Reagan Pastor Michael Wenning Dies

Reverend Michael Wenning, Ronald Reagan's pastor, has died of leukemia and kidney failure in Mission Viejo, California.

Pastor Wenning, 75, and his wife, Freda Wenning, became close friends and confidantes of the Reagan family while pastoring the Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan worshipped God and were strengthened through fellowship with other Christian believers.

Michael Wenning attracted global attention in 2004 when he officiated the funeral of former California Governor and U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Simi Valley. Reagan had personally asked Reverend Michael Wenning to oversee the services well in advance.

Around the world, the image of Pastor Wenning holding a devasted, crying Nancy Reagan became an iconic symbol of America's grief and mourning for the beloved governor, president and world leader from California.

"Everyone wanted to put their arms around Nancy, and here was a man holding her on behalf of the nation and just comforting her. He was like that. He was very comforting.  That sort of captures who he was," said Freda Wenning, the pastor's wife of 54 years.

Michael and Freda Wenning, white African-Americans from Cape Town, South Africa, married in 1957 and became Christian advocates for social issues amidst Apartheid.

The Wennings incorporated African ministers of all races and were the first in South Africa to welcome a woman into the Presbyterian Church as an ordained minister.

In the 1980s, the African immigrants became Californians, making their way to the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Hills. In 1995, Michael Wenning became the pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, where the Wennings formed the bonds of friendship with the Reagans.

Freda Wenning remembers her husband's loyalty to the Reagans and the tremendous trust they placed in their church pastor.

"Everybody wanted to interview him on national television, but he refused. He didn't want to divulge any of the family's private matters. That's how he honored that friendship with them."

The pastor's wife expresses gratitude to God for the adventurous California life she shared with her husband, the man with whom she shared world travels, including numerous trips to the Holy Land of Israel.

"Our lives have been so full, and so fulfilling. I could not have asked for anything better. Just to be along side him for these 54 years has been my greatest gift from God. He just was an inspiration to me all of our married lives."

Michael Wenning is survived by Freda, their two daughters, four grandkids, countless friends and billions around the world who became acquainted with the man as a California hero who, on worldwide television, raised up our First Lady during the most devastating moment of her life.

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Oracle's Secret Acquisition

Oracle Corporation will not be taking on any new acquisitions in the near future, allegedly.

After 80 acquisitions in 80 months, Larry Ellison and company are nurturing the growth of what they have planted and making shareholders happy.

In 2011, the theme is "organic growth" at Oracle, but is there more behind the talking points?

It may seem like economic liberalism is yielding to fiscal conservatism but there is another legitimate factor influencing Oracle's downshift on acquisitions --- exaggerated asking prices.

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison slowed the pace recently by saying, "We're able to grow through acquisitions when they're attractively priced and they make sense.  They are, by and large, not attractively priced now and don't make sense, so we're not doing them."

Oracle's fiscal 2011 fourth quarter sales rose 13 percent to nearly $11 billion, net income jumped 36 percent to more than $3 billion, and the company ended the quarter with nearly $30 billion virtually sitting on the table.

Obviously, Ellison's company can self-finance further acquisitions if it so chooses.  It would appear that it's simply choosing not to right now.

Is Oracle waiting-out an inflated market cycle while responsibly managing what it already owns?  Most say that's the case, but is that all?

A Casual Conversation

Here's what an Oracle executive told Californiality about Ellison's current aqcuisition policy, anonymously, in a chat earlier this week:

Is Ellison really slamming the brakes on acquisitions?

"Yeah, you can say that.  Tech stocks right now, for the most part, are overrated and overvalued, so what Larry says about that is true.  Our company has bitten off enough to chew on for a while, so we're not aggressively looking to take on anything more at the moment --- well, in theory.  If a 'deal of a lifetime' comes our way, sure, we'll look at it."

So, is there a 'deal of a lifetime' you guys are looking at now?

"Well, there are always companies that approach us, you know, because we know how to turn a profit.  We run a tight ship, so we can afford opportunities, and our people are good at spotting a sure thing.  You could say that our eyes are always open to whatever."

Gee, that was generic.  Look, I'm not Oprah, so relax.  Seriously, whatever your company is looking at must be really cool or else you wouldn't be looking.

"I didn't say we were looking at anything at all, Oprah." (laughs)

Didn't you just say "in theory"?  Your company isn't looking to take on more right now, IN THEORY?  I'm just sayin'.

"What I meant was, Mark, our ears are to the ground even though we aren't aggressively searching for anything at the moment."

So, what you guys are non-aggressively looking at --- is it a household name?  Would most people know the company?

(Takes a big drink and glares silently)

Seriously, man, I'm not trying to be jerk-wad.  It's not like that.  Okay then, let's put it this way.  Should I snatch-up some Oracle shares, like, ASAP?

