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The Bakersfield Voice Sunday, December 19, 2010
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YOUR SPORTS
‘Ramblin’ in high gear’ with local & national sports headlines
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hosts of the mind — It’s all your fault Dale Freeman! Shame on you. Many years ago as the Winter Olympics were playing out my ball-playing buddy Dale out of North High (I am not a Star, for the sake of clarity) calls me up on the phone and says “I can’t get Kristi Yamaguchi’s name out of my mind. I keep repeating it over and over and over!” Okay Dale. I empathize with you, brother. If it gets worse seek counseling. Well, son-of-a-gun if I haven’t become afflicted with the same anguished fate. While pouring over the latest college basketball scores the other day I came upon BYU’s high-scoring potential All-American Jimmer Fredette and can’t seem to shake his name. Jimmer Fredette! Jimmer Fredette! Jimmer Fredette! There. Whew. Hope the exorcism is complete. The Rambler — Any of you out there remember the old AMC Rambler automobile? Had a square front on it. Has
absolutely nothing to do with sports. But we’re going to take a ride in the Rambler right now as I ramble on about different subjects. Hop on in. Coach Bill Kernen has assembled a top-flight Division I baseball schedule for his CSUB Roadunners during the 2011 season. Quite impressively they will face Washington State, University of San Francisco, Washington, Ohio State, Cal Poly, Fresno State, Minnesota and Kansas State, among others. Boise State fell faster Sports columnist than a lead zeppelin from the BCS rankings upon squandering their game against Nevada-Reno. Auburn’s Cam Newton did deserve the Heisman trophy. Fellow
MICHAEL ELLIOTT
Auburn Heisman trophy winner Bo Jackson went Lady Gaga over his selection! Arizona Cardinals’ field goal kicker Jay Feely scored 21 consecutive points in a game against Denver. Say what? The WAC just got whacked! We’ll miss you. I prefer Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On”off of Zep II to The Stones’ “Midnight Rambler” off their Let It Bleed album because Jagger’s song is a bit too dark. Now we’re ramblin’ in high gear! The L.A. Clippers’ Blake Griffin is a force to behold as he has recorded eighteen double-doubles (point and rebounds) in the abysmal Clipper’s first 25 games. Too bad for that team that Baron Davis has more important things on his mind (Hollywood!) than playing basketball. Alright. Since we’re combining a little music with our dosage of sports, let’s take a quiz people. Which of the following is not a rapper: Ice T, Matty Ice or Vanilla Ice? Answer below. Gotta give props to Tehachapi’s high school football championship against San
Joaquin Memorial on the road. Impending divorce from Eva Longoria is suiting San Antonio Spur’s guard Tony Parker quite well as he has led his team to the top of the NBA standings. Even if the New York Yankees land coveted pitcher Cliff Lee as a free agent, the Boston Red Sox will still be the team to beat in the AL East as they recently added first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Carl Crawford to their already prolific batting lineup. The Bosox can match up pitching-wise with the Yanks even if NY does secure Cliffy’s services. Was Chicken Little inside the Metrodome when the roof gave way? Can Duke’s college hoops team be stopped this year? Coach K’s whirling-dervish set of guards, Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving, are nearly unstoppable. Not to mention the fact that there are not a slew of top-flight contenders this year in NCAA basketball. Tom Brady, NFL MVP. Jets seem to be running out of fuel. Michael Vick deserves acco-
lades. Anybody laughing at the Cowboys? Steelers’ Troy Polamalu, defensive MVP. The Saints are marching in at just the right time. Quiz answer: Atlanta Falcons’ Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan, who will push Brady for the league MVP. BCS championship game — It’s going to be quite a matchup. Auburn University’s ability to forge comebacks when summoned versus the University of Oregon’s lightening-quick offensive prowess. Seems like forever and a day before kickoff (Jan. 10) but it should be worth all of the anticipation. These teams are evenly matched in my eyes. Auburn’s Heismanled offense vs. Oregon’s lighter but quicker defense. The Ducks’ blur of an offense vs. the Tiger’s stout defense. So, here comes the fearless prediction sports fans: Oregon’s uniforms will be much, much cooler-looking than Auburn’s! Take it to the bank. Oh no. Jimmer Fredette!
YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
YOUR CELEBRATIONS
Behind the scenes of ‘A Merry Christmas at Stars’
Russo’s hopes to ‘drive in’ 2,000 books for CASA kids
‘A Merry Christmas at Stars’ performers. PROVIDED PHOTO
BY LESLIE KLINCHUCH Community contributor
grew up loving the theatre. My husband, Doug, and I have been season ticket holders with non-profit Bakersfield Music Theatre for nearly 20 years, — since our youngest was a newborn. Going to the theatre has been our special “date” night. Over the years, we’ve witnessed many memorable moments on both the Stars stage and at Harvey Auditorium. When it comes to entertainment, there’s nothing better than live theatre! I recently had the privilege to go “behind the scenes” to see what’s in store for Christmas on the Stars stage. Get your tickets before they sell out because you won’t want to miss “A Merry Christmas at Stars,” written and directed by Janie Kennedy, one of Bakersfield’s premiere performing artists Janie began creating this show several months ago, personally choosing, arranging, and orchestrating the music for just the right sound. Choreographer Brent Rochon adds his talents and daughter, Kayla Kennedy, choreographed intricate tap numbers for the highly-skilled dancers. Irish step-dancestyle is performed, too. Executive Producer, Jim Fillbrandt, brings his own warmth and charm to the show as Master of Ceremonies. The audience will be treated to musical variety entertainment at its best. You’ll hear quality vocals with exquisite harmonies in a mix of traditional and contemporary tunes — even comical bits of ragtime and
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rap with Santa and his elves. One comical number finds the men lamenting about how hard it is to choose the right gifts for their wives, and Gift Rhapsody is a delightfully funny highlight of this classy production. The show closes with a non-traditional ending that is certain to send you home with love in your heart! Janie previously created the “Jim and Janie” Christmas shows performed at Stars from 2004-2006 and those who remember will see that her talented daughters, Kayla and Dana, have grown into lovely young ladies. What’s on the horizon for the Kennedys after this year’s show? Janie and her husband, David, will become owners of Lenore Smith’s Dance Arts Studio in the spring of 2011. Their creative efforts will be focused on continuing the Studio’s time-honored quality of performing arts instruction. But theatre is in their blood, so I am certain that the Kennedys will grace a local stage again. For now, I invite you to seize this memorable moment, support live theatre, and come see “A Merry Christmas at Stars.” You will be entertained, touched, and truly blessed! Show dates continue December 19, 22 & 23. Tickets are available at: www.bmtstars.com or by calling the box office at: 325-6100. Stars Theatre is located at: 1931 Chester Ave.
News anchor Lisa Krch read to kids at Russo’s during its second annual “Christmas Book Drive for CASA.”
Actors from The Empty Space Theatre perform “The Night Before Christmas” for children and parents visiting Russo’s Books during its annual book drive.
To me, it’s about the fact that for many of the kids involved with CASA, it will be their first ever book that they own. The first book they can truly call their own. Not only that, but given to them at a time when everything seems so wrong in their young lives. I’m sure they will remember this gift for years to come — maybe even all their lives. Russo’s Books at The Marketplace presented the official “KickOff Event” for its Second annual Christmas Book Drive for CASA on
Saturday, December 4. Representatives from CASA talked about their program. There were storytimes, community leaders and refreshments. News anchor Lisa Krch, author Nick Belardes and Thomas G. Robinson read storytime favorites for the kids. Then, actors from The Empty Space Theatre performed “The Night Before Christmas.”Afterwards, people were able to talk to the actors and learn more about The Empty
Space Theatre — and all the programs they offer our community as well. What is a C.A.S.A.? According to CASA’s website, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (or ... CASA) of Kern County speaks for abused and neglected children in the juvenile dependency process. Through the use of highly trained volunteers, the CASA program seeks to provide every child who needs an advocate with a voice in the court process. The Christmas Season is a time for joy, happiness, caroling, chestnuts being roasted on an open fire... and everything warm and cozy like that. But, guess what? Bad things happen during Christmastime, too. Families get broken up due to domestic violence. Parents get arrested for things they should not have been doing without thinking about the ramifications of their actions and how it will affect their children until they get taken away. Even though it’s a time for joy and happiness, real life goes on, and real people still get hurt. That is why CASA is here. To help the kids in need during these hard times, and to give them a voice in the court system — to be heard and noticed when they are so often lost in the shuffle of legal red tape. And that’s why we’re here, too. Russo’s Books believes in CASA and the children of this community that they assist. That’s why we are asking for your help to bring a little ray of sunshine into the dark times these kids are dealing with. Throughout the month of December, you’ll get a chance to help us reach our goal of providing the kids at CASA with over 2,000 books! A brand new book can raise a child’s self esteem, their interest in reading and — like I mentioned earlier — it may be the first book they can truly call their own. We ask that you come to Russo’ s Books at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., and grab one of the books we’ve conveniently placed on a table near the registers. Your gift, the “gift of literacy,” will be remembered by this child for years to come.
