Recent Blog Posts: Bakersfield.com

Breaking News: Drill to be conducted Thursday at Pegasus Drive post office

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:03:06 PST

BAKERSFIELD Calif. -- The U.S. Postal Service will conduct a Biohazard Detection System (BDS) positive-alert full-scale exercise at the Bakersfield Processing and Distribution Center, 3400 Pegasus Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93380, on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 at 2 p.m. The entire exercise will last approximately three hours.

Advance notice is being provided so local residents and businesses do not become alarmed by the drill, which may include the presence of several emergency vehicles. There will be no real emergency. A building evacuation similar to a standard fire drill will occur and decontamination stations will be set up.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kern County Department of Public Health, Kern County Environmental Health, American Red Cross, Kern County Emergency Management Services, Bakersfield Fire Department, Kern County Fire Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol will also be participating in the exercise.

###

Breaking News: Police look for suspect in domestic partner killing

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:01:17 PST

On Saturday, February 6th, 2010, Officers of the Bakersfield Police
Department responded to domestic violence dispute at 3730 “K”
Street, space #6. Upon arrival, the officers found the victim of a
stabbing, identified as;
Arthur Arnold, 45.
Arthur, who had received a stab wound to the chest, told officers that
he was was stabbed by his cohabitant identified as:
Jacob Josh Davis
Caucasian male, 26 years old
6’0” tall, 135lbs, having long brown hair,hazel eyes
and a pocked marked face.
(See photo below)
Davis fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.
Arnold was transported to Kern Medical Center where he succumbed
to his injury on February 9th, 2010.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or Davis’ location, is
requested to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661)327-
7111.

Breaking News: Arrest log for February 8

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:51:15 PST

Not sure what crimes these folks were arrested for? Check out our list below or click on the link below.

MAEGAN    PUGA    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    8/2/10    HS    11357(B)PC    273A(B)    KCS    LABORER

RAUL    FLORES    M    ROSAMOND    CA    93560    H    5/2/10    US    C TITLE 8        KCS    LABORER

REYNALDO    MESA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA        H    6/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    647(F) PC 69    KCS    SHIPPING    MANAGER

SALVADOR    RAYA    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    7/2/10    PC    273.5(A)PC    236    KCS    LABORER

ORLANDO    MEDINA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    7/2/10    HS    11377(A)HS    11364   HS 11357(B)HS 11550(A)VC 21201(D)    KCS

JUAN    MARTINEZ-PEREZ    M    RIDGECREST    CA    93555    H    7/2/10    PC    148.9(A)        KCS    CAR WASH    ER

JOSE    VARGAS-FLORES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    H    8/2/10    VC    23152(A)VC    12500(A)    KCS    LABORER

EZEQUIEL    CABRERA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93306    H    7/2/10    PC    148.9(A)        KCS    LABORER

ANGEL    SANCHEZ    M    LAMONT    CA    93241    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

LIZA    GARCIA    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS    CLERK

JONATHAN    MARQUEZ    M    FRAZIER PARK    CA    93225    W    7/2/10    PC    272        KCS    MAINTENA    NCE

ANDREW    CRUSE    M    FRAZIER PARK    CA    93225    W    7/2/10    PC    272        KCS    HANDYMAN

PHILLIP    GRIFFITH    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    W    8/2/10    PC    3056        KCS    PAINTER/    LABORER

JOHN    ESTRIL    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    H    8/2/10    PC    148.9(A)        KCS

JOHN    ESTRIL    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

JOHN    ESTRIL    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    H    8/2/10    PC    243(E)(1        KCS

RAYMOND    GONZALES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    273.6(A)        KCS    LABORER

RAYMOND    GONZALES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    VC    14601.1(        KCS    LABORER

RAYMOND    GONZALES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    VC    14601.1(        KCS    LABORER

RAYMOND    GONZALES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    1203.2A PC    484A    KCS    LABORER

RAYMOND    GONZALES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    978.5   PC    148.9A    KCS    LABORER

SHERMAN    GRAY    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    B    8/2/10    HS    11357(B)        KCS    DELIVERY

DAVID    TURK    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    W    8/2/10    VC    23152(A)        KCS    LABORER

JOSE    BUCIO    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    8/2/10    PC    261.5(D)        KCS    LABORER

JOSE    BUCIO    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F) PC    853.7    KCS    LABORER

ALFREDO    SALAZAR    M    PALMDALE    CA    93552    H    8/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    647(F)    KCS

ERNESTO    SALGUERO    M    LOS ANGELES    CA    90018    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F) PC    148.9(A)    KCS

ERNESTO    SALGUERO    M    LOS ANGELES    CA    90018    H    8/2/10    HS    11350(A)        KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    647(F)    KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    MC    9.16.010PC    647(F)    KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    MC    12.56.05MC    12.56.07    KCS

MIGUEL    HERNANDEZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    8/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

MYRA    GASPERICH    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    W    8/2/10    CC    P CIVIL W        KCS

JIMMY    BRIGHT    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    W    8/2/10    HS    11364   PC    12020(A)    KCS

JIMMY    BRIGHT    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    W    8/2/10    HS    11364        KCS

LUIS    MONTENEGRO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    8/2/10    PC    186.33(AVC    12500(A)    KCS    LABORER

KASSIE    COLLIER    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA        W    8/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS    UNEMPLOY    ED

JESSE    OROPEZA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA        W    8/2/10    HS    11364   HS    11550(A)    KCS

JODY    MOREHOUSE    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    W    8/2/10    PC    3056        KCS    UNEMPLOY    ED

RAFAEL    BRAVO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    8/2/10    PC    3056        KCS    LABORER

BENJAMIN    BRAVO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    8/2/10    PC    3056        KCS    FARM LAB    ORER

NOLAN    DOSS    M    LAKE ISABELLA    CA    93240    W    8/2/10    PC    591     PC    243(E)(1    KCS

MICHAEL    MALDONADO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93311    H    8/2/10    PC    JUV WRNT        KCS    AIRCONDI    TION REP

ELIVERTO    VELA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93301    H    8/2/10    PC    3056        KCS    CONSTRUC    TION

ALEJANDRO    PRECIADO    M    MARICOPA    CA    93252    H    9/2/10    VC    23152(A)VC    23152(B)VC 12500(A)    KCS    FARM LAB    OR

DANE    NEWTON    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    B    8/2/10    PC    550(A)(1PC    550(B)(1    KCS

JOSE    SANDOVAL    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    8/2/10    PC    245(A)(1PC    417(A)(1    KCS    LABOR

JULIAN    DEAN-JOHNSON    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    B    8/2/10    PC    243(E)(1        KCS    STUDENT

SHANNON    WERNER    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93312    W    8/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS    BARTENDE    R

BOBBY    SMITH    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA        W    8/2/10    PC    12020(A)HS    11357(B)PC 186.22(A    KCS    STUDENT

CATHERINE    CONTRERAS    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93306    H    8/2/10    PC    487(A) PC    530.5(A)    KCS    N/A

CHRISTIE    HANKINS    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    8/2/10    PC    472     PC    115.3    KCS    FOOD SER    VICE

THOMAS    BYRD    M    TAFT    CA    93268    W    8/2/10    HS    11377(A)HS    11364    KCS

THOMAS    BYRD    M    TAFT    CA    93268    W    8/2/10    PC    243(E)(1        KCS

THOMAS    BYRD    M    TAFT    CA    93268    W    8/2/10    HS    11550(A)PC    853.7   VC 12500(A)VC 16028(A)VC 23152(A)    KCS

GEORGE    WEST    M    ROSAMOND    CA    93560    W    8/2/10    VC    14601.1(VC    4000(A) VC 16028(A)    KCS

GEORGE    WEST    M    ROSAMOND    CA    93560    W    8/2/10    PC    243(E)(1PC    594(B)(2PC 602(M)    KCS

GEORGE    WEST    M    ROSAMOND    CA    93560    W    8/2/10    PC    273.5(A)        KCS

Click here to see the full penal code or check the list below for some of the more well-known crimes.

* 187 - Murder
* 191.5, 193 c - Vehicular Manslaughter
* 207 - Kidnapping
* 211 - Robbery
* 215 - Carjacking
* 240 - Assault
* 242 - Battery
* 245 - Assault with a deadly weapon
* 261 - Rape
* 288 - Child molest
* 415 - Disturbing the peace
* 422 - Criminal threats
* 451 - Arson
* 459 - Burglary
* 470 - Forgery
* 484 - Petty Theft
* 487 - Grand Theft
* 488 - Theft or Larceny
* 496 - Receiving stolen property
* 594 - Malicious mischief/Vandalism
* 602 - Trespassing
* 647(b) - Prostitution
* 647(f) - Public Drunkenness or Public Intoxication
* 664 - Attempt (usually charged together with one of the above)
• 1203.2 - Probation violation
• 3056 - Parole violation
• 12020 - 12031 gun violations

Health and Safety Code
• 11350 to 11379 possession or sales of drugs
• 11364 drug paraphernalia

Vehicle Code
• 12500 driving without a license
• 14601 driving on a suspended or revoked license
• 16028 c driving without insurance
• 10851 vehicle theft
* 23152 drunken driving

The Grade: Local girl honored for volunteerism in national program

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:38:08 PST

A Bakersfield girl was recognized in a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Paige Atkison, a sixth-grader at St. John’s Lutheran School, raises money to help disadvantaged children in other countries receive free surgery to fix cleft lips and palates.

She solicits donations, organizes fund-raisers, and speaks to fellow students and the news media about her mission. More than 80 children have benefited from Paige’s activities.

Atkison, 12, will receive an engraved bronze medallion for being a "distinguished finalist" in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, along with nine others statewide.

The Californian has written about Atkison several times:

- Here's a story about one of her fundraisers.

- Here's another story of her being honored by the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.

Green fields of Ireland: Senator Prodded Fed to aid ailing lender...

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:21:44 PST

WASHINGTON—Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey urged the Federal Reserve last July to approve an acquisition to save a struggling bank in his state. He didn't mention that the bank's chairman and vice chairman were big contributors to his political campaign.

If the acquisition had been approved, it would have prevented the two executives from losing what was left of their investments in the bank.

In his letter to the Fed July 21, Mr. Menendez said there was a strong likelihood that First BankAmericano, of Elizabeth, N.J., would fail in three days, which would "send yet another negative message to consumers and investors and further impact our fragile economy." The one-page letter, obtained by The Wall Street Journal under the Freedom of Information Act, urged Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to approve a sale of the bank to JJR Bank Holding Co. of Brick, N.J.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703615904575053664017840360.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&

Comments:
paddyofurniture commented:

I don't know what political party this clown belongs to, but he needs to be booted out of office.

randomfactor commented:

He's a Democrat.

paddyofurniture commented:

shocking

MRAllred commented:

Didn't Menendez replace Corzine he was the gov of NJ he he was

pogo commented:

A politician trying to help a constituent who supported him. Shocking!

Quirks of the County: Whiskey Flats and surrendered babies.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:50:03 PST

The Supes morning show was fairly quiet today. I'm late onto the blogs because I haven't been able to log on.

Department of Human Services Director Pat Cheadle talked about Safe Surrender - the program which allows parents to surrender a child they are not able to care for at a hospital emergency room or a fire station.

Chief Elena Acosta of DHS is saying that 12 babies have been surrendered in Kern County under the program. Eleven of those babies have been adopted and one was returned to their parent before a 14 day deadline.

Then the Whiskey Flats mayor candidates threw their annual show — throwing barbs at each other and (literally) kissing up to Supervisors.

Jon McQuiston got accosted on the dias by an affectionate widow in black.

Comments:
Jburger commented:

Airports Department Director Jack Gotcher also told Supervisors that the U.S. Department of Commerce has given the county the right, under their authority, to establish free-trade zones within the county.

The first zones will be at Meadows Field and the Tejon Ranch Industrial complex - as well as land owned by the Allen Group south of Merle Haggard Way, Gotcher said.

Jburger commented:

They're done for the morning. See you all at 2 p.m.

Things that interest ME: Did You Know? More local history

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:40:26 PST

Did you know Bill Lees used to look like this?

Comments:
NancyII commented:

Allred, is this the way you remember it?

vanityfair commented:

Cool post, Nancy. What year was that?

NancyII commented:

I'm not sure Vanity. I don't remember what year they did a complete remodel adding the entrance arch to the parking lot. I don't get to go there often so maybe one of the regulars can tell us.

siouxcityranch commented:

hmmm No cats on the side walk?? what year did that become a misdemeanor

pamg commented:

Does anybody know what the old Goodwill building at 19th & Q was, before it was a Goodwill building?

MRAllred commented:

Nanny that is great But no that looks before my time

MRAllred commented:

Pamg thinking

pogo commented:

Nanny - isn't that cute?

pamg commented:

MRAllred.....huh? Thing?

MRAllred commented:

checking with wife but I think a furniture store

anglo1 commented:

Bill Lee's or the Woolgrowers was the first restaurant I ever went to. One of my uncles had a little money and season tickets to the B.C. Renagades [ football ] in the late 50's or early 60's. He took us to Bill Lee's nearly every weekend [ home games of course ] for a pre game meal. I remember I would only order a big bowl of fried rice.

pamg commented:

MR, that makes sense. I used to work in that building, and I've always wondered. Thanks!

Observer commented:

Interesting post. I take it that the images are from a post card. I looked at Bill Lee's page; jthey do have the interior shot you have as a link (that doesn't work or isn't done). Unfortunately they don't have the history page done yet. Perhaps you could email them and ask.

A couple of interesting questions. The interior furnishing colors are not what I am used to... red and gold is traditionally the "good luck" colors. Also, the lamp post outside of the building is very similar to the ones installed during one of the downtown revitalization efforts. I hadn't realized that the original posts were painted "forest green."

Thanks for a great post.

Unionocracy?: Unionocracy?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:39:09 PST

California, a laboratory of liberalism, is spiraling downward, driven by a huge budget deficit. The political game remains one in which the candidate with the most money in his or her war-chest is the one most likely to win. Candidates seek and receive union dollars by promising they will work to increase benefits to union members. This results in higher taxes for taxpayers. The voters, whom are largely unfamiliar with the behind the scenes money-game typically vote based on the ads they have seen and heard. Few of today’s candidates dare to take these unions on, understanding that if they do, they will lose.

While campaign rules are designed to balance the playing field, the “Independent Expenditure” is the trump card that can easily tip the scales. Groups, (usually labor unions) can spend a virtually unlimited amount of money on ads for or against a candidate providing they do not communicate directly with the said candidate regarding the expenditure.

Consider the vast amounts of money spent by the CCPOA (Guards Union) to keep Phil Wyman out of office. Wyman, who was the Senate Author of the “3 strikes” law voted against legislation that would limit private prisons. The legislation would have effectively killed jobs in the district he represented. The union has since spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on ugly and (often last minute) attack ads against Wyman. This effort has been designed to send a message to other elected officials and candidates: “Oppose us and we will finish you.”

Their strategy has been highly effective and is likely to rear its ugly head once again as Wyman battles the union-friendly Michael Rubio in the 16^th Senate district. We, the voters need to learn to see through the muddy attack ads. We must consider who is paying for them and their motives for doing it. Until we do, California will remain a "pay to play" state, where most elected officials are controlled by union bosses. The cost to taxpayers will continue to rise.

Deep Thoughts~whats in ,on my mind and whats out there.: Kelsey Happy Birthday!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:12:58 PST

Beloved Son~ Hard to fathom but today you are 22.…
Memories dance around me and change is the one constant. You actualized love in my life as no other ever has. Thank You.

When Leo first brought us this song~ it was perfect, the sound of our life together. It still is perfect~ living in the mystery.

Till soon Son ~ Kelsey’s Mom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaST5RNXSlU&feature=related
The Lyrics: Wonder by Natalie Merchant

Doctors have come from distant cities
Just to see me
Stand over my bed they're disbelieving
What they're seeing

They say, I must be one of the wonders
Of God's own creation
And as far as they see they can offer
No explanation

Newspapers ask such intimate questions
They want confessions
They turn to my head, they try to steal the glory
Of my story

They say, I must be one of the wonders
Of God's own creation
And as far as they see they can offer
No explanation

I believe
Fate, fate smiled and and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
"Know this child will be able"

And laughed as my body she lifted
"Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She'll make her way, make her way"

People see me, I'm a challenge
To your balance, I'm over your heads
How I confound you
And astound you

To know and I must be one of the wonders
Of God's own creation
And as far as you see you can offer
No explanation

I believe
Fate, fate smiled and and destiny
And as she came to my cradle
"Know this child will be able"
And laughed as my body she lifted
"Know this child will be gifted"

And laughed as she came to my mother
"Know this child will not suffer
With love, with patience and with faith
She'll make her way, make her way
Make her way, make her way"

Comments:
vanityfair commented:

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!

And happy day to you, Sage, as well. Even though it's been 22 years I'm sure you remember it like it was yesterday. ((((hugs))))

CatherineBaker commented:

Lovely and profound song, Sage, and pitch perfect.

((hugs)) I hope today is peaceful for you.

Happy Birthday to your beautiful boy. Love.

Ray_Harwick commented:

A smile from me in memory of Kelsey and my thanks to Sage for making today a bright one.

Things that interest ME: Time for a chuckle

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:11:12 PST

I know, I know, this one has been around for a long time but I found it in my email and laughed all over again. A good one makes you chuckle every time you "hear" it.

I was visiting with one of my old WM co-workers the other day (she's still working there) and she told me nothings changed. She said people still come up and ask where the shoe laces and the shoe polish are and the urge is still to answer "you might try the shoe deptartment.) She said it reminds her of me because I used to do things like that when I was working there. Always in the nicest, most polite way of course. Anyway, the lilttle offering below reminds me of my days in retail.

**********************************************************************************************

A SENIORS TRIP TO COSTCO

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of

Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog

and was in the checkout line when woman behind me asked if I

had a dog. What did she think I had an elephant? So, since

I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her

that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet

again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended

up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds

before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out

of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that

the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with

Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry.

The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I

was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that

practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my

story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because

the dog food poisoned me.

I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish

setter's rear end and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart

attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore.

Better watch what you ask retired people.

They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

Comments:
6604mill commented:

Good one -- but, Is it right for people that once WORKED at W-M to make FUN of people who SHOP at W-M... Really!! ...lol

(I don't shop there but maybe the person was just asking, in essence, where the SHOE dept was... Look at all angles of a situation, you assumed they didn't know that laces and polish are there, (I hate logic, it drives me crazy ))... Peace

pamg commented:

Nancy, this is one of my favorites (although I've always heard it with a little different ending.) It always makes me think of my dad. He's a monumental smart-a** and I can just hear him telling a story like this.

Shining the light of the Catholic faith on the Culture of Death: Meet the black Sarah Palin

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:36:25 PST

Break out the tea! The political landscape that has shifted in favor of the conservatives has gotten even rosier, thanks to the announcement by Fox political analyst Angela McGlowan that she will be gunning for one of Mississippi's seats in Congress: http://wdtprs.com/blog/

Such music to my ears:

“In Massachusetts, the people rose up and reclaimed their seat in the U.S. Senate in an election that’s been compared to “the shot heard around the world,” stated McGlowan. “But that was just the beginning, let the rebellion in the House of Representatives start right here in Mississippi.

“From Oxford to Columbus, Hernando to Tupelo, we will take back the peoples’ seat in Congress and safeguard it against entrenched, incumbent career politicians. Together, we will declare to Barack Obama, and liberal incumbent politicians throughout Washington, D.C.: no more taxpayer funded bailouts of irresponsible banks, insurance companies and automakers that have already added over a trillion dollars to our national debt, no more taxpayer funded ‘stimulus’ bills, chalk-full of wasteful government spending, no more job killing, multi-trillion dollar tax increases.

“Instead, I will fight to balance the budget, significantly cut our national debt, lower taxes on working families, enact policies that reward small businessmen and women for daring to be the economic engine, job creator and backbone of our local communities, and make sure children get the education they deserve because education and economic development go hand in hand.

“And, let me be clear, no one will defend and promote our conservative Mississippi values more vigorously. You can depend on me to protect the precious right to life of the unborn, preserve the sanctity of traditional marriage, defined as the union between one man and one women, defend law-abiding gun owners from of each and every attempt by liberals in government to infringe on their Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and help make your families secure in the face of radical Islamic terrorists sworn to the destruction of our Judeo Christian values by any means necessary.”

I have to thank my liberal friends for electing the most polarizing and radical president in history and following that up with hyperventilation induced by Palin Derangement Syndrome. Who'd have ever thought they'd do more for the conservative cause? Suddenly conservative is cool again, even among the young folks like Tim Tebow and fellow pro-lifer (and Miss America 2008) Kirsten Haglund, who was on the Sean Hannity Show's All-America panel tonight. They just might get their wish and see Palin as prez in 2012.

Perhaps the conservatives already miss Bush as this billboard ad puts it, but that feeling will be a fleeting one.

Comments:
paxchristi3 commented:

Speaking of McGlowan, was she on FIII-YAAA at the tea party confab, or what? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmx7kkRyNUQ

siouxcityranch commented:

Speaking of Owebama..might he have been approached by these failing companies prior to election and cut a deal that if they helped get him elected he would institute the stimilus? that way through our tax dollars.. we John Q public would save their hinneys from extinction....

just a fleeting thought I had this AM while reading your post....*STILL* amazed he pulled it off in the fashion he did...not saying the other candidate was much better just the way owes election/presidency has been run

jfrancais commented:

Black Sarah Palin...What a compliment. I don't even like this lady but she has more political skills and knowledge than 'Cuda.

randomfactor commented:

If she doesn't write crib notes on her hands, she's got to be smarter than Caribou Barbie.

But then, I've owned goldfish smarter than Caribou Barbie.

NancyII commented:

Fess up Rf, you're obsessed with Palin. Everybody knows it. I'll bet back in the day you'd have dipped her pigtails in the inkwell.

The more the left howls about her, the more attention they bring to her. I'd like to see her go for a senate seat or something along those lines and see how she does in the rarified atmosphere of DC. At least she's used to blizzards and whiteouts. And by now she's used to the bitter hatred of anything conservative.

Although, like I said before, she's doing a great job of shaking up the left right were she is.

randomfactor commented:

Did *I* post this blog?

Actually, Nancy, I can see where you'd think that, and I apologize for creating the impression. I have a deep-seated fear that if we liberals don't keep laughing at Sarah Palin, your side will evaluate her logically (hey, it *COULD* happen) and decide that she's tearing the Republican party apart at its very loosely-stitched seams.

She's only useful to us as long as she's got a high profile. When her 15 minutes are up, we have to reboot her for another 15 minutes.

The more the left howls about her, the more attention they bring to her.

I couldn't have said it better. Same for the arteriosclerotic teabaggers. We've got to keep them around to sponsor third-party challenges.

Sure, *WE* could do it, but getting them to spend their social security checks on goofball candidates is much more cost-effective.

vanityfair commented:

I'd like to be able to look at the "recent comments" page and not see Palin, Obama, gay or abortion for just one day. Oh well. Carry on ... I've got work to do anyway.

NancyII commented:

Rf, nope, you didn't post it but you never fail to comment on one that mentions Palin. Just sounded like you had a crush....just sayin'. ;-)

randomfactor commented:

I like my women with a little more substance between the ears than Palin sports.

honorerdieu commented:

When you press the mute button, Palin is nice to look at.

Just kidding folks. I honestly think if she keeps this up for 2 more years, the American people will get tired of her by election time. There will be more worthy Republican candidates to run for office.

randomfactor commented:

When you press the mute button, Palin is nice to look at.

I'm almost certain she doesn't have a mute button in real life.

There will be more worthy Republican candidates to run for office.

Like who? Fred Thompson? Naw, you've *GOT* to keep Palin around.

pogo commented:

I sincerely hope that Governor Palin continues to speak for the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

6604mill commented:

Come on people can you not see that Sarah Palin is unsophistacated, unworldly, under educated, unprepared for public office. This does not scare Dems... This woman is a leading GOP voice!! Wow!! RUN Sarah RUN, please!! Plus, this splits the GOP between the dimwits that adore her and the real GOP that must tolerate her... If you don't see this you are blind... Notes on her hand... REALLY!! Did you see the terrific job our president did, unscripted and un-tele-prompted before those GOP reps last week. Now that's leadership and intelligence... You go girl...Peace

BitterPill commented:

When you press the mute button, Palin is nice to look at.

True. Quite a few guys like to watch her with the sound off.

Honestly, I wouldn't vote for her for anything, not even the state Assembly. Has she ever had a good, original proposal for anything?

BitterPill commented:

Like who? Fred Thompson? Naw, you've *GOT* to keep Palin around.

A pro-choice Republican like Scott Brown would have an excellent future, but the prayermongers (like Bob Barr) wouldn't back him and would start a third party, effectively giving the Democrats the win by default.

Did you see Boxer, Pelosi, and Barney get all hot and sweaty over Brown on Saturday Night Live?

http://www.hulu.com/watch/124880/saturday-night-live-new-senator

randomfactor commented:

A pro-choice Republican like Scott Brown would have an excellent future,

But he's gonna tick off the teabaggers when he starts voting the straight Republican ticket. And the debt-collection agencies aren't going to forget that *THEY* own him, either.

Honestly haven't watched SNL in many, many years.

paddyofurniture commented:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/1...

That was absolutely hilarious.

Bluntness is a Virtue: Sex Ed Proposed for Kids 10 and Up - Fundamentalists Go Nuts

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:54:23 PST

Planned Parenthood Pushes Sex Education for Kids as Young as 10

February 08, 2010

By Ed Barnes

A new report by the International Planned Parenthood Federation is advocating that children as young as 10 be given extensive sex education, including an awareness of sex's pleasures.