"Everyone should always invest in our stock.  Do you want a refill?"

No, I'm good.  Just answer this and I'll drop it.  Will shareholders be happy?

"Without divulging anything, yes.  Shareholders will be very happy.  What --- are you gonna blog that?  I didn't really say anything worth blogging about."

I'm sure that a few of my discerning readers will find something interesting in there.

"Yeah, right.  In between Beach Boys songs and Miss California." (laughs)

You never know, dude.

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Michael Reagan: Conservative Icon

Michael Reagan is the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, whose commitment to his father's conservative vision makes him the rightful heir to the Reagan conservative legacy being claimed by many today.

Politically, Michael Reagan is considered by many to be the most genuine Reagan of all, though he was famously adopted as an infant by Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman.

After serving for many years as a nationwide conservative radio talk show host, Michael Reagan now serves as spokesman for Reagan PAC, dedicated to finding and supporting political candidates who exercise the unwavering conservative principles of his father.

Reagan, 66, works with The Reagan Nation, a nonprofit which places the public policy priorities of Ronald Reagan into the national debate over the future path of America.

Michael Reagan heads The Reagan Legacy Foundation, advancing the causes President Reagan fought for and memorializing the accomplishments of the Reagan Presidency with scholarships for military personnel serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, programs for children needing adoption, and public education on Alzheimer's disease while seeking a cure.

Reagan has appeared for years as a national commentator and guest on top-rated programs, popular conservative websites and on the FOX News Channel.

Over the last 20 years,  Michael Reagan's ideals, actions and public messages have centered on the unchanging conservative principles laid down by his father and the Founding Fathers before him.

Reagan is actively involved in charities and public service campaigns across the nation, including:

• The John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation 
• The Young America's Foundation
• The Santa Barbara Navy League/USS Ronald Reagan Crew Enhancement Program
• The Arrow Project for Neglected and Abused Children
• The Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Foundation's Advisory board
• The board of trustees of Eureka College, President Reagan's Alma Mater

As a busy conservative Republican strategist, Michael Reagan also writes a popular nationally syndicated weekly column and authors best-selling books, including:

• On the Outside Looking In
• The Common Sense of An Uncommon Man: The Wit, Wisdom and Eternal Optimism of Ronald Reagan
• Twice Adopted
• The New Reagan Revolution: How Ronald Reagan's Principles Can Restore America's Greatness.

Michael Reagan tirelessly travels across the nation, reminding Americans of his father's inspirational California optimism.

"Ronald Reagan was the last great cheerleader this country had and, seven years ago when he passed away, we lost a cheerleader; somebody who uplifted America; someone who made us feel good about ourselves. We don't have politicians who make us feel good about ourselves today," said Reagan.

Reagan is a lifelong Californian and adherent of Christian faith and principles. He and his wife, Colleen Reagan, have two children and a home in Los Angeles.

Lately, Michael Reagan is surrounded by rumors and speculation that he might run for Governor of California in 2014.

Many Californians have stated they would feel good about having another Governor Reagan in Sacramento. Reagan has not yet publicized whether he will seek the Republican nomination for California governor.

For now, Michael Reagan, considered an iconic conservative in his own right, expresses great pride in representing his father, a man beloved by Californians, Americans and the world.

"You know my father as governor; as president; but I knew him as Dad. I was so proud to have the Reagan name and to be Ronald Reagan's son," proclaims Michael Reagan.

Some might say the Reagans have now come full circle; that Ronald Reagan would say he is proud to be known as the father of the man his son has become...

Conservative Icon Michael Reagan.

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"San Francisco" Cascada

"San Francisco" is a 2011 electropop California song by the Eurodance band Cascada from Bonn, Germany.

A track from Cascada's album, Original Me, "San Francisco" is a European smash that is now hitting the summer dance floors of America.

The German dance music group's ode to 'The City of Love' by the Bay is a blatantly obvious answer to last year's global megahit, "California Gurls" by Katy Perry.

Cascada's blonde bombshell lead singer, Natalie Horler, visually symbolizes the beach girl California stereotype envisioned by 90 percent of the planet and, with her perfect pop vocal, the hit song formula is completed.

Even though the song and video are top-notch, Californians will see right through the song's formulaic veneer.

The rest of the world, however, will consider "San Francisco" an authentic California fix.  In fact, they already are.

The song, fantastic as it is, might be more 'California Tourist' than 'California Gurls'.  I love this song but it's too perfectly contrived as a 'summer hit' from afar.

Deejays, dancers and digital downloads will determine this song's success in the USA.  As far as songs about California go, this great Europop song stands out righteously as a well-crafted tribute.

Overall, "San Francisco" by Cascada is one of the grooviest pop songs of 2011.

