San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council

San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council, Scouting in California has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs related to their environments.
In the early days of Scouting there were several different Scouting type organizations. Some of the organizations known to have members in California were:

American Boy Scout (also known as the United States Boy Scout organization)
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
California Boy Scouts
Peace Scouts of California
The Boy Scouts of United States (a wing of the National Highway Protective Association), Young Men’s Christian Association and the Salvation Army may have also had Scouting type programs in California.

In 1914, parents and Chinese-American boys organized their own Boy Scout troop in San Francisco, the first troop for Chinese Americans and possibly the first troop in San Francisco. It was recognized as Troop 3 once San Francisco became a council. The troop continues today.

I Am Sam

I Am Sam, I Am Sam (stylized i am sam) is a 2001 American drama film written and directed by Jessie Nelson, and starring Sean Penn as a father with a developmental disability, Dakota Fanning as his inquisitive seven-year-old daughter, and Michelle Pfeiffer as his lawyer. Dianne Wiest, Loretta Devine, Richard Schiff and Laura Dern appear in supporting roles.

Jessie Nelson and Kristine Johnson, who co-wrote the screenplay, researched the issues facing adults with developmental disabilities by visiting the non-profit organization L.A. Goal (Greater Opportunities for the Advanced Living). They subsequently cast two actors with disabilities, Brad Silverman and Joe Rosenberg, in key roles.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Sean Penn).

The movie’s title is named for the line “I am Sam” featured in the book Green Eggs and Ham, which is read in the movie.

Billboard 2011 Woman Of The Year

Billboard 2011 Woman Of The Year, That is according to a list released by Billboard magazine on March 9 which named the country singer at the top of their sixth annual “Money Makers” list. The singer reportedly earned more than $35 million in 2011 to beat out top-selling artists like Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne and Adele.

Swift’s tour for her “Speak Now” album earned $88.5 million in the U.S. and Swift received $29.8 million for her effort on the road, according to the industry magazine. The singer’s songwriting efforts also helped her earn a sizable income through royalties as the album’s tracks were used in a variety of movie and television series.

The 22-year-old was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2011 in part because she outsold any other artist that year. Her third studio album “Speak Now,” which was released in October 2010, has sold over five million copies, including one million in its debut week.

According to Billboard, the rankings of the artists were based on U.S. income from sources like tours, album sale and publishing royalties. The magazine said in a press release, “Our calculations were based on each artist’s U.S. net earnings, not gross revenue. Due to a lack of sufficient data, our figures do not include revenue from sponsorships, merchandise sales or synchronization deals.”

In second place on the list was U2 with $32 million, followed by country crooner Kenny Chesney in third place with $29 million and Lady Gaga in fourth place with $25 million. Rapper Lil Wayne finished out the top five with $23 million.

As for Swift, the good news just keeps on coming. She recently debuted her single “Safe & Sound” for “The Hunger Games” soundtrack, had a role in the box office hit “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” and was reportedly spotted out to dinner with NFL star Tim Tebow.

Minnie Riperton Breast Cancer

Minnie Riperton Breast Cancer, Minnie Julia Riperton (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer-songwriter best known for her vocal range of five-and-a-half octaves, and her 1975 single “Lovin’ You”. She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in the summer of 1979. They had two children-music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya Rudolph.

Riperton grew up on Chicago’s South Side. As a child, she studied music, drama, and dance at Chicago’s Lincoln Center. In her teen years, she sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group, The Gems. Her early affiliation with the legendary Chicago-based Chess Records afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for various established artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Muddy Waters. While at Chess, Riperton also sang lead for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection, from 1967 to 1971. In 1969 Riperton, along with Rotary Connection, played in the first Catholic Rock Mass at the Liturgical Conference National Convention, Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI, produced by James F. Colaianni. Riperton reached the apex of her career with her number-one hit single, “Lovin’ You,” on April 4, 1975. The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album entitled Perfect Angel.

In January 1976, Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. By the time of diagnosis, the cancer had metastasized and she was given about six months to live. Despite the grim prognosis, she continued recording and touring. Riperton was one of the first celebrities to go public with her breast cancer diagnosis, but did not disclose she was terminally ill. In 1977, she became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. In 1978, Riperton also received the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award which was presented to her at the White House by President Jimmy Carter. She died at age 31 on July 12, 1979.

Rosemary Clooney Come On-a My House

Rosemary Clooney Come On-a My House, Girl singer Rosemary Clooney, who invited listeners to “Come On-a My House,” is brought to life in the world-premiere musical Tenderly, which is currently playing Dayton, OH’s Human Race Theatre Company.

Cry-Baby and 9 to 5 Broadway cast member Tory Ross inhabits Clooney in the 90-minute production that began performances Feb. 21 and will continue through March 4. Kevin Moore directs Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical.

Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman co-authored the musical that incorporates Clooney’s hits “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Tenderly,” “Half as Much,” “Hey There” and “This Ole House.”

According to the authors, “Everything appealed to us about the potential work from Rosie’s amazing personal story and her journey through very difficult times followed by a wonderful comeback – to the beautiful music that became her signature songs as an artist – to the fact that her roots are right here in Ohio and Kentucky. She faced many, many difficult times, some very heartbreaking, but she rose above it all and came out a winner. Her life is a lesson in overcoming obstacles and still being grateful, hopeful, and full of life.”

Ross is joined by Scott Stoney, who plays a host of roles including the doctor, friends and family of Rosemary.

Scott Woolley serves as musical director/arranger, with scenic/costume designer Bruce Goodrich and lighting designer John Rensel.

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