Friday, February 26, 2010

Why Ryan Heuser Loves OC


featuring RYAN HEUSER

The next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Ryan Heuser, co-founder/president of Paul Frank Industries. (Does the wide-grinned, famous face of Julius come to mind?) Heuser is a true visionary who combined inspiration drawn from his surroundings, a Chapman marketing/communications degree and fashion industry knowledge (after working in public relations for Mossimo, Inc.) to build the locally and globally favored company, Paul Frank. Heuser's job combines the best of the creative and business worlds, and he even makes time to restore homes and run marathons on the side. Paul Frank started in 1995 inside a small Huntington Beach garage when a group of artistically inspired friends gathered to create whimsical, bright colored gifts. After incorporating in 1997, Paul Frank took off in the fashion industry. In 2001, Brandweek Magazine recognized the company as "Marketers of the Next Generation." Today, the company has 18 stores worldwide from Southern California to Malaysia - they refer to their own growth as "creating smiles all over the globe." 

Without further ado, Ryan Heuser on why he loves OC:
[Ryan Heuser]

"In the past decade, Orange County has emerged as a creative force showcasing many globally recognized success stories in the music, art, film and fashion industries. When you really look at what we have to offer in terms of quality of life, weather and talent pool, the only thing Orange County is missing is the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign."

- Ryan Heuser, Co-founder/President of Paul Frank

[Paul Frank's famous character Julius]
View our collective "Why We Love OC" in the current print issue of the magazine. Find out where to pick up a copy here.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Kids do say the darndest things.

For the February issue of The OC Gazette, we drew a coloring contest in which the kids could interact and write their own Valentine’s message. The responses we received from these clever Orange County kids amazed and delighted us. Here’s a sampling for you:

5 year-old Patrick wrote: “I love you secret admirer and can’t wait to find out who you are! Love, Patrick.” This guy must be the Casanova of his Kindergarten yard.

“I LOVE MY FLAME,” writes 5 year-old Dominic. His mother/translator transcribed below his message “I love my family.”

8 year-old Ellery is already a master of self promotion with a Valentine’s Message that acts as a dual case for her entitlement to the winning coloring contest’s $25 gift card to Border’s Books. “Happy Valentine’s day to you all. I hope you like my picture. I worked really hard. Love Ellery.”

6 year-old Alisha wrote: “To all the BRAVE kids with Leukemia, Here is a hug from me. Stay positive! LOVE Alisha.”

6 year-old Alice wrote her valentine to “The people in Haiti,” a very sweet and aware message for a 6 year-old.

Flag-waver Jenna, age 6, wrote in her Valentine’s message: “I love America!”

Quite a few of these clever kids wrote rather eloquent poems and turns of phrases.

Emily, age 7, wrote:
“Roses are red,
Though sometimes they’re pink.
And you’re very special,
That’s what I think!”

Katie, age 11, scribed a poem perfectly suited to the coloring contest image of a little girl squeezing her beloved cat:
“Kitties purr
I know for surr,
Except when hugged,
By a puppy pug!”

9 year-old Tazmeen wrote a sonnet that could level gaze with any of Shakespeare’s best lines:
“Love always makes it. It is true. Nothing will break it. Nothing will do.”

Karoline, age 12, has already grasped the life principle of “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” She writes:
“Roses are red
Violets are blue
If you pick me
I’ll pick you.”

Maggie, a 9 year-old poet, should be picked up and placed at the head of Hallmark’s greeting card think tank. She writes:
“Chocolate hearts and candy kisses
Gifts given by Mr. and Mrs.
Love is what we celebrate
On February 14th,
My favorite date!
Cupid’s arrows take flight,
I hope I get a kiss tonight!”

Anne, 9 years old, wrote a Valentine’s message propagating health despite the flood of chocolate:
“Happy Valentines!
Don’t eat too much chocolate.
Eat how many?
Like 1.”

Orange County has it’s next tree-hugging, green-loving, champion for the environment growing up in its midst. 10 year-old Kaila writes:
“Hello, my name is Kaila. My message is to be nice, and show some love to the world. You and your friends could change the world into a better place. So all you can do is recycle, and if you see anyone litter just pick it up and you and your friends could make the world into a better place.”

Brooke, age eleven, has taken a line out of The Everly Brothers’ songbook. She writes simply: “Love Hurts.”

And finally, a dually funny message from Sierra, a girl of the self-proclaimed age of 5.5 years. Depending on you place the inflection, the message reads either as a message to the Big Guy:
“God, I hope you have a good V-Day.”
…Or, it reads as a hilariously sarcastic and exasperated Valentine's message:
God I hope you have a good V-day.”