Cascada San Francisco

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Michael Jackson Flash Mob

The Michael Jackson Flash Mob is a global phenomenon, occurring for more than 700 consecutive days, since the King of Pop died in Los Angeles two years ago.

A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual act briefly, then disperse.

Flash mobs are organized effectively via phone, email, Facebook, Twitter and text messaging.

The most famous flash mobs in history are Michael Jackson flash mobs, which have involved millions of people in at least 80 nations.

Many Michael Jackson flash mobs can be seen on video websites, such as YouTube.

A quick search for "michael jackson flashmob" on a video site will provide enough flash mob videos to watch for days on end.

If there is anyone who still doubts the magnitude of Michael Jackson's international appeal, viewing a few MJ flashmob videos should answer any questions.

Michael Jackson flash mobs have popped up in cities around the world at malls, restaurants, public squares, parking lots, sporting events, concerts and even in the middle of streets and boulevards.

Probably the most popular soundtrack to Michael Jackson flash mobs is the song "Beat It", though many Jackson hits are also danced to by flash mobs, including "Thriller".

Bystanders are always surprised to suddenly hear the beginning of a Michael Jackson song out of nowhere, then shocked to see everyone around them breaking into Michael Jackson choreography.

It's surprising to see just how good most flash mob dancers really are --- even some of the unsuspecting bystanders.

The feeling, the sharing and the experience are all more important than talent, though.

To witness hundreds of cell phone cameras suddenly thrust into the air is a common sight at a Michael Jackson flash mob event.  All want to capture such an exciting moment in tribute to the pop legend from Los Angeles.

The most-loved Michael Jackson flash mob video (below) was captured in San Francisco, California on the day the King of Pop died in 2009.

What started out as a quickly assembled flash mob developed into a San Francisco 'love-in', with Jackson fans singing and dancing to four decades of Michael Jackson hits well into the night.

The rehearsed and organized Michael Jackson flashmobs are cool, but the spontaneous and emotional street gathering-turned-party is a rarety that is unforgettable and real.

If you're out in public and you suddenly hear the intro to a Michael Jackson song out of the blue, grab your iPhone fast and grab a piece of history and a little love from humanity.

Michael Jackson Flash Mob

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Los Angeles Night Video

Los Angeles at night is a spectacular sight.  A night flight over California's largest city is a total rush.  Add a futuristic music soundtrack, and voila!

Totally fantastic L.A.!

When it's too much effort to jump into the car and enjoy a Los Angeles moonlight drive, Californiality offers you the next best thing --- or maybe even better.

Now you can sit back and experience a flight over downtown Los Angeles at night from your chair.  Enjoy L.A. at night in a way you never have before, and as often as you like.

Crank up the volume and put this video on full screen.  It's a ride like no other, over a city like no other in the world.

Downtown Los Angeles Night Video

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"Hollywood Tonight" Michael Jackson

"Hollywood Tonight" is a 2011 #1 dance charted California song by the King of Pop Michael Jackson from the hit album, Michael.

Written by Michael Jackson, Brad Buxer and Teddy Riley in Los Angeles, "Hollywood Tonight" was co-produced by Theron Feemster and Teddy Riley, and the song's bridge was sung by Michael's nephew, Taryll Jackson.

Algerian dancer Sofia Boutella stars in the video about a young woman arriving in Hollywood, struggling to become a famous dancer, who starts a spontaneous Michael Jackson flash mob on Hollywood Boulevard.

The "Hollywood Tonight" music video was directed by Wayne Isham and was filmed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Pantages Theatre.

The song begins with an Enigma-like Gregorian chant, then kicks into an 1983 dance groove, where "Billie Jean" meets "Caribbean Queen".

The King of Pop's contribution to songs about California is a total Tinseltown groove with a hook that sticks into the brain.

Rockin' to "Hollywood Tonight" by Michael Jackson at full volume is cool enough, but the song really becomes transcendent on a night club dance floor under the lights with onlookers recognizing one's Hollywoodness.

Michael Jackson Hollywood Tonight

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Rent Donations for Jerry Brown

California Governor Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown are accepting donations to pay the rent for their apartment in Sacramento.

The nonprofit Governor's Residence Foundation will cover the costs of the first couple's 1,450-square-foot apartment, leased for $3,000 per month.  Utilities will also be covered.

The mere thought of having private donors pay for the governor's residence has some raising their eyebrows, but why?  California, America's richest and most famous state, does not provide shelter for its head of state.

It was one thing when Jerry Brown was a single man as governor in the '70s.  Now he has a wife and we have a first lady.  Is chivalry completely dead?  Not in my California.

Critics say the contributions could grant "undue access and influence."  Excuse me, but exactly what kind of influence can one secure in today's Sacramento with 3-grand-a-month and change?  Rock star parking at the Capitol?

