Yeti Go Ska - matt's Blog - Bakotopia

Coachella 2010: Line-up thoughts?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:58:08 PST

The line-up has been announced!
What do you think?

Check out Bakotopia's journeys to Coachella
(click links below)
Coachella 2007
Coachella 2008
Coachella 2009

Bako Poll: Top 5 Jukebox Nightmares!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:44:17 PST

The other night, during a stroll to my hometown watering holes, I was inspired to gather info on a subject most of us have experienced...

Really Bad Jukebox Picks...

Example:

"Babe" by Styx into "American Badass" by Kid Rock into "Poker face by Lady Gaga". Sometimes they're repeated over and over, and can possibly ruin a good drink...

I asked on the bartenders about some bad experiences they've had, and their reply was, "Yeah, someone puts on Sade, and it's all downhill from there".

I think it's funny how some bartenders reserve the right to "bump" a song if it's ruining the mood.

My Top 5 Bad Music / artists, guaranteed to kill the mood:

1) ANYTHING by Kid Rock
2) "Sweet Home Alabama", Lynyrd Skynyrd
3) "Hotel California", The Eagles
4) "Don't Stop Believin'", Journey
5) "American Pie", Don McClean

*These are the classics, but there are more: Toby Keith, the stupid "Beer Gut" song, Nickelcrap, etc...

PLEASE SHARE YOUR LIST O' CRAP WITH US!

Help STOP SPAM profiles!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:57:43 PDT

Hello my Bakotopia friends...

Just wanted to give you the heads up, that with popularity comes problems.

Bakotopia.com has recently come under attack by SPAM pasters, who attack websites and start bogus profiles with false information, and filled with links to crappy informational websites.

They have nothing to do with what we're doing here, and I've gotten tips from users who noticed it too.

I've been patrolling the 'updated profiles' section and getting rid of them like flies.

If you happen to notice anything fishy, please send me a link to their profile, or their username, and I'll investigate them - then zap 'em!

We're working on making it harder for those groups to screw up the party...

Thanks!

Matt

Michael Jackson stories

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:41:02 PDT

Michael Jackson - 8/29/58 - 6/25/09

"It always happens in 3's" everyone says of celebrity deaths...

First Johnny Carson side-kick Ed McMahon, then '70s pin-up and TV star, Farrah Fawcett and now...MICHAEL JACKSON? NO WAY!

As the word began circulating that Michael Jackson was ill this afternoon, the feeling of bad news seemed inevitable.

Just earlier today we got news of Farrah Fawcett's death. As that news was just beginning to settle, there was a sense of relief that accompanied it. Farrah had cancer and shared her story with the world on TV. It was a sad sight to see her go through her daily medical regimen and her reaction to tabloid fodder. Rest and relief was finally granted to one of America's most beloved beauties.

But MICHAEL JACKSON? NO WAY!

For today's teenagers it's always funny to see their reaction to a picture of the MJ of the '70s & '80s, next to the MJ of the '90s and '00s.

"You mean he was black?," is usually the first reaction accompanied by the scrunched eye brows in disbelief. Then of course there's the numerous court cases, lawsuits, and controversies of every shape and form.

Truth be told, he was quite odd - a tormented musical genius, maybe? Who created this guy?

Controversy and personal life aside, there's no denying his worldwide impact iin the areas of music, dance, fashion, and comedy. Yes, comedy...you know exactly what I'm talkin' about too.

Michael Jackson was The Beatles and Elvis of my generation - all wrapped up into one skinny "Bad"-ass.

My earliest memory of Michael Jackson was most likely on Soul Train one Saturday morning, or watching their silly "Jackson" cartoon which probably made no sense. My sister's owned all the Jackson hits on vinyl - from the early Jackson 5 stuff to the '70s disco R n' B sounds of the "Destiny" LP and beyond. I can still see my sister doing the robot to "Dancing Machine" in a robe, with a towel wrapped around her head and me laughing.

