Steven Vogt, of the University of California at Santa Cruz, led the team of astrophysicists and astronomers that has discovered the most Earth-like planet ever found outside of our solar system.
The new planet has been named Gliese 581g.
Dr. Vogt's California team, with assistance from Paul Butler of the Carnegie Institute, announced their discovery after painstaking research that developed over 11 years --- or one complete solar cycle.
The California team collected 120 measurements using the Keck Observatory in Hawaii which is partnered with the University of California system.
"We've found this so soon, it suggests that we will find more," Vogt said of the planet and the red dwarf star it orbits, which is 20 light years away from Earth.
Previously, two other planets were located in the solar system --- 581c and 581d --- on the edges of the habitable zone. One planet was too cold and the other too hot, while 581g fell right in the middle, in the 'Goldilocks Zone' which can sustain life.
Requirements for a planet to sustain life are liquid water and a suitable atmosphere. Gliese 581g is at the right distance from its star and has the optimal range of temperatures to allow for liquid water, according to scientists.
The HIRES spectrometer used to record measurements of the star's radial velocity --- its motion along the line of sight from Earth --- was designed by Professor Vogt. The California professor's results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal.
Brad Hansen, an astronomer at the University of California at Los Angeles, commented on the discovery.
"We will learn more as we find more of these systems with planets with conditions that can sustain life. When we can compare planets in systems with all different sizes of stars we will start to understand better what makes a planet habitable," said Hansen.
The new Earth-like planet is much closer to its star than Earth is. Its orbit takes only 37 days to complete.
According to Professor Vogt, Gliese 581g is nearly four times the mass of Earth, indicating the surface is rocky with adequate gravity for maintaining a stable atmosphere.
Temperatures on the new planet reach highs of 160 degrees and lows of minus 25 degrees, with the area along the line between dark and light having the most temperate climate.
"This planet doesn't have days or nights. The most comfortable place is the terminator line between light and dark, where you'd see either constant sunrise or sunset," stated Professor Vogt of Gliese 581g.
Dr. Steven S. Vogt has been an astronomy and astrophysics professor with the University of California at Santa Cruz and the University of California Observatories research unit for 32 years.
It makes perfect sense that it would be a California scientist from an outstanding California university who would discover a new Earth.
Democratic California governor candidate Jerry Brown and Republican candidate for California governor Meg Whitman engaged in their first gubernatorial debate on LIVE television last night.
Which gubernatorial candidate emerged as the winner in Tuesday's debate? Two were victorious --- Jerry Brown and Chelene Nightingale.
30-minutes before the televised Brown-Whitman debate, gubernatorial rival Chelene Nightingale finished a well-received LIVE radio interview on KFI's John and Ken Show before one million listeners statewide.
During the KFI interview, Nightingale hammered away at illegal immigration, AB-32, Proposition 23 and Central Valley issues. She included a reference to "balls of steel".
During the UC Davis TV debate, Whitman touched upon illegal immigration, AB-32, Proposition 23 and Central Valley issues. She included a reference to a "spine of steel".
Was Meg Whitman debating Jerry Brown or Chelene Nightingale?
My phone lines and email accounts are burning up with the jeers and laughter of California voters, pundits and analysts over Meg's 'flattery' of Nightingale.
Apparently, September 28, 2010 was the day that began a reversal of fortune in the California governor's race --- a 'sea change' one might say.
Jerry Brown is obviously more comfortable with himself and with tackling California's issues. Meg Whitman is still in 'due diligence' mode, analyzing a potential takeover of California like she attempted to do with craigslist.
Meg Whitman appeared as if she's still trying to understand California's operational system, while Jerry Brown appeared as an experienced two-term executive who knows how California works from the inside.
There were two winners last night --- Jerry Brown and Chelene Nightingale.
KFI's John and Ken Show welcomed candidate for California governor Chelene Nightingale last night for a LIVE, in-depth interview about the issues important to California voters.
