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FALL READING BRAIN FOOD! ATTACK OF THE CHERRYBOMBS!
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December 10, 2009
SEEN ON
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SCENE
Backup Johnny’s “After Thanksgiving Party”, November 28 at Fishlips.
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See more photos at: Bakotopia.com/seen
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BAKOTOPIA
E D I TO R ’ S N OT E A
STAFF
EDITORIAL
nd so it begins! That time of year where your wallets lighten and credit cards blaze. While there's no denying emotions do run high during the holidays, Bakotopia is here to provide the fun. This issue in particular reminded me of how much fun I've had this year, much in part to all the great people I’ve worked with. Bakotopia has been blessed to have some of our best local talents contributing every issue. From our writers, artists, and photographers - the community we've built has been amazing. There were some major contributors that helped in the clutch to keep Bakotopia fresh with some major creativity this year. If you're a regular reader, you'll notice recurring names of people like - Holly Carlyle, Jen Raven, Nick Belardes, Joseph Gomez, Greg Goodsell, and more. Thanks to their tireless hustle, they've helped Bako out tremendously and we love them for that. Do the same and be thankful for what you got and show some love back to those who've helped you out this year - that's a real gift worth giving. Happy Holidays! Check out this issue's list of new contributors, including Bako photog Jeremy Gonzalez who gave us our latest cover featuring model, Brandy Hornback. As you can see, Brandy's expression sums up the season for many of us! Join the family - contribute your stuff to Bako mag!
Olivia Garcia VP Content ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Matt Muñoz Editor/Product Manager mmunoz@bakersfield.com 395-7660 Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com
ART Kent Kuehl Designer kkuehl@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632
OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
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P.O. Box 2344 Bakersfield, CA 93303
Cover photo Jeremy Gonzalez / No Image Photography Model Brandy Hornback
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The Itch
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December 10, 2009
Uncle Frank’s
Survival Guide Advice from your favorite holiday party crasher By Francis Mayer / KRAB, Bakotopia.com contributor ey friends, it's holiday time!! And what a hoot time of the year it is! For a lot of us, it's a great time to remember the profound differences that drove us to move away from our families in the first place! But fear not! You can beat this often uncomfortable time of the year with a few tips! 1) When going home for the holidays… Find a family member whom you trust to ask who recently got out of jail, got divorced, or has pending criminal charges against them. When it comes to my dad's side of the family, I ask my cousin Louie this question. I'm not kidding. It's better to ask him than ask an innocent question that turns decidedly uncomfortable. To wit: “Hey, Steve! How's work”?, I ask. “Work release is good. If I pass another drug test, I get discharged early,” Steve says. So, get debriefed before you go asking…um…tough questions. 2) Make plans… If they ask how long you can stay, be vague. Claim your spouse/friend across town/pet needs attention or to satisfy a time commitment elsewhere. If things are going good, you can look at your phone and say, “How fortunate! I can stick around. Bob got a ride after
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all.” Otherwise, stick to the plan when your Uncle tips his drunken hand and the card table in one fell swoop. 3) Remember that you are a guest… If you are at your stepdad's house, and he forgets that he's not wearing his cop uniform and that you are sitting at a dinner table and not facing questioning, don't get smart and shoot of your mouth. Or you may find yourself booking a hotel room in your hometown. This can be uncomfortable. Not that I'm speaking from experience, but…just mind your manners. It'll all be over soon, and you don't want to get kicked out before dessert or gifts. 4) Respect al traditions of the house…
I have a stereotypically overbearing Jewish mother-in-law who insists on doing things very traditionally, which usually means “the long way”. So it can take four hours to eat a meal that isn't all that tasty to begin with it. And it has nothing to do with her cooking. What can you really do with a matzoh, apple chunks, and horseradish? Bear with it and respect it if for only one selfish reason: as you age, you'll be allowed to create your own holiday traditions and chalk it up to the inarguable excuse that “it's the old way, and we've always done it this way”. Seriously, even if that tradition is binge eating greasy food, and watching football and falling asleep at three in the afternoon. Wait. Isn't that New Year's Day? You could do it for every holiday, sport depending on the season. But not if you don't respect and uphold the current elder's traditions. That's the four easy steps I have for you. I'm supposing the sauce goes without question. Just call a cab, and if anyone accuses you of drunkenness, claim the thrilling combination of “exhaustion and holiday cheer.” Be safe this holiday season, your Uncle Frank loves you....