There were more hits I can remember hearing again and again at my home, especially early mornings with my sisters getting ready for school. Damn, it was early!

As a kid, I was mostly an observer and not really allowed to go near the stereo, but when I was allowed, it was usually to put on Michael Jackson music. For my 10th birthday, my brother Art took me to the record store (yes, kids that's what they called them.) My first vinyl LP ever was "Off The Wall." Damn, that record is DOPE! To this day, it rocks...

"Keep on, with the force don't stop...Don't stop til' you get enough!"

Goodtimes everytime you threw that record on.

True story...My sister Monica named my nephew, the infamous DJ Mikey - seen DJng at most Mento Buru shows, after Michael Jackson. As I write this, he's putting together a special Michael Jackson mix...

By the time high school came around in the early '80s, I wasn't much into Michael Jackson anymore like I used to, preferring more punk and harder edged music, but when it came to dancing with girls, Michael Jackson was usually a way.."in".

Do you remember watching the Motown 25 TV special? I do. MJ and his brothers doing a medley of hits, then the legendary, "I really love those old songs, but I have new ones..." statement, then BAM! The opening snare of "Billie Jean", comes on and everyone just stood still in disbelief. There was MJ, all glittery, whit socks and shiny shoes, and one glove...the crowd erupts - on TV and at home.

The next day, everyone at school talked about it, imitating the "moon walk", like a bunch of loons.

I had two very close friends in particular who were "Thee Michael Jackson Fans", of the school - Rick and Norma. Rick was as skinny as Michael, same skin color (he was a dark Mexican okay?) Everyone started calling him "Michael", and he was fine with it. My friend Norma was just one of those lovable, crazed fans who owned anything and everything with MJ's name or likeness, down to pencil's, sticker's, you name it...

My sister Monica was the first person I knew who owned "Thriller," but not for long. Norma, Rick, everyone and their mother had it and memorized it. Rick could dance like MJ, but not moonwalk, that was a little too silly to imitate.

Soon, merchandising was exploited in ways we've never seen before...

One imitation white MJ glove, not decorated with rhinestones, but GOLD PAINTED Motown Records logos on a white, cotton glove - almost like one you'd take to work in the fields with. This was packaged with a really bad "greatest hits' collection that did not include a recent hit, but always had a recording of "Rockin' Robin". No I didn't own one..I was listening to The Police's "Synchronicity" a little more, but that's another story.

Then the Jackson's reunion came and everyone rejoiced! Oh, it all seemed fishy to begin with...and was...

I couldn't afford a ticket to the tour, BUT I did win a call-in contest with Doug Deroo on KKXX or Q94 (?) to be entered to win. My takehome prize was a twelve pack of Pepsi's with the "Victory" album cover and fake autographs. Plus, a copy of the "Victory" album...Too bad that record sucked. My friend Norma got to see MJ live that tour at Dodger Stadium, accompanying a group of local cancer patients. That was nice...

You have to remember Michael Jackson was looked at like some sort of deity at the time. While we started to laugh at him, his star power was soooo big, you knew this was what it was like during Elvis & The Beatles' heyday.

The rest of MJ's musical legacy was...well...mixed..

'87s "BAD", was a great record and he still had the creative power with Quincy Jones at his side. '91s "Dangerous" was OK, but after that it was pretty sterile. Plus the morphing facial features and same ol' dance routines were the same as it ever was.

During that time, comedian / musician "Weird" AL Yankovic had created two of the greatest parody songs & videos ever - "Eat It" and "FAT", based on "Beat It", and "BAD". Nirvana's Kurt Cobain would later remark something that because of the success of those songs, a Weird Al parody was a sign that you've arrived...Don't quote me, but you know what I mean...

We all know what the rest of Michael Jackson's bizarre life was like. The internet spares the privacy of no one and tabloids lived off MJ until his death today...

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and Perez Hilton shared news and comments from fans and critics around the world.

