CSUB to offer free high speed rail discussions for community, students

With the California High Speed Rail project being hotly debated from the local to the national level, CSUB is offering a chance for students and the community to hear arguments and learn facts from all sides.

A free, five-session speaker series beginning Jan. 18 will feature community experts, starting with Kern County Supervisor Ray Watson and Kern Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Richard Chapman, who will both speak about job creation.

The course continues every other Wednesday through March 14, hitting topics such as the project’s business plan, financing, environmental impact, consequences, and culminating with a town hall style meeting. The class meets in the evening from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. in Science III, Room 213.

CSUB students who take the course will receive general studies credit. The free course is also open to the general public through CSUB’s Extended University program.

The registration form can be found on the Extended University Division website at: http://www.csub.edu/eud/. Click on "FORMS" in the blue bar on the left. Although the form indicates differently, the form can be faxed to EUD at (661) 654-2447.

The best access to campus for this location is via Camino Media. Park in Lot "E." Parking is $5.

First Aid

The American Red Cross First Aid course gives individuals in the workplace the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic first aid care for injuries and sudden illnesses until advanced medical personnel arrive and take over. The classes take place at the Kern Chapter of the American Red Cross located at 5035 Gilmore Ave. For more information and to register please call 661-324-6427 or visit www.kernredcross.org.

CSUB presents the comical opera “Albert Herring”

Every three years, CSUB’s music department produces a cultural offering that is rare for Bakersfield: a live opera. This Feb. 3 and 4, community members are invited to enjoy this year’s opera, the comedic “Albert Herring.”

The opera was composed in 1946 by Benjamin Britten with a libretto by Eric Crozier and based on a short story by Guy de Maupassant. Britten’s idea was to write an opera that could be performed by a small company with modest means, said Peggy Sears, head of Voice Studies at CSUB and director of the production.

“It’s an ensemble opera with 13 characters, all with important parts, and 13 orchestra members, each playing a different instrument. This, plus the fact that it is a coming-of-age story, makes it perfect for our small, mostly undergraduate program at CSUB,” Sears said.

Set in England at the turn of the last century, the story pokes fun at a town tradition to select the most virtuous girl as Queen of May Day. Realizing there is no pure enough female in town to receive such an honor, the event organizers settle on crowning a King, a timid grocery boy who lives under his mother’s rule. But the award only serves to awaken the boy’s thirst for adventure, and scandal ensues.

The musical composition is challenging, Sears said. But the students learn the art of opera throughout their education at CSUB and enjoy the chance to inject their personalities into the music.

“The opera theatre is supposed to be for those students who want to be stretched to their fullest,” Sears said. “They must sing well while moving about the stage purposefully and creating a character. And with Britten, they must do all this while singing music that is as challenging as anything regularly performed on the opera stage. The audience will hopefully not even notice the difficulty of the music.”

After the resounding success of the musical production of “Chicago” last spring, “Albert Herring” will further demonstrate to the community that CSUB is a strong, vibrant player in the local performing arts scene.

CSUB presents the comedic opera “Albert Herring” by Benjamin Britten, directed by Peggy Sears and conducted by Ronald Kean, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4, in the Doré Theatre at California State University, Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway. A pre-performance lecture will be held in the Albertson Room at 7:15 p.m. on opening night. Admission at the door is $15 general, $10 seniors and students, and $5 CSUB students with ID. For more information, call 661-654-2168.

KERN AUTISM NETWORK PRESENTS 17TH ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS CONFERENCE

On February 24, 2012, the Autism Society Chapter-Kern Autism Network will hold its 17^th Annual Autism Awareness Conference at Hodel's Banquet Room, 5917 Knudsen Drive, in Bakersfield. Our featured speaker is Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP.

Emily Rubin is the director of Communication Crossroads, a private practice in Carmel, California. She is a speech-language pathologist specializing in Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and related social learning disabilities.

As an adjunct faculty member and lecturer at Yale University, she has served as a member of their Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. She has also served as an instructor for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she has developed courses to prepare graduate level students for addressing the needs of children with autism and their families.