In conclusion, a lesson: take a cue from these kiddies and keep that childlike love and refreshingly blunt honesty alive.

Love long and prosper,
Jen
On my iPod: “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” by Joe Cocker. Enjoy this rockin', soulful musical selection in the awesome and amateur home video below in which a Joe cocker portrait framed by dual lava lamps acts as the backdrop. Gotta love the Internet.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Why Richard Kaufman Loves OC


featuring RICHARD KAUFMAN

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Richard Kaufman, the Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony. Kaufman is a crown jewel of the Orange County arts scene: As a violinist he performed on such film scores as Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind; As a conductor he has conducted such iconic performers as Diana Krall, the Beach Boys and Art Garfunkel; He has recorded with artists such as Ray Charles, The Carpenters and Neil Diamond; As music coordinator at MGM Studios he received two Emmy nominations, one for Outstanding Original Song, and one for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition; He has coached some of the greatest actors of our time for musical roles in film such as Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon and Tom Hanks; He has also conducted numerous musicals and is celebrating 19 years with the Pacific Symphony - a gig he began and the ripe young age of only 14! I could go on and on, but I think you get the general point - this guy is a seriously talented musician and conductor who has chosen to be a part of the flourishing Orange County art scene. That is quite a compliment. 

Without further ado, Richard Kaufman on why he chose OC.

[Richard Kaufman in his native environment of the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall]

"When I'm asked about my 19 years as Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony (I was 14 when I started!!), the music and musicians aren't the only things that make me smile as I think about my years conducting one of the world's great orchestras. Every time I arrive in O.C., it's like a "breath of fresh air."  Now don't laugh, but to me, the sky in O.C. actually feels bigger and bluer than other places. And to say that the ice cream at Han's in Costa Mesa is the best on the planet may be a gross understatement. Above all, the greatest O.C. experience for me is having the extraordinary opportunity to make music in the magnificent Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for our audiences, which are simply the most enthusiastic and welcoming anywhere."

- Richard Kaufman, Principal Pops Conductor of the Pacific Symphony

Stay tuned for more installments throughout the month of February! 

-Amy 
On my iPod: Nat King Cole's "Stardust"

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Caspers Wilderness Park welcomes back Adventure Day!


 
After a 10-year hiatus, Adventure Day is coming back to Caspers Wilderness Park on Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun-filled event will be filled with musical entertainment, natural history tours, arts & crafts, wildlife exhibits, games and refreshments.

People of all ages can join in on the Adventure Day activities. Caspers Wilderness Park will host wildlife-inspired games of ring-toss, trivia quizzes, cowboy lasso, and potato sack and spoon & egg races. Educational programs and interactive experiences include a Hawk Talk, pelts and skins and animal track discovery. The Orange County Fire Authority will be there to show the workings of a real fire engine and REI reps will be demonstrating the necessities of a complete campsite. The Dusty Rangers will perform an adventure-themed musical skit, Orange County Parks guitarists will serenade, and a journey through the past to Native American times will be enacted through theatrical storytelling by Acjachemem Tribal Descendant Jacque Tahuka Nunez.
 

Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the fun. For more information visit http://www.ocparks.com

Adventure Day
Date:
Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Event Fee: FREE Parking Fee: FREE
Ages: All Welcome
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 

33401 Ortega Highway 
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/caspers/ 


Thanks again to Ashley Eckenweiler for another great tip!


-Blythe

On my iTunes: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros' "Home"
  

Monday, February 22, 2010

OsCene at The Laguna Museum of Art

[OC Music Awards Listening Wall in Laguna Art Museum’s OsCene 2010 Exhibit]

Ashley Eckenweiler sent this press release over about a GREAT exhibit at the Laguna Art Museum in conjunction with the OC Music Awards: 

OC MUSIC AWARDS LISTENING WALL IN LAGUNA ART MUSEUM’S OSCENE EXHIBIT IS A HIT

(ORANGE COUNTY, CA) - Laguna Art Museum’s OsCene 2010 exhibit opened over the weekend. OC Music Awards curated the music portion of the exhibition which showcases the latest art and culture of Orange County. An OC Music Awards wall was installed in the museum with 11 iPod Nano listening stations representing 22 Awards categories with a song from each nominated artist. A video screen accompanies the listening stations with highlights from the 2009 Awards event. The exhibition opened with a private reception for the museum’s advisory board on Friday, February 19, and a public opening with close to 1,000 attendees on Saturday, February 20. Listening stations were in high demand as museum goers frequently stopped to hear the Awards nominated artists of all music genres, some even taking notes on the band names and song titles.


