A worker at Wal-Mart is trampled to death by a crowd of bargain-thirsty shoppers, hell bent on getting the best Black Friday bargain.
How pathetic.
It's not the first time someone has been injured or even killed during this annual shopping ritual, and yet, the practice continues on year after year.
Isn't it time to put this tradition to rest?!
There must be a tremendous boost to the bottom line as the holiday rush kicks into full gear or Corporate America would have given Black Friday the boot years ago.
No discount or savings is worth a person's life.
My wife and I argued over this fatality, trying to assign some blame to the tragedy.
I wanted justice in the form of charges filed against the people involved in the stampede.
I'm not talking about murder or involuntary charges, but reckless endangerment for everyone seen running over the man and not stopping to help.
Others who grabbed what they needed and raced to the checkout line while the man was being given emergency medical attention.
And especially for those who griped and complained when informed by the store employees that they were closing the doors because of the death.
My wife Lori was targeting her animosity at the big box retailer.
No savings is worth a person's dignity and compassion.
The Black Friday bargains and sales bring out the worst in people and the businesses know it.
But it doesn't matter.
Wipe up the blood while preparing for tomorrow's business day.
The animal-like atmosphere is somewhat contagious, infecting everyone who attends this ritual.
Yes, I said everyone.
Not some people or most people, nope, I'm going with everyone who got up in the wee hours and waited outside for the doors to open.
Everyone who surged forward with the crowd as the doors were being opened and felt that adrenaline rush.
It's a disease and we need to administer a vaccine.
Black Friday did nothing for this year's early holiday shopping season.
Instead of a kick start, Corporate America got a kick in the ass.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Prop 8 Scuffle Ruled A Draw
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a draw.
It's the worst decision I've ever had to announce inside the ring, which is usually met with a chorus of expletives and cat-calls.
In the 15 years I've been doing ring announcing, I've had to announce the "never" popular draw about two dozen times.
I can remember only one time where the fans, and even the fighters, were OK with the decision. It was an all-out melee with no clear cut winner in a six round fight.
People don't want a draw or a tie.
They want some finality, they want a winner and a loser.
The Ken Mettler vs. Rod Badewitz bout has been ruled a draw by the DA's office, after it was determined that charges couldn't be successfully prosecuted against either individual.
Personally, I would have called it a "no contest".
Scoring this as a sanctioned bout.
It was a ridiculous situation for both parties involved. I give a little leniency to Mettler for what he did, with the comments urging violence being hurled in his direction. But I also deducted a point for leaving his neutral corner without invitation by the referee and venturing into the Anti-8 corner.
Now, Badewitz is contemplating a civil suit against Mettler and I'm sure there will be plenty of legal types chomping at the bit for a shot at it.
After all, it's not the youngsters first square dance in the court system. For that matter, Mettler has been down that road as well.
Score: Tied
I agree with the DA's office not getting in the middle of it.
The altercation was a joke to begin with and continues to draw laughter.
Mettler wants to extend an olive branch, and Badewitz appears ready to knock it out of his hand.
Unfortunately, even legal intervention won't settle this dispute.
Once again, I urge Mettler and Badewitz to settle this in a cage match.
For that matter, let's bring in Pro and Anti 8 people and make this a battle royal.
It would end with both sides claiming victory, but at least provide everyone on both sides with the chance to land a few legitimate punches.
It's the worst decision I've ever had to announce inside the ring, which is usually met with a chorus of expletives and cat-calls.
In the 15 years I've been doing ring announcing, I've had to announce the "never" popular draw about two dozen times.
I can remember only one time where the fans, and even the fighters, were OK with the decision. It was an all-out melee with no clear cut winner in a six round fight.
People don't want a draw or a tie.
They want some finality, they want a winner and a loser.
The Ken Mettler vs. Rod Badewitz bout has been ruled a draw by the DA's office, after it was determined that charges couldn't be successfully prosecuted against either individual.
Personally, I would have called it a "no contest".
Scoring this as a sanctioned bout.
It was a ridiculous situation for both parties involved. I give a little leniency to Mettler for what he did, with the comments urging violence being hurled in his direction. But I also deducted a point for leaving his neutral corner without invitation by the referee and venturing into the Anti-8 corner.
Now, Badewitz is contemplating a civil suit against Mettler and I'm sure there will be plenty of legal types chomping at the bit for a shot at it.
After all, it's not the youngsters first square dance in the court system. For that matter, Mettler has been down that road as well.
Score: Tied
I agree with the DA's office not getting in the middle of it.
The altercation was a joke to begin with and continues to draw laughter.
Mettler wants to extend an olive branch, and Badewitz appears ready to knock it out of his hand.
Unfortunately, even legal intervention won't settle this dispute.
Once again, I urge Mettler and Badewitz to settle this in a cage match.
For that matter, let's bring in Pro and Anti 8 people and make this a battle royal.
It would end with both sides claiming victory, but at least provide everyone on both sides with the chance to land a few legitimate punches.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Practice What You Purchase
You bought a Prius, now act like it!!
I'm driving along Stockdale Highway, on the way to my house, when the road merges to one-lane just past the stoplight.
I'm at the front of the line, when a new Toyota Prius slides up next to me in the curb lane, that is suppose to merge.
I see the new paint, pristine shine and start to wonder what it would be like to get that kind of gas mileage.
I mothballed my Expedition (with the exception of using it to tow the horse trailer) and have resigned myself to driving my wife's old car. A 2001 Toyota Avalon. A far cry from the '71 Cutlass 442 or '69 Mustang from my youth. But it's a solid car with air bags and some pretty decent horsepower and MPG's.
The older gentlemen driving the Prius is staring straight ahead.
I've seen that look before. When I was 18. Someone pulling up next to the 442, burning a hole in the stoplight with their stare as they prepared to punch the gas pedal threw the floor board in an attempt to roar away from the intersection first.
But this is a Prius.
Built for distance, not speed.
His gaze never left the light for one second. I started to chuckle, wondering if perhaps I was just a little delirious from my early workday.
The light changed and with the exception of what I use to refer to as a "burnout", the Prius sped away from the intersection as I began to accelerate alongside him.
With each passing 10th of a mile, he continued his rapid acceleration until he suddenly eased off the gas and slid in behind me as the road came together.
What was that all about?!
We've done stories about Prius owners, called hyper milers, who go to extraordinary lengths to try and get the most MPG's possible by coasting down hills and up to lights, anything and everything possible to boost the miles they squeeze out of every gallon.
One guy actually claims he went 110 miles on one gallon!!
Once I turned off of Stockdale Highway, Mr. Prius roared (more like a whirring sound) past me.
Perhaps the new Prius should come with a special section in the owner's manual that spells out how the hybrid system works and how old driving habits will have to be altered if the owner expects to see any gas savings.
Or maybe we should pass a law that requires Hybrid owners to use the slow lane, relinquish the right of way and carry a 5 gallon container of gasoline, so they can provide a little roadside assistance for the rest of us.
I'm driving along Stockdale Highway, on the way to my house, when the road merges to one-lane just past the stoplight.
I'm at the front of the line, when a new Toyota Prius slides up next to me in the curb lane, that is suppose to merge.
I see the new paint, pristine shine and start to wonder what it would be like to get that kind of gas mileage.
I mothballed my Expedition (with the exception of using it to tow the horse trailer) and have resigned myself to driving my wife's old car. A 2001 Toyota Avalon. A far cry from the '71 Cutlass 442 or '69 Mustang from my youth. But it's a solid car with air bags and some pretty decent horsepower and MPG's.
The older gentlemen driving the Prius is staring straight ahead.
I've seen that look before. When I was 18. Someone pulling up next to the 442, burning a hole in the stoplight with their stare as they prepared to punch the gas pedal threw the floor board in an attempt to roar away from the intersection first.
But this is a Prius.
Built for distance, not speed.
His gaze never left the light for one second. I started to chuckle, wondering if perhaps I was just a little delirious from my early workday.
The light changed and with the exception of what I use to refer to as a "burnout", the Prius sped away from the intersection as I began to accelerate alongside him.
With each passing 10th of a mile, he continued his rapid acceleration until he suddenly eased off the gas and slid in behind me as the road came together.
What was that all about?!
We've done stories about Prius owners, called hyper milers, who go to extraordinary lengths to try and get the most MPG's possible by coasting down hills and up to lights, anything and everything possible to boost the miles they squeeze out of every gallon.
One guy actually claims he went 110 miles on one gallon!!
Once I turned off of Stockdale Highway, Mr. Prius roared (more like a whirring sound) past me.
Perhaps the new Prius should come with a special section in the owner's manual that spells out how the hybrid system works and how old driving habits will have to be altered if the owner expects to see any gas savings.
Or maybe we should pass a law that requires Hybrid owners to use the slow lane, relinquish the right of way and carry a 5 gallon container of gasoline, so they can provide a little roadside assistance for the rest of us.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sweetie, Honey and Baby
I was standing in line, minding my own business, when the young female cashier uttered the first one.
"Is that all, Sweetie?!"
I did a double take. It's a phrase that's been uttered by my wife or other friends, but it's been a while since a total stranger hit me with it.
I was paying for the 16oz drink and shuffling through the change in my pocket when I asked her how much I owed her.
"That'll be $1.19, Honey."
A honey and a sweetie?!
I had a flashback to the ABC23 newsroom about 12 years ago, when we were informed in a memo, that this type of conversation was frowned upon, after a producer complained to the news director.
I wasn't the guilty party in this instance, but I had tossed out the occasional phrase without thinking to some of my friends of the opposite sex.
Since that time, the friendly talk, gestures and a kind touch were replaced by the cold, methodical proceedings of a company that was falling in line with rules regarding harassment.
Don't get me wrong. The culture of CEO's, managers and any one else in charge who abused their title to force women, or men, into compromising positions out of fear of losing their job, has completely decimated the emotional aspect of the working environment.
Perhaps it's partially responsible for the generation of hopscotch employment now, where people jump from job-to-job with little thought of making a career in one particular place.
It's mellowed in recent years, but a generation that grew up in a family like atmosphere at work has vanished. It's still there, but very antiseptic for the most part.
I smiled and handed the cashier $1.25, and dropped the change in the penny cup.
She smiled back and responded with a "Thanks, baby, we'll see you next time."
Yes you will.
"Is that all, Sweetie?!"
I did a double take. It's a phrase that's been uttered by my wife or other friends, but it's been a while since a total stranger hit me with it.
I was paying for the 16oz drink and shuffling through the change in my pocket when I asked her how much I owed her.
"That'll be $1.19, Honey."
A honey and a sweetie?!
I had a flashback to the ABC23 newsroom about 12 years ago, when we were informed in a memo, that this type of conversation was frowned upon, after a producer complained to the news director.
I wasn't the guilty party in this instance, but I had tossed out the occasional phrase without thinking to some of my friends of the opposite sex.
Since that time, the friendly talk, gestures and a kind touch were replaced by the cold, methodical proceedings of a company that was falling in line with rules regarding harassment.
Don't get me wrong. The culture of CEO's, managers and any one else in charge who abused their title to force women, or men, into compromising positions out of fear of losing their job, has completely decimated the emotional aspect of the working environment.
Perhaps it's partially responsible for the generation of hopscotch employment now, where people jump from job-to-job with little thought of making a career in one particular place.
It's mellowed in recent years, but a generation that grew up in a family like atmosphere at work has vanished. It's still there, but very antiseptic for the most part.
I smiled and handed the cashier $1.25, and dropped the change in the penny cup.
She smiled back and responded with a "Thanks, baby, we'll see you next time."
Yes you will.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
"Sign" of the Times, Part 3
Should we leave the signs up??
Absentee and provisional ballots aside, it appears Prop 8 has passed, thus striking down same sex marriage in California.
At least for the moment.
Opponents have already filed one legal challenge at the time of this blog and were preparing another.
So, here we are, just a few months after the state Supreme Court overturned the constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage, and we're right back where we started.
In the months leading up to Nov. 4th, activists cited public opinion polls that they claimed would keep Prop 8 from passing.
But that didn't happen.
And, based on trends and locations of the absentee and provisional votes that are still outstanding, the margin of support appears secure.
The "No on 8" campaign says it won't concede.
No surprise.
What about the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples that tied the knot?!
Experts believe the legality of their unions will probably be decided in court.
Neither side seems willing to compromise in this ongoing dispute.
Same sex couples want the right to marry and conservatives want to protect traditional marriage.
So how about this.
Let's get rid of the word "marriage" in all government forms, applications, etc...
Replace it with "legally bound".
When you fill out a form, it will now read Status: Single, Legally Bound, Divorced
Let's face it, no matter what the constitution reads or a judge orders, same sex marriages will never be recognized by some religions and various other groups.
And, gay couples could probably care less, as long as they're able to refer to their relationship as a marriage.
So, stop forcing either side to re-define their definition, and change the way a city, state or the country refers to relationships.
"Legally Bound".
Most people would probably be OK with that.
While I don't agree with same sex marriage, I'm not willing to rewrite my personal definition for anyone.
But I'll more than gladly use the phrase "Legally Bound".
After all, most married people I know file their taxes under "Single" any way.
Absentee and provisional ballots aside, it appears Prop 8 has passed, thus striking down same sex marriage in California.
At least for the moment.
Opponents have already filed one legal challenge at the time of this blog and were preparing another.
So, here we are, just a few months after the state Supreme Court overturned the constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage, and we're right back where we started.
In the months leading up to Nov. 4th, activists cited public opinion polls that they claimed would keep Prop 8 from passing.
But that didn't happen.
And, based on trends and locations of the absentee and provisional votes that are still outstanding, the margin of support appears secure.
The "No on 8" campaign says it won't concede.
No surprise.
What about the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples that tied the knot?!
Experts believe the legality of their unions will probably be decided in court.
Neither side seems willing to compromise in this ongoing dispute.
Same sex couples want the right to marry and conservatives want to protect traditional marriage.
So how about this.
Let's get rid of the word "marriage" in all government forms, applications, etc...
Replace it with "legally bound".
When you fill out a form, it will now read Status: Single, Legally Bound, Divorced
Let's face it, no matter what the constitution reads or a judge orders, same sex marriages will never be recognized by some religions and various other groups.
And, gay couples could probably care less, as long as they're able to refer to their relationship as a marriage.
So, stop forcing either side to re-define their definition, and change the way a city, state or the country refers to relationships.
"Legally Bound".
Most people would probably be OK with that.
While I don't agree with same sex marriage, I'm not willing to rewrite my personal definition for anyone.
But I'll more than gladly use the phrase "Legally Bound".
After all, most married people I know file their taxes under "Single" any way.
Monday, October 27, 2008
"Sign" of the Times, Part 2
It was only a matter of time.
The highly publicized skirmish between High School District trustee Ken Mettler and several protesters of Proposition 8 is making headlines around the world.
Isn't "You Tube" a wonderful thing?!
As both sides now arm themselves for the stretch run to Nov. 4th, I encourage everyone to check out the *uncensored* version of the encounter that's available in cyberspace.
It isn't hard to find.
**Be forewarned, the uncensored version is not a Disney Pixar film, and neither are the people who claim to be the victims. This video is rated "R" for language.**
Listening to the protesters of Prop 8 asking Ken Mettler why he was taking back the altered "Yes on 8" signs is quite entertaining.
Maybe going to retrieve the signs in the midst of a rally wasn't the smartest idea in the world.
Maybe Mettler was looking for a confrontation. He says he wasn't but it's obvious the protesters wanted to mix it up.
The "No on 8" people were prepared with camera's rolling, like well trained paparazzi, to "spontaneously" capture the encounter for all to see.
Now, the video has been dissected to death. Accusations are flying that the video had been altered. Where are the missing frames, one local station began crying!!
The version that was given to ABC23 by the amateur cameraman at the rally did not appear to have any missing frames of video.
Just one long bouncy shot with random zooms, that might make it appear the video was altered.
As for the "fight" or "attack" as some have called this, here's a quick recap from the video as I see it.
You see a hand reach towards Mettler, followed by a woman's body obstructing the altercation long enough to see Mettler then try to kick the 20-yr old protester, while throwing an off-balance punch that may or may not have connected.
That's it.
The police looked at the video at the scene and decided not to press charges.
But you can bet this video will be played out again and again.
I'm surprised it hasn't been used in a "No on 8" TV ad yet.
A father-like figure gets into a scrape with his rebellious son, and daughter, and boyfriend, etc, etc, etc.
Both sides are claiming victory, but there's only one real way to solve this.
Get Mettler and the young alleged victim into the ring for a cage match.
It's obvious we are well beyond a civil discourse on this topic. Maybe we should round up another panel discussion so Mettler and another local conservative can get verbally assaulted by a heavily biased audience, instead of engaging in a spirited exchange of ideas.
Nope, maybe it's time to climb through the ropes.
We'll provide a referee, corner men, the whole deal.
My money's on the old guy who's passionate for his cause, not the youngster looking for a fight.
The highly publicized skirmish between High School District trustee Ken Mettler and several protesters of Proposition 8 is making headlines around the world.
Isn't "You Tube" a wonderful thing?!
As both sides now arm themselves for the stretch run to Nov. 4th, I encourage everyone to check out the *uncensored* version of the encounter that's available in cyberspace.
It isn't hard to find.
**Be forewarned, the uncensored version is not a Disney Pixar film, and neither are the people who claim to be the victims. This video is rated "R" for language.**
Listening to the protesters of Prop 8 asking Ken Mettler why he was taking back the altered "Yes on 8" signs is quite entertaining.
Maybe going to retrieve the signs in the midst of a rally wasn't the smartest idea in the world.