Nightingale was respectfully featured on the John and Ken Show for a full 30-minutes, from 5:00 to 5:30 PM Pacific Time. The hosts asked great questions and showed a genuine interest in the candidate's views.
My hat is off to KFI's John and Ken for giving airtime to all certified candidates for California, like Chelene Nightingale, in the spirit of Democratic discourse.
As a gubernatorial candidate, Chelene Nightingale has moved from obscurity, to being regularly featured on the #1 California blog, to being heard statewide on the #1 California radio talk show.
The Chelene Nightingale story is compared, by many, to David vs Goliath and the movies 'Erin Brockovich' and 'Rocky'. The developing saga of an average person struggling to be heard, and attracting hordes of average people as supporters, is truly compelling.
John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou, the hosts of The John and Ken Show, are famous for their confrontational style during interviews.
With the November 2nd general election just weeks away, Chelene Nightingale succinctly answered questions about her stand on illegal immigration, Proposition 23, AB-32 and the Central Valley's unemployment and water issues.
Meg Whitman's recent appearance on the John and Ken Show was controversial, and Jerry Brown has still not made an appearance on the program.
Back in June, John and Ken endorsed gubernatorial candidate Richard Aguirre for governor in the Primary Election after a fascinating interview about Aguirre's innovative water and energy plan for the state. Since Jerry Brown defeated Richard Aguirre on June 8th, John and Ken's endorsement of a candidate for California governor is wide open.
Tuesday's John and Ken Show Chelene Nightingale interview was aired on Southern California's KFI-AM 640 and on Northern California's KNEW-AM 910. One million California residents listened to the important and highly-anticipated LIVE radio broadcast.
The John and Ken Show is the most listened to local talk radio program in the United States.
Gubernatorial candidate Chelene Nightingale was treated fairly and respectfully in a great interview which set the tone for the first Brown-Whitman debate which KFI aired LIVE after the Nightingale interview.
Aissa "AJ" Lee is a Northern California singer and musician whose voice is quickly becoming the voice of Bluegrass music, Country music and, perhaps, American music --- and she's only in junior high school.
The phenomenal AJ Lee is a member of two rising Bluegrass music groups, The Tuttles and OMGG, and the pre-teen singer is being called one of the most beautiful faces in music.
Wherever AJ Lee performs, audiences are shocked by her supermodel looks, her technically perfect vocals, and her mature onstage professionalism. I, too, was completely blown away by the talented young singer.
I predict, right here and now, that we will witness three accomplishments in AJ Lee's future:
CMA Entertainer of the Year
Grammy
American Music Award
Aissa "AJ" Lee, 12, is an artist who represents traditional American music extremely well, and in a globally-marketable way. This singer will be a gold mine for decades, no question about it.
It may be a little premature, but I'll go ahead and say it: "LEGENDARY."
Watch the three great LIVE performance videos (below), then visit the official A.J. Lee website to keep up with her music career and concert dates.
Autumn in Los Angeles is so lovely. After a summer of overcast gloom and fog, Fall has finally arrived in L.A. and, with the seasonal change, bikinis and boiling radiators are everywhere.
It's hotter than HELL.
While folks elsewhere are raking and burning those Autumn leaves, Southern Californians do it a little differently. Leaves in L.A. are for rolling and smoking --- for medicinal purposes, of course.
Changing Fall colors? Oh, sure. Watch faces change from pale, to red, to purple from the 110-degree heat. Some even fall gracefully to the ground. Makes one want to write poetry.
Hayrides are fun in the Fall, but not when they explode into flames from spontaneous combustion. It's more fun at the beaches where you can watch 30-million people in the water and 16 folks on the scorching sand.
Please, don't be so rude as to ask someone why they're looking so "down", when their plastic surgery is melting and sagging in the blasting inferno that is Los Angeles in the Fall.
Pumpkin pie, hot cider, and bonfires? Hell no.
It's hotter than HELL.
It's so cheery to see the weather report on TV which shows tomorrow as hotter, the day after tomorrow as torture, and the following days as "dangerously hot with a chance of raging wildfires".
