DAGNEY'S BLUEGRASS JAM

Come on down to Dagney's for some "pickin" bluegrass style. Jam goes from 2-5 every saturday!

A Triumphant Project

A Triumphant Project
Local young author offers hope to those who suffer from depression through writing

By Loren John Presley, Bakotopia.com contributor

When I was diagnosed with autism at 14, I began to see myself in a new light.

I had discovered that I had a neurological disorder that caused me, my friends and family much confusion as I was growing up. But at least now I knew what it was called! I finally had an explanation for the reason I felt like I stood out in the world.

But I was not discouraged - at least not at first.

I had always known something about me was unique. From an early age, I had trouble empathizing with other people. Some of my schoolmates gave me weird looks, and my teachers could never get me to remember my assignments. I decided that this was just the way I was. No matter what, I was going to be ambitious and be my own hero.

One of my fondest retreats was within my creativity. I had always loved to write stories, among my favorite obsessions brought on by autism. I would become absorbed in my creativity. I honed my skills endlessly. I looked up to my characters, who reflected my hopes and desires to be successful and accepted.

But soon after I was officially diagnosed with autism, something even bigger hit me: clinical depression brought on by a chemical imbalance in my brain.

I found myself deeply grieved as I had never previously known. I could no longer do things I once loved. I was tired, restless, and deeply afraid. I looked at my face in the mirror and saw a bleak, dreary expression. My eyes were red and bloodshot with grief. My brow was crumpled and my frown was severe. Gray saggged under my eyes. I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

I wanted to regain the joy I once had. I wanted my stories to make me happy once again. I wanted my characters to give me hope. But it was all to no avail. I no longer had any control of my emotions. My mood worsened as months past. I even suffered a mild psychotic episode in which I was afraid my life was going to be taken from above.

Finally, I hit absolute zero. I gave up my joys ... I deleted my stories and threw away my illustrations until I had lost everything I had worked for! But I hadn’t. Hope endured.

With good medicine, hard prayer, and that dim spark of hope left in me, my mood gradually improved. Soon I was rewriting my stories once again. I didn’t care about what I had lost. I found my joy renewed!

If there’s one thing I know as a young adult with autism and depression, it’s to always have hope! Never surrender! Just believe, and the victory will be yours!

— Loren John Presley is the author of “The Anastasia Project” a young reader’s chapter book available at Russo’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.com. His second book is expected to be published in December 2008.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 35, 8-21-08

Focused on Fashion

Focused on Fashion
Local photographer finds beauty within local reach

By Jacqueline Pilar, Bakotopia.com contributor
Model: Ericka H.

Growing up in Bakersfield, I was always aware of the city’s true beauty.

As a photographer, there are many amazing locations to photograph.

I recently had the opportunity to work with some very talented ladies — Ericka H. modeled for my shoot, and Victoria Yap was the makeup artist. I met both of them on Model Mayhem, which is very similar to Bakotopia.com and MySpace, except its focus is primarily photographers, makeup artists, hair, etc.

Victoria was the sweetest person and applied the makeup with care. Ericka’s face looked flawless, but with an edge, as she added some sweet, smoky eyes. As she enhanced the face, I worked some magic on the hair. I twisted, pinned and sprayed for a funky ‘do that worked well for our location.

Before we headed to the location, I quickly pulled out a petticoat I had purchased for a Halloween costume a previous year. I grabbed a couple of tank tops and some boots.

When I don’t have a wardrobe stylist, I always go back to what I learned with celebrity stylist GK Reid. I worked with him on a number of shoots, and although he was working with some of the top designers in the world, I learned a lot from his choices and multiple pieces he put together.

As times before, I decided to take advantage of Bakersfield’s vast fields shot during sunset. Ericka’s lengthy, small physique worked with fields and power lines, as she angled her body in such ways that every single frame was perfection. I shot ‘til the sun went down, with minimal direction for her poses.

We were all extremely happy — however, nobody could be more satisfied as I when the end result was accomplished and my family and friends responded. It is those kind words that keep me going and make me love every day that much more!