The report, "Stand and Deliver," charges that religious groups, specifically Catholics and Muslims, deny their young access to comprehensive sexual programs and education.

"Young people's sexuality is still contentious for many religious institutions.

Fundamentalist and other religious groups — the Catholic Church and madrasas (Islamic Schools) for example — have imposed tremendous barriers that prevent young people, particularly, from obtaining information and services related to sex and reproduction. Currently, many religious teachings deny the pleasurable and positive aspects of sex." the report states.

The report demands that children 10 and older be given a "comprehensive sexuality education" by governments, aid organizations and other groups, and that young people should be seen as "sexual beings."

"Young people have the right to be informed about sexuality and to have access to contraceptives and other services," Bert Koenders, the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, wrote in the foreword to the report. It was his organization that helped fund the report.

He said religions like Catholicism and Islam teach sex as part of a much bigger picture and that Planned Parenthood was trying to de-link sex from traditional values.

"It is part of an effort to get children to reject traditional values and accept a liberal American-European view," he said. "In many traditional countries — Catholic and Muslim — it won't work and should be seen as cultural imperialism."

Mechmann also charged that Planned Parenthood's report was compromised because it has a financial stake advocating the changes. "The difference between Planned Parenthood and us is that we don't make money off what we teach and say. They do. They make money off contraceptives and abortions," he said.

Michelle Turner, president of the Maryland-based Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, said Planned Parenthood was simply trying to eliminate parental say.

"What are they trying to do? They are trying to eliminate the role of mom and dad in the family," Turner said. "For Planned Parenthood to decide that governments, private organizations and religious organizations should make decisions about kids' sexuality is just going too far."

"It is part of a bigger push to change the way we think about sex," she said. That sex is all about pleasure and there are no consequences. They are wrong. No matter how much we teach children, some will make mistakes. They will forget. And Planned Parenthood doesn't want to deal with that," she said.

"They see religious groups, especially those that counsel abstinence and waiting until marriage, as bad guys," she added. "We aren't."

Planned Parenthood said it was unable to comment because the report was issued by its European office and it was unable to contact them.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,585108,00.html?test=latestnews

Comments:
savvydude commented:

So, Planned Parenthood sees 10-year-olds as "sexual beings". So does every child molester in the world. And so does NAMBLA, which is a group of gay men who like to have sex with young boys - they have been fighting to 'liberate' all children and have them deemed as "sexual" so that NAMBLA members can have sex with them without penalty. Great, huh?

It is no surprise that a racist group like Planned Parenthood would now see small children as sexual and not as innocent children who need protection. It is just another slide downhill for this anti-family hate cult that is known for their hostility towards the unborn.

Your snide title, "fundamentalists go nuts", isn't even close. Parents, law enforcement, decent Americans and everybody who cares about the protection of children from sexual radicals - they are the ones who will go nuts. You should join us.

honorerdieu commented:

Savvy, have you ever considered in using objectivity in your comments instead than letting your emotions and bias skew your views? I agree with you that 10 year old children are too young to be exposed sex education and that it should be up to their parents, but calling them racist, cult, and child molesters is too extreme.

paxchristi3 commented:

My thoughts echo Fr. Z, who once spelled for a priest at the local San Clemente Mission and now has his own blog, What Does the Prayer Really Say?:

This should be enough to get you mad.

Not content to kill their bodies, the Planned Parenthood wants to kill the soul of children too. What do they gain?

Create an even more promiscuous society and they will make more money.

First, arm yourself with this important document from the Pontifical Council for the Family which provides guidelines about formation of children in the family and in schools, called The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality.

Now from FoxNews... GRRRRR....

A new report by the International Planned Parenthood Federation is advocating that children as young as 10 be given extensive sex education, including an awareness of sex’s pleasures.

The report, "Stand and Deliver," charges that religious groups, specifically Catholics and Muslims, deny their young access to comprehensive sexual programs and education.

"Young people’s sexuality is still contentious for many religious institutions. Fundamentalist and other religious groups — the Catholic Church and madrasas (Islamic Schools) for example — have imposed tremendous barriers that prevent young people, particularly, from obtaining information and services related to sex and reproduction. Currently, many religious teachings deny the pleasurable and positive aspects of sex." the report states.

Click here to read the report.

[...]

There is more of the article on this vile topic.

We must be forearmed and combat this sort of thing.

Remember: Planned Parenthood started from the desire to kill off black people. They are racist merchants of death.

I repeat:

Not content to kill their bodies, Planned Parenthood wants to kill the soul of children too.

What do they gain?

Create an even more promiscuous society and they will make more money.

NancyII commented:

Considering an 11 year old girl just gave birth to a baby, a little sex education might be in order. At least to some degree. Like inappropriate touching that is NOT necessarily or always by a lecherous old pedophile.

Nix the pleasure thing for now though, that's a little TMI. Focus on consequences.

Green fields of Ireland: President Skidmark keeps dropping in the polls..

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:58:36 PST

Independent voters see Pres. Obama in a negative light by a nearly 2-1 margin, according to a new Marist College survey, while almost half of voters say he has failed to meet their expectations.

The poll, conducted Feb. 1-3, showed just 44% of registered voters approving of Obama's job as president. 47% disapprove. But among indie voters, Obama's approval rating sits at a terrible 29%, while his disapproval rating is at 57%.

Obama's 44% job approval rating is the lowest he has scored in any non-internet poll since moving into the WH, according to a review of data compiled by Pollster.com.

Comments:
paddyofurniture commented:

And now he is taking the stock market with him...

http://www.cnbc.com/id/35296846

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Great post there troll. I guess you FAIL'd to actually look at what you posted. Hey, next time why not post how The President of The United States poll numbers are going down amongst registered republicans. Now *there's* a scoop.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

paddyofurniture commented:

Independent voters view Obama negatively, too, by a 39% favorable to 52% unfavorable margin.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/02/obama_hits_lowe.php

siouxcityranch commented:

PP has a problem when dealing with facts..he also doesnt play well with others nor is he able to read between the *OOPS* html to gather the data presented..or hes in complete denial....

OK now Im spittin coffee..he has the audacity to call you a *TROLL* hahah thanks for my early morning chuckle

VirgilAnderson commented:

I miss him ...

--virgil

NancyII commented:

Nice photoshop there virg, is there a message?

Mach5 commented:

I knew it!, Virgil fantasizes about W!, hey Virgil, is that the poster on your bedroom wall? LOL

Vollyball players miss him too

rwestfall commented:

PP2 speaking of trolls. On your profile one of the things you enjoy is angering conservatives by using facts against them.

So I've compiled some facts straight from you.

PP2: Funny, I've never heard him say he wanted single payer healthcare. Maybe because he doesn't. Nice of you to make stuff up.

PP2: Sure he's for single payer. It makes the most sense if you want an efficient system. Just look at the other countries that have implemented it successfully.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

rwestfall: I would like to know what your idea of affordable insurance is? What amount are you willing to pay to cover your family per month? Or do you expect others to cover your family for you?

PP2: rwestfall, do you think that all British and French citizens are on welfare? They all receive healthcare either free or close to it because they demanded it of their government. They spend about half the amount of money per person that we do. That alone is the benefit of providing healthcare for everyone.　

PP2: Doctors shouldn't be paid more if you're sick. If you're sick, they aren't doing their job.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How can doctors control your lifestyle and how can they control when you get sick?

Now above PP2 you seem to expect a public option and think it should be pretty much free.

Then in a post not long ago you posted:

PP2: A perfect example of a rebublican idea was presented to Obama the other day. A perfect health care bill that covers everybody and doesn't cost anybody a cent. Too bad it's impossible.

Just a small sampling of your facts PP2.

I have co-workers who are democrats and voted for Obama. I keep hearing them say they wished they hadn't. I seem to be hearing that a lot lately.

msjenny commented:

so the resident trolls are as follows: paddy=ronmexico

bksfld bob is dj

mamayucks=timec

IMO

catpaw commented:

Here we go with the poll numbers again. A recent US News/NY Times poll gives congressional democrats an approval rating of 56% to the GOP approval rating of 31%.

17% of polled republicans want to see Sarah Palin as a presidential candidate in 2012. Those low numbers, surprisingly, put her at the top of the list of considerations. Plainly, the GOP is leaderless without a platform or a message. Unless name-calling and screaming about birth certificates and abortion is a message or solution to a stalled economy.

NancyII commented:

Honestly? Pete said he never heard obama say he was for singlepayer health care? Really? LOL...then he hasn't seen the youtube clip huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpAyan1fXCE

randomfactor commented:

He, and I, would like to see single-payer because it makes all kinds of sense.

He, and Congress, never proposed it seriously because the GOP crazies would've...well, they would've gone as looney-toones as they did.

Howzabout that GOP budget eliminating Medicare? How's *THAT* gonna fly with Granny Teabagger?

Vollyball players miss him too

And Chinese bartenders, although I suspect he was a lousy tipper.

randomfactor commented:

Regarding the billboard, Shrub did something near-miraculous in Iraq: He made Iraqis miss the good old days of Saddam.

BitterPill commented:

I reposted this. The first one became huge and fouled up the blog.

Actually, this is in Wyoming, Minnesota, not the state of Wyoming.

Some people thought this was photoshopped. It's real, paid for by some anonymous person.

paddyofurniture commented:

There has been one spotted in Louisiana...

pogo commented:

rwest, you have a file on comments? You have way too much time on your hands between off-shore tours.

No holds barred: No time to lose in fight for the river

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:24:52 PST

You may have noticed that The Californian is neck deep in a campaign to urge the State Water Resources Control board to approve a staff recommendation finding that the Kern River is not fully appropriated, meaning there’s loose water on the river.

If they approve the recommendation, the City of Bakersfield has applied for that water to run down the riverbed.

Imagine, a river in our river.

We have until Feb. 9 (tomorrow!) to get our comments to the state board, which will vote on the issue Feb. 16.

That means you have to get it in gear NOW! TODAY!!!!!

You can sign the petition, which you can find in today’s Californian, and send it off on your own, or drop it off at our downtown office (17th and Eye streets) and we’ll FedEx it for you.

But you MUST DO IT TODAY!!!

Meanwhile, I’ve had a number of questions that have popped up and, with an assist from Florn Core, former water resources manager for Bakersfield, I thought I’d answer those here.

Q: Will running water in the riverbed cost taxpayers more money?

A: No. The State Board assesses a fee on an annual basis for keeping the permit to use the water, but the fee is relatively small. Any costs for handling and delivering the water to the river channel will most likely be absorbed within the city’s water operations department and that department is not taxpayer funded. The city paid the initial filing fees to apply for the water and is providing staff time out of the Water Resources Department non-taxpayer enterprise operation.

Q: If we get the water, will we have a river year-round?

A: Not quite, but close. Several factors will be in play to achieve a year-round flow through Bakersfield. First and foremost will be whether the state awards some or all of the water in question to the city. Remember, there are other entities that have filed in competition for the water. Next would be the annual availability of the water based on snowpack. The Kern River has one of the most widely fluctuating annual flow records in the state. Assuming “full” award to the city, average runoff conditions and use of the city’s storage facilities, a flowing river could be available most months of the year. The city may augment the flow with its existing Kern River rights in low months, but that is a decision the city will need to make.

Q: Will running this water down the river hurt ag?

A: The sandy Kern River channel through Bakersfield is the entryway to feed the vast aquifer that lies below. Water flowing in the river channel naturally percolates into the our groundwater basin. The aquifer underlies a huge swath of land and is heavily pumped by both ag and urban users. River water flowing in the channel benefits both interests. Keeping water in the river also keeps it from being transported out of the area.

Q: Where is this water coming from?

A: Physically, the water is from the melting snows of the Kern River watershed, which is a 2,400-square-mile basin ranging from Mount Whitney to Bakersfield. The water in question before the State Water Resources Control Board is from high-flow years and water rights held by a local water district that were “forfeited” due to non-use. A court proceeding declared the water forfeited and said the state should decide the fate of that water.

Q: Why doesn’t the city use its own water to run in the riverbed?

A: The city does own rights to a substantial amount of Kern River water that is tied up in long-term contracts to several ag districts until 2012. Those water rights were purchased in the 1970s with the express purpose of the water going to homes. So once those contracts are up, some water may be available for the river channel, but much of it will be used to accommodate Bakersfield’s growth.

Q: Considering the state’s reduction in water deliveries to farmers because of the endangered delta smelt, shouldn’t we reserve this Kern River water for our farmers?

A: The proposed river flow program would benefit agricultural users and keep Kern River water for local users. It would prevent the exportation of this high-quality water source to areas outside the county. As stated previously, water percolating into the underlying aquifer benefits all users over the groundwater basin.

Q: Will running water in the river year-round draw down Isabella Lake?

A: The state board’s decision will not have any effect on Lake Isabella levels. The issue is where the water is diverted and where it ends up on the valley floor. In fact, if the city of Bakersfield prevails and the extra water is integrated into current city supplies, there is a possibility that more water may be stored in the reservoir over certain periods in the winter and spring. But again, overall, there will be no effect on Isabella levels due to the water-in-the-river program. The current hot issue of the U.S. Army Corps’ restriction on reservoir levels for the next seven or eight years (or until the remedy is in place), is the real limiter on how big the lake is, year-round. Everyone should continue writing and communicating with Reps. Kevin McCarthy and Jim Costa to keep the pressure on the Corps to fix the dam as quickly as possible.

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lois Henry, not The Californian. Her column appears Wednesdays and Sundays. Comment at people.bakersfield.com/home/ Blog/noholdsbarred, call her at 395-7373 or e-mail lhenry@bakersfield.
com.

Tell the State Water Resources Control Board what you think...but do it NOW

Here are the high points to hit:
• You agree with staff’s finding that the there is water available on the Kern River.
• You support the City of Bakersfield’s application to run available water down the riverbed.
• Running water in the riverbed will help replenish the aquifer, restore the natural environment, provide recreation.

Send comments to:

Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board, State Water Resources Control Board, P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95812-0100
Or by fax to:
916-341-5620

Or by e-mail to:
commentletters@ waterboards.ca.gov

Subject line must include “COMMENT LETTER - 2/16/10 BOARD MEETING ITEM: ORDER - KERN RIVER”

Any faxed or e-mailed items MUST be followed by a mailed or delivered hard copy with an original signature.

You may also speak at the Feb. 16 meeting but you have to limit your statement to three minutes and must focus only on the recommended order.

Read the draft order at:
www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/hearings/kernriver_fas/index.shtml

Comments:
JamesGeluso commented:

Q: Will running water in the riverbed cost taxpayers more money?

Followup question, then: Will running water in the riverbed cost ratepayers more money? The Water Resources Department doesn't work for free.

Shining the light of the Catholic faith on the Culture of Death: Got Bias? Paper Reports Prop. 8 Judge is Gay

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:27 PST

Pray tell, can anyone think of a worst case of judicial malpractice? ...

In a story this Sunday (Feb. 7), the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Prop 8 Judge Vaughn Walker is gay and called his orientation, "The biggest open secret in the landmark trial over same-sex marriage."

We have no idea whether the report is true or not. But we do know one really big important fact about Judge Walker: He's been an amazingly biased and one-sided force throughout this trial, far more akin to an activist than a neutral referee. That's no secret at all.

Protect Marriage, the defendants in this case are effectively being held hostage by Judge Walker and cannot really comment.

But Judge Walker's bias from the bench includes:

A series of rulings permitting deep and deeply irrelevant "fishing expeditions" into the private and personal motivations and secret campaign strategy of campaign proponents. It wasn't six guys at Protect Marriage that passed Prop 8 it was 7 million Californians. But Judge Walker went so far as to order the Prop 8 campaign to disclose private internal communications about messages that were considered for public use but never actually used. He even ordered the campaign to turn over copies of all internal records and e-mail messages relating to campaign strategy.

Even though the Prop 8 supporters were forced to turn over private, internal documents and emails, Walker has refused to demand the same from opponents of the measure. In fact, Walker has refused to even rule on a motion to compel the discovery of this information, even though he has already closed testimony in the case. That alone is an unbelievable tilting of the playing field.

Walker has presided over a show trial designed to generate sympathetic headlines and news coverage for gay marriage supporters. Witness after witness was allowed to testify about their "expert" opinion that homosexuals have been discriminated against, that they feel badly when society does not validate their relationships, and that the passage of Prop 8 was simply an echo of historic prejudice and bigotry foisted on society by religious zealots.

To show the lengths that Walker has gone to create a "record" favoring the plaintiffs, he even allowed one "expert" witness -- a gay man from Colorado who has never lived in California and was never exposed to any Prop 8 campaign messages -- to testify that his parents' efforts to change his sexual orientation failed.

But the most egregious, and damaging, of all of Judge Walker's rulings was his determination to violate federal rules to broadcast his show trial worldwide. The US Supreme Court eventually blocked Walker's efforts (and rapped his biased knuckles sharply!) finding that he improperly changed the rules "at the eleventh hour" in violation of federal law. (Unfortunately, however, but by the time the Supreme Court issued a permanent stay two days into trial, the supporters of Prop 8 had already lost two-thirds of their expert witnesses who feared retaliation from the publicity).

Judge Walker's bias has been so extreme, he's earned a rare judicial "twofer." Key elements of his "fishing expedition" rulings were already reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (notably one of the most liberal in the nation) and the Supreme Court had to step in to block his illegal attempt to broadcast the trial.

It is highly unusual for a higher court to have to intercede in a trial judge's handling of a trial while it is going on -- yet Walker has had that "distinction" twice in the same case -- and we're not yet even at closing arguments.

There's only one saving grace to Judge Walker's bias. It's so big, and so obvious, not only the American public but the Supreme Court itself is already aware we have bias in the trial judge presiding.

Faithfully,

Brian S. Brown
Executive Director
National Organization for Marriage
20 Nassau Street, Suite 242
Princeton, NJ 08542
bbrown@nationformarriage.org

Comments:
learnem commented:

nice

another attempt to legislate from the bench

he should recuse himself, obviously

but, being the Blogoivich type...they will have to throw him off

randomfactor commented:

he should recuse himself, obviously

Nope. From all appearances Walker has done a fine job so far. Looks like the Pro-haters like Pax are afraid he's going to strike down the proposition.

But if he does recuse himself, I'll take that as precedent and ask that the five Roman Catholic SCOTUS justices should recuse themselves from hearing the appeal. Fair is fair. If he can't set aside biases, neither can they.

paddyofurniture commented:

Catholics can't be born gay??

randomfactor commented:

Catholics can't be born gay??

Sure they can. Look at that "confirmed bachelor" in the Vatican with the *DIVINE* robes and the red Prada shoes.

A real confessional-case if I ever saw one.

BitterPill commented:

The goatee is a dead giveaway. : )#

That's a rainbow tie if I ever saw one.

Chron Hardly 'Outed' Judge Vaughn Walker

...all the way back in July of last year, local gay blogger Michael Petrelis penned an article titled "Gay Judge for Bois/Olson Prop 8 Lawsuit?" Within this entry, Petrelis noted that, upon viewing a photo of Walker's dapper visage, "my gaydar's bells and whistles went off." After watching Walker preside at an earlier hearing on the same-sex marriage case, Petrelis wrote: "I was convinced the judge was a gay man."

Petrelis went on to note that Walker's "chipper demeanor, and low-key humor that several times set off loud laughter from lawyers and spectators, gave me the feeling Walker would make an excellent entertainer at a gay piano bar for refined mature gentlemen." The blogger also remarked that the fact an earlier story about the judge in the Chron had no mention of a wife "raised rainbow flags." Plus two "LGBT community reporters" told him they that Walker "was considered 'family.'" Petrelis' blog was picked up by the popular gay blog Queerty three days later.

Needless to say, the Chron article makes no mention of chipper demeanor or piano bars; the columnists relied upon news-gathering tools such as the telephone rather than the gaydar.

"I went online and I really couldn't find much other than some gay blogs speculating about this," said co-author Andy Ross. "There wasn't anybody coming out and saying it. In the midst of this big trial, being nationally watched, I found that incredibly ironic. The biggest part was, once this trial is over, one side or the other might have tried to make an issue out of this for their own reasons. And the question would have been asked, 'Did local media know about this? Were they hiding it?' So, I felt like, in a way, there was a responsibility to not be complicit in all that."

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/02/chron_not_the_first_to_out_jud.php

Not much there.

randomfactor commented:

One of the CA-SC judges who ruled that Prop 8 was constitutional was gay, too, IIRC.

(Sorry, mixed my Supremes.)

Ray_Harwick commented:

I'll precede my response with the comment to just that THIS particular press release from NOM is the one I could hardly contain by happiness over. I am so delighted to see NOM get this exact release into the public domain, I can hardly contain my delight.

By writing this exact release, NOM is DIRECTLY responsible for DESTROYING the most important legal point Defense's attorney's made in the case. I've been talking about this absolutely predicable response from NOM for several days and NOM just oblithered perhaps the only remaining hope Proponents had of preventing "heightened scrutiny" from being applied to the case. I must extend my thanks to Brian Brown. He's made mistake before, but nothing in his tenure at NOM will ever match the error he made by distributing this press release.

I'm working on my response it it.

Ray_Harwick commented:

I've been so waiting for Pax's blog on this; waiting with anticipation and with joy in my heart because NOM just PROVED the very thing that the Defense attorney's went jumped through hoops to avoid. And it is OH SO GREAT that this document comes from NOM! It will be one of the most USEFUL documents the Plaintiffs could ever hope to have to demonstrate their point about animus.

I can hardly contain myself here.

Where to start!!! Let's go with the "gay judge as biased" argument, then I'll get into how NOM undermines the Defense's case by asserting this.

For example, NOM is asserting that a GAY judge is automatically biased because, well, he's gay. Get it? Gay? And the trial is about gay stuff? You follow?

By that SAME logic, can we not conclude that if a judge is heterosexual, he's, you know, against the gay argument and for the defense? Yes. We can! Because that logic has just been taught to us by the NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MARRIAGE.

So now we know that:

Gay Judge = Biased against Defense
Straight Judge = Biased against Plaintiffs

Let's see. Judge Walker, the GAY judge, was the attorney when the U.S. Olympic Committee SUED the organization called "Gay Olympics" to prevent them from using the Olympic trademark in this country because, well, the US Olympic Committee OWNED the trademark.

And this Biased Gay Judge WON the case for the U.S. Olympic Committee, but he's, you know, biased against the Defense in Prop 8. He's so biased that he also won millions in damages for the USOC and he supervised the collection of those damages and by doing so he got such a strong reputation about being ANTI-GAY, gay rights activists FEARED having him on the Prop 8 trial.

But Walker is, you know, GAY! And he's, you know, BIASED.

What is so very interesting, then, is the utter ABSENCE of a claim of bias from the Proponents of Prop 8. NONE! NADA!. Not a PEEP! The lawyer for 8? Did they register a claim in court to get it on the record that the judge could not possibly be fair because he, you know, GAY?

HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH A THING, is essentially what not only the attorneys for Prop 8 said. So, too, have the DIRECTORS of ProtectMarriage who are the Defendents in this case. They RECOIL with disgust that anyone would think a gay judge could be biased.

Why do you suppose that is? I KNEW you wanted to know so I'll just tell you.

IT WOULD DIRECTLY CONTRADICT AND DESTROY THEIR ARGUMENT IN THE CASE if they made the claim that a gay judge could not be trusted to render a fair judgement.

That's my opening salvo. I'll get into the details as time permits. Keep reading. You're about to learn something.

randomfactor commented:

I wonder if there'll be calls for John Roberts to recuse himself when this gets to SCOTUS?

BfieldBob commented:

I wonder if there'll be calls for John Roberts to recuse himself when this gets to SCOTUS?

A nice hypothetical question, but we know that the answer is 'no.'

Who wants to take the money line that either Roberts or Alito has a kid who ends up being gay?

vanityfair commented:

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Without even reading the comments, I'm just going to say that WHO CARES if he's gay? The same argument could be made if he WASN'T gay.

I have Gay/Palin fatigue. And religion and abortion too. Aren't any of you doing anything fun and interesting that you want to share? Sheesh.

6604mill commented:

Vanity - I know what you mean about fatigue - That's why I started a joke blog a while back - went pretty good for awhile, I learned some new good jokes... (I have to confess, I'm part of the religion fatigue)...

Ray -- Liked your presentation...

Pax -- Where are you hotshot?? Cat got your tongue??

honorerdieu commented:

Ray's got it right. NOM is trying to say that gay judges are incapable of impartiality. In fact, anyone can see that NOM is the only party that is guilty of bias for willfully creating a double standard for straight and gay judges.

I am all for traditional marriages myself, but who am I to dictate how others should live their lives. It looks like NOM shot themselves in the foot with this one.

Ray_Harwick commented:

Continuing from my last comment where I mentioned that the neither the Defense attorneys nor even anyone from ProtectMarriage who are defendants in the Prop 8 have ever legally challenged Judge Walker being the presiding official on the basis of Walker being gay - EVEN when they were well aware of it before any legal action was taken - there is a significant legal issue as to why they did not contest him presence.

The legal issue has to do with the "level of scrutiny" both the Plaintiffs and the Defendants must achieve to win their case. In cases of this magnitude there are three possible levels of scrutiny:

1. Rational basis. (the lowest and most common level)
2. Intermediate scrutiny.
3. Strict scrutiny.

The rational basis review tests whether a governmental action is a reasonable means to an end that may be legitimately pursued by the government. This test requires that the governmental action be “rationally related” to a “legitimate” government interest. Under this standard of review, the “legitimate interest” does not have to be the government’s actual interest. Rather, if the court can merely hypothesize a “legitimate” interest served by the challenged action, it will withstand the rational basis review.

