Recent Blog Posts: Bakotopia

"Unfortunate" Miracle

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 23:21:29 PST

It looked like any other unfortunate night when I was “stuck” at home due to car difficulties. I surrendered to that fact early on and made the choice to create something unique in this night, something far reaching and soulful.

I decided to build another fire in my fireplace tonight.

It was like sending an invitation to the flame sisters of serenity and heat . I sat there for hours, watching the wood burning, tending it and learning from it.

Samuel sat on the floor next to me, writing. He would occasionally share with me what he was scribing, but most of the time he tended to letters and words, I imagined recreating whatever he was working on in Mrs. McSparron’s kindergarten class.

Katherine and Emma watched “High School Musical” in a different

part of the house. During commercials Emma climbed onto my lap to look

into the flames, to come to know what they had

to tell her.

“So strong, so beautiful, so dangerous yet we are safe,” she said thoughtfully.

“The fire stays in the fireplace and we are safe,” she added

I nodded and stayed silent.

There was so much to take in, watching and enjoying the heat.

There were several times when I left the fire untended. It looked as if the fire was spent. I

rearranged the embers, gave them space and breath and some special care and viola, life returned.

Flames, resurrected.

I felt incredibly satisfied in my creative accomplishment as silent, sacred fire tender.

Emma wrote a poem:

How passionate the fire is

The fire is like burning your heart

With Creativity, flow…..

Comforting the feeling

When the warmth

Hits my face

Its almost like my eyes

Can only look at it

Its freaky how something

Ordinary can be

So beautiful so peaceful

So graceful

So calming……..

= + = + = +

It turned into the most fortunate night I have spent in months. I stood at that place of choice and saw the wonder of the circumstances. From there, miracles were forged.

I could have stayed angry at my “misfortune.” Instead, I looked at the evening as a divine appointment. It is like Storm Jameson wrote, “The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is: a miracle and unrepeatable.

Julie Jordan Scott

50,126 Words - NaNoWriMo Winner....

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:37:26 PST

You may have wondered where I have been?

Busy, as always - and add to that the NaNoWriMo writing fest. November is National Novel Writing Month and I have been participating, working on a novel with the working title "Seems Perfect to Me."

I have crossed the word count finish line (50,000 words) but I am still writing.

So much so that poems like this are springing from me:

What happens when I write for a long time...

So Poem

Is it an accident –

that "Sole" as in only
and "Soul" as in Spirit
and "Sole" as in the part
of my body which most
often connects with the Earth

All sound the same?

= + = +

When I write a lot, I suddenly write contemplative poetry...

BEST BUY INN: New song suggests: Best say, "Bye, bye!" to Best Buy and its anti-Christmas ads

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 08:26:27 PST

I'm sure that by now you've heard that, while other retailers are bringing Christmas back, Best Buy is digging in their heels and sticking to their anit-Christmas bias, officially banning the use of "Merry Christmas," it all of its ads, in favor of the more politically correct, "Happy Holidays."

Well, if any of you who object would like to have a voice, here's some information on how to do that:

http://www.afa.net/petitions/email/bestbuy_11102006.html

And if you like my new song, feel free to download it here, and/or pass it on to the powers that be at Best Buy:

Best Buy Inn
Dr. BLT and the Merry Gentlemen
words and music by Dr. BLT (c) 2006
http://www.drblt.net/music/BestBI.mp3

Where you want to shop this Christmas is your choice, but I say that, at least until the Christmas holiday season is over, "Best say, 'Bye, bye! to Best Buy," and its anti-Christmas wishes.

