larger view

For those who missed episode I of my part fact/part fiction sort of blog reality show/gradually unfolding novel, here's the link that will get you all caught up:

http://people.bakersfield.c...

Since the last episode, following a meeting with Bakersfield.com and Bakotopia.com staff, and VH-1 staff, a decision is made and announced to the Baker family that they may now leave the house on occasion, but continue to be restricted to Bakersfield.com and Bakotopia.com in terms of their access to media sources.  No radio, no cable TV, nothing more than these blog communities. 

The first scene of the second episode begins when Billy Baker enters the front door of the Baker residence, carelesslessly slams the door and announces his arrival.

"I'm home," Billy proclaimed to his parents, whom he left just a couple of hours earlier as he headed for school.   

"Dammit Billy! You're home early," replied Ed, Billy's larger-than-life and meaner-than-strife father.  "Just when I was hoping for no interruptions.

"Yeah, what could be so important that you wouldn't even want your own flesh and blood around to keep you company?"  Billy tried to be a thick-skinned kidder, but his voice revealed a conspicuous hint of rejection. 

"I'm sorry, son.  Nothing personal.  It's just that I was getting into this item posted by mattloch.  Although he generally tries to avoid the typical liberal Groupthink, I'm frankly surprised he would post something with a conservative slant.  The author of this op-ed piece is raising questions directed at libs.  Check this out, son!"

He squinted as he strained to read each word slowing and carefully:

"If George W. Bush is as stupid as so many liberals claim, how did he manage to steal an election, mastermind 9/11, cover up his administration’s involvement in that event..."

Billy interrupted. 

"They were going to air some cabel news coverage on Barry Bonds new record, so I had to go home...you know...our media restrictions.  Can you believe nobody else in the class had heard Dr BLT's new song about the Bonds record?  I guess there are some advantages to having our media access restricted.  We actually get some things quicker than others."

Billy's mother gingerly entered the computer room. 

"You guys are both ethno-centric.  Why don't you ever talk about ChicoEsquela's blog?  Did you know his friend is building one of those Mongolian bows?  Can you imagine?  Now that takes real skill.  Ed, I wish you were as good with your hands as Chico's friend seems to be.  I wish you were as good with your hands as you are with your head."

Billy now walked up to the computer and his eyes were locked on mattloch's blog, as were the still squinting eyes of his father. 

"That's it, I'm outa here, as you young kids say!"  Julie's voice was becoming increasingly bitchy as she began to realize how valued her words had become around this household she ran. 

"Yeah...don't let the door wack that big fat b..." Ed stopped, notably regretting where his comment was heading.   

Julie was now more than a little hurt by her husband's insensitivity. 

"I'm glad you didn't go there, Ed, and you better not even think of going there again.  Just look at that gut of yours before you point to my butt." 

"Stop it, Julie.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  Unlike you, I did manage to stop myself.  By the way, where are you going?"  Ed turned his head and glanced at her briefly, then turned back to the screen.

"Not that I have to tell you everything, Ed, but I'm going to the gym.  And it has nothing to do with trying to meet your unrealistic expectations of me.  I'm doing this for myself," she replied. 

"Well, make sure you don't bring any guests, mom.  Did you read the regulators' blog post over at Bakotopia.com?  Dude's guest pass wasn't even good enough for his own son." He paused.  "They wouldn't let him in the gym," Billy added, as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Yes, Billy, I read the regulators' blog.  But that was at some 24 hour fitness.  I am bringing a guest, but they welcome guests with open arms over at my gym."  Julie reached down to tie her left shoe, and then stood up and began walking towards the door.

"Oh, Julie.  Don't go driving around all over the place.  The fuel shortage is getting worse, and you know how high our fuel bill was last month," Ed said. 

"Oh, that's a bunch of bull, dad," Billy declared confidently.  Haven't you read the latest from tkozy? The Bush administration is all trying to fool us about an energy shortage, just so we'll let them drill up in Alaska, and screw up the environment."

"Don't believe everything you read," Billy's father replied.

By that time, Billy's mother, having now realized just how appreciated she was in the very kingdom she worked so hard to nurture and maintain, had left the building. 

TO BE CONTINUED