Jacqueline Pilar

To view samples of Jacqueline’s photography go to:
www.pilarreflections.com

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 35, 8-21-08

Hooked on 'Heroes'

Hooked on ‘Heroes’
Bako fanboy eagerly awaits latest addiction returning to TV on Sept. 22!

By Gabriel Ramirez, Bakotopia.com contributor

I’ve always told my friends that if I got superpowers I would be a villain.

Why? Because they are kick-ass!

Villains always have the best powers — they’re strong, intelligent and overall just cool.

Growing up, I always wanted to have superpowers, but I admit that I saw myself relating much closer with the darker side of the comic book world.

Darth Sidious from Star Wars, Apocalypse from X-Men and even Evil Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer were characters I understood because of their intelligence, darkness and borderline insanity — all of which I saw as human characteristics with which we all hold our own inner-epic battle.

With my fondness for super villains, it is no surprise that the next season of NBC’s superhero drama, “Heroes,” has me excited a whole month before the premiere.

The third volume of the hit series created by Tim Kring is titled “Villains” and will place a greater focus on the more deranged and sinister side of possessing superpowers.

I was devastated to learn that I had missed out on the sneak peak of the season premiere at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego, but from what I have heard, we are in for a mind-blowing year.

Without giving away too much, I can safely say that volume three will bring back all of the characters we grew to love in seasons one and two and even some we believed to have been dead.

The third volume will have a two-hour premiere Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. on NBC, and the season opener will give us an insight as to why things went down the way they did — Nathan Petrelli getting shot.

I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of the series from the beginning. I was determined not to watch it, given that I was a fan of “The 4400,” another show dealing with super humans, and I felt like “Heroes” was a copycat. However, after much thought, I gave in and discovered the wonder that the simple phrase “Save the cheerleader, save the world” really held.

In case you are unfamiliar with the show, let me quickly bring you up to date:

Season one of “Heroes,” titled “Genesis,” focused on humans around the world discovering their superhuman abilities and coming together to prevent an atomic explosion in New York City. Season two, titled “Generations,” tried to put the heroes back into their normal everyday lives and show us what is was like to try to live an ordinary life, knowing that you just saved the world a few months ago. In “Generations” the heroes were once again trying to save the world, this time from the “Shanti virus,” which as seen on a time traveling trip taken by Peter Petrelli would kill 93 percent of the world’s population.

Now we can only anxiously wait for season three to get answers to questions such as: Is Niki/Jessica dead? What will become of the sexy, yet deadly, Maya Herrera? And did saving the cheerleader really save the world?

For those of you like me who cannot wait you can keep yourself satisfied until the premier with the Webisodes and online comic series at: NBC.com.

Until the premiere, we can only salivate at words spoken by Mr. Bennet: “… because they will kill, they will terrorize and they will cause unimaginable destruction to the world.
They’re villains, Claire.”

On the web: www.nbc.com/Heroes

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue, 35, 8-21-08

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 7

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 7
Video gaming news from Bakotopialand's resident expert - BIGGER AND DEFFER EDITION!

By Gamestor Gil, Bakotopia.com contributor

In March of 2003, as the United States were wrestling with war plans to invade Iraq, to dispose of Saddam Hussein and his regime, EA (Electronic Arts) Video Games was getting ready to attack urban America with a unique fighting underground wrestling game of their own — it was called Def Jam: Vendetta.

Many of you “guys” remember this game. It was a professional wrestling video game that combined hip hop with pro wrestling. It was released for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube on March 3, 2003. It featured Rap artists like: DMX, Ludacris, Method Man, Funkmaster Flex, for example. It was a sensational hit!

In the fall of 2004, EA Scored again with its sequel Def Jam: Fight for N.Y. This time they made a hip hop-influenced 3D fighting game, featuring Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Ice T (to name a few). This again set sales records for this genre.

In 2006, they repeated this successful phenomenon on the PSP ( Playstation Portable) with: “ Def Jam Fight for N.Y: The Take Over. It was another hit! IGN was quoted saying “impressive,” giving it an 8.1 out of 10. In March of 2007, the “gravy train” finally stopped, with its third edition release Def Jam: Icon ( PS3-Xbox 360).