George Kieffer, president of the Governor's Residence Foundation, said the nonprofit will release the names of donors and how much they have each contributed by next January, so Brown-bashers will just have to wait to pounce on that.

"We're budgeting some additional money assuming that, from time to time, there'll be entertainment there of legislators and others, as you'd expect in connection with a governor's residence," Kieffer said.

I wonder if the petty cash for snacks will push some watchdogs completely over the edge.

As far as ethics groups screaming about payment for apartment rent as an 'end run' around campaign finance laws, please, spare me.  We're not exactly talking major bucks here, at least by Sacramento standards.

Critics are dragging up George Kieffer's law firm, Toyota, California Strategies, Lewis Investment, the Western Growers Association, developer Tejon Ranch, AT&T, Intel and Xerox to infer that companies of such stature would expect a governor to grant favors for apartment rent and snacks.

Seriously?  Are they kidding?

My L.A. colleagues and I are laughing our Botox off at this non-scandal.  Don't try to tell me this came from the Republican camp.

To those who 'spin' this apartment issue --- why don't you ask every Californian to contribute a penny each year for a governor's residence?  That should cover the rent, plus crackers and Pepsi.

Let the Browns enjoy their apartment.

Kieffer said he saw no conflict raising money for Governor Brown's Sacramento apartment.  I agree.  There it is.  A bipartisan consensus.  In California.

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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta

Leon Panetta, former CIA director and California congressman, is the new U.S. Secretary of Defense.

President Obama nominated Leon Panetta to replace Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense upon Gates' retirement from the Pentagon.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Panetta as Defense Secretary, putting the Pentagon at the direction of the former Democratic congressman and budget expert.  Many are jokingly referring to the U.S. Defense headquarters as "The California Pentagon" due to the prominent Californian becoming its boss.

It is interesting to Californians that a fellow Californian will head the Pentagon, nominated by a president who was a Californian while the nominee was a California congressman --- in a state which has commanded its own military since 1846.

Panetta was born and raised in Monterey, California.  He graduated from Monterey High School, where he was elected president of the student body.

Panetta is a graduate of Santa Clara University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He earned a Juris Doctor from the Santa Clara University School of Law, then began a career as a California lawyer.

Panetta served as Distinguished Scholar to the California State University Chancellor and professor of public policy at Santa Clara University.

Leon Panetta started in politics in 1966 as a legislative assistant to Republican Senator Thomas Kuchel, the U.S. Senate Minority Whip from California.

In the 1970s, Panetta switched to the Democratic Party and was elected to Congress to represent California's 16th congressional district.

The popular congressman was re-elected numerous times and wrote many acts of Congress to protect the California coast, including legislation creating the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Panetta and his wife founded the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy at California State University Monterey Bay.  Panetta was instrumental in creating CSU Monterey Bay by converting Fort Ord into the university.

In 2003, Panetta considered running as a Democratic candidate for California Governor but decided against it.

Rep. Panetta was appointed White House Chief of Staff by President Bill Clinton before President Barack Obama nominated him to the post of Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, which he currently holds.

Today, Leon Panetta, 73, lives on a walnut farm in Carmel Valley, California with his wife, with whom he has three grown sons and several grandchildren.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to produce $400-billion in defense budget cuts to match Robert Gates' $400-billion in cuts to the Pentagon.

Leon Panetta U.S. Secretary of Defense

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"Country Boy" Glen Campbell

"Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)" is a 1975 pop California song by singer, songwriter and guitarist Glen Campbell.

A hit single from Campbell's multimillion-selling album Rhinestone Cowboy, "Country Boy" was written and produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter.

Campbell's song about Los Angeles life was a smash on the Easy Listening chart, the Country chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart from 1975 into 1976.

"Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)" tells the woes of a musician who lives it up in Los Angeles, only to reflect on when he was a simple country boy in Tennessee who used to sing his songs for free.

It's the age-old story of homespun country values contrasting the rat-race hustle-bustle of big city ambitions.

Whether it's Dorothy in Oz or Glen Campbell in Hollywood, the theme is universal yet emotionally personal.

To leave behind what one knows as reality in exchange for what may turn out to be an unfulfilled fantasy, well, that's what hit songs like Campbell's are made of.

Striking a chord with many who have emigrated for their California Dream, "Country Boy" by Glen Campbell is one of the most reflective and cathartic California songs ever sung.

Glen Campbell Country Boy

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California's Shocking Comeback

The California Comeback is surprising economic experts and defying a U.S. national economic downturn.

Californians are on the most confident economic spending spree in years.

The California State Board of Equalization is excited to announce the good news that retail sales jumped nearly 9 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared with a year ago.

The Golden State is witnessing the biggest year-over-year jump in more than a half-decade, to the pleasant surprise of millions of Californians and the stores they shop at.

