More Signposts Along the Middle Path - middlepathII's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Business Question

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:09:32 PST

A friend of mine is interested in opening a retail store in town. Are there any local resources available that can help budding entrepreneurs write business plans and connect with more experienced folk?

Thanks.

Poison, Perverts and the Devil, Oh My!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:55:07 PDT

I'm a skeptic and never been too fond of Halloween or the idea of giving the neighborhood kids, who annoy you all year round free treats for tearing up your yard and ringing your doorbell off the hook/hollering at you and disturbing the dogs.

I've noticed a lot of genuine fear surrounds Halloween, and the adults are more afraid than the children. I remember all my unwrapped candy being taken away as a child and the caveat about poison candy. Later it was gangs of devil worshipers sacrificing babies, and today it's sex offenders. I liked the devil worship myths best (all those sacrifices--scary!).

So I did a little research and found a few answers to the things that scare parents more then ghouls and goblins. A preview...little need to worry about poison, razor blades, perverts, or (my favorite) baby sacrificing Manson wannabes.

What should you worry about?

Cars, drunk drivers, and general carelessness.

Here are the links:

Poison candy: http://mommymythbuster.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/myth-28-children-get-poisoned-on-halloween/

Perverts: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33553198/ns/today-today_halloween_guide/

Perverts2: http://www.lynn.edu/about-lynn/news-and-events/news/halloween-policies-targeting-sex-offenders-unnecessary-perpetuate-new-urban-myth

A general list of myths. I love the one about being mummified and set on fire: http://www.salon.com/life/feature/1999/10/29/halloween_scares/print.html

Poison candy: http://chicagoist.com/2009/10/28/toxic_trick_or_treating_halloween_c.php

Halloween isn't Satanic: http://altreligion.about.com/od/holidaysfestivalsevents/f/halloween-satanism.htm

Your pets: http://tucsoncitizen.com/sawyer/2009/10/29/keep-pets-safe-from-satanic-slaughter-on-halloween/

Another general list: http://www.life123.com/holidays/halloween/halloween-history-traditions/halloween-myths.shtml#STS=g1fl8102.15mv

Cool website for parents: http://mommymythbuster.wordpress.com/about-the-myths/

Still, I think it's prudent to supervise children and to take away all the best candy, just in case it is actually poisoned by sex offending devil worshipers. Devil worshipping pervs (secretly read: I) prefer the Kit Kats and Special Darks...

What do we do with criminals?

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:22:00 PDT

The issues of crime and punishment have long been of great interest to me, coming from a family of law enforcement professionals. I’ve had enjoyable and sometimes intense discussions with family and friends on the various related subjects and often learn new things myself.

I’ve pretty much come to some conclusions of my own, but I’d like to hear the community’s opinion before posting some thoughts of my own in detail.

This is not a trick question, I’m looking for some genuine well reasoned opinions and whys for what you believe is best.

Here is my question:

What should we do with convicted felons who are released back into society?

Do we

1) Provide them with treatment, training, education, employment and other social services to reintegrate them into society? (A “progressive” notion).

2) Do nothing but supervise them on parole and imprison them if they violate their terms. They are on their own to reintegrate. (This is with minor exception, the status quo).

3) Bullets are cheap… (Draco’s society. Suggesting that felons should be disposed of by means of lifetime incarceration or death--broad lifetime sanctions if released).

So what do you think?

Edwards Airshow

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:55:23 PDT

I enjoyed the airshow at Edwards AFB and wish to commend the personnel and all those involved in making the event so amazing. I am difficult to impress, but I found myself feeling so on multiple occasions, which proves my tax dollars are being put to impressive (even if not practical) use. :-) Practicality is debatable.

I will sleep a hell of a lot better at night after seeing the airshow. We've got some impressive equipment and some very skilled pilots and crews.

The only detractor to the experience was the horrible traffic snarl when it came time to leave. I spent over 90 minutes on the lakebed waiting to move less than 100 yards. It took over four hours to get from the tarmac to the north gate; 3 PM to 7PM! Any idea what happened there? Is it always like that?

Anyway, great show, Edwards. Glad you're on my side.

Now What Do I Do With This Ark I built?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:12:27 PDT

I was expecting a deluge of biblical porportions to hit Bakersfield today. Instead, we got a taste of the dust bowl.

Did I err in building an ark?