Keep up with all the KRAB jocks at: www.KRAB.com! **Listen for Matt from Bakotopia on KRAB Morning Show! Next appearance: Dec. 23 at 9 a.m!
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December 10, 2009
Holidays for
Dummies! Stuck at a celebration scratching your head? Keep this list nearby! By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia.com contributor editor anukkah (Sundown Dec. 11 - Dec. 19): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late Nov. to late Dec. on the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the
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nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash (Hebrew: "guard" or "servant") is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. Plus lots of dreidlin'! Christmas (Dec. 24 - Dec. 25): An annual holiday celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The date of commemoration (12/25), is not known to be Jesus' actual birthday, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either a historical Roman festival or the winter solstice. Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. Although traditionally a Christian holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated by many non-
Christians, and some of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins - like Santa Claus & overspending! Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 - Jan. 1): Is a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring African heritage and culture, marked by participants lighting a kinara (candle holder). Observed primarily in the United States, Kwanzaa is considered one of the primary holidays within the U.S. Christmas and holiday season. Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Ron Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966. Word up! *Info courtesy of Wikipedia.com Don't drink and drive, have a designated driver! Happy Holidays!
How to get your stuff in Bakotopia Magazine Follow these steps and you are in - it’s so easy! Best local promotion in town! By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor
Follow these steps and you are in, it’s so easy! BECOME A LOCAL VOICE!
14,000-print readers, over 9,000+ registered web users, 100,000+ month! web views can’t be wrong
The web is buzzing with good stories and blogs about everyday life in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas, and readers want you to share! 1) Get your ideas together: a story, event, photos, band, show, food review ANYTHING FLOATING AROUND YOUR MIND & COMMUNITY IS COOL! 2) Start writing to your heart’s content! 3) 400-500 words will do, but if you’re on a roll, keep writing, or if it’s short and sweet, go ahead and submit it online or via e-mail! 4) Don’t worry about being the best writer out there - we’ll help you with editing. 5) Make sure to include a high-res photo or graphic to accompany your piece. If you don't have one, we'll find one for you!
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Rise of The CherryBombs! There’s no stopping these Bako glamour gal pals & their lust for life! By St. Mary Jane / CB, Bakotopia.com contributor t seems everyone has been asking the question, “What is a CherryBomb?” Well, we’ll tell ya… She’s the girl that’s gonna walk into the room and own it! She might not be the tallest, thinnest, prettiest, or perfectly put together, but she looks the sexiest and the most confident. She goes against the grain sometimes and she’s just a lil’ bit edgy, and tougher than the rest. She lives her life “outside the box” and is proud to be the exception to the rule! The CherryBombs (CBs) were formed 14 months ago by Jennifer Cravens (Lady Lux,) and Nikol St. Germain (St.MaryJane). We were looking for a way to showcase our personal talents and also have a good time doing it! A lot of our “Dolls” have grown up in Bakersfield, and we wanted a way to reach a larger audience. Some of us were former members of other local clubs. We found that we were not fitting into a certain mold. We do not fit a certain type and we do not judge anyone! We started using MySpace and Facebook as a way to
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PHOTO BY LADY LUX
Left: CherryBomb “Vanessa”. BAKOTOPIA 6