The gaming public has shown general disdain for this game, especially from fans of the previous two titles. Sales were lackluster, and given the high development budget, it was a great monetary loss for EA. There is speculation that the game’s poor sales were almost directly responsible for the closing of the EA Chicago studio.

In the fall of 2005, 50 Cent threw in his hat and tried to cash in on the hip-hop video game “cash-cow” craze created by the earlier Def Jam series.

His game was called 50 Cent: Bullet Proof. It fizzled out quickly. Gamespot rated a 4.8/10 and IGN gave it a 6.5/10. But it has sold millions of copies world-wide, as of 2008.

Come November, 50 Cent roars back with his self titled 50 Cent: Blood On The Sand.

As you can imagine, the hip-hop culture has — and will continue to have — its say on the video game scene.
Notice the upcoming PSP game coming on Aug. 26 (see below) — yes, another hip-hop influenced video game. I believe they are here to stay!

WHAT'S COMING UP!

• Release date Aug. 25: Mario Super Sluggers (Wii).
• Release date Aug. 26: B-Boy (PSP). This hip-hop themed dancing game will let you battle against real-life superstar b-boys such as Crazy Legs, Kamel, and Mouse; Tales of Vesperia (X360); Vampire Rain: Altered Species (PS3); Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice (PS3); Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 X360; Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness (DS); Digimon World Championship (DS).

Week of Aug. 31

• Release date Aug. 31: Mercenaries 2: World in Flames X360
• Release date Sept. 1: Infinite Undiscovery X360
• Release date Sept. 2: Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise X360
• Release date Sept. 3: NFL Head Coach ’09 X360

• Gamestor Gil can also be heard live Tuesday mornings on KRAB 106.1 FM with Meathead, Rocky Nash and Francis at 9 a.m.

E-mail feedback, questions and comments to: gil@gamestor.com with“Bakotopia” in the subject line.

Gamestor (East Hills Mall) - 661-871-7900

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 35, 8-21-08

Bakersfield Awaits Cube’s Arrival on Aug. 27

Bakersfield Awaits Cube’s Arrival on Aug. 27
Bakersfield is hyped about Ice Cube’s visit on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008 at 7 p.m., at The Fox and the official after party at The Nile downtown.

Tix also available at: www.vallitix.com

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia editor

Ice Cube never stops making moves.

From NWA to movies, and even making music with our homeboys, KORN!

NWA

This artist is never out of touch with his young and old fans - he just keeps getting bigger.

We all know the movie “Friday” from back in ’95.

Scene from 'Friday'

His character Craig, along with Chris Tucker’s Smokey, became the new Cheech & Chong, and the hit soundtrack you’ll find in every fan’s collection.

Scene from '08s "Longshots" - in theaters 8/22/08

Cube’s crossover appeal from gangsta rap icon and comedian to family-friendly moviemaker, make him bonafide triple threat to the entertainment industry.

His new album “Raw Footage” just dropped on Aug. 19, along with his new movie, “Longshots,” hits theaters on Aug. 22. The movie is directed by Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. As questionable as that collaboration sounds, rest assured Cube has quality control on lockdown.

LIKE WE SAID - Bakersfield is hyped about Ice Cube’s visit on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008 at 7 p.m., at The Fox and the official after party at The Nile downtown.

Tix also available at: www.vallitix.com

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 35, 8/21/08

Depot Fundraiser - Tehachapi Central Park - Tehachapi

Grace Angel Band (Tracy Barns, Jerry Mulkins and Maria Weir Werth) will start off the fundraiser concert for Tehachapi's Historic Train Depot that burned down in a fire a few months ago. Music will start about non and Grace Angel Band will be playing a little gospel, country and blues. Many more acts to follow.

About The Cover: One World Many Mics!

ABOUT THE COVER:
ONE WORLD MANY MICS

Holly Carlyle is one of the most energetic people I’ve ever met.

