UPDATE! - TINKERBELL HAS A NEW HOME!

This energetic little girl is Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell is a female, black and white Chihuahua mix. She is approximately two years old and will be spayed before she can go to her new home. Tinkerbell came to the shelter after her owner passed away and we are hoping someone out there will fall in love with her and give her a second chance at a forever home. She is very sweet, affectionate and playful. She seems to get along well with other similar sized dogs and absolutely adores playtime with pets and people. Tinkerbell would make a great pet for just about any family. Tinkerbell is available for adoption from the Kern County Animal Shelter in Bakersfield for just $45! This fee includes her spay surgery, first series of canine vaccinations, microchip and more. Don’t forget her ID number – 846853!

This Pet May Be Adopted Quickly! Please Visit The KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER At 201 S Mount Vernon Avenue To See All Of Our Adoptable Pets. For More Information, Call 661-321-3000 Or Visit Our Website at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd.

New horse training in Bakersfield

IM new in town - I have a top in the nation horse training business - please tell me how to best market this in you town. My website is www.californiahorsetrainingsarashalda.com I would like to network wit other local business professionals and learn how to best market my newly re located horse training business here in Bakersfield.

Compass for Your Cause

On April 16th, Kathy Schilling Art Studio and Compass Bank, located on 8500 Stockdale Hwy, will team up to exhibit Schilling Art Studio—Young Artist Exhibit. The Compass for Your Cause Exhibit will showcase some of Mrs. Schilling’s tremendously talented art students and the chance to encourage the public to fill their lives with art. Compass Bank has kindly added an incentive to come out and support this scholarship fundraiser. BBVA Compass will donate $50.00 to Schilling art Studio for every supporter account that is opened. Remember to bring you ID and $25.00 to open your own account in support of Schilling Art Studio.

This event’s proceeds will go directly to Kathy Schilling’s Young Artist Scholarship Fund which is a wonderful program that aids many of her students in their journey to attending college. Mrs. Schilling has always formed a very close bond with her students, teaching them not only art, but helping them and mentoring them in many of their life aspirations. She understands that college is a fundamental step in any growing teenager’s life, and she is determined to get them there.

As a student of Mrs. Schilling’s, I will be leaving her class in the fall to make my own journey to college. It is very difficult to leave Mrs. Schilling’s art studio, not only a place I have grown up in but a wonderful and kind teacher that has never given up on me. Her dedication and mentoring has helped me reach my goal of furthering my education, and one day becoming a teacher myself.

This exhibit will be open to the public from 2 pm to 5pm and welcomes all who are interested in Kathy Schilling’s Art Studio as well as purchasing a beautiful piece of art in contribution to her wonderful cause.

Come out and enjoy a spring afternoon in the presence of some of Bakersfield’s finest artists and art.

UPDATE:::Rascal has been Rescued

Hi, my name is Rascal. I am a 1 - 2 year old male Terrier mix who is super friendly. I get along with other dogs and am incredibly friendly with people. I don't know how I ( or my new shelter animal friends) ended up in the shelter, but I am ready to find a new home. Please come see us, we are worth the short drive

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=CA1181&preview=1

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 3:00 P.M. at 4100 MING AVE. Bakersfield Ca

Cats and Kittens available in the PetSmart cattery daily/

Join us on Facebook: Wasco Animal Shelter

UPDATE! - DREW HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

This sweet faced little guy is named Drew and he is hoping for a new home today! Drew is a neutered male, white Mini Poodle mix. He is approximately four years old and came to the shelter after he was found lost and alone on Hughes Lane. Drew is a very fun-loving, energetic and affectionate little dog. He loves to play with other dogs and is curious about cats. He would do best in a home with children and other pets as he really loves to play and run. Drew is available for adoption from the Kern County Animal Shelter in Bakersfield for just $85! This fee includes his neuter surgery, his first series of canine vaccinations, his microchip and more. Don’t forget his ID number – 847958!