She recently participated as a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Ad Hoc Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a committee charged with developing guidelines related to the role of speech-language pathologists in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of ASD. She lectures internationally and provides consultation to educational programs serving children and adolescents with autism and related developmental disorders.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).

One in every 91 U.S. children ages 3-17 has an autism spectrum disorder. This means 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder (http://www.autism-society.org).

Doors open at 7:30 am and the presentation begins at 8:45 am. Vendors with materials geared toward autism will be available during the day. Tickets are $100 each. Seating is limited, with this conference selling out each year, so purchase your ticket today. Online registration is available at http://kernautism2012conference.eventbrite.com

For more information, call 661 588-4235 or visit our website at www.kernautism.org or find us on FACEBOOK under Kern Autism Network.

Autism Society Chapter-Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County. We work towards cooperation, coordination and the creation of services between all individuals and agencies working with people with autism.

Ramona Puget, President
Autism Society Chapter-Kern Autism Network
www.kernautism.org
kernautism@gmail.com
661-588-4235
FACEBOOK: Kern Autism Network

Come and meet Maggie!

Maggie is a three month old Labrador /Pit Bull mix. She currently weighs 16 pounds and is expected to mature into a 50+ pound girl. Maggie and her sister were cruelly tied up to a shopping cart at a local market. In very cold temperatures the girls cuddled together until they were rescued by animal control. Very thankful and excited for a full meal and a warm blanket, Maggie and her sister made themselves at home and immediately showed their silly personality. Maggie is very playful and loves to play with her sister and other dogs. She loves toys, and enjoys chewing on raw hides. Maggie does not know how to walk on a leash yet but comes right away when she is called. She loves everyone and crawls right in your lap, covering you with kisses. Maggie deserves a second chance with a family who will love and spoil her unconditionally. Please come and visit her and check out her video.

http://youtu.be/OPrEqEWSCxU

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7p.m.,

Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,

Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Come visit Shafter shelter animals at

Petsmart on Ming Ave. on Saturdays from 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

Come visit this cute little Chihuahua!

Cheeky is an 8 month old Chihuahua mix. She was surrendered by her owners after they were no longer able to care for her. Cheeky currently weighs 3 pounds and is on the thin side. She should mature into a 5-8 pound girl. Little Cheeky is a little nervous and scared around new people when she first meets them. She warms up very quickly and likes to be held, cuddled and comforted. Cheeky is not familiar with a leash and needs some practice. She likes to be around other dogs and feels safer when they are around. Cheeky is very submissive and also shy around other dogs and will do best with dogs her size or that are submissive as well. This little girl is just looking for a family with lots of love and time to give her. Please come and visit this sweet thing and check out her video.

http://youtu.be/mgVMDqFh2WA

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7p.m.,

Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,

Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Come visit Shafter shelter animals at

Petsmart on Ming Ave. on Saturdays from 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

A Movie Worth Seeing

One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long, long time is “We Bought A Zoo.” There is something for everyone. Very high quality acting, great story and good message about life. Go. See. Enjoy. Take the kids and the grandkids and the parents and the friends. It’s perfect. We need more movies like “We Bought a Zoo.”

Ozzy Needs a Place to Call Home-Soon...

Hi, my name is Ozzy and I am looking for a new family to love me again... I am so super friendly and have so much love to give. I wish someone would adopt me and take me home so I can show them what a good boy I am. I am a 1 to 2 year old Male Boxer mix. My adoption fee includes my Neuter and my vaccines ( Rabies included) . Please come visit me and my friends at the Wasco Shelter..We are worth the short drive..

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240 . Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

PETSMART ADOPTIONS EVERY SATURDAY 11 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. at 4100 MING AVE. Bakersfield Ca

Cats and Kittens available in the PetSmart cattery daily.