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officially met with President Sebastian Piñera of Chile earlier today in Los Angeles.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and wife Carol welcomed President Piñera, Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver for high-level meetings and a relaxed Southern California luncheon.
The two western leaders discussed cooperating on matters of education, agriculture, energy technology and the environment.
Judy Olian of the UCLA Anderson School of Management signed an agreement with Alfonso Gómez of Chile's Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez toward institutional collaboration and cooperation between the two prominent universities.
Governor Schwarzenegger called for further trade, tourism exchanges and other cooperation between the two lands.
"I look forward to working with President Piñera to further strengthen our partnership," stated the California governor.
Chilean President Piñera praised California's educational institutions, scientific research and environmental policies.
"There are so many things we have learned and we can keep learning from California, in terms of its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship," said Piñera.
California-Chile relations are in good standing. California exports $1.2 billion per year to Chile, with the South American nation selling $500-million in goods each year to the Golden State.
California, a land of 40-million inhabitants and Chile, with a population of 17-million, share several similarities, including seismology, terrain and climate.
President Piñera brought up the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground since August. Schwarzenegger told the president of Chile that the thoughts and prayers of Californians are with the miners.
You can do anything you want to. That's right. Anything. Who says you can't? YOU? Then tell yourself to shut up.
Shut up and drive.
Drive your life where you want it to be. Don't let somebody else take the wheel of your existence. Grab that steering wheel yourself and slam that gas pedal to the floor.
YOU can do anything.
You are your own parent now. Your parents already did the best job they knew how to do. Now it's all up to you. Take hold of your inner child, give it a good hug, throw it into the back seat, and pacify it with that damn ice cream cone you didn't get when you were five. YOU, the adult, are taking control now.
You CAN do anything.
Self-doubt, self-pity, and self-consciousness are roadblocks to your happiness and they totally suck. Throw them in front of you, and then drive right over them. Some scavenger will consume them as roadkill. Nothing really goes to waste except time, and you have no more time to waste. Get moving!
You can DO anything.
Wanting, needing, waiting, wishing, hoping and praying are only cool for a little while. Eventually, you must act. You've had enough time to think. Do it now. Don't think --- DO! Put the pedal to the metal and start burning rubber.
You can do ANYTHING.
What's the natural fit for you? What's your passion? What makes time fly by quickly? What gives you joy, even if you do it for free and receive no money for it? What activity would have you waking up before the alarm sounds each morning? That's the thing you must do now.
Just jump in, slam the door, turn the key, put down the top, grab the wheel, get it in gear, slam down the gas pedal, get on the highway, and drive as far as the road takes you. Don't look back.
California is a society balancing on the last edge of the ends of the earth, daring to gaze directly into the setting sun and blazing new trails for humanity.
As members of the most-watched society on the planet, we Californians are consistently faced with the choice between unity and division. At every turn, we ultimately choose unity.
United Californians Stand
Above us, the sun-filled heavens smiling down on our unity of minds and hearts.
Below us, the solid gold foundation we stand upon in brotherhood and solidarity.
Behind us, America and the world with all the hopes and dreams ever fought for.
Before us, the endless blue expanse of all that is unseen, unknown and untried.
To the left and right, voices, whispers, shouts, screams, clamor, noise and din.
We Californians will not be dissuaded, diverted, distracted nor disrupted.
We stand together. We stand for others who are not able. We stand united.
We Californians are a force, bonded in humanity, dignity, strength and love.
We are the descendants of all societies that have ever existed in human history.
We are the culmination of every creative thought, intention, action and accomplishment.
We Californians are consciously aware of the investment which every historical age has paid forward toward our present age.
We intend to honor human history with a new hope, a transcendent vision, and fearless innovation in our common goal of perfecting the human experience on earth.
The world has come to expect the best from California, and we expect even better from ourselves. We Californians are up to the task.
We Californians stand tested. We Californians stand with a singular eye on the future. We Californians stand ready.
Condoleezza Rice, the esteemed Stanford University professor, provost and U.S. diplomat, was a concert pianist long before her days as U.S. Secretary of State.