Rocket Launch to be Visible From Bakersfield Tomorrow

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:36:50 PDT

Tomorrow, Thursday at 11:38 AM exactly, a Delta II rocket will be launched from Vandenberg AFB on the coast. The launch will be visible from Bakersfield.

There is a chance the launch may be delayed due to technical difficulties, but at this time everything is a go with weather expected to be perfect for the launch.

To view the event, look to the south-southwest at 11:38 AM. Within one minute, the rocket will rise above the horizon and become visible to us in Bakersfield. The rocket itself will be too far away to be seen, but you may see the flames from the exhaust and it will leave a vapor trail that will quickly dissipate. If you do not see anything by 11:40 AM, you have either missed it or the launch is somehow delayed.

The unmanned rocket will be launching an Earth imaging satellite for a private corporation.

Good luck and happy hunting. This is a semi-rare treat that only occurs about 3-4 times per year.

I'm Ready to Start a Coup - Let's Play USA

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:03:04 PDT

Have you heard the master plan, one nation under Disneyland? Let's play USA... --Let's Play USA, Peter Schilling.

Wow, a German got it right. Peter Schilling's critique of American culture in the 80's in the song, "Let's Play USA" was a frightening statement about where we were during the time and a prediction about where we're headed. I encourage everyone here to listen to it or read the lyrics.

Forty seven percent of all Americans will pay no taxes this year. At least anywhere from 10-25 percent of all Americans have no access to health coverage so that s single doctor visit will force them into destitute bankruptcy. Almost ten percent of all Americans are unemployed, and that figure does not count the unemployable, discouraged, underemployed, and the ones who have simply dropped off the charts. Our financial institutions claim they are close to bankruptcy while bilking the taxpayers for billions which they are not returning in the form of credit but using to improve share prices. And, the American public is becoming increasingly polarized over how to resolve these issues.

We cut education but abhor cuts in prisons and would prefer more of them with yet longer sentences. Rehabilitation programs are cheaper and more effective, and education is even better, but our prison lobby is quite mighty. Our byzantine legal system and tax system are the source of countless complaints yet no reform is possible. Our political system is fatally flawed and can only sit and spin. Neither the Republicans nor Democrats can accomplish anything and they spend considerable time blaming the other side.

Frankly, I am well ashamed of what my country's become. I'm a patriot, but I am also sad.

I think as a start we're all going to have to get used to a generally lower standard of living. We cannot live like we have been living as a people. The 90's are now a decade past, what a great time to grow up and live, but the party's over.

Second we're going to have to overhaul all of our major systems. Our political system needs a shakeup, our laws need reform, our educational system must become a priority and our overseas ambitions need to be put into realistic perspective. We must revise our tax code. Finally, we must create social programs that employ people even if it's in menial labor. We must provide a minimum standard of living for all Americans while protecting the rewards of those who work hard and invest.

I just cannot see this without some kind of revolution in our country. It does not have to be bloody, but there will have to be a coup of some sort. I have little faith the system as it is can deliver any solutions anymore.

...won't it be a lot of fun every man will own a gun shoot the ones whose point of view makes a point that bothers you...

Ibid.

B-17 Over Bakersfield?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:56 PDT

I am fairly certain I observed a B-17 over Bakersfield this morning! Time was about 8:35 Am and the aircraft had a blue tail. I was too far away to see what subtype it was.

Anyone have any more information?

What a treat!

An Eye for an Eye

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:32 PDT

On a recent blog our of our community asked about the concept of an eye for an eye for criminals.

An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind --Gandhi.

An eye for an eye justice comes from the law code of Hammurabi, and was itself a legal reform, replacing mandatory death penalties for most offenses. However, it is punitive draconian justice, and when the innocent is accused and convicted, the results can be horrific. For example, if a builder constructs a house and it collapses and kills the inhabitant's son, the builder's son is also killed! This is not the system we ought to aspire to.

It may appear satisfying to kill killers, rape rapists, and steal from thieves. There must be such a comforting release of negative energy when these things happen, catharsis, if you will, that it is a tempting perspective. But if we do these things, we become no better than the people who do these deeds to others. After all, we condemn these acts because of their heinous nature in the first place. If we engage in the same behavior, we lose all authority to regulate it, as we become the killers, rapists, and thieves ourselves.

I would strongly encourage a civilized view when it comes to justice. We left barbarian ways behind millenia ago for good reason!