So if this level of scrutiny was the controlling one, the Defense automatically wins since the only thing that is required for them to prove in court is the Defendants had a reason - ANY REASON - to limit marriage to a man and a woman.

Just NAME your reason. You win. Do you think marriage is only for encouraging procreation withing marriage, something that gays cannot do? Great! You win. That reason serves a state interest. It doesn't serve ALL the interests the state has. But it doesn't NEED to serve ALL the interests. Just ONE is good enough. Case closed.

But there's a problem in the Prop 8 Case. Plaintiffs argue that gays are a "suspect" class that is at least entitle to a higher level of scrutiny. The law says that "Rational basis scrutiny" CANNOT be applied when the case concerns a "suspect class OR a fundamental right".

So, we have to switch gears and find out whether gays qualify as a "suspect class" in order to avoid the lowest level of scrutiny. Here's how that is determined:

There is a long-standing formula that arose from a famous court case called the "Carolene Products Case" and the formula for determining a suspect class is found in footnote #4 of that case.

The Formula has Four Factors:

1. a history of invidious discrimination against the class burdened by legislation. (no brainer on gays. Long, long history)
2. characteristic that distinguish the class as indicating a typical class member's ability to contribute to society (ahem, like being a homosexual judge, also a no-brainer).
3. The Distinguishing Character - - whether the distinguishing characteristic is "immutable" or beyond the class member's control.
4. The political power of the subject class.

Okay, so now we get a clear picture as to why Plaintiffs and Defense argued mostly whether or not being gay was immutable and also over whether gays had political power.

Note closely. NO argument arose over the first two Factors. That absence of argument was TELLING and significant because it made the Defense argument that gays didn't constitute a suspect class immediately strained.

Why? Because "suspect class" must require ALL FOUR factors and if the Defense doesn't even contest TWO of the factors, then the are already CONCEDING that the group AT LEAST merits a level of scrutiny higher than rational basis review. It was IMPOSSIBLE for the Defendants to prove that Factors #1 and #2 were not self-evident. Far too many laws were on the books in the past that criminaized homosexuals to say that legislation did not impact the class. Far to many gay people had DISTINGUISHED themselves as contributors to their communities, states and country to say gays were a bunch of dead beats. Fame and fortune is not the measure of the character of the class. Mere good citizenship is the requirement. Abiding by the law is sufficient to "distingust" a member of the class. So there's little wonder that the Defense did not contest those two factors.

But the Defense STILL argued that gays did not merit "suspect class" status even when they knew the test made them look foolish. Okay, can't blame them. That's their job to at least try just in case the judge or jury are idiots.

Since the Defense didn't contest two of the four factors, the law has always rules that the case at least merits a trial and that's ONE reason why Plaintiffs case wasn't dismissed before it even got to the federal court.

Back to the wonderful thing NOM did today.

NOM put the Defense in a very hard position to defend. The Defense has contended from the beginning that NO animus toward gays (animus is a legal word for HATRED) was used to sway voters in the initiative campaign. The delimma? How can the Defense say that Protect Marriage harbors NO animus toward gays and simultaneously file legal notice that a judge that is homosexual is automatically biased?

Well, these are smart attorneys for the Defense. They NEVER made an issue of Judge Walker being gay.

But NOM DID MAKE AN ISSUE OF IT. Is Judge Walker biased? You couldn't look at his court record in cases concerning gays and prove that. Nor could you look at the fact that Judge Walker, a Republican appointee of George HW Bush, is biased. That doesn't matter to NOM. They think like the military - if you're gay you shouldn't be killing people to preserve the liberty and freedom of our country. You should resign. Go away. Get out.

So that's NOM's approach to "not having animus" toward gays. It's an embarrassing one. When the Defense is insisting there is no animus involved, NOM makes liars out of the Defense by trying to eject the trial judge on the basis of his sexual orientation ALONE. Not his judicial record. His sexual orientation!!!! That, dear readers, is the literal face of animus. NOM makes no apology while the strain to try and say that the judge "scared off Prop 8's witnesses" by seeking to broadcast the trial.

Oddly for NOM, no broadcast took place. They've now taken that MOOT issue on as a reason their reputed "star witnesses" backed out of the case. And they PROVED the Plaintiffs point that animus against gays is a factor when they objected to Judge Walker's presence on the basis of his sexual orientation ALONE.

Thank you Pax. I knew I could depend on you.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

NOM... now there's a credible organization.

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!

Guess what, you can't run and hide from your obvious attempt at discrimination.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Holy Saint Pax, Please try to convince us that you aren't attempting to discriminate against gay people.

Oh, nevermind, I know you'll just "pretend" you don't see this post.

paxchristi3 commented:

Oh, please, Pete. Prop. 8 isn't about discriminating others--it's about keeping others from redefining marriage. It's anyone is being discriminatory, it's the Hate 8 folks, especially Judge Walker and his S.F.-style justice. Even former Attorney General Ed Meese questions his tactics and accuses him of stacking the deck: http://www.osvdailytake.com/2010/01/marriage-on-trial.html

It was quite telling that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals slapped down his order for the backers of Prop 8 had to disclose their internal campaign communications, something it said was probably unconstitutional and to which the ACLU agreed. Then came the Supreme Court ruling putting Walker in his place for trying to get the trial televised against the rules.

Does this sound like the work of an impartial judge? Ray may be giddy about NOM's objection, but so am I. Now all eyes will be on Walker to make sure he doesn't try anything underhanded now that we definitely know his true colors.

Ray_Harwick commented:

Well, NOMs brilliant logic collapses in on itself. They "love gays" but don't want one to be the judge of this trial. Talk about discrimination. That's the logic George Wallace would use in the civil rights era if a judge was black. You can brush it aside, Pax, but NOM just openly displayed their animus toward gays. They went off-message as badly as William Tam did. NOM already had their reputation ruined by their own star witness. I wrote to Brian Brown and advised him to start sending out resumes. There's work with the ex-gay industry. The pay is getting better as Americans are in increasing demand in Africa to "cure" homosexuals - for a price, of course.

randomfactor commented:

Oh, please, Pete. Prop. 8 isn't about discriminating others

That's exactly what it's about. The judge will likely agree.

Ray_Harwick commented:

I wonder if there'll be calls for John Roberts to recuse himself when this gets to SCOTUS?

Under NOMs logic, all heterosexual judges should recuse themselves. Just to make it fair.

randomfactor commented:

So Roberts can stay? :)

randomfactor commented:

Ray, did you see this semi-related item?

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/02/09/Dan_Choi_Back_in_Active_Duty/

Hope they're not pulling a Uriah on him...

Ray_Harwick commented:

Even though the Prop 8 supporters were forced to turn over private, internal documents and emails, Walker has refused to demand the same from opponents of the measure.

Brownie is such a genius. Plaintiffs are FOUR GAY PEOPLE who weren't even involved in the campaign against Prop 8. Even if they had been, they achieved NO change to the law so just what would be the basis or logic to make an communication public - to determine how they LOST?

Seriously, Brian and Maggie should really get to work on those resumes. SOMEBODY will hire them. Maybe the American Family Association could use staff to do more promotion on their campaign to criminalize homosexuals. No need for honesty there. AFA never has needed or embraced honest so Maggie and Brian would be naturals.

Ray_Harwick commented:

[OT] Thanks Random. I hadn't seen it. When I saw Fox New's Chief Military Analyst come out for revoking DADT and then slap John McCain around for a couple of minutes, I knew the tide had turned. Dan Choi is one of the most obvious examples of why DADT is immoral and anti-American.

Breaking News: Update on Matsuda killing -- he hits and arms himself with bat first, police say

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:17 PST

On 2/7/10, at about 9:00 p.m., homicide detectives arrested Blayne Allen Clifford
19, for the murder of Patrick Shige Matsuda 40, in the 4300 block of Whitegate
Avenue. Investigation revealed that on 2/7/10, at about 2:20 a.m., Matsuda, who
resided at 4310 Whitegate Avenue, approached a male and a female in the front
yard of 4315 Whitegate Avenue where a party was taking place. Matsuda
became involved in an argument with the male and struck him in the face. The
woman intervened at which point the male ran into 4315 Whitegate Avenue and
called for assistance. Meanwhile, Matsuda also assaulted the woman.
Several party goers, including Clifford, ran from the house toward Matsuda and
surrounded him as he retreated to his own driveway. Matsuda obtained a bat
from inside his garage, at which point Clifford ran back to his house and obtained
two bats. Matsuda chased the party goers back across the street striking the
same girl on the arm with his bat. Clifford exited the house and gave one of the
bats to an unidentified male who struck Matsuda in the head with it. Matsudo fell
and Clifford struck Matsuda several times while he lay on the ground.
Additional suspects also joined in and hit and kick Matsuda as he lay on the
ground. When it was apparent Matsuda was no longer fighting back the entire
group left, prior to police arrival. Matsuda was transported to KMC where he
died. Autopsy revealed that Matsudo was also stabbed.
Investigators are still trying to identify the other male suspect who was armed
with the bat. He is described as a Caucasian or Hispanic male, early 20s, 5’10”
160 pounds, short dark hair, facial hair possibly with a goatee. The man has
tattoos on his arms and on the lower part of the back of his neck. Investigation
into the actions of other party goers involved in the assault/murder continues

Comments:
dgrealish commented:

While his death was obviously unwarranted, this new information paints a substantially different picture than the one of the poor innocent victim beat to death for asking the neighbors to turn down the music.

Roysan commented:

So we have a 40 year old man talking to some drunk or drugged up kids and decide to hit one in the facel...Something does not add up here.

He goes back for a bat because its 1 verses a gang.

Still does not justify beating and stabbing and kicking.

Why didn't anyone call BPD to report a party at a vacant house?

dgrealish commented:

Roysan, GO HERE AND READ THIS!

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/54596

donmason commented:

“Matsuda became involved in an argument with the male and struck him in the face.”

“Meanwhile, Matsuda also assaulted the woman.”

“Matsuda chased the party goers back across the street striking the

same girl on the arm with his bat.”

“Clifford exited the house and gave one of the bats to an unidentified male who struck Matsuda in the head with it.”

Assaulted a woman, then later hit her with a bat.

Hit a woman with a bat ?

That’s called a coward of the worst sort where I come from, no matter what the circumstances.

“Roid” rage perhaps?

midterm2 commented:

Matsuda, according to the Kern County Court website, was arrested three different times several years ago. Once for possession of controlled substances for sale, once for unlawful possession of a firearm, and once for battery with serious bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon other then a firearm. All charges were dismissed. Interesting!

proam commented:

Unless he beat someone to death, he didn't deserve to get beat to death. If this is correct, beat yes. Beat to death, no.

hpver commented:

Definitely changes things from the first report, but still certainly doesn't justify beating someone to death. Pretty horrific stuff by any measure. The whole thing confirms for me the wisdom of calling the cops to deal with neighbors like this. That's why we pay taxes.

witterpitters commented:

Well as far as I can tell, we are only hearing one side of the story - that being one of those who beat Mr. Matsuda to death. Some one obviously had a knife - so who stabbed him? Is there a bat with Mr. Matsuda's fingerprints on it? Who actually got a bat first? Of course those who are alive and face charges are going to tell the story that will get them off or at worst some jail time. Mr. Matsuda cannot give his side of the situation and the only witnesses are the ones who beat him.

MIDTERM2: {Matsuda} was arrested three different times several years ago. How many years ago???

No, I do not know anyone in this dog fight.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Typical Bakersfield mentality/behavior. The whole thing could have been avoided if someone...anyone used their brain.

Why is this "let's kick some ass" mentality acceptable in this town???

It's not only pointless, it's occasionally fatal.

Call the police. Don't ever deal with a group of people... ever. Not only that, don't willingly escalate a situation simply because you were "disrespected". I've seen idiots cut me off, then flip me off because *I* honked at them. Like I said, typical Bakersfield mentality.

It's like we breed stupid here.

NancyII commented:

You're right Pete. This sort of thing doesn't happen anywhere except Bakersfield. It' s all that ignert backwards mentality. It ain't bred no where else. Just Bakersfield.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

No, Nancy, it happens all over, I'm just saying that people that live here have a certain mentality that escalates these things. It's almost like you're expected to take the violent route when any sort of altercation happens (@ the very least you have to project that type of behavior). Let's face it, this isn't a "peace first" type of town. You've been here longer than I have, surely you've noticed.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

I just want to say that it seems like the party was at an abandoned house, and that none of this should have ever happened. I am totally sympathetic to Matsuda's family as well as the people that were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It seems like everyone involved was in the latter situation.

Most of the time, it's just best to just walk away.

NancyII commented:

New Delhi, man beaten to death for complaining about noise. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/man-beaten-to-death-in-west-delhi_100308819.html

Tx man beaten to death for asking teens to slow down. http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/tv/stories/wfaa091105_mo_beaten.29b26d347.html

UK man beaten to death asking thugs to return hat... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1224709/Man-beaten-death-confronting-gang-stole-girlfriends-Halloween-hat.html

This in no way diminishes the horror of the local man being beaten to death but I am so very sick of the "what's wrong with Bakersfield" questions. There are mean,vicious places everywhere. Stop blaming Bakersfield for the maniacs.

What makes that statement eve more ridiculous is that this sort of thing has been going on forEVER! Billy The Kid, The Chicago gang families, the riots in Los Angeles, Lakers victory violence, It's nothing new.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Come on Nancy, you're comparing us to Texas? people in the UK confronting a gang of thugs? Violent Indian men that work in a chemical facory?

Just tell me you didn't google "man beaten to death" because that's just weird.

Why can't you accept what most people accept about Bakersfield's mentality towards confrontation?

Oh wait, you're feeling confronted and just battling aginst it. Nevermind. You're right. I'm wrong. Let's just be cool here and move on.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Ummmm, OK, would you seriously confront your neighbors like that? I'd call the cops if it were that bad.

Maybe I did miss the news, but this story sounds like the confrontation came from Matsuda. My point is that the whole thing was an unnecessary escallation of violence from people that would never survive in a true urban setting.

Maybe you have a link to the story where anyone tested positive for methanphetimine? Otherwise what you're saying is irrelevant.

Sorry, but Saturday/Sunday at 2:00 in the morning... I'm callin the cops. They're actually equiped to deal with a rowdy party. Why confront a group with a bat? Why??? How could that possibly turn out positive? How???

NancyII commented:

All I see on here is "provide a link, where's your proof". I provide it and you STILL complain. Good googly wooglies (no pun on the google thing) you wouldn't be happy if you were hung with a new rope. And no, it's not weird to provide examples that all the whining about "what happened to my little town" happens everywhere and not just here.

That, like it or not, it a burr under my saddle and always has been. It's old, it's silly, and it's a gross exaggeration. Every time I see a comment basically saying we've become the Sodom and Gomorrah of modern times I will continue to show you that we are a city, a normal city at that, with crime.

Hey, that's just me. If people can continue to make comments like that, I can continue to comment on them.

AND, as I said at the beginning of this blog. Let the cops handle it. That's what they are trained to do and that's what they get paid for. Bless 'em.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

It was a foxnews type of question. Doesn't mean it's true? Just askin'

Honestly, I'm glad you wouldn't confront your neighbors in that situation. It's not wise. I don't reccommend.

No, not only do I not (as far as you know) live in a fantasy world, but I am fully aware of which of my neighbors are tweekers. That's what we actually call them. Don't think I haven't had my crap stolen from people that don't sleep, or had my father-in-law's truck rammed at full speed while parked. I'm not ignorant to the world, despite what you may think. I'm from the city, bud.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

I agree with you Nancy about "let the cops handle it"

As far as the other part, I can't really blame you for living your life in this town. It's not your fault. Just don't think you have the experience that people from bigger cities (as opposed to lil' ol' towns) do. Spend 3 months (or 3 years) in downtown San Jose, or anywhere in San Francisco and get back to me. There's a HUGE difference whether you like it or not. I mean no offense or wish to insult you by saying that, it's just the plain ol' truth.

The "where's the proof" comment was in reference to the statement that the people that were allegedly defending themselves against the bat weilding Matsuda were on meth. Until someone is arrested and is tested positive, the only one with the record here is the deceased.

My comments about this town stand. Wanna fight about it?

CheckMate commented:

Thank you for your wisdom pete.

You are very smart, bud.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Thanx checkmate, I can only guess you're not from Bakersfield, otherwise you would have accepted my challenge to brawl.

honorerdieu commented:

Bakersfield just gets a bad rap from a number of idiots that live here. The same mentality that Pete talked about can be found anywhere. But to me, the frequency of confrontation is higher here than any other cities I have visited and lived in. Having said that, I've met very genuine folks here in Bakersfield. It just depends on what you do and where you go.

Shwaine commented:

witters, depending on whether or not the reports of neighbors with security cameras is true and whether said cameras were pointed in the right direction, there may indeed be more witnesses than just the people who beat him.

dfwilliamson commented:

Let's see. It's okay for two CSUB wrestlers to beat and leave a young man, and leave him; then he died. They didn't know he would die, so no charges were even filed. Now we have a case where a man assaults young people at a party, arms himself, then is outnumbered and beaten, then left. He dies on the way to the hospital. I bet those young people didn't know he would die. Should be interesting to see Jagels' take on this one. I didn't hear much of an outcry against the youngman dying because he was beaten and left unconscious to die.

Jans commented:

Patrick Shige Matsuda should not have went across the street. It sounds like he was the aggressor and he just got the short end of the stick. It is unfortunate that he lost his life.

paddyofurniture commented:

Now we have a case where a man assaults young people at a party, arms himself, then is outnumbered and beaten, knocked unconscience with a baseball bat, repeatedly beaten with a baseball bat and kicked, then stabbed multiple times, then left dead.

There, fixed that for ya Williamson. Let see if Jagels can tell the difference between the two cases....

NancyII commented:

Pete, the assumption that I've never lived anywhere but Bakersfield bears out the old saw about "assuming." Since I've lived in 3 other states, it sort of puts the lie to your "assumption.

sagefever commented:

My thoughts go to the children~ and to the families of all involved.

Walk away.Good advice.

6604mill commented:

"Violance is the protest of the weak"...

WTFJOE commented:

Just as the media reports are from drunk drugged up Party goers which shouldnt have been in the house anyways are claiming they are innocent by stating Matsuda hit a woman with a bat? Come on, I didnt see that on the news where a woman got a broken arm and had to go to the Hospital... That is all made up. As for being hit with a bat will cause serious injury. Things dont add up and as all ways, the media twists things around as it is. I hope all those involved get manslaughter.

zappers1 commented:

I watched my little neighbors grow up,I watched the elderly move out because the neighborhood started getting rough,parties every night ,stabbing down the street,shooting a block away,races down the street,it got dangerous,I tried reasoning with the culprits,I thought I was one tough guy,and I am,but when your faced with gangs and idiots even a gun will not protect you,so the only thing you can do is trust in the LAW. You must befriend your neighbors there is power in numbers,it only takes 3 to 4 of you to take control over your lives and your neighborhood,beleive it or not, bakersfield has a very decent police department I compliment them in their struggle to uphold the law.With time and patience my neighborhood is now peaceful and pleasant and it only took a month ,and I thank my neighbors and BPD

kcsdd2034 commented:

At most that would all they would be guilty of is manslaughter.... If what is printed is true, it's not murder..

VirgilAnderson commented:

Progressive Pete makes sense when talking about Btown .

--virgil

Roysan commented:

City of Bakersfield may have dropped the ball for allowing these people to live at the house when it was posted that it was not livable. Code viloations mean nothing anymore. If BPD was called to the house 4 times for underage drinking, why was it not a prioity for BPD to keep people out of the house? Why were there no calls to BPD that night reporting a party with teens? Can't we pressure the City Council to put a clamp on these kind of parties in vacant houses? Why do cops just break up the parties and let the kids go home? We should take all the kids to jail and make their parents pick them up. I'll volunteer to work the phones. No accountability. MADNESS!

pogo commented:

Bakersfield has no monopoly on idiot inhabitants.

witterpitters commented:

SHWAINE: I agree. I was unaware there was possible "film at 11" footage. Hopefully there is and the film will show all that happened. I also agree with those that mentioned the fact that this house was boarded up and there were people "renting" it and no one called BPD? I did hear the place was in foreclosure - I think, but again, why/how would kids rent a place that was boarded up and signs saying no occupants??? Nuts - just plain nuts.

The Grade: School newspaper gives bilingual student a voice

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:22:58 PST

Recently I visited a few journalism classrooms for a story on high school newspapers. I talked to dozens of students at East and Liberty high schools. A few things stood out during my visits.

One was that mostof the students do not plan on pursuing a degree related to communications or journalism. I met some who were going into engineering and business. Still, they said, they see value in the newspaper.

The other thing that stood out was a staff writer at East High's The Kernal.

Jose Vargas, a senior at East High School, moved to the United States from Michoacan, Mexico, three years ago. He knew no English, but learned quickly, he said.

He approached his teachers about the possibility of writing for the school newspaper.

Why?

“I wanted to give my friends, who don’t know English, something they could read and learn from at school,” he said in Spanish.

He now writes stories in the paper in English and Spanish. His stories written in both languages are layed out side-by-side. He's written on standout athletes and featured faculty members.

The newspaper, he said, has given him, and others, a voice.

Comments:
catpaw commented:

East High's Kernal has won accolades and awards as a student paper. While most students will not follow a career of journalism, the experience does train them for fact-finding and communication skills.

I noticed you posted the controversial pregnant issue of some years ago, which covered the topic of teen pregnancy. This controversial picture followed the even more controversial issue dealing with homosexuality, which eventually wound up in court.

The World According to Me: 'Lap Dances for Haiti' Raises Relief Money in Ohio

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:34 PST

All I can say to this is........................................................PRICELESS!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,585104,00.html

TOLEDO, Ohio — A strip club in Ohio has raised $1,000 for Haitian earthquake relief during what was billed as "Lap dances for Haiti."

Comments:
tonyh commented:

I wonder if the Wife would believe "But Honey, it was only for charity". lol I'm thinking..............mmmmmmmm NO!

proam commented:

Holey Toledo!

What if?: PALIN IS AN IDIOT!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:43 PST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stefan-sirucek/did-palin-use-crib-notes_b_452458.html

Closer inspection of a photo of Sarah Palin, during a speech in which she mocked President Obama for his use of a teleprompter, reveals several notes written on her left hand. The words "Energy", "Tax" and "Lift American Spirits" are clearly visible. There's also what appears to read as "Budget cuts" with the word Budget crossed out.

(Photos AP)

Final Thoughts:

Just to be clear: The notes most likely weren't for her speech, for which she used prepared remarks, but for the Q&A session that followed, during which she glanced at the hand in question.

But in my opinion that's even worse.

There were no specifics on there, just general concepts and things she supports.

The takeaway is that this presidential contender apparently can't remember her supposed core principles and needs a cheat-sheet when simply asked about her beliefs.

To quote Charlie Brown:

Good grief.

-Stefan

Comments:
Charlie4 commented:

Is this the latest iteration of Nicky. Sounds like it. He's still suffering from SPF. (Sarah Palin fixation).

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Charlie - look at the profile.. member since 2007

Charlie4 commented:

Well, Nicky has claimed in the past to have more than one ID hidden away. But, you are most likely right. Just somebody else suffering from SPF.

pogo commented:

Is this the latest iteration of Nicky.

Good to hear from you again, Infowar. How is life on the dark side?

VirgilAnderson commented:

Sarah Palin is an Idiot !

--virgil

paxchristi3 commented:

For such an idiot, Sarah has a way of making her detractors look like idiots:

http://dad29.blogspot.com/2010/02/palin-derangement-syndromedefine.html

http://biggovernment.com/jhoft/2010/02/07/you-betcha-palin-campaigns-for-rick-perry-writes-hi-mom-on-her-hand/

On the bright side, PDS is a treatable disease. Just drink lots of tea.

VirgilAnderson commented:

"How is life on the dark side? "

I bet his shoes are sticky, with grease stains ...

--virgil

BfieldBob commented:

The things written on her hand are supposedly her core beliefs. She's so stupid that she needs to write down her core beliefs on her hand.

Jans commented:

I am not who you guys think I am .....I am Jan. I just had to share this. She is flat out dumb....PERIOD!

VirgilAnderson commented:

" She's so stupid that she needs to write down her core beliefs on her hand."

She misspelled one of them too . She only wanted to say, "cuts".

--virgil

VirgilAnderson commented:

ThaT's worth $600.00 to hear in person.

--virgil

gube commented:

she may be a idiot but she is laughing all the way to the bank............

pogo commented:

Guys, she is going to make $$$$$ this year from the book and speaking - she ain't that dumb. Ignorant of facts and what is going on in the world, but not dumb.

BfieldBob commented:

Pogo, Palin *IS* dumb, but the people who are handling her and telling her what to say are not.

dlollar67 commented:

Her wealth is more of a statement about the people who follow her. They like the idea that she ain't no college boy, intimidatin' us with that fancy talk. She's the Roseanne Barr of the republican party, except better looking--blue collar, entertaining and weirdly stimulating. Yeah, that's what we need running the greatest world power since the Roman Empire.