or sun. A foreboding gray sky is humbled behind autumn-colored trees painted scarlet, orange and gold. A dreary day is made brighter by a kindness or a smile. We are but the window and ornament through which God shines. Ever changing is our role from illumined to candle yet, ever constant is God’s light. Simultaneously, we are teacher and student, servant and blessed, loving and beloved. Exercising the actions of love (patience, kindness, contentedness, humbleness, meekness and forgiveness) we find that every darkness shines a little brighter —
and every struggle has a purpose. It is there we meet God and truly feel His embrace and guidance. He has been there all along, but we hadn’t turned around or away from whatever held our focus. “Seek me and I shall be found,” HE promises. Love always protects, always trusts and always perseveres. And God is love. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
BY THOMAS G. ROBINSON Community contributor
very year, for the last six years, I have been involved in helping to raise books and awareness for the children of CASA. Many people I have talked to had never heard of CASA until something like this event takes place. I am in no way saying that I am some sort of generous philanthropist because, as much as I’d like to be, I just don’t have the means. But, when it comes to children in need — especially those going through some pretty hard times — I make a special effort to do what I can. I am a bookseller. As a result, I have come to the conclusion that this is the something I can do, and I have done it for a few years now. But, I need your help. Last year, with the generosity of the Bakersfield community, we raised almost 1,600 books. Our goal was 2,000! Obviously, we fell short of that goal. We want to rectify that this year. We would love it if you could help us do that! Why a new book? I love this explanation by our store manager, Jason Frost. He made this statement when he created a personal movement called “OPERATION RUBICONREADER,” where he is raising awareness and getting new books donated to send to the American soldiers over in Afghanistan and Iraq. It hits the ‘nail on the head,’ and I really like what it says — so much that I’ve decided to include it here, word for word. It says all I want to say about giving a NEW book: “If you choose to help, I do ask that you purchase NEW books for our soldiers. There is something psychological about receiving something new from a stranger and I do not, nor will I, let this turn into a “a dump for my old books.” YES, I know our soldiers would appreciate any literature sent to them, but I am sticking by my plea to buy them a new book. Please.” — Jason Frost, Russo’s Books store manager.
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PHOTO BY KEELY VAN BROCKLIN EMERY
Thomas G. Robinson of Russo’s Books — antlers and all — has the kids shouting “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus!” during storytime at the book drive for CASA kick-off event on Dec. 4. Russo’s hopes to collect 2,000 new books to benefit the children in the CASA program.
PHOTO BY THOMAS G. ROBINSON
PHOTO BY THOMAS G. ROBINSON
YOUR RELIGION
Light of the world BY KAREN C. DAVIS-SOLOMON Community contributor
“I
am but the pencil and God is the writer.” Mother Teresa. As a writer, the notebook is my personal canvas and words are my paint. Additionally, it is my daily world where those I love and meet meld with all that I behold and experience to act as my inspiration and my canvas for my painting. God Almighty, our author, painter and inspiration, allows us opportunity to be both His light and His
illuminated. Abide now takes on new meaning when we wholly comprehend Immanuel as “God with us.” In the fullest sense, “within us” remains an all encompassing, flowing through and in and out of one another to one another and throughout His creation ... just as light. Venturing beyond merely believing and receiving our salvation as something to look forward to, nurturing that relationship with our Maker and offering our lives as a living worship, we become the illumined and the light. Laying aside our zest to control but trusting in “His will be done,”
PHOTO PROVIDED
His light begins to shine even in the deepest, darkest crannies of our heart, mind and soul. A disheveled yard torn apart by construction glistened this morn-
ing. A frost had settled overnight, left behind by the thick gray mist which crept in yesterday eve. In the morning light, only a sparkling crystal-frosted landscape prevailed. Sunlight seemed to dance upon mounds of dirt and broken concrete. Old wood and debris shined as the morning sun brought the frosty blanket to life. Similarly, a stained glass window, simple yet ornate, turns majestic and vibrant when backlit or moonlit or sun-kissed. A pine standing sentry in the forest or bedecked with Christmas splendor shines bright and festive when illuminated once again by light bulb, moonlight
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The BakersďŹ eld Voice Sunday, December 19, 2010