Song credits:
lead and back-up vocals: Dr. BLT
drums: Pat Frase
percussion: Walter Stormont
lead guitar: Reggie Langendorfer
rythym guitar: Dr. BLT and Reggie Langendorfer

lyrics:

Best Buy Inn
words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr. BLT (c) 2006

history repeats itself
where baby Jesus has 'bin shelved
like Santa Claus
and his tiny elves
I won't shop there myself

the Best Buy Inn
is closed my friend
to baby Jesus
and his kin
the shepherds and
the three wisemen
they cannot get in
at the Best Buy Inn

if you're walkin'
down the isle
and you flash
that Christmas smile
you'll be banned
just like the babe
it ain't my kinda place

the Best Buy Inn
is closed my friend
to baby Jesus
and his kin
the shepherds and
the three wisemen
they cannot get in
at the Best Buy Inn

just like it was
in the old days
just like it was
in days of yore
no place could be found
in Bethlehem
just like the
Best Buy Inn

the Best Buy Inn
is closed my friend
to baby Jesus
and his kin
the shepherds and
the three wisemen
they cannot get in
at the Best Buy Inn

N.L. film

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:57:20 PST

Come to BIFF to see the first documentary on the Lords of Bakersfield, "Chronicle of the Lords". (a hectic films production an n.l. belardes film)

And you thought my fiction novel creeped you out?

November 24-25.

www.nlbelardes.com

Free food!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:30:17 PST

Country Kitchen at 813 North Chester Avenue is offering free Thanksgiving Day feasts between 10am and 2pm on Thanksgiving Day only. So tell your friends who need some turkey lovin'...

Call Renan Polanco for details: 661.391.9967

Womb animals

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:41:35 PST

I was amazed by the pics in the Daily Mail news today out of the U.K.: gestating critters.

I wonder what such pics will do for the anti-abortion argument: If animals in the womb are precious, are then humans? Interesting topic.

image © Channel 4

www.nlbelardes.com

Bakotunes Episode 47

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:54:14 PST

-Bakotunes welcomes Los Angeles queercore punks, The Munchers!

-Get to know two of The Munchers: Megan and Trandrew!

-Trandrew (drums,) talks about being a "lesbro," and the mission of The Munchers...PARTYING!!

-Vocalist / guitarist, Megan Muncher, talks about her Bakersfield roots, bringing her music to the masses, and her best friend, JFP aka "Julie Fucking Potter!"

-Also! JFP, another Bakersfield native now if SF, is a queer dyke hip-hop MC throwing down rhymes about working at Olive Garden, being a broke college student and contempt for the powers that be!

**The Munchers and JFP make their Bakersfield debut, at a special free homecoming show on 11/24/06 at Club 902, 11pm, in Bakersfield, CA!

-PLUS! Music by JFP, "Server Homies!"

Sponsored By

THE RANDOM TIMES ARRIVES FRIDAY!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:05:29 PST

Bakersfield's new free press.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH

Announcing The Arrival of a New, Free Press Paper

With Bakersfield growing in leaps and bounds, becoming more diverse, (in step with it's ever widening girth) one would think this town already had a fist full of small, custom fitted fanzines, a smattering of radical underground newspapers, all circulating tightly among the bohemians they represent.

But there isnt.

It's true, many of us have turned to the cyber cosmos for the passing of information concerning "all things" pertinent to our lives, interests, and ambitions. Blogs, myspace bulletins, and e-mails do have their merits, especially in the swiftness, the "word", can be presented and dispersed. Granted, none faster. But like the Pony Express, it's still pretty much moves from horse to horse, with only what the pony can carry (now, if that damn rider wasn't so heavy!).

It would be nice to be able to assemble an array of ideas, concepts, and varying perspectives, package it neatly in stacks of folded pages, and cast it to the wind. There is a certain romanticism about doing a paper.

The RANDOM TIMES is staffed with Don Quixotes, to be sure. It's actually a collection of artists who are all too familiar with the voice, unheard. Which is why the RANDOM TIMES is touting itself as being an "open forum" paper: encouraging people to contribute their views, and insights. Anyone can submit an article. If it tickles the editor's fancy, it could be very well be printed as a feature; not just something banished to the "letters to the editor" dirt pile.

The RANDOM TIMES is poised to present something different, but at the very least, wishes to add their voice to a community of expression, and exchange.

The FIRST ISSUE will hit the newsstands FRI. NOV. 24TH..

