via online orders at wolfieswhisky.com.
For more information, visit www.wolfieswhisky.com or follow the brand on social media:
Visit: Facebook: @WolfiesOfficial, Instagram: @WolfiesWhisky
About Rod Stewart:
Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with an estimated 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, from rock, folk, soul, R&B, and even the Great American Songbook; making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career.
Rod has earned countless of the industry’s highest awards, among them, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times bestselling author, Grammy™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became ‘Sir Rod Stewart’ after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity.
For more information visit www.rodstewart.com.
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How Surfing is Mentally, Physically and Emotionally Therapeutic
Surfing as a form of therapy? It sounds odd, right? As a lifelong surfer, I’ve felt better after surfing—the act of riding a wave in the ocean on a surfboard—but I didn’t know it could be therapeutic.
I wanted to learn more about it, so I began talking with surf therapy practitioners and surf therapy organizations around the world. And what I found out I put in my book Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being.
“Surf therapy” is defined by the International Surf Therapy Organization as “the use of surfing as a vehicle for delivering intentional, inclusive, population-specific, and evidenced-based therapeutic structures to promote psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being.”
There is a treasure trove of evidence-based data and testimonials that shows how surfing is therapeutic—even life saving—for many afflictions and traumas, including:
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Whether you’re a military veteran, police officer, or you’ve experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in your life, surfing can serve as a form of treatment. How does PTSD affect you? Stress causes your amygdala (the almond shaped area in your brain that involves emotion) to release toxins, and too much of it can damage your hippocampus (which helps you make sense and contextualize your experiences). This leads to thinking the past is present, and reliving trauma again and again. Surfing helps by requiring you to focus on the present so that you don’t relive the past. By surfing with a surf therapy organization, you’ll also meet others who may be going through a similar situation and can share their experiences.
2. At-Risk Youth: In areas around the world where there isn’t much opportunity for young adults, many surf therapy practitioners are stepping up and taking them surfing. Surfing not only has been proven to improve self esteem, reduce impulsivity, improve attention, improve heart rate; it also reduces toxic stress that is more prevalent in these communities. Surf therapy practitioners also act as mentors, encouraging good behavior and good grades to help to guide children and young adults who may be missing one or both parents, or have no family at all.
3. Physical Disability: The notion of surfing if you have a disability can be scary. Thanks to several surf therapy pioneers, adaptive surfboards ensure that you can experience the healing powers of the sea safely, even if you have a spinal cord injury, paralysis of any kind, cerebral palsy, amputation(s) or another disability.If a disability has taken away the ability to get an adrenaline rush, surf therapy can provide it. It also provides a cheering section of volunteers who root you on as you surf towards shore. The resounding theme from surf therapy events is that the act of surfing provides an incredible sense of freedom.
4. Drug Addiction: Surf therapy programs have been proven to help those with drug addictions stay clean. In a surf therapy program, you will find practitioners, counselors and therapists who can help you stay on the right track, along with a community of other participant seeking to do the same. Because surfing provides a natural dopamine release, along with an endorphins rush known as a runner’s high, it can still provide a natural hit that those with drug addictions may be craving.
5. Mental Health: Instead of therapy inside four walls, therapy on the beach with a surfboard has helped individuals across the world experience an increase in calmness, resilience, confidence, happiness and improvement in friendships.
Here’s the thing also, if you don’t have the means to travel to the ocean or the sea to experience surf therapy for yourself or a loved one, there may be a wave pool nearby that is offering this. Read more about surf therapy in my new book Surf Therapy. Available wherever you buy books.
About the Author
Cash Lambert is the author of Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism, as well as the Founder and Director of Editorial for American Surf Magazine. A former editor for Hawaii’s Freesurf Magazine, his articles have been featured in ESPN Outdoors, Surfing Magazine, Eastern Surf Magazine, the Outdoor Channel, Surfline, Stab Magazine, Flux, Patagonia and more. Cash lives with his wife and daughter in Florida.
Surf Therapy
Written by Cash Lambert
978-1-57826-994-5, $20.00 paperback
978-1-961293-01-4, $9.99 ebookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com