Maybe Mettler was looking for a confrontation. He says he wasn't but it's obvious the protesters wanted to mix it up.
The "No on 8" people were prepared with camera's rolling, like well trained paparazzi, to "spontaneously" capture the encounter for all to see.
Now, the video has been dissected to death. Accusations are flying that the video had been altered. Where are the missing frames, one local station began crying!!
The version that was given to ABC23 by the amateur cameraman at the rally did not appear to have any missing frames of video.
Just one long bouncy shot with random zooms, that might make it appear the video was altered.
As for the "fight" or "attack" as some have called this, here's a quick recap from the video as I see it.
You see a hand reach towards Mettler, followed by a woman's body obstructing the altercation long enough to see Mettler then try to kick the 20-yr old protester, while throwing an off-balance punch that may or may not have connected.
That's it.
The police looked at the video at the scene and decided not to press charges.
But you can bet this video will be played out again and again.
I'm surprised it hasn't been used in a "No on 8" TV ad yet.
A father-like figure gets into a scrape with his rebellious son, and daughter, and boyfriend, etc, etc, etc.
Both sides are claiming victory, but there's only one real way to solve this.
Get Mettler and the young alleged victim into the ring for a cage match.
It's obvious we are well beyond a civil discourse on this topic. Maybe we should round up another panel discussion so Mettler and another local conservative can get verbally assaulted by a heavily biased audience, instead of engaging in a spirited exchange of ideas.
Nope, maybe it's time to climb through the ropes.
We'll provide a referee, corner men, the whole deal.
My money's on the old guy who's passionate for his cause, not the youngster looking for a fight.
Friday, October 24, 2008
"Sign" of the Times
Enough already!!!
Put the sign down and step away from the controversy.
The ABC23 e-mail inbox has been overflowing with charges of conspiracy, theft and destruction.
All involving campaign signs of every shape and size.
Cue the actor running out into the street screaming, "Oh the humanity!!!"
The majority of complaints involve the highly emotional Proposition 8 and how we will define marriage in the state of California's constitution.
**If anyone believes this issue will be resolved on Nov. 5th, you are sadly mistaken.**
I know which way I'm voting on that particular issue and no sign, propped up in somebody's front lawn, is going to change my mind.
It's gotten to the point that I don't look at ANY of the signs anymore.
I know who's running for what, who's pushing what prop and which group is behind them.
Trouble is, most people don't.
And with the potentially highest voter turnout in Kern County election history just over one week away, people are taking their signs and TV ads very seriously.
If you wonder what kind of effect it has on most people, consider the annual reader's poll in the local paper. Every year it seems the same people win the same awards. Is it because they're the absolute best at what they do? Or maybe their advertising campaign is simply the best in town
When filling out the ridiculously long form in the paper (usually just to vote on 1 or 2 of my favorite categories like best steak: Outback Steakhouse) I come across some categories that I've never had to use, or haven't used in years. That's when a jingle or commercial pops into my head for that particular business and I scribble down their name.
That's what most of the groups backing the candidates and issues have always relied on.
Name recognition and the pimping of propositions.
The attack ads aside, it seems like there is a disproportionately higher number of assaults on campaign signs this year.
Bakersfield police however are not reporting a higher than usual number of complaints in this department.
So is it all for the camera's?!
You bet it is.
We run a story about one side of the issue one day and the next, the opposition is banging at the door to the inbox slinging similar charges.
And it's only going to get worse in the upcoming week before the election.
I'm just hoping that someone or something (surveillance camera) will catch one of these campaign sign assassins in the act.
It makes some of the best news video.
The only thing better would be to punish these people by hanging a sign around their neck and making them stand on a street corner for a couple of days.
The sign could read "Political Pawn" or maybe "Campaign Clown".
Now that's a sign most people can really identify with.
Put the sign down and step away from the controversy.
The ABC23 e-mail inbox has been overflowing with charges of conspiracy, theft and destruction.
All involving campaign signs of every shape and size.
Cue the actor running out into the street screaming, "Oh the humanity!!!"
The majority of complaints involve the highly emotional Proposition 8 and how we will define marriage in the state of California's constitution.
**If anyone believes this issue will be resolved on Nov. 5th, you are sadly mistaken.**
I know which way I'm voting on that particular issue and no sign, propped up in somebody's front lawn, is going to change my mind.
It's gotten to the point that I don't look at ANY of the signs anymore.
I know who's running for what, who's pushing what prop and which group is behind them.
Trouble is, most people don't.
And with the potentially highest voter turnout in Kern County election history just over one week away, people are taking their signs and TV ads very seriously.
If you wonder what kind of effect it has on most people, consider the annual reader's poll in the local paper. Every year it seems the same people win the same awards. Is it because they're the absolute best at what they do? Or maybe their advertising campaign is simply the best in town
When filling out the ridiculously long form in the paper (usually just to vote on 1 or 2 of my favorite categories like best steak: Outback Steakhouse) I come across some categories that I've never had to use, or haven't used in years. That's when a jingle or commercial pops into my head for that particular business and I scribble down their name.
That's what most of the groups backing the candidates and issues have always relied on.
Name recognition and the pimping of propositions.
The attack ads aside, it seems like there is a disproportionately higher number of assaults on campaign signs this year.
Bakersfield police however are not reporting a higher than usual number of complaints in this department.
So is it all for the camera's?!
You bet it is.
We run a story about one side of the issue one day and the next, the opposition is banging at the door to the inbox slinging similar charges.
And it's only going to get worse in the upcoming week before the election.
I'm just hoping that someone or something (surveillance camera) will catch one of these campaign sign assassins in the act.
It makes some of the best news video.
The only thing better would be to punish these people by hanging a sign around their neck and making them stand on a street corner for a couple of days.
The sign could read "Political Pawn" or maybe "Campaign Clown".
Now that's a sign most people can really identify with.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Caught On Tape
"Shame On" the "Shame On" people.
I've always viewed these people with a bit of annoyed amusement, if you will.
Since the first time I tried to talk with them and was handed a business card, to last Saturday night at the San Joaquin Community Hospital "Evening with Amy Grant".
Now, they're simply pathetic.
Let me set the stage for you. The "Shame On" people, here after referred to as SOP, were set up outside a big tent for the VIP dinner before the event.
The SOP had their usual sign, that most people I know simply drive by and ignore, but were also armed with flyer's and a video camera.
Video camera?
Oh, right, like some kind of demented paparazzi, right?!
Nope, they were video taping everyone who paid money to attend the event.
Not that anyone who attended really cared, but seriously, what do you plan to do with the tape or memory card?!
Figure out who these people are and picket them, too?!
Ever person who showed up for the dinner you protested, actually ponied up a little extra dough so the hospital can buy new equipment that will go into the facility's new burn care center.
What did they do to you, SOP?!
The event had nothing to do with whatever the hospital did that DIDN'T include union labor.
The facility is the first of it's kind between LA and Fresno that will allow burn patients to be treated right here instead of being shipped out of town.
The SOP have run their course and have become, quite frankly, pathetic.
Most of the people I talked to, who were protested by the SOP in the past, tell me the bid for union labor was so much higher than the non-union counterparts that it wasn't cost effective to use them.
Most time, there wasn't enough union laborers to do the job and had to be brought in from out of the area at an even higher cost.
Even the protesters are from out of the area.
Still, even without a union crew, these jobs manage to pass city and county code compliance.
And Saturday night, they had SIX SOP at the San Joaquin dinner.
I pray none of them, or anyone in their family or union, ever needs the services of San Joaquin hospital or any of the other medical offices they've shown up at in the past.
Maybe the next time they need care, they can lay on a gurney out on the sidewalk with a banner draped over them.
But not that anyone would notice them.
I've always viewed these people with a bit of annoyed amusement, if you will.
Since the first time I tried to talk with them and was handed a business card, to last Saturday night at the San Joaquin Community Hospital "Evening with Amy Grant".
Now, they're simply pathetic.
Let me set the stage for you. The "Shame On" people, here after referred to as SOP, were set up outside a big tent for the VIP dinner before the event.
The SOP had their usual sign, that most people I know simply drive by and ignore, but were also armed with flyer's and a video camera.
Video camera?
Oh, right, like some kind of demented paparazzi, right?!
Nope, they were video taping everyone who paid money to attend the event.
Not that anyone who attended really cared, but seriously, what do you plan to do with the tape or memory card?!
Figure out who these people are and picket them, too?!
Ever person who showed up for the dinner you protested, actually ponied up a little extra dough so the hospital can buy new equipment that will go into the facility's new burn care center.
What did they do to you, SOP?!
The event had nothing to do with whatever the hospital did that DIDN'T include union labor.
The facility is the first of it's kind between LA and Fresno that will allow burn patients to be treated right here instead of being shipped out of town.
The SOP have run their course and have become, quite frankly, pathetic.
Most of the people I talked to, who were protested by the SOP in the past, tell me the bid for union labor was so much higher than the non-union counterparts that it wasn't cost effective to use them.
Most time, there wasn't enough union laborers to do the job and had to be brought in from out of the area at an even higher cost.
Even the protesters are from out of the area.
Still, even without a union crew, these jobs manage to pass city and county code compliance.
And Saturday night, they had SIX SOP at the San Joaquin dinner.
I pray none of them, or anyone in their family or union, ever needs the services of San Joaquin hospital or any of the other medical offices they've shown up at in the past.
Maybe the next time they need care, they can lay on a gurney out on the sidewalk with a banner draped over them.
But not that anyone would notice them.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Host Gone Wild!!!
Scott Cox is all about the outrageous.
From the things he says to, well, the things he says.
I usually flip him on for a couple minutes on my drive home after the No Bull Morning Show to hear him launch into an attack on something he heard, saw or read. It doesn't last very long these days, due to the new format at the radio station, but it's good for an occasional laugh, chuckle or shake of the head.
Anyone who listens to Cox knows that he deals in sensationalistic, shock value entertainment.
That said, I'm finding it hard to believe this entire political sign stealing stunt, from the first theft to the indefinite suspension, wasn't a giant ratings hoax.
And Cox is sitting back right now having a great big laugh.
Let's recap for a moment.
The talk show host comes up with a scheme to pilfer a dozen or more political signs belonging to KHSD trustee Chad Vegas (a regular on his co-hort's talk show) with the idea of breaking the news of the theft later in the week.
Then, he announces next week that he secured the return of the signs.
Only someone sees him taking one and writes down his license plate number.
It finds it's way to Mr. Vegas who turns it over to the Sheriff's Department.
As the plan starts to unravel, Cox comes clean (after denying the theft to numerous media outlets and station management).
A big press conference, involving Cox and the trustee candidate running for re-election, is held to capture the admission of guilt and apology.
Cox is going to put them all back where he got them, and though Vegas seems slightly annoyed, he seems content to absorb the media spotlight that this stunt has provided for him.
But the Sheriff's Dept. has one of their investigators looking into it, even after the truth came out.
It's gone beyond no harm, no foul. The Sheriff's Dept. says it's a misdemeanor that carries possible jail time and a fine.
Not that Scott will ever see the inside of a cell.
Then, just before the 6pm news, ABC23 is notified that Cox has been suspended indefinitely.
Strange timing, almost to ensure the *breaking news* reference.
And, the radio stations are in the heart of their ratings book.
Add it all up and you've either got a big-time blunder or a carefully orchestrated ratings ploy.
Given the suspension and subsequent Sheriff's investigation, the major gaffe is probably the likely answer, but I can't help but think we're all being taken for a ride.
Like the one Cox provides on his radio show.
Only time will tell which version is the truth.
And I hope, Cox is still able to laugh about it.
From the things he says to, well, the things he says.
I usually flip him on for a couple minutes on my drive home after the No Bull Morning Show to hear him launch into an attack on something he heard, saw or read. It doesn't last very long these days, due to the new format at the radio station, but it's good for an occasional laugh, chuckle or shake of the head.
Anyone who listens to Cox knows that he deals in sensationalistic, shock value entertainment.
That said, I'm finding it hard to believe this entire political sign stealing stunt, from the first theft to the indefinite suspension, wasn't a giant ratings hoax.
And Cox is sitting back right now having a great big laugh.
Let's recap for a moment.
The talk show host comes up with a scheme to pilfer a dozen or more political signs belonging to KHSD trustee Chad Vegas (a regular on his co-hort's talk show) with the idea of breaking the news of the theft later in the week.
Then, he announces next week that he secured the return of the signs.
Only someone sees him taking one and writes down his license plate number.
It finds it's way to Mr. Vegas who turns it over to the Sheriff's Department.
As the plan starts to unravel, Cox comes clean (after denying the theft to numerous media outlets and station management).
A big press conference, involving Cox and the trustee candidate running for re-election, is held to capture the admission of guilt and apology.
Cox is going to put them all back where he got them, and though Vegas seems slightly annoyed, he seems content to absorb the media spotlight that this stunt has provided for him.
But the Sheriff's Dept. has one of their investigators looking into it, even after the truth came out.
It's gone beyond no harm, no foul. The Sheriff's Dept. says it's a misdemeanor that carries possible jail time and a fine.
Not that Scott will ever see the inside of a cell.
Then, just before the 6pm news, ABC23 is notified that Cox has been suspended indefinitely.
Strange timing, almost to ensure the *breaking news* reference.
And, the radio stations are in the heart of their ratings book.
Add it all up and you've either got a big-time blunder or a carefully orchestrated ratings ploy.
Given the suspension and subsequent Sheriff's investigation, the major gaffe is probably the likely answer, but I can't help but think we're all being taken for a ride.
Like the one Cox provides on his radio show.
Only time will tell which version is the truth.
And I hope, Cox is still able to laugh about it.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fair Observations
The Kern County Fair 2008 is off and running, but at first glance, it doesn't appear many people are joining in the race.
Yes, there was a good crowd the three days I attended out of the first five, but it was missing the feeling of suffocation.
You know, where you walk down the midway, doing more side-stepping than forward motion.
The crowd of people so thick you could stop walking and move with the flow of the crowd.
Not that I mind, mind you.
But it seems like something is missing. Actually, a lot of somethings.
Even the exhibit halls seem a little bare.
I understand we're still reeling from the economic downtown (recession, did I say that?!) and people might be trying to save a little as we head towards the holidays.
I mean, the fair is expensive. No, really, it is.
You can actually save money by going to Disneyland. No, really, you can't.
There was one incident that did irritate me just a bit.
My two sons and I visited one of the many BBQ shacks at the fair on Sunday.
It's the one that looks like a red barn.
My older one wanted some pit beef with sauce and a little shredded cheese on top.
That's all.
I scanned the menu and the only thing that came close was the pit beef sandwich minus the cheese.
I saw a container of cheese sitting on a ledge by the grill and asked if they could just sprinkle a little on top.
I was told no.
I asked for a side order of cheese to go with the sandwich.
It wasn't possible.
I walked one building south and my son opted for the tri-tip sandwich, which the good folks made to order.
C'mon, a little flexibility this year.
After all, it's not like there was a long line of people waiting to eat.
Yes, there was a good crowd the three days I attended out of the first five, but it was missing the feeling of suffocation.
You know, where you walk down the midway, doing more side-stepping than forward motion.
The crowd of people so thick you could stop walking and move with the flow of the crowd.
Not that I mind, mind you.
But it seems like something is missing. Actually, a lot of somethings.
Even the exhibit halls seem a little bare.
I understand we're still reeling from the economic downtown (recession, did I say that?!) and people might be trying to save a little as we head towards the holidays.
I mean, the fair is expensive. No, really, it is.
You can actually save money by going to Disneyland. No, really, you can't.
There was one incident that did irritate me just a bit.
My two sons and I visited one of the many BBQ shacks at the fair on Sunday.
It's the one that looks like a red barn.
My older one wanted some pit beef with sauce and a little shredded cheese on top.
That's all.
I scanned the menu and the only thing that came close was the pit beef sandwich minus the cheese.
I saw a container of cheese sitting on a ledge by the grill and asked if they could just sprinkle a little on top.
I was told no.
I asked for a side order of cheese to go with the sandwich.
It wasn't possible.
I walked one building south and my son opted for the tri-tip sandwich, which the good folks made to order.
C'mon, a little flexibility this year.
After all, it's not like there was a long line of people waiting to eat.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Goodbye Lloyd
Lloyd Lindsay Young is a man who knows who he is and isn't afraid to share it with the world.
A rare thing in this growing age of anonymous blogging.
One of our first conversations at ABC23 more than 3 years ago was how he would be perceived in the Bakersfield market.
Lloyd acknowledged that the initial impression would be shock, dismay and confusion over his "act" which he had developed for more than four decades.
I found him to be funny, driven and truly committed to providing the most accurate forecast in the valley.
Yes, sometimes "really" committed.
The first newscast we ever did together, Lloyd reached over and stroked Jackie's hair telling her how beautiful it was to the touch.
It was a little unnerving for Jackie at the time, and I jumped on the opportunity.
The next night, I put my foot on the base of her chair (which had wheels) while we were on-air and began to slowly push her towards Lloyd at the end of his forecast.
Something she laughingly smacked me for in the commercial break.
My biggest complaint (and it was pretty minor) was Lloyd had no concept of time during his forecasts and would routinely go over, leaving us to scramble to "pinch" a few seconds here and there to get out of the show on time.
Most of the viewers who didn't care for his delivery couldn't get past all the "shtick" and realize he was right on the money about 99% of the time when it came to his forecasts.
Bottom line, he wanted to give people a weather cast that was informative, accurate and fun.
Seriously, how tough is it to say it's gonna be hot or foggy?!