reach other like-minded alternative women. It took off very quickly and now we have 35 members and continue to grow every month. The CBs have members throughout California with new chapters opening in three states next year. We have also expanded into a clothing line, hair accessories company and photography business. Even though we do a lot networking outside Bakersfield, we are always looking for ways to help our community, local music and arts. The CBs love the local music scene and have had amazing support from bands like Tall Dark & 90 and The Penny Royalties. Bakersfield has such a unique and diverse music and art scene. The CBs are just as diverse. The CherryBombs are a community of women who are housewives, entrepreneurs, models, performers, artists and musicians. As a club, we strive to provide a place for like-minded dollfaces who want to network and showcase their talents and their unique beauty and style. We have a STRONG connection to our community! Dedication is our No. 1 rule! We look for members who live alternative lifestyles. The CherryBombs represent punk to pin-up, goth to glam. It might be as simple as a mom who loves tattoos, or a law school student who has a secret passion for body modification! Our dolls love to have a good time, but are always fierce and classy! We encourage all our dolls to live outside the box. We want those kick ass girls who believe in themselves, who will help the community and each other. Our CB women want to laugh together, make memories and lasting friendships. We accept our members as family and completely believe life is what you make it. We love to make ours full of
December 10, 2009
PHOTOS BY LADY LUX
Top from left: The CherryBombs’ - Lady Lux, Samantha, St. Mary Jane, Str8edge, Knuckles, Cream, Casey, Liz, Jaz, Laurie, Blondie, Stacie, Ms. Horsepower, Kendra, Buffy, Amber, Caitlin, Kryzma, Kristen, Debbie, Stitch, Jessi, Mandi. Below: CherryBomb “Ande”. fun (a lil’ mischievous, too). Our motto is: “Live It, Love It!” The CBs have partnered with a local charity called The Bakersfield Burrito Project (BBP). We help BBP once a month with food donations and passing out burritos to the homeless on Sundays at Central Park.They are a small club who needs the help of its community to exist. The CBs strongly believe in the BBP project and helping people in our community. Throughout this holiday season, we have helped with numerous local charities. In November, we helped feed the homeless breakfast on Thanksgiving with the BBP, and assisted in collecting donations for “hygiene kits” and passed them out as well. We also held our annual “CBs Warming Bako” drive, where we collected warm clothes and blankets, then passed them out to the many needy men, women and children in Bakersfield. This December, we are selling our CherryBomb 2010 “Calendar of Dolls.” We thought this would be a creative way to raise money for other local charities. We have several companies who were kind enough to sponsor the CBs and our calendar this year! Our dolls have worked very hard making the calendar a huge success!
**From Dec. 131, all calendar sales will be donated to the Alpha Canine Sanctuary and a local women’s charity. All presale orders in before Dec. 15 will receive $5 OFF! You can order the calendar by going to: www.myspace.com/unvcherries or e-mail: unvcherrybombs@yahoo.com The Cherry Bombs are going to be exploding everywhere in 2010! We have our official Web site coming in January with many exciting surprises — including several new designs coming soon for our clothing line. Also during December, you can find several CB Dolls featured in various tattoo & piercing publications! Plus, we are having — a “Sock & Glove Drive,” starting Dec. 20 thru Dec. 27. We will be handing out these items along with the Bakersfield Burrito project on Dec. 28, noon at Central Park. **We ask that if anyone would like to help with any donation drive or any event to contact Nikol or Jenni at:
unvcherrybombs@yahoo.com More online at:
www.myspace.com/unvcherries PHOTO BY LADY LUX
Right: CherryBomb “Casey”. BAKOTOPIA 7
SCENE THE
ON
SEEN
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“The best place to get your photo taken is at a photographer’s birthday party”! - Joseph Gomez (That’s him in the Yankees hat on opposite page...) BAKOTOPIA 8
See more photos at: Bakotopia.com/seen
December 10, 2009
Joseph Gomez’ 21st B-Day Party, November 27, Replay Lounge. Photos By Jeremy Gonzalez / No Image Photography
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AGENDA WHAT’S ON IT BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
= Highly recommended
DECEMBER 10 Karaoke (Every Thurs. & Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139 Dub Seeds - LIVE! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557
Beat Surrender DJ Nite! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 9 p.m. / 21+ Divided Hwy. (also Sat.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139 DJ Scotty Boy from Vegas’ Club REHAB! - LIVE! Replay, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-3300