Public programs in conjunction with OsCene will include three live performances by OC Music Awards Showcase artists. Canvas will perform March 4, I Hate You Just Kidding April 1, and Marc B on May 6. All performances take place at Laguna Art Museum at 7pm, are free and open to the public of all ages. OsCene 2010 and the OC Music Awards wall will remain on display in the museum through May 16. Visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org for more info.

- Amy
On my iPod: Kings of Leon's "Holy Roller Novocaine"


Why Paul Tran Loves OC


featuring PAUL TRAN

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Paul Tran, local Anaheim native and jack of all trades. This guy's got his fingers in more pies than Sweeney Todd. He's a restauranteur (he founded the famous Cajun Corner restaurant in Westminster and will be opening another restaurant in mid 2010), he's an advisor on wealth management and franchise developement (he was recently featured in MSN Money) he's got a heart the size of Texas (not only is he one of the friendliest and encouraging people you'll ever meet, he's the co-creator of ConnectOC, a non-profit group bringing OC's businesses, government and community leaders, and charitable organizations together to help others), and despite being a workaholic with all these projects, he somehow finds time to also be a knight in shining armor to his girlfriend Jennifer Ho. He should start a motivational speaking program to let us in on his secret if you ask me! So without further ado, Paul Tran's witty and poetic list of reasons why he loves this great county of ours. 


"BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER: 
All of my family members are here. Yay for free babysitting!
THE "GOLD RUSH" NEVER LEFT: 
This is where I built my wealth and business - The Cajun Corner restaurant in the city of Westminster and Focal Point Financial in Anaheim. Our economy rocks!
SOCIALIZING IS PART OF HUMAN NATURE: 
The nicest, most hard-working people live here. I'm proud to associate with them.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL: 
This is where I met the girl of my dreams!
SAFETY & EDUCATION ARE PARAMOUNT TO ME: 
This is where I'm raising my future kiddies.
STAYING YOUNG IS THE KEY TO LIVING FOREVER: 
Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm make it easy
HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WEALTH: 
We have the healthiest and most active lifestyle here.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: 
Mr. Sun likes hangin' out with us and we're close by to everywhere we want to be.
In short...I LOVE ORANGE COUNTY TO REESE'S PIECES!"


- Paul Tran - Wealth Strategist, Franchise Owner & Developer, & vampire (because I don't sleep enough at night)

Stay Tuned for more entries throughout the month of February!  

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Why Maxim Eshkenazy loves OC


To cap off the week I bring you another installment of our Why We Love OC special featuring Maxim Eshkenazy, Pacific Symphony's Assistant Conductor. With the growing young generation of conductors (Gustavo Dudamel anyone?), Maxim is fast separating himself as a rising star. The LA Times called him "charistmatic and exciting." How many symphonic conductors can you say that about? There's nothing like throwing passion and a young spirit into such an age old classic entertainment as a symphony. Without further ado, I present to you Maxim Eshkenazy on why HE loves Orange County:


"I'm originally from Bulgaria--so O.C. is my new musical home--and I love it.Even the name is musical: "Ohhhh C!" The C is like the music note C, you see. I love my new musical family at Pacific Symphony where I have the great privilege to lead amazing musicians playing the greatest music ever written. I also love the not-so-bad traffic conditions and I especially enjoy living close to the ocean. What's not to love?"

- Maxim EshkenazyPacific Symphony's Assistant Conductor

Friday, February 19, 2010

This Weekend in The OC, 2/19




R E F L E C T I O N S  O N  
L A S T  N I G H T ' S  G A M E S :

[Melo showing up the competition.]


Nuggets vs. Cavaliers
Two awesome games last night. Melo and his band of merry Nuggets shamed the James gang. Despite King James' triple double, the Nuggets led the Cavs for the first half, nailing the final nail in the coffin with a 20 footer from Carmelo Anthony with 1.7 seconds left to play, handing the Cavs their first loss in a month! It was such a beautiful buzzer-beater, it was Kobe-esque. 

[Fisher's game winning attempt.]


Lakers vs. Celtics
Speaking of buzzer-beaters and Kobe, the Lakers could have used one from their fearless leader last night, but unfortunately, his pesky sprained foot kept him from the laquered boards of the Staples Center court. An all around great team effort from the Lakers showed Boston that even without Kobe, we are a force to be reckoned with. A fact heavily questioned before Kobe's unwilling injury leave. Despite the valiant efforts of almost all (Shannon was a little cold), the Lakers fell to the Big Green, 87-86, after a missed clutch shot by Fisher. Too bad it didn't look more like the game - and championship - winning 3 pointer from last years finals against Orlando. Still, we've won 4 out of 5 games without Kobe. One against Portland, ending a 9-game losing streak. Not too shabby all around I'd say. 