But when it was time to get serious, Lloyd was no-nonsense.
He was very concerned about people's health during the summer and even put out his own health warnings about high temps and bad air.
He called up the Air Board to complain on several occasions when cooling centers weren't being opened for the elderly in the community, when his forecasts showed that the temperature was going to be higher than the numbers coming out of the National Weather Center.
So, I knew something was up when Lloyd pulled me aside last week to tell me the reason for his departure from ABC23.
It was one of the few times we didn't share a laugh.
For the record, he wasn't fired, he didn't take a TV job in Sacramento and his health is fine.
It was a personal family decision, one that I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward.
I'm really going to miss him.
But if I get too lonely, I need only open my window and listen to his booming voice cascade down the valley.
A rare thing in this growing age of anonymous blogging.
One of our first conversations at ABC23 more than 3 years ago was how he would be perceived in the Bakersfield market.
Lloyd acknowledged that the initial impression would be shock, dismay and confusion over his "act" which he had developed for more than four decades.
I found him to be funny, driven and truly committed to providing the most accurate forecast in the valley.
Yes, sometimes "really" committed.
The first newscast we ever did together, Lloyd reached over and stroked Jackie's hair telling her how beautiful it was to the touch.
It was a little unnerving for Jackie at the time, and I jumped on the opportunity.
The next night, I put my foot on the base of her chair (which had wheels) while we were on-air and began to slowly push her towards Lloyd at the end of his forecast.
Something she laughingly smacked me for in the commercial break.
My biggest complaint (and it was pretty minor) was Lloyd had no concept of time during his forecasts and would routinely go over, leaving us to scramble to "pinch" a few seconds here and there to get out of the show on time.
Most of the viewers who didn't care for his delivery couldn't get past all the "shtick" and realize he was right on the money about 99% of the time when it came to his forecasts.
Bottom line, he wanted to give people a weather cast that was informative, accurate and fun.
Seriously, how tough is it to say it's gonna be hot or foggy?!
But when it was time to get serious, Lloyd was no-nonsense.
He was very concerned about people's health during the summer and even put out his own health warnings about high temps and bad air.
He called up the Air Board to complain on several occasions when cooling centers weren't being opened for the elderly in the community, when his forecasts showed that the temperature was going to be higher than the numbers coming out of the National Weather Center.
So, I knew something was up when Lloyd pulled me aside last week to tell me the reason for his departure from ABC23.
It was one of the few times we didn't share a laugh.
For the record, he wasn't fired, he didn't take a TV job in Sacramento and his health is fine.
It was a personal family decision, one that I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward.
I'm really going to miss him.
But if I get too lonely, I need only open my window and listen to his booming voice cascade down the valley.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Presidential Posturing
Bring on the debates, please.
The latest from the Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 10th:
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Obama accuses McCain campaign of "lies and phony outrage and Swift-boat politics"
This of course following the "lipstick on a pig" remark by Obama that McCain equated to a cheap shot at Palin.
Can't we just get along and stick to the topics.
Oh, and please leave the "race" and "gender" cards in the briefcase.
Not a chance.
The next couple of weeks will involve a whirlwind tour, through battleground states, in an attempt to move the percentage points in the always shifting polls, one way or the other.
Who gets the next big "bounce" will be decided in the next month.
The first of three Presidential debates is in just over two weeks at the University of Mississippi.
It will focus on domestic policy (if the candidates actually stick to the questions).
The only Vice Presidential battle is October 2nd in St. Louis.
The final two Presidential wranglings will be Oct. 7th in a town hall format and Oct. 15th targeting foreign policy.
Even though the debates are little more than a platform for doublespeak, they have historically provided a few zingers (insert "Read my Lips")
Will John McCain be able to ride the Pitbull express all the way to the November election?
Can Barack Obama reclaim the spotlight that was stolen by Sarah Palin?
Palin has stuck to the game plan of avoiding one-on-one interviews until now.
ABC's Charlie Gibson gets the first shot at Palin in a sit down interview from Alaska this week.
The nation's mainstream media is chomping at the bit for any and all Palin news that's fit (and unfit) to print.
But if you're Barack Obama, don't you have to be a little miffed that your DNC speech had a shelf life of about 12 hours?!
He had the pillars, the points and the prominence of a man whose star was on the rise.
Then, Palin stepped in and shot it out of the sky.
Unfortunately, Joe Biden doesn't have the punch or pizazz to battle Palin in front of the cameras.
When was the last sound bite from Biden used on the news that didn't involve a news magazine show on a Sunday.
If he attacks Palin to harshly, he's a bully and if he backs off he's scared of her.
The Democrats need an audible to regain the momentum and that could happen in the debates.
For the Republicans, once McCain takes the stage with Obama, he won't have Palin at his side helping raise the applause meter.
The debates will end in mid-October with a three week sprint to the finish line, and no matter what is said, insinuated or slung between the opponents, it's going to be the winner by a nose.
And it probably won't smell very good.
The latest from the Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 10th:
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Obama accuses McCain campaign of "lies and phony outrage and Swift-boat politics"
This of course following the "lipstick on a pig" remark by Obama that McCain equated to a cheap shot at Palin.
Can't we just get along and stick to the topics.
Oh, and please leave the "race" and "gender" cards in the briefcase.
Not a chance.
The next couple of weeks will involve a whirlwind tour, through battleground states, in an attempt to move the percentage points in the always shifting polls, one way or the other.
Who gets the next big "bounce" will be decided in the next month.
The first of three Presidential debates is in just over two weeks at the University of Mississippi.
It will focus on domestic policy (if the candidates actually stick to the questions).
The only Vice Presidential battle is October 2nd in St. Louis.
The final two Presidential wranglings will be Oct. 7th in a town hall format and Oct. 15th targeting foreign policy.
Even though the debates are little more than a platform for doublespeak, they have historically provided a few zingers (insert "Read my Lips")
Will John McCain be able to ride the Pitbull express all the way to the November election?
Can Barack Obama reclaim the spotlight that was stolen by Sarah Palin?
Palin has stuck to the game plan of avoiding one-on-one interviews until now.
ABC's Charlie Gibson gets the first shot at Palin in a sit down interview from Alaska this week.
The nation's mainstream media is chomping at the bit for any and all Palin news that's fit (and unfit) to print.
But if you're Barack Obama, don't you have to be a little miffed that your DNC speech had a shelf life of about 12 hours?!
He had the pillars, the points and the prominence of a man whose star was on the rise.
Then, Palin stepped in and shot it out of the sky.
Unfortunately, Joe Biden doesn't have the punch or pizazz to battle Palin in front of the cameras.
When was the last sound bite from Biden used on the news that didn't involve a news magazine show on a Sunday.
If he attacks Palin to harshly, he's a bully and if he backs off he's scared of her.
The Democrats need an audible to regain the momentum and that could happen in the debates.
For the Republicans, once McCain takes the stage with Obama, he won't have Palin at his side helping raise the applause meter.
The debates will end in mid-October with a three week sprint to the finish line, and no matter what is said, insinuated or slung between the opponents, it's going to be the winner by a nose.
And it probably won't smell very good.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Trying Something New
I spent Saturday night in Lancaster hanging out with a buddy of mine listening to a grunge rock band at a bar called Maxdon's.
The band, "Going for Broke", was shaking the timbers with a high energy sound that generated a small mosh pit by the end of their set.
It wasn't the kind of place I've visited in a few years, but one that use to see my shadow a long time ago.
I didn't have enough 'ink' to blend in with the crowd, but no one really stands out when your head is bouncing in unison with the beat and the mosh pit is bumping into the band and people seated up front.
Trying something new again at the age of 44.
Not old by presidential standards, but old enough to know better. Hopefully.
The Democratic National Convention (or the spring break of the campaign) is in full swing with the GOP waiting for their turn.
Inspirational speakers, party unity, lobbyists galore and the candidates make-all or break-all address to the nation.
Not a bad week.
I watched the DNC on opening night with anticipation and curiosity.
I'm trying to block out everything I've been inundated with at the station over the past six months about the candidates strengths and liabilities and give each man his chance in the spotlight.
Looking at the two candidates, I am reminded of the 1992 presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Older, more seasoned political veteran versus a young, engaging and energetic newcomer.
Bush was a former VP and head of the CIA, while Governor Clinton wailed on his saxophone on "Arsenio".
I'm not sure if Obama plays a musical instrument, but he's singing a song of 'change'.
I'm not afraid of change (hence the grunge concert), it's the 'direction' that both candidates are proposing that has me sitting up and listening intently.
Not that much of what any candidate says has any bearing on what they will actually be able to accomplish once they become President, but it's a start.
I'm just hoping for a little more clarity when the convention's are over.
And not the ear-ringing, mosh pit crashing confusion that political campaigns seem to emulate.
The band, "Going for Broke", was shaking the timbers with a high energy sound that generated a small mosh pit by the end of their set.
It wasn't the kind of place I've visited in a few years, but one that use to see my shadow a long time ago.
I didn't have enough 'ink' to blend in with the crowd, but no one really stands out when your head is bouncing in unison with the beat and the mosh pit is bumping into the band and people seated up front.
Trying something new again at the age of 44.
Not old by presidential standards, but old enough to know better. Hopefully.
The Democratic National Convention (or the spring break of the campaign) is in full swing with the GOP waiting for their turn.
Inspirational speakers, party unity, lobbyists galore and the candidates make-all or break-all address to the nation.
Not a bad week.
I watched the DNC on opening night with anticipation and curiosity.
I'm trying to block out everything I've been inundated with at the station over the past six months about the candidates strengths and liabilities and give each man his chance in the spotlight.
Looking at the two candidates, I am reminded of the 1992 presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Older, more seasoned political veteran versus a young, engaging and energetic newcomer.
Bush was a former VP and head of the CIA, while Governor Clinton wailed on his saxophone on "Arsenio".
I'm not sure if Obama plays a musical instrument, but he's singing a song of 'change'.
I'm not afraid of change (hence the grunge concert), it's the 'direction' that both candidates are proposing that has me sitting up and listening intently.
Not that much of what any candidate says has any bearing on what they will actually be able to accomplish once they become President, but it's a start.
I'm just hoping for a little more clarity when the convention's are over.
And not the ear-ringing, mosh pit crashing confusion that political campaigns seem to emulate.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Mike's Traffic Rules Part 2
I call it the Golden State drag strip.
It's the mile and a half raceway from the stop light at Golden State Ave. and 'F' Street, heading northwest, until the two-lane road merges just before you enter northbound Highway 99.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.
The line of cars is constantly shifting before the light turns green, almost like they are trying to jockey for position at a dead stop to create some kind of advantage before the flag drops.
The race usually begins civilized enough, with cars pulling away at a pretty good click.
Once the field reaches the river bed, the acceleration picks up with the drivers in the left lane looking over, trying to predict who might be trying to jockey for position once the traffic begins to merge.
The speed limit is 65 mph, so it's ripe for this type of behavior.
There are some drivers in the right lane who are actually traveling faster than the rest of the pack, only to veer off at the Airport Drive exit.
That always baffles me.
BUT that leaves a hole on the right for the Andretti and Mears clones to break out of the draft and try to sling shot ahead down the final straightaway.
By the time the cars are lining up single file for the on-ramp to northbound 99, it's a good bet that most of the cars are going 10-to-15 mph faster than the traffic on the highway.
In fact, I've watched on numerous occasions, from back of the pack, as the sudden flickering of brake lights ripples from the lead car all the way back through the field.
The sudden braking makes it even more dangerous to try and merge with semi-trucks that inevitably swerve into the middle lane to avoid the high-speed conversion.
Sometimes it's even worse when you turn it around.
Drivers entering the Golden State Ave. on-ramp from southbound 99, go through an 'S' turn before crossing Airport Drive and racing the final straightaway to the light at 'F' Street.
But this race doesn't end there.
No, it continues over the Garces Circle with cars now making quick lane changes to the right, as they line up for the on-ramp to Highway 178 just past 'Q' Street.
This race usually involves more people being cutoff and riskier moves than the westbound raceway.
It's unfortunately one of the faster corridors to get from Highway 99 to central Bakersfield and with that, probably the most dangerous.
Maybe it's time to slow the field down to 55 mph.
Blame it on gas prices and trying to raise your mpg's instead of your mph's.
It's the mile and a half raceway from the stop light at Golden State Ave. and 'F' Street, heading northwest, until the two-lane road merges just before you enter northbound Highway 99.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.
The line of cars is constantly shifting before the light turns green, almost like they are trying to jockey for position at a dead stop to create some kind of advantage before the flag drops.
The race usually begins civilized enough, with cars pulling away at a pretty good click.
Once the field reaches the river bed, the acceleration picks up with the drivers in the left lane looking over, trying to predict who might be trying to jockey for position once the traffic begins to merge.
The speed limit is 65 mph, so it's ripe for this type of behavior.
There are some drivers in the right lane who are actually traveling faster than the rest of the pack, only to veer off at the Airport Drive exit.
That always baffles me.
BUT that leaves a hole on the right for the Andretti and Mears clones to break out of the draft and try to sling shot ahead down the final straightaway.
By the time the cars are lining up single file for the on-ramp to northbound 99, it's a good bet that most of the cars are going 10-to-15 mph faster than the traffic on the highway.
In fact, I've watched on numerous occasions, from back of the pack, as the sudden flickering of brake lights ripples from the lead car all the way back through the field.
The sudden braking makes it even more dangerous to try and merge with semi-trucks that inevitably swerve into the middle lane to avoid the high-speed conversion.
Sometimes it's even worse when you turn it around.
Drivers entering the Golden State Ave. on-ramp from southbound 99, go through an 'S' turn before crossing Airport Drive and racing the final straightaway to the light at 'F' Street.
But this race doesn't end there.
No, it continues over the Garces Circle with cars now making quick lane changes to the right, as they line up for the on-ramp to Highway 178 just past 'Q' Street.
This race usually involves more people being cutoff and riskier moves than the westbound raceway.
It's unfortunately one of the faster corridors to get from Highway 99 to central Bakersfield and with that, probably the most dangerous.
Maybe it's time to slow the field down to 55 mph.
Blame it on gas prices and trying to raise your mpg's instead of your mph's.
Just Say What You Think
It was a different beast entirely.
When Ralph first called me about filling in for him on his radio talk show, I hesitated.
It wasn't the 3-hour time slot.
It wasn't the format.
It was tossing out my opinions and observations that made me pause for a moment.
That's not what I do at ABC23, that's not my job.
I present both sides of a story (or try to) and let you develop your own opinion on the matter.
I've got plenty of opinions and the people I've worked with at KERO for the past 17 years have heard me utter those thoughts plenty of times.
But "The Ralph Bailey Show" isn't the newsroom.
I had a good time sitting in for Mr. Googlie Mooglie (sp?) but every time I started to go off on a tangent, I found myself pulling back and censoring my comments.
A knee-jerk reaction perhaps.
To off-set the opinion-filled format, I scheduled a host of guests to talk about a variety of topics.
It was great having Chuck 'The Iceman' Lidell call in to talk about his upcoming UFC fight and his brothers inaugural brawl at the Pure Combat event in Visalia on Friday, August 15th.
I'll be doing the ring announcing for that show, so get your tickets now.
But I'll be following a script of sorts for that show too (with some ad-libbing thrown in).
Those who are close to me know where I stand, what I stand for and who I stand with in my life.
If I get the chance to fill-in for Ralph again in the future, I'll try to loosen the reigns a bit more.
Let you "really know what's going on".
Give a side of the story "you're not getting anywhere else".
Boy howdy!!
When Ralph first called me about filling in for him on his radio talk show, I hesitated.
It wasn't the 3-hour time slot.
It wasn't the format.
It was tossing out my opinions and observations that made me pause for a moment.
That's not what I do at ABC23, that's not my job.
I present both sides of a story (or try to) and let you develop your own opinion on the matter.
I've got plenty of opinions and the people I've worked with at KERO for the past 17 years have heard me utter those thoughts plenty of times.
But "The Ralph Bailey Show" isn't the newsroom.
I had a good time sitting in for Mr. Googlie Mooglie (sp?) but every time I started to go off on a tangent, I found myself pulling back and censoring my comments.
A knee-jerk reaction perhaps.
To off-set the opinion-filled format, I scheduled a host of guests to talk about a variety of topics.
It was great having Chuck 'The Iceman' Lidell call in to talk about his upcoming UFC fight and his brothers inaugural brawl at the Pure Combat event in Visalia on Friday, August 15th.
I'll be doing the ring announcing for that show, so get your tickets now.
But I'll be following a script of sorts for that show too (with some ad-libbing thrown in).
Those who are close to me know where I stand, what I stand for and who I stand with in my life.
If I get the chance to fill-in for Ralph again in the future, I'll try to loosen the reigns a bit more.
Let you "really know what's going on".
Give a side of the story "you're not getting anywhere else".
Boy howdy!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Mike's Traffic Rules Part 1
I just received the form to renew my driver's license in the mail.
It's been about 7 years since the last time, with only one citation (thanks CHP in Lake Isabella).
I had it removed with a trip to on-line traffic school.
From time to time, I will use this blog to sound the horn about traffic snarls, stupidity and snafu's that occur on our local roadways.
I hope you find them informative as well as taking the opportunity to merge into the blog and sound off yourselves.
ISSUE #1 - Road construction project on Truxtun Extension near the City Maintenance Yard.
It seems rather silly that it's taking so long to install a right turn lane into the yard on eastbound Truxtun at Empire Drive.
Even more ridiculous is the long line of cars that begins at the railroad under crossing several hundred yards before the intersection.