HairyBikini commented:

As big of an idiot as people may claim she is, she sure has better ideas for this economy then the ideas which have been implemented by the current administration. She doesn't even affect our economy but people are more interested in her then they are over the failed administration. Point your fingers in the correct direction. Flordastategrad is right, people are completely obsessed, and that is how us outsiders perceive it. Really, this woman isn't even in any office but people fear her more than the next antichrist. The more I hear people hate on her the more I like her. I haven't heard anything educated from these haters.

Mach5 commented:

The more the liberals scream about Sarah, the worse they look, so, scream on little libs, scream on, this is a good example of how a minor thing is so major to the liberals, she wrote some notes on her hand, SO WHAT???

VirgilAnderson commented:

" this is a good example of how a minor thing is so major to the liberals, she wrote some notes on her hand, SO WHAT???"

I heard that the convention sponsors, with her approval, decided not to use teleprompters in order to keep over head costs down. Speakers were told that they would be expected to comply or risk not getting any of the pie, at the end of the convention.

--virgil

savvydude commented:

It wouldn't matter what she did. Notes, no notes, tele-prompter, no tele-prompter, index cards, no index cards, it does not matter. The fact that Sarah Palin breathes, walks and exists brings up the demons in every liberals soul. Her sharing the earth with everybody else makes them squirm, lose sleep and worry. They call her every name in the book but then they spend hours posting anything they can about her. It is obsession.

And it is amazing to watch.

VirgilAnderson commented:

No Pie ... !

--virgil

FloridaStateGrad commented:

I hope to God Palin runs... it'll only break up the Republican party even further.

Mach5 commented:

Perfectly said savvydue, perfectly said, they are so scared of Palin, how pathetic, when the real news to day is,

Obama's 36% approval rating on his handling of healthcare. Obama’s healthcare approval rating is statistically little different from the 37% he received last month, but the two ratings are the lowest of his administration.

Americans give Obama his lowest rating, 32%, on handling the federal budget deficit, down from 38% when this was last measured in September His approval rating on the economy: A robust 36 percent. Worst president ever to get these low approval ratings by this time in their term. Hows that hopey changy thing working for you?

paxchristi3 commented:

Indeed, Savvy Dude, the left tremble when they hear her name.

randomfactor commented:

Indeed, Savvy Dude, the left tremble when they hear her name.

You've mistaken "kvelling with barely-controlled laughter" for "trembling." Easy mistake for you to make, I guess.

She wrote on her *HAND*? Even *REAGAN* at his most senile used index cards...

Mach5 commented:

Imagine what the LIberals would have said if she showed up at an Elementary school and read off a teleprompter, you know, like Barry did,

Btowntv007 commented:

is a good example of how a minor thing is so major to the liberals

Just using the conservative angle. Since some of them on this board seem to think it is quite newsworthy that Obama likes to use a teleprompter when he speaks. Cause no other politicans ever do that. It's not like he invented it or he is the first public speaker to use one.

Not that I care. I've been known to jot down notes where needed when speaking.

Mach5 commented:

Independent voters see Pres. Obama in a negative light by a nearly 2-1 margin, according to a new Marist College survey, while almost half of voters say he has failed to meet their expectations.

Change we can Believe in!

randomfactor commented:

Imagine what the LIberals would have said if she showed up at an Elementary school and read off a teleprompter, you know, like Barry did,

They'd have said "Oh good. She's using the teleprompter again. Maybe she'll make some sense this time. You betcha."

Mach5 commented:

Obama ~~likes~~ needs to use a teleprompter when he speaks,

There, fixed that for ya,

Mach5 commented:

They'd have said ~~"Oh good. "~~She's an Idiot!,

There, fixed that for ya, (and you know it's true)

VirgilAnderson commented:

"But among indie voters, Obama's approval rating sits at a terrible 29% ... "

less than 18 % of those same indies take Palin seriously. But She's splitting the Republican primary in Kentucky - bummer.

--virgil

proam commented:

Even with the help of his teleprompter, he couldn't get the pronunciation of Corpsmen correct. The potus couldn't pronounce Corpsmen right. Who's dumb? Not once, not twice, but three times. We have great cause for concern.

Mach5 commented:

less than 18 % of those same indies take Palin seriously. uh Virgil, Sarah's not the President, wake up Virgil!, LOL

learnem commented:

the progressives and liberals talk crap about her because they are scared of her.

the most viable candidate I can see, unless Mike Savage decides to throw his hat in the ring

VirgilAnderson commented:

Virgil!, LOL

That is, no one would vote for her .

What is she all about anyway? She doesn't seem to know much about it herself - hopey changy thing ... ? That's cute ... don't you think, Mach ?

--virgil

randomfactor commented:

the progressives and liberals talk crap about her because they are scared of her.

Right! Pllllllleeeeeease don't throw us into that briar patch! Virgil, reminder, it's *YOUR* turn next week to post the Palin idiot's latest.

the most viable candidate I can see, unless Mike Savage decides to throw his hat in the ring

Savage & Stupid, GOP ticket 2012.

Although I must admit that a recent GOP poll put Caribou Barbie ahead of all the other GOP contenders. Fox News even recognized it was a valid poll.

You're right, Mach5, she *IS* an idiot and I shouldn't have suggested she could get something right even *WITH* a teleprompter.

VirgilAnderson commented:

She's a political celebrity.

What the heck is that ? Really, what is that, a political celebrity ?

She's quit all the political positions she's ever held ... !

--virgil

randomfactor commented:

Besides, I thought it was going to be Beck, not Savage. Beck could run under his *REAL* name without people snickering.

learnem commented:

I would much rather see Savage, he is mentally more together than Beck is, imo

not that Beck is a bad guy, he just has his "moments"

randomfactor commented:

Jeffrey Dahmer was "mentally more together" than Beck. It's a pretty low bar to clear.

Be interesting to have a President who can't visit the UK. But then, we have a former President (Shrub) who can't visit several European nations.

paddyofurniture commented:

It is interesting having a President who has visited 57 states..

jfrancais commented:

Ol' Dirty Bastard could take any MC in any 52 states!

He got Psycho...killa'..Norman Bates!

randomfactor commented:

It is interesting having a President who has visited 57 states..

He'll get to the others shortly, I promise.

jfrancais commented:

It's all part of the strategery.

savvydude commented:

The originator of this post, somebody named "Jans" has an interesting profile. Jans claims to be "fun, loving and very honest."

Except when it comes to Sarah Palin. At that point, Jans becomes dark, hateful and very dishonest. A true liberal.

TheAnthillMob commented:

Let's hear it from the Hail Sarah section!

EliotNess commented:

Sarah Palin is prepared. What politician goes on the record without prepared notes? All of these people have to study their talking points. They use staff to do research and even conduct polls to determine what terms to use. Why should the fact that Palin scribbled some notes on her hand be viewed in a negative light? She has a lot to say and didn't want to leave anything out. Still, she has both political parties (especially the GOP) over a barrel. Like her or not, they better listen to what she has to say.

randomfactor commented:

Sarah Palin is prepared.

So's mustard.

Like her or not, they better listen to what she has to say.

Isn't that forbidden by the Geneva Convention again? The woman's a babbling idiot.

honorerdieu commented:

Random, you sure are on a roll today. That's a compliment, btw.

learnem commented:

too bad Palin isnt a minority, then we could take a page out of the lefty playbook, and call them mysogenists AND a racists

What would Ferraro think of you?

randomfactor commented:

Why not do it anyway, learnem? It's not like the right-wing has much connection to the real world anyway. If they did, Palin would never have been nominated in the first place.

Politics, anyone?: Wyman claims Lincoln family endorsement

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:37:51 PST

State Senate candidate Phil Wyman released a letter of endorsement Monday from a decendant of President Abraham Lincoln who he met at a historical event over the summer.

Click on the links to see the letter and photo from the flag ceremony

From the Wyman press release:

            Members of Wyman’s family, William and John Proctor, helped launch Lincoln’s run for the U.S. Senate at Lewistown, Illinois against Stephen Douglas in 1858. John Procter was cochairman with Judge Kellogg of Lincoln’s campaign for U. S. Senate. After the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates about the future of slavery in America Lincoln won the popular vote, but lost to Douglas in the gerrymandered Legislature of Illinois. In 1860 Lincoln won the nomination of the Republican Party and won the election of 1860. Wyman previously donated family historical correspondence to African-American museum of the Central Valley.
            Last summer Wyman joined Chaplain Jerry Kowalsky of Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War in a Flag Memorial Presentation to Dowling. (see photo)

            “I am humbled by my association with Lincoln historians and descendents. Remembering Lincoln on February 12, Lincoln’s birthday, ought to inspire all of us to appreciate Lincoln’s understanding of the Declaration of Independence, the foundation of our freedoms, our Constitution and the preservation of our Union,” Wyman said.

Comments:
gopherbro commented:

Actually, there are no living descendants of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. It appears that Mr. Dowling actually claims descent from a cousin of Abraham Lincoln. See: www.jg-tc.com/articles/2009/02/10/news/doc4990fab7e3c69136649116.txt

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Pwn3d.

Newshounder commented:

This is waaayyyy cooool. Now, since President Obama keeps popping up in presidential family trees, and others of note (most recently he turns out to be a shirt-tail relative of the surprise GOP senatorial winner from Massachusetts), maybe Phil Wyman can look real hard and find a family connection between himself and Barack. Now that would be waayyy coooollll, too. Keep looking, Phil. Maybe the resident will cross party lines to endorse you.

EliotNess commented:

I can appreciate Wyman's respect for Lincoln. He was no doubt one of the greatest leaders in our history. Wyman has the energy of ten men and has touched the lives of many people across this nation. His regard and knowledge of history should not be belittled but rather applauded. I believe Wyman takes Lincoln's words to heart when he said "Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm."

Kewilley20 commented:

And this is has what to do with endorsing Wyman? What kind of weight does a long distant week family connection have to do with anything?

Plus the fact that Wyman isn't even fit to be compaired to mud on Lincon's boots, but that's just my own opinion.

valleyrod commented:

In looking at the picture, it is so representative of the struggling families in the Central Valley! NOT! Come on Pension Phil, collect your retirement and move to Illinois since you spend quite a bit of time there.

TheAnthillMob commented:

It's that right-wing sense of E-N-T-I-T-L-E-M-E-N-T. They think that a strand of DNA in common with a long-gone president entitles them to something, just as they think the founding faithers were all fundamentalist Christians who specially bequeathed the United States of America exclusively to them.

antiextremism commented:

Ya know...... I am a descendant of King Dermot McMurrough (and the Fitzgeralds which makes me a 15th cousin of JFK), who is a descendant of the High King Brian Boru who has been traced back to King David of Israel. Does that make me a good candidate to run for Arvin City Council?

jfrancais commented:

I'm a descendant of the legendary John Henry. He was a hard worked...I'm not.

NancyII commented:

Since I'm mostly German I could be related to Hitler ...oh wait, he wasn't German was he? Well, one of those other dictators anyway, so you'd better watch out for me. Or maybe to one of the royalty in Europe. They were always importing family to marry and breed with.

I'm not sure how that relates to any thing but thought I'd let you know I could be related to a famous person too. Neener neener. Though I'll admit that's not always a good distinction.

I am most certainly related to Adam and Eve so I guess that's where I inherited my bad ways. It's not my fault. It's genetic.

jfrancais commented:

Since my folks are from the Fiji Islands, maybe I'm related to Vijay Singh since it's a small island.

Everyone likes Bobby's World: War hero and Congressman Jack Murtha dies at age 77

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:52 PST

We have lost a true American patriot:

http://rawstory.com/2010/02/veteran-democratic-lawmaker-john-murtha-dies-77-report/

Democratic heavyweight Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) -- who went by Jack -- has died after complications following gallbladder surgery.

A local news station said the congressman had died in the hospital with his family by his side at 1:18 PM ET Monday.

Murtha was the chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, where he oversaw Pentagon spending. He was the longest-serving Pennsylvania lawmaker, and was first elected in 1974.

Murtha has been an outspoken critic of President Barack Obama's Afghan war policy. The chairman of the House subcommittee in charge of allocating war funding told a magazine in September he opposed any further troop increases for Afghanistan.

"In Vietnam it took 500,000 troops and that didn't solve the problem," Murtha told Foreign Policy. "So we have to take a different approach."

"Murtha's dissent comes at a critical juncture, with the Washington debate heating up and public support for the war effort dropping," the magazine wrote. "The Pennsylvania congressman is only the latest senior Democratic lawmaker to come out against a troop increase, following similar statements last week by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin.

"But opposition from Murtha, who has deep contacts among the military brass, could ultimately prove more problematic for an Obama administration that has yet to launch a full-throated to defense of the war."

Last year, President Obama announced a troop "surge" for Afghanistan that, when completed, will increase US troop strength in Afghanistan to 68,000.

The 19-term Democrat was the first Vietnam War veteran to be elected to Congress.

Murtha routinely faced criticism from government watchdog groups, which accused him of being the "king of pork."

He made the list of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington's most corrupt legislators list in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Murtha’s alleged corruption issues are manifold, CREW said in 2009: “his ties to the PMA Group, a now defunct lobbying firm under federal investigation; his ties to Kuchera Industries, a defense contractor under federal investigation; his ties to defense executives and former military personnel convicted of skimming money from government contracts; actions he may have taken to benefit his brother’s lobbying clients; and his chief of staff’s threats to a political opponent.”

Comments:
Charlie4 commented:

One of the most corrupt politicions in DC. We can only hope he has joined teddy in hell.

proam commented:

Pretty harsh comment about hell Charlie! I agree wholeheartedly about the corruption. If I'm not mistaken, is he not the politician that fought for millions of dollars to build an airport that for the most part only he uses?

BfieldBob commented:

One of the most ~~corrupt politicion~~s decorated war heroes in DC.

There, fixed that for ya! Oh, and I accept your apology.

tonyh commented:

John Murtha aka "Mr. Ethics".

Bobby, you sure pick some weird heroes.

UncleToad commented:

Just another pork-barrel politician.

Still, would rather have seen him voted out instead of dead. Condolences to his family.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

is he not the politician that fought for millions of dollars to build an airport that for the most part only he uses?

You mean the airport that also houses a number of military units - mostly Helicopters? Yes - he's the man.

proam commented:

I'm with ya on that UncleToad!

Charlie4 commented:

What would make you think I would apologize to an over educated unemployable nitwit like you .ROFLMAO

randomfactor commented:

He eventually got it right on Iraq. Too much the old-style politician to change much elsewhere, though.

RIP, Congressman Murtha.

pogo commented:

John Murtha, the battle is over old soldier; take your rest, you earned it.

HairyBikini commented:

TODAY IS A GREAT DAY!

BURN IN HELL MURTHA!

I hope our departed GI's are protecting the pearly gates from the likes of Murtha.

proam - Do you think it was harsh when Murtha called our troops baby killers and murders?

Randomfactor - You need to get educated before you start paying homage to an American Failure. This human failure called our troops baby killers, and were guilty of genocide all for political expediancy. Do your research and see for yourself. This assclown enabled the enemy. He didn't get anything right but dying!

pogo - He deserves to rot in piss. I dare you to tell those soldiers he called baby killers how proud of Murtha you really are.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Bikini - has it ever occured to you that there have been verifiable incidents in the past where our soldiers have indeed killed innocent women and children? Did it never occur to you that Murtha was a Vietnam combat vet?

I always find it rather interesting how quickly people dispel the claims of those who have actually been in the line of fire.

proam commented:

HairyBikini, In answer to your question, Yes I do think that is harsh. Despicable actually! FSG, Innocent people do get killed in war. Dang sure doesn't mean it was intentional, as it sounds you believe.

HairyBikini commented:

I’ve done my service for this country. What about you? I’ve had my share and I don’t want any more. If you wish to challenge my patriotism please leave a time and place and we can do this Semper Fidelis style! Show some class. Floridagrad, you should look into his comments more. He made these comments prior to any investigations or any tribunal rulings. Lastly, I have served with ass hats of all sizes, shapes and colors, just because Murtha served in Vietnam doesn't make him immune to being a failure. Duke Cunningham was also a Vietnam War hero vet, who then went on to rip off the people of San Diego, and is now doing time for his actions. Yes, there have been instances in history of innocents being killed in vain, but this is not one of those instances. Murtha jumped the gun. Murtha realized he *&%$ up and tried to recant his statements. You’re jumping the gun by not being informed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKAuJYkYQLw

proam, you really are making yourself look very uneducated. Your in front of a computer so there is no excuse for you not getting your facts strait on Murtha. Murtha condemned our Marines for political expediency, as he had zero first hand knowledge. Murtha jumped the gun, prior to any investigations or tribunal hearings and accused them of murder. Murtha sold out every Marine for his short time career. Murtha and Pelosi worked effortlessly to discredit all us who were serving. Get informed Murtha accused my fellow Marines of intentional genocide. I know the difference between casualties of war, and intentional genocide, I hope you do too.

paddyofurniture commented:

Thank you for your service, Mr. Murtha.
It is unfortunate you did not have the common sense to resign a good 10 years ago. Your legacy will forever be tainted.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Dang sure doesn't mean it was intentional, as it sounds you believe.

There are well documented accounts where soldiers have indeed acted in ways which are not ethical or acceptable. Mai Lai is probably the most well known massacre of innocents. Claiming that "my superiors told me to do it," doesn't cut it.

Bikini - My father-in-law is a retired Marine - served during Gulf War I and become a CO over time. I have a feeling he would not look too kind on your words here today. In fact, I know plenty of Marines - both currently serving and ones not active who would love to slap you for such idiocy. If you're truly proud of your service to this country and want respect as such, act like a soldier, and not a completely classless piece of trash.

As an aside - people can be patriotic without serving in the military, and not all who are in the military are always patriotic.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Also, for someone who's calling someone out for being "uneducated," you need to go back and review:

you

your

you're

proam commented:

HairyBikini, You may want to go back, read what you asked me, then read my answer. Communication seems lacking between the two of us. You have no reason what so ever to say what you just did to me. No problem, we all make mistakes.

Green fields of Ireland: I hope this puts the conspiracy theorists to bed

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:02 PST

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/apollosites.html

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, has returned its first imagery of the Apollo moon landing sites. The pictures show the Apollo missions' lunar module descent stages sitting on the moon's surface, as long shadows from a low sun angle make the modules' locations evident.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, or LROC, was able to image five of the six Apollo sites, with the remaining Apollo 12 site expected to be photographed in the coming weeks.

The satellite reached lunar orbit June 23 and captured the Apollo sites between July 11 and 15. Though it had been expected that LRO would be able to resolve the remnants of the Apollo mission, these first images came before the spacecraft reached its final mapping orbit. Future LROC images from these sites will have two to three times greater resolution.

Comments:
paddyofurniture commented:

On a somewhat similar topic, Capricorn One was one of my favorite movies growing up. Then I watched it several years ago and couldn't believe how bad the acting was. OJ Simpson was horrible..

randomfactor commented:

Aw come on. NASA could fake a series of moonlandings but couldn't fake grainy photos of the landing sites?

OJ Simpson was horrible..

Really? I thought he killed.

randomfactor commented:

Greater resolution on the Apollo 11 photos will likely show the American flag lying in the dirt. It probably got knocked over by the rocket blast from the Ascent Stage.

Btowntv007 commented:

Well then, we need to send someone up there to set it back up right? Ha! I nominate myself..

learnem commented:

Really? I thought he killed.

RF i spit soda all over my computer...damn you lol

antiextremism commented:

Does that go along with OJ being a "slashing" type of runner?

I wanna hear from Infowar before I legitimize the Eagle's landing.

Breaking News: Frazier Park eviction and animal cruelty arrest

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:15 PST

Kern County Sheriff's Department news release:

On 2-8-2010, at 0945 hours, the Sheriff’s Civil Section served an eviction at 624 Elm Trail in Frazier Park. The eviction was the result of a bank foreclosure. The Sheriff’s Office had prior knowledge that the resident had a large number of animals in the residence. As a result, Animal Control and Code Compliance were asked to assist.

Deputies completed the eviction by escorting the resident, Kimberly Maggio age 49, off of the property. While securing the residence, deputies noticed several animals living in deplorable conditions.

Animal Control began an investigation into the living conditions of the animals. Animal Control found 7 dogs, 12 cats, and 1 rat living in the home, not including one small deceased dog in the freezer. The animals had no fresh water. Some of the animals had their legs covered in feces. The house smelled of urine and feces to the point that it burned the eyes and throat.

Ms. Maggio was arrested by Animal Control officers for 20 counts of PC 597(b), felony animal cruelty.

The animals were seized by Animal Control.

Comments:
lsudduth commented:

What the hell is up with these crazies putting dead animals in the freezer. Can someone please explain this practice to me. All most every animal hoarder case you hear about has some dead animals (not ment to be eatin) in the freezer.

Shwaine commented:

I am not a psychologist, but I would imagine it is related to the psychological disorder side of hoarding. Kind of like how an object hoarder might keep trash around.

Bakersfield Bargains: 'Block sale' deals to make your head spin

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:15:29 PST

Tuesday is The Bakersfield Californian's 'block sale'!

If you've never seen this, check out page 43 of today's Californian for these AMAZING deals!

Really, I can't believe my eyes! A $50 family membership to CALM for just $30! A $25 Baskin Robbins gift certificate for just $15! Need dry cleaning? A $50 gift certificate to Today Cleaners for just $35! And so much more!

Bargain Betty needs to go lie down, the savings are just too much.

These 'blocks' go fast, so you have to call 392-5751 or 392-5735 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday ONLY to get yours.

And I almost forgot! The proceeds benefit The Californian in Education program, so your purchases help local schools.

Rest up tonight and get your dialing fingers ready!

Comments:
hotandfoggy commented:

Dang, I don't get paid until the 15th. :(

JustAThought commented:

CALM FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS FOR ONLY $14......so why in the world would you pay $30???

Go to www.yourradiostore.com for great deals on over 300 items.

BargainBetty commented:

Proceeds of the Block Sale benefit education, so there's a bargain and a benefit. If bottom line is one's only goal, then by all means go for the absolute lowest prices.

Neverleft's Things to Think About: A Better Health Care Plan

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:11:28 PST

Compare the AMAC proposal with the two the oscama Administration and the progressives in Congress are trying to ram down our throats.

Published on February 7th, 2010

AMAC Updates Health Care Proposal Based on Member Feedback

by The Association of Mature American Citizens | Found in the Health, Popular Articles category

AMAC has revised its health care proposal based on the feedback and suggestions of its members

We’re listening, and we hear you loud and clear!

Because of the overwhelming response to the release of AMAC’s Health Care proposal and the many suggestions received, AMAC has removed the requirements that coverage would be mandated.

In the original proposal, coverage would have been required for individuals who have no coverage and for employee’s eligible for group coverage but were not in the plan. Under the revised proposal, both individuals and employees may elect to opt out of the offered coverage.

According to Dan Weber, president of AMAC,” The reason the coverage would have been mandated was to assure preexisting illnesses would not be excluded.”

He said, “It won’t work if people choose not to pay a premium and when they get sick, buy insurance-and then go to the Hospital and expect insurance to cover their bill. That would be unfair to those who were paying into the plan all along.”

The new proposal would allow a person to sign off agreeing that they are not going to be covered for injuries or illness that occurred prior to the purchase of the policy. A waiting period would be put in place before illness is covered and the rates paid by someone who opted out of joining the plan when eligible would be increased for a period of 10 years after they join the plan.

Weber said, “The final details would have to be worked out with the actuaries but we feel over 95% of those eligible would want to participate. If that happens, we have got a plan that is feasible.”

AMAC also announced that insurance coverage would be allowed to be purchased across state lines, pending the agreement of the various states. Tort reform would be expanded under the new proposal with Attorney’s fees being capped at 15% of any settlement payments.

Click on the chart below to take a look at a comparison between AMAC’s original plan, and the Senate and House bills. The chart does not yet reflect the changes to AMAC’s plan mentioned above.

Click on the chart to see a side-by-side comparison of the various healthcare proposals. Please note that the chart does not yet reflect any of the recent changes made to the AMAC plan.

Comments:
UncleToad commented:

Nice advertisment.

adampayne commented:

Certainly explains your hostility toward health care reform, Neverleft. If I were an insurance salesman I doubt that I would be much in favor of the reform packages. Good luck on closing some new insurance deals.

timmyg commented:

Obama invited the no-party to sit down and discuss some of there issues on health care later this month and they sat on there hands and said no , like they always do. i hope that 39 percent increase on premiums isn't the reform republicant's have in mind.

The Bakotopia Blogospheerie!: NEW VIDEO: Jim Ranger performs "Drive" on Bakotopia Radio!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:44:49 PST

AS HEARD ON BAKERSFIELD'S
ONLY LOCAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT SHOW!

BAKERSFIELD'S AMERICAN IDOL
JIM RANGER - PERFORMS LIVE!
(CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW TO SEE VIDEO)

WANT MORE?
(CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW TO SEE IN-STUDIO PIX)

: Wheres that good 'global warming' when you need it?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:40:36 PST

By BRETT ZONGKER, Associated Press Writer Brett Zongker, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 17 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Federal workers got a day off as the Mid-Atlantic region dug out Monday from as much as 3 feet of snow that left tens of thousands without power while making travel nearly impossible. And there's another storm brewing.

With more snow expected Tuesday into Wednesday — as much as a foot in some places — stranded travelers and the tens of thousands struggling with no electricity wondered when they would escape the icy, gray mess.

At Washington's Reagan National Airport, where flights had resumed after more than two days, people could count on one hand the number of planes that had actually taken off by noon. There were still more workers than travelers at airport counters, and most flights on departure screens said "canceled" or "delayed."