California consumers have finally thrown doom, gloom and pessimism off their shoulders as they have opened up their purses and wallets in a shocking leap of faith that is paying off, much to America's shock and disbelief.

"That is surprising," declared economist Stephen Levy from the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto.  "That's a nice recovery."

Further, experts are noticing that, despite scarier economic times across the nation, California has managed to forge a healthy upward trend on its own.

The state's retail figures are rising along with recent employment statistics, which show job growth across California continuing to strengthen.

Just recently, statewide unemployment fell to 11.9 percent, the first time it has dropped below 12 percent since '09.

California retailers have been reporting stronger sales for the past 10 months, with the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego being the strongest regions for retail sales.

Even Sacramento is now showing improvement, and Central Valley retailers are hoping the trend continues throughout the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys.

Statewide taxable sales totaled nearly $118 billion in the first quarter, up from $108 billion a year earlier.

Heck, even our own Miss California just got promoted to Miss USA.  That's how we roll in California, dudes.

This blog knew that Californians could do it two years ago, during the darkest of days.  It is a thrill to finally announce that THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA ARE DOING IT.

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Glen Campbell Alzheimers

Music legend Glen Campbell has announced that he has Alzheimers disease, shocking millions of fans worldwide.

Campbell, an award-winning popular singer, songwriter, guitarist, Hollywood actor, TV star and celebrity golfer, has gone public with his Alzheimers diagnosis as he launches his farewell concert tour.

"I still love making music and I still love performing for my fans. I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin," said Campbell, a beloved music icon.

Campbell and Kim, his wife of many years, went public about his Alzheimers so fans would understand if he makes mistakes in his final performances.

"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer but, if he fluffs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I don't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'," said Kim.

The superstar is undertaking what he calls the Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour, which is a series of concerts this Fall in support of Campbell's final album, Ghost on the Canvas.

During his 50 years in the entertainment industry, Glen Campbell has released 71 albums and 81 hit singles, as well as numerous Gold and Platinum albums.

Campbell has earned GRAMMY awards, CMA awards, ACM awards, AMA awards, GMA Dove awards and was nominated for the Oscar and the Golden Globe.

After moving to Los Angeles decades ago for a music career, Campbell became the session musician partner of Leon Russell in the 1960s, playing on recordings by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and producer Phil Spector.

Glen Campbell later became a member of the rock band The Champs, famous for the megahit "Tequila".

Soon after, Campbell was a member of The Beach Boys, replacing Brian Wilson in 1964-1965 and a guitarist on the heralded Beach Boys album, Pet Sounds.

As a solo artist, Glen Campbell recorded and released songs written by Brian Wilson before recording megahit singles, like "Gentle On My Mind", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", "Country Boy, You Got Your Feet in L.A." and "Southern Nights".

In 2002, Campbell and UK artists Rikki & Daz recorded a techno/pop remake of "Rhinestone Cowboy" and the Top-10 smash became Glen Campbell's biggest 21st century hit song yet.

"Wichita Lineman" (video below), composed by genius songwriter Jimmy Webb, has repeatedly been declared one of the greatest songs of the 20th century by numerous music critics and magazines.

As an actor, Glen Campbell appeared in several films, including 'True Grit' with John Wayne and 'Any Which Way You Can' with Clint Eastwood.

On television, Campbell was the popular host of the 'American Music Awards' for several years.

Campbell hosted his own weekly hit TV show, the 'Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour', hosting The Beatles, Bread, The Monkees, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray and many other music greats.

Campbell hosted the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open Golf Tournament for many years and was ranked as one of the top celebrity golfers by Golf Digest magazine in 2005.

Soon afterward, the legendary musician was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians' Hall of Fame. In 2008, Campbell was presented with the Q Legend Award.

To Glen Campbell, his 2011 farewell tour is a final tribute to Los Angeles, the city that made him a superstar, and the millions of fans around the world who have stood by him for a half century.

G  L  E  N    C  A  M  P  B  E  L  L

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L.A. Prepares for 7.8 Earthquake

A 7.8-magnitude Los Angeles earthquake will affect 430,000 businesses and 4.5 million workers, say federal officials who now urge companies to prepare for catastrophe in Southern California.

A massive earthquake on the southern half of the San Andreas Fault will cripple the Southern California economy, according to an apocalyptic report just released by the federal government's U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Studying the effects of an overdue 7.8-magnitude earthquake, seismologists highlighted seismic zones expected to receive the most violent and destructive shaking.

The study showed that a 7-county region of Southern California, which generates $206.5 billion in yearly wages, must now prepare for a 7.8 on the Richter scale.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Regional Commissioner Richard Holden said that a 7.8-magnitude earthquake will "put our jobs and economy at risk."