Billy D & The Boys - LIVE! BRyder's Bar, 7401 White Ln. The Afterparty 9 p.m. / 21+ / 397-7304 w/ Members Only - LIVE! 4500 Buck Owens DECEMBER 11 Fishlips, 9 p.m. / 21+ /324-2557 “Rude Boy X-Mas” w/ Acapulco Sunrise, KapDECEMBER 12 tain Krunch & The Cereal Vogue In The Movement Electric Valentine, & Crush Killers & more Jerry's Pizza, 1817 Chester The Dome, 2201 V St. 6 p.m. / $10 / All Ages 7 p.m. / $8 / All Ages
Arvizu Brothers w/Hot Taconation Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / $5
KRAB's Acoustic Xmas! w/ Airborne Toxic Event, Cartel, Rey Fresco & more! FREE! *Tune-into KRAB to win passes! www.krab.com
Lenore Smith’s Dance Arts’ “Christmas Dance Review” Harvey Aud., 1241 G St. 7 p.m. / $5 or unwrapped toy! Velorio - LIVE! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 10 p.m. / 21+ Catch 22 - LIVE! Banacek's Lounge 4601 State Rd. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 387-9224
DECEMBER 13 Frank & Derol w/Brandi Cyrus & Codi Caraco Jerry's Pizza, 1817 Chester 6 p.m. / $10 / All Ages Dub Seeds - LIVE! Pyrenee's Café, 601 Sumner St. 2-6 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053
DECEMBER 14
Marcos Reyes & “The Latin Rock All-Stars” w/ members of WAR, Malo, El Chicano - LIVE! Maria Bonita's Restaurant 10701 Highway 178 Monday Night Football Nite! 8 p.m. / $10 / 21+ 366-3261 for more info! w/ ESPN (Every Monday) Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Gary Hoey's 5 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557 “Ho Ho Hoey XMas Show” Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Monday Night Football w/ 8 p.m. / 21+ / $23 Francis Mayer of KRAB! www.vallitix.com (Every Monday) Camino Real Restaurant DECEMBER 18 5 p.m. / 852-0493
DECEMBER 15 Mac Attack's Karaoke (Every Tues., Wed., Fri.) The Junction 2620 Buck Owens Blvd. 8 p.m. / 21+ / 327-9651
NFL Ticket & • 14 T.V.s Thur. Dec. 10th – Billy D & The Boys Fri. Dec. 11th – Haystack Sat. Dec. 12th – As the Crow Fly Thur. Dec. 17th – Travis Byler Fri. Dec. 18th – Mike Montano Band Sat. Dec. 19th – Brushfire Wed. Dec. 23rd – DJ Michael Anthony – Toys For Tots Run
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The Councilmen - LIVE! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 10 p.m. / 21+
DECEMBER 17 Karling Abbeygate - LIVE! w/ Danny Garone Sports n’ Spirits Bar 6633 Ming Ave. 9 p.m. / 21+ / FREE! 398-7077
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Really Big Midgetz (also Sat.) - LIVE! Belvedere, 3090 Brundage 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
Travis Byler Project - LIVE! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 7 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557
DECEMBER 19
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December 10, 2009
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December 10, 2009
SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY DECEMBER 19
The Pink Ladies' “Toy Drive Show '09”! -800Lb Gorilla, Fatt Katt & The Von Zippers, Sorting Moonshine & Haystack Racket - LIVE! - Fishlips, 1517 18th St. - 7 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557 -$10 admission OR free w/ unwrapped toy (of $10 value)! “Black & White Party” & High Performance Click CD Release Bash! Camino Real, 3500 Truxtun 10pm / 21+ / 861-8282 Chrisanova Nouveau - LIVE! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 10 p.m. / 21+
DECEMBER 23
Paul Cartwright's “Paulapalooza '09”! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 7 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557
DECEMBER 24
DECEMBER 26
XMAS EVE! Tamale time!
Happy Kwanzaa!
DECEMBER 25
Mento Buru
Bako Toys & Clothes Drive w/ Vlad Arthur and more! BRyder’s Bar, 7401 White Ln. 7 p.m. / All ages until 10 pm. Call: 661-397-7304 for info!
Merry Xmas! Feliz Navidad!
w/ DJ Mikey - LIVE! BRyder's Bar, 7401 White Ln. 9 p.m. / $5 / 397 - 7304
Catch 22 - LIVE! Lone Oak Lounge (also Sat.) 10612 Rosedale Hwy 9 p.m. / 21+ / 589-0412
The Mothership Dj Noche! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 10 p.m. / 21+
$
1
17 TV’S HD PROJECTOR ROOM
Backup Johnny - LIVE! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557
DECEMBER 31 Bakotopia & Fishlips... “New Year's Eve 2010 Bash”! w/ Mento Buru, The Iron Outlaws, Members Only & more! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 8 p.m. - ? / $10 / 324-2557 *$10 tix includes party favors, midnite champagne & midnite buffet! ORALE!
JANUARY 1 Reverend Horton Heat w/ 800Lb Gorilla & The Dusk Devls, Narducci's Café 622 E. 21st St. 7 p.m. / $30 / All Ages timgardeapresents.com Dub Seeds - LIVE! Pyrenee's Café, 601 Sumner St. 2-6 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053 POST YOUR EVENTS AT: WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM TO BE PRINTED IN BAKOTOPIA MAG! GO NOW, LAZY MUGS!