What can you say about an intensely magnetic musician who stars on-stage with Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul and who, like the Beatles, has performed before Queen Elizabeth II?
What do you call a concert diva who passionately delivers a LIVE performance with the superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma and brings cheering audiences to their feet?
Rock Star.
Many years ago, classical music fans were shocked when Condi Rice entered Washington politics. Today, those who respect Rice as a diplomat are pleasantly surprised at her musical appeal.
The world-famous Californian has made a grand piano sing throughout her whole life --- and very well.
Condoleezza Rice is a musician's musician and an expert entertainer, who just happens to be talented at other things too.
Jacqueline Pannekeet, an attractive 30-something Dutch citizen of the Nederlands, rediscovered herself at a Southern California Starbucks today.
A vacationing government professional with the Province of North Holland, the Haarlem resident stopped for coffee midway between Santa Barbara and Hollywood.
Jacqueline ended up with a shot of epiphany in her Venti Americano.
The stunning, teal-eyed blonde never anticipated that her 10-day California vacation would lead her straight into a 'life review', a renewed focus, and an overwhelming desire to deeply connect with home, family and herself.
Miss Pannekeet walked into the front door of Starbucks, all heads turned, but she was oblivious to the attention. The shapely natural blonde was alone in the crowd. Apparently, her California Dream turned out to be a total reality check.
The gray skies, gray career, and gray traditions of Jacqueline's life in Holland had screamed for the sunshine, open spaces and personal freedom of California. She had faithfully saved money for her trip, with visions of paradise and perfection filling her imagination.
"I love the weather, nature, beautiful people, ethnic foods, palm trees, beaches and shopping here. It's like being in a movie," said Jacqueline.
The Dutch tourist continued, "I'm jealous of the people who have the possibility of living here. They don't fully appreciate the constant sunshine here. In Holland, the sunshine consists of about two months per year. I feel happy in the sunshine."
Jacqueline has seen "countless people who look like models" since her arrival in Los Angeles, and she is amazed at how many Californians are "constantly pre-occupied with beauty, health, flawlessness and perfection".
The very beautiful European started seeing herself as "someone who needs improving" and, for the first time, she became aware that she has entered middle-age. She felt a need to express her feelings, so I let her go on.
"In Holland, and in most of Europe, one's age, experience and memories are considered to be assets. Here in California, I'm feeling that what my life has accumulated must be discarded for whatever is new."
"Please don't get me wrong. California is a breathtaking place where most of the people look ready for the cameras but, for outsiders like me, it is very confrontational. It's very personal. It really has me thinking about where my life is going."
"I really have started to think deeply of things like getting married, having a child, and traditions my parents value. For some strange reason, my eyes are now wide open. This experience is a little overwhelming."
"My parents, who are getting older, are so worried about me coming here, to the end of the earth, alone as a woman. Now, being here, I think I am beginning to understand their feelings. California is a place of constant changes and, perhaps, they are afraid I will change who I am."
"After so many Hollywood movies and California TV shows, commercials and celebrity news stories, I think I started to believe that my happiness was in California. It's not here, after all, but California has taught me things about who I really am inside. This is a place like no other, in a strange way."
I asked Jacqueline if her California trip was beginning to seem like some kind of pilgrimage.
"I cannot yet tell you. So many thoughts are swimming around in my head right now. I can tell you this, however --- my life has changed, and my life will be different back in Holland from this moment. I have seen my life for what it really is now, and my life is in Holland."
"My friend back home told me that an experience like this would happen and, you know, instinctively I knew it as well. I am who I am. I have so many experiences ahead of me that I never imagined before. California has a psychology and spirituality in the air. I have breathed it and faced my life."
I asked my new Dutch friend if there were any things about the culture here that surprised her.
"I've heard it said for many years that 'nobody walks in L.A.', and it is true. Also, nobody COOKS in L.A.! Everyone eats at restaurants and drive-thrus with their big cars --- and in such large portions! Also, California is Paradise for those with money," said Jacqueline Pannekeet, who was now smiling.