Join us on Facebook: Wasco Animal Shelter

A Plea for Help

Please forgive me if this is a duplicate posting. About 2 months ago I found a cat trying desperately to get into the resident's apartments, he followed everyone, just a lost soul.
This is not a stray or wild cat it is an abandoned cat. I live in an apt complex that does not allow pets but I have been feeding it and made it a makeshift bed for outside to keep it from freezing, I have tried all the animal organizations here but they haven't enough funds to take him and I won't go to spca as they will kill him.
He is a handsome, short-haired male mostly black with pretty white markings. He has large clear green eyes and appears very healthy esp since I have been feeding him.
I guesstamate he is around 6 months old. He loves to lay on your lap and be pet.
I'm afraid I will be evicted if I'm caught taking care of him. I have tried friends but no is able to take him. Can someone please give this handsome and loving cat a home?
I call him Babe but he seems to answer to anything!
Please, if you can help contact me here and we can make arrangements for you to see him.
Hannah Joseph

This senior boy is hoping for a second chance!

Pops is a 10 year old Siamese/Tabby mix. He is a very sweet and affectionate and loves to be around people. Pops loves to be pet and massaged. He does not like to be held and cuddled but he will smooze and love up against you. Pops doesn’t mind other cats or dogs and usually minds his own business. He is not interested in toys and would rather spend his days napping in the sunlight, looking out the window and purring in your lap. Pops does not like to be in a rowdy or noisy environment and needs peace and quiet. Pops is looking for a new home with lots of love and attention and is dying to meet you.

http://youtu.be/Ab16a92Y_b4

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7p.m.,

Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,

Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Come visit Shafter shelter animals at

Petsmart on Ming Ave. on Saturdays from 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

We will be at Petsmart Christmas Eve!!

This senior girl acts half her age! ADOPTED!!

TORY IS A NINEYEAR OLD BULL TERRIER. SHE IS FULL GROWN AND WEIGHS 33.8 POUNDS. TORY IS A VERY PLAYFUL GIRL THAT LOVES ATTENTION. SHE IS VERY LOVING AND OUTGOING. TORY IS A FORWARD, PLAYFUL DOG AND PLAYS WELL WITH OTHER DOGS. TORY WILL CHASE AND BARK AT CATS AND SHE HAS THE ENERGY OF A PUPPY. SHE LOVES GOING FOR WALKS AND DOES VERY WELL ON A LEASH. TORY LIKES TO EXPLORE NEW PLACES AND BE OUTSIDE, OR IN YOUR LAP. SHE IS VERY AFFECTIONATE AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A SECOND CHANCE IN A NEW HOME. PLEASE COME AND VISIT HER AND CHECK OUT HER VIDEO.

http://youtu.be/THwVQ9YMdFg
http://youtu.be/wIrUNLJlVsY

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7p.m.,

Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,

Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Come visit Shafter shelter animals at

Petsmart on Ming Ave. on Saturdays from 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

Mistletoe is ready for a Christmas stocking!

Mistletoe is an 8 week old, female kitten. She came in with her littermates as an abandoned litter of kittens. She was too young to be without her momma and she was lucky enough to have a nice kitty to foster her and her littermates. She was fed and taken care of and is now ready for a new, lifelong, loving home. She is playful, curious and sweet. Come visit!

http://youtu.be/SaSpRUTzJUo

Shafter Animal Control

661-746-2140

www.shaftercritters.petfinder.com

Hours:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7p.m.,

Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,

Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Come visit Shafter shelter animals at

Petsmart on Ming Ave. on Saturdays from 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

MERRY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The timer that I bought for my outdoor lights was fairly expensive. I was, however, looking forward to not having to plug them in when it gets dark and unplug them when I go to bed.

In an attempt to attach the timer to the lights, I realized what a totally complicated procedure I was in for. First of all there are six pages of instructions. I found the instructions after borrowing my neighbor’s chain saw to open the package. They were wadded up in the bottom of a plastic covering that probably could be substituted for an airplane window in an emergency. I had to search for my language of choice.

Now, down to business.

I do WHAT? It has to be plugged in WHERE? There is a possible lead poisoning involved in handling the cord??? Do not immerse in water. Now why would anyone do that? Do not splice, repair or modify. (I don’t even know how to do that!) This must be used five feet above the ground. What am I supposed to do, plug it in my ear? I don’t have any outside outlets 5’ high (except my ear).

I am not usually a quitter. My 8^th grade motto was “Quitters never win.” However, I quit. I will totter out there when I go to bed and unplug whatever needs to be unplugged. Or I won’t turn them on except when I’m having company.

