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Playmaker in the Background: How One Company Reimagined Library Music

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

From the spare bedroom of a modest Studio City apartment in 2011, Jonathan Parks set his music dreams in motion. He wasn’t looking to the stars or seeking any kind of spotlight. He had no desire to “get famous.” To this day, Parks will tell you he doesn’t actually care who knows his name.What the talented musician and self-proclaimed data geek dreamed about was disrupting a part of the industry quite used to playing in the shadows… outside the quintessential limelight drawing swarms of starry-eyed artists to LA like moths.Parks dreamed about creating well-crafted music that could be licensed for high-level, professional projects. He dreamed of disrupting library music.Yes, you read it. I wrote it, and here it is again: Library music… otherwise known as production music, royalty-free music, stock music, sync music, background music. You get the idea.On that day nearly 12 years ago, Parks was ready to shake up a business where being in the background is not only embraced; it’s essenti...

Top 10 Speakers in North America

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

In the public speaking world, North America stands as a vibrant hub for diverse voices that inspire, educate, enthrall, and captivate audiences. From boardrooms and auditoriums to podcasts and video conferences, these influential individuals have mastered the art of delivering powerful messages that resonate on a profound level. Delving into the realm of oratory excellence, join us in exploring the crème de la crème of speakers who have left an indelible mark with their words. This exclusive list showcases the top 10 speakers in North America, highlighting their unique styles, impactful stories, and the invaluable insights they bring to the forefront.1. Barbara CorcoranBarbara Corcoran is a successful entrepreneur, investor, author, keynote speaker, and television personality. She is the founder of The Corcoran Group, a real estate brokerage in New York City, and a star investor on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank.”A dynamic speaker, Barbara explores diverse themes like ...

49ers’ Nick Bosa is good to go, but it’s wait and see on George Kittle vs. Steelers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

SANTA CLARA — Don’t be surprised if Nick Bosa plays extensively Sunday when the 49ers open the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.The status of tight end George Kittle (groin) is more of a mystery. Kittle and cornerback Charvarius Ward (heel), were the only players listed as questionable, although Kittle’s availability seems more in question than that of Ward.Bosa, after a workout of course, squeezed in a brief interview session with reporters Friday before the 49ers’ charter departed for Pittsburgh. He expects few limitations after signing a five-year contract extension which pays a reported $34 million per season, the most ever for a non-quarterback.“I’m confident,” Bosa said. “I’m not sure what Kyle’s plan is. But I’d be up for a normal workload, for sure. But I haven’t talked to him yet.”Coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t about to divulge a plan to the media, but has been pretty clear in infe...

Harry and Meghan deny snubbing queen’s invitation to celebrate Lilibet’s birthday

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

On the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a source for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is denying a claim by the late monarch’s onetime footman that they snubbed her invitation to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s first birthday and that they left the UK after attending her Platinum Jubilee without saying good-bye.“Even on Lilibet’s 1st birthday, the queen didn’t see her,” Elizabeth’s former personal footman Paul Burrell told the Mirror in an interview published Friday. “She saw (Lilibet) the day before. But on her birthday, the queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit.”However, a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Page Six that there is “no truth” to Burrell’s claims.“They did see the Queen to celebrate Lili’s birthday,” the source said, speaking on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex...

Single family residence sells for $6.5 million in Palo Alto

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

1430 Parkinson Avenue – Google Street ViewA 4,311-square-foot house built in 2009 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 1400 block of Parkinson Avenue in Palo Alto was sold on Aug. 16, 2023. The $6,480,000 purchase price works out to $1,503 per square foot. This two-story house boasts a generous living space with six bedrooms and four bathrooms. Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area. The property is equipped with forced air heating and a cooling system. Additionally, the home is equipped with a one-car garage.Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include:A 2,185-square-foot home on the 1400 block of Harker Avenue in Palo Alto sold in June 2023, for $4,330,000, a price per square foot of $1,982. The home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.In August 2022, a 1,383-square-foot home on Walter Hays Drive in Palo Alto sold for $3,250,000, a price per square foot of $2,350. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.On Greenwood Avenue, Pa...