I believe we will be/are judged by how we treat the least people in our society. This means the worst of the worst have to be treated better than they did their victims. Not as satisfying (for some), but righteous nonetheless and a noble protection for the innocent.

Space Shuttle Landing Likely at Edwards Today

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:52:32 PDT

With bad weather in Florida and a determination to land the shuttle today, there is a very good chance shuttle Discovery will land at Edwards today. Landing should be just at 5:53 PM PDT, if I did the math right.

Healthcare, Time to Do Our Duty

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:30:03 PDT

As someone who did not initially support Obama, I must give the man credit for genuinely trying to reform what I believe is an incredibly dysfunctional part of our economy, which is healthcare.

I think it "pie in the sky" that it can be paid for with "waste reductions" (nothing is ever waste to the politicos) and cuts, but it is a noble ideal.

It has become increasingly clear that private industry cannot provide healthcare because in my understanding, quality healthcare requires a non-profit approach, since the only way to earn a return in the industry is to compel your customers to pay for services which they will not receive. If customers took advantage of any for-profit healthcare program without benefit caps, the providers would lose money and go out of business without the profit motive. This is the reason why I feel healthcare provision (not innovation) must become a non-profit industry whether it is provided by the government or private insurers. I heard Obama touch on this point himself last night, which is the first time I heard anyone make the argument.

That said, I am disgusted at the continued partisan posturing and bickering that equates to denying even basic healthcare coverage to all Americans because an illegal alien might get access to a hospital bed or because, "we don't want the government to be involved."

If we follow that insane logic then we may as well close the schools, the prisons, and the host of other programs where we find illegal aliens and government involvement acceptable.

Our government has a duty to reasonably safeguard American lives. It's time we do our duty for all Americans.

Working More for Less

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:23:51 PDT

A friend recently shared a story of how in her previous job she was expected to work "off the clock" in order to keep her store's numbers, and manager looking good. (This was an out-of-town restaurant). I personally know of a lot of folks being asked to handle much larger workloads than normal and receiving the same pay as before, being denied raises, all as layoffs continue.

I understand the economy is tough and it's hard for business owners to make ends meet, but the number of "over the top" stories I'm hearing makes me wonder if businesses are really struggling that much or if some companies are just taking advantage of the perception that things are bad and pushing their employees for all they've got.

Do any of you have experience or insight to offer? Naturally, the fear is once the economy improves, workloads and conditions will not since the businesses in question stayed afloat with fewer people doing more work for less pay, so why go back...

Naturally, this affects customer service as well as the greater economy!

Adora, The Richest Dog in Bakersfield!

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:45:14 PDT

Adora became the richest dog in Bakersfield today when we found she had enjoyed a $400 blue topaz pendant and swallowed the stone.

We're not sure how the expensive jewelry item came into her domain, we figure it must have fallen off the dresser where it had been set last night and with it's white gold bacon flavor, it must have proved irresistible! (We've noticed a lot of items being turned into treats these days--shoes--the old classic, to venetian blinds! We're having to puppy-proof everything!)

Poor girl. We love her so much we couldn't even scold her!

In other news, Adora will be entering Bakersfield's Pet Idol contest after next week's haircut--we'll keep you posted!

Sheriff's Helicopters

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:07:34 PDT

Just before 11 this morning, I went outside and witnessed two (new to me) Sheriff's helicopters. One was a Huey and the other a jet ranger (for those know know their helicopters). I know they have a Hughes 500 type helicopter and have for years, but these two are a new sight. Are they new acquisitions, or were they stationed elsewhere and just flying into town for some reason?

Just curious!

Adora Update!

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:58:22 PDT

Happy and healthy! And she owns the sofa, apparently. :-)

Addressing Modern Gangs via the Middlepath.

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:22:24 PDT

Gangs are an ancient phenomena and will never go away. However, we can combat them. Dlollar76 (on Lois Henry's blog) had a good idea regarding relocation of at risk youth whose parents are gang members, although that may be difficult to enforce--yet no more expensive than the problem itself, so it's a fair solution.

Research has also indicated that crime will not decrease unless punishment is especially severe for ALL crime, including petty crime. Since we're a civilized country, that is not a solution.