UPDATE! - NATE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

Meet Nate! This kitty is extremely affectionate and loving and just craves attention! Nate is a neutered male, black and white domestic shorthair kitty. He is about a year and a half old. Nate found his way to the shelter after he was rescued off of Stine Road by a Good Samaritan. He seems to do well with other cats and he seems to be curious and wants to play with small dogs. He would make a good fit for just about any size family, but would probably really enjoy a new home that has pets to keep him company. Nate also loves to nuzzle and snuggle with humans. He has a fantastic personality and is available for adoption from the Kern County Animal Shelter in Bakersfield for just $40! This fee includes his neuter surgery, his microchip, his first feline vaccinations and more. Don’t forget his ID number – 847294!

This Pet May Be Adopted Quickly! Please Visit The KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER At 201 S Mount Vernon Avenue To See All Of Our Adoptable Pets. For More Information, Call 661-321-3000 Or Visit Our Website at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd.

Different types of prom dresses

There is a wide range of styles, lengths, and shapes of prom dresses available in the market for the simple reason the body shape and personal taste of each woman is different. When it comes to prom dress, the right fit is very important and whether you are tall, short, or of medium height and whether you are slim or full-figured, there has to be the right fitting prom dress that will make you look charming.

Again, the desiging has to be perfect as most women want the prom dress to highlight their strong physical features and play down the other parts of their body. For instance, some women may want to show off their legs, some the upper portion of their body, some their waistline, and some their hips and bottom.

If you are blessed with a slim figure, you are fortunate as you will have many options. You can look fabulous with a bell-shaped dress and highlight your bust line. You can also wear prom dresses that emphasize the waistline and wear a belt to create curves.
If you enjoy a hourglass figure, then you are the most enviable woman on earth. With this type of figure, any prom dress will go well. You can wear your prom dress long, short, sleeveless, with or without a jacket.
If yours is an apple-shaped body, you can wear prom dresses that attract viewer’s attention to the mid-section of your body. With a high waistline, you might not have to worry so much about dresses being too tight on the waist or hips. You can also choose a shorter dress if you have elegant legs to show.

If you are endowed with a pear-shaped body, prom dresses with an a-line or full shirt will make the hips to be less prominent.
If you are blessed with a slim figure, you are fortunate as you will have many options. You can look fabulous with a bell-shaped dress and highlight your bust line. You can also wear prom dresses that emphasize the waistline and wear a belt to create curves.
If you enjoy a hourglass figure, then you are the most enviable woman on earth. With this type of figure, any prom dress will go well. You can wear your prom dress long, short, sleeveless, with or without a jacket.
If yours is an apple-shaped body, you can wear prom dresses that attract viewer’s attention to the mid-section of your body. With a high waistline, you might not have to worry so much about dresses being too tight on the waist or hips. You can also choose a shorter dress if you have elegant legs to show.
If you possess a petite figure, try prom dresses that are short with plain design. Go for prom dresses that emphasize the waistline or upper body.
If you have lage bustline or what is usually called a busty figure, you can wear dresses that lay less stress on the upper body. Choose prom dresses with good support as well as a great neckline.
If you are small busted with less prominent breasts, choose prom dresses with ornate beadwork, ruffles or all types of embellishment to give the appearance of a bigger bosom.

Prom dresses could draw out the very best in you. But, prom dresses appear fabulous only when they fit correctly and match your body shape. When it comes to prom dresses, you can experiment with different colors and there are so many colors available in the market that will make you look stunning. However, when trying different colors, you should make sure to pick colors that match well with you own skin tone, and avoid colors that are not compatible with your skin tone.

If you want to appear charming and grab attention of all guests present on the prom night, you need to spend time to select the most appropriate prom dress. It is obvious that prom dresses are the symbol of feminine grace and when you wear the right type of prom dresses, you will showcase yourself with a perfect figure in front of others.

Swedish Easter

My younger,older brother Roger (two boys, three girls, two older brothers one younger, one older - stay with me!) fell in love and married a girl from Sweden (lovely story...but that will have to wait for another article).

