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| Photo Cred: Mest Official Site |
“Best concert of my life” – I have never spoken or written these words and now they describe absolute fact. For those who have read my MXPX concert review, or even prior posts where I speak of those who influenced my passion for music, know that I am the biggest fan of the band Mest. This past Friday I attended my tenth or so concert of theirs and honestly think of it as a life event considering my experience. Continue reading
The following article was published on the Brandman University Blog.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. It is comprised of three commissions including the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS). Brandman University is part of a network of over 170 institutions that collaborate with WASC on the senior level to implement the most effective strategies for student success. As a private, nonprofit institution, discover how Brandman aligns with WASC standards to provide students with busy schedules quality education without exception. Read on to learn the pillars of excellence that the accrediting body measures colleges and universities on and how Brandman lives up to these qualities.
This article was published on the Brandman University Blog.
It is no surprise that the landscape of higher education has transformed dramatically in recent years. With the advancement of technology, the explosion of massive open online courses and internet-based learning, the line between traditional and nontraditional schools has been steadily blurring. As a result of these and other influencers there are five top stories to watch for in 2014. Continue reading
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| Photo Cred: Joe McCabe |
“When was it that you lost your youth or traded it for something more for them to use so jaded…In case you’re wondering, I’m singing about going up, about giving in.” Sifting through some of my favorite Alkaline Trio songs to open this post with, “Mr. Chainsaw” is awarded for its irony and poetry. Not to mention the screaming resemblance to my life right now. Continue reading
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| Photo Cred: Jim Brock |
“You’re damn right, I’ve got the blues. From my head down to my shoes. I can’t win ’cause I don’t have a thing to lose.” Although this was not the opening song from Buddy Guy’s performance at the City Grove of Anaheim, the lyric stands true to the legend and reflects the atmosphere that night. Sometimes the most impressive live shows are experienced when you have never heard a single tune and hold virtually no expectations.
My dad called me up one day asking if I would be interested in going to a concert with him. Of course I asked who it might be and he mentioned blues music marvel Buddy Guy was in town playing with Jonny Lang. Shamefully I knew neither of these names but it didn’t matter, I close to never turn down a show. The headliner’s introduction instilled immediate respect for his talent, even though I was a virgin listener at this point. “Please welcome six-time Grammy award winner and Rock and Roll hall of fame artist Buddy Guy!” Alright you have my attention, simply amazing.
Buddy Guy and Quinn Sullivan (Photo Cred: Erik Kabik)
Born on July 30, 1936 Buddy Guy is one of the most critically acclaimed American Blues artists in the world. He is accredited for pioneering his home town’s Chicago blues style that influenced some of the most notable musicians of his day including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. During his show in Anaheim he primarily stuck to his typical electric guitar and vocals but has historically developed an eclectic skill set with instruments such as the harmonica, drums, piano, bass and saxophone. His five-piece band that accompanied him on stage took the background groove, oftentimes swaying in unison as Buddy jammed on.
He entered with a classic chilled-out mood, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, backwards messenger cap and casual slacks. His first guitar accented his unique personality with its white and blue polka dotted face. He dove into the famed Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man,” which I soon learned was the perfect song for this “76 years young” ladies man, who can easily captivate anyone with his charm. I found it impossible to not smile as he cruised through each chord. Other songs of his set included “Someone else is steppin in,” “Feels Like Rain,” and “I Just Wanna Make Love.” All were clear call outs to his charismatic confidence.
Half way through his set he did something remarkable. Buddy Guy brought to the stage a thirteen year old kid named Quinn Sullivan to play beside him. From the second he began to sing, the entire audience was mesmerized, myself included. If I had no sight or knowledge of his age, I would never had guessed a sound so bold could come out of such a young spirit. He sang to his heritage with the song “Blues Child” and the inspiration for his music that brought him there with “Buddy’s Blues.” I have to believe that this kid’s future is bright, with his genre’s idol fully behind him, helping to fuel his flame.