The construction merges people into the left lane about 100 yards before the workers, yet people start moving over as soon as they see the sign.
That leaves a wide open right lane for impatient drivers (like me) to leap frog ahead of the line, then merge when the right lane finally ends.
This, of course, leads to a lot of angry looks, gestures, horn honking and bumper-to-bumper movement, all to protect a person's place in line.
It's the same kind of misplaced anger some people get waiting in line to buy tickets for a movie.
Another window finally opens up and someone from the back of the line sees it, and makes a move in front of others that are waiting in front of them.
I've had a better time watching and listening to people complaining about the inconsiderate person who jumped ahead in line, than the movie I was going to see.
I should have given them the $10.
For those of you traveling on Truxtun in the construction zone, if you want to move over early, when you see the first sign advising you of a lane closure, go right ahead.
I've done that several times myself.
But don't get upset or risk causing an accident because some people choose to stay in the right lane until it finally ends.
It's not worth the risk to your health or auto insurance.
It's been about 7 years since the last time, with only one citation (thanks CHP in Lake Isabella).
I had it removed with a trip to on-line traffic school.
From time to time, I will use this blog to sound the horn about traffic snarls, stupidity and snafu's that occur on our local roadways.
I hope you find them informative as well as taking the opportunity to merge into the blog and sound off yourselves.
ISSUE #1 - Road construction project on Truxtun Extension near the City Maintenance Yard.
It seems rather silly that it's taking so long to install a right turn lane into the yard on eastbound Truxtun at Empire Drive.
Even more ridiculous is the long line of cars that begins at the railroad under crossing several hundred yards before the intersection.
The construction merges people into the left lane about 100 yards before the workers, yet people start moving over as soon as they see the sign.
That leaves a wide open right lane for impatient drivers (like me) to leap frog ahead of the line, then merge when the right lane finally ends.
This, of course, leads to a lot of angry looks, gestures, horn honking and bumper-to-bumper movement, all to protect a person's place in line.
It's the same kind of misplaced anger some people get waiting in line to buy tickets for a movie.
Another window finally opens up and someone from the back of the line sees it, and makes a move in front of others that are waiting in front of them.
I've had a better time watching and listening to people complaining about the inconsiderate person who jumped ahead in line, than the movie I was going to see.
I should have given them the $10.
For those of you traveling on Truxtun in the construction zone, if you want to move over early, when you see the first sign advising you of a lane closure, go right ahead.
I've done that several times myself.
But don't get upset or risk causing an accident because some people choose to stay in the right lane until it finally ends.
It's not worth the risk to your health or auto insurance.
Quiet Drive Through The Quake
I never felt the 5.4 magnitude quake as I drove through Orange County and Los Angeles on my way home from a quick family trip to So Cal.
In fact, some friends were calling me on my cell phone, asking me if I saw any damage or fire before I knew what they were talking about.
The ground didn't move for the family truckster, and neither did the traffic in the usual hot spots along the I-5 in Los Angeles.
We had spent all day with our boys in Legoland on Monday.
There was plenty of movement in the park with dozens of kiddie rides to keep the boy's interested. (Mainly the 3-yr old Cody. Michael has maxed out on Legoland at the age of 10)
We then retreated to the confines of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa for some relaxation, a fantastic meal at the restaurant Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar (ask for Noah) and a late night swim in the 24 hour pool. (The resort has been open 6 months and is over the top when it comes to personal service and amenities, but that's another blog)
No tremors at all, just peace and tranquility.
I was rather surprised by the lack of major damage from a 5+ magnitude quake. Then again, the USGS said this was no Northridge temblor, not even close.
For most people in California, the quake came and went with no ill effects.
Speaking of Northridge, I actually slept through the shock waves that rolled through Bakersfield. If it wasn't for my wife Lori waking me up, I would have missed it.
There were some people in the newsroom who swear they felt something.
Maybe I'm just not tuned into the planet's wavelengths to feel the quake, or maybe I've lived here long enough to not be affected by it.
I'm sure when the big one finally does hit, I'll feel it just like everyone else, whether I'm in the studio or on the road.
In fact, some friends were calling me on my cell phone, asking me if I saw any damage or fire before I knew what they were talking about.
The ground didn't move for the family truckster, and neither did the traffic in the usual hot spots along the I-5 in Los Angeles.
We had spent all day with our boys in Legoland on Monday.
There was plenty of movement in the park with dozens of kiddie rides to keep the boy's interested. (Mainly the 3-yr old Cody. Michael has maxed out on Legoland at the age of 10)
We then retreated to the confines of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa for some relaxation, a fantastic meal at the restaurant Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar (ask for Noah) and a late night swim in the 24 hour pool. (The resort has been open 6 months and is over the top when it comes to personal service and amenities, but that's another blog)
No tremors at all, just peace and tranquility.
I was rather surprised by the lack of major damage from a 5+ magnitude quake. Then again, the USGS said this was no Northridge temblor, not even close.
For most people in California, the quake came and went with no ill effects.
Speaking of Northridge, I actually slept through the shock waves that rolled through Bakersfield. If it wasn't for my wife Lori waking me up, I would have missed it.
There were some people in the newsroom who swear they felt something.
Maybe I'm just not tuned into the planet's wavelengths to feel the quake, or maybe I've lived here long enough to not be affected by it.
I'm sure when the big one finally does hit, I'll feel it just like everyone else, whether I'm in the studio or on the road.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Something for Nothing
I've had one car stolen and another broken into during my 17 years in Bakersfield.
The BPD found the first car in Porterville, after the thieves broke the clutch and had to abandon it.
Like most people who are the victim of theft, I felt violated.
Thieves are pretty slimy in my book and adolescent thieves are even worse.
Police will tell you that it's usually the start of something bigger.
BPD detectives recently stumbled across a couple of punks that were breaking into houses in the Rosedale area, after a patrol officer stopped the pair and discovered a stolen laptop in a back pack.
Then, the criminal masterminds sat in the back of the patrol car and proceeded to point out all the homes their "gang" had broken into, including a friend of mine.
It led police to a local business, Movement Bike Shop, where the owner was arrested for receiving stolen property after he reportedly bought "hot" items from the punk thieves.
Did he know it was stolen? Who cares.
Police didn't say if the property was in the original boxes or not, but it's probably safe to assume that it wasn't.
They say the investigation is on-going.
Police are working with the Sheriff's Dept. on this case, since some of the homes burglarized were in the county.
Someone asked me if my friend had insurance, which he does, and told me to lighten up because he's going to get brand new stuff.
Lighten up?
What about 20 years worth of pictures, music and personal documents that were stored on three separate hard drives that were stolen. Can insurance replace that?
Who's going to pay the almost certain increase in his policy?
The teens were released during the three week investigation that ended with the business owners arrest on Tuesday.
What about the other items they swiped that were probably dumped in a vacant lot somewhere after police initially contacted them.
My buddy's home was so trashed by the punks, he's still discovering things they stole more than three weeks after the fact.
How many other people have they ripped off and got away with it.
I'm glad they got caught, but so far none of my friend's possessions have been recovered.
An anti-climactic ending so far.
There's no talk right now if the kids will end up serving time in Juvenile Hall for their offenses.
Investigators can't release the names of the suspects or where they live to my friend, so he can attempt to recover any financial loss himself.
C'mon people, we need to protect our kids, even the bad or misguided ones, right?!
I hope the insurance company will try to go after the parents at the very least.
Someone needs to pay, instead of the victim.
The BPD found the first car in Porterville, after the thieves broke the clutch and had to abandon it.
Like most people who are the victim of theft, I felt violated.
Thieves are pretty slimy in my book and adolescent thieves are even worse.
Police will tell you that it's usually the start of something bigger.
BPD detectives recently stumbled across a couple of punks that were breaking into houses in the Rosedale area, after a patrol officer stopped the pair and discovered a stolen laptop in a back pack.
Then, the criminal masterminds sat in the back of the patrol car and proceeded to point out all the homes their "gang" had broken into, including a friend of mine.
It led police to a local business, Movement Bike Shop, where the owner was arrested for receiving stolen property after he reportedly bought "hot" items from the punk thieves.
Did he know it was stolen? Who cares.
Police didn't say if the property was in the original boxes or not, but it's probably safe to assume that it wasn't.
They say the investigation is on-going.
Police are working with the Sheriff's Dept. on this case, since some of the homes burglarized were in the county.
Someone asked me if my friend had insurance, which he does, and told me to lighten up because he's going to get brand new stuff.
Lighten up?
What about 20 years worth of pictures, music and personal documents that were stored on three separate hard drives that were stolen. Can insurance replace that?
Who's going to pay the almost certain increase in his policy?
The teens were released during the three week investigation that ended with the business owners arrest on Tuesday.
What about the other items they swiped that were probably dumped in a vacant lot somewhere after police initially contacted them.
My buddy's home was so trashed by the punks, he's still discovering things they stole more than three weeks after the fact.
How many other people have they ripped off and got away with it.
I'm glad they got caught, but so far none of my friend's possessions have been recovered.
An anti-climactic ending so far.
There's no talk right now if the kids will end up serving time in Juvenile Hall for their offenses.
Investigators can't release the names of the suspects or where they live to my friend, so he can attempt to recover any financial loss himself.
C'mon people, we need to protect our kids, even the bad or misguided ones, right?!
I hope the insurance company will try to go after the parents at the very least.
Someone needs to pay, instead of the victim.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Respect Rushing Water
It didn't look like much.
The water was running down a grass-like canal along Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona that was designed to handle water runoff during the monsoon season.
I was 18 yrs old and trying to cross the make-shift stream in my '71 Mustang.
Other cars, even trucks, were turning around and heading back up the street to find a bridge to cross over, but I was determined to make it across the flowing water.
It didn't look deep.
It didn't look treacherous.
I'm in a car that weighed several thousand pounds.
I was wrong.
The water was deeper than I thought and moving faster than I imagined.
As I started to cross, I didn't even get halfway when I realized the water was at the base of my door.
Then, I felt my the car start to move sideways.
A terrifying feeling when reality slaps you in the face.
The car was being picked up and started moving sideways as I threw the car in reverse and hit the gas.
I created a geyser of water over the top of the car, but was still traveling sideways.
Right before I left the roadway, the back of the car hit the sidewalk just enough for my tires to catch a little.
I gunned it and managed to fishtail my way, in reverse, back onto dry ground.
I sat there for a good 4-or-5 minutes staring at the rushing water.
All the usual emotions racing through my mind and body; fear, anger and stupidity.
An Arizona monsoon is a bizarre occurrence.
Usually nestled in July and August, it's like a warm shower filled with lightning and thunder that dumps a ton of rain on a desert that's unable to absorb it.
The resulting floods have buried towns in mud and debris, much like the aftermath were seeing in the communities around Lake Isabella.
Whether it's the mountains, desert or even downtown Bakersfield when people try to cross flooded underpasses, please try to have a little more respect for rushing water.
Cause it has no respect for you.
The water was running down a grass-like canal along Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona that was designed to handle water runoff during the monsoon season.
I was 18 yrs old and trying to cross the make-shift stream in my '71 Mustang.
Other cars, even trucks, were turning around and heading back up the street to find a bridge to cross over, but I was determined to make it across the flowing water.
It didn't look deep.
It didn't look treacherous.
I'm in a car that weighed several thousand pounds.
I was wrong.
The water was deeper than I thought and moving faster than I imagined.
As I started to cross, I didn't even get halfway when I realized the water was at the base of my door.
Then, I felt my the car start to move sideways.
A terrifying feeling when reality slaps you in the face.
The car was being picked up and started moving sideways as I threw the car in reverse and hit the gas.
I created a geyser of water over the top of the car, but was still traveling sideways.
Right before I left the roadway, the back of the car hit the sidewalk just enough for my tires to catch a little.
I gunned it and managed to fishtail my way, in reverse, back onto dry ground.
I sat there for a good 4-or-5 minutes staring at the rushing water.
All the usual emotions racing through my mind and body; fear, anger and stupidity.
An Arizona monsoon is a bizarre occurrence.
Usually nestled in July and August, it's like a warm shower filled with lightning and thunder that dumps a ton of rain on a desert that's unable to absorb it.
The resulting floods have buried towns in mud and debris, much like the aftermath were seeing in the communities around Lake Isabella.
Whether it's the mountains, desert or even downtown Bakersfield when people try to cross flooded underpasses, please try to have a little more respect for rushing water.
Cause it has no respect for you.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Deerhound Dilemma
Bagger and Brillo have lived in the Bakersfield heat since they were born.
A couple of Scottish Deerhounds who reside in a kennel on our property, complete with shade, an over sized water bucket and a couple of fans running on high during the summer months.
Still, when I got home Tuesday night they looked like I felt.
It was hot and muggy.
The dogs were panting, but they were cool to the touch.
The deerhounds long, almost dread lock like coat gave the appearance that the pair were on the verge of passing out.
But they jumped up to greet me and scarfed down everything I put in front of them.
It wasn't much.
I don't like to feed them too much on really hot days, but I wanted to do something else to give them a little relief.
Not that they needed it.
These dogs are warriors, hunters by nature, and have survived in the extreme conditions for years.
So, I took out the hose as the red sun began to set, and gave them a sprinkler of sorts to play in.
When the play time ended, the dogs hopped on their over sized cushions in front of the fans and looked content.
I was tempted to hop through the water to join them, only I didn't have another cushion.
A couple of Scottish Deerhounds who reside in a kennel on our property, complete with shade, an over sized water bucket and a couple of fans running on high during the summer months.
Still, when I got home Tuesday night they looked like I felt.
It was hot and muggy.
The dogs were panting, but they were cool to the touch.
The deerhounds long, almost dread lock like coat gave the appearance that the pair were on the verge of passing out.
But they jumped up to greet me and scarfed down everything I put in front of them.
It wasn't much.
I don't like to feed them too much on really hot days, but I wanted to do something else to give them a little relief.
Not that they needed it.
These dogs are warriors, hunters by nature, and have survived in the extreme conditions for years.
So, I took out the hose as the red sun began to set, and gave them a sprinkler of sorts to play in.
When the play time ended, the dogs hopped on their over sized cushions in front of the fans and looked content.
I was tempted to hop through the water to join them, only I didn't have another cushion.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hands Free Hysteria
It's been two days since California went hands free and now the fun begins.
I admit that I've picked up the phone twice out of habit while driving down Truxtun Extension, before realizing I was breaking the law.
So, I activated the speaker while dropping the phone into my shirt pocket.
It actually made for a pretty clear connection.
My Bluetooth doesn't work with my new phone, so I'm being forced to buy a new one.
Problem is, I haven't made the time to pick one up.
So, I'm letting the phone go to voice mail, or pulling over to the side of the road to take a call.
Some people are following suit, while others seem oblivious to the law or are daring the cops to stop them.
On Day 1 of the enforcement, Bakersfield Police reported 11 citations for people holding the phone to their ear while rolling down local roadways.
We tagged along with a CHP officer Tuesday morning and listened to the excuses.
"I forgot today was the day the law took effect."
"I was holding it, but not talking on it."
And my personal favorite, "I wasn't talking on the phone, you can check my recent calls."
In each case, the officer and an ABC23 reporter followed the law breakers for several blocks before initiating a stop, watching the cell phone scofflaw chat away without regard for this law meant to reduce distractions.
But is a Bluetooth or hands free headset really that much better.
Have you listened to someone talking on an earpiece lately?
You may have overheard their conversation from across a store, in a busy parking lot or at the ball game.
The use of a Bluetooth has this uncanny ability to raise a person's decibel level, while at the same time, straining to hear the conversation on the other end of the line.
I was behind a woman who had the earpiece pop out, then swerved into the lane to her right as she tried to retrieve it.
The change in chatting was meant to allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.
I think forcing people to use the hands free device will give those hands something else to do.
Now, you can talk on the phone, eat and change the radio all at the same time.
I admit that I've picked up the phone twice out of habit while driving down Truxtun Extension, before realizing I was breaking the law.
So, I activated the speaker while dropping the phone into my shirt pocket.
It actually made for a pretty clear connection.
My Bluetooth doesn't work with my new phone, so I'm being forced to buy a new one.
Problem is, I haven't made the time to pick one up.
So, I'm letting the phone go to voice mail, or pulling over to the side of the road to take a call.
Some people are following suit, while others seem oblivious to the law or are daring the cops to stop them.
On Day 1 of the enforcement, Bakersfield Police reported 11 citations for people holding the phone to their ear while rolling down local roadways.
We tagged along with a CHP officer Tuesday morning and listened to the excuses.
"I forgot today was the day the law took effect."
"I was holding it, but not talking on it."
And my personal favorite, "I wasn't talking on the phone, you can check my recent calls."
In each case, the officer and an ABC23 reporter followed the law breakers for several blocks before initiating a stop, watching the cell phone scofflaw chat away without regard for this law meant to reduce distractions.
But is a Bluetooth or hands free headset really that much better.
Have you listened to someone talking on an earpiece lately?
You may have overheard their conversation from across a store, in a busy parking lot or at the ball game.
The use of a Bluetooth has this uncanny ability to raise a person's decibel level, while at the same time, straining to hear the conversation on the other end of the line.
I was behind a woman who had the earpiece pop out, then swerved into the lane to her right as she tried to retrieve it.
The change in chatting was meant to allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.
I think forcing people to use the hands free device will give those hands something else to do.
Now, you can talk on the phone, eat and change the radio all at the same time.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Rockets Red Glare
When I was about 15 years old, my brothers and I spent the 4th of July firing bottle rockets at each other in my backyard outside Chicago.