T H I S  W E E K E N D :



The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Where: OCPAC Segerstrom Hall
When: This weekend
Cost: Tickets start at $20.

This weekend you should scrounge and rummage to find some tickets to "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. You can get tickets as low as $20, and I just checked it out online for you all: there ARE seats left! There is one show tonight, two tomorrow, and two on Sunday. Gazette Art Director, Jennifer Hood, and I will be attending with our very cultured friend (and Gazette contributing writer) Caroline Landon. I blame my mother for raising me on them, but I can't help it, I love musicals! Especially Andrew Lloyd Weber's. If you don't recognize his name, you might recognize these titles: Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Starlight Express...need I go on? Not only will there be some of the best musical numbers on earth coming to our very own Segerstrom Hall, a cast of all star Broadway veterans will be performing them with the backing support of an onstage symphony. 2 and a half hours of amazing entertainment for as little as $20. It's going to be amazing! A disclaimer to all you men reading: My mother dragged my father to one about 20 years ago. Mind you, my father is a football-loving, man's man, construction supervisor who considers a t-shirt without stains on it dress-up attire. He begs her to go with him to musicals now. Don't knock things until you try them!

[Straight outta' Orange, Hollowell. Photo: jonlaveyl.com]

Hollowell Show
Where: The Industry in Anaheim (2981 Blue Star, Anaheim CA)
When: Saturday February 20th, 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm.
Cost: Only 8 bucks for some awesome bands!

Also this weekend, don't miss good friends of The Gazette Design Team and talented musicians, Hollowell at brand new venue, The Industry, in Anaheim. It's always exciting to see new music venues popping up around Orange County and to see our artistic culture expanding. The show is all-ages and tickets are only $8! The facebook invite says, "sorry there is no bar or alcoholic beverages at this place... But dont you worry... you will be drunk off our intoxicating awesomeness!" And it is so true.


- Amy
On my iPod: Neko Case's "Middle Cyclone"

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Why TourBusLive.com Loves OC





featuring TOURBUSLIVE.COM

Our next installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Jill & Gary, the power duo known as TourBusLive.com. TourBusLive.com is a website created by Jill and Gary, two Southern California residents who take advantage of the unbeatable local concert calendar. With more than 60 shows a year, they know the ins and outs of getting what they want out of a show- music, memorabilia, and just plain old fun. The website was originally created to share their incredible photos with other fans, but then it took on a life of its own. Check out their latest adventures on their website, add to their fan forum, and get a glimpse at the lives of two music junkies!
Jill and Gary have been important monthly contributors to The Gazette - a friendship that started 18 months ago. Every month they give us amazing photos and tales of their concert adventures to print in the magazine for you readers. Be sure to check out TourBusLive.com's feature on the NAMM show in this month's issue of The Gazette Magazine. 


Here's what Gary & Jill (she's the one shooting the sign of the horns in the photo below) had to say about Orange County:




"What do we love about Orange County? EVERYTHING. What's not to love? Even Ozzy loves The OC!"

-Jill & GAry, Music Aficionados & Concert-Goers Extraordinaire
of TourBusLive.com

Ozzy Osbourne was signing his new book at the Huntington Beach Barnes & Noble on 2/3/10

Stay tuned for more OC lovin' right here on the Gazette blog!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Why Janice Arrington Loves OC


featuring OC FILM COMMISSIONER JANICE ARRINGTON

Our next installment of a month-long love letter to Orange County (entitled Why We Love OC) spotlights Janice Arrington, the woman who has single-handedly been heading up the OC Film Commission for over ten years. The OC Film Commission serves to facilitate filming and media production throughout our county. There's been quite a lot of filming in Orange County over the last several years-- from commercials to television episodics to blockbuster films like Iron Man, Transformers, and Ocean's 11, Janice has been the bridge between Hollywood directors and OC film spots. She was also kind enough to give us an inside look for our article on the History of Film in Orange County in this month's issue of The Gazette Magazine. 