Joyce McCann of Washington arrived at 6 a.m. for a flight to Houston, a stop on the way to a Hawaiian vacation.

"Now they're saying tomorrow," she said. But she hadn't given up and was hoping to fly standby.

Delays and cancellations were also expected at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Dulles International Airport.

Federal agencies that employ 230,000 in Washington were closed, as were many local governments, businesses and school districts across the region.

The charming sight of cross-country skiers gliding down monument steps and people throwing snowballs had given way to images of people hunched over snow shovels or huddled next to fireplaces.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the region lost power during the storm, and utilities warned it could be days before electricity is restored to everyone.

The National Weather Service called the storm historic and reported a foot of snow in parts of Ohio and 2 feet or more in Washington, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Parts of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia got closer to 3 feet.

Forecasters expect highs in the low- to mid-30s for the next few days, and sunshine Monday should help melt some of the snow before more arrives Tuesday, said weather service meteorologist Bryan Jackson.

Weather service forecaster Bruce Sullivan said the next storm is expected to begin late Tuesday afternoon and go through midday Wednesday. Hardest hit could be central and northern Maryland, northern Delaware and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Eric Berry, a plow driver for Baltimore, said he worked 12-hour shifts Saturday and Sunday, with overanxious residents sometimes hindering his ability to clear secondary roads by digging out their cars and moving them into the path of his plow.

"They feel like they need to park in the street, so that when it's time to go, they can up and go," Berry said.

In Philadelphia, 28.5 inches of snow fell, just shy of the record 30.7 inches during a January 1996 blizzard. Snow totals were even higher to the west in Pennsylvania, with 31 inches recorded in Upper Strasburg and 30 inches in Somerset.

Authorities say most public transportation in Philadelphia has resumed. In Pittsburgh, bus service restarted but light-rail wasn't running. Washington's Metro trains were to be limited Monday to underground rails, and its buses were going to operate on a very limited basis.

Despite the snow, watching the Super Bowl was still a priority for many. Eric Teoh, 29, of Arlington, said he borrowed his neighbor's snow shovel and spent at least an hour getting his car out of the snow to head to the Crystal City Sports Pub in Arlington, Va.

"I was snowed in and I dug my car out today to come here," he said. "I couldn't go anywhere."

The frigid temperatures and snowy and icy streets did not deter runner Patrick Duffy, 23, from training for the Pittsburgh Marathon in May. He admitted was going slower than usual.

"I'm trying not to fall," Duffy said, his eyelashes frosted white. "I haven't fallen yet."

___

Comments:
antiextremism commented:

Well, everyone knows a snowstorm discounts the global warming science. You know, I got two birdies on the golf course last week. You think I should try for my PGA card?

If I were Obama, I'd start shoring up those levees, this time the right way.

learnem commented:

snow was in the mountains all around death valley yesterday

tonyh commented:

" Wheres that good 'global warming' when you need it?"

Boy, THAT's one heck-of-a-question. I'm snowed in right now. This is the second time in 3 weeks, and it NEVER happens like this around here. Once every 7 to 10 years we'll have an ice storm, but not several inches of snow that sticks. This has been the coldest winter that I can remember here. I'm just north of Memphis and the frost line is usually less than an inch deep. This winter, the ground has been freezing 6 inches deep.

.......................so much for global warming around here......

FloridaStateGrad commented:

The term "Global Warming" doesn't necessarily mean that giant snow storms will become a thing of the past. In fact, quite the opposite. Some theories even suggest that man-made Global Warming could lead to an early ice age.

paddyofurniture commented:

Some theories even suggest that man-made Global Warming couldlead to an early ice age.

And I am sure the scientists that espouse these theories will come up with data to support it.....or stumble upon some high school science project with a similar twist.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

paddy - study up on your history and you'll notice that North America and Europe endured much harsher winters on a more frequent basis prior to the industrial revolution.

Normally, the earth's regular up and down cycles of periods of warming take a far greater amount of time to see such drastic changes.

BfieldBob commented:

While the mid-Atlantic gets dumped with snow, Tibet suffers:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/05/tibet-warming-china

But don't let those facts get in your way. They usually never do.

tonyh commented:

"Some theories even suggest that man-made Global Warming could lead to an early ice age."

Wouldn't that be called...................wait for it.............................Global Cooling???

The term "Global Warming".....................Hmmmmm. I'm pretty fluent in English. I'd think that the word "Global" means "All over our entire globe, or planet." I'd also think that the word "Warming" means "Increasing in temperature". So, is it wrong to interpret the term "Global Warming" as "Getting Warmer everywhere on earth"? Last time I checked, I lived on Earth.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

tonyh - your comments only confirm my suspicion that you've never actually studied the theories of global warming, but instead, reject them before first hearing what they are.

The theory regarding global warming leading to an early ice age has to do with the gulf stream. Those of us who've ever lived in Florida are normally very interested in how the gulf stream operates, since it normally directly affects the potential frequency and intensity of Hurricanes. Anyway, the theory states that if the ice cap at the North Pole were to melt at a fast enough rate, it would wind up shutting down the gulf stream (which is what keeps N. America and Europe warm). There are a number of potential scenarios - everything from an extreme ice age over much of the planet, to other alterations of weather patterns worldwide - creating ice ages in certain areas, drought in others, and yet other weather issues elsewhere.

Our weather is affected by many different variables - and even slight modifications to one of these variables can throw everything off keel.

In fact, there's another belief held by scientists, not having anything to do with the Global Warming theory, that one day the moon will no longer be in orbit around the earth (the moon is slowly inching outward each year.. but it'll take a very long time for it to leave our influence), and it is the current reality that we do have a moon that keeps the earth balanced enough for equilibrium in worldwide climate.

Charlie4 commented:

"study up on your history and you'll notice that North America and Europe endured much harsher winters on a more frequent basis prior to the industrial revolution."

And if you go back even further you will find that in Roman times Europe and Britian were much dryer and warmer. The Romans grew large wheat crops on the Salisbury Plain.

"Normally, the earth's regular up and down cycles of periods of warming take a far greater amount of time to see such drastic changes."

Define normal. That the earth regularly warms and cools is a fact. Man has little or nothing to do with it.

tonyh commented:

There's more to keeping North America warm than just the gulf stream. What do you think provides the Western coast with it's wonderful weather? Why do you think the ocean along the west coast is actually warmer in the winter?

There are Lots of currents moving heat around in the ocean, not just the gulf stream. They're all effected by different things too. Broaden your scope just a bit.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

And if you go back even further you will find that in Roman times Europe and Britian were much dryer and warmer. The Romans grew large wheat crops on the Salisbury Plain.

That's partially true, depending on which portion of the Roman era you are referring to.

Define normal. That the earth regularly warms and cools is a fact. Man has little or nothing to do with it.

I never said that the earth didn't regularly warm and cool - what I was getting at is that there have been more drastic changes over a relatively short period of time which happens to coincide with the industrial revolution. I am not a scientist, so I do not have the capacity to honestly say whether or not this is due to a combination of normal climactic changes and man made changes or not, however, I am willing to note the coincidence and the information that we do have. I also am willing to note the actual adverse affects overall to the environment that we have seen, from region to region, depending on what man has done - from deforestation to air pollution.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

There are Lots of currents moving heat around in the ocean, not just the gulf stream. They're all effected by different things too. Broaden your scope just a bit.

You are correct - the gulf steam has more of an impact on Europe than North America, but my scope is most definitely broadened because regardless of how many different factors keep different parts of the world in climactic "check" so to speak, the reality is that altering just one portion can have a domino effect elsewhere. El Niño is a great example of a shift in a specific weather pattern that has far reaching affects (both great and small) over much, if not the entire world.

catpaw commented:

It's not unusual for the lower 48 to have lower winter temps than Anchorage. When it gets as far south as Georgia, then I'd say we're having a severe winter. Great Britain and Germany were at a virtual standstill during the harshest winter storms. If it wasn't an ice age, it must have felt like one to them. I gotta admit, such a severe winter does make "global warming" seem like a misnomer.

For all of that, the earth is getting warmer. CO2 is still increasing and I expect the warmer ocean temps and thawing tundra that is releasing frozen methane will be the next concern. Just how much of an impact released methane will have on the atmosphere remains to be seen. But it does contribute to global warming.

Incidental, China has replaced the US as the largest polluter. India is on its way to coming in second, if it hasn't already. We have reduced our greenhouse gases significantly even though there is still room for more effective measures.

learnem commented:

hmmmmm propose a theory, then manipulate your data around it

yep seems logical

antiextremism commented:

Europe may freeze over if the globe warms. This is climate and ocean currents, not weather by Miles Musio.

Global warming will also simultaneously cause drought and flooding. Boy that's really messing with your heads now isn't it?

Don't worry, it'll be your grandkids that have to deal with it. Humans can't influence the climate. Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

NancyII commented:

That's a cool pic Anti. (no pun intended)

siouxcityranch commented:

Ill bet they were liberals nancy..how bout chu??

NancyII commented:

You read my mind Sioux. :-)

paddyofurniture commented:

An Obama Cabinet meeting...

Breaking News: Arrest in southwest Bakersfield homicide

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:20:06 PST

from the Bakersfield Police Department:

There has been one arrest thus far in the Whitegate homicide. Detectives arrested Blayne Allen Clifford 19, last night. He was booked into the Kern County Jail early this morning. Detectives are still looking for an additional suspect whom was armed with a bat as well as determining other possible suspects' involvement.

Comments:
FloridaStateGrad commented:

This story made me sick to my stomach when I heard it this morning.

pamg commented:

Undoubtedly, the one coward who was caught, will rat out his friends and eventually, they'll all be in jail. Good job BPD!

Roysan commented:

19 year old killer? WTF is happening in our town :-(

tonyh commented:

BPD knows this guy..............

hotandfoggy commented:

Blayne Clifford has no bail and is facing first degree murder charges.

http://www.kernsheriff.com/misc/inmatesearch/Pages/default.aspx

WTFJOE commented:

Yeah Good JOB BPD, keep those gang bangers behind bars. That is just so pathetic that those punks had to take someons life because theirs are not worth a dime. I sure hope they get LIFE in Prison as they took a life.

afailingsystem commented:

Well lets see, Mr. Clifford was arrested last September for carrying a dirk/dagger in public and disorderly conduct (drunk). Of course the weapons charge was dismissed in the "furtherance of justice" so he got off with a slap on the wrist. I would challenge EVERYONE who reads this to question via phone call or letter the district attorneys office and inquire as to WHY nearly EVERY case that has multiple charges are always having charges dismissed in the "furtherance of justice". They will give you some b.s. answer!! Pin them down and ASK THEM TO PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW IT "FURTHERED JUSTICE"!!!! I am not speaking of just this case but all cases. If this guy is the one that committed this MURDER....I can only wait until his YOUNG body gets to prison where he can fight all he wants and his YOUNG BODY will be THOROUGHLY appreciated!! This type of crime truly makes me ILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jfrancais commented:

WHY nearly EVERY case that has multiple charges are always having charges dismissed in the "furtherance of justice".

Part of a plea bargain, maybe?

CheckMate commented:

afailingsystem, by your post, you have clearly shown you have no clue how the criminal justice works! (And I'm not going to waste my time trying to explain it to you).

midterm2 commented:

Checkmate: Three sets of charges from three different arrests were dismissed "in the furtherence of justice". Possession of controlled substance for sale, unlawful possession of a firearm, battery with serious bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon or by means likely to produce great bodily injury. Dismissed! Why? Diversion for the drugs? Give him a break on the firearm charge? Witness afraid to come to court on the battery? Go ahead and waste some time and explain to us how the criminal justice system works.

afailingsystem commented:

Checkmate....I am afraid I do have a great understanding of the criminal justice system as I spent 13 years apparently sending them to you to prosecute or defend. So yeah, I know EXACTLY how it works (doesn't)!!! BTW it is "furtherance of justice" and not "in the interest of justice" as you state. Look at a docket sometime.

CheckMate commented:

afailingsystem, you have 13 years of experience in the criminal justice system? Wow, I had no idea I was talking to such an expert.

Please forgive me.

brigham commented:

It sounds to me like BPD has once again manipulated the truth to what they want to believe happened. Are they not smart enough to see that Pat had no witnesses present when this thing started. How can they come to their conclusions and feel honest at the end of the day. Surely they are not that stupid that they would think these tweakers are telling the whole truth. We should probably reserve our opinions on this whole incedent untill after the trial in 3 years. BPD your all incompetent fags.

The Grade: School budget cuts begin

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:59:11 PST

The cuts have begun.

In case you missed it in this weekend's Californian, Bakersfield City School District next year will stop using money from its general fund to pay for counselors, librarians and vice principals, among other positions, and instead leave those staffing decisions to individual campuses.

The change could result in the layoffs of as many as 60 probationary teachers and dozens of administrators and other staff.

The decision to leave it up to individual school site councils to fund those positions was relayed to principals earlier this week, officials said. The district said it must cut roughly $5.5 million from its budget next year.

The planned cuts came after the district was able to hold off on layoffs the last few years, and instead relied on considerable reserve funds to help carry the district through state budgeting woes. BCSD, the largest elementary school district in the state, will not be able to avoid cuts this time around, said Steve Gabbitas, district spokesman.

From the sound of it, this is just the beginning for school cuts. Budget outlooks are being described by local school leaders as some of the worst in recent years.

Several districts in the coming weeks will begin meeting in work sessions to figure out how much, and what, needs to be cut. Pink slip notices must be sent out by mid-March.

Thoughts?

Comments:
drawbridge commented:

Budget cuts have been inevitable for a long time. Which cuts are made, however, is a critical issue. For example, hundreds of teachers are sent each summer for redundant, repetitive State-mandated (SB472) training and paid $1000.00 on each occasion for the effort. While we can surely use the cash, our time is valuable to us as well. Most teachers will gladly relinquish such training, which in turn would relieve unnecessary spending by the State. Please cut unnecessarily repetitive training before you cut teachers.

dlollar67 commented:

A student, and a teacher. We don't really need anything else. But we need the teacher. Cut the rest, not them. Literally.

w8nc commented:

Whenever school budgets are decreased, the first plan up every single time, without fail, is cut teachers! Must be a no-brainer decision.

Why not be creative in dealing with cuts for once and save the jobs of the people who work with the kids? Cut all administrative car allowances -there's funds for a couple of teachers. Cut school board perks - there's a teacher or two. No travel or conferences for district employees - more jobs saved. Combine geographically close elementary schools and assign one principal to both, the staff at many of the schools run the schools anyway - saved a bunch of teaching jobs!

I'm sure bloggers out there have lots of other money saving ideas that don't involve cutting teachers. Let's hear them.

witbee commented:

In my district, we have cut tutorials, workshops, security staff, field trips, bus routes, support staff, administrative positions and more. We did not fill all positions teachers left (retired or not re-hired) this year. Classroom populations hover between 35-40. My salary has not been cut, yet, but every extra job I did has been. We don't have classroom "helpers" and I don't see how we can cut any office staff considering the mountains of paperwork we have to complete every day.

Now the state says we will receive $1,000,000 less this year than we were told. Where else is left to cut? Salaries. First we cut the administrative salaries, then the teacher salaries. It hasn't been suggested yet, but it is coming, I'm sure. What really stinks is that all the previous cuts have made our jobs that much harder and now we will have to do it for less money.

Oh well, that's why I have night jobs.

RESPECTS TO FAMILY: FROM OMAHA W LOVE

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:27:39 PST

FIRST AND FORMOST I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR PULLING TOGETHER ON THE TRAGEDY OF MRS MAXWELL. KNOW FOR ALL OF YOU OUT THERE THAT WANT TO NIT PICK ON THESE PEOPLE FOR SPEAKING THEIR MINDS ABOUT THE SITUATION THAT LIES AHEAD FOR THIS FIREMAN, LETS JUST ALL REMEMBER THAT HE WILL HAVE TO LIVE DAY IN AND DAY OUT WITH THE SCARES THAT WILL CAUSE HIM TO REMEBER WHAT HE DID ON THAT NIGHT. WE SHOULD FEEL SORRY FOR HIS FAMILY NOT HIM!! HE MADE THAT CHOICE AND NOW HE WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THAT THE REST OF HIS LIFE!! MICHELLE WAS A VERY WONDERFUL AUNT,SISTER,DAUGHTER AND MOTHER AND WE NEED NOT FORGET THAT EVER!! PLEASE RESPECT MY FAMILY IN THIS VERY TRYING TIME AND LET US MORN THE SORROW OF OUR LOVED ONE! SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. LOVE,MISS, AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER U. OLDEST NIECE.

Dr BLT's Blog n Roll Studio : Please pray for Homer Joy's health

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:14:32 PST

Please pray for Homer Joy, a dear friend of mine who wrote Buck Owens
and Dwight Yoakam's big hit, STREETS OF BAKERSFIELD. Several years
ago, Homer received a heart transplant and he was doing very well for
quite some time after that. Homer's new heart was severely damaged. He will be undergoing tests at UCLA shortly to learn if he is a good candidate for a second heart
transplant.

Comments:
Ray_Harwick commented:

I'll hold some good thoughts for Homer. It's kind of you to share this, BLT. Thank you.

bye1962 commented:

oh Homer. i hope you feel better soon.

randomfactor commented:

Transplants are a rough road sometime. Hoping he's a good candidate for another.

sagefever commented:

Best thoughts~ thanks for letting us know.

blognroll commented:

Thanks, all of you. I'll let Homer know of your support. He'll really appreciate it!

Breaking News: House fire in Shafter causes $125,000 damage

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:48:29 PST

Shafter Ca.- Sunday February 7th 2010 at approximately 4:53p.m. a call was
received by the Kern County Fire Department for a house fire in the 400
block of Beech avenue in east Shafter.

Upon arrival fire crews were faced
with a two story new construction structure that was attached to a home, the
two story structure was 100% involved in smoke and fire. Firefighters
focused on the two story structure and were able to keep the fire from
spreading to the home.

It took 18 Firefighters 34 minutes to knock down the
fire and shortly afterwards call for an all clear on the front house. It was
later determined that the occupants of the house were not home at the time
of the fire. Total dollar loss was estimated at $125,000 and total saved was
estimated at $150,000. There were no injuries reported on this incident and
fire cause is under investigation.

Comments:
will9516 commented:

To my knowledge, there was nothing new about this home. The city has wanted it torn down for years. As you can see in my picture, it spread to everything but the pink playhouse.

tonyh commented:

Where is this house? What's the nearest cross street?

tonyh commented:

This is Dr. Revelle's old house.

roadragecbrf3 commented:

I didn't realize they actually had homes work that much money in Shafter??

paddyofurniture commented:

I didn't realize they actually had homes work that much money in Shafter??

The drug making paraphernalia and inventory in the homes drives up the value..

Breaking News: Inmate walks away from minimum security facility

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:45:35 PST

Taft, California. – February 8, 2009 – On February 7, 2010, at 10:00 PM, while conducting the official count, staff at the Taft Correctional Institution discovered one inmate was missing from the Institution’s Satellite Camp facility. The Satellite Camp is a minimum-security facility that houses approximately 550 federal inmates. There is no security fence around the facility, which is common for a minimum-security facility within the federal prison system. Minimum security is the lowest security level in the federal prison system.

Taft Correctional Institution immediately contacted all appropriate law enforcement agencies including the Taft Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Maricopa Police Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and United States Marshals Service.

Omar Paniagua Zaragosa, Register Number 56365-019, was sentenced on June 21, 2005, in the Northern District of Georgia, to 180 months in federal custody for Conspiracy To Distribute At Least 5 Kilograms of Cocaine and Possessing A Firearm During A Drug Trafficking Crime. He arrived at the Taft Correctional Institution Satellite Camp on January 14, 2009, as a lesser security transfer from the Federal Correctional Institution in Yazoo, Missouri. His projected release date was November 8, 2017.

Inmate Omar Paniagua Zaragoza, a 33-year-old white male was born in Delano, California on May 7, 1972. He is 5’11” tall, and weighs approximately 200 lbs. He has black hair, and brown eyes, and a scar on his left shin. He has used the following aliases: Omar Zaragoza, Omar Paniagua, and Omar Paniagua-Zaragoza. His home address is listed as 2310 Glenwood Street, Delano, CA 93215. Prior to incarceration he was self-employed as a dishwasher and prep cook.

If anyone suspects they have seen this individual or obtains information as to his location, please contact the Taft Correctional Institution at 661-763-2510, or any law enforcement agency.

Comments:
hennessee4me commented:

Seems as though some correction should be made. If he was born in 1972, he is not 33...maybe he was when he was sentenced in 2005. He also does not appear to be white (in ethnicity anyway).

randomfactor commented:

This guy's middle name is "Paniaqua?" No wonder he was in prison.

Like naming a little girl Bambi and expecting her not to at least consider a job as a stripper.

proam commented:

He'd be 37 yr's old, and I'd say no way this guy could be considered white. He might have a white Mother, but he doesn't qualify. If your going to keep your eye open for him, you might look for a bit older guy than it says, and I'd be keeping my eye on Hispanics.

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Is it just me, or is it standard practice for at least one inmate every 6 months or so to escape from this specific facility?

I never understood the concept of "minimum security" prisons.. if you're going to lock someone up, shouldn't we at least make it a little bit difficult for an inmate to bolt?

jfrancais commented:

They better find him! He's hurting Wackenhut's shares on the stock market.

pogo commented:

That's where they kept Tommy Chong.

jfrancais commented:

And my cousin, AT. We used to cook food and have one of the guards smuggle it in.

learnem commented:

no worries...he's just the test case to see how the public reacts...pretty soon there will be thousands

Breaking News: Homicide in Taft, but no arrests of people with him

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:41:19 PST

On Sunday, at approximately 1642 hours, deputies from the Taft substation were dispatched to a victim of a shooting at 216 Jefferson St., in Taft. Deputies arrived and found a 46 year old white male suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. The victim was transported to KMC where he eventuallly died as a result of his injuries.

Homicide detectives were notified about the incident and began an investigation into the shooting. There were two other adults at the residence, as well as two children, at the time of the shooting. Detectives obtained statements from these individuals who are all cooperating with the investigation. They have been released.

There are no suspects at this time, and the firearm that was used in the shooting has been recovered. The investigation is continuing.

Coroner release

DECEDENT'S NAME: James Lawrence Cash          CASE #: C00217-10
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Taft          AGE: 46 yrs.
TYPE OF CASE: Suspicious Death
DATE OF INCIDENT: 02/07/2010          TIME: 1642 hrs.
LOCATION: 216 Jefferson Street, taft, CA
DATE OF DEATH: 02/07/2010         TIME: 1859 hrs
PLACE OF DEATH: Kern Medical Center Emergency Room
INVESTIGATING AGENCY: Kern County Sheriff's Office Homicide

Details: This decedent sustained a gunshot wound under circumstances that were considered suspicious at the time of this news release. The Kern County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detail is conducting an investigation into the shooting incident.

Breaking News: Arrest log for February 7

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:37:17 PST

Not sure what crimes these folks were arrested for? Check out our list below or click on the link below.