I asked the beautiful Nederlands government worker if she wanted her feelings on a popular California blog. After looking surprised, Jacqueline said, "Yes. Absolutely. I feel liberated now, and I want everyone to know of my experience. Please. I insist."
Stephen Wampler, a Coronado, California man with severe cerebral palsy, has climbed to the top of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan.
The 42-year-old disabled Californian's record-setting six-day 3,000 foot climb has inspired millions around the world.
Wampler's torturous climb, involving 20,000 pulls upward on a bar, was accomplished by using a system of ropes to haul himself up the vertical granite face which is twice the height of the Empire State Building.
Inspired by previous El Capitan climbs by people with disabilities, like the 1989 climb by Mark Wellman, Steve Wampler is the first person with cerebral palsy to successfully scale Yosemite National Park's famous mountain peak known as 'El Cap'.
Countless mountain climbers attempt El Capitan every year, but Wampler's amazing victory over difficult obstacles is a feat worthy of the attention it is receiving.
Fellow Californians, including Ellen DeGeneres and Will Ferrell who publicly cheered the disabled mountain climber on, are celebrating Steve's stunning victory along with Wampler's wife, Elizabeth, and the couple's two children.
"It's about realizing that you have a physical disability and deciding that, in spite of that, you're going to see what limits you can push," said a proud Elizabeth Wampler.
Steve Wampler's desire is that the publicity generated from his inspiring Yosemite climb will help raise $2-million for the Stephen J. Wampler Foundation, his nonprofit charitable organization.
Proceeds will help support Camp Wamp, a Lake Tahoe area camp for kids with physical disabilities. Wampler's life was forever changed by the camp as a 9-year-old boy.
A few years ago, Wampler found out that the camp had been closed down --- so he gave the camp, and disabled kids, a second life.
Steve Wampler is an inspiring hero with the guts of a warrior, the heart of a brother, and the life of a champion. He defines what being a Californian is all about.
The Governor of California is the chief executive of the government of the State of California and the head of state presiding over one of the largest economies in the world.
The position of California Governor predates California's 1850 statehood agreement with the United States of America.
The California Governor's responsibilities, such as enforcing state laws, submitting budgets, and State of the State addresses to the California State Legislature, are the most immediately visible.
There are other very important duties and obligations required of the Governor of California as well.
As Commander and Chief of the California State Military, the California Governor defends the California Constitution by ordering state military troops to California's borders with Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Baja California del Norte to protect the citizenry of California.
The California Governor enforces and maintains California's borders with many native reservations which are sovereign nations unto themselves.
Additionally, the Governor may defend California's Pacific front by activating the California Naval Militia.
From Sacramento, the Governor of California commands all five components of the California Military Department in times of threat, invasion, attack or disaster.
These less-publicized responsibilities of the Governor exercise the rights and powers of California as a state under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
As well, the California Governor works in conjunction with the U.S. government by requesting National Guard troops, and by maintaining relations with federal branches of the armed services which have military bases on California land.
Interstate relations are an important function of the office of the Governor of California, especially relations with Nevada and Arizona, which were previously part of the California Territory.
Now independent from California, these two self-governing states are important neighbors and allies in the areas of trade, immigration policy, mutual protection and assistance, and shared water rights.
International agreements with the U.S., Mexico and other nations of the world, as well as with sovereign native nations within the body of California, are crucial to California's peace and prosperity in the 21st century.
Churches, synagogues, mosques and missions are the centers of hundreds of California communities.
Consistent cooperation from the Governor's office with these vital centers of community influence and support is an important responsibility which can greatly assist California's advancement as a society.
The most successful Governor of California is one who places equal importance on responsibilities which are not as headline-grabbing as a State of the State speech or the entertaining of visiting foreign dignitaries.
The following are primary responsibilities of the Office of the Governor of California, regardless of who is elected to temporarily serve in the position:
Blue State is a 2007 political romantic dramedy film about two Californians who get fed up and leave the Golden State for Canada, only to return after some hard life lessons.