Backtracking to the opening act of the show, Jonny Lang made me tremendously appreciative of modern day blues. He began with the song “Don’t Stop (For Anything),” speaking to my passion for travel I could feel the emotion depicted in each lyric. “I was meant to roll like a freight train, Gonna fly like a jet plane, Comin’ back like a boomerang, I don’t stop for anything.” He listens to the voice inside and calls to the strength that drives every person to trek forward. His voice was incredibly soulful with a raspy, yet comforting tone that balanced with the high notes of his guitar. At one point his intrinsic melodic aptitude melded with the notes made by each string, where the echo matched so perfectly it was difficult to tell where the voice ended and the electric pulse began.
Jonny Lang (Photo Cred: Jim Brock)
As I learned more about Jonny Lang, the North Dakota native, I found that he grew up in a highly musical household where nearly every member of his family sang. His first orientation to blues came when his father took him to see a friend’s group by the name of the Bad Medicine Blues Band that inspired Jonny to pick up his first guitar. He went on to follow along Buddy Lang’s footsteps in part by grabbing his own Grammy Award for “Turn Around,” which he played as the third song of his set at the Grove. I love quirky unrecognized facts about artists, one of which for Jonny is that he made a short cameo appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000 as a janitor, a modern day addition to one of mine and my father’s favorite classics.
His background includes not only blues but also gospel, which was evidently portrayed in his songs “The Great Day” and “Angel of Mercy.” I can honestly say that I loved nearly every one of his songs. Other tracks included “A Quitter Never Wins,” “Red Light,” and “Livin’ For The City.” He finished with an acoustic version of his popular song “Lie To Me” then brought in the rest of his band for the first finale.
I must admit that this was one of the most groundbreaking concerts that I have ever attended. Although I pride myself as a music enthusiast with a breadth of genre affiliations, there are shows that make me realize just how narrow my scope can be. I thank the artists that comprise them for shattering my unknown silence to introduce me to new waves.
This entire experience gave me the appreciation for generational welding. I stood in awe of the legendary Buddy Guy, to whom my dad was there to see, while I connected primarily with my fellow generation Y member Jonny Lang, who had a mere four years on me. Then we were introduced to the next generation of blues through Quinn Sullivan, a different perspective to the age-old category of music. In the end, watching them all jam together for the final song was truly a unique perspective for everyone at the Grove. No matter the magnetic pull, the most significant mark of respect for the scene was the pure love for the Blues and the inspiration that each performer shared with one another.
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| MXPX |
“To have people sing along and enjoy what we do, to share that joy together, I don’t even call you fans I call you friends…” MXPX opened their 20th anniversary tour with one of the most compelling, and to me cathartic, video intros that I have ever witnessed. They connected deeply with one of the most dedicated fan bases in punk rock music. The opening song of the show was from the band’s 2005 album Panic, “I heard that sound” with its home in the local LBC, expressing the frustration of love lost that echoes beyond the present. Continue reading
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| Mat Kearney (Photo by Joe Lemke) |
“Do you ever think about me, do you ever call my name, ask me now I’ll give you the reasons my love will not fade, through the fire and rain.” The opening song of Mat Kearney’s concert at my favorite local music landmark speaks to the strength and tenderness of the relationships we all secretly hope for in life. Even the most bitter of hearts can’t deny a longing for this balance. This is the magic of Mat’s reach, his voice is bold with a calming sense of peace. Mix that with poet-rap lyrics and a catchy back beat and you’ll start swaying and tapping along with the tunes that will echo for far longer than a seventeen song set.
The playlist highlighted songs from three of Mat Kearney’s four albums released over the past six years. After beginning with his 2009 City of Black and White, he broke into a lineup from his latest 2011 and tour headline Young Love with “Young Dumb and In Love,” “Count on Me” and “Down.” The evolution of his writing and composition is evident for the familiar fans while he is able to thread together the same alternative-folk culture that he has traditionally embodied. Mat swiftly switched back to the classics with popular hits from 2009. Black and White held heavy influence on the show with only a few appearances from his breakthrough 2006 album Nothing Left to Lose, which wrapped up the main set with “All I need” and the radio reaching “Undeniable.” He even threw in an unreleased song titled “Chicago” and rocked a remix of pop hits from Usher and Nicky Minaj.