You will be able to find the paper at:

RUSSO'S BOOKS

BORDERS BOOKS

FRONT PORCH MUSIC

DAGNY'S COFFEE

THE EMPTY SPACE

GOING UNDERGROUND RECORDS

ALL LIBRARIES IN KERN COUNTY

THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE

And the list is still growing,....

Pick one up, look it over, and let the RANDOM TIMES know what you think.

RANDOM TIMES

randomtimeseditor@yahoo.com

http://www.myspace.com/therandomtimes

Wind It Up!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:27:30 PST

Red Carpet, flash bulbs and couture clothing - what am I talking about, The 2006 American Music Awards. Held at the gorgeous Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, the American Music Awards showcased some of the best names in popular music today.
Even better, I was there with three of my great friends - in fact, you might know them: EJ Tyler, Darci Dawn and Nikki Reyes all from Kelly 95.3 “The Stations That Gets Around.” Dressed to the nines, the four of us made our way through the crowds. Dodging limos, signing autographs - you know the fun things we do everyday.
But seriously, the crowd was excited, the celebrities were hot and the performances were on fire.
If you watched the show, which I hope you did, you know Gwen Stefani and Fall Out Boy performed new songs off their soon-to-be-released albums. Gwen looked killer for just having had a baby this summer. Introduced by Ryan Seacrest, Gwen premiered her “Sound of Music” inspired song “Wind It Up.” Later in tRed Carpet, flash bulbs and couture clothing - what am I talking about, The 2006 American Music Awards. Held at the gorgeous Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, the American Music Awards showcased some of the best names in popular music today.
Even better, I was there with three of my great friends - in fact, you might know them: EJ Tyler, Darci Dawn and Nikki Reyes all from Kelly 95.3 “The Station That Gets Around.” Dressed to the nines, the four of us made our way through the crowds. Dodging limos, signing autographs - you know the fun things we do everyday.
But seriously, the crowd was excited, the celebrities were hot and the performances were on fire.
If you watched the show, which I hope you did, you know Gwen Stefani and Fall Out Boy performed new songs off their soon-to-be-released albums. Gwen looked killer for just having had a baby this summer. Introduced by Ryan Seacrest, Gwen premiered her “Sound of Music” inspired song “Wind It Up.” Later in the show Fall Out Boy premiered their pop-rock song, “This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race.”
Other memorable performances included Lionel Richie, Beyonce, Pussycat Dolls, Josh Groban, John Mayer and chart-toppers, Snow Patrol.
Watching the show at home is a lot different from being there, obviously. While I would have normally been sitting at home drinking hot chocolate in my pajamas checking the guide to see what else was going on in TV Land during the commercials, I was captivated by watching the stage being prepared for the next live performance, publicists usher their client to their front row seats and mingling. Over all the experience was out of this world and I had a blast. :

he show Fall Out Boy premiered their pop-rock song, “This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race.”
Other memorable performances included Lionel Richie, Beyonce, Pussycat Dolls, Josh Groban, John Mayer and chart-toppers, Snow Patrol.
Watching the show at home is a lot different from being there, obviously. While I would have normally been sitting at home drinking hot chocolate in my pajamas checking the guide to see what else was going on in TV Land during the commercials, I was captivated by watching the stage being prepared for the next live performance, publicists usher their client to their front row seats and mingling. Over all the experience was out of this world and I had a blast. :

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:37:35 PST

It's Thanksgiving eve. Yay! I love Thanksgiving. I love the food... gawd do I love the food, but I especially love spending it with my family.

So since it is Thanksgiving eve, I thought it'd be fun to list a few things I'm thankful for:

1. My baby nephew. He seriously brings a smile to my face everytime I see him. I love how it feels when I hold him close to me.

2. My 6 year old niece and the fact that she calls me tia. We've missed so much of her life because of her parents' bitter divorce but I'm so happy she now feels closer to us.

3. My mama, a single woman raising 5 children on her own. I'm happy to say we've all turned out well. I owe her so much.

4. My two brothers and two sisters. They mean the world to me and I'm so happy that we are so close. I bitch to them sometimes (I'm the oldest) but I know they forgive me and I'm thankful for that.