One of the most enjoyable politically-themed movies of all time, Blue State is full of personal failures, shattered dreams and secrets which are ultimately confronted.
Breckin Meyer stars as John Logue, the liberal left-wing blogger of TheDonkeyRevolution.com, who works for the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004.
Oscar-winner Anna Paquin stars as Chloe Hamon, a soldier in the U.S. Army who, instead of deploying back for another tour in Iraq, goes AWOL.
San Francisco resident John Logue thought that Kerry would defeat Bush in the 2004 election, so he publicly vowed that he would move to Canada if Bush won. Bush, in fact, did win, so John honored his claim after being laid-off from his job as a graphic designer for an advertising firm.
San Diego native Chloe Hamon was in shock when Bush was re-elected and, disagreeing with the Iraq War, she vowed to avoid her impending redeployment to the Iraqi front. She felt that job opportunities in California would be dismal, like they were when she enlisted in the Army.
John publicly advertised for a like-minded liberal to share the move to Canada, and he interviewed several candidates. Chloe, an attractive young woman (who had recently dyed blue streaks in her hair and pierced her nose in anti-Army rebellion) was chosen by John for the trip.
The Northern Californian and the Southern Californian were both thrilled to see California in their rear-view mirror as they anticipated an exciting new life in Canada.
Running away was, seemingly, the best option for John and Chloe to ease their shared social, economic and political disillusionment.
Chloe had not told John that she was in the Army and was about to be AWOL. She told him that she was a Physical Education teacher instead. John, though, had secrets of his own that were revealed when the two met his parents in eastern Washington state.
John's dad, a conservative right-wing extremist, was a verbally abusive father and bitter husband. John's mom was a beaten-down woman from her marriage and, very sadly, from the death of her eldest son (John's older brother) in the Iraq War.
Chloe was in a state of shock after John's dad told him to leave after a fight over politics, and she felt secretly guilty after finding out about John's brother being killed in the war. Their road trip then turned into a serious journey.
When Chloe saw the Canadian flags at the international border checkpoint, she panicked and screamed at John to stop the car. She finally confessed her military status to a very shocked John, who talked her into going through with her 'escape'.
Once in Canada, the blogger and the soldier headed to Winnipeg, where John had arranged a meeting with Gloria, a woman who would (supposedly) help them "find jobs and meet Canadians". John and Gloria had already 'connected' by phone.
John did not tell Chloe that Gloria was the president of Marry-A-Canadian.ca, a website-based organization that helps escaping Americans get quick Canadian citizenship --- yet another secret.
I must confess, of the outstanding cast of characters in Blue State, Gloria is my favorite.
Played by the stand-out actress, Adriana O'Neil, Gloria is a colorful ex-hippie political activist seeking to help Americans toward "salvation" from the evil United States. Gloria is hysterically funny.
Thankfully, Adriana O'Neil's runaway performance as Gloria reintroduces comedy into the film after some serious developments. I have replayed her performance on video countless times. I love Gloria!
Needless to say, Chloe was enraged when she found out that Gloria was all about getting Americans hitched to Canadian strangers for citizenship, and Chloe felt both tricked and trapped.
Chloe was pushed to the point of punching the crap out of John's face in anger, frustration and jealousy. Don't mess with an Iraq War veteran!
The subsequent, and consequent, developments in the Blue State story really escalate after the Gloria segment --- too complex and numerous to fully cover in this blog post. Emotion-stretching dynamics, though, totally.
In a nutshell, John and Chloe learned some difficult but valuable lessons after they ran away from California. They both found out that running away, simply because of the election of a candidate they did not like, was foolish and counterproductive.
They both returned to California. Chloe was arrested and later released with a dishonorable discharge. Now fully in-love, the couple decided to change the political landscape by becoming actively involved in a solution.
Chloe joined the man she had grown to love and respect in his John Logue for California State Senate campaign.