Besides texting my nephew DJ Mikey, the first person I spoke to after the official announcement of his death was my friend, Norma. She was crying when she picked up the phone after 2 rings. Poor Normsie...It felt like high school all over again.

Mikey told me he's putting together a special Michael Jackson mix for some of his shows this weekend. The music memorials have already started and will most likely continue...

My favorite Michael Jackson moments:
-The Motown 25 TV special and seeing the Moonwalk for the first time.
-Watching the "Thriller" video debut on network TV.
-Watching "Thriller" video on MTV with lil' Mikey and watching him act it out. It's no wonder he memorized it as a child - it was on all day, everyday.
-MJ sweeping the Grammy's with "Thriller".
-Captain EO in 3-D at Disneyland.
-There's a YouTube video with Michael Jackson, James Brown, and Prince onstage at once, filmed for a tribute to JB from the '80s. You gotta see that video. MJ was bad, but for Prince it was a war for stage supremacy.

Biggest Michael Jackson regrets:
-Not seeing MJ perform live in concert.
-Never being able to look forward to Michael Jackson doing the album from "left field". I'd always wanted MJ to release a real soul record - partnering with The Roots, or old blues and gospel cats, or go back to some of those great '70s sounding Jackson records...

There you have it...Rest in peace, King of Pop.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 58, 7-9-09

RU2 shy 2 buy condoms?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:47:53 PDT

So, the other day I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and during a funny conversation about the movie 'The Hangover' and the hilarious "car in the condom" scene - she revealed a most alarming fact about herself...

SHE'S NEVER PURCHASED CONDOMS BEFORE! EVER!

I couldn't believe it! Going back and forth about why she didn't have the guts to buy them, I decided to blog about it and pose the question to you dear Bakotopians like a case study of sorts...

"Have you ever bought condoms before?"

Please gimme a 'Yes' or 'No' below and feel free to share a funny, embarrasing, or not so funny story with us. Why or Why not? Are you shy? Too embarrassed to buy from a liquor store, pharmacy, or? RU Celibate? Think it's the guy's job? Think it's the girl's job? OR?

I mean, condoms are a silly thing - look at the geek in the picture, and are a source of classic comedy ala 'The Hangover', etc...More importantly, safe sex is best, right?

We're all adults, don't be prudes...please discuss.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 57, 6-25-09

Museum of Death! Visit!

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:24:31 PDT

So, what else is there to do on a 3-day weekend?

Visit the Museum of Death in Hollywood, CA!

This place is pretty incredible. Most of the artifacts have been donated by people who collected, or just 'found' the stuff lying around.

www.museumofdeath.net

<<Check out the videos I took at left.
You even get a personal greeting / invite!

Memories: No Doubt in Bako, '95!

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:18:00 PDT

My fan life with No Doubt...'90s to now.

I know some of you old school music fans might remember this, but how many people can say they were there?

The old Casa Royale on Union Ave., which no longer exists, once hosted the first local performance of Orange County's - No Doubt! Tonite they're playing a big show at the Rabobank Arena. Platinum albums, sold-out tours, and singer Gwen Stefani...a celeb in her own right as a soloist, fashion icon, and actress.

Back in the early to mid-'90s, No Doubt was just another one of the many ska/reggae/punk bands from the LA area. The first time I saw ND play was in 1988 when they opened for The Untouchables, along with the band's Donkey Show and The Skeletones.

When No Doubt came out onstage, they originally had another co-lead singer, John Spence, Gwen's brother Eric on keyboards, plus a 3-man horn section.

Their set was a mix of two-tone ska and funk ala' the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who still hadn't scored a radio hit.

Fast forward to many other shows around the Hollywood area into the '90s. No Doubt had a rabid following among the skater crowd and were being sponsored by Thrasher Magazine, etc...