He said the findings show the need for Southern California businesses to prepare for worst-case scenarios, including supply chain disruption, blocked roadways and utilities infrastructure destruction.

Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Imperial County, Ventura County and Kern County are the areas where the earthquake damage is expected to be the worst.

The study also shows how such an earthquake could hurt the economy of the United States.

With the 7 stricken counties accounting for 1 of every 15 workers in America, the national toll on unemployment and lost productivity is expected to be severe.

Vital shipments by truck and train from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach would affect over 23 percent of the total value of U.S. goods passed through the two ports, the federal study showed.

The study did not attach a dollar amount to the economic losses the region will suffer in a 7.8 Los Angeles earthquake, but economic experts estimate an immediate hit of nearly one quarter-trillion dollars to the economy.

Loss of life, property destruction, societal disruption and a potential California exodus, when added to the economic equation, make loss projections practically impossible.

"As Angelenos, we have all seen the damage that comes with an earthquake," said Gary Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. "We should make sure that procedures are in place to respond."

Los Angeles 7.8 Earthquake

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FBI Knocks California Blogs Offline

The FBI seized web servers in a raid on a data center Tuesday, causing some popular California blogs to go offline completely and disappear into cyberspace.

The highly-trafficked California blogs Curbed LA, Curbed SF, Eater LA and Eater SF have been offline all day. As of 11:15 PM Pacific Time, they still cannot be found on the Internet.

The federal raid occurred at a hosting facility in Reston, VA, (near DC) used by Switzerland-based DigitalOne. The FBI is not divulging much information about the raid nor their investigation.

Most sources are stating that the Los Angeles and San Francisco blogs are NOT targets of the raid nor the investigation. The problem is apparently elsewhere on the same server, which hosts MANY OTHER websites and blogs.

"This problem is caused by the FBI, not our company. In the night, the FBI has taken three enclosures with equipment plugged into them," said DigitalOne CEO Sergej Ostroumow. "After the FBI's unprofessional 'work' we can not restart our own servers. That's why our website is offline and support doesn't work."

DigitalOne provided all necessary information to pinpoint the servers for a specific IP address.

Ostroumow said that he did not know why the feds took more servers with them than they were looking for, with the agents taking entire server racks.

His company's staff has been working around the clock to solve the problem and Ostroumow said he did not know if the issues would be resolved by Wednesday, June 22.

An anonymous government official stated that the FBI was investigating the Lulz Security group and any affiliated hackers after the FBI teamed with the CIA and European cybercrime bureaus.

Californiality is receiving many emails from readers of Curbed LA, Curbed SF, Eater LA and Eater SF, wanting to know what has happened to these California blogs.

To clarify, THE FOUR BLOGS HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG. They will be back online soon.

It looks positive that the interrupted California blogs will be back in business Wednesday, based on information as of 11:30 PM in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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The Independent California Voter

I am the Independent California Voter addressing all 2012 candidates:

Who am I, you ask?

Often referred to as a 'taxpayer', a 'consumer' or a 'citizen', I am a free-thinking individual who knows what will best facilitate my own pursuit of happiness.

As a Californian, I live on the edge, under pressure and outside the box.  I am adaptable, intuitive, and highly sensitive to hypocrisy.

I am slow to anger and, at times, my patience, tolerance and kindness are mistaken for weaknesses.

Go ahead.  Underestimate me.  I dare you.

Even though I am too busy being productive to constantly verbalize it, I am 'We the People' and I have power --- economic power, political power, creative power, intellectual power and spiritual power.

I am consistently mislabeled and misrepresented by biased, manipulative demographic exercises which attempt to categorize my anticipated behavior, such as voting.

Good luck with that.

Sure, I may have previously voted Republican, Democratic or Libertarian, but I retain my right to change my mind at any moment.  I independently examine each issue and each candidate a' la carte.

Attempts to manipulate or deceive me are targeted with warranted suspicion.  You can 'poll' me all you want during campaign season, but you will only know my final decision on election night.

Be prepared for my wrath from California in 2012.

I will reveal my intelligence, my confidence, and my power as an independent California voter on that day of revelation and celebration for unpredictable voters like me.

Politically molested by partisan liars and thieves, a multitude of vengeful California voters will adjust the balance of power at the ballot box.  Count me in that number.

Independent voters like me make many politicians lose sleep as well as their positions of authority.

Just when you assume that you have voters like myself under control --- surprise!  I will cast my vote on election day for those who have my best interests at heart.

I will not simply hand over my power in blind trust.

Make your assumptions about me as an independent California voter while you continue to narrowly 'poll' within your target demographic.  You are just stroking yourself with delusions.

The election of 2012 is not about you, your agenda, and your friends whom you owe favors to.  It's about me, my family, my community, my state and MY VOTE.

The INDEPENDENT California Voter.