My brother, when he first moved to Sweden, tried to bring some American traditions to the Swedes (although he won't admit it, I think he was homesick); one of these traditions was Halloween. That, as the saying goes, went over like the preverbial lead balloon. Roger said that there was a room full of Swedes just staring at each other. Although that one was a huge disaster, oddly enough, Cinco De Mayo (or Mexican Party) is a huge hit which my brother and his friends still celebrate to this day.

Anyway, when I had the opportunity to visit Sweden, I kept seeing stuffed witches (the most popular is a lawn ornament that is a flat witch which looks like it has flown into a tree or the side of a house). I also saw a lot of what we would call, "kitchen witches." It was very bizarre. I asked my sister-in-law about them and she said they were "Easter Witches."

Helen: I beg your pardon?

Annika: Easter Witches

Helen: What is an Easter Witch?

Annika: Well, it's on Easter when everyone dresses up like a witch and you give the kids candy.

Helen: You mean like Halloween?

Annika: No...we don't do that here.

That's her favorite thing to say to me, "No, we don't do that here." It's usually followed up by some weird/bizarre thing that you wonder how in the HECK they came up with this (like birth control pills for pets instead of spaying and neutering). Anyway, in my wildest imaginings, I couldn't figure out where they got the idea of an "Easter Witch" out of what to us is either Easter Bunnies or the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.

Apparently, it's a strange blend of the Christian Easter and the pagan rites of the vernal equinox. The Swedes celebrate a lot of what we would call "pagan" holidays; I have some gorgeous photos of May Poles with pagan symbols and my niece all decked out in a beautiful wreath of spring flowers.

I digress! The vernal equinox (according to Scandinavian mythology), was when the witches of the earth had their annual coven. To protect themselves from roaming witches, people built bonfires and lit firecrackers to scare them away. If an old hag came to your door begging for food or money, you gave it to her just in case she was a witch. This superstition sifted down through the years and now is pretty much what we think of with Halloween; the kids dress as "Easter Witches" and come begging for candy. Unlike our Halloween, however, you don't have the option to be a pretty princess, or a super hero...you an "Easter Witch" or nothing at all!

So, just to be safe this Easter, you better stock up on candy...just in case that knock on your door isn't your family coming to dinner but an "Easter Witch!"

Easter Eggcitement Coming Soon!

BAKERSFIELD, Ca, April 4, 2011 — Tear open gifts in Easter basket: 3 minutes. Find hidden eggs: 30 minutes if you’re lucky. Now what? One local church doesn’t want you to get stuck with empty eggshells this Easter. On April 24^th, Parkside Church is hosting Easter Eggcitement! The community is invited to participate in Easter Sunday worship, an Easter egg hunt, and a brunch.

The church has been hosting this event for many years as a way for children and their parents to connect with one another and with God. According to Children’s Pastor Carol Wilcox, “Not only are the children excited to find Easter eggs, but they are also excited to hear the message of Easter.” Children up to 5^th grade will participate in the Easter Egg hunt which begins at 9:35 a.m. There will be giveaways and prizes for everyone in attendance. Brunch will be provided for all ages from 9:35 to 10:35 a.m.

Parkside will host two different worship services this Easter. The Classic Worship Service will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature traditional Christian hymns. The Contemporary Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. will be lead by a full band and feature modern music. Both services will conclude with a message that is challenging and relevant. According to Senior Pastor Chris Bennett, “There is nothing more relevant to our lives than the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Easter is an opportunity to reflect on the difference that the resurrection makes in our lives.” For more information about Parkside Church or Easter Eggcitement visit www.ConnectGrowReach.org.

Easter Eggcitement!