5. My ENTIRE family. They seriously are the best. I have nearly 40 cousins on my mother's side and we all grew up like brothers and sisters. I love that! My aunts who are each like a second mother, my uncles who are each the father I never had, my tata who is still alive and kicking and was the number one father in my life. I'm thankful for each and every family member in my life.

6. My nana, may she rest in peace. She passed when I was only 11 years old, but I'm so happy that I remember all the moments I spent with her, the riddles she told, the empanadas she made, the hugs she gave, the kisses on my cheek... absolutely everything. I'm so thankful I remember her. My younger cousins and baby sister never got the chance to meet her.

7. The clothes in my closet that actually still fit after my recent weight gain even if they are a bit snug.

8. A boyfriend who thinks I'm beautiful despite my recent weight gain. He said he doesn't notice. I don't believe him, but either way I'm thankful.

9. My boyfriend's family. I love them. Never did I think I'd feel as comfortable with anyone else's family as I do with his. "It's the best. I love it." -Nacho

10. Nacho Libre. What? It's funny. It makes me laugh and I'm forever grateful for anything or anyone that makes me laugh. I love Nacho! "When you are a man sometimes you wear stretchy pants... in your room. It's for fun."

11. My new MySpace and Bakotopia friends and old Blogger buds. I love that you get to meet people you wouldn't normally meet. You get to know them on a different level and develop a relationship with them. I'm easily intimidated and slightly shy so it's not as easy to make friends. So I'm thankful for my cyber buddies!

12. My carrito, even though it's prone to flat tires and cracked windshields, I'm thankful for her. [Yes, it's female. :) ]

13. My laptop! I LOVE IT!

14. Being able to blog at work. Doesn't get any better than this.

15. Having 4 different functions to go to on Thanksgiving. Even though, I'll probably be stressed and tired tomorrow, I'm so thankful I have places to be and people who love me... and who love to feed me. I couldn't ask for more.

Too much, Magic Bus!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 09:17:29 PST

More like too fast ...

The last few weeks I've noticed that around 6:30 every evening a BCSD bus flies past my house toward H St. I'm serious, it really flies - fallen leaves scrambling around in its wake.

This bus is always going so fast I can't even catch the number ... wish my bus driver had been that dangerous. Instead we poked along at the speed limit as she safely navigated her way through neighborhoods and potential children on the street. Today I called the BCSD transportation department and spoke with the man in charge. He was very pleasant and even knew the speed limit on my street before I told him. He said that there are 3 buses that go that route and he'd speak with each driver.

Our next Magic Bus belongs to the Free Will Baptist Church. AMEN! This big white bus came barreling along Sunday afternoon, again heading toward H St. I think maybe they were late for potluck. Anyway, that one took a few phone calls to track down, there are several Free Will Baptist Churches in our area ...

First call ... Shafter Free Will Baptist Church:

"Do you have buses that say Free Will Baptist Church on them to transport your patrons?"

"Yes we do"

"Well, one was going about 35 or 40 mph down my street Sunday afternoon"

"Was it white or beige?"

"It was white"

"Oh, then that wasn't our bus, ours are beige ... that must be our sister church in Bakersfield - here's their number ..."

Second Call ... First Free Will Baptist Church - no answer, just a machine, so I figured I'd call the other Free Will here in Bakersfield.

Third Call ... Harvest Free Will Baptist Church

"Good morning, I was wondering if you have white buses that say Free Will Baptist Church on the side to transport your patrons on Sundays"

"Well, we do have one, but we really don't offer transportation, our sister church does."

"Is that church located on California Ave?"

"Yes it is, would you like to be picked up?"

"No, actually it was speeding down my street last Sunday"

He chuckles

"Let me give you their number!"

Forth call ... First Free Will Baptist Church - again, no answer, so I left a message with the Pastor. Let's see if he returns my phone call.