ADRIAN    TANGUMA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    H    7/2/10    PC    243(E)(1        KCS    NONE

JOSE    ORTIZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    H    7/2/10    VC    12500(A)VC    23152(A)    KCS    FIELD WORKER

MARCOS    QUINTERO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93301    H    7/2/10    CC    R 14.575 PC    166.4   VC 40508(B)    KCS    LABORER

SALVADOR    RAYA    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    7/2/10    PC    273.5(A)PC    236    KCS    LABORER

FERNANDO    ROMERO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS    WATER HELPER

SILVANO    RAMIREZ    M    LAMONT    CA    93241    H    7/2/10    HS    11377(A)PC    647(F)    KCS

SILVANO    RAMIREZ    M    LAMONT    CA    93241    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

JESUS    RAMIREZ    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS    LABORER

JOEL    RODRIGUEZ    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    6/2/10    PC    245(A)(2PC    12021(C)    KCS    FIELD LABORER

GREGORIO    RANGEL    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    647(F)    KCS

NICHOLAS    WHITE    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    W    7/2/10    PC    12020(A)PC    12020(A)    KCS    DISABLED

CASSIDY    ROMINE    M    LAMONT    CA    93307    W    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS    LABORER

FREDDIE    BRYANT    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    PC    243(E)(1PC    136.1(B)    KCS

ORLANDO    MEDINA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    7/2/10    HS    11377(A)HS    11364   HS 11357(B)HS 11550(A)VC 21201(D)    KCS

ORLANDO    MEDINA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    7/2/10    PC    3056        KCS

ROBERT    SKAGGS    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS

ROBERT    SKAGGS    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    CO    8.28.050PC    422    KCS

ROBERT    SKAGGS    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    PC    602(M) VC    10852    KCS

TAD    GLASS    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    W    7/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS    LABORER

JUAN    MARTINEZ-PER    EZ   M    RIDGECREST    CA    93555    H    7/2/10    PC    148.9(A)        KCS    CAR WASHER

JUAN    MARTINEZ-PER    EZ   M    RIDGECREST    CA    93555    H    7/2/10    VC    23152(A)VC    23152(B)VC 40508(A)    KCS    CAR WASHER

JUAN    MARTINEZ-PER    EZ   M    RIDGECREST    CA    93555    H    7/2/10    VC    12500(A)VC    22349(A)VC 40508(A)    KCS    CAR WASHER

JUAN    MARTINEZ-PER    EZ   M    RIDGECREST    CA    93555    H    7/2/10    PC    459        KCS    CAR WASHER

NORBERTO    ARGUELLO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    PC    273.6(A)PC    647(F)    KCS    LABOR

NORBERTO    ARGUELLO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    243(E)(1    KCS    LABOR

ANTONIO    ACOSTA    M    DELANO    CA    93215    H    7/2/10    PC    496(A) PC    182(A)(1PC 487(A)    KCS

NICHOLAS    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    PC    496(A) PC    182(A)(1PC 487(A)    KCS    LABORER

NICHOLAS    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    HS    11377(A)HS    11364(A)    KCS    LABORER

NICHOLAS    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    PC    273.5(A)PC    FTA    KCS    LABORER

NICHOLAS    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    PC    273A(A) HS    11351   PC FTA    KCS    LABORER

EZEQUIL    PADILLA    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    HS    11364        KCS    CONSTRUCTION

EZEQUIL    PADILLA    M    SHAFTER    CA        H    7/2/10    HS    11377(A)        KCS    CONSTRUCTION

JOSE    SALDIVAR    M    SHAFTER    CA    92363    H    7/2/10    PC    496(A) PC    182(A)(1PC 487(A)    KCS    LABORER

ROSALIO    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA    93263    H    7/2/10    PC    496(A) VC    14601(A)    KCS    TIRE TECH

ROSALIO    MARTINEZ    M    SHAFTER    CA    93263    H    7/2/10    VC    14601.1(VC    16028(A)VC 22450(A)VC 40508(A)    KCS    TIRE TECH

WILLIAM    HOLMES    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS

TILISA    THOMAS    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    B    7/2/10    HS    11351.5 HS    11352    KCS    LABOR

CHRISTOPH    ERGOULDING    M    LAKE ISABELLA    CA    93240    W    7/2/10    PC    591     PC    236     PC 236    KCS

BRIDGET    HARKEY    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93308    W    7/2/10    PC    647(F) VC    14600(A)    KCS    LABORER

JOSE    ZAVALA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    PC    148(A)(1PC    647(F)    KCS    LABORER

JOSE    ZAVALA    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    H    7/2/10    PC    372     PC    647(F)    KCS    LABORER

BRIAN    HULSEY    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93306    B    7/2/10    PC    166.4        KCS    LABORER

RYAN    ROBERTS    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    W    8/2/10    PC    853.8   PC    484(A)    KCS    LABORER

TINYAMOR    TAPORCO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA        H    7/2/10    HS    11550(A)        KCS    LABORER

JOSE    VARGAS-FLORE    S    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93307    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS    LABORER

SHANNON    PALMER    F    LAKE ISABELLA    CA    93240    W    7/2/10    PC    273A(A) HS    11379   HS 11550(A)VC 5200(A)    KCS

MICHAEL    CHAISSON    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    W    7/2/10    HS    11379(A)HS    11370.1(HS 11378   HS 11377(A)HS 11550(E)HS 11364   PC 12    025(A)PC 12031(A)                      KCS    FRONT RECEPTIONI

MISTY    FLORES    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93304    H    7/2/10    VC    14601.1(VC    26710    KCS    CHILD CARE

DAVID    ROMERO    M    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93309    H    8/2/10    FG    5652    PC    166.4    KCS    WELDER

FELIX    BECERRA    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    7/2/10    PC    273.5(A)        KCS    LABORER

EFREN    GARCIA    M    WASCO    CA    93280    H    7/2/10    PC    647(F)        KCS    LABORER

YAHAIRA    GONZALEZ    F    BAKERSFIELD    CA    93305    W    7/2/10    PC    246.3(A)PC    12025(B)    KCS    LABORER

NATHAN    HAYES    M    TEHACHAPI    CA    93561    W    7/2/10    PC    273.5(A)        KCS    LABORER

Click here to see the full penal code or check the list below for some of the more well-known crimes.

Health and Safety Code
• 11350 to 11379 possession or sales of drugs
• 11364 drug paraphernalia

Vehicle Code
• 12500 driving without a license
• 14601 driving on a suspended or revoked license
• 16028 c driving without insurance
• 10851 vehicle theft
* 23152 drunken driving

The Cheap Geezer: This 'Help' Can Hurt!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:32:11 PST

I received a “love note” the other day from my credit card company. I am one of those people who pay off the balance every month. So I don’t expect much from this company. I received a 24-page booklet (small type) that began: “These are beneficial changes that should help you better manage your money and, depending on how you use your account, may have a positive financial impact on your account.”

At least they wrote “may”. They aren’t promising anything. And why is my reflex to grab my wallet when a credit card company offers to “help” me?

That’s because the law Congress passed last May to “protect” us from abusive credit card company practices – including spiking rates for no reason, sending out bills so customers are bound to be late in their payments and penalized, etc. – goes into effect on Feb. 22.

Meanwhile credit card companies, fearing they stand to lose tons of money, are falling over themselves trying to score their little tricks on customers before the Feb. 22 date. No matter how painful, I guess we have to read all the fine print. But then what? So we don’t agree, what are we going to do about it?

It’s like the agree thing we have to click when we download software or do other stuff online. You either agree or don’t agree. Don’t agree and you don’t get the product. Don’t agree with your credit card terms and you don’t get the credit card. SOME PROTECTION!

Comments:
Cheapgeezer commented:

I wonder if Congress can get these guys to roll back their tricks that squeaked through before the Feb. 22 date.

Neverleft commented:

I also pay off my Credit cards every month. I received my monthly bill from one of my cards and discovered that they are now charging interest before the month is over. They were promply canceled.

randomfactor commented:

I wonder if Congress can get these guys to roll back their tricks that squeaked through before the Feb. 22 date.

Now that the bill collectors got Scott Brown elected...probably not.

The Grade: Academic Decathlon weekend results

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:17:13 PST

KERN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS NEWS RELEASE
February 6, 2010

Bakersfield High 2010 Kern County Academic Decathlon Champion

Bakersfield High School (BHS) received the Claude W. Richardson perpetual trophy as the overall team winner of the 30th annual Kern County Academic Decathlon held (today) Feb. 6 on the BHS campus. Approximately 200 students from 23 high schools participated. The theme for the event nationwide was AThe French Revolution.
Bakersfield High outscored Stockdale High, which finished second and third place finisher Arvin High.

In one of the closest finishes in recent Decathlon history, BHS ended Stockdale’s run of four consecutive championships and will represent Kern County in the California Academic Decathlon scheduled for March 12-15 in Sacramento. The state winner advances to the national finals April 21-24 in Omaha, NE.

Other schools placing in the overall top 10 were: Cesar Chavez High fourth, Wasco High — fifth, Frontier High sixth, Garces Memorial High seventh, West High eighth, Foothill High ninth and Shafter High tenth.

Each school=s team consisted of a maximum of nine students: three AA (honor), three AB (scholastic) and three AC (varsity) entrants. They competed against other students in the same divisions. The team compiling the most points captured first place. Individual medals were also awarded to first, second and third place finishers in each category and division.

The Academic Decathlon is made up of 10 events, including Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Speech and Super Quiz (written and oral).

Cesar Chavez High earned the Milo E. Hall Super Quiz Trophy, a non-scoring award that goes to the winner of the oral relay portion of the Super Quiz. Super Quiz consists of a written test and an oral relay where students must answer a series of timed questions based on the topic, “The French Revolution,” in a kind of quiz show format. Teammates, family and friends cheered every time the numbers were flipped over to reveal who was leading. In overall Super Quiz, where the team score counts, Stockdale High placed first, Bakersfield High second and Cesar Chavez High third.
The following are the final individual results.

OVERALL STUDENT WINNERS
Student School Division
1st: Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors; Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale, Scholastic; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
2nd: Vivek Nair, Stockdale, Honors; Clare Lin, Stockdale, Scholastic; Anders Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
3rd: Enoch Chang, Bakersfield, Honors; Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Nicole Johnson, Bakersfield, Varsity

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT CATEGORY WINNERS:

Language and Literature
1st: Enoch Chang, Bakersfield, Honors; Christopher Barclay, Frontier, Scholastic; Alison Pope, Frontier, Varsity
2nd: Steven Barker, Cesar Chavez, Scholastic; Lauren Wright, Stockdale, Honors; Anders Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
3rd: Bernard Jee, Stockdale, Honors; Janelle Miranda, Cesar Chavez and Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity

Music
1st: Steven Barker, Cesar Chavez, Scholastic; Vivek Nair, Stockdale, Honors; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
2nd: Enoch Chang, Bakersfield, Honors; Howard Wang, Bakersfield and Daniel Sanchez, Wasco, Scholastic; Frank Clemente, Arvin, Stephanie Melancon, Stockdale and Nicholas Haley, Stockdale, Varsity
3rd: Lauren Wright, Stockdale and Bernard Jee, Stockdale, Honors; Nathan Haberkern, Stockdale, Scholastic; Christopher DeLaMater, Cesar Chavez and Victor Valle, Wasco, Varsity

Science
1st: Brian Lee, Garces Memorial, Honors; Clare Lin, Stockdale, Scholastic; Rafael Rodriguez, Arvin and Sara Witt, West, Varsity
2nd: Vivek Nair, Stockdale, Honors; Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Nicole Johnson, Bakersfield, Varsity
3rd: Charles Glavin, Frontier, Honors; Christopher Barclay, Frontier, Scholastic; Stephanie Melancon, Stockdale and Charles Grove, West, Varsity

Art
1st C Vivek Nair, Stockdale and Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors; Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Stephanie Melancon, Stockdale, Anders Eagleson, Bakersfield and Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
2nd C Luis Hernandez, Arvin and Lauren Wright, Stockdale, Honors; Steven Barker, Cesar Chavez and Edith Becerra, Wasco, Scholastic; Victor Valle, Wasco, Varsity
3rd C Blaine Mustoe, Arvin, Honors; Janelle Miranda, Cesar Chavez and Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale, Scholastic; Ana Santos, Arvin and Sara Witt, West, Varsity

Mathematics
1st: Brian Lee, Garces Memorial and Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors; Christopher Barclay, Frontier, Scholastic; Anders Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
2nd: Rocely Mati, Cesar Chavez, Honors; Dominic Romualdo, West, Scholastic; Nicholas Haley, Stockdale, Varsity
3rd: Samantha Spellman, California City, Charles Glavin, Frontier, Enoch Chang, Bakersfield, Scott Onsum, Bakersfield and Moises Martinez, Wasco, Miguel Garcia, Mira Monte, Honors; Janelle Miranda, Cesar Chavez, Clare Lin, Stockdale and Nathan Haberkern, Stockdale, Scholastic; Alison Pope, Frontier, Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Andrea Anderson, Wasco, Andrew Cruz-Oropeza, Independence and Sara Witt, West, Varsity

Economics
1st: Vivek Nair, Stockdale, Honors; Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale and Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Victor Valle, Wasco, Varsity
2nd: Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors; Clare Lin, Stockdale, Scholastic; Matthew Evans, Garces Memorial, Varsity
3rd: Blaine Mustoe, Arvin and Luis Hernandez, Arvin, Honors; Chase Reed, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Anders Eagleson, Bakersfield, Nicole Johnson, Bakersfield and Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity

Essay
1st C Vivek Nair, Stockdale, Honors; Clare Lin, Stockdale, Scholastic; Joseph Williams, Frontier, Varsity
2nd C Prnay Chopra, Bakersfield Christian, Honors; Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale, Scholastic; Sara Witt, West, Varsity
3rd C Scott Onsum, Bakersfield, Honors; Wesley Elrich, Bakersfield, Scholastic; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity

Speech
1st: Diego Viramontes, Cesar Chavez, Honors; Nicholas Haley, Stockdale and Nicole Johnson, Bakersfield, Varsity; Richelbert Gaas, Cesar Chavez, Scholastic
2nd: Trevor Rhodes, Frontier and Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors; Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale, Scholastic; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity
3rd: Moises Martinez, Wasco, Honors; Sarah Lanuza, Bakersfield Christian, Scholastic; Ana Santos, Arvin, Varsity

Interview
1st: Feliza Martinez, Arvin, Scholastic; Audrey Eagleson, Bakersfield, Varsity; Grant Paulson, Bakersfield, Honors
2nd: Prnay Chopra, Bakersfield Christian, Honors; Ana Santos, Arvin, Varsity; Sarah Lanuza, Bakersfield Christian, Scholastic
3rd: Nicholas Haley, Stockdale, Varsity; Moises Martinez, Wasco, Honors; Mary Cervantes, Garces Memorial, Scholastic

Super Quiz
1st — Lauren Wright, Stockdale, Honors; Steven Barker, Cesar Chavez, Scholastic; Christopher DeLaMater, Cesar Chavez, Varsity
2nd — Luis Hernandez, Arvin, Honors; Ryan McNaboe, Stockdale, Scholastic; Stephanie Melancon, Stockdale and Nicole Johnson, Bakersfield, Varsity
3rd — Blaine Mustoe, Arvin, Honors; Janelle Miranda, Cesar Chavez, Scholastic; Victor Valle, Wasco, Varsity

Academic Decathlon is co-sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and Kern County Academic Decathlon Association.

Bakosphere: East Hills Mall has "everything stacked against it"

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:15:23 PST

Ran across an interesting post about East Hills Mall on a blog called Labelscar that's dedicated to documenting failed retail businesses with a focus on shopping malls.

Labelscar -- the name comes from the mark left on a building after signage has been removed -- calls East Hills Mall "one of the most threatened malls in California. It doesn't take a genius to see why this place is having a hard time, because it has practically everything stacked against it".

The post then runs through some bullet points highlighting the negatives, then follows with an interesting take of our roots and current sociological "challenges", and examinations of the mall architecture and presumed retail mix.

While not entirely accurate, the blogger -- who goes only by "Caldor" -- at least asks "Bakersvillians" for help in filling in blanks. Nearly a dozen interesting comments attempt to do just that.

All in all, an interesting take from the perspective of a knowledgeable outsider.

Comments:
dlollar67 commented:

That's a whole lot of real estate sitting there lik a black hole, not helping our economy. I'm curious what will eventually happen with it all, and also why none of the Northeast country club folks (it looks like Bel Air up there) aren't investing in re-building the mall in their own community. Sad.

savvydude commented:

The biggest villain in the East Hills debacle is Gottschalks. Also to blame is the Brock's family, who sold out to Gottschalks. And what they left us is the saddest, sickest and most infuriating situation ever.

- Brock's, at it's heights, had three vibrant stores - one at Valley Plaza, one at East Hills mall and their iconic store in downtown Bakersfield. One could easily compare Brock's to Nordstrom's, in that they were upscale, committed to outstanding customer service and supportive of community events. But Gottschalk's came knocking and Brock's answered the door, and Brock's was forever gone. After the purchase, Gottchalk's closed the downtownBakersfield store, eliminating the only full-service department store in the downtown region.

- After Brock's sold out, the only upscale department store left was Harris, located at the East Hills mall. But then Gottschalk's came knocking at Harris' door, too - and, sadly, they answered and sold their small chain to the Gottschalk's cabal. Soon thereafter, there were two Gottschalk's stores at East Hills, which was a weird, convoluted set-up. But with the demise of Brock's and Harris the result was no upscale shopping experience for the Bakersfield market. If you wanted nice things, you were forced to drive to L. A. or order off the Internet,. Gottschalk's eventually went out of business, and Bakersfield was far worse off.

What's left? East Hills is a ghost town, the original Brock's store downtown is a sad reminder of better days and millions of dollars that should be spent in Bakersfield end up over the ridge in Los Angeles or at capable retailers online. The local tax base that provides for city services and upgrades has taken a major hit.

The shoppers deserve better, and the management of Gottschalks should be symbolically tarred and feathered in the middle of East Hills mall.

Observer commented:

I didn't have a great deal of love for Gotts, either. Brocks knew their market. I could go into the downtown store and find what I wanted and have great service and advice. (I also got caught owning their stock when it came out that the CFO was cooking the books at Gotts).

What East Hills had going for it was it was seven minutes from downtown. I could go blow a bunch of money during my lunch break. The other thing the mall had going for it was shade trees that were more than sticks. Good parking, summer shade and in interesting mix of stores. The Gotts discount store was a disaster. A lot of that merchandise was nothing they carried in their regular stores.

I still think what they might have going for them is the relatively easy access to downtown. But no one has figured out a way to exploit that.

Thanks for the link. Interesting group of mall-o-philes.

vanityfair commented:

I wrote about this in the past. It's done and should be leveled.

people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/vanityfair/49417

Green fields of Ireland: Why is the DNC racheting up the racism?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:38:43 PST

The NY Times is reportedly working on a story that makes serious accusations against New York Governor David Paterson that could force him to resign.

The Governor's office tells Fox 5 News that Paterson has no plans to step down.

(AP) - Paterson met privately with key Democratic leaders about his re-election plans as questions swirl around the state capitol about a variety of unproven accusations involving the Democratic governor's personal conduct.

Paterson already had plenty of conflict among his fellow Democrats. A week ago he vetoed an ethics bill adopted by the Democrat-controlled Legislature that was widely seen as essential this election year. Paterson says he wants a tougher bill.

He also has refused to abandon his campaign for a full term, even as the far more popular and better-funded Andrew Cuomo, the attorney general, waits in the wings.

Comments:
paddyofurniture commented:

You have to wonder how much the Whitehouse is behind this. Especially since the NY Times is leading the charge...

jfrancais commented:

Racism is a poor man argument.

paddyofurniture commented:

True dat. I think this all has to do with the DNC and the Whitehouse wanting Cuomo as Governor, and not wanting to let the people of NY decide.

jfrancais commented:

If Cuomo is so big and bad then why doesn't he run as an Independent?

adampayne commented:

I guess I must have missed the racism part of this story.

dirtyshirt commented:

There really isn't any racism in this story. But it's understandable when the right tries on the ideas of the left... Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all, and they can't get it right when it is still all so new... Give paddy/whatever his name is some time.

randomfactor commented:

There really isn't any racism in this story.

Whenever the right complains about *ANYTHING*, they're looking in the mirror, ds.

Spam Code eFUSS--an online tempest in a teabagger's crackpot.

: Dem. lieutenant governor candidate exits Ill. race

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:34:12 PST

Another Illinois democrat bites the dust. Im not quit sure why this guy resigned. Not when there are others in the Democratic group (especially from Illinois) following Obama have done worse. However, wouldn't it be *GREAT* if he started a lemming run in his party?

By KAREN HAWKINS, Associated Press Writer Karen Hawkins, Associated Press Writer – Sun Feb 7, 10:39 pm ET

CHICAGO – The Democratic nominee for Illinois' lieutenant governor dropped out of the race Sunday night, less than a week after winning the nomination, amid a political uproar about his past.

Announcing his decision at a Chicago bar packed with patrons watching the Super Bowl, a tearful Scott Lee Cohen said the Democrats were not certain they could win with him on the ticket. He said he was stepping down because he did not want to jeopardize the Democratic Party ticket.

"This is the hardest thing that I ever had to do in my life," he said before choking up with sobs.

Since Cohen won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, it has become widely known that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend — a woman who was herself charged with prostitution. He also admits using steroids in the past.

"For the good of the people of the state of Illinois and the Democratic Party, I will resign," Cohen said in a rambling remarks made as the Super Bowl halftime entertainment blared in the background.

The revelations about Cohen's past came as Illinois was starting to move on from the scandals of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who inherited the job after Blagojevich's ouster following federal corruption charges, would have been paired with Cohen on the November ticket. Quinn, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and Sen. Dick Durbin all had urged Cohen to leave the race.

Quinn said Cohen had "made the right decision for the Democratic Party and the people of Illinois.

"Now we can continue to focus our efforts on putting our economy back on track and working to bring good jobs to Illinois," the governor said in a written statement.

Surrounded by his sons, his fiancee and her son, Cohen apologized to his family, his supporters and anyone he may have let down.

"All I ever wanted to do was to run for office and to help the people, not to cause chaos, that was never my intention," Cohen said.

Until his nomination, Cohen was a political unknown. Democratic leaders had not considered him a threat to win and didn't highlight his past during the campaign.

Cohen's resignation from the ticket means state party leaders can replace him on the ballot.

"Now we can move on to find a strong replacement," said Steve Brown, spokesman for the Illinois Democratic chairman, House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Cohen, a pawnbroker and owner of a cleaning products distribution company, ran against several veteran politicians, spending $2 million — mostly his own money — on his campaign, more than twice as much as all his opponents combined. He gained strong name recognition with a flurry of advertising featuring people who said they got jobs at employment fairs he held.

The location and timing for Sunday's announcement — a heated beer garden at a Chicago bar during the Super Bowl — perplexed some patrons who were trying to watch the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts.

"It's a way to grab some headlines I guess," said 53-year-old Rick Kokonas wearing a New Orleans T-shirt.

Cohen was arrested in 2005 on domestic battery charges for allegedly pushing his then-girlfriend, Amanda Eneman, against a wall and holding a knife to her throat. The charges were dropped when she failed to show up for a court date. He has denied the allegations and called that relationship tumultuous.

Eneman had issued a statement Saturday through her attorney saying that, based on her observations and Cohen's behavior during their relationship, she "does not believe that he is fit to hold any public office including that of lieutenant governor."

Cohen said Eneman's statement did not affect his decision.

Comments:
siouxcityranch commented:

ahh come on guys..whats the matter..dont ya like my lead in headers to read like DJ..Bobby err whatever his name is??

antiextremism commented:

If the allegations are true, then he shouldn't hold ANY office. Period.

airqualityguy: A Tornado In The Foothills of Kern?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:17:55 PST

It sure fooled me for a few minutes. After taking this photo I watched the narrow cloud just kind of stay in one place for awhile. Then I realized it was simply the Mt Poso Cogen power plant trying to pollute our clean air on a stormy afternoon. They burn coal and tires out there.

I also passed by a dairy which was not well drained. This kind of practice breaks the rules of both the Regional Water Board and the Air District but no one checks. No wonder we get extra nitrates in our drinking water; never mind the antibiotics and hormones.

Comments:
adampayne commented:

Those are sure some happy looking cows plopping around in all that muck of waste and standing rancid water. I note from an article that appeared in TBC a week or so back, that so many dairies donate big dollars to Republicans to make sure no strict rules of oversight into their factory practices ever get through the legislature. No environmental issues to worry about here. Thanks for the capsule story photos, AQG!

Everyone likes Bobby's World: Christian group seeks for their 'right' to murder gay people

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:03:13 PST

The right-wing Christianists are at it again:

http://rawstory.com/2010/02/christians-claim-hate-crimes-law-effort-eradicate-beliefs/

A Christian group in Michigan has filed a lawsuit alleging that a package of hate crimes laws named after murder victim Matthew Shepard is an affront to their religious freedom.

Far from the intended purpose of severely punishing criminals who commit unspeakable acts against a persecuted minority group, the religious activists claim the laws are a guarded effort to "eradicate" their beliefs.

Filed by the Thomas More Law Center -- which bills itself as the religious answer to the American Civil Liberties Union -- the complaint claims that protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people "is an effort to eradicate religious beliefs opposing the homosexual agenda from the marketplace of ideas by demonizing, vilifying, and criminalizing such beliefs as a matter of federal law and policy."

The suit was placed on behalf of American Family Association of Michigan president Gary Glenn, along with pastors Rene Ouellette, Levon Yuille and James Combs.

Claiming "there is no need" to extend hate crimes definitions, Thomas More chief counsel Richard Thompson attempted to minimize the impact of violent crimes against homosexuals.

"Of the 1.38 million violent crimes reported in the U.S. by the FBI in 2008, only 243 were considered as motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation," he wrote on the group's Web site. "The sole purpose of this law is to criminalize the Bible and use the threat of federal prosecutions and long jail sentences to silence Christians from expressing their Biblically-based religious belief that homosexual conduct is a sin."

However, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act clearly stipulates that it does not apply to constitutionally protected speech.

(3) CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit any constitutionally protected speech, expressive conduct or activities (regardless of whether compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief), including the exercise of religion protected by the First Amendment and peaceful picketing or demonstration. The Constitution does not protect speech, conduct or activities consisting of planning for, conspiring to commit, or committing an act of violence.

(4) FREE EXPRESSION- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to allow prosecution based solely upon an individual’s expression of racial, religious, political, or other beliefs or solely upon an individual’s membership in a group advocating or espousing such beliefs.

The Thomas More Law Center's argument is eerily similar to a fundraising letter circulated by the Family Research Council at the end of 2009, in which the conservative group claimed that extending workplace non-discrimination rules is really Obama's secret plot to "impose" homosexuality on America.

However, according to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, "[the non-discrimination rule] exempts all religious organizations, which includes corporations, associations, and religious societies. In addition, all educational institutions are exempt if the educational institution is at least substantially controlled or owned by a religious organization or if the institution's curriculum is directed towards the propagation of a religion."

The Thomas More suit, however, goes even further than just challenging hate crimes protection for LGBT people; it challenges the findings of the Matthew Shepard investigation.

"Thomas More attorneys make the case that the perpetrators of the murder of Matthew Shepard were subject to more several criminal penalties under existing state criminal law than under the new federal Hate Crimes Act," religious news outlet Christian Post notes. "They also say there is evidence demonstrating that the senseless and brutal attack on Shepard was not motivated by hate or bias; rather, it was motivated by money and drugs."

Matthew Shepard was a 21-year-old gay man from Wyoming who was tied to a fence and beaten to death in 1998. A foundation carrying his name played an important role in helping to broaden hate crimes definitions to cover LGBT people.

The Post's story, which does not point out that the actual law carries protections for constitutional speech, claims that plaintiffs are merely seeking "judicial reassurance" that they can continue to disparage homosexuals "without being investigated or prosecuted by the government."