Blue State is my favorite political movie ever. Breckin Meyer, Anna Paquin and Adriana O'Neil are brilliant in this delightful Marshall Lewy film which makes Californians want to become the 'change' they wish to see happen.
Conservative candidate for Governor of California Chelene Nightingale has beaten the tremendous odds that stood against her.
Nightingale completed her 200-mile Save California Walk across California's Central Valley and spoke from the steps of the California State Capitol building in Sacramento.
Through eight long days of searing heat, near accidents, debilitating thirst, exhaustion, open blisters, infected feet, and grunting through Central Valley towns on a wheelchair, Chelene Nightingale finished what she set out to do.
The determined conservative gubernatorial candidate called attention to the state of emergency in the Great Central Valley while meeting the destitute, the depressed, the angry, and the discouraged of America's unemployment capitol.
"We did it for the people of the Central Valley. This was our march around Jericho and, believe me, the walls will eventually come down. We endured hardship as our friends in the Central Valley are enduring hardship. Through it all, we know that God will honor our effort," stated a victorious Chelene Nightingale.
Did any other candidates for California governor or any elected officials in Sacramento greet Nightingale, the weary, wounded woman who had just walked across the Great Central Valley?
Not one.
If I were running against Nightingale, I would have been there at the state capitol to shake her blistered hand and tell her that, even though we don't agree on everything, I respect and admire her courage and determination.
Indeed, the only people in all of California's capitol city who greeted Chelene Nightingale were lots of average Californians who felt inspired by the brave candidate's example of fearless leadership.
Congratulations, Chelene Nightingale, on a most inspiring victory on behalf of the people of California's Great Central Valley.
"Walking in L.A." is a 1983 hit single by the Los Angeles new wave rock group Missing Persons.
The song that made the phrase "Nobody walks in L.A." world famous, "Walking in L.A." still totally rocks after all these years.
Missing Persons lead singer Dale Bozzio was known for her provocatively creative fashion statements, which helped her to become a rock sex symbol in the early '80s.
"Walking in L.A." is a song about how everybody in Los Angeles has a car and nobody walks --- except for a 'nobody'. Basically, it's a people-watching song with social commentary, set to a pulsing rock beat. Very cool.
The video below is from the classic Missing Persons LIVE concert performance of "Walking in L.A." at the 1983 US Festival in Southern California, which was paid for by Steve Wozniak of Apple.
It's sweet that today's Lady Gaga has chosen to carry forward the torch originally lit by Bozzio. What a touching 'tribute' to a great lady.
"Walking in L.A." is a hip song that's totally perfect for cruising along the freeway with all the windows down, with the music playing full-blast while you scream along at the top of your lungs.
This song is one of the most awesomely tubular songs about California in history, hands down. Missing Persons so totally rocks!
Don't be shy. Just do it. If anybody stares, just point, look them in the eye, and scream, "Hey, you! Nobody walks in L.A.!"
The Pandoras were an all-female Los Angeles rock music band, fronted by singer/guitarist Paula Pierce, that defined the L.A. psychedelic sound of the 1980s.
Wild, untamed and explosive, The Pandoras made their first television appearance on L.A. In!, a local Los Angeles cable TV program, in 1984.
Following in the footsteps of well-known L.A. girl groups like The Runaways and The Go Go's, Paula Pierce and The Pandoras screamed their way into regular radio rotation on KROQ-FM's Rodney on the ROQ show, starring Rodney Bingenheimer.
Back then, my girlfriend Denise and I were total KROQ addicts, so we were into The Pandoras' utter hipness, unabashed coolness, and unmitigated rock-chickness. Nobody was like The Pandoras.
Okay, so that cheesy cable TV show was grungy, but the raging, aggressive, goddess-ness that came through the television screen was like a shockwave of rock diva-ness in 1984 Los Angeles. Edgy and sweet.
These psychedelic/garage/surf rock chicks were definitely not Valley Girls.
The Pandoras' album, It's About Time, is one of the coolest albums of the '80s. I played that LP so much that the needle went through the vinyl. So rad!