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December 10, 2009
Kickin’ It: n’
Fall Reading 2009 A list of gift ideas to help keep your sanity during the hectic holidays! By Nick Belardes, Bakotopia.com contributor all has arrived in the Southern Central Valley. The leaves have turned fiery, the air has a chill, and it’s darker earlier in the evening, making for great reading moments with a hot cup of cocoa in hand (or in some cases a six-pack of brew). Of course, I have a few suggestions that might help you with your reading choices: “Totally Killer: A Novel:” If British novelist Nick Hornby were to fall into an American washer and dryer, out would tumble author Greg Olear with a big cigar (Not John Cusack as previously thought). Dive into “Totally Killer,” a necessarily shallow absurdist commentary of obsessive lust in 1991, a time when Generation X laziness could literally lead to murder while looking for gainful employment. Olear said his book is a total rewrite of a 1998 novel he wrote based on a screenplay he busted out in 1993 when he was a college student. “Some of the dialogue has survived,” he said. He even makes an appearance in his own book. His character’s name is an anagram of Greg Olear. The best place to read “Totally Killer,” Olear says, is “over happy hour highballs at the Yale Club, on an overcrowded 6 train at rush hour, or at Yaffa Café on St. Mark’s Place after the bars close. But if you’re not planning to fly to New York to read the
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book, I hear good things about Dagny’s (although it’s not open as late as Yaffa, alas).” “The Windup Girl:” Just because Paolo Bacigalupi’s riveting novel, “The Windup Girl” is a post-apocalyptic tale of the future, doesn’t mean it’s not relevant to today. Its social commentary asks the “What if” questions only a rare visionary like Bacigalupi can answer: What if there isn’t enough food? Where will the future’s energy really be stored? What could a simple piece of fruit mean to future cultures? I’ll say this much. You’ll squirm. And you’ll be as fascinated by the book’s sexy herky-jerky robot sexpot as I am. When I asked Bacigalupi what inspired the pleasure bot, he said, “I met a stewardess on a Japanese airline, and she moved with the strangest tick-tock stylized gestures I had ever seen. Both bizarre, and somehow arresting.” Since food and calories are also a major part of “The Windup Girl,” I asked Bacigalupi to describe a holiday meal in his story if it were to have one. “Most of the people in ‘The Windup Girl’ depend on food that is patented and owned by international calorie companies: SoyPRO, HiGro Corn, UTex Rice. Everything else has
been wiped out by genetically engineered plagues. So I suppose the farang expatriates in my future Bangkok might end up with something like a SoyPRO Tofurky, if they were going to celebrate their holiday at all,” he said. The perfect place to read his tale? Bacigalupi said, “In a supermarket, at the nexus of our astonishingly clever and specialized calorie supply chains.” “The Supergirls: Fashion, Feminism, Fantasy, and the History of Comic Book Heroines:” I’ve been wanting a book to compliment this male-dominated ego-driven world of traditional male superheroes. I found such a work in “Supergirls” by Mike Madrid, whose book shows off the most badass “imaginary” women on the planet. It’s hot. It’s also easily digestible and broken up into chapters by decade, dating back to the 1940s. I can’t blame Madrid for his fascination with female superheroes. These babes can do what all the invincible men can do without even smudging their makeup. And, there’s more than just the book if you dig yourself some superhero hotties. You can check out Madrid’s online decade breakdown of sculptures depicting the bombastic babe, I couldn’t end our conversation without
knowing who the must-read superhero female is for this fall. Madrid said, “My current fave female superhero is DC Comics’ Power Girl, one of the original tough feminists of comic books. She not only smashes evil villains, but also tries to solve the world’s environmental problems. Power Girl is strong, smart, sexy, and has a great sense of humor, which is something that comic books could use a little more of these days.” “In Sleeping Beauty’s Bed:” Author Mitzi Szereto is onto something with “In Sleeping Beauty’s Bed.” And oddly, all she is doing is reverting back to what those Grimm guys screwed up. She’s putting the eroticism back into fairy tales. It’s all in her book, which is as historically revealing about the origins of fairy tales as it is sexually alluring in her dark rewrites of classics from around the world. I found each historical intro to her storytelling fascinating. Now, Szereto has a most bizarre recommendation for an autumn read. Suggesting “The Goblin of Adachigahara,” she said, “It has an autumnal feel — cold winds, wood fires, a goblin, and a bit of kink!” I read Szereto’s darkly imaginative rewrite of the Japanese classic. It’s got one of the creepiest little old ladies you’ll ever find in literature. Of course, I recommend grabbing your partner (wherever they’ll let you), and reading “In Sleeping Beauty’s Bed” out loud to each other. Szereto herself says, “It’s per-