Among some of the other cool early No Doubt show moments I've witnessed in the '90s:

-No Doubt opening for Skanking Pickle, and Let's Go Bowling, at Club Hollywood Live, now the site of the Jimmy Kimmel show. No Doubt gets a late start without Gwen - then Gwen runs out of the bathroom and onto the stage, sporting her real dark brown hair. Back then ND shows were really out of control. Bassist Tony Kanal would show up wearing overalls with no shirt and would stage dive while still playing.

-No Doubt at The Whisky with Let's Go Bowling. Gwen, now officially blonde, would wear a tutu, and run around the stage driving us young men crazy. They played a kick-ass version of Blondie's "One Way or Another". I wish they would record it and release it today.

-No Doubt (1992,) at the "Jerry Brown for President" fundraiser at The Palladium, Hollywood - with Mary's Danish, Stan Ridgeway, and Concrete Blonde. No Doubt releases their debut CD on Interscope, still same line-up, but couldn't seem to crack the radio. Live shows were still off the hook. The only reason my band's drummer (Cesareo Garasa - Mento Buru,) and I dragged our girlfriends to the show was to see No Doubt. Gwen and crew blew the other groups away.

-No Doubt (1995,) make it to Bakersfield, via local promoter Tim Gardea. As fans, we all thought the show would be packed. Opening band was local ska Crawdaddy, who were about to implode. Crawdaddy guitarist / vocalist throws his guitar onto an empty dancefloor during the band's gran finale. We all look and laugh. No Doubt then hits the stage, we run to the front, shout out songs, they were surprised to hear us request. At one point I yelled, "Everything's Wrong," a song off the 1988 "Ska-Face" compilation, Gwen looks at me and says, "Man, you remember that song? How old are you?"

The band played the entire debut CD from beginning to end. By this time, the line-up was sanz Eric Stefani, who left to work on The Simpsons, John Spence had committed suicide, and now the current version we all see live now. The show was great, but bummer about the crowd. To make things more embarassing for Bakersfield, a dumb skinhead chick goes up to the front of stage and says, "You suck," to Gwen. Gwen then looks at her and says, "Nice hairdo." Everyone laughs, and show goes on with songs off the '95 "Beacon Street Collection, a series of new home recordings done before Tragic Kingdom.

After some more good songs, a little bit of moshing, the big no-no happens, to my left is a drunk buddy of mine who yells out, "Show me your t*ts!"

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Gwen says, "See ya, goodnight..." and that was the end of the show.

Devastated, I ran to the back of the stage with my CD, pleading for an encore. Gwen wiped sweat off her face, and says, "if that guy wouldn't have said, "Show me your t*ts," we'd still play. So, no encore; however I did hang out with the band backstage for awhile, and we talked about all the old shows in Hollywood. I even gave them my phone number in case they needed a sax sub...haha. They all signed my CD, and I hugged Gwen. End of show...

1995 - No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom" is released, they're off!

Talk about a band who earned their stripes, No Doubt have been through it all - the garage, opening act, tragedy, bad shows, bad record deals, then triumph.

After the rest of the world caught up to what we fans already knew, No Doubt returned to their hometown of Anaheim, CA. to play their last show of the Tragic Kingdom tour, on June 1, 1997.

I happened to get tix for my nephew's DJ Mikey, Paul, and myself. When we entered the sold-out Anaheim Pond, little did we know it was being filmed for a DVD concert film ("Live in The Tragic Kingdom").

When the VHS (haha,) was finally released that November we were pumped. You can actually see us in certain shots of the film. If you want to see what those early shows were like, this film captures it perfectly.

2002 - I saw No Doubt during the Rock Steady Tour in '02 when they came to The Centennial Garden. Another great show, and No Doubt is getting bigger and bigger.

2005 - While I worked as Production Asst. at the 47th Grammy Awards, Gwen and Eve performed "Rich Girl," for the telecast. During rehearsals, we were able to invite family and friends to watch the rehearsals at Staples Center. Gwen's first solo album "Love, Angel, Music, Baby," was huge and she was exciting as always onstage. After the rehearsals they signed autographs - my son Mark, and daughter Kaitlyn all ran and she signed their stuff.