My Friend Devin and I Enjoying the Show
As fans we often make sacrifices to simply be in the presence of our most respected musicians. On more than one occasion I have driven in access of an hour on a work or school night just to feel the pulse of a live show. Some might say that The Coach House is an odd venue for a concert. When normally general admission tickets print on them “standing room only,” the concert hall is quite the opposite with “sitting room only,” on long picnic style benches that have the potential of giving you a kink in your neck depending on your orientation. You really have to like your neighbor, its a good thing I did, in fact I was there partially for him, Mat is one of my friend Devin’s favorite artists. I love almost any live performance but a concert is so much more memorable with good company. Despite the hall’s seemingly challenging layout, as a local it holds a point of historic pride in my heart, and its intimate setting can make you feel so much closer to the artist than any standard venue.
Mat connected with his fans and dropped down from the stage to perform from our vantage, handing out pats, fives and hugs as he sang on. I love moments like this when the artist revs the crowds energy. It makes me think of every artist that used to be a fan staring up at the ones that inspired them to pursue their passion. Being a fan, whether it be of an idol, sports team, musician or otherwise, hits you on a deep emotional level. In concept it is a perfect relationship, love without complication, existing in the purest form of mutual adoration, and in the realm of music, the added benefit of allowing every human sentiment to be expressed. Unlike reality where relationships can fail when words are neglected or find themselves to be inadequate, leaving the air between empty with a deafening silence.
The encore was a trilogy of songs from Young Love. Mat came back on stage without his band, standing in the spotlight with nothing but a guitar. We did our formal introductions – Mat: “Hey everyone I’m Mat Kearney, that’s pronounced ‘CAR-ney’ not ‘KER-ney.'” Me: “What? Really? I feel really lame right now realizing I have been saying your name wrong this whole time!”…horrible…(Sorry Mat!). Devin may have been right on that one, but we’re even since I win on the proper spelling with one T!
Mat Kearney Rocking with the Crowd at The Coach House
With our greetings commenced, he continued on and exposed himself in his re-opener with the acoustic piece “Rochester,” telling the life of his father and honoring the affinity that inspired his music and helped him to build his incredible character. Shifting from this special moment, his band swarmed back on stage and played the opening keys of “Ships in the Night,” a clear fan favorite. The bright pulsating back lights seemed to charge the crowd’s growing excitement. Then came an eruption of soul when track one “Hey Mama” served as the finale for the show. Even the narrow walkways between benches couldn’t stop us from dancing.
Mat’s penetrating vocals and poet-rap flair distinguishes his eclectic talent and I can say with confidence that he does not disappoint in a live performance. I trust it will stand out in my event listing for years. That’s another element of music that I love, its an immortal art, no matter what happens to the artist in time, music is forever. As such, I close my reflections with the lyrics from one of my favorite Kearney songs “Closer to Love,” singing to this legacy, “If every building falls, and all the stars fade, we’ll still be signing this song, the one they can’t take away.”
This press release was also published on PRweb
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) December 02, 2016 — Brandman University, provider of accredited educational opportunities for working adults, announced today the availability of its Marquis Partnership to VIZIO employees, resulting in additional educational and professional opportunities. VIZIO is a Southern California-based company focused on delivering the ultimate entertainment experience to consumers.
Brandman University customized its Marquis Partnership to the needs of VIZIO and its staff. The program supports professional development in the fields of business and information technology and is ideal for VIZIO employees interested in Brandman MyPath competency-based education program.
Brandman MyPath provides students with the flexibility to complete their educations at their own pace and on their own schedule. Students apply previous learning, demonstrate work experience, and leverage case studies from their work at VIZIO to prove mastery.