Holly Carlyle

A Delano native, she was an active blogger on at Bakotopia.com with a lot on her mind. Always cracking jokes with more than a hint of sarcasm in her words.

Once we were introduced to her skills behind the lens, we knew we had to have her on board.

For the latest cover, Holly picked the “secret” location and took care of business with her ferocious sense of humor intact until it was over.

Cheers Holly!

www.hollycarlylephotography.com

Farners Market Entertainment - Grace Angel Band

Farmers Market in Tehachapi is held on Thursdays and on the 21st of August the entertainment will be Grace Angel Band which consists of Tracy Barns, Jerry Mulkins and Maria Weir Werth. They will play from 4:00 PM - 7 PM a combination of gospel music, country and blues.

Local Rap Group emerges from out of the BLAKMIST

Local Rap Group emerges from out of the BLAKMIST

BLAKMIST:
• Frank Plascencia a.k.a. Krome Corleone (artist, head producer)
• Carlos Plascencia a.k.a. Verbal Assassin (artist, producer)
• David Plascencia a.k.a. Jahi (manager, executive producer)

<<CHECK OUT THE LATEST VIDEO BY BLAKMIST!

What’s the story behind the BLAKMIST collective?

BLAKMIST is a group of God fearing, honest, hardworking, determined individuals who, since 19995, had a dream and a goal to make melodic, rockin’, head bobbin’ hit songs!

We work hard in the studio, never losing sight of the objective. A trio of 3 cousins, partners and business men who diligently work and respect each other in order to complete the project and bring this piece work to the world.

Q: Who came up with the concept of the group?
A: Krome Corleone came up with the concept. BLAKMIST is like the mist — dark, mysterious, and unknown.

Q: When did you decide to pursue a hip-hop project?
A: It was always a hip-hop work in progress. Over the years, we would sit in a group at the park and recite rhymes, and piece the verses together to map the sequence to a song.

Q: Who are some of the artists who have influenced your art?
A: N.W.A., Dr.Dre, Ice Cube, Nas, Wu-Tang, Biggie Smalls, TuPac, Quincy Jones, James Brown, Nirvana, LL Cool J, Bob Marley, Gangstarr, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Outkast, Too Short, EPMD, Boz Scaggs and more!

Q: Who are some of the artists you’ve shared the stage with?
A: Black Eyed Peas, Psycho Realm, Dilated Peoples, The Baka Boyz, B-Real of Cypress Hill.

Q: How much recording has the group completed?
A: Besides “Da Rap Game” album, BLAKMIST has recorded two albums worth of material, available in the underground.

Q: What have you learned about the business?
A: It’s all about who you know and how much money you have to pay radio stations to play your music!

Q: What motivates you to stay involved?
A: Hope — meaning, I hope to run into someone with real busine$$ interest who knows and can identify what good music and talent really is. Then, and only then, can this project really take off. Modestly speaking, this album contains all the elements that a #1 record should have — hit songs tight rhymes, smooth deliveries and bangin’ melodic tunes.

Q: How do you deal with the competition?
A: Having better beats, tighter flows, and a much cooler image.

Q: Are there other groups you’ve aligned yourself with?
A: Not at this time. But, if we met the right group we could work something out.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To remain optimistic, and get more exposure. We need radio play to reach more people.

Q: How was it self-producing the video (also included in the CD-ROM?).
A: “Where there’s a will, there is a way” should be the motto of the BLAKMIST. We’ve been able to do amazing things by the grace of God. We made this album and videos all self-taught. Talk about a learning curve — our will, diligence and determination helped us to not give up, even when it’s been an uphill battle!

Q: What would you like people out there to know about BLAKMIST that we don’t know?
A: We would like people to know where they can purchase their copy, the CDBaby.com website and YouTube link to view the video.
We are all cousins and closer than brothers, and the best of friends. We spent years in a room together creating this piece of work. We do everything together. We can practically read each others mind. This has been the hardest, most challenging, painful, exhausting and fun experience of our lives!

Q: When is the group’s next show?
A: To be announced pending group meeting and strategy.