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fect to read on the beach, tucked up in bed, or in front of a roaring fire. You can even read it on a train. Just think who you might meet while doing so — perhaps someone who might make your fairy tales come true!” “Other Resort Cities:” “I find resort cities exceptionally odd.” That’s what Tod Goldberg, author of “Other Resort Cities” told me about how he came up with a theme for his compendium of intriguing and disturbing short stories that take place in resort city settings. Yes, I do love short stories and so should you. And I couldn’t agree with him more after working on Fremont Street in Las Vegas where I piled up more stories in four years that I’m willing to tell. Those were truly interesting as well as disturbing times. Like me, Goldberg has lived in Las Vegas. Goldberg added: “All the people you see (at resort cities) pretend to care about your well-being and attempt to seem invested in your happiness, yet of course these people have real lives and real problems that have nothing to do with you. It’s not unlike being in a hospital, really: you think everyone is there because they want you to be well, but, in truth, most of the people are just there so they can afford to have a nice cable television package.” His prose is perfectly haunting, with a pace that will pull you into his characters and leave you with a similar feeling as if you just saw a great film. Of course when I asked him about a perfect place to read “Other Resort Cities” I imagined him saying, “Las Vegas,” just to be funny. Not the case. “A comfortable chair or while waiting for your probation officer to show up to your house. These are not mutually exclusive places,” he said. “Living Life as a Thank You: The Transformative Power of Daily Gratitude:” I agree when writer Nina Lesowitz says, “Living Life As A Thank You” should be read in bed, before you go to sleep. If you, or your loved ones, are experiencing any sort of cri-
December 10, 2009
sis that can leave you bitter, then Lesowitz’ book (she co-authored with Mary Beth Sammons) is a great aide for getting back on track in a positive and emotionally fulfilling way. (Watch an interview with Nina Lesowitz). “This book can help readers get in touch with the true spirit of gratitude and appreciation for all of our blessings,” Lesowitz said when I spoke to her about her book. And it is an important read for the wintry season. “In the fall months, when we’re bunkering down for the winter and holiday excess, it is especially helpful to have a reminder of the importance of giving thanks for all that we already have instead of focusing on what we perceive we need,” she said. Lesowitz adds that grateful people are more appreciative of others. They take less for granted and give back. “During this fall season, when so many people are unemployed or otherwise suffering, we need to be mindful of the abundance in our lives,” Lesowitz said. I agree. “Alfonso, The Christmas Pumpkin:” Written by Rachel and Tom Formaro and illustrated by Michele Spremich, I tore through this book in a few minutes and found myself laughing out loud at the idea that Santa Claus might actually be a farmer with a pickup truck. I’m serious, folks. I was tickled. The story is about a talking pumpkin that would rather be minced in a Christmas pie than have its shell carved Halloween style with a candle smoking up its innards. I asked Tom Formaro about inspiration for the book. “Rachel and some friends and I were walking by a closed pumpkin patch on Halloween 2008. I looked at all the pumpkins that hadn’t been picked, and said, “Those poor pumpkins haven’t got a face.'” According to Formaro, they started talking about the story that very night. He added that the best place to read “Alfonso, The Christmas Pumpkin” is “anywhere you can get a bunch of kids, a few pumpkins, and some animals (real or stuffed).