Gangs endeavor to control turf wherein they traffick drugs, guns, sex, and probably a host of their vices I cannot even imagine. There's a lot of money in the hierarchy and the "little homies" do all the dirty work or pay with their lives. If we incarcerate these people, jail and prison proves to be college and university for them, entrenching the gang behavior and making social integration more difficult thanks to their indelible criminal record.

We must therefore:

1. Remove kids in danger.

2. Educate those who are in potential danger.

3. Protect those who report crime.

4. Offer avenues of escape for those wishing to leave gangs.

5. Punish gang crime with both punitive and REHABILITATIVE measures. That may mean relocation and basic employment or educational opportunites.

6. Allow second chances for non-violent gangsters which includes expungement of criminal records.

7. And when we incarcerate, ensure the most strict isolation and prohibit any contact with other gangsters or inmates; meaning, only permit contact with officers, prison staff, and screened family members--until they commit to leaving the gang. If they recidivate, then they must do a very long stretch back in strict isolation. This might involve renovating or constructing new, special facilities, but I would see it as worthwhile if it breaks the back of the gangs.

And another problem--the people who buy their drugs, prostitutes and illegal weaponry only feed the gang. They are also to be held responsible. And finally WE, who won't take humane and appropriate measures and apathetically insist on using blunt social and criminal policies to address the issue and its underlying causes are very much to blame for this social illness.

Want a better society--then YOU make it happen with me. I can't do it alone.

That's how I'd approach the problem.

Adora Update

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:08:49 PDT

So Adora visited the vet today.

She still won't drink on her own, only drinking from our cupped hands. She eats fine. The vet suspects there may be some complications from her spay and has requested her records from the vet who spayed her. X-rays show an area of interest/concern, so he's hoping the records yield useful information.

In the meantime, Adora is playing a bit more and exploring a bit, although she still spends most of her time in her bed. When we get her out for walks, she follows along nicely. She's such a sweetheart!

Adora sends her love to the B.com community!

Puppy Update!

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:15:50 PDT

Well, it was a long afternoon at the vet's but Adora is finally home.

The vet strongly suspected Parvo, just as we did and ran a test--the result was negative, which was a relief.

We then had to keep her there for x-rays and a variety of blood tests and further examination. At the end of it all, she was dehydrated, underfed (both of which were sadly obvious to us) and she was having trouble going potty--not going at all.

The Vet prescribed some antibiotics and is worried there could be some blockage. We have her on a baby food diet (Vet recommended) and will go back Friday for a follow up. They also hydrated her with an injection.

The hydration has put a lot of life into her, which is good because we were having a hard time getting her to drink this morning. The instant we got home we went for a walk. Pictures included. She has gone potty, which is encouraging and I'll let you know how the follow up goes.

I think she needed a real jump start to get going. I hope that's all it is and she turns out to be healthy and happy.

Oh and the bill...$383, and counting. But we qualified for a credit program, so there should be no problem paying it off.

Thanks to all of you for your kindness and care!

Adora says, "THANK YOU! I FEEL LIKE THE MOST SPECIAL DOG IN BAKRSFIELD!"

Sick Puppy

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:39:39 PDT

Adora, our puppy adopted form the shelter, came home today but she is clearly sick. Going to the vet tomorrow--we're worried it could be parvo.

At first, we thought she was just stressed and afraid as she was spayed yesterday and has spent a couple weeks in the shelter, but after a day at home, we haven't seen any improvement. She sleeps all day and it's difficult to get her to eat or show excitement. Her nose is dry and she is underweight.

We love her so much! If she needs expensive medical care, we may not be able to afford it. Worse, if we do lose her, what do we do? Does the animal shelter screen dogs for parvo? Is this common in shelter dogs?

Representitive Forgets Lessons of Government 101

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:20:46 PDT

Representative Peter King has disgraced himself (IMAO) by disparaging Michael Jackson and referring to him as a criminal.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

This is disgraceful because MJ was declared innocent by a jury of his peers and it's made tasteless because he passed away and cannot defend himself against the allegations.

I'm no great fan of MJ, and I don't agree with Rev. Sharpton they need to be naming an aircraft carrier after the guy, but I also disagree with disparaging an innocent man, especially when you work in our legislature and should have this basic civic principle of American justice foremost in your mind (innocent until proven guilty).

MJ might be one of these guilty guys who walked free (or he might be genuinely innocent!--shocking, I know) but either way, our criminal justice system has its rules and if it's one thing I stand by, it's a government that follows its own rules.