April 24, 2011

8:30 AM – Classic Worship

9:35 AM – Egg Hunt & Brunch

10:45 AM – Contemporary Worship

Buy Short cocktail dresses to complement your style

If you really want to look glamorous at a cocktail event, you must choose to wear a short cocktail dress that is appropriate to your body shape. Your short cocktail dress must highlight your body features that are perfect and conceal or make less prominent whatever the small imperfections. The striking feature about the short cocktail dress is it has the distinct capability to make you appear appealing, feminine, graceful and arrest people’s attention.

Short cocktail dress can be designed in different ways. The hemlines can be extremely brief reaching only up to mid thigh, or covering up to just a little over the knees or to marginally go beyond the the knees. Select the length of your cocktail dress depending on the formality of the occasion and how much skin you want to show.

But remember that there is a thin line that divides a gorgeous look from a sexually provocative one. The simple rule to follow is - you should not be seen as an exhibitionist walking the romp but as a respectable guest atending a dinner gala. Brief cocktail attires can be found in a plethora of types and cuts that you can easily pick the one you want.

Every woman dreams of finding the perfect cocktail dress that will make her feel confident, sensual and self assured enabling her to highlight her best features and disguising her less perfect ones. Unlike long evening gowns, short cocktail dresses are a lot much more comfortable to wear and help free movement.

A female body that lacks natural curves can wear bright colors and bold patterns that provide an ultimate feminine presence. Dark colors can make an overweight woman look slimmer and to balance a top-heavy figure, select a flattering neckline like the V-neck.

You can consider wearing short cocktail dress for fancy parties, opera or ballet, weddings and formal dinner parties. Short cocktail dresses come in an array of shapes made from exquisite materials like silk, velvet, crepe, brocade and satin - though chiffon is still the most popular choice.

The color of the fabric for the short dress can also lend additional charm to the wearer. For summer, opt for floral prints in light pink, sky blue, pale green and yellow, as well as other pastels. For parties during winter select gray, crimson, black, dark brown and dark blue cocktail dresses. White and red are another two options that are to be considered in case you are looking for some extra radiance.

There are numerous designs of short cocktail dresses - strapless brief cocktail dress, one-shoulder brief cocktail dress, a slim and puffy design, childish looking doll attire, a body hugging dress etc. Never try to wear a short cocktail dress however trendy – if it is ill fitting.

Never impulsively choose to wear a short dress simply because it looks great. Instead, select a type of short dress that brings out the best in you. Be it sophisticated or chic, classically glamorous or sexy - a few well selected cocktail dresses are a must for every wardrobe.

Selecting appropriate accessories for short cocktail dresses is also equally important. Also choose beautiful matching wraps to cover your arms. Take special care in choosing shoes if you are sporting a short dress, as shoes invariably become an important focal point.

This middle aged Chihuahua is looking for a loving friend!

Betty is a 6-8 year old Chihuahua mix. She is full grown and weighs about 6 pounds. Little Betty is a sweet, sweet girl and loves attention. She is not too fond of rowdy, annoying dogs and will speak her peace about it. She doesn’t like to be on a leash, but does like to follow you around and hide behind your legs if she is feeling insecure. Betty can be a little shy and scared when she first meets you, but warms up very quickly, especially when she is held and talked to very soft. She loves to take naps in your lap and just relax all day long. Betty is not very interested in toys and is pretty low key and mellow. She is quiet and well behaved and is just looking for a companion to share her days with. Please come and visit her and check out her videos.

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.

PathPoint Awarded Highest Accreditation

April 6, 2011

PathPoint is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the highest accreditation by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International. This accreditation is good for three years and is an indication of PathPoint’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the people with disabilities and disadvantages served by its programs.

CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas: aging services, behavioral health, business and services management networks, child and youth services, employment and community services, and medical rehabilitation. CARF currently evaluates more than 47,000 organizations in17 different countries, and awards accreditation to only 6,000 of those programs and services.

PathPoint actively seeks accreditation every three years in order to ensure the highest level of service to its participants with intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, deaf/hard of hearing, psychiatric disabilities, and economic disadvantages.