The Marquis Partnership allows full-time VIZIO employees to combine the company’s tuition assistance program with exclusive Brandman University scholarships for bachelor’s degrees. In addition, the university is offering special MBA scholarships to those who qualify, allowing employees to advance their education and careers.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to align our competency-based education programs with VIZIO’s professional development goals for its staff,” said Dr. Shelly Neal, vice chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for Brandman University. “The return on investment will extend far beyond organizational goals by lengthening the career trajectory of all of the students in the program.”
Brandman MyPath offers a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with multiple emphasis options, as well as one in information technology. These solutions give VIZIO employees the added flexibility to select a pathway that mirrors their professional goals.
“Competency-based education is paving the way for the evolution of higher education and Brandman University is proud to be among the first to pioneer the movement,” states Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University. “We’re excited to partner with VIZIO as one of the many organizations utilizing Brandman’s educational offerings.”
In addition to the benefits of the Marquis Partnership, all textbooks and study materials are embedded within the system along with adaptive learning elements and faculty coaches to help guide them through the curriculum.
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About Brandman University
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers 50+ undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs across its schools of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and health. Brandman serves 12,000 students annually with programs available through an online campus and at 26 campuses and sites throughout California and Washington. The university’s online programs consistently rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
About VIZIO
VIZIO’s mission is to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience through our community of connected consumers, advertisers, and media content providers. Through our connected entertainment platform, VIZIO is transforming the way consumers discover and experience media content. Since our founding in California in 2002, VIZIO has built an industry-leading brand and sold over 65 million products, including televisions, sound bars and other devices. VIZIO is a leading CE brand in North America with the #1 unit share in Smart TVs1 and #1 unit share in Sound Bars2. VIZIO product leadership is highlighted by a number of industry reviews and awards: the VIZIO P-Series SmartCast Home Theater Displays are the highest-ranked LED/LCD display on CNET in 2016, having received an editors’ rating of 4.5/5 stars3; the VIZIO Reference Series achieved a 2016 Editors’ Choice award from Reviewed.com4; and the VIZIO D-Seriesearned a 2016 Editor’s Choice award from PC Magazine5. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit http://www.VIZIO.com.
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| Panama City (Photo Cred: Lindsay Amanda) |
For many, crossing the Panama Canal is on the bucket list. Its historical importance and ingenious engineering has designated it as one of the wonders of the world. It not only honors the development of the modern age, but also gives tribute to the many lives that were lost during the time of its construction.
Panama Canal Locomotive
The crossing began early in the morning around 5 am local time. I must admit that I was still in recovery mode from the excitement of the day before in Costa Rica and slept through the most anticipated and reportedly the most impressive first lock. I enjoyed a relaxing day in the canal and laid by the pool drifting in and out of sleep while peacefully cruising down the passage. I did spend a considerable amount of time admiring the incredibly lush vegetation that lined the Panamanian shores. I was surprised by how murky the brown water was, an earthy compliment to the trees that surrounded it.
We traveled under the Bridge of the Americas that connects Central and South Americas by transit and sailed across the continental divide. I was able to experience the third lock on our way to the pacific side, which I later viewed from an all encompassing perspective when I took a land excursion of the Gatun Lake and Locks. I did get the reminder that the world is in constant change when I found that the three original locks will eventually be replaced by two new designs. Knowing that the originals have an expiration date in my lifetime gives a special significance to the experience.
Once we cleared the canal we ported off shore near the small town of Fuerte Amador on Flamenco Island. It is only 30 miles away from Panama City, which we could see clearly from where we anchored. It was an awesome view and reminded me very much of the skyline of Chicago. I explored the small town with my ship friends, now newlyweds, but not much was going on in the local retirement community. We all regret not taking a taxi into the city, but we all could imagine how exciting it looked at night with the lights glittering from across the bay.
Panama Sloth
The excursion the next day brought us, as mentioned, to Gatun Lake and Locks. Driving through the countryside I saw the familiar fertile landscape that is so characteristic of the region. Although I loved it, it did make me sad to see the amount of trash and litter left along the sides of the roads and highways, I could not help but think that my own country would not allow such pollution to occur. The lake is actually man made, and the islands that sprung from the water were simply hilltops that previously stood tall above the ground below. We rode along the coast of the lake and although I have yet to see a monkey, I did get a glimpse of three sloths hanging idly in the trees which I was really excited for.