Mill Valley Film Fest sets packed lineup, despite strike

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

While this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival might not draw as many A-list celebrities as in years past due to SAG-AFTRA strike limitations, Marin County’s annual glitzy showcase of buzzworthy indie films still offers an undeniable cinematic punch.So much so that the fest, which announced its program this week, will open next month with a boxing-themed drama “Day of the Fight,” actor Jack Huston’s B&W feature debut. Starring Michael Pitt, Ron Perlman and Joe Pesci, it receives a North American premiere on Oct. 5 after having premiered at the Venice Film Festival.The MVFF runs Oct. 5-15 at  venues in Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, Berkeley and San Francisco, with a lineup boasting 148 films representing 41 countries, including 56 premieres, 86 features and 62 shorts. Some 45% of all films in the 2023 Festival are directed by women.One again, the lineup is jammed packed with awards contenders — including two Academy Award submissions for best international feature (Chile’...

San Jose shocked — shocked — to find Big Business doesn’t care

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

A flood of Facebook comments followed the news posted this week by Raging Waters in San Jose that the water park had closed for 2023 and wasn’t reopening for 2024.The reactions covered a range of emotions. There were fond recollections of teenage summers, first jobs and first loves. There was shock at the abruptness of the announcement and sometimes surprise that San Jose even had Raging Waters. Some people, who conceded they hadn’t been there for years, wished they’d been told in advance so they could have had a last day. And there was anger that something people loved was being taken away, probably to be redeveloped — many seemed to suspect — into housing.The frustration was even leveled at San Jose city leaders. Where, commenters wondered, did the city expect people to go?The city probably expected people to go to Raging Waters, at least for the two remaining years on its lease at Lake Cunningham Park. From all accounts, the announcement also was a surprise to city le...

Pac-12 chaos: Washington State, Oregon State in holding pattern as their ADs offer insight into legal action

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun on Friday expressed deep frustration with the ongoing lack of clarity into Pac-12 assets and liabilities that are at the core of a legal dispute over control of the conference.Along the way, Chun addressed the state of leadership in the Pac-12.“There is none,” he said. “That’s why Washington State and Oregon State need to step in and provide it.”The presidents of the Pac-12’s two remaining schools filed legal action against the conference and commissioner George Kliavkoff on Friday.WSU’s Kirk Schulz and OSU’s Jayathi Murthy are seeking a declaratory judgment on the makeup of the Pac-12 board of directors and a temporary restraining order to prevent the 10 outgoing schools from voting on key strategic and financial matters.WSU and OSU have been attempting to gain a firm understanding of the Pac-12’s assets and liabilities since early last month, when five schools announced their departures. Since then, St...

Police looking for possible suspect at Mowry and Farwell in Fremont

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

(KRON) -- There's police activity in Fremont in the area of Mowry Avenue and Farwell Drive, according to the Fremont Police Department. People are being advised to avoid the area. Rifle painted like Nerf gun seized by San Leandro PD Fremont PD is assisting the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office with a pursuit, according to a spokesperson for the department. Officers are currently looking for a possible suspect in the area.Police had no additional details to provide.Earlier, law enforcement advised nearby Mattos and Azevada elementary schools to shelter in place due to the police activity, according to a post on the Fremont Unified School District website. That shelter in place was lifted at 2:17 p.m., according to the school district. Schools are resuming normal activities and will release students at their normal release time.There is no estimated time for when the area will be clear.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Suspects arrested for Woodside's Alice's Restaurant armed robbery

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

(KRON) -- Two people were arrested in Woodside Thursday night for allegedly robbing a man of jewelry in a restaurant parking lot. San Mateo County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Alice's Restaurant in Woodside at 11:05 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, for an armed robbery in the parking lot.A Redwood City resident had a knife brandished at him by the suspects, who allegedly stole his gold chains valued at $15,000, according to deputies. The 50-year-old victim suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene. Police activity at Mowry and Farwell in Fremont, drivers advised to avoid area The suspects, Jose Zaragoza Mendez and Jesus Zaragoza Mendez, fled the scene westbound on Woodside Road. However, deputies swiftly responded to the dispatch. Deputies located the suspects around Highway 1 and Highway 92. Jose and Jesus Zaragoza Mendez were found in a car reported stolen by the California Highway Patrol in Hayward.The two suspects surrendered and were booked at the San Mate...