On the web:
-www.bakotopia.com/users/blakmist
-cdbaby.com/cd/supermac
-www.youtube.com/user/BLAKMIST12

ALSO PRINTED IN BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE, ISSUE 35, 8-21-08

32 Greatest Things About Bakersfield!

Well, the field has been cut from 64 down to 32!

Now it's time to cast your vote to see who moves on to the Sweet 16.

Go to BakersfieldLife.com to take the 32 Greatest Things About Bakersfield Survey.

The Flight of the Red Balloon

FLICS presents The Flight of the Red Balloon

Dir: Hou Hsiao-Hsien, France, 2007, 113 min, PG

Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Three Times) turns the details of everyday life to poetry in his tribute to Lamorisse’s 1956 classic short The Red Balloon. Juliette Binoche stars as a single Parisian mother who, overwhelmed by the complications of modern daily life, employs a Taiwanese film student as her son’s babysitter. As the babysitter and young child explore the streets and cafés of the city, they begin to share an imaginary world where a mysterious red balloon affectionately follows them wherever they go. In French with English subtitles.

Plus The original 1956 classic short film:

The Red Balloon Dir: Albert Lamorisse, France, 1956, 34 min, G

Albert Lamorisse's exquisite The Red Balloon remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time. In this deceptively simple, nearly wordless tale, a young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable, yet the world's harsh realities finally interfere. With its glorious palette and allegorical purity, the Academy Award winning The Red Balloon has enchanted movie lovers, young and old, for generations. In French with English subtitles.

Up the Yangtze

FLICS presents Up The Yangtze. Take a cruise in China.

Dir: Yung Chang, Canada, 2008, 93 min, PG

In China, it is simply known as 'The River.' But the Yangtze and all of the life that surrounds it is undergoing an astonishing transformation wrought by the largest hydroelectric project in history, the Three Gorges Dam. Chinese-Canadian director Yung Chang returns to the gorgeous, now-disappearing landscape of his grandfathers youth to trace the surreal life of a farewell cruise that traverses the gargantuan waterway. With a humanist gaze and wry wit Chang’s Upstairs Downstairs approach captures the microcosmic society of the luxury liner. Below deck: a bewildered young girl trains as a dishwasher sent to work by her peasant family, who is on the verge of relocation from the encroaching flood waters. Above deck: wealthy international tourists set sail to catch a last glance of a country in dramatic flux. The teenage employees who serve and entertain them tagged with new Westernized names like Cindy and Jerry by upper management warily grasp at the prospect of a better future. "Up the Yangtze" gives a human dimension to the wrenching changes facing not only an increasingly globalized China, but the world at large. In English, Mandarin and Cantonese with English subtitles.

Call Phil Neufeld at 661 325-4815 for info.

www.flics.org

Bakersfield Community Theatre Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite!"

Bakersfield Community Theatre Playhouse invites you to the first show of our 82^nd season, Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite!” The show dates are: September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and September 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. For the 8 p.m. showing the doors will be open at 7:30, and for the 2 p.m. matinees they will open at 1:30. Adult prices are $12. Students, seniors, and active military are $10. Delicious all-beef hot dogs, chips, candy, and refreshments will be sold as well. Reservations are strongly recommended, so please call the theatre at (661) 831-8114 and save yourself a seat!

Bakersfield Community Theatre Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite!"

Recent Posts : Bakotopia

DAGNEY'S BLUEGRASS JAM

A Triumphant Project

Focused on Fashion

Hooked on 'Heroes'

Gaming with Gil - Ep. 7

Bakersfield Awaits Cube’s Arrival on Aug. 27

Depot Fundraiser - Tehachapi Central Park - Tehachapi

About The Cover: One World Many Mics!

Farners Market Entertainment - Grace Angel Band

Local Rap Group emerges from out of the BLAKMIST

32 Greatest Things About Bakersfield!

The Flight of the Red Balloon

Up the Yangtze

Bakersfield Community Theatre Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite!"

Bakersfield Community Theatre Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite!"