Writer Timothy Kincaid, blogging for the Box Turtle Bulletin, could hardly contain his sarcasm.

"[Because] the law has no effect on their rights to belief or expression of belief, the only logical conclusion is that these four Christians wish to plan for, conspire to commit, or commit an act of violence," he opined.

"Or, perhaps, this is just another example of folks who think that because 'homosexual acts, according to Scripture, are acts of grave depravity that are intrinsically disordered and are contrary to the natural law' then their religion trumps civil law."

President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009. The Thomas More lawsuit, filed in a U.S. district court in Michigan, names Attorney General Eric Holder as a defendant.

Read the 27-page Thomas More complaint (PDF link).

Comments:
BitterPill commented:

The Thomas More Law Center is a group of third-rate attorneys who represented those fools in Dover, Pa. who tried to sneak Creationism into high school Science classes under the pseudonym of "Intelligent Design." Two of the Creationists were caught red-handed perjuring themselves, and were lucky the government didn't follow up with charges.

The Thomas More Law Center also represents other brilliant individuals and groups, like those who want to put religious displays on public property or limit certain neighborhoods to "God-fearing Christians."

The suit should be dismissed as frivolous and the plaintiffs should have to pay all court costs.

UncleToad commented:

All "hate crimes" legislation does is further split this country, polarizing the peoples further and further apart so no attempt at dialogue, let alone compromise can occur.

And even worse, by heighting scrutiny of the actions and raising them above "crimes", it martyrs adherents of extremist causes to their respective groups. Obviously we've learned nothing since the Red Scares.

Pity, so much hate, so little reason.

catpaw commented:

Obviously we've learned nothing since the Red Scares.

Obviously we've learned nothing since negro lynching in the deep south, as well.

siouxcityranch commented:

and what about the buffalo? Them dang Christians don't even seem to care about what happened to them.

BitterPill commented:

Sioux, they lost every Super Bowl they ever played in.

antiextremism commented:

Nobody cared about the bison except the plains Indians. And that's some good eatin'! Too bad they just killed them for their coats and let them rot. Well, that did make the scavengers fat.

defyinggravity commented:

I do think that there should be some kind of protection for religious groups. Not in the terms of physically harming someone but for their practice of free speech and exclusion of gay people from their church, if they so wish.. They are technically a club and should get the same rights and privledges as a private "members only" group. I just want to reach some kind of middle ground on this issue. I'm tried of "my way or the highway." I think that it's this us against them mentality that fuels this desire to make it all or nothing. Because there are only two sides, good and evil... Anyway.

pogo commented:

anti, the Plains Indians used every bit of the buffalo. It was the whites who skinned them and left the carcass to rot.

randomfactor commented:

I do think that there should be some kind of protection for religious groups.

Why? It was only the "religious protection" of the Roman Catholic Church that kept them from being prosecuted under RICO statutes as an criminal organization.

They are technically a club and should get the same rights and privledges as a private "members only" group.

If they give up tax-exemption to get it, I agree with you.

Politics, anyone?: Dean Florez gets UFW endorsement

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:04:10 PST

The UFW has endorsed Dean Florez for Lieutenant Governor, his website announced, noting Florez's push for seat belts in farmworker vans and his pursuit of heat-related safety considerations for Central Valley farmworkers.

Comments:
JKeyes commented:

Dean Flores, UFW..Hello? This is news? Next he will get the backing on La Raza.

DBR1 commented:

Boy...that's a surprise!

gube commented:

no sh-t !!!!!!!!!!!

learnem commented:

wow...woulda never seen that one coming

btwq Florez is OK with CARB running rampant against the CA economy as well.

kernpolitics commented:

I was going to leave a sarcastic comment. Although I can see that has already been done... a few times. Thanks for the laughs guys.

Kern Politics

Green fields of Ireland: So what was the big deal about the Tebow commercial?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:00:35 PST

Good grief. That was the most benign commercial I have ever seen. From listening to the feminists, you would have thought there would be images of crying pregnant women being tortured because they couldn't kill their babies...

The commercial, which shows just Tebow and his mother, Pam, against a white backdrop, does not contain an overt antiabortion message. Instead it sends people to Focus on the Family's Web site, which tells more of the Tebows' story and offers a more straightforward message
.

The Women's Media Center, which had objected to Focus on the Family advertising in the Super Bowl, said it was expecting a "benign" ad but not the humor. But the group's president, Jehmu Greene, said the tackle showed an undercurrent of violence against women.

Read More:http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/super-bowl/02/07/tebow.commercial.ap/index.html#ixzz0euhiuuGP
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee withSI Subscription

Comments:
paddyofurniture commented:

The Women's Media Center is whacked. They object to the Focus on the Family Super Bowl ad because it showed a undercurrent of violence against women.

I wonder how many of their members voted for this Democrat class act?? Just lovely..

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ILLINOIS_DEMOCRATIC_NIGHTMARE?SITE=NJMOR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Democratic nominee for Illinois' lieutenant governor dropped out of the race Sunday night, less than a week after winning the nomination, amid a political uproar about his past.

"This is the hardest thing that I ever had to do in my life," he said before choking up with sobs.

Since Cohen won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, it has become widely known that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend - a woman who was herself charged with prostitution. He also admits using steroids in the past.

"For the good of the people of the state of Illinois and the Democratic Party, I will resign," Cohen said in a rambling remarks made as the Super Bowl halftime entertainment blared in the background.

The revelations about Cohen's past came as Illinois was starting to move on from the scandals of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

NancyII commented:

Thosse guys in Ill have a heck of a time with their politicians don't they?

BfieldBob commented:

Very few people had a problem with it. What happened was the anti-choice people spun the story to make it appear that pro-choice people had a problem with the ad.

NancyII commented:

Reeeeely? The people right here on the blog threw a fit over it..and you think the pro choice people had no problem with it? That's good for a laugh! Why did people try to get it pulled?

jfrancais commented:

Great commercial.

NancyII commented:

I missed it. Guess I wasn't too attentive to the game huh? The commercials I did see were dumb (I thought) compared to the past ones.

paddyofurniture commented:

I thought it was a good commercial. Glad to see Mom Tebow wasn't hurt on the tackle. I wouldn't have paid the going SB rate for the air time, but my name is not James Dobson. If I had stock in Denny's, I would be selling as I thought their commercials were a complete waste of money. How many more crappy Grand Slams are they going to have to sell now?

girlsmom commented:

Are you kidding me? This situation is like trying to compare apples to grapefruits for crying out loud~this is a MARRIED loving couple doing what they thought best and WANTED another child~NOT a single unwed mother where the sperm donor had deserted her. I hope for those women abortion remains an option~I do not like the thought of abortion but out of all the many adoption cases except 1 I personally know of, abortion would have been a much kinder option~myself included. It would be much better to use self control or birth control and not put oneself in the situation to have to make the choice in the first place. And don't say accidents happen, I worked in a women's clinic years ago and yes they do use this as a birth control method. I saw women who had had many abortions~the first time is an accident after that it is just laziness and irresponsibility.

And yes there are some successful adoptions out there but in my experience most are not. (there are statistics to support the high abuse rate amongst adopted children~and we all know the statistics for single mom's with boyfriends)

ABORTION SAVES CHILDREN FROM ABUSE, NEGLECT, ADOPTION AND DEATH (Tomcat syndrome)! KEEP ABORTION LEGAL FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILDREN!

The spot is cute and isn't he lucky he had a Mom and Day who loved him and wanted him!! Such is not the case for those unplanned and unwanted children and for them life is a nightmare that never ends.

Roysan commented:

AGREED!

paxchristi3 commented:

Now I can see why CBS didn't have a problem with airing it. It certainly wouldn't have aired a pro-life ad featuring several members of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2010/01/29/VI2010012903542.html?sid=ST2010012903642

Especially not with quotes like these:

"At the end of the game, all the Giant players left the field champions," says player Mark Bavaro. "Now with the abortion death squads allowed to run rampant through our country, I wonder how many future champions will be killed before they see the light of day."

African-American player George Martin remarked: "that infamous decision [Roe v. Wade] said that unborn babies have no rights, just as the shameful Dred Scott decision said that black people have no rights. I hope you will help right this terrible wrong."

Too bad it was shown at just churches, schools and meetings of pro-life groups.

catpaw commented:

Too bad it was shown at just churches, schools and meetings of pro-life groups.

And I bet you can't guess why. What happened to Silent Scream? They don't show that anymore?

You religious nuts keep parroting the same contradictions. Abortion is a choice. It may not be a choice you'd make, but then, it is a choice you are not making. How many times have you heard of a doctor killing a pro-life protester? When was the last time a pro-life activist church was arsoned? How many godless baby-killers committed violence? But you're not extremists.

The bulk of you have no problem deporting so-called anchor babies, you cheerfully endorse the death penalty but you are all for forcing women to abide by your religion because babies and life is precious to you.

Pax once posted that 53 million babies have been murdered since the Roe precedent. That is a heck of alot of unwanted pregnancies not brought to term. Would you be willing to support them? You going to adopt them? You going to make sure they don't grow up in poverty? Have food? Have a school to go to? You going to give the single mom an education and a job? You're against health care and welfare for the children we already have.

Oh, that's right. Those kids are not your problem. If "those people" can't take care of their kids, they have no business having them. So let's force them to have babies we don't want to get stuck with supporting. Can't have them a killin' them thar babies.

Once upon a time we had a civilized society that abided by the morals and edicts of God and the church. Social standards did not allow immorality, and prayer and church was a part of everyday life. It became known as the Dark Ages.

antiextremism commented:

I'm wondering if they toned the message down to dampen the alleged controversy. Tebow's mother wisely chose to not have an abortion. Nobody should have a problem with that. But what if your 13 year old autistic daughter was raped by a pyschopath? Would it still be a no brainer to not get an abortion a week after conception? Try to think of it on a personal level and not as a black and white thing. I am not a big proponent of abortion, and in fact have talked two of my friends out of it with happy results both times. But I would not hesitate to advise for abortion under certain circumstances.

alidoremi commented:

"Are you kidding me? This situation is like trying to compare apples to grapefruits for crying out loud~this is a MARRIED loving couple doing what they thought best and WANTED another child~NOT a single unwed mother where the sperm donor had deserted her."

So the decision to kill your baby should depend on what circumstances that baby will be born in to? Should the taking of innocent life be OK in certain situations? Our laws are such that it's NOT OK to commit murder; why the exception for abortion?

"Abortion saves children from abuse, neglect, adoption and death"

Really? Is that before or after they've been sucked into a sink? Do you even know what happens during an abortion? And you wouldn't call that abuse?

**To quote 80's musician Steve Taylor: sometimes "we're so open-minded that our brains leak out".

randomfactor commented:

The point is that a commerical from the pro-choice side would have been rejected by the right-wing media.

Btowntv007 commented:

Well, consideirng that the ad said nothing that it was suppose to say (according to all the reports) there was no big deal.

girlsmom commented:

Dear Ali:

Boy did you pick the wrong person to address about this issue!

Really? Is that before or after they've been sucked into a sink? Do you even know what happens during an abortion? And you wouldn't call that abuse?

Yes, I am aware of the ins and outs of an abortion. Yes the fetus feels some pain for a very brief amount of time, 5 mins maybe?

This compared to months in the hospital, mult. surgeries to repair 2nd/3rd degree burns over 50% of a 2 year olds body~I would have gladly taken the 5 mins pain

This compared to daily beatings and other physical injuries ~I would have gladly taken 5 mins of pain

This compared to being molested from age 7 or 8 to age 16 and being told "I wouldn't do this if you were my "real" daughter~I would gladly take 5 mins of pain

This compared to spending my entire elementary years~K-6th grade~alone on the playground and in the classroom because I was dirty and had typical abused kid behaviors~I would take 5 mins pain

This compared to being told everyday "I wish I had not adopted you~it was your fathers idea". Only to find my bio family as an adult and be told they didn't want me either. I would have gladly taken 5 mins pain.

This compared to being gaged, tied to a chair and locked in a closet for hours at a time~I would have gladly taken 5 mins pain

This compared to marring the same monster as my parents and getting beat as an adult with permanent injuries~I would had gladly taken 5 mins pain.

And this is just a short list.................it goes on and on and on...................

So before you speak about something you seem to know nothing about~look at both sides of the isle~not just the side you are sitting on!

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Nice job Tebow, you just cost yourself millions ( that you would have likely donated to a worthless cause )

Maybe next he'll promote slavery. That'd be awesome.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

What I got from the commercial was that "focus on the family" has absolutely nothing to do with actual families.

They could care less about American Families, they are "focused" on their whacked out ideals that are so far beyond the mainstream, that they have to try to trick people into agreeing with them. Hey, that so called liberal network CBS made a whole lot of money for a few seconds. Bravo!!! Itz the American Way!!!

girlsmom commented:

dear antiextremism~

I actually had something very similar happen to a neighbor once. This young girl, she was about 20, who was taking care of her profoundly brain damaged 16 yo sister~some accident when she was a child~and her boyfriends buddies all had fun "doing" this 16 yo girl and a few months later a baby popped out. No one even knew she was pregnant. The social services came and questioned me about what I had seen. I did hear her yelling at times about the time the guys were around but I didn't realize that was the cause. The sister was at work when all this took place. The baby was perfect and beautiful. It was very sad. The sister did give the boyfriend the boot. What guy would do that? how sick.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

girlsmom, that's not now how people are supposed to raise familes. How is that baby now?

I'm quite disturbed by what you posted at 11:28. It's just a bunch of propoganda you cut and pasted. I didn't even read it all, and I suspect you didn't either.

girlsmom commented:

Pete

1) I don't know how the baby is~they moved a few months later and I have not lived there in 16 years~this was probably 20 or more years ago.

2) Propaganda? Really? No, that was my life's story~every word of it is true. No cut and paste~I wrote it.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

OK.

Sounds like it doesn't really have anything to do with abortion. Happy ending, right?

girlsmom commented:

Pete~

It has everything to do with abortion~what not aborting does to that unwanted child. And my story is repeated each and everyday with thousands of children, just a different name, a different face, in a different town.

Happy ending? What happy ending? There is no happy ending~the nightmare never ends for us..........it just goes on and on and on.

NancyII commented:

Girlsmom I'm curious. Do you have children? If so, how can you say that you would gladly have taken the 5 minutes of pain to not have gone through waht you did?

Just holding your babies and watching them grow would be worth it all to me.

I don't know your situation with your children so I'm not judging, just asking.

girlsmom commented:

Nancy~

Yes I do and I put every ounce of what I had into my kids~went too far the other way I guess trying very hard not to be like my parents and they turned out very selfish and we no longer have a relationship~like I said the nightmare never ends. I wasn't perfect but I was a pretty good mom. I got the brunt of my x deserting them. They did everything they wanted to~sports, scouts, music, art, dance, you name it. I never missed anything . They all had orthodontia with no dental coverage.(I have awful teeth and i did not want them to look like I did) The pain of loosing my kids is almost more than I can bear and certainly worse than all the other pain put together. I guess they watched how their dad treated me and figured that was how they should act too.

My one longtime girlfriend is just dumbfounded by my kids actions. She was always in such aw as to what I did with my kids and how I treated them.

Like I said previously~5 mins of pain would have been much kinder than a lifetime of pain. And my family lives into their 90's and I am in pretty good health so I probably have quite a long time ahead of me. And please don't tell me to do volunteer work because it will cheer me up~been there done that to the tune of hundreds of hours. I love doing the volunteer work but the crater in my heart is still there. Friends are just that friends~not family~they have their own family and you are not a part of that.

NancyII commented:

Girlsmom, I'm sorry to hear your kids didn't turn out to be close to you. Please don't take this wrong but we teach people how to treat us. The sad thing, in your case, it sounds like you didn't have the knowledge or the role models to teach yourself and your children about bounderies.

I truly hope you find some peace one day. The old saying about life is too short to be miserable is sometimes backwards, it sounds like you feel it's the other way around. I agree that nothing fills the hole that children leave and I'm sorry for your troubles.

Breaking News: Homicide callout in Taft

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:51:29 PST

This came through at 7:47 p.m. Sunday:

Suspicious Death

Details: INCIDENT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

Homicide Detectives are working a Suspicious Death in Taft.

Comments:
Horatio commented:

Do you have any updated information on this death?

Virgil Anderson : Four year old is Waterboarded for not Reciting the Alphabet

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:16:33 PST

Yes, it's true. And it didn't even happen in Kern County.

A soldier stationed in Tacoma, Washington, was arrested for subjecting his4 year old daughter to water boarding, the CIA torture technique that was outlawed by the Obama Administration early last year.

The 27 year old soldier apparently flew into a rage when his daughter could not recite the Alphabet. Police authorities were notified about the young man when neighbors saw him walking aimlessly outside his house, wearing a Kevlar helmet and muttering to himself.

Following up at his house, the soldier's girlfriend told authorities of the torture and located the little girl hiding in a closet inside.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1249191/Soldier-father-accused-waterboarding-daughter-4-recite-alphabet.html

The soldier used the kitchen counter and mixing bowl of water for his daughter.

--virgil

Comments:
adampayne commented:

There is no test anyone has to take to produce their own kid to terrorize. Just another failed parent in a world filled with them.

VirgilAnderson commented:

There's a screening process for soldiers coming back from our war zones. This one obviously fell through the cracks.

I'd say, that little girl's own mental health has been collaterally damaged, the poor baby girl.

--virgil

BitterPill commented:

The Daily Mail? The Weekly World News has more journalistic credibility.

VirgilAnderson commented:

What ... you find it incredible a 9 month old can have a black belt in karate ?

It's possible.

--virgil

jfrancais commented:

My 9 month old kicked me in the nads, once. We were both slobbering and crying at the same time.

BitterPill commented:

I watched a little bit of a movie a couple of years ago (it wasn't even good enough to be a "B" movie) where a guy studied some kind of supernatural Karate and earned a black belt in 15 minutes.

It didn't win any Oscars.

randomfactor commented:

The Weekly World News has more journalistic credibility.

And they've been out of business for a year or more. Fortunately, Fox hired all their "reporters."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,585070,00.html

See? (But in this case it appears the story's correct.) Probably a fundie.

dirtyshirt commented:

This story is confirmed by these sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7187010/US-soldier-gives-four-year-old-daughter-waterboarding-over-alphabet.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/02/08/waterboarded-because-she-did-not-know-abc-115875-22026538/

As well as others who seem to be quoting the Daily Mail version.

Ray_Harwick commented:

This reminds of the story of Marjoe Gortner, the famous child minister (ordained at the age of 4) who was able to achieve remarkable recall of sermons and biblical text after his mother implemented a regular routine of smothering him with a pillow.

randomfactor commented:

And, of course, Marjoe converted to the "other side" eventually.

We can only hope for the same from this poor little girl--may she get free of her parents ASAP.

antiextremism commented:

Hey, just because we executed Japanese officers for waterboarding doesn't mean it isn't a useful tool in child rearing.

ABCDEFgurgleHIJK.....

What is he going to do with her when she has an algebra class? Bury her in an anthill and make her count the bites then break it down into an exponent?

Everyone likes Bobby's World: Sarah Palin reads notes OFF OF HER HAND during Tea Party convention

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:36:51 PST

This woman is truly pathetic. Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtcVMTZkTZQ

Comments:
BfieldBob commented:

For those of you who can't read (i.e. the Teabaggers), the words written on her hand are, verbatim, "Energy ~~Budget~~ cut Tax Lift American Spirits."

She may have cashed in on this speech, but in doing so, she herself drove in the final nail to her political coffin. Thank the non-existent god for that.

jfrancais commented:

Writing on your hand is no different than a cue card or teleprompter.

Why do people care about such stupid things?

Charlie4 commented:

"Why do people care about such stupid things?"

Well since you asked, in this case it's because DJ is the epitome of stupid people. He also suffers from SPF syndrome. (Sarah Palin fixation)

jfrancais commented:

I can think of bigger grievances than what she writes on her hands. The same with Obama and his teleprompter.

drilnliftcrude commented:

Did anybody see this photo of Obama's hand during a recent speech?

VirgilAnderson commented:

That's not President Obama's hand.

The reason Sarah Palin had to use her hand was for the over head costs concerns of the Convention sponsors. You gotta protect your assets and maximize your profits.

--virgil

Ray_Harwick commented:

I don't get the criticism. I've done the same thing when I had to deliver a speech. Criticism should address substance, or the lack thereof. This is just taking a pot-shot on a non-issue.

OilRanger commented:

drilnlift! That is hilarious! Oh hahahahahhaha 'snort'

siouxcityranch commented:

ya buddy that pic you photo shopped DJ sure is a tell all..thats a load of info shes got there on the palm of her hand for sure..well maybe to you...Im sorry but that youtube video you have linked to looks like she has a smear of something on it..looked l;ike sh was noticing it was dirty more than nything..even that poster said he couldnt make out what it was..kinda blows a hole in your little concockted story dont it...

drilnliftcrude commented:

I was absolutely shocked to see this on Obama's hand.

drilnliftcrude commented:

Barry looks pretty serious about what he jots down on his hand.

UncleToad commented:

You know what you get when all your information from hate blogs on the left, then canned responces from hate blogs on the right?

Bakersfield.com

BfieldBob commented:

This is just taking a pot-shot on a non-issue.

Wrong, Ray. This is exposing the woman for what she is: a complete moron. I would have used another word, but she takes offense to it (unless Rush Limbaugh uses it).

For the last year and a half, this woman has been espousing these three talking points in the most vague and general terms that one would think that she would be able to remember them. But her intellect is so small that she can't remember three basic topics.

Do you go to the grocery store with a list of only three items? I don't. But then again, I'm smarter than the average moose, and way smarter than Sarah Palin.

Charlie4 commented:

"You know what you get when all your information from hate blogs on the left, then canned responces from hate blogs on the right?"

Ammusment ?, Intertainment ?

jfrancais commented:

Wake up, ya'll.

Charlie4 commented:

"But then again, I'm smarter than the average moose, and way smarter than Sarah Palin."

But only in that warped delusional universe where you exist.

BfieldBob commented:

But only in that warped delusional universe where you exist.

Um, no. In *FACT.*

Charlie4 commented:

Um, yes. In *FACT.*

honorerdieu commented:

Let's utilize some common sense. I wonder if anyone really think that either Palin or Obama, both who have done far more public speaking before the masses than any of us combined, should be labeled as pathetic.

Try doing some public speaking before the national audience. It can't be easy.

BfieldBob commented:

Try doing some public speaking before the national audience. It can't be easy.

If you are smart and know what you are doing, it's not that hard. All you have to do is look at our President if you want an example.

honorerdieu commented:

If you are smart and know what you are doing, it's not that hard. All you have to do is look at our President if you want an example.

BfieldBob, everybody has their own ways to help conduct their speech, including writing something on the palm of their hands. Putting that aside, you have to admit that Palin did pretty well in delivering her speech. You don't have to agree with her political views or even like her. Just give credit where it is due....

BfieldBob commented:

everybody has their own ways to help conduct their speech, including writing something on the palm of their hands.

Civilized people use 3x5 notecards. Smart people don't need notes at all. Just look at the way the President destroyed the GOP when they attempted to take him to task.

"But he uses the teleprompter all the time," you will say. Yeah, while he's *GIVING A SPEECH,* not during a Q&A session. It was during the Q&A session where the President destroyed the Republicans, without a teleprompter and without notes written on his hand:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vxi27Jy85I

Putting that aside, you have to admit that Palin did pretty well in delivering her speech. You don't have to agree with her political views or even like her. Just give credit where it is due....

In terms of ranking a dummy giving a dummy speech to a bunch of dummies, she gets a 15 on a scale of 1-10. Credit given.

paxchristi3 commented:

Everything she said was music to my ears. I'm glad that she is being regarded as the de facto leader of this movement and yet calling for the GOP to merge with it with the understanding that it needs to get back to the principles that the former is trying to restore. This is what I've been hoping would happen so that conservatism can extend the momentum and kick more ...

catpaw commented:

Wrong again, pax. The GOP is still hemorrhaging membership, especially moderate republicans. If the party is going to save itself, embracing teabaggers is not going to do it. The GOP needs to quit being the "party of no" and find some sort of working moderation.

Two congresswomen declined to speak at the tea party convention. Why do you suppose that is?

learnem commented:

you need to quit worrying about the GOP, because the storm that is brewing in NOT coming from the GOP. ITs coming from people fed up with the GOP, now calling themselves conservative independents.

hell, the GOP is basically on your side daveybobby-bo

NancyII commented:

Cracks me up. The Dems say the Rep party is hemorrhaging membership and the Reps say the Dems are rapidly losing members and no one gets it that people, in general, are fed up with both parties.

jfrancais commented:

hell, the GOP is basically on your side daveybobby-bo

Amen. Learn 'em, Learn.

NancyII commented:

My advice is to go government, you stand a better chance of becoming president.

alidoremi commented:

Wow, so she has a few words written on her little hand and it's a news alert? I'd venture she's given more memorized speeches than our bobble-headed president, who I'm sure has developed whiplash by now.

jfrancais commented:

I'd venture she's given more memorized speeches than our bobble-headed president,

Probably not, but who cares?

randomfactor commented:

And then she opened her *RIGHT* palm, and read" "On the *OTHER* hand, I previously supported all this stuff I'm talking bad about now..."