We were armed and dangerous with a heavy supply of rockets, M-80's, firecrackers, aerial displays and sparklers.
My father, who owned a Ford dealership in Aurora (Wayne's World) , was friends with the guy that operated the exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park (home of the White Sox).
Needless to say, we had an abundant supply of Independence Day explosives.
Once a year, my father would pull into the driveway with a large box filled with 4th of July fun.
There was no drought, only green lawns as far as the eye could see.
The only warning we were saddled with before the summer assault began was to make sure the fuse was long enough, and not to hold the firework too long after lighting it.
My father never thought we would actually carry the empty Pepsi bottle around with a bottle rocket in it to shoot at each other.
Yes, it was stupid and irresponsible, and not something I would ever let my own son do in this day and age.
Yet, when I listen to people argue against a ban on fireworks, using the logic that it's infringing on their freedom to celebrate the country's independence, I laugh.
There was no thought of our forefathers in 1979 when my brothers and I turned the backyard into a wasteland of firework debris.
Only MY father.
It was the chance to blow things up once a year.
Thankfully, no one in my family, or any one in my neighborhood was ever injured by a firework and no houses burnt down, despite our apparent disregard for safety.
But that's not the case in California, let alone Kern County.
A couple years ago, I went on a ride along with fire crews looking for illegal fireworks.
We responded to dozens of complaints and they put out a couple small brush fires, including one behind the Bakersfield Speedway at a LEGAL fireworks show.
What we're left with today is overpriced safe and sane fireworks that don't carry any punch at all.
Not to mention, bone dry conditions in Kern County and throughout the state.
The primary purpose of these legal booths is to make money for various charities.
People that operate the booth's have told ABC23 on numerous occasions that it's the biggest fundraiser of the year.
Maybe it's time to come up with some other way of making money.
I spent Saturday night at the Bakersfield Brigade game (which was very entertaining) and then sat through a very impressive fireworks display with my two sons that lasted 20 minutes.
It was far better than anything I could have produced back in my youth and a monumental leap above the safe and sane display on the street in front of my house.
There are a number of firework shows around the county.
People need to put down the legal, altered and illegal fireworks and rediscover the wonderment of a professional fireworks display.
Most of the at-home celebrations I've witnessed throughout the years had nothing to do with patriotism, only destruction.
With the price of gas, who wants to drive to Vegas to purchase the illegal variety?
Save your money and take in the show at B.C.
I could always dig up the old 8mm film of my brothers and I causing some holiday havoc.
It's good for a laugh, and that's about it.
We were armed and dangerous with a heavy supply of rockets, M-80's, firecrackers, aerial displays and sparklers.
My father, who owned a Ford dealership in Aurora (Wayne's World) , was friends with the guy that operated the exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park (home of the White Sox).
Needless to say, we had an abundant supply of Independence Day explosives.
Once a year, my father would pull into the driveway with a large box filled with 4th of July fun.
There was no drought, only green lawns as far as the eye could see.
The only warning we were saddled with before the summer assault began was to make sure the fuse was long enough, and not to hold the firework too long after lighting it.
My father never thought we would actually carry the empty Pepsi bottle around with a bottle rocket in it to shoot at each other.
Yes, it was stupid and irresponsible, and not something I would ever let my own son do in this day and age.
Yet, when I listen to people argue against a ban on fireworks, using the logic that it's infringing on their freedom to celebrate the country's independence, I laugh.
There was no thought of our forefathers in 1979 when my brothers and I turned the backyard into a wasteland of firework debris.
Only MY father.
It was the chance to blow things up once a year.
Thankfully, no one in my family, or any one in my neighborhood was ever injured by a firework and no houses burnt down, despite our apparent disregard for safety.
But that's not the case in California, let alone Kern County.
A couple years ago, I went on a ride along with fire crews looking for illegal fireworks.
We responded to dozens of complaints and they put out a couple small brush fires, including one behind the Bakersfield Speedway at a LEGAL fireworks show.
What we're left with today is overpriced safe and sane fireworks that don't carry any punch at all.
Not to mention, bone dry conditions in Kern County and throughout the state.
The primary purpose of these legal booths is to make money for various charities.
People that operate the booth's have told ABC23 on numerous occasions that it's the biggest fundraiser of the year.
Maybe it's time to come up with some other way of making money.
I spent Saturday night at the Bakersfield Brigade game (which was very entertaining) and then sat through a very impressive fireworks display with my two sons that lasted 20 minutes.
It was far better than anything I could have produced back in my youth and a monumental leap above the safe and sane display on the street in front of my house.
There are a number of firework shows around the county.
People need to put down the legal, altered and illegal fireworks and rediscover the wonderment of a professional fireworks display.
Most of the at-home celebrations I've witnessed throughout the years had nothing to do with patriotism, only destruction.
With the price of gas, who wants to drive to Vegas to purchase the illegal variety?
Save your money and take in the show at B.C.
I could always dig up the old 8mm film of my brothers and I causing some holiday havoc.
It's good for a laugh, and that's about it.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It's Not OK
I try to be a good Dad.
I do all the traditional Dad things to give my son's a solid foundation they can build on for the rest of their lives and safety is a big part of it.
Yes, my 3-yr old still loves to climb to the top of the pipe fencing around our pasture and perform a high wire act while petting the horses, but I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job.
Besides, he's got great balance.
One thing I really harp on is avoiding strangers.
A registered sex offender moved into a home about a half mile from my house last year for a short time.
My cul-de-sac became a base of operations to keep an eye on him.
We knew what kind of truck he drove, looked him up on the Megan's Law website and had a game plan in place in the event our kids ever saw him on the street.
But the story about 58-yr old Rick Wagher taking nude pictures of three boys in his trailer is really disturbing.
And it's not the first time we've reported on this type of situation.
The kids were between 6-and-13 years old.
I can understand a small child not saying anything, but a teenager?!
There are very few details being released, but plenty of questions.
Why were they there?
Were they related to him?
He didn't show up on the Megan's Law website, so how long was this kind of thing going on?
Why didn't the 13-yr old leave, or did he think everything was OK?
Sheriff investigators found evidence of molestation involving other kids, along with numerous nude and partially nude photographs.
Neighbors told ABC23 that Wagher would take kids to Disneyland and buy things for them.
One called him a nice guy, but no one at the trailer park that we talked to was good friends with Wagher beyond a casual acquaintance.
Take this opportunity to talk to your kids again about strangers.
That it's not OK for adults to touch them in any way, to tell you if it happens and to run home if possible.
Watch for warning signs, like an adult male, living alone, who has young children at his house and buys them things.
I know there are many parents out there who believe this could never happen to their children.
It's a very familiar response when I've covered sexual assaults, shootings and drownings.
There's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your kids.
Only regret after the fact.
I do all the traditional Dad things to give my son's a solid foundation they can build on for the rest of their lives and safety is a big part of it.
Yes, my 3-yr old still loves to climb to the top of the pipe fencing around our pasture and perform a high wire act while petting the horses, but I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job.
Besides, he's got great balance.
One thing I really harp on is avoiding strangers.
A registered sex offender moved into a home about a half mile from my house last year for a short time.
My cul-de-sac became a base of operations to keep an eye on him.
We knew what kind of truck he drove, looked him up on the Megan's Law website and had a game plan in place in the event our kids ever saw him on the street.
But the story about 58-yr old Rick Wagher taking nude pictures of three boys in his trailer is really disturbing.
And it's not the first time we've reported on this type of situation.
The kids were between 6-and-13 years old.
I can understand a small child not saying anything, but a teenager?!
There are very few details being released, but plenty of questions.
Why were they there?
Were they related to him?
He didn't show up on the Megan's Law website, so how long was this kind of thing going on?
Why didn't the 13-yr old leave, or did he think everything was OK?
Sheriff investigators found evidence of molestation involving other kids, along with numerous nude and partially nude photographs.
Neighbors told ABC23 that Wagher would take kids to Disneyland and buy things for them.
One called him a nice guy, but no one at the trailer park that we talked to was good friends with Wagher beyond a casual acquaintance.
Take this opportunity to talk to your kids again about strangers.
That it's not OK for adults to touch them in any way, to tell you if it happens and to run home if possible.
Watch for warning signs, like an adult male, living alone, who has young children at his house and buys them things.
I know there are many parents out there who believe this could never happen to their children.
It's a very familiar response when I've covered sexual assaults, shootings and drownings.
There's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your kids.
Only regret after the fact.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Paparazzi Punching Bag
How many times have you watched one of the tabloid shows, waiting for a celebrity, or someone who thinks they're a celebrity, to blow their lid and attack the poor, helpless, I'm-just-doing-my-job member of the paparazzi?!
There's no other reason to watch.
It's the Jerry Springer syndrome.
Yes, the "I'll get in your face until you snap" mentality that feeds the insatiable lust for people who want to see a meltdown on camera.
How pathetic.
We either get the spoon fed promotional press conferences concerning a star's upcoming project or dark video on a sidewalk outside a Hollywood eatery where someone spotted a celeb having drinks with an unidentified person.
OOOOOHHHHHH!!!!
Hats off to the surfers who confronted the papa-RAT-zo's.
The celebrity hounds usually rely on the star's packing the punch so they can get paid, but it doesn't appear this confrontation will make them any money.
For those of you who didn't hear or see the incident, Matthew McConaughey is doing some surfing in Malibu, when some "locals" didn't appreciate the gathering of some photographers invading their beach to snap a few photo's and grab a little video.
Well, they got their video.
Pictures of surfers going after the photog's, even throwing one camera into the ocean.
Threats, taunts, etc, etc, etc...
While ultimately I believe the celeb's should hold themselves to a higher standard to ignore the flash-popping papo's, I find it humorous when the paparazzi claim to be the VICTIM.
You get exactly what you're hoping for, then you complain?!
You giggle every time a star "stumbles" while trying to avoid the barrage of flashbulbs, you cackle when you surround a car so the driver can't leave the area and you belly laugh as the vein in a star's head begins to pulsate with anger.
I think back to classic Jim Everett versus Jim Rome interview in 1994, when the NFL QB plants the childlike Rome on his butt for his ridiculous name calling theatrics.
I laughed like crazy in delight of Everett's attack.
But when considering the highly volatile stars, I don't blame their actions when "relating" to the paparazzi.
Everyone has a rage trigger, and papo's are trained to keep pushing until they find it.
It's what you want after all.
The tabloids would argue their point by "pointing" to sales figures.
If people didn't buy it or watch it, they wouldn't print it or show it.
Maybe, but that doesn't make it right.
There are very, very, very few instances that require that in your face style of reporting and celebrities rarely fall into that category.
So, it's refreshing that someone outside the lines of the celebrities and punk-arazzi jumped into the fray.
It's fun to watching the hounds get hunted for once.
There's no other reason to watch.
It's the Jerry Springer syndrome.
Yes, the "I'll get in your face until you snap" mentality that feeds the insatiable lust for people who want to see a meltdown on camera.
How pathetic.
We either get the spoon fed promotional press conferences concerning a star's upcoming project or dark video on a sidewalk outside a Hollywood eatery where someone spotted a celeb having drinks with an unidentified person.
OOOOOHHHHHH!!!!
Hats off to the surfers who confronted the papa-RAT-zo's.
The celebrity hounds usually rely on the star's packing the punch so they can get paid, but it doesn't appear this confrontation will make them any money.
For those of you who didn't hear or see the incident, Matthew McConaughey is doing some surfing in Malibu, when some "locals" didn't appreciate the gathering of some photographers invading their beach to snap a few photo's and grab a little video.
Well, they got their video.
Pictures of surfers going after the photog's, even throwing one camera into the ocean.
Threats, taunts, etc, etc, etc...
While ultimately I believe the celeb's should hold themselves to a higher standard to ignore the flash-popping papo's, I find it humorous when the paparazzi claim to be the VICTIM.
You get exactly what you're hoping for, then you complain?!
You giggle every time a star "stumbles" while trying to avoid the barrage of flashbulbs, you cackle when you surround a car so the driver can't leave the area and you belly laugh as the vein in a star's head begins to pulsate with anger.
I think back to classic Jim Everett versus Jim Rome interview in 1994, when the NFL QB plants the childlike Rome on his butt for his ridiculous name calling theatrics.
I laughed like crazy in delight of Everett's attack.
But when considering the highly volatile stars, I don't blame their actions when "relating" to the paparazzi.
Everyone has a rage trigger, and papo's are trained to keep pushing until they find it.
It's what you want after all.
The tabloids would argue their point by "pointing" to sales figures.
If people didn't buy it or watch it, they wouldn't print it or show it.
Maybe, but that doesn't make it right.
There are very, very, very few instances that require that in your face style of reporting and celebrities rarely fall into that category.
So, it's refreshing that someone outside the lines of the celebrities and punk-arazzi jumped into the fray.
It's fun to watching the hounds get hunted for once.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gay Marriage Debate, Please Say Something
Why can't they just come out and say it...
Everyone is a genius when it comes to figuring out exactly what Ann Barnett is thinking when it came to her reasoning for stopping civil ceremonies, the day after the Supreme Court overturned Prop 22 outlawing same sex marriages in California.
Only she didn't say what they wanted and still hasn't to this day.
Some of the other media in the market have camped out in her office, trying to get the golden sound bite. They've even touted interviews they've gotten as "Ann Barnett Answers Questions!!!"
No she didn't.
Unless Barnett comes out and says on camera or tape that she dumped all civil services because they conflict with her personal religious beliefs, then you have nothing.
Put all the pieces together you want. Draw all the inferences you can. Play Sherlock Holmes and analyze every little scrap you can dig up.
But without the admission by Barnett, you have innuendo.
Circumstantial evidence will not do in this case.
And all the hounding and ambush tactics in the world won't get the confession you're looking for.
Ask all the media types who've chased David Crisp across the parking lot if they've gotten the confession they were hoping for on tape.
What the media is left with in this story is this: same sex couples loudly celebrating their victory on June 17th in Kern County and anyone who will stand up and voice their disapproval with the decision.
Enter Chad Vegas.
I've had my problems with Chad in the past on a couple issues, but find him to be a straight forward man, firmly grounded in his religious beliefs.
I personally believe though he was pulling a Barnett on the whole "In God We Trust" poster debate, but I'll leave that alone.
There has been a backlash against the media for shining a spotlight on Vegas in the wake of his e-mail to Supervisors in which he demanded their support for Ann Barnett.
He confirmed the e-mail to ABC23 when asked about it and defended his stance.
In the e-mail, Vegas wrote that he would work vigorously to remove from office any supervisor that does not support her in this difficult time.
He continued with this quote: "As we face one of the most important constitutional issues in the history of this great Republic, I want to make it clear that nothing short of complete opposition to homosexual marriage will be tolerated!"
HOORAY!!!!
Someone who opposes gay marriage that actually stood up and said it clearly.
I mean, we didn't know about it until Whitney Wedell forwarded us a copy from the Kern Democrat website, but still he was the first person to say it out loud.
I asked a couple people in the newsroom their thoughts on same sex marriage and got an uncomfortable response.
Others said they didn't care one way or the other.
Still, everyone has an opinion, but few who oppose it will stand up and talk about it. Who wants to get labeled, right?!
Before you pick up the next rock to bash the media, (TV and print) for covering this story, think about why you are doing it.
It's a story whether you like it or not, support it or not, discuss it or not, and the only people talking about it publicly are the ones celebrating the decision.
Despite opinion polls (I've never trusted) that seem to indicate there is a much different social climate in California since Prop 22 was passed eight years ago, I still believe that voters will define marriage as a man and a woman in November.
I will be voting in favor of traditional values.
I was raised in an Irish Roman Catholic household, in case your wondering.
One of my brothers is very active in the church and e-mailed me an explanation when it comes to the church and marriage.
Here is one excerpt:
The Roman Catholic Church cannot recognize a same sex relationship as a marriage simply because it is not marriage. Marriage is more than a contract - it is a covenant. The term the Catholic Church uses for the Sacrament is Holy Matrimony - Matrimony means "the way of making a mother".
What the Supreme Court did was approve a contract.
That is why I believe many people have not been driven to protest in the streets or will even show up to picket the ceremonies on Tuesday.
Maybe one day Ann Barnett will feel comfortable enough to cough up the "Golden Sound Bite".
Maybe the county really can't afford to keep doing weddings.
Maybe voters will vote for tradition in November and overturn the Supreme Court ruling.
Then, we'll be back to square one again.
Maybe this time, we'll get the answers and sound bites we're looking for.
Everyone is a genius when it comes to figuring out exactly what Ann Barnett is thinking when it came to her reasoning for stopping civil ceremonies, the day after the Supreme Court overturned Prop 22 outlawing same sex marriages in California.
Only she didn't say what they wanted and still hasn't to this day.
Some of the other media in the market have camped out in her office, trying to get the golden sound bite. They've even touted interviews they've gotten as "Ann Barnett Answers Questions!!!"
No she didn't.
Unless Barnett comes out and says on camera or tape that she dumped all civil services because they conflict with her personal religious beliefs, then you have nothing.
Put all the pieces together you want. Draw all the inferences you can. Play Sherlock Holmes and analyze every little scrap you can dig up.
But without the admission by Barnett, you have innuendo.
Circumstantial evidence will not do in this case.
And all the hounding and ambush tactics in the world won't get the confession you're looking for.
Ask all the media types who've chased David Crisp across the parking lot if they've gotten the confession they were hoping for on tape.
What the media is left with in this story is this: same sex couples loudly celebrating their victory on June 17th in Kern County and anyone who will stand up and voice their disapproval with the decision.