Founded in 1964, PathPoint is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive training and support services that empower people with disabilities and disadvantages to live and work as valued members of our communities. With its headquarters in Santa Barbara, PathPoint operates divisions in South and North Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, San Luis Obispo County, Los Angeles County, and Kern County.

Today, PathPoint provides independent living, day and employment services to the more than 2,600 people across these five counties. This population includes:

· people with physical disabilities (traumatic brain injury, quadriplegia, stroke, etc.)

· people with cognitive disabilities (intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders and/autism)

· people with mental illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression)

· people with economic disadvantages (low-income seniors and at-risk youth)

PathPoint is a community based organization and welcomes involvement from all community members. More information can be found at www.pathpoint.org. If you have any questions about how you can help further PathPoint’s invaluable mission please contact Richelle Moland at 661.617.6170 or at richelle.moland@pathpoint.org

S.F. Gay Men’s Chorus brings Freedom Tour to CSUB

April 5, 2011 — San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is kicking off the Southern California leg of its 2011 California Freedom Tour on Saturday, April 9 at California State University, Bakersfield. The concert is co-sponsored by Bakersfield LGBTQ and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Student Network (GLSSN) at CSUB. There will also be a special guest performance by Rainbow Voices, Bakersfield’s LGBT chorus.

The concert features uplifting and joyous music that speaks directly to the experience of seeking freedom in the face of discrimination. It starts at 7:30 p.m. in the CSUB Doré Theatre. Parking is free in Lots B, C and D. Tickets are $27 and $42 in advance and are available online at www.communityboxoffice.com or by calling 415-865-2787. Tickets will also be available for $25 cash only at the door.

"This is an honor for CSUB to host the renowned Chorus, and a great opportunity for our GLSSN students to work closely with Bakersfield's very active LGBT community to make this happen," said GLSSN faculty co-adviser Judith Pratt.

The 2011 California Freedom tour is the second annual tour of the state by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, with the goal of building bridges across cultural divides, creating acceptance and galvanizing local communities. Last year’s tour raised nearly $20,000 for grassroot charities in Bakersfield, Fresno, Chico and Redding, said artistic director and conductor, Dr. Timothy Seelig. For more information about the Chorus, visit www.sfgmc.org.

‘Rwandan Schindler’ to give anniversary ethics lecture at CSUB

April 4, 2011 — Paul Rusesabagina was a hotel manager in Rwanda on April 6, 1994, when his country’s president was assassinated. During the 100 days of genocide that followed, Rusesabagina sheltered more than 1,200 people in the hotel, saving their lives as more than 800,000 others were killed around them. He has been called the “Rwandan Schindler” and his story was made into the 2004 Academy Award-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda.”

The Kegley Institute of Ethics at California State University, Bakersfield is proud to host Paul Rusesabagina on Tuesday, April 19, as he presents the 25th Anniversary Charles W. Kegley Memorial Lecture on “Hotel Rwanda: A Lesson Yet to be Learned.” The free event will take place at 7 p.m. in the CSUB Doré Theatre. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. in Lots B, C, D and the theatre overflow lot. The lecture is co-sponsored by San Joaquin Community Hospital and Mercy Hospitals, with additional support from Kern Schools Federal Credit Union and Valley Public Radio.

Rusesabagina’s lecture highlights the KIE’s 25th anniversary theme of “International Justice and Human Rights.”

“The Rwandan genocide is, sadly, only the most recent of the far-too-many attempts by one group of people to annihilate another. And, Mr. Rusesabagina stresses, it likely will not be the last,” said Christopher Meyers, Director of the Kegley Institute of Ethics and a professor of philosophy at CSUB.

“His lecture will remind us of how, as he puts it, ‘one ordinary person’ can make a dramatic difference in the world,” Meyers said. “It will educate us about the massacre, about how neighbors and families went to war against one another. And, it will motivate us to be ever vigilant against it happening again.”

In addition to the lecture, the Kegley Institute of Ethics will present a free showing of the film “Hotel Rwanda” with related discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the CSUB Student Union Multipurpose Room. Light refreshments will be served and parking is free after 6 p.m. in Lot K.