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ICANN 2012 Web Revolution

ICANN, the California nonprofit group that supervises the development of the Internet, has voted to ease regulations on website domain name suffixes.

Get ready for the worldwide digital California Gold Rush --- and a massive Web revolution --- in 2012.

The board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the unprecedented change to allow domain names using any combination of letters and numbers.

"ICANN has opened the Internet's naming system to unleash the global human imagination. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind," said ICANN CEO and President Rod Beckstrom.

Over the years, many companies, bloggers, organizations and website owners have dreamed of new top level domains (TLDs) such as .blog, .kids, .shop, .xxx, .news, etc.  Such dreams will finally become realities in 2012.

ICANN emphasized that "strong efforts were made to address the concerns of all interested parties, and to ensure that the security, stability and resiliency of the Internet are not compromised."

In 1998, ICANN was incorporated as a California nonprofit organization to regulate the Internet and maintain the integrity of the Web's domain name system. The U.S. government had previously controlled the Internet's domain name system exclusively.

"Today's decision will usher in a new Internet age. We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration. Unless there is a good reason to restrain it, innovation should be allowed to run free," declared ICANN Chairman Peter Dengate Thrush.

The Los Angeles-based ICANN voted to end most restrictions on the allowed generic top-level domain (gTLD) suffixes, anticipating that many corporations will quickly apply for new gTLDs based on their brands.

Organizations and companies will be able to choose arbitrary suffixes for their internet domain names.

Non-latin characters, like Cyrillic, Chinese, Arabic, etc., will also be allowed in new gTLDs.

At an expected price of $185,000 for a new gTLD suffix, ICANN will accept new applications as of January 12, 2012.

ICANN 2012 New Top Level Domains

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Alyssa Campanella Miss USA 2011

Miss California Alyssa Campanella is now officially Miss USA Alyssa Campanella.

A Valley Girl has made it all the way to the top of America.

The 21-year-old model from the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles was crowned Miss USA 2011 in Las Vegas before an audience of a quarter-billion television viewers worldwide.

Campanella, the former Miss California USA, will represent the United States of America (as well as California) at the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12th.

The new Miss USA is a natural blonde who has been tinting her hair red for years. Campanella will remain in the Hollywood area after her beauty pageant duties are fulfilled.

Alyssa Campanella revealed on the Miss USA Pageant television program that she enjoys space exploration, history and Mary, Queen of Scots, whom many say the red-headed Valley Girl from Sherman Oaks resembles.

When a judge asked her whether marijuana should be legalized in California, Campanella thought that marijuana for medical purposes was very important but that she has doubts whether the war against drugs would be helped by the legalization of pot.

Alyssa Campanella's MISS USA® 2011 prize package includes the following glamorous prizes:

• Custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs
• One year scholarship + housing from the New York Film Academy
• One year of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems
• Rwanda-made bracelets by women of the Same Sky Trade Initiative
• Evening wear wardrobe by Sherri Hill
• Swimwear wardrobe by Kandy Wrappers
• Shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry
• One year of nail care products from OPI Products, Inc.
• One year of sun care products from Australian Gold
• Luxury NYC apartment during her reign + living expenses
• One year of excellent salary as Miss USA
• One year of extensive personal services
• One year membership to Gravity Fitness
• Hair services from John Barrett Salon
• One year of cosmetics from Rain Cosmetics
• Modeling portfolio by top fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
• Dermatology and skincare by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher
• Health and nutrition by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD
• Dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.
• Entertainment industry casting opportunities
• Representation by the Miss Universe Organization
• Extensive travel opportunities and itineraries
• NYC events, premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and parties
• Expert fashion consulting by Alisha Crutchfield
• One year of a glamorous personal appearance wardrobe
• PR and representation by Rubenstein Public Relations, NYC

Judges for the 2011 MISS USA® Pageant included Tyson Chandler, Rocco DiSpirito, Mariel Hemingway, Penn Jillette, Lil Jon, Caroline Manzo, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Zuleyka Rivera and Marcus Allen.

The Miss Universe Organization is a joint venture between Donald Trump and NBC Universal.

Californiality featured Alyssa when she was crowned Miss California USA. She remains very popular on the #1 California blog, which congratulates her once more on a stunning victory.

Alyssa Campanella Miss USA

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Redistricting Commissioner Speaks

Former Santa Paula Mayor Dr. Gabino Aguirre is a proud member of an historic group that took 85 years to become a reality --- the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Since the 1920s, reformers have wanted an independent commission of California citizens to draw political district lines instead of Sacramento bureaucrats. That time has come.

Just days ago, history was made with the unveiling of California's first proposed maps drawn by the Commission, which is comprised of volunteers from different walks of life across the Golden State.