2009 - No Doubt is back, and in Bakersfield on May 20th.

What a trip it's been with one of my all-time favorite bands....

See you at the show!

Matt Munoz
Mento Buru / Bakotopia/ Original No Doubt fan

Bartenders and Responsibility?

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:53:44 PDT

As Bakotopia.com reported last week, downtown party landmark, Guthrie's Alley Cat, closed it's doors for the first time in 35 years, under a shadow of suspicion.

What happened? Well, the news is out - they got busted, and the news ends really badly...

It's sad when you get reports like this, but the reality is - BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

According to Bakersfield.com - today:

Downtown bar closed for serving man involved in fatal crash

Guthries Alley Cat is closed for 25 days because a bartender served too much alcohol to a man who later crashed and killed his friend, officials confirmed Monday.

The popular downtown bar closed on Thursday and will reopen May 18, 2009.

The bar admitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control that on Oct. 17, 2008 a bartender served nine drinks within a half hour to 24-year-old Jason Carranza, according to ABC District Supervisor Armando Gonzalez.

Carranza then left the bar in a GMC Sierra that crashed into a bridge and light poles on Beale Avenue just north of East Truxtun Avenue where his passenger, 27-year-old Jeremy Wade Sheffield, was ejected and killed, Bakersfield police reported.

Sheffield was not wearing a seat belt. Carranza suffered minor injuries.

Carranza has pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while drunk. He will be sentenced to 10 years in prison on June 3, court clerks said.

Bartenders are banned from serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, but in this case the ABC felt it was not responsible for the bartender to serve so many drinks in a short amount of time, Gonzalez said.

Guthries accepted the violation and penalty without going to hearing, he said.

The bar has retained its license to serve alcohol, but it is on a one-year probation, Gonzalez said.

Prop. 8 - New Opinions Needed!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:39:05 PDT

With all of the recent flurry of outrage with Miss California, the recent Miss America pageant and blogger / judge Perez Hilton, his own personal video reaction, and TV appearances...

The debate over gay marriage will most likely go on forever, but I'd like your opinions.

When I first heard of Proposition 8, I did some research to see how both sides were going to push their "Yes" or "No" sides, and followed it closely.

There were demonstrations of course, with the ocassional heated confrontation, hate, love speeches.

What in your opinion did either side do right or wrong to drum up support or lose voters?

Examples...

-In your eyes, how did the YES on 8 campaign drum up support in order to win?

-In your eyes, where did the NO on 8 campaign go wrong?

Feel free to touch on any points related to the topic...

Guthrie's Alley Cat - CLOSING!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:26:26 PDT

For the first time in 34 years - Downtown Bakersfield landmark, Guthrie's Alley Cat will be closing it's doors for 25 days starting Thursday, April 23.

YOU'D BETTER GET YOUR GUTHRIE'S FIX TOMORROW!

The bar will be open regular hours on Wednesday April 22, and that's all folks, until they re-open on Monday, May 18!

See You Tomorrow at The Cat!

Bakotopia Mag is turning 2!

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:33:37 PDT

MAGAZINE
TURNS 2 YEAR'S OLD ON
MAY 4, 2009!

We want you to share some of your best, funnest, craziest,and most unusual memories of the past two years with BAKOTOPIA for our April 30th issue!
AND...
We're planning a big spread, and we want it filled with your words, birthday wishes, and what you'd like to see in the next year!
PLUS!
Got a photo of you with a copy of Bakotopia? Send it to us!
SO...
Let's Celebrate 2 Years of Bakotopia Love!
POST YOUR MEMORIES BELOW AT THIS POST, OR SEND IT TO MATT AT:
matt@bakotopia.com
Deadline is Wednesday, April 14!
Thanks for all your support!

Goodbye, Stockdale Music...

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:46:59 PDT

Friday, March 27, 2009 - 4:30pm.

Longtime local business, Stockdale Music, is gone forever...