And read aloud. You gotta wear a Santa hat, and you gotta do voices (that’s why you have the kids around; otherwise it seems a little weird).” “The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook:” When I met Lara Starr I watched a crowd of people line up for “The Frugal Foodie Cookbook.” People do love food and an inspiring cookbook, don’t they? The more I flipped through her book that she coauthored with Lynette Shirk, the more my mouth watered. (Watch her describe a Wafflewich!) I had the strange feeling this wasn’t some gimmick culinary collection, but a cookbook written in earnest that would really help those who care how much they spend on groceries and how their food tastes. Starr recommended an obvious place to tuck oneself away to peruse her work. “The perfect place to read my cookbook is during ‘down time’ in the kitchen. I always find myself with odd bits of time to fill while I’m waiting for water to boil or brownies to cool. I often use this time to browse through my cookbooks looking for new ideas and inspiration.” HOLIDAY BONUS! : I asked Starr to share a great frugal autumn recipe. She said, “The perfect fall item from “The Frugal Foodie Cookbook” is Squash and Sage Pasta. It’s got perfect fall flavors, and is quick, easy and delicious. And, chances
are, at least one of your Thanksgiving recipes will call for fresh sage, and you’ll need a recipe to use the leftovers.” SPECIAL SQUASH AND SAGE SAUCE HOLIDAY RECIPE: • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes. • 8 tablespoons butter. • 40 fresh sage leaves, stemmed. • 2/3 cup vegetable broth. • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon salt and pepper, to taste, freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional). • Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat in a large stockpot. -Add the squash cubes and sauté until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the squash from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside. • Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the pot. Add the sage leaves and cook until the edges start to curl, watching closely that the butter doesn’t burn. • Remove the sage leaves and set them on a paper towel to drain. • Add the broth and cinnamon to the butter and stir to combine. Add 1 pound cooked pasta and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, serve with the sage leaves and Parmesan. Enjoy! You can find all of the above titles at your local or online bookstores!
Happy Holidays!
BAKOTOPIA 13
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December 10, 2009
All Aboard... Vocal Express! Wanna add some musical cheer to your holiday party? Look no further than these local voices! By Jen Raven, Bakotopia.com contributor
I
t’s been a tough year on the Arts in Bakersfield; those of us still standing can take a moment to congratulate each other, on making it through what has been a very difficult time. But even difficult times have their bright spots, and the wise know when to make the most of them. Take local artist Jennifer Sorkin. She’s recently completed all requirements necessary to become a teacher … and graduated just in time for the economy to crash. Jen is still waiting for a position to open up. Nothing daunted, she’s taking the high road, focusing on the positive, and using her extra time in some very creative … dare I say, artistic ways? Just in time for the holidays, the “Vocal Express” Quartet has re-grouped, adding two new members; they plan to have some extra fun this year, singing holiday carols in full-blown traditional Dickens attire. For those of you who may be new to the scene, Vocal Express has been around for a decade or more, headed by talented vocal artist Adam Calvillo. In addition to singing opera, Adam is a caroling enthusiast; over the years, he and Jen have worked together on numerous occasions. Add to this dynamic duo the vocal talents of Ken and Jill Burdick, stir in beautiful traditional Dickens costumes by Patti Oldread, and you’ve got the latest, BAKOTOPIA 14
PHOTO BY ALEXANDRIA BURDICK
Above from left: Vocal Express’ - Adam Calvillo, Jennifer Sorkin, Jill Burdick, Ken Burdick. greatest version of Vocal Express. “I have such a great time working with these people, so rehearsals are a real treat,” Jen says of her work with Vocal Express. “I love to sing, and I don’t get to sing nearly as often as I’d like, so this is like the chocolate icing on my whole year.” Of course, Jen was too modest to mention her recent, brilliant vocal performance in “Evil Dead” at The Spotlight, just last month. When I brought it up, Jen confessed to me that “it was my dream show, and my dream role. I always wanted to be a part of that show … I was so thrilled!” Jen has made a neat transition from Capering Canderian Demon to Delightful Dickens Descant, in one skillful move. She even helped create the costumes. Yes, people, she’s just that talented. The other members of the quartet have talent to spare as well. Adam Calvillo tells me that “all members of the quartet have been singing for the last 15 years, or so. Kenny and I have done a lot of work together, singing opera at CSUB.” You might also have caught these talented peo-
ple in such productions as “HMS Pinafore” and “Forever Plaid” at the Candlelight Theatre, or “Sweeney Todd” at The Spotlight. “We all want to earn some extra Christmas money, and spread some holiday cheer, so we put them together and we plan on performing throughout the holiday season,” Jen tells me. Vocal Express will be available for business events, family parties, and community festivities, booking on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait too long to give them a call! “When we’re singing together, we’re always having a good time. The four of us are friends — we’re having fun with this, and we’d like to share that good energy with the community. We’re here to entertain!”
To book Vocal Express for your holiday event, please contact Jen Sorkin at: 477-1275 or via e-mail at: jennsorkin1@gmail.com. Happy Holidays, everyone!
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December 10, 2009
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