Dr. Gabino Aguirre, serving as co-chair and spokesman for the Citizens Redistricting Commission, addressed confrontational questions from the media about the commission's draft redistricting maps at a recent Capitol news conference in Sacramento.

Dr. Aguirre, 63, a respected Ventura County leader, reflected the feelings echoed by many California communities when he responded from the California State Capitol.

"I've mentioned to people that Santa Paula is the center of the universe.  If I go to a commission and say, 'We are the center of the universe,' that's great, but the work of the Commission is to draw the state into districts with large chunks of population," Aguirre said, referring to his own city where he served as mayor.

"Certainly, there's a push and pull that's going to begin. Some people are going to be respectful about asking for changes here and there, and some people are going to be upset," added Dr. Aguirre.  "It may not be possible to give each community everything it wants."

Aguirre and his fellow members of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission are busy conducting 11 hearings around the state to receive public feedback on its proposed maps.

The Commission will consider public input, release revised maps on July 12th and then enter a final stage of internal review before submitting final maps to the secretary of state on August 15, 2011.

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission was created by voter-approved Proposition 11 in 2008.  Last year, Californiality and several other media outlets publicized the call for citizen volunteers to serve on the Commission.  The response was very enthusiastic.

Out of 24,500 applicants, 14 individuals from around the state met strict standards guarding against conflicts of interest.  By law, there are five Republicans, five Democrats and four Independents, politically.

Among the citizen commissioners are two land-use planners, a former US Census Bureau director, a retired engineer, an architect, a chiropractor, a bookstore owner, a stay-at-home mom with a master's degree in community planning, and two law school professors.

Dr. Gabino Aguirre is the sole commissioner from Ventura County.  A Mexican immigrant from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, he received immigration approval in the US as a child.

Aguirre served in the US Army before earning his bachelor, master and doctorate university degrees in Los Angeles.

Four decades ago, Aguirre moved to Santa Paula, the city famous as California's original oil capitol, railroad capitol, motion picture capitol and current Citrus Capitol of the World.

After establishing a long career as an educator and high school principal, Dr. Aguirre has become a beloved community icon and California hero.

In 2011, Aguirre and his fellow 13 citizen commission volunteers are proud to work on behalf of the People of California and, as a dedicated group, they take their awesome responsibility seriously.

Dr. Gabino Aguirre of Santa Paula knows the California Citizens Redistricting Commission will produce maps that are fair, legally defensible and that honor the mandate of Proposition 11 when he says, "I think we're pretty level-headed people, all of us."

California Citizens Redistricting Commission

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Malibu 747 Wing House

The 747 Wing House in Malibu, California is a luxurious new home with a view of the Pacific Ocean that was once a Boeing 747 airplane.

Built from a decommissioned airliner, the futuristic Malibu mansion's floating roof is made out of the airplane's wings.

The new owner commissioned architect David Hertz to build a home with curvilinear/feminine shapes. A permanent 'window seat' over Shangri-La is the result.

Costing less than a mobile home, the retired plane was dismantled and transported to the Malibu home site, where the airplane parts were recycled and reused for construction.

The 747 Wing House utilizes solar power, radiant heating, natural ventilation and high performance heat mirror glazing.

With views of the mountains, the ocean and the islands, the new 747 Wing House is jaw-dropping when seen in person and it exquisitely exemplifies resourceful California creativity.

Located high on a ridge, evening views of the home at sunset are like flying in an airplane as the sun goes down into the Southern California surf.

The retired 747 was registered after purchase with the FAA, so pilots flying overhead would not mistake the house for a downed aircraft.

The 230-foot long, 195-foot wide airliner was disassembled, then the 747's wings were elevated and tail stabilizers were used as a roof for the master bedroom.

A roof was created for a detached art studio from a 50-foot long section of the upper fuselage.  The guesthouse roof was constructed from the remaining front part of the fuselage and the upper first-class cabin.

The front of the airplane serves as a meditation gazebo, where the cockpit windows form a skylight.  The cargo hold is now an animal barn.

The Malibu 747 Wing House took shape in stages over time on the 55-acre hilltop Malibu view property.

Owner Francie Rehwald had initially imagined a kind of floating roof set among the hills, so an airplane wing sprang to architect David Hertz’s mind.

Hertz and his team at Studio of Environmental Architects made use of the whole 747 plane including the wings, the fuselage, and cockpit to build the main house, guest quarters, meditation pavilion, barn and art studio.

Francie's unique home, along with the history of its design and construction, can be seen in the video below.

The historical industrial achievement of the 747, and its abandonment in the desert, made a statement on the nature of modern technology and society.

The airplane was like a giant aluminum can ready for recycling.

The former aircraft will now enjoy a heavenly afterlife as the newest iconic symbol of California.

The 747 Wing House of Malibu.

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