I Touched Rose Alleged to be Soaked with Blood of JFK

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:45:32 PST

I didn't even bother to remember his name because at the time, I thought it was a big hoax. But apparently Chapman University, in Suisun, California had done their homework and determined that his story was legitimate. He was a special guest presenter at a staff meeting---a photographer who told a story of retrieving a blood-soaked rose from the limo that transported John F. Kennedy on the day he was assassinated. He admitted that it was a morbid thing to retrieve, and that it may be kind of gross, but chalked his decision up to his then youth. After showing pictures he took of roses in the limo, allegedly taken just minutes after the assassination had taken place, he actually passed around that blood-drenched rose and I did notice what appeared to be dried-up blood. I touched the rose, blood and all with the tip of my index finger. It felt like dried-up blood. This may also seem morbid to you, but I chalk it up to forensic curiousity. Is there anybody out there who has heard of this photographer or has witnessed one of his presentations? I want to know whether he is legit, or if he is trying to sell off a hoax as the real deal. Have I actually had direct contact with the blood, and therefore, the DNA of JFK?

The Day It Rained on Our Parade: An Anniversary Tribute to JFK

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:15:56 PST

I was too young to speak, let alone to capture the significance and profound sense of shock that gripped the world immediately following the news of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

I do recall seeing the flag-draped coffin being carried solemnly by pallbearers on the funeral as my parents watched silently on their television screen. As an adult, I tried to recapture the event, and this song was born. Perhaps you were there, or you were old enough to capture the significance of that dark day. If so, share it with the rest of us as we approach the anniversary of the assassination of JFK.

The Day it Rained on Our Parade
Words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr. BLT © 2006

November 22nd, 1963
Shock waves radiated
Round the world
Across the sea
Like some cataclysmic moment
Mesmerized as time stood still
Dealy Plaza
Dallas Texas
Deadly bullet
Cloaked in terrors chill

Filled with youth, sophistication
Sparkling teeth, and sailors eyes
Stiff-legged march to the Cathedral
Muffled drums to still our cries
Everyone can still remember
Where they heard the news
Happy songs turned melancholy
Every gypsy minstrel
Sang the Dallas blues

That was the day
The day it rained on our parade
The day the bullet pierced the presidential motorcade
Our teardrops watered flowers
On the ground where he was laid
That was the day
The day it rained
Rained on our parade

And Jackie clutched his head
Upon her chest and cried this prayer
My God, this did not happen
Dear God this is insane
And all the world grew stood paralyzed
And helpless in the Texas rain

Bakotunes Episode 46

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:52:05 PST

-Accordian-slinging rockera poet, Julieta Venegas!

-Recorded 11 - 17 - 06, at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, CA!

-Venegas kicks off U.S. tour in support of her latest CD, "Limon Y Sal!"

-Born in Long Beach, CA, Julieta Venegas was raised in Tijuana, MX, and now lives in Mexico City!

-The shy Venegas talks about being honest, independent, and keeping life in order as her star continues to rise!

-Find out about Venegas' musical influences, her beginnings with roc en espanol vets, Tijuana NO!, and who she'd like to record a duet with!

-Get acquainted with one of popular music's best singer-songwriters!

-PLUS! Music by Julieta Venegas, "Sin Documentos!"

CLICK PICTURE BELOW TO READ THE MAS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW!

Sponsored By

Bakotunes Episode 45

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:13:20 PST

-Jaime "Taboo" Gomez of The Black Eyed Peas!

-Recorded 11 - 7 - 06, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, before the group's appearance in Bakersfield, on November 30th!

-Taboo opens up to Bakotunes and Mas Magazine, to talk about how he became a hip-hop superstar right off dancefloors of East LA!

-Find out about the beginnings of The Peas, and how group members will.iam, Apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie came together to become one of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop music!

-You'll also find out how Gomez handles stardom and stays grounded when he heads back home, with his Latin culture close to his heart!

-PLUS! Music by The Black Eyed Peas, "Joints and Jam!"

CLICK PICTURE BELOW TO READ THE MAS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW!

Sponsored By