I got a call Thursday evening, March 26, from a local musician who gave me the sad news.

After my initial shock, the first thing I thought of was my buddy - SD Music owner, Randy Lovegreen, who I've known since college. Randy and I were both members of the Bakersfield College music program. We were in marching band, jazz band, concert band...you name it, we were in it.

After college, Randy I would run into each other around town and catch up on life from time to time. He asked me how my band Mento Buru was doing, and I always asked if he still had his customized, multi-colored, lowered truck. That thing always did make me laugh...

<<<Bakotunes Stockdale Music podcast ad.

Years passed and when I was hired at Bakotopia, I went out looking for supporters. One of the first places I went to was Stockdale Music.

When you talk about local treasures - I rank Stockdale Music highly. When I was in high school, my parents used to drive me to Stockdale Music anytime I needed something new for my saxophone. I even took a few lessons from my fellow Mento Buru bandmember, Paul Perez. He doesn't remember, though, I don't think I paid attention...haha. Sorry, Paul!

And how could I forget local guitarist Paul C!? Another fellow BC jazz alum, and Stockdale employee. Back in the mid-'90s, when Mento Buru was starting to make moves in the indie scene, Paul was our guitarist. Once we got this really cool gig to open for The Specials (yes, the band from UK,) at the Wilson Theater in Fresno. We had been excited for months. Finally, we get to open for our idols!

But what happens? Paul C calls me up the day to tell me he can't make the gig, because STOCKDALE MUSIC has a sale and he has to work!!!!

You can only imagine how angry I was. "You mean to tell me, you're going to turndown a sold-out theater gig to work a sale in Bakersfield?"

Well....yes he did. I still tease him about it to this day, and he always goes, "Yeah....%$#%$!"

Back, to the almost, present-day story...

Randy greeted me at the door and of course we caught up on all the latest life stories. He then went on to tell me how he had taken over the store from its previous owners, who were letting it go down the tubes. Aaaahh Randy, such a good heart. Sounded like a good idea at the time, right, brotha?

I was really excited for him. Music has always been a important part of our lives, but owning an actual music store? Whoa!

Randy and I sat down in his office and he heard my Bakotopia pitch. He loved it, and decided to come aboard as a sponsor and advertiser.

As the years went on I'd always give Randy a call to give him the heads up about upcoming Bako promotions. We were both supporters of local business.

Stockdale Music's Bakotopia profile

Some of the cool partnerships Bakotopia had with Stockdale Music was - the '07 Bakotopia Music Compilation, providing sound for the Jonathan Davis show at BRyder's and the Bakotopia 1-Yr. Anniversary show at Chuy's, supplying backline for many of our holiday concerts, and so much more. He always was ready to try something new, and never complained...

But as we both knew - the local business landscape is not the same as it was in the '80s. SD Music's bread and butter was school instruments.

It seems that maybe kids today are forgetting the value of learning to play an actual musical instrument - instead choosing a Guitar Hero videogame. No kids, Metallica did not write "Enter Sandman" with a wireless piece of plastic...

I can't speak on Randy's behalf with details of the closing, and I really don't want to think about it - it's too depressing. But what I can say is that his heart was always in the right place.

Bakotopia would like to say THANK YOU to Randy Lovegreen and Stockdale Music for all the support they gave Bakotopia.

You will be missed. Hope to see soon, Randy...God Bless.

Leprechaun sighting! VIDEOS!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:13:16 PDT

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY TO ALL!

For your viewing pleasure, we present the original - "Leprechaun in Da South" video! CHECK 'EM AT LEFT!!

AND - as an added bonus...The rap remix version!

It's manic babe! HILARIOUS! DIG IT!

Hope to see you all out tonite at Fishlips for the Shamrock Shindig!

Bakotopia in Business Week! Shout out!!

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:51:23 PDT

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share some cool news with all of you:

Bakotopia was mentioned as kind of "ray of light" during these dark days of the economy in a recent article in Business Week.