Here's what Janice had to say about our lovely county:




“What awes me most about Orange County is its sheer physical beauty.  There is an openness—the sweep of the beaches, rolling hills, wide streets in front of shining buildings.  It is very beautiful and diverse.  That’s what also makes it a great place to film and photograph.”
-Janice Arrington, Orange County Film Commissioner
Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette blog!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Why Dan Byers Loves OC


featuring DAN BYERS & DADDY CAKES®

Our tenth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love OC features Dan Byers, one of the masterminds behind Daddy Cakes International, the OC based bakery that is winning over hearts and minds everywhere with their way-WAY-too-good-to-be-instant-pancake, waffle, and cupcake mixes. Daddy Cakes® is a line of "Just Add Water" mixes made with quality ingredients like real fruit, whole grains, organic flour and a lot of fun! The business started as just a fun pancake breakfast of family and friends, and now there are ten out of this world flavors of pancake mixes that you can buy at Whole Foods Markets, Central Markets, online and at independent markets all over. Daddy Cakes is to the pancake world what California Pizza Kitchen is to the pizza world - a new world of endless possibilities. Here's the best part: all of the mixes are vegetarian/vegan, and three of the mixes are 100% organic. I told you Dan Byers was a mastermind. 
- Amy


So without further ado, Dan Byers' personal love letter to Orange County for being the inspiration that started it all:


[Dan proudly wielding a package of Daddy Cakes mix.]


"Each Daddy Cakes variety reminds me of Orange County:


Boomerang Banana:  Our collaboration with PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES, a fellow OC brand, keeps our peeps coming back for more.


Sensuous Strawberry Sensations: OC's rich history of families, strawberry patches, and active lifestyle are all deeply connected


Witty Whole Wheat:  OC is a global maternity ward for witty people, ideas & creations that resonate through the roots of societies around the world.


Vivacious Vanilla:  Home to some of the most vivacious housewives ever - most are too real and classy to actually do a pseudo-"Reality Show.”

Bountiful Buckwheat Buttermilk: A crowned jewel - OC is a bountiful and plentiful blend of classic substance and buttery smooth living.

Sinful Cinnamon:  Unique and a little spicy, OC offers so many pleasures that our only sin is feeling a little guilty for how wonderfully delicious it is.


Blueberry Bonanza Blast: Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farms, and Wild Rivers, the OC is bonanza of "blastful" destinations.

Better Batter Buttermilk:  Where do we start?  OC is ripe with achievements that exponentially improve traditional designs - remember the Miata?

Glamorous Gingerbread:  The Pageant of the Masters, OC Performing Arts Center, South Coast Plaza & Fashion Island - OC knows glamour.

Criminal Chocolate Chip:  Playful lifestyles of parks, beaches, and baseball diamonds is sweet enough to have many opting to be locked behind the "Orange Curtain.”

"JUST ADD WATER":  Many of OC's brands like HURLEY, Quicksilver and VOLCOM have their roots started in OC waters - it's our special blend that defines our uniqueness."

- Dan Byers, Co-Founder of Daddy Cakes® and Creative Chef


You can find Daddy Cakes on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news!

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette Blog!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Why Wayne Baglin Loves OC


featuring WAYNE BAGLIN

The ninth installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County entitled Why We Love Orange County features Wayne Baglin, President of the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. He is the enthusiastic leader of one of our most treasured, local art venues that steals our hearts and stimulates our imagination each summer season. Our hat goes off to Wayne for his time and dedication to "encouraging the appreciation, study and performance of the arts." As a Laguna Beach resident (since 1969), a Festival of Arts member (since 1981), and an avid art collector, he fits the bill with ease. For more information about this local, annual masterpiece, read one of our favorite archived stories on Pageant of the Masters, the summer art show that captivates the Laguna Canyon here.

And now, Wayne tells The OC Gazette why he loves Orange County:

 
[ Wayne Baglin ]

"Growing up in the Los Angeles area, Orange County to me was the land of fun and adventure. Cradled between mountains and the sea, it offered a sense of place quite unique to California. It was a vacation destination that could be enjoyed in one day. Early on, that day was often spent at Knott's Berry Farm with relatives visiting from Canada. Opening in the mid 1950s, Disneyland became the ultimate one day vacation adventure. During the summer, early morning arrivals and late afternoon departures gave us day vacations at Huntington, Newport and Laguna beaches.

As an adult, living in Orange County since 1969, I continue to enjoy Orange County's fine weather, exceptional beaches and scenic mountains. There is a relaxed way of life in Orange County that begins with early arrivals at social functions, casual dress, a growing cultural arts scene, a diverse population, excellent schools, spirited lifestyle and yes, continuing joy from many, old and new, day vacation destinations. Orange County is a wonderful place to live."

- Wayne Baglin
President, Laguna Beach Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters


Coming Soon! The Festival of Arts
California's Premier Fine Art Exhibition
July 5th - August 31st
Open Daily 10:00am - 11:30pm


Coming Soon! 2010 Pageant of the Masters
 "Eat, Drink and be Merry"
July 7th - August 31st
Performances Nightly at 8:30pm

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at The OC Gazette Blog!
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