Enter Chad Vegas.
I've had my problems with Chad in the past on a couple issues, but find him to be a straight forward man, firmly grounded in his religious beliefs.
I personally believe though he was pulling a Barnett on the whole "In God We Trust" poster debate, but I'll leave that alone.
There has been a backlash against the media for shining a spotlight on Vegas in the wake of his e-mail to Supervisors in which he demanded their support for Ann Barnett.
He confirmed the e-mail to ABC23 when asked about it and defended his stance.
In the e-mail, Vegas wrote that he would work vigorously to remove from office any supervisor that does not support her in this difficult time.
He continued with this quote: "As we face one of the most important constitutional issues in the history of this great Republic, I want to make it clear that nothing short of complete opposition to homosexual marriage will be tolerated!"
HOORAY!!!!
Someone who opposes gay marriage that actually stood up and said it clearly.
I mean, we didn't know about it until Whitney Wedell forwarded us a copy from the Kern Democrat website, but still he was the first person to say it out loud.
I asked a couple people in the newsroom their thoughts on same sex marriage and got an uncomfortable response.
Others said they didn't care one way or the other.
Still, everyone has an opinion, but few who oppose it will stand up and talk about it. Who wants to get labeled, right?!
Before you pick up the next rock to bash the media, (TV and print) for covering this story, think about why you are doing it.
It's a story whether you like it or not, support it or not, discuss it or not, and the only people talking about it publicly are the ones celebrating the decision.
Despite opinion polls (I've never trusted) that seem to indicate there is a much different social climate in California since Prop 22 was passed eight years ago, I still believe that voters will define marriage as a man and a woman in November.
I will be voting in favor of traditional values.
I was raised in an Irish Roman Catholic household, in case your wondering.
One of my brothers is very active in the church and e-mailed me an explanation when it comes to the church and marriage.
Here is one excerpt:
The Roman Catholic Church cannot recognize a same sex relationship as a marriage simply because it is not marriage. Marriage is more than a contract - it is a covenant. The term the Catholic Church uses for the Sacrament is Holy Matrimony - Matrimony means "the way of making a mother".
What the Supreme Court did was approve a contract.
That is why I believe many people have not been driven to protest in the streets or will even show up to picket the ceremonies on Tuesday.
Maybe one day Ann Barnett will feel comfortable enough to cough up the "Golden Sound Bite".
Maybe the county really can't afford to keep doing weddings.
Maybe voters will vote for tradition in November and overturn the Supreme Court ruling.
Then, we'll be back to square one again.
Maybe this time, we'll get the answers and sound bites we're looking for.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Egg On His Face
Anyone who hasn't felt like jumping over the counter at a fast food restaurant when you didn't get what you thought you ordered, can throw the first stone.
Michael Richards, a former associate attorney for the city of Bakersfield, apparently lost his temper and his job, after his anger got the better of him at the McDonald's on Niles last month.
Sheriff investigators say Richards placed an order in the drive-thru and didn't get what he wanted.
He headed inside, where the problem wasn't rectified to his satisfaction, when he hopped the counter, grabbed his original order and left.
Richards reportedly resigned following his arrest on a felony robbery charge.
All this over $6.44.
The case has been reduced to petty theft, with stupidity as an accessory.
I can't say I don't sympathize with him.
I've driven miles away from a fast food drive-thru before realizing what they handed me was the wrong order.
The problem has always existed, but I blame technology for shortening the fuse.
The cash registers that are linked by computer to monitors in the prep and bagging area's would seem to ensure that the right food is placed in the right bag.
But a person still has to make the order, then bag it and hand it to the person in the window or at the counter.
And herein lies the problem.
People are human.
People make mistakes.
Only it seems that hunger and the guilt at satisfying the craving with something you really shouldn't be eating, only intensifies the reaction.
I was at a fast food chain not long ago when the computers crashed and the employees were taking money and making change without the help of the high-tech calculator.
It took a hard stare and several attempts at air arithmetic before the cashier was able to give me change.
Then, he tried again and got it right.
When you consider the volume of traffic and food that people in the industry dish out on a daily basis, it's amazing this type of thing doesn't happen more often.
Richards will probably get let off with a fine, maybe community service.
How about making him work the counter at McDonald's for a month?!
Michael Richards, a former associate attorney for the city of Bakersfield, apparently lost his temper and his job, after his anger got the better of him at the McDonald's on Niles last month.
Sheriff investigators say Richards placed an order in the drive-thru and didn't get what he wanted.
He headed inside, where the problem wasn't rectified to his satisfaction, when he hopped the counter, grabbed his original order and left.
Richards reportedly resigned following his arrest on a felony robbery charge.
All this over $6.44.
The case has been reduced to petty theft, with stupidity as an accessory.
I can't say I don't sympathize with him.
I've driven miles away from a fast food drive-thru before realizing what they handed me was the wrong order.
The problem has always existed, but I blame technology for shortening the fuse.
The cash registers that are linked by computer to monitors in the prep and bagging area's would seem to ensure that the right food is placed in the right bag.
But a person still has to make the order, then bag it and hand it to the person in the window or at the counter.
And herein lies the problem.
People are human.
People make mistakes.
Only it seems that hunger and the guilt at satisfying the craving with something you really shouldn't be eating, only intensifies the reaction.
I was at a fast food chain not long ago when the computers crashed and the employees were taking money and making change without the help of the high-tech calculator.
It took a hard stare and several attempts at air arithmetic before the cashier was able to give me change.
Then, he tried again and got it right.
When you consider the volume of traffic and food that people in the industry dish out on a daily basis, it's amazing this type of thing doesn't happen more often.
Richards will probably get let off with a fine, maybe community service.
How about making him work the counter at McDonald's for a month?!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Economically Stimulated
I did what the President asked.
I spent part of my economic stimulus check for an anniversary trip to Napa over the Memorial Day weekend.
It was a relaxing two-days traveling up and down the Napa Valley, dropping by some familiar vineyards while trying out a number of new ones.
Some tasting and a little buying to add to our small but impressive wine collection.
I'm not in the income bracket to purchase "cases" of wine, however my wife Lori and I still managed to snag a couple bottles here and there and enjoy a couple fantastic meals.
From Turnbull to Rubicon, to Regusci and Frank Family, we stopped by nearly 20 wineries to see what they had to offer that was only available on site.
**Disclaimer: We didn't sample at every place we visited**
It became apparent to me that many other people were doing the same thing, just a little differently.
A constant parade of BMW's rolled up and down Highway 29 from Yountville to Calistoga, filled with wine aficionados who were sampling and purchasing some of Napa's finest.
Only I don't think they were feeling any "stimulus" about helping the economy.
I struck up conversations with a couple of people at each winery.
The usual information, where are you from, what are you doing here, etc, etc...
It always ended with a joke about the economic stimulus check funding our trip and all but one couple responded with a blank stare.
These were people who weren't feeling the pinch of a slumping economy or at least they were hiding it very well.
A couple from the Midwest were the only one's who picked up on my stimulus satire and said they had used part of their kickback for a plane ticket on their anniversary.
Due to airline regulations, part of their cash was also being spent on shipping fees to get their vino back home.
I don't usually throw money around under any circumstance, and on this trip I was keeping a close eye on the running total at all times.
As we waited for our table on Sunday night, some high rollers stumbled into the restaurant, still reeling from a day of wine tasting.
I recognized the leader of the group from one of the wineries we visited earlier in the day.
He gave me the blank, brush off stare during my failed attempt at small talk.
Dapper Dan (as I'll call him) had no reservation, and was poorly attempting to slip the hostess a little cash to get his party seated in front of the pack of 12 hungry diners in front of him.
It was only then I realized that "he" was in need of a little stimulation.
Dan was trying to grease the gal with a $5 bill.
He's either in the same boat as the rest of us or just cheap.
I spent part of my economic stimulus check for an anniversary trip to Napa over the Memorial Day weekend.
It was a relaxing two-days traveling up and down the Napa Valley, dropping by some familiar vineyards while trying out a number of new ones.
Some tasting and a little buying to add to our small but impressive wine collection.
I'm not in the income bracket to purchase "cases" of wine, however my wife Lori and I still managed to snag a couple bottles here and there and enjoy a couple fantastic meals.
From Turnbull to Rubicon, to Regusci and Frank Family, we stopped by nearly 20 wineries to see what they had to offer that was only available on site.
**Disclaimer: We didn't sample at every place we visited**
It became apparent to me that many other people were doing the same thing, just a little differently.
A constant parade of BMW's rolled up and down Highway 29 from Yountville to Calistoga, filled with wine aficionados who were sampling and purchasing some of Napa's finest.
Only I don't think they were feeling any "stimulus" about helping the economy.
I struck up conversations with a couple of people at each winery.
The usual information, where are you from, what are you doing here, etc, etc...
It always ended with a joke about the economic stimulus check funding our trip and all but one couple responded with a blank stare.
These were people who weren't feeling the pinch of a slumping economy or at least they were hiding it very well.
A couple from the Midwest were the only one's who picked up on my stimulus satire and said they had used part of their kickback for a plane ticket on their anniversary.
Due to airline regulations, part of their cash was also being spent on shipping fees to get their vino back home.
I don't usually throw money around under any circumstance, and on this trip I was keeping a close eye on the running total at all times.
As we waited for our table on Sunday night, some high rollers stumbled into the restaurant, still reeling from a day of wine tasting.
I recognized the leader of the group from one of the wineries we visited earlier in the day.
He gave me the blank, brush off stare during my failed attempt at small talk.
Dapper Dan (as I'll call him) had no reservation, and was poorly attempting to slip the hostess a little cash to get his party seated in front of the pack of 12 hungry diners in front of him.
It was only then I realized that "he" was in need of a little stimulation.
Dan was trying to grease the gal with a $5 bill.
He's either in the same boat as the rest of us or just cheap.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Let Me Explain...
I believe there are three words or phrases that have become lost in translation in this day and age.
They are please, thank you and I'm sorry.
I'm a big believer in all three, but they seem to have fallen by the wayside in everyday conversation.
The first two should be automatic, ingrained in our psyche from the time we could speak, but the third has become almost a dead language with some people in our culture.
It's almost as if the phrase indicates some sort of weakness in a society where everyone thinks, or wants to think, they are in charge.
A nation full of generals and no infantry.
Part of the reason for this lies in the 'explanation' generation.
A logic that dictates that no one is at fault for anything.
There's a good reason for everything that happens.
Here let me explain it to you.
The resulting debate over guilt results in an on-going need to explain one's position, even if they are wrong, to the point where emotions boil over and the conflict goes unresolved.
A situation that could be defused with two simple words, "I'm sorry".
Throw in "my bad" if it's more to your liking.
A friend of mine said lawyers are to blame for the inability to accept responsibility.
Hey, lawyers gotta eat too and some have gotten pretty stuffed on liability suits.
But the beauty of "I'm sorry" is the way it can end a debate, sometimes almost instantaneously.
Then again, if the offense is too deep, the phrase might need to be accompanied by some time.
But at least we're on the road to recovery, and not stuck in an endless rut of mindless reasoning that serves only to prolong the agony.
I'm done with the explanations.
Cue up the "I'm sorry", whether I'm at fault or not.
And if the explanations continue anyway, I'll add another phrase to my list of favorites.
"Shut up".
They are please, thank you and I'm sorry.
I'm a big believer in all three, but they seem to have fallen by the wayside in everyday conversation.
The first two should be automatic, ingrained in our psyche from the time we could speak, but the third has become almost a dead language with some people in our culture.
It's almost as if the phrase indicates some sort of weakness in a society where everyone thinks, or wants to think, they are in charge.
A nation full of generals and no infantry.
Part of the reason for this lies in the 'explanation' generation.
A logic that dictates that no one is at fault for anything.
There's a good reason for everything that happens.
Here let me explain it to you.
The resulting debate over guilt results in an on-going need to explain one's position, even if they are wrong, to the point where emotions boil over and the conflict goes unresolved.
A situation that could be defused with two simple words, "I'm sorry".
Throw in "my bad" if it's more to your liking.
A friend of mine said lawyers are to blame for the inability to accept responsibility.
Hey, lawyers gotta eat too and some have gotten pretty stuffed on liability suits.
But the beauty of "I'm sorry" is the way it can end a debate, sometimes almost instantaneously.
Then again, if the offense is too deep, the phrase might need to be accompanied by some time.
But at least we're on the road to recovery, and not stuck in an endless rut of mindless reasoning that serves only to prolong the agony.
I'm done with the explanations.
Cue up the "I'm sorry", whether I'm at fault or not.
And if the explanations continue anyway, I'll add another phrase to my list of favorites.
"Shut up".
Friday, May 9, 2008
Rosedale Development Delay
Traffic study?!
County supervisors postponed a decision on three controversial housing developments planned for the Rosedale area on May 6th, so that a more thorough report could be compiled regarding the impact traffic would have on the area.
For those of you who don't live or drive on the far west side of town, let me give you a break down when it comes to roads.
The road which connects my small neighborhood to Stockdale Highway was paved by the homeowners.
It turns to dirt on the west side of my property, before returning to asphalt that was generously put in by recent builders, who were required to pave the road adjacent to the homes they were putting up.
The dirt to pavement to dirt scenario is played out all over the area.
Hop scotch development has created this street virus with no real cure, unless the remaining farm land is paved over and we plant subdivisions as far as the eye can see.
That's becoming a real concern for the folks who moved or lived west of Allen Road many years ago to enjoy country life.
As one of my new neighbors so eloquently put it not long ago, this ain't the country anymore.
Still, part of the reason for the transplant was to own a larger parcel for our four-legged family members, away from people who might not have a tolerance for the fragrance of nature.
Now, developers want to put lots that measure between 10,000 and 20,000 sq feet in an area where current homeowners reside on homesteads that start at an acre and increase up to five acres and more.
It doesn't work, like the proverbial square peg in a round hole.
I'm not against development, in fact, you could see it coming for years.
Just make it fit.
Supervisor Ray Watson, who's up for re-election on June 3rd, called for the motion to postpone the vote on the developments until the traffic study could be complete.
He had said he was in favor of the developments.
The issue will now come back to the supervisors on June 17th.
Two weeks after the election.
Coincidence?? I hope not.
I hope he'll realize the ridiculous amount of traffic that will be left to navigate farm roads, in some cases, in order to find the major arteries back to town.
Ray, please apply the tourniquet before it's too late.
County supervisors postponed a decision on three controversial housing developments planned for the Rosedale area on May 6th, so that a more thorough report could be compiled regarding the impact traffic would have on the area.
For those of you who don't live or drive on the far west side of town, let me give you a break down when it comes to roads.
The road which connects my small neighborhood to Stockdale Highway was paved by the homeowners.
It turns to dirt on the west side of my property, before returning to asphalt that was generously put in by recent builders, who were required to pave the road adjacent to the homes they were putting up.
The dirt to pavement to dirt scenario is played out all over the area.
Hop scotch development has created this street virus with no real cure, unless the remaining farm land is paved over and we plant subdivisions as far as the eye can see.
That's becoming a real concern for the folks who moved or lived west of Allen Road many years ago to enjoy country life.
As one of my new neighbors so eloquently put it not long ago, this ain't the country anymore.
Still, part of the reason for the transplant was to own a larger parcel for our four-legged family members, away from people who might not have a tolerance for the fragrance of nature.
Now, developers want to put lots that measure between 10,000 and 20,000 sq feet in an area where current homeowners reside on homesteads that start at an acre and increase up to five acres and more.
It doesn't work, like the proverbial square peg in a round hole.
I'm not against development, in fact, you could see it coming for years.
Just make it fit.
Supervisor Ray Watson, who's up for re-election on June 3rd, called for the motion to postpone the vote on the developments until the traffic study could be complete.
He had said he was in favor of the developments.
The issue will now come back to the supervisors on June 17th.
Two weeks after the election.
Coincidence?? I hope not.
I hope he'll realize the ridiculous amount of traffic that will be left to navigate farm roads, in some cases, in order to find the major arteries back to town.
Ray, please apply the tourniquet before it's too late.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Successful Escape
It was over way too fast.
All the buildup, all the preparation, all the anticipation of the swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park in San Francisco was over in less than an hour.
And it was one of the GREATEST experiences of my life.
I was swimming with 10-yr old Antonio Ramirez, a young man who was hell bent on racing across the bay from the moment we hit the water.
We met up on the Hyde St. Pier around 7 am Thursday morning with nearly 100 other people who were taking the plunge in this 2nd annual fund raising event.
My brothers Tom and Bob, and nephew Colin were also along for the swim.
The three brothers stood around reminiscing of stupid things we had done in our youth and very few things measured up to what we were about to attempt in our 40's.
Three boats would ferry all the swimmers out to Alcatraz Island, with ABC23 photographers Evan and Lee along for the ride and my father-in-law Gordon with his high-speed telephoto camera at the ready.
Our boat, the "Kitty Kat", was the first to arrive off the southeast point of the island.
We were told that we might actually try to land all the swimmers on a patch of sand called "Barker's Beach" on the west side of the island.
It was there, many years ago, that one of Ma Barker's boys had tried to escape, but was shot dead.
Apparently, some of the security types on Alcatraz were alerted to our presence so we steered for a position just off shore.
The worst part of the swim was waiting on the boat for the other two to show up.
They got a late start so we sat, ready to go, for about 15-20 minutes.
Some of the kids began to think a little too much about what we were about to do, so we started goofing around while we waited.
This is not something that needs deep thought.
Swimming Alcatraz is very simple.
Put your head down and GO!!!