Bakersfield is making moves right now! The rest of the world is watching! Thanks for your continued support!

Here's the snip:

The Online Experiments That Could Help Newspapers A venture by The Bakersfield Californian is one of many ways newspapers are trying to generate new revenue

By Olga Kharif, senior writer for BusinessWeek.com in Portland, Ore.

The Bakersfield Californian is an anomaly in the newspaper business. While other papers are shutting their doors and filing for bankruptcy, it's expanding. The reason is the paper's 2005 launch of an online social network, called Bakotopia.com, aimed at reaching nonreaders, especially the young people in this city of nearly 329,000.

The Web site has caught on to the point where Bakersfield Californian now publishes 20,000 copies of a free magazine with content from Bakotopia twice a month. The articles range from reviews of the local theater scene to goings-on at various hot spots. Because the magazine's audience is young, hip, and hard to reach, "advertisers do pay full rates," says Dan Pacheco, senior manager of digital products at the company. The magazine even turns a profit.

Read the rest at the link below:
BusinessWeek - Bakotopia

*Then go get your FREE issue of Bakotopia magazine with help from our online map below! Get in on all the rage!

What If: Obama VS McCain?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:22:00 PST

<<<<Check out the video at left.

Don't you wish all political races were this fun?

Thoughts on Coachella 2009 line-up?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:56:29 PST

The big announcement was made today!
Mentally and spiritually - I'm already there!
Who else is going?

VOTE for Saffron NOW!!!

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:18:09 PST

HEY BAKOTOPIANS - LET'S DO THIS!
VOTE!
BAKERSFIELD'S SAFFRON SINLCAIRE
AS FEATURED IN THE NEW ISSUE OF BAKOTOPIA MAG!
FOR MISS HORRORFEST 2009!
(CLICK PHOTO BELOW, WATCH HER VIDEOS & VOTE!)
VOTE NOW - PASS IT ON!!!!!

A karmic George Bush vid

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:08:48 PST

It's getting chilier for Georgie Bush...

CNN's Rick Sanchez Reports on Bush being ignored at G20 Summit.

You think W is counting the days, so he can hand over his mess to Obama?

<Check out the video at left.

Yikes!

THOUGHTS?

BAKOTOPIA MAG wants your Thanksgiving shout-outs!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:20:00 PST

Thanksgiving Shout-Outs!
Bakotopia magazine wants to share some good vibes for the holidays!

Now that the holiday season is about to hit us at full throttle, Bakotopia wants to know what you're thankful for this year.

Yes, the economy is in a super-slump, but let's not add another sourpuss to the mix! Share some good news!

Is it your friends? Family? Job? Our new president? WHAT? YOU TELL US!

We'll be taking your shout-outs and dedications and printing them in the Nov. 27 issue of BAKOTOPIA!

DEADLINE: 11/19!

COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR BUSINESS....YEAHH!!!

You can also e-mail them to Bako mag Editor Matt Munoz: matt@bakotopia.com

NO on Prop. 8 Rally Today in Bako!

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:28:47 PST

For Immediate Release Contact: Juan Cerda
November 15, 2008 (661) 586-2663

MEDIA ADVISORY

MARRIAGE EQUALITY DAY RALLY TONIGHT IN BAKERSFIELD
Local protest one of hundreds across the nation for equal civil rights

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2008, 5:30pm
WHERE: Kern River Parkway (Truxtun Extension Park, across the street from the
Stewart Title/Univision Broadcast Center, 5801 Truxtun Avenue).

TOPIC: Bakersfield LGBTQ and the Kern County chapter of Marriage Equality USA
are co-sponsoring a massive rally and candlelight vigil tonight as part of a nationwide
Marriage Equality Day. We will be joining our brothers and sisters, friends, supporters
and co-workers in one voice to declare that we are all equal. This is the day that the
world will hear our battle cry for justice and equality. We will not go quietly in the night.

VISUALS: Rally with speeches and chants. Candlelight march down Truxtun
Extension.