Pandoras songs like "Want Need Love" (video below) are extreme L.A. rock chick classics. After a quarter-century, the coolness still comes through.
"California" is a 2003 instrumental song by Grammy-winning songwriter and guitarist Brad Davis.
The bluegrassy, gold-rushy sound of "California" suggests a Central Valley celebration, a Gold Country jamboree, or a High Desert horseback ride.
Brad Davis' fantastic guitar instrumental is a gem that's rare, but equally a part of the California musical mosaic. The sound suggests history, authenticity, and good vibes too.
The speed-pickin' on "California" showcases the songwriting guitarist's over-the-top talent that has recording artists always asking to play with Brad Davis. The native Texan has talent that's smokin'!
Some music stars Davis has worked with:
Marty Stuart
Earl Scruggs
Billy Bob Thornton
Sam Bush Band
John Jorgenson
Willie Nelson
Emmy Lou Harris
Pam Tillis
Sheryl Crow
Johnny Cash
Forester Sisters
David Lee Roth
Warren Zevon
Sweethearts of the Rodeo
Tim McGraw
"California" is typical of the Brad Davis songwriting style --- original, highly innovative, and full of the 'wow' factor. It is one of the top instrumental California songs ever.
The 2010 California gubernatorial debates are being scheduled, sponsored and sanctioned, and the debates are proving controversial before they have even begun.
So far, only two well-funded candidates are being invited to debate --- and debate only each other --- in a boldly excluding, elitist spectacle.
As of today, the California governor debates have offered invitations to only two wealthy candidates at 'debate' events which have set thresholds for all candidates for California governor to meet.
If, for example, the threshold is 10-percent support in the 'polls' --- and a candidate meets that --- the threshold could then be moved up to 15-percent or 20-percent. This arbitrary system favors wealthy candidates who are well-publicized and deemed 'ELECTABLE'.
Electable to whom?
The California Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, has evaluated and certified SIX gubernatorial candidates for the November 2, 2010 general election. Secretary Bowen has, constitutionally, deemed SIX candidates ELECTABLE. Madame Secretary has placed all SIX choices on California's official election ballot.
These debates, planned in such a manipulative fashion, are insulting and disrespectful to the Secretary of State, the voters of California, and the very Constitution and history of the Golden State.
All SIX 2010 candidates for California governor should be equally invited to discuss the issues that will make or break California society. Period.
The fact that two wealthy, overexposed candidates are agreeing to exclude four other certified candidates from the debates makes their selfish greed for power obvious to every registered voter in the entire state of California.
They are not even embarrassed by their collusion, apparently.
Why would these two politicians even dare to place themselves under SOCIAL INDICTMENT? Many Californians are perplexed by the illogical --- and immoral --- behavior they are both exhibiting.
Californiality does not endorse any candidate, but this California blog will call attention to injustices which destructively mislead California citizens. If "information is power", then why deny vital information which helps California voters make wise choices?
Chelene Nightingale wants to honor voters by returning government to the People and the Constitution. So what if you don't like her conservatism? Let her discuss issues with other candidates.
Carlos Alvarez wants to 'level the playing field' for immigrants, the homeless, and the most powerless members of California society. It doesn't matter that you may not like his flamboyant socialism. Let the guy speak his ideas equally.
Dale Ogden envisions a small, tightly-run government with tiny taxes and big liberty. His 'bare bones' approach may not be your cup of tea, but get over it. Other Californians want to hear the candidate's views.
Laura Wells wants a state-controlled bank along with several 'green' energy and construction projects. Okay, so maybe YOU don't, but get out of the way so others can hear the lady expound on her plans for California.
Two other candidates have already hogged up enough press and airtime already --- and their hot air is increasing the effects of 'global warming' at an alarming rate.
All SIXcandidates for California governor must participate equally in any legitimate gubernatorial debates. Anything less smells like SOCIETAL FRAUD.
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"I AM CALIFORNIA"
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Golden, priceless and breathtaking, I am the star-studded dream, the quaking vision, and the imagination on fire.