In reflection, I really did find this time special. I may have taken it for granted slightly as a simple path that was guiding me to my destination, but I truly appreciate the memory in full. I thank the Panamanian people for their hospitality and can say that despite living in some of the more impoverished areas, the happiness that shines on the people’s faces are inspiring and uniquely memorable.
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| Puerto Limon, Costa Rica |
Spotted Frog in Costa Rica
Christopher Columbus proved that richness does not necessarily translate to consumer goods and monetary gains. He named the land “rich coast” upon an assumption that the fine gold and jade that the native people were wearing as proof of natural wealth, when in fact those materials came from outside the country’s borders. Oftentimes interpretation is completely dependent on personal perception and the willingness to explore beyond the given trail.
Zip Lining Costa Rica
For me, Costa Rica’s wealth is found in its beautiful abundance of vibrant colors. Although I traditionally do not categorize myself as an average tourist because of my passion for immersion, sometimes the cliche activities are necessary and turn out to be some of the most amazing adventures. In this case, I gained a new perspective of the canopy by zip lining through the treetops. While gearing up we could hear the famed howler monkey proclaiming his territory and even found two frogs that were radiating with color. One was as red as a burning flame and the other black and green speckled like the shadowed tropical grounds of its home.
I was excitedly anticipating zip lining as I heard that there is no better place than Costa Rica to do so. I know completely understand the truth in the statements. This particular course offered us twelve tree house type platforms to leap from, and we dove down 11 double cables. It took about an hour to complete the course. I was surprised by how safe I felt while falling down the lines and I actually had mid-air moments where I could take in the full view of the jungle around me. Although I didn’t spot any monkeys I felt in communion with my long tailed friends as I flew alongside their branches. I could not have asked for better views of the canopy from both above and within.
Local Catholic Church
Facts are given in mass quantities on tours. I learned that the country is mostly made up of my fellow Roman Catholics, but it was not until I stumbled upon a beautiful church did the meaning really settle in. The exterior was not impressive, geometric hard stone edges lacking any complementary accent. I slowly found my way in the dark sanctuary where stained glass windows let in rays of light through its mosaics from floor to ceiling. It was a hidden gem that I’d bet good money none of my fellow shipmates laid eyes on. It was in this quiet moment that I took the time to thank God for bringing me on the trip just before venturing out to file away a few more snapshots.
I weaved in and out of the streets and central marketplace admiring the graffiti-art type murals that covered the walls, and the bold bright paints that gave each new facade a different character. I feel in love with this withered turquoise house that I assumed reflected years of history beaten by tropical storms. I just stopped and sat there with a bright gold flower in the forefront of my view that radiated rustic elegance in a humble world. I people watched in the market, vendors selling local produce and families sitting along the sidewalks chatting. As I walked closer to the port, the main street had a featured art collection that was eerie and delicate at the same time. Looking up to the sky hung black and white dresses that seemed to be worn by ghosts who idly sat on high swings.
Costa Rica Street Art
I had a few more hours in Puerto Limon to experience the local grounds. I simply strolled around the small town taking in its atmosphere and culture. There was a great park with a huge pink and white gazebo in the middle, and palm trees lined every walkway. Each isle led to the ocean where relics of buildings stood along a rocky black beach. A group of young people were drumming freely on the sidewalk making soulful background music for passerby’s. One can judge a place well by its main streets. This is where people come together in a central familiar place, where celebrations are held and commerce commences. All of these are wonderful to see, but its in the side streets where one really feels the pulse of everyday life.
Looking at the town superficially, you could argue that the country is quite poor by its run down houses and scattered abandoned buildings. But the most memorable aspect of the country that I will hold in my mind is the pulsating colors that made these seemingly withered structures truly wealthy. I could feel the spirit of Costa Rica in every fiber as I finished the day with a beer on a local street corner listening to the beat of Puerto Limon’s young musicians cruise on by.