At the bottom of the instructions it told me to:

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

CONSERVEZ CE MODE D’OPERATION!

GUARDE ESTAS INSTRUCCIONES!

(WHY, I SAY? WHY? WHY?)

Further down it read:

Printed in China

Imprime’ in Chine

Impreso en China

If this had been made in the USA and the instructions written and printed here, would the Chinese complain? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe they don’t even want outdoor lights except during the Chinese New Year.

Don’t drive by to look at my Christmas lights unless you call ahead. I will run out there in my cozy robe and plug them in. And if you want an outdoor timer, I know where you can get one free. Merry Christmas!

America Will Not Tolerate National Defense Authorization Act (2012)

We are facing the most dangerous threat to American civil liberties in our history as a nation, and it is receiving shockingly inadequate coverage by traditional media.

This bill passed through the Senate with a vote of 93-7. President Obama claims that he will veto it. However, if he changes his mind (as he has in the past) and this bill is signed into law, this is what it will mean for you, your children and future generations of American citizens:

1) If the government decides that you might be a terrorist or that you might be associated with terrorists (including eco-terrorists, cyber-terrorists, etc.) , then US Marines can legally break down your door, throw a hood over your head, kidnap you, interrogate you, and hold you indefinitely in a secret military detention center.

2) No trial will be required for this action and there will be NO legal recourse at all for anyone who is taken.

3) A “suspected terrorist” in this case, would be anyone the military or the government says is a suspected terrorist.

This bill is a perversion of the Constitution, a direct affront to our rights as outlined in the Sixth Amendment and it should never have come before Congress. It is appalling that it has passed through the Senate virtually unopposed. Potential future abuses of this bill are so horrifying and far-reaching that they would change the character of our nation forever. It MUST NOT not become law.

Take immediate action. Here are some simple, effective steps you can take to make your opinion count:

A) Sign the petition at: https://www.change.org/petitions/petition-national-defense-authorization-act-is-illegal-s-1867

B) Email the President. http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments, select "civil liberties" in the subject box, and then paste this in the body of the email: “America will not tolerate S. 1867.” Write any additional comments you wish and sign your name in the body of the email.

C) Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments then select "civil liberties" in the subject box, and then paste this in the body of the email: “America will not tolerate S. 1867.” Write any additional comments you wish and sign your name.

D) Sign the petition on: http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/ndaa/?source=fb

E) Please forward and share this page with everyone on your email/FB lists or any other social media you use.

Here are links to additional reading material, if you wish to research this topic further:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/12/05/the-national-defense-authorization-act-is-the-greatest-threat-to-civil-liberties-americans-face/

http://loyalopposition.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/president-obama-veto-the-defense-authorization-act/

You can also simply run a web search for “National Defense Authorization Act.”

I thank you for reading through this, and for any action you take to defend our precious civil liberties. God bless America.

Esme is a playful puppy

Hi everyone! My name is Esme and I am a 3 month old Female mix breed puppy. How I ended up in a shelter is anyones guess... I am a sweet and playful girl .I would love some toys to play with, a warm bed to sleep in , and a family to love me , maybe yours? Please come visit my friends and me at the shelter. We are well worth the short drive. Hope to see you...

Wasco Animal Shelter, 5409 7th St., 758-7240 . Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

PETSMART ADOPTIONS EVERY SATURDAY 11 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. at 4100 MING AVE. Bakersfield Ca

Cats and Kittens available in the PetSmart cattery daily.

Join us on Facebook: Wasco Animal Shelter

Recent Posts : Bakersfield.com

CSUB to offer free high speed rail discussions for community, students

First Aid

CSUB presents the comical opera “Albert Herring”

KERN AUTISM NETWORK PRESENTS 17TH ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS CONFERENCE

Come and meet Maggie!

Come visit this cute little Chihuahua!

A Movie Worth Seeing

Ozzy Needs a Place to Call Home-Soon...

A Plea for Help

This senior boy is hoping for a second chance!

This senior girl acts half her age! ADOPTED!!

Mistletoe is ready for a Christmas stocking!

MERRY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

America Will Not Tolerate National Defense Authorization Act (2012)

Esme is a playful puppy