For more information about the two events, call the Kegley Institute of Ethics at CSUB at 661-654-2555 or visit www.csub.edu/kie.

Uranium Conference Adds Discussion of Japan Accident

Uranium Conference Adds Discussion of Japan Accident

HOBBS, N.M. March 30, 2011 – The Uranium Fuel Cycle Conference has added a
new special session to the event, scheduled for April 27-28 in Hobbs.
“Japan and Nuclear Energy: What Went Wrong and Its Impact” will feature a
policy impact presentation from an official from the Department of Energy.

Conference organizer Dr. Daniel Fine of the N.M. Center for Energy Policy
announced Monday that the additional event will give experts a forum to
discuss public health and safety, which have stepped to the forefront of
nuclear energy discussions since the accident in Fukushima, Japan.

Dr. Van Romero, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at New
Mexico Tech, will give a technical presentation, explaining what happened
and comparing the incident to the Three Mile Island incident of 1979.
Romero also serves as a professor of physics. Previous to his academic
position, Romero worked 12 years in the nuclear reactor industry.

Tim Beville, of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy,
will join Romero in the special session, which will begin at 8:30 a.m.
April 28. Beville will discuss how the accident in Japan will affect U.S.
nuclear energy policy and programs.

“This will be the first public forum to review public safety issues in the
nuclear energy industry since the incident in Japan,” Fine said. “This is
terribly important because of the potential loss of public confidence in
nuclear energy.”

Fine said that public polls showed that 60 percent of Americans opposed
nuclear energy after the Three Mile Island incident. Public sentiment did
not begin to change until 2005, he said.

“Do we want to see another generation of loss of public confidence in
nuclear energy because of the accident in Japan?” he said. “That topic
underlines this special session.”

Fine said Beville’s presentation represents the first time a Department of
Energy official will present the federal government’s position on future
nuclear energy development in America since the Japan accident.

“This is a major response in the Southwest and in New Mexico to create a
national forum for nuclear energy in the future,” Fine said. “We’ll
present a technical review of what went wrong in Japan, but also look at
U.S. policy and program review in terms of the consequences of the Japan
accident.”

Fine said the Uranium Fuel Cycle Conference will be the first public
education event outside Washington to focus on Japan and its impact on
nuclear energy in the United States.

In his presentation, Romero will examine what has happened at the
Fukushima Reactor from a scientific and engineering perspective, without a
political spin.

“My intention is to make sense of all the information available,” he said.
“I want to put the facts out there and allow people to make an informed
decision about the viability of nuclear power in New Mexico.”

Romero said he expects the incident in Japan to slow down development of
new nuclear reactors in New Mexico, but he hopes recent events promote
continued discussion about the future of American energy policy and how
U.S. leaders can craft policy that promotes safe nuclear energy.

“The events in Japan have raised concerns about the safety of nuclear
power,” Romero said. “If you listen to the news, it seems like there’s
nothing but crisis after crisis. Yet, nothing has really happened. There
is cause to be concerned. Like anything, there are risks; we need to
understand those risks and act appropriately.”

Romero said two lessons learned from recent events are that smaller
reactors are probably safer and that storing spent fuel at the reactor is
not a good practice.

Also in the realm of public safety, the conference will address issues
regarding development and licensure of reactors in seismically active
zones, such as California, which gets 15 percent of its energy from two
nuclear reactors, Fine said.

The event takes place in the energy corridor of Eastern New Mexico with
capital investment in uranium enrichment and waste/storage and with
uranium tailings recovery potential. Small Modular Reactor technology will
be presented as a new and innovative technology choice for deployment.

Both Romero and Beville will present projections on the future of nuclear
energy in the U.S. Southwest – also a conference first.

The Special Session is part of a planned two-day conference organized by
the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy beginning the morning of April 27.
For registration and information see the Center for Energy Policy website.

– NMT –

By Thomas Guengerich/New Mexico Tech

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