A flotilla of two dozen boats had surrounded the group, forming a swimming lane that would lead us through the current to shore.
But we didn't really need it on this day.
A beautiful day, no clouds, 55 degrees at jump time and the bay was like glass.
We hit the water at 8:40am, and I never realized how cold the water was for about 15 minutes.
The wet suit I acquired for the swim was the thickest I could get and proved to be a little too snug.
We started out with my brother Tom on one side and Bob on the other with Colin and two other boys in tow.
The water is murky and it's almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face.
The salt water had a distinctly petroleum taste to it and I'm sure other chemicals that I'd rather not know about.
But it was all inconsequential when we stopped to look around after about a half mile in the ocean.
Alcatraz was getting smaller with each stroke.
Antonio was so focused on getting across he wasn't stopping to enjoy the view.
This wasn't a race, it was a lesson in survival.
We stopped about half way across and floated on our backs for a while.
The ABC helicopter was flying over head taking pictures and we started to wave.
Forgetting of course that when you wave, it alerts the nearby kayaks and zodiac boats that you're in trouble.
Within 1 minute, a voice from behind us yelled out, "Are you alright?"
We looked at each other and laughed, before continuing on.
It was at this point I realized that the tight fitting wet suit was preventing me from taking deep breaths.
Without concern for the 52 degree water, I pulled the suit away from my neck and let it fill with water, while I took a deep breath of air.
It felt great!!
We continued on as the break wall now got larger and larger.
We were on the inland side of the opening with the tide now starting to go out to sea, in perfect position for the push to the beach.
Once through the wall, our pace picked up a bit, stopping every once in a while to let a little more water into my suit.
It actually felt great at this point.
Just under 50 minutes into the swim, it was over.
We came on shore to the cheers of a large contingent of my family members who came to see 4 Hart boys walk out of the bay.
I was completely amped at this point and felt absolutely no chill.
I grabbed the microphone and started interviewing people on shore, wanting to share my stories with their own.
One of the last people out of the water was Joe Underwood.
An 11-yr old swimmer with spina bifida that also made the swim.
The other media crushed around Joe for the trademark inspirational sound bite, but he offered only responses of "yes", "great" and "no".
Not the stuff lasting statements are made of, but he had already provided the cap to the entire event.
The slogan, catch phrase or whatever you want to call it for this year's swim was "Escape your Limitations".
I had done that.
Joe went way above that.
It's the kind of moment where you already start thinking about next year's swim, and maybe beginning your preparation by starting right now.
It was a moment that sank in with my son Michael, who came within 20 minutes of qualifying for this year's swim.
He says he definitely wants to swim next year.
I think I have Joe to thank for his new found motivation.
All the buildup, all the preparation, all the anticipation of the swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park in San Francisco was over in less than an hour.
And it was one of the GREATEST experiences of my life.
I was swimming with 10-yr old Antonio Ramirez, a young man who was hell bent on racing across the bay from the moment we hit the water.
We met up on the Hyde St. Pier around 7 am Thursday morning with nearly 100 other people who were taking the plunge in this 2nd annual fund raising event.
My brothers Tom and Bob, and nephew Colin were also along for the swim.
The three brothers stood around reminiscing of stupid things we had done in our youth and very few things measured up to what we were about to attempt in our 40's.
Three boats would ferry all the swimmers out to Alcatraz Island, with ABC23 photographers Evan and Lee along for the ride and my father-in-law Gordon with his high-speed telephoto camera at the ready.
Our boat, the "Kitty Kat", was the first to arrive off the southeast point of the island.
We were told that we might actually try to land all the swimmers on a patch of sand called "Barker's Beach" on the west side of the island.
It was there, many years ago, that one of Ma Barker's boys had tried to escape, but was shot dead.
Apparently, some of the security types on Alcatraz were alerted to our presence so we steered for a position just off shore.
The worst part of the swim was waiting on the boat for the other two to show up.
They got a late start so we sat, ready to go, for about 15-20 minutes.
Some of the kids began to think a little too much about what we were about to do, so we started goofing around while we waited.
This is not something that needs deep thought.
Swimming Alcatraz is very simple.
Put your head down and GO!!!
A flotilla of two dozen boats had surrounded the group, forming a swimming lane that would lead us through the current to shore.
But we didn't really need it on this day.
A beautiful day, no clouds, 55 degrees at jump time and the bay was like glass.
We hit the water at 8:40am, and I never realized how cold the water was for about 15 minutes.
The wet suit I acquired for the swim was the thickest I could get and proved to be a little too snug.
We started out with my brother Tom on one side and Bob on the other with Colin and two other boys in tow.
The water is murky and it's almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face.
The salt water had a distinctly petroleum taste to it and I'm sure other chemicals that I'd rather not know about.
But it was all inconsequential when we stopped to look around after about a half mile in the ocean.
Alcatraz was getting smaller with each stroke.
Antonio was so focused on getting across he wasn't stopping to enjoy the view.
This wasn't a race, it was a lesson in survival.
We stopped about half way across and floated on our backs for a while.
The ABC helicopter was flying over head taking pictures and we started to wave.
Forgetting of course that when you wave, it alerts the nearby kayaks and zodiac boats that you're in trouble.
Within 1 minute, a voice from behind us yelled out, "Are you alright?"
We looked at each other and laughed, before continuing on.
It was at this point I realized that the tight fitting wet suit was preventing me from taking deep breaths.
Without concern for the 52 degree water, I pulled the suit away from my neck and let it fill with water, while I took a deep breath of air.
It felt great!!
We continued on as the break wall now got larger and larger.
We were on the inland side of the opening with the tide now starting to go out to sea, in perfect position for the push to the beach.
Once through the wall, our pace picked up a bit, stopping every once in a while to let a little more water into my suit.
It actually felt great at this point.
Just under 50 minutes into the swim, it was over.
We came on shore to the cheers of a large contingent of my family members who came to see 4 Hart boys walk out of the bay.
I was completely amped at this point and felt absolutely no chill.
I grabbed the microphone and started interviewing people on shore, wanting to share my stories with their own.
One of the last people out of the water was Joe Underwood.
An 11-yr old swimmer with spina bifida that also made the swim.
The other media crushed around Joe for the trademark inspirational sound bite, but he offered only responses of "yes", "great" and "no".
Not the stuff lasting statements are made of, but he had already provided the cap to the entire event.
The slogan, catch phrase or whatever you want to call it for this year's swim was "Escape your Limitations".
I had done that.
Joe went way above that.
It's the kind of moment where you already start thinking about next year's swim, and maybe beginning your preparation by starting right now.
It was a moment that sank in with my son Michael, who came within 20 minutes of qualifying for this year's swim.
He says he definitely wants to swim next year.
I think I have Joe to thank for his new found motivation.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Alcatraz 2008 Departure
It's amazing the reaction you get from people when they find out you're going to do something that's a little bit outside the realm of normal activity.
I'm not skiing down a sheer cliff or base jumping, just going for a leisurely swim in the San Francisco Bay.
The comments have been pretty consistent.
Don't you know how cold it is?
Aren't you afraid of sharks?
Is there something wrong with your pool?
The answers: yes, yes and no.
These have been the more popular responses since word got out that I was going to join a group of swimmers from my nephew's swim club, for the 1.5 mile dog paddle from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park on May 1st.
The kids are doing it as part of a fund raiser for drowning prevention awareness.
I was doing it to chaperon my 10-yr old son Michael who wanted to try it.
He didn't finish the final qualifying swim and will watch this year from one of the chase boats.
I decided to push forward and will be accompanying a 12-yr old swimmer who I'll meet tomorrow.
It's not a race, but a chance to do something that 99% of the people on this planet will never attempt.
I was one of those people until this opportunity presented itself last year.
My childhood was immersed in year-round swimming from the time I was 8-yrs old until I graduated high school.
Of course, I wasn't swimming in 53 degree water, with swells and currents pushing you all over the place.
It's those glaring statistics that fuel questions about my reasons, and the same questions over and over again about my state of mind.
Aren't you scared?
NO!!!
Nervous, maybe.
But it's the kind of anticipation that fuels the competitive soul.
And no, this is not a stepping stone for some other bigger and badder stunt.
I want to see if I can do it.
Then, I'll try it again next year, hopefully with my son.
I'm not skiing down a sheer cliff or base jumping, just going for a leisurely swim in the San Francisco Bay.
The comments have been pretty consistent.
Don't you know how cold it is?
Aren't you afraid of sharks?
Is there something wrong with your pool?
The answers: yes, yes and no.
These have been the more popular responses since word got out that I was going to join a group of swimmers from my nephew's swim club, for the 1.5 mile dog paddle from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park on May 1st.
The kids are doing it as part of a fund raiser for drowning prevention awareness.
I was doing it to chaperon my 10-yr old son Michael who wanted to try it.
He didn't finish the final qualifying swim and will watch this year from one of the chase boats.
I decided to push forward and will be accompanying a 12-yr old swimmer who I'll meet tomorrow.
It's not a race, but a chance to do something that 99% of the people on this planet will never attempt.
I was one of those people until this opportunity presented itself last year.
My childhood was immersed in year-round swimming from the time I was 8-yrs old until I graduated high school.
Of course, I wasn't swimming in 53 degree water, with swells and currents pushing you all over the place.
It's those glaring statistics that fuel questions about my reasons, and the same questions over and over again about my state of mind.
Aren't you scared?
NO!!!
Nervous, maybe.
But it's the kind of anticipation that fuels the competitive soul.
And no, this is not a stepping stone for some other bigger and badder stunt.
I want to see if I can do it.
Then, I'll try it again next year, hopefully with my son.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Get Off The Gas!!!
If you want to be frustrated, try asking someone associated with the petroleum industry for an explanation into high gas prices.
There is a basic line of logic with each answer, but the reasons can differ with each person giving the explanation.
So what can we do?
I had a viewer tell me they weren't going to start driving their SUV again until gas dipped back down to around $2 dollars a gallon.
Two dollars?
It's unlikely you'll ever see $3 dollars again.
One simple answer from Triple-A is to try and use less gas.
Carpool, do all your errands in one trip or not waiting until the tank is empty to fill up.
Using less gas is suppose to equal a drop in price.
But maybe the answer can be found in your right foot.
Ease up on the gas.
I'm sitting at a stop light recently, right next to a jacked-up Duramax Diesel truck.
The light turns green and the DD driver punches the gas.
I'm driving my wife's Avalon.
It doesn't look, sound or feel like a race car. It gets good gas mileage and has a little giddy-up if you need it.
I didn't.
Despite my mild acceleration, I managed to stay next to DD for several hundred yards, when he backed off the gas.
As I started to SLOWLY pass him, he jumped the gas AGAIN.
With the price of diesel already eclipsing $4 a gallon I looked over in disbelief and laughed.
One of the cars I drove for a short time in high school and college was a '71 Cutlass 442 convertible.
A monster of a machine with a 455 Rocket Olds, 4 barrel carb, competition cam, hi-rise intake manifold and posi-traction.
You could hit the gas from a dead stop and not move.
The back of the car would lift up off the ground as both tires spun, before the heat and traction finally took hold of the asphalt and rocketed you forward.
Of course, that kind of driving usually resulted in about 6 miles per gallon.
Then again, regular gas was about .75 cents a gallon when I started driving in 1979.
It's almost 30 years later and gas is around $3.50 and diesel even more ridiculous.
Hey Mario, SLOW DOWN!!! It's a truck for goodness sake.
You're making gas more expensive for the rest of us.
There is a basic line of logic with each answer, but the reasons can differ with each person giving the explanation.
So what can we do?
I had a viewer tell me they weren't going to start driving their SUV again until gas dipped back down to around $2 dollars a gallon.
Two dollars?
It's unlikely you'll ever see $3 dollars again.
One simple answer from Triple-A is to try and use less gas.
Carpool, do all your errands in one trip or not waiting until the tank is empty to fill up.
Using less gas is suppose to equal a drop in price.
But maybe the answer can be found in your right foot.
Ease up on the gas.
I'm sitting at a stop light recently, right next to a jacked-up Duramax Diesel truck.
The light turns green and the DD driver punches the gas.
I'm driving my wife's Avalon.
It doesn't look, sound or feel like a race car. It gets good gas mileage and has a little giddy-up if you need it.
I didn't.
Despite my mild acceleration, I managed to stay next to DD for several hundred yards, when he backed off the gas.
As I started to SLOWLY pass him, he jumped the gas AGAIN.
With the price of diesel already eclipsing $4 a gallon I looked over in disbelief and laughed.
One of the cars I drove for a short time in high school and college was a '71 Cutlass 442 convertible.
A monster of a machine with a 455 Rocket Olds, 4 barrel carb, competition cam, hi-rise intake manifold and posi-traction.
You could hit the gas from a dead stop and not move.
The back of the car would lift up off the ground as both tires spun, before the heat and traction finally took hold of the asphalt and rocketed you forward.
Of course, that kind of driving usually resulted in about 6 miles per gallon.
Then again, regular gas was about .75 cents a gallon when I started driving in 1979.
It's almost 30 years later and gas is around $3.50 and diesel even more ridiculous.
Hey Mario, SLOW DOWN!!! It's a truck for goodness sake.
You're making gas more expensive for the rest of us.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Alcatraz Update
I don't ever want to be one of those Dad's...
My son Michael and I went to San Francisco over the weekend to qualify for the Alcatraz swim in three weeks.
We hit the water on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday.
Michael made the distance on Saturday (with a lot of in-water coaching from me) but failed to complete the swim course on Sunday.
Quite simply, he couldn't adjust to the water temperature, the salt water and possibly the wide open expanse of the Bay.
The water was in the 50's on Saturday, but had dropped to sub-50 on Sunday morning and it was too much for him.
I thought about the cold water lake swims we had done in January and February to prepare for this day.
All the time and energy spent by both of us to prepare for the physical and mental challenge.
It drove me, to drive him, on Sunday morning, when I had a flashback of a parent-child encounter in 1993 in Bakersfield.
An unnamed coach was berating his 10-yr old football squad in front of the other team and the home fans.
He yelled how they were embarrassing him!!
I was floating in Aquatic Cove as Michael approached me, obviously frustrated by his failure to completely adapt to the 48-49 degree water.
He kept trying, but it wasn't going well.
I encouraged him for a couple more yards when it became painfully clear that I would be doing the swim without him on May 1st.
He turned for the shore and swam off with another group of kids that were headed for the beach.
I continued on without him, wondering if I forced him into this adventure.
I finished the swim and came out of the water to find my son looking discouraged.
We talked for a while and he mentioned that he thought he let me down.
I told him it couldn't be further from the truth.
There will be 50 kids in the water in three weeks, with only a handful of them 10 and under.
The overwhelming majority are teenagers.
He said he wanted to try again next year.
I told him I want us to do this swim together, hopefully before I turn 50.
So now I push on with my brother Bob, Tom and his son Colin.
But I'll be thinking of Michael the entire swim.
My son Michael and I went to San Francisco over the weekend to qualify for the Alcatraz swim in three weeks.
We hit the water on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday.
Michael made the distance on Saturday (with a lot of in-water coaching from me) but failed to complete the swim course on Sunday.
Quite simply, he couldn't adjust to the water temperature, the salt water and possibly the wide open expanse of the Bay.
The water was in the 50's on Saturday, but had dropped to sub-50 on Sunday morning and it was too much for him.
I thought about the cold water lake swims we had done in January and February to prepare for this day.
All the time and energy spent by both of us to prepare for the physical and mental challenge.
It drove me, to drive him, on Sunday morning, when I had a flashback of a parent-child encounter in 1993 in Bakersfield.
An unnamed coach was berating his 10-yr old football squad in front of the other team and the home fans.
He yelled how they were embarrassing him!!
I was floating in Aquatic Cove as Michael approached me, obviously frustrated by his failure to completely adapt to the 48-49 degree water.
He kept trying, but it wasn't going well.
I encouraged him for a couple more yards when it became painfully clear that I would be doing the swim without him on May 1st.
He turned for the shore and swam off with another group of kids that were headed for the beach.
I continued on without him, wondering if I forced him into this adventure.
I finished the swim and came out of the water to find my son looking discouraged.
We talked for a while and he mentioned that he thought he let me down.
I told him it couldn't be further from the truth.
There will be 50 kids in the water in three weeks, with only a handful of them 10 and under.
The overwhelming majority are teenagers.
He said he wanted to try again next year.
I told him I want us to do this swim together, hopefully before I turn 50.
So now I push on with my brother Bob, Tom and his son Colin.
But I'll be thinking of Michael the entire swim.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Tragic Accident
It's one of the worst stories to cover as a journalist.
A child is killed.
Zane Newton was buried in a tunnel he was digging with another kid from his neighborhood.
Now as we try to make sense, or even attempt to explain what happened and why it happened, it's almost inevitable that people look for someone to blame.
You can't help it. People are in pain. They want some kind of resolution for their pain. But blame won't take it away, only continue to fuel it.
Where do you start?
The friend who didn't go for help the second it happened?
The kids weren't suppose to be in the sump in the first place and most believe the prospect of getting in trouble fueled an incredible lie that wasted precious resources that could have gotten to Zane a lot quicker.
Well, the first person who can tell me what goes through a 9-yr old's head when he witnesses something like that, feel free to point a finger.
I was as upset as anyone at first, trying to make sense of it.
People are calling in to the station, angry at the child who didn't go for help, then the parents for not keeping a better eye on him.
How many times do you think the parents told him to stay out of the sump? I don't know. I'm not in his family, but I'll bet it was a hot topic.