Spam code LUNIA: The feminine form of the noun "loony."

siouxcityranch commented:

DJ In terms of ranking a dummy giving a dummy speech to a bunch of dummies,

apparently since you are so consumed by this 'yet another wonderful speech by Madam. Palin'... your post at 11:36 pm exemplifies you at the top of your own list of dummies..I personally did not listen to the speech not because I wouldn't have thouroughly enjoyed it..but I had real life isues to deal with.. unlike your 24/7 you aimlessly spend on here.

so..according to your scale...this qualifies myself and many others on here... as smarter than you are DJ...but then we already knew that...

*we*.. excluding you *Naturally*..

randomfactor commented:

smarter than your are DJ...

Res ipsa loquitur.

VirgilAnderson commented:

Sioux,

we is naturally inclusive ...

--virgil

gube commented:

she does have a sexy hand..............

randomfactor commented:

But a flat brainline...

gube commented:

thats ok RF i like my wemen stupid........

paxchristi3 commented:

Sarah drives the leftist crazies into a tizzy today during a campaign stop with Gov. Rick Perry by writing "Hi Mom" on her hand for all to see: http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2010/02/awesome-palin-campaigns-for-rick-perry-writes-hi-mom-on-her-hand-pics/

Wonder if the psychiatric wards across the country are overflowing with these pieces of work who get all worked up into little pieces over her?

dirtyshirt commented:

This story is important for two reasons:

1) Because of the GOP and Tea Bagger love of the myth of a teleprompter president, which has grown in popularity not because of Obama's actual use of the machine, and especially not because of his use above and beyond any other politician (especially presidents), but because public speech is actually a skill he holds above the competition - on both sides. The man is an incredible orator, and his extemporaneous remarks are among his best. This is the age-old hit him in their strength strategy; it's as wrong as when SNL mocked Gerald Ford for being a klutz, when in fact he was the most athletic president we've seen in decades.

2) Because Palin has repeated this myth about Obama many times and in fact was doing so during the speech at the Tea Bagger convention where she was photographed with the crib notes on her hand: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/sarah-palin/7189694/Sarah-Palin-caught-with-crib-notes-on-her-hand.html

So is it important that she uses crib notes? No, in fact, it would be better for everyone if she did that more often. Her extemporaneous utterances are among her worst, by comparison. (Which is why she earned the reputation of being such a dunce in the first place, after all).

Is hypocrisy in those that would be our leader, in any capacity, important and newsworthy? I think everyone would agree that it is.

Are those that report this hypocrisy fixated on Palin? No. They are fixated on the Tea Bagger Party and the destruction of traditional conservatism; with the rise of the politics of fear and lies. This is all newsworthy and those that are arguing against it are finding ground in the middle only by making THEM believe that there is more of the same on the left. There isn't.

pogo commented:

I think Bobby is way too obsessed with Gov. Palin. We watched the speech, she said what the audience wanted to hear and that is what good speakers do, whether the words are on a teleprompter or your hand. No big deal.

VirgilAnderson commented:

ex-Governor ( she's a quitter ) Palin . And now she's a gold digger, um, Political celebrity !

--virgil

VirgilAnderson commented:

I love her ... still !

--virgil

gube commented:

virgil isn't that a abomination ???????????

randomfactor commented:

Just like eating shrimp, gube.

dirtyshirt commented:

Once again, pogo, it is the hypocrisy that makes it a big deal.

gube commented:

either way i'm going to hell...............

siouxcityranch commented:

RF Res ipsa loquitur.

ahh gee RF whatta pal..wife called while she was at an appointment down at the cancer center on Truxton extention...car broke down...had to go rescue them and didn't have time to proof my post...real special of you to take care of that for me...you're a real peach....

randomfactor commented:

Always glad to help. For those who don't speak Latin, the general translation is "the jokes just write themselves."

For what it's worth, I hope you have good news.

randomfactor commented:

either way i'm going to hell...............

They've got good music down there.

gube commented:

They've got good music down there.

like highway to hell

randomfactor commented:

"Sympathy for the Devil."

FloridaStateGrad commented:

Palin can write on her hand and use it during speaking engagements all she wants, but she'll only make herself look more like the typical hypocritical politician who blasts her competitors for the same stuff. Such an issue only confirms my original assesment of this woman that she's a fraud. She's not speaking to "Joe the Plumber" - she's just as power hungry as everyone in politics.

BfieldBob commented:

Not only is she a fraud--she's a *DUMB* fraud who doesn't know how stupid she is.

And therein lies the problem. Stupid people who are aware of their own limitations don't cause problems. On the other hand, stupid people, like Sarah Palin, who are unaware of their stupidity and think that they are smart cause problems not only for themselves, but for everyone else.

Just listen or look to some of the things she said: "What we need is a Commander-in-Chief, not a professor of law at the lectern." Abraham Lincoln did a decent job at keeping the United States united, last time I checked. Why would she diss him like that?

tonyh commented:

I think Sarah must look like some hottie that wouldn't give Bobby the time of day in High School. He's projecting his anger associated with feelings of rejection.

dirtyshirt commented:

Once and for all, can we take care of this Palin is a hottie stuff? If she was a democrat, she would hardly register. Folks are interested in her because of her unadulterated ambition and greed.

She makes sure she is grabbing headlines and continues to say the most obnoxious, divisive things she can think of. This neither makes liberal heads pop nor makes them overly fascinated by her. It just makes her the headline of the hour.

If she stopped mugging for the cameras, she would go away. Very quickly.

vanityfair commented:

If she stopped mugging for the cameras, she would go away. Very quickly.

Yes, and speaking as a Republican, that's exactly where I want her to go. Away.

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... she's a dingbat puppet.

Can we move on now to Defense and Trade? And fortifying our sovereign nation? And giving powers back to the States?

paddyofurniture commented:

Once and for all, can we take care of this Palin is a hottie stuff? If she was a democrat, she would hardly register.

You are right, Dirty, if Sarah was a Democrat, she wouldn't register. No wonder there are so many lesbians in that party.

ProgressivePete2 commented:

Wow, a bunch of really horrible pictures of smart women compared with flattering picutures of pretty vacant women. Like that was all that difficult to pull off. Maybe you should concentrate on finding intelligent women to idolize.

paddyofurniture commented:

Oh please. Don't use "intelligent" and "Nancy Pelosi" in the same sentence.

paddyofurniture commented:

The Dems all look like they got teabagged....

ProgressivePete2 commented:

DEAL, as long as you don't describe any of the Republican women you posted as intelligent.

Nancy Pelosi is too conservative for my taste. I'd rather see her cram single payer health care down your throat and watch you say how much better it is in a few years.

: )

Everyone likes Bobby's World: The origins of the Tea Party movement

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:32:59 PST

This video says it all regarding the Tea Party movement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUFr5FGtzQ4

Comments:
Ray_Harwick commented:

sigh.

vanityfair commented:

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Observer commented:

Beyond crude. You really should be studying or doing whatever you normally do, rather than posting this intellectual stuff.

BitterPill commented:

You really should be studying or doing whatever you normally do, rather than posting this intellectual stuff.

This is what he normally does. He's unemployed.

HOUNDING THE NEWS: Is Phil Wyman a Hypocrite?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:47:29 PST

I just finished reading James Burger's story about Phil Wyman. Here's the link http://tinyurl.com/ye4hbm4

Basically...Burger reports that Wyman was grandfathered into a old legislative pension plan that now pays him more than $3000 a month. Voters eliminated such benefits for politicians when they approved term limits a couple of decades ago. So Wyman, who has emerged as a big critic of public pension plans, including CALPERS, which seems to be where he gets his money, will get a major spike in his monthly pension if he gets elected to the Senate and serves just a few terms. Is he a hypocrite (as the headline suggests) for him to base his campaign on slamming pensions that will benefit him greatly? If so, what should he do? Declare he will not accept the increase? Never run for the Legislature again? (That might be tough for him, since he seems to run for nearly any available office, even if he has to move into a district to do it.) Now that you think of it, maybe that's why he is so desperate to get reelected. What do you think?

Comments:
savvydude commented:

"The system" is the system. Wyman fought to change it, but was rebuffed by Democrats at every turn and now as he tries to reenter he is being criticized because of "the system". Over-compensation of state employees is bankrupting California. Wyman has pledged to change it - you can bet Rubio will be just another liberal spending tax money that doesn't exist.

adampayne commented:

Yes, Phil Wyman is a hypocrite. However, maybe hypocrite is not a pejorative term for public officials these days. When so many politicians from John Edwards to Sarah Palin say one thing and do the opposite, maybe hypocrisy is a job requirement for most elective offices these days. Certainly never seems to stop them from filling up on the gravy train while continuing to complain about the company they choose to keep.

CheckMate commented:

People get upset at city safety employees who get the 3 @ 50 retirement. It was the city council who agreed to this formula, plus the city employees gave up certain monetary raises as a concession. And at the time departments throughout the state were getting the same retirement. People should not get mad at hard working safety employees for something they fairly negotiated for and what the city agreed to.

jfrancais commented:

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

dragoon commented:

Amen, Jf! Why begrudge Wyman on something over which he has no control? If he can make a difference, as he has promised to do, it will be worth the pitiful pension he will receive.

Newshounder commented:

These are all good points. What's a guy to do? But I wonder, did what position did he take when voters wiped out these generous pension benefits for legislators? That occurred in the 1990s, when voters passed "term limits." Did Wyman oppose "grandfathering" elected politicians -- continuing the pension benefits for those already elected? What was his position when the benefits were giving in the first place? Did they already exist before he was elected, or did he vote for them to be given? It would be probably difficult to find out what his earlier voting record was. But comparing it to his stated positions today would be the only way to really determine if he is or is not a hypocrite.

antiextremism commented:

It's the same ol' thing, it's not good for the state but I'm different.

State workers didn't bankrupt the state, politicians did.

Btowntv007 commented:

Politicians and unions bankrupt our state. Most government employees have unrealistic compensation packages. That most of us in the private sector wouldn't dream of having. No wait, we dream of it. But we just don't get it.

randomfactor commented:

Politicians and unions bankrupt our state.

Especially the Republicans.

antiextremism commented:

Well, you can always become a government employee if you like the benefits.

TheAnthillMob commented:

That sounds like saying "rather than complain about oil company profits, buy their stock!" The government employee benefits are KILLING us and CAN'T be sustained. Sorta like oil prices when the speculators get a lark.

BTW, TRY getting a gubment job some time, if I "like the benefits". Those jobs are almost impossible to obtain.

randomfactor commented:

Those jobs are almost impossible to obtain.

They do require talent, yes.

TheAnthillMob commented:

Sure about that?

BTW, forgive me for sounding like a right-winger, but where's that liberal spirit of fairness? Where is the fairness when the public sector can soak the taxpayers to keep their bennies going while the private sector taxpayer's retirement plans are suffering hard times? Where's the fairness when the public sector can soak the taxpayers when the taxpayers can least afford to be soaked?

EliotNess commented:

Am I reading this correctly? "Wyman will get $3,000 per month?" I hate to say it, but that's not a whole lot of dough anymore (thanks Obama). Wyman has made it clear that his priorities are Water and Jobs for the Central Valley. That makes sense to me. Wyman was a Vietnam Vet and I believe he was permitted to buy back his time from the military. Additionally, Wyman must have paid over a hundred grand into his retirement under the old formula. In the article Wyman clearly indicates that what must be focused on is a responsible formula for "NEW" state employees. I have to think that he realizes attacking pensions for people who are already vested in them is wrong and implausible. The article by Burger is a good one and is informative; however, I think that the term "Hypocrisy" is a bit over the line in this case. Wyman is responsible and logical enough to realize that this state is in big trouble and some tough changes are necessary going forward.

Breaking News: Southwest homicide: man assaulted with baseball bat

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:10:17 PST

PRESS RELEASE
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE

February 7, 2010
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

On 02-07-2010, at 0227 a.m., the Bakersfield Police Department received a 911 call from a female who said her husband was being assaulted outside of their residence by a subject armed with a baseball bat in the 4300 block of Whitegate Avenue. Officers responded to the 4300 block of Whitegate Avenue (northeast of Stine and Mckee roads) and located a 40 year old adult male down in the front yard of a residence suffering from multiple injuries as a result of being assaulted by multiple suspects. The victim was transported to Kern Medical Center where he later succumbed from the injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed the victim encountered several suspects outside of his residence and a physical altercation ensued. The victim ran from the scene of the initial altercation to a nearby front yard and the suspects continued the assault. The suspects fled the scene in separate vehicles.
It is unknown if this incident is gang related. The name of the victim is currently being withheld pending notification of family.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at 327-7111 or Detective Murphy at 326-3861.

Name release of Homicide Victim from 4310 White Gate Avenue in Bakersfield on 02/07/2010

NEWS RELEASE
KERN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
CORONER DIVISION

This news release is prepared under the direction of the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator for the convenience of news reporters. Facts concerning news events of major importance, which occur after the preparation of this release, will be made available to reporters at their request as soon as it is possible to do.

DECEDENT'S NAME: Patrick Shige Matsuda CASE #: C00216-10
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Bakersfield AGE: 40 yrs.
TYPE OF CASE: Homicide
DATE OF INCIDENT: 02/07/2010 TIME: 0227 hrs.
LOCATION: 4310 White Gate Avenue, Bakersfield
DATE OF DEATH: 02/07/2010 TIME: 0317 hrs.
PLACE OF DEATH: Kern Medical Center Emergency Room
INVESTIGATING AGENCY: Bakersfield Police Department

Details: This decedent died from injuries he received during a physical altercation with multiple assailants. Please contact the Bakersfield Police Department Robbery/Homicide Detail for specific information regarding their investigation.

Comments: The next of kin has been notified and an autopsy will be scheduled to determine the cause of death.

DONNY YOUNGBLOOD, Sheriff-Coroner

By: James Holt
Date: Sunday, February 07, 2010
Time: 7:28:40 AM

Comments:
RachelLegan commented:

http://rachelatkgfm.blogspot.com/2010/02/justice-for-pat.html

pamelahelms1 commented:

My husband and i are very saddened this morning to hear of the passing of our friend Pat who was beaten to death with a baseball bat. just for asking a neighbor to keep the noise down (he had to get up and go to work early this morning). It makes me wonder what our world is coming to, that these horrible men would do this to a human being.

We can only hope and pray that these men that did this and then ran like cowards will go to jail. Then one day they will meet there maker who will then have them pay the ultimate price for there sins.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in there time of need.

CheckMate commented:

It has been a few years since I have seen Pat. I just looked at the Kern County Superior Court website for criminal cases filed and see it's been about 9 years. Wow.

RachelLegan commented:

Checkmate..Just want to be clear that whatever you may or not be alluding to had nothing to do with Pat being killed last night. It was random and senseless.

Not trying to argue with you about anything.I'm just saying that he went to ask his neighbors to please quiet down and now he is gone.

NancyII commented:

This is exactly why I don't approach neighbors about loud music or screaming up and down the street in cars. We're told to try to talk to neighbors and settle it ourselves but you see the results of that.

I don't know the particulars or what was said but I don't intend to put myself in danger over loud music. That's what the cops are for.

CheckMate commented:

Rachel, I was not alluding to anything regarding what happened. I fully believe the news release unless I learn differently.

vanityfair commented:

Unbelievable. There really are no words ... this is beyond savage. When did people become such animals?

Heinz57 commented:

What is going on in Bakersfield? When did all these cowards move in? Oh yeah, when the real estate agents started advertising in the Inland Empire and Ventura counties.. Thanks a lot you greedy bastards - you've give then trash and scum of society a better quality of life at the expense of the Bakersfield natives.

NancyII commented:

"What is going on in Bakersfield? "

The same thing that's going on all over the country. Bakersfield's not unique in crime or violance. Blaming the Real Estate business for this kind of crime is the wackiest thing I've heard. We've ALWAYS had crime, where've you been?

MRAllred commented:

Who was it that wanted me to go out and talk to the black females and make friends with them PP I believe

I carry a Sig 45 if I ask you to turn down the music I carry I'm tried of being nice to scum

jfrancais commented:

It was me. Christianity is an evangelical religion. Talking to scum about the good news is a good thing for your religion.

MRAllred commented:

JF it wasn't you my christian teaching defend your home and family Christ said to watch for the thief I have no problem defending my self family or home

It was PP that said go make friends with them

jfrancais commented:

I said talk to them and you said that you would give them a shower, first. I then replied that there is nothing wrong with defending your property.

vwilroy commented:

This is such a horrific act of violence. Asking for less noise so he can sleep and he gets murdered. My heart breaks for the family and friends. May God help them through this.

drilnliftcrude commented:

I hope that this time the assailants aren't CSUB wrestlers.

MRAllred commented:

JF this is what PP said like I said

posted by ProgressivePete2 on Jan 31, 2010 at 08:21 PM <Delete>

Why not make friends with them so they actually don't want to write on your stuff?

adampayne commented:

You read a story like this, and it does not matter how many times you have read the same type of story before, and no matter what different places the same stories comes from, an act of pure brutal cowardice displayed by a pack of thugs killing a young man in his neighborhood is a shock to the system. Just as shocking as another local story about a guy shooting his neighbor's little dog out in the pet owner's front yard when the dog was out taking care of bladder business. You can check out the video on the Channel 29 website.

When so many comments here reflect the fear people have about their own neighborhoods, this place may beyond repair. Especially with that Christian spirit Mr Allred shares so often with us when he notes he has his 45 with him for all social occasions.

This is not life as it should be.

NancyII commented:

I think life as it should be passed us by a long time ago. This is life as it is.

CatherineBaker commented:

I really hope they catch the people who did this. My blood just boils when I read stories like this.

kbabe02 commented:

I thoroughly agree with the statement "What is going in Bakersfield?". I was born and bred here in this fine community. I remember the days when , as a child, my siblings & I would stay out past dark riding our bikes in the dirt fields surrounding our neighborhood. I do not even recall having to use keys to the door of our house; it was always unlocked. There was never any fear nor were there disruptive neighbors on our cul-de-sac. Everybody had respect for other people and their property. Things have definitely changed over the years. Good for you, MRAllred, for standing up for yourself and protecting your family. There is NOTHING wrong with that! Things might have turned out differently if Mr. Matsuda was carrying some form of protection from these thugs. My thoughts and prayers are with the Matsuda family.

blackwoodthis commented:

Pat did not deserve this. Regardless of what any of you think. 9 years ago means nothing, this is a disgraceful thing and these people should be punished. He paid his time and made a better life for himself. His family, wife, and kids, do not deserve his loss. What these people have done is disgusting and will pay for what they have done. He is missed by many many people. God will punish these sick murderers and that is more than any judge or any person could do.

jfrancais commented:

Things might have turned out differently if Mr. Matsuda was carrying some form of protection from these thugs.

Are you saying he should have knocked on the door while being armed? I don't know what could have prevented such a heartless situation. There should be a minimum level of trust among neighbors.

NancyII commented:

You can't compare the Bakersfield of the 40-50s to the city it is today. Population 50,000-70,000 to 350,000 and still growing? There really is NO comparison. We can't continually look backwards because we don't like things the way they are now, that's pointless Nothing is ever the same and as once was said "you can't go home again."

I was raised here too, probably long before you were kbabe and I know what you're talking about. This is now, not yesterday. With population growth comes more crime. Nothing happened to the Bakersfield we remember, it's still there in our minds, but this city is no longer a small town and hasn't been for a long time.

We aren't alone in this mess, don't you folks read the papers?

As for the gentleman not "deserving this"..... does anyone? No innocent person "deserves" to die and sorry, but every time I read that phrase I cringe.

If people want small town utopias they need to move to some sleepy little town somewhere and live their dream. This city is too big for that kind of life now. Living in a larger city and complaining about it is an exercise in futility.

That's reality.

NancyII commented:

Jf, one would think we could talk to our neighbors but going along with what I said above, some of us don't even know our neighbors. There's no way I would walk up to a house where a drunken party is going on, the middle of the night, to complain about the music. I really don't think it's a wise thing to do.

BreakingNewsTeam commented:

8:15 PM UPDATE:

I don't have much new on this. Police said this evening no one has been arrested, though some folks have been questioned.

The house across the street from the Matsudas, where the alleged assailants had been gathered, was foreclosed on in December, property records show. From what neighbors told me, a family had been living there...in other words, it wasn't just a one-night party in a vacant house.

Hopefully Steve can find out more tomorrow (Monday) when he's back.

- Gretchen Wenner, staff writer

jfrancais commented:

Being from Bakersfield myself, I can understand the inherent distrust of neighbors. I really can't remember a Bakersfield that was safe and perfect. I felt safe in my heighborhood but by no means was it a safehaven. I'm glad to now live in a place where I can at least ask them to turn down their music.

honorerdieu commented:

According to the unofficial statistics on City-Data.com, Bakersfield has one officer for every 1000 residents. That is lower than the US average of 3 officers for every 1000 residents. I've also seen other California cities such as Santa Barbara and Modesto have nearly the similar ratio, yet their results are better and worse than Bakersfield.

Also, in 1999 the reported number of assaults in Bakersfield was nearly 500 which was much, much lower than the US average. However, the number of assaults started to double in 2003 and go above the US average.

By no means the statistics on the website are officially accurate, but they're good estimates.

http://www.city-data.com/city/Bakersfield-California.html

Edit: P.S. My condolences to the Matsua family.

Roysan commented:

This is why I always call BPD and let them take care of it.

suicidal5150 commented:

This is the reason im moving out of this state. To many tweakers and want to be gangsters in bakersfield. Not to many people have any morales or respect for human life anymore. Very sad

mlojeda3 commented:

I sure hope you guys that did it, understand that you have taken away a life...always remember you reap what you sow...I sure hope you all get what you deserve.

kbabe02 commented:

jf, YES! Although I would never appraoach such a situation the way the deceased did, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will protect my family by any means necessary if my family's safety is at risk, especially in my own home. If that bothers some, so be it. Nancy, your matronly prose is a slight clue that you are much older than I. I will not move anywhere - my own, albeit small, utopia is right here with my friends and family! Having a happy, fulfilled life is not dependent on where you live but whom you surround yourself with to share common values. I am well traveled and have always come back 'home'. And, no, I do not read the papers much. I am way too busy. Talk radio is my source for news. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the Matsuda family. I hope these thugs get what they deserve.

NancyII commented:

No slight intended kbabe, just an observation that I've been here a long time and have seen the changes. If you're younger than I am then you won't have seen the drastic change.

My whole point is that we can't expect time to stand still and with growth comes more crime. I don't read the paper at all other than on line and I see still crime in every city, we are not unique. You're right about one thing concerning utopia, life is pretty much what we make it wherever we are.

There are no perfect cities that I know of.

jfrancais commented:

Although I would never appraoach such a situation the way the deceased did

That completely changes your answer. I have guns, too, but I wouldn't knock on somebody's door or enter onto someone else's property armed. Mr. Matsuda appears to have been trying to do the right thing. In retrospect, he should have just called the police and hoped for the best.

MRAllred commented:

I would never go next door armed I would stay on my own property and ask TURN DOWN the MUSIC please

DBR1 commented:

Being armed is a Constitutional right. I carry even if it's just walking down the street to get my mail. Law-abiding citizens must do what they can to protect themselves and their families. Moreover, I'll be damned if I'm going to let these criminals harm me or my family without a fight.

Molon Labe!

Roysan commented:

Anyone know why this has not been reported as a possible hate crime? There was a gang of folks beating up an Asian American.... Why isn't there a description of the killers? Bats and pipes sound like gang bangers to me.

learnem commented:

very sad

theknowing commented:

you know, its so easy for you guys to judge. you weren't there, you dont know what happened. i happen to know, from a very reliable source who whitnessed this alleged "attack", what really happened. patrick started the physical alterction. he was the one who grabbed a bat FIRST, and then the guys grabbed bats. what did he think was going to happen? a group of drunk guys being approached violently by a BODY BUILDER with a BAT????????? what would you do? they were defending themselves and it got out of hand due to alcohol intoxication. they NEVER meant for ANYTHING like this to happen. it was NOT a hate crime, it was NOT gang violence, and they are NOT thugs. so theres some reality for you guys....think about it.

proam commented:

theknowing, Are you hoping what you've written here will be admissible in court?

tonyh commented:

I'm sure he didn't expect to be beaten to death by a bunch of guys with baseball bats. There's absolutely no excuse for what they did. I think they all, one at a time should have to suffer the same exact thing.

pamg commented:

I'll bet your "very reliable source" was one of the partygoers.

"The victim ran from the scene of the initial altercation to a nearby front yard and the suspects continued the assault."

The victim ran away. They chased him and continued the assault. Regardless of who started it or how, once he left they should have left him alone.

jfrancais commented:

they were defending themselves

Naw, homie. Mutual combat, at best. I still doubt it.

dgrealish commented:

GO HERE AND READ THIS!

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/54636

BakoBeachBumm commented:

This is so unbelievable! I remember this town when Ming ave ended at "old" Stine and when they built the "BIG" store ZODYs. This was a great town then, we had block parties and everyone from the neighborhood would gather and BBQ and visit each other. What a town it has become and that we no longer even know many of our neighbors.

What happened is wrong on so may levels, first the house was a foreclosed house so why did the police allow them to stay? Haven' t they told all of us many times that if we see people in a house that is a foreclosed property to report it? It had been such a problem that other neighbors even put up security cameras and microphones to try to keep the trouble makers away. Then to say the MURDERS acted in self defense is ludicrous. While I CANT say what I really feel or how I might act in the same situation, I do hope that when they are caught that they receive jail house justice.

This is another example of what has been "claimed" as the CRIME RATE is DOWN. Yeah tell me another one.

brigham commented:

the

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