It didn't stop there. Bring in the neighbors for not pestering the neighborhood kids to stay out of the sump and finally the city for not doing a better job to keep kids out.
I'll bet the kids were told time and again to stay out, but they're kids.
I went home after the 6pm news that night and picked up my son from swim practice.
He's 10 yrs old and has done his fair share of digging around our property and our neighbors.
He's never dug a hole or attempted a tunnel, but we talked about what happened to Zane and the importance of getting help when something like that happens, even if you think it will get you in trouble.
I reiterated it over and over again.
It's the kind of thing you talk about with your kids that changes with age and responsibility.
He understood. He began to ask questions about Zane that I had no answer for.
Why didn't the boy go for help? Didn't any other kids see them go into the sump? If they did, why didn't they get help? Who would leave their friend?
I had no answer for him.
I can only hope that if he's ever presented with a similar circumstance, he'll act differently.
I pray that day never comes.
A child is killed.
Zane Newton was buried in a tunnel he was digging with another kid from his neighborhood.
Now as we try to make sense, or even attempt to explain what happened and why it happened, it's almost inevitable that people look for someone to blame.
You can't help it. People are in pain. They want some kind of resolution for their pain. But blame won't take it away, only continue to fuel it.
Where do you start?
The friend who didn't go for help the second it happened?
The kids weren't suppose to be in the sump in the first place and most believe the prospect of getting in trouble fueled an incredible lie that wasted precious resources that could have gotten to Zane a lot quicker.
Well, the first person who can tell me what goes through a 9-yr old's head when he witnesses something like that, feel free to point a finger.
I was as upset as anyone at first, trying to make sense of it.
People are calling in to the station, angry at the child who didn't go for help, then the parents for not keeping a better eye on him.
How many times do you think the parents told him to stay out of the sump? I don't know. I'm not in his family, but I'll bet it was a hot topic.
It didn't stop there. Bring in the neighbors for not pestering the neighborhood kids to stay out of the sump and finally the city for not doing a better job to keep kids out.
I'll bet the kids were told time and again to stay out, but they're kids.
I went home after the 6pm news that night and picked up my son from swim practice.
He's 10 yrs old and has done his fair share of digging around our property and our neighbors.
He's never dug a hole or attempted a tunnel, but we talked about what happened to Zane and the importance of getting help when something like that happens, even if you think it will get you in trouble.
I reiterated it over and over again.
It's the kind of thing you talk about with your kids that changes with age and responsibility.
He understood. He began to ask questions about Zane that I had no answer for.
Why didn't the boy go for help? Didn't any other kids see them go into the sump? If they did, why didn't they get help? Who would leave their friend?
I had no answer for him.
I can only hope that if he's ever presented with a similar circumstance, he'll act differently.
I pray that day never comes.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What happens in Vegas...
It's been almost 22 years since I graduated from Arizona State University.
A simple time with no rules or restrictions. When life's problems could be solved with a hearty "YEAH" screamed at just the right time.
Each year since the pomp and circumstance, a group of friends has gathered together at various points around the country to tell stories and relive our youth for a couple of days.
And each year, the weekend has carried a greater toll.
I'm not an old man, but then again, I'm not 21 anymore.
That's a fact my wife Lori enjoys pointing out every once in a while.
For the past five years, my buds and I have descended on Las Vegas for a couple days of golf, gambling and what not. (Let's leave it at that)
This year's expedition landed us at the Luxor and thanks to an early reservation and low occupancy, my best friend Dave and I got bumped up to a suite on the 30th floor.
Livin' large, baby!!
We began with a pre-tournament reception for 15 guys, followed up by tickets to see "Linkin Park" at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Casino.
The Desert Pines Golf Club (beautiful course) played host to our golf outing this year with a trip to the Orleans to see the Condors BEAT Las Vegas.
By Saturday night, it felt like Monday morning.
An old college friend who's stationed at Nellis AFB drove down to Vegas to see Dave and I on Saturday night and thanks to his connections, got us into "LAX" inside Luxor.
This is where I really started to feel old.
A large gathering of good looking young people standing around paying premium drink prices to stare at each other.
We hung out for about an hour, did our share of looking, then retreated to the casino for a little more privacy.
It was after we left that we heard Paris Hilton had shown up to tell everyone the club was "HOT".
A couple of young ladies standing near the craps table squealed with delight.
I didn't have the energy for a hearty "YEAH". Then again, she's not worth it.
Maybe next year.
A simple time with no rules or restrictions. When life's problems could be solved with a hearty "YEAH" screamed at just the right time.
Each year since the pomp and circumstance, a group of friends has gathered together at various points around the country to tell stories and relive our youth for a couple of days.
And each year, the weekend has carried a greater toll.
I'm not an old man, but then again, I'm not 21 anymore.
That's a fact my wife Lori enjoys pointing out every once in a while.
For the past five years, my buds and I have descended on Las Vegas for a couple days of golf, gambling and what not. (Let's leave it at that)
This year's expedition landed us at the Luxor and thanks to an early reservation and low occupancy, my best friend Dave and I got bumped up to a suite on the 30th floor.
Livin' large, baby!!
We began with a pre-tournament reception for 15 guys, followed up by tickets to see "Linkin Park" at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Casino.
The Desert Pines Golf Club (beautiful course) played host to our golf outing this year with a trip to the Orleans to see the Condors BEAT Las Vegas.
By Saturday night, it felt like Monday morning.
An old college friend who's stationed at Nellis AFB drove down to Vegas to see Dave and I on Saturday night and thanks to his connections, got us into "LAX" inside Luxor.
This is where I really started to feel old.
A large gathering of good looking young people standing around paying premium drink prices to stare at each other.
We hung out for about an hour, did our share of looking, then retreated to the casino for a little more privacy.
It was after we left that we heard Paris Hilton had shown up to tell everyone the club was "HOT".
A couple of young ladies standing near the craps table squealed with delight.
I didn't have the energy for a hearty "YEAH". Then again, she's not worth it.
Maybe next year.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Death Watch
A news organization has an internal memo "anonymously" sent to them from the Kern Co. Sheriff's Department detailing a warning to employees about the possibility of a gang "hit" against one of them.
It spells out in detail who might be involved, where it might happen and other intimate intelligence.
So, is that news?!
The sensational, tabloid journalist would scream "YES" and immediately begin organizing the coverage.
A map of the area where it might happen, we have to let the public know where the killing might take place.
Maybe use an "X" to mark the spot of previous shootings over the past five or 10 years to show potential killing grounds.
Interviews, yes interviews. We need deputies telling a camera how they "feel" about being a potential target for gang members who are irate with officers for killing one of their own.
And plenty of video, what we call B-Roll, showing deputies putting on their bullet-proof vests. Maybe slow motion, yes it's more dramatic.
Don't forget a copy of the memo.
Yes, a department internal memo, like some secret war document, that contains the information the Sheriff Department likes to keep somewhat confidential so as not to create a panic.
Panic among deputies and the public.
What a joke.
I have no problem with telling the public that threats have been made against a law enforcement official, it happens all the time.
I'm not sure of the percentage, but the probability that someone actually carries out that threat is very slim.
I agree with Sheriff Donny Youngblood who said to print or report the details of the alleged attack is irresponsible.
I find it mildly pathetic.
What news value does it hold?
Oh, right, you're informing the public.
They have a right to know.
And, if it never comes to pass, at least you scared the viewer or reader to stay tuned for a couple more days.
It spells out in detail who might be involved, where it might happen and other intimate intelligence.
So, is that news?!
The sensational, tabloid journalist would scream "YES" and immediately begin organizing the coverage.
A map of the area where it might happen, we have to let the public know where the killing might take place.
Maybe use an "X" to mark the spot of previous shootings over the past five or 10 years to show potential killing grounds.
Interviews, yes interviews. We need deputies telling a camera how they "feel" about being a potential target for gang members who are irate with officers for killing one of their own.
And plenty of video, what we call B-Roll, showing deputies putting on their bullet-proof vests. Maybe slow motion, yes it's more dramatic.
Don't forget a copy of the memo.
Yes, a department internal memo, like some secret war document, that contains the information the Sheriff Department likes to keep somewhat confidential so as not to create a panic.
Panic among deputies and the public.
What a joke.
I have no problem with telling the public that threats have been made against a law enforcement official, it happens all the time.
I'm not sure of the percentage, but the probability that someone actually carries out that threat is very slim.
I agree with Sheriff Donny Youngblood who said to print or report the details of the alleged attack is irresponsible.
I find it mildly pathetic.
What news value does it hold?
Oh, right, you're informing the public.
They have a right to know.
And, if it never comes to pass, at least you scared the viewer or reader to stay tuned for a couple more days.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Enough "Is" Enough
Coach Marty Raymond said it best; enough is enough.
He was referring to the call in Sunday's loss to Fresno that set him off, triggering a tirade on the bench that resulted in a dry erase board, dozens of sticks and one Gatorade cooler being flung, tossed or kicked onto the ice.
It's what followed his outburst that made me stop and think hard.
Coach Raymond's fire storm also triggered a rain storm inside Rabobank, in the form of rubber pucks, drinks and even cow bells to come raining down on the ice.
The onslaught was aimed at the referee, for what the crowd and Raymond believe were some bad calls by T.J. throughout the game, culminating with the downpour.
Let me stop for a moment to say this.
I love Condorstown. It's a family.
I've been to other arena's in this state, and a few in Minnesota, and have yet to find a franchise that gets the kind of support (minus a championship) that this club has received in it's 10 years of existence.
However, with all families, there are a few knuckleheads that do stupid things, but you still love them and hope someday they'll straighten out.
No more waiting, somebody needs a timeout.
The objects that rained down on the ice included a souvenir cow bell that slammed against the Plexiglas about two inches above the head of my com padre, and official scorer, Fred Olague.
It hit with such force, I briefly thought the glass had shattered.
It came from the upper deck, flung by a disgruntled fan.
I'm assuming the person was disgruntled, I'd hate to think it was hurled for fun.
I hopped up on my seat and scanned the audience for some help.
Who threw it? A couple of points led me to the upper deck, where a couple season ticket holders I'm familiar with seemed to believe one loud gentlemen was the possible culprit.
He denied it.
I wanted to find the person that was responsible, but it didn't appear likely.
Either people didn't get a good look, or no one was willing to speak up.
Condors fans this behavior has to stop and we need you to step up and get involved.
Even Brett Lutes can be seen in the video shot by ABC23, motioning to the crowd NOT to throw anything onto the ice.
His attempt at peacemaker was in vain.
I talked to a season ticket holder who said their child was terrified and crying when the barrage began.
But it's not the first time, not by a long shot.
There's a person who throws coins onto the ice at the north end of the arena and has been doing so for most of the season.
The coins freeze and create a hazard for the players from BOTH teams.
We've put up with the obscenity-laden screams and throwing of paraphernalia for too long.
Please give security a hand in identifying and removing these few clowns so we can yell at the referee's in peace.
Also, if you happen to know who threw the cowbell that crashed into the announcer's booth, please let me know.
I'd like to return it to them personally.
Don't forget the video originally posted on the Bobblehead on Condors blog.
He was referring to the call in Sunday's loss to Fresno that set him off, triggering a tirade on the bench that resulted in a dry erase board, dozens of sticks and one Gatorade cooler being flung, tossed or kicked onto the ice.
It's what followed his outburst that made me stop and think hard.
Coach Raymond's fire storm also triggered a rain storm inside Rabobank, in the form of rubber pucks, drinks and even cow bells to come raining down on the ice.
The onslaught was aimed at the referee, for what the crowd and Raymond believe were some bad calls by T.J. throughout the game, culminating with the downpour.
Let me stop for a moment to say this.
I love Condorstown. It's a family.
I've been to other arena's in this state, and a few in Minnesota, and have yet to find a franchise that gets the kind of support (minus a championship) that this club has received in it's 10 years of existence.
However, with all families, there are a few knuckleheads that do stupid things, but you still love them and hope someday they'll straighten out.
No more waiting, somebody needs a timeout.
The objects that rained down on the ice included a souvenir cow bell that slammed against the Plexiglas about two inches above the head of my com padre, and official scorer, Fred Olague.
It hit with such force, I briefly thought the glass had shattered.
It came from the upper deck, flung by a disgruntled fan.
I'm assuming the person was disgruntled, I'd hate to think it was hurled for fun.
I hopped up on my seat and scanned the audience for some help.
Who threw it? A couple of points led me to the upper deck, where a couple season ticket holders I'm familiar with seemed to believe one loud gentlemen was the possible culprit.
He denied it.
I wanted to find the person that was responsible, but it didn't appear likely.
Either people didn't get a good look, or no one was willing to speak up.
Condors fans this behavior has to stop and we need you to step up and get involved.
Even Brett Lutes can be seen in the video shot by ABC23, motioning to the crowd NOT to throw anything onto the ice.
His attempt at peacemaker was in vain.
I talked to a season ticket holder who said their child was terrified and crying when the barrage began.
But it's not the first time, not by a long shot.
There's a person who throws coins onto the ice at the north end of the arena and has been doing so for most of the season.
The coins freeze and create a hazard for the players from BOTH teams.
We've put up with the obscenity-laden screams and throwing of paraphernalia for too long.
Please give security a hand in identifying and removing these few clowns so we can yell at the referee's in peace.
Also, if you happen to know who threw the cowbell that crashed into the announcer's booth, please let me know.
I'd like to return it to them personally.
Don't forget the video originally posted on the Bobblehead on Condors blog.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Bombs Bursting In Air
Talk about a slow news day.
I can't believe the asinine commentary being slung around town regarding a photo of a Cal State Bakersfield player during the national anthem.
Nikki, I hope you're not taking this too seriously.
I'm not going to rehash the entire debate up to this point, but some self-absorbed types are slinging mud at a CSUB women's basketball player, who they believe was observing the playing of the National Anthem inappropriately.
Hands behind the back and not over the heart.
Anyone who's ever played organized sports knows the athlete's pose all too well.
Hands clasped behind the back, facing the flag, chin up.
I've done it before, while singing along, never thinking for one moment that it was showing disrespect.
Now, I put my hand over my heart. (Any Condors fan who's ever looked at the booth during a game I'm working can attest to that.)
Nikki did nothing wrong and the torment that she's probably been put through is shameful.
Anyone remember Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf?
The former Denver Nugget who converted to Islam and refused to stand or face the flag during the Anthem back in March 1996?
He took a beating for it and was even suspended for one game while the league worked out a compromise.
For those of you who've lashed out in the paper and blogs, get a life.
To the paper, give it a rest.
*Although they did add a nice photo of Bill Thomas to keep the debate going.
I can't believe the asinine commentary being slung around town regarding a photo of a Cal State Bakersfield player during the national anthem.
Nikki, I hope you're not taking this too seriously.
I'm not going to rehash the entire debate up to this point, but some self-absorbed types are slinging mud at a CSUB women's basketball player, who they believe was observing the playing of the National Anthem inappropriately.
Hands behind the back and not over the heart.
Anyone who's ever played organized sports knows the athlete's pose all too well.
Hands clasped behind the back, facing the flag, chin up.
I've done it before, while singing along, never thinking for one moment that it was showing disrespect.
Now, I put my hand over my heart. (Any Condors fan who's ever looked at the booth during a game I'm working can attest to that.)
Nikki did nothing wrong and the torment that she's probably been put through is shameful.
Anyone remember Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf?
The former Denver Nugget who converted to Islam and refused to stand or face the flag during the Anthem back in March 1996?
He took a beating for it and was even suspended for one game while the league worked out a compromise.
For those of you who've lashed out in the paper and blogs, get a life.
To the paper, give it a rest.
*Although they did add a nice photo of Bill Thomas to keep the debate going.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Locked In The Car
I had to do a double take as I pulled into a parking space at the Costco on Rosedale Highway Monday afternoon.
The little girl, probably 3 or 4, was asleep inside a Volvo station wagon in the parking lot.
An employee of Costco was walking up to the car as my wife and I got out of ours right next door.
The child never stirred or seemed to even realize three adults were staring at her through the glass.
The mom was no where in sight.
Before I get too carried away with how wrong and dangerous this is, I've left my 2-yr old son buckled in his car seat twice as I ran inside a store for something.
Once to grab a receipt for gas at the pump, and another time to tell the clerk at the AMPM that the gas pump was not working.
Both times I was inside for about 15 seconds, and both times I never stopped staring at my car as I talked to the clerks.
A combination of paranoia and guilt about leaving my son in the car that I tried to compensate by the fact that he was never out of my sight.
I know, I ran inside for just a second, and that's all it takes sometimes.
But running inside the Costco?
I've been inside Costco for 1 item before and it usually takes about 15 minutes at the very least.
Plus, there's no way to see your child.
The manager walked out as we stood there, and checked the scene before he called the police and CPS.
A quick reaction?
Maybe, but he's thinking of the child's safety, not to mention, the store's responsibility.
The mother reappeared a couple minutes later, carrying a portable car seat with an infant in it.
I was already inside the store, when the manager found me and said the police wanted to get a statement from me.
I went outside and saw the mom sitting in her back seat with both kids.
Officers had talked with their superiors and were going to give her a ticket.
They didn't need my statement after all, since they were not taking the child into protective custody.
I didn't have a camera with me at the time.
I then wondered if I did, how that might help put an end to such a dangerous practice by many American's by picking on one mother.
It's not fair.
She's not the only one.
Then I realized what an effect it had on me, watching the scene unfold.
Especially when informed by the Costco manager that it's not the first time this has happened in their parking lot.
Talk about a double take.
The little girl, probably 3 or 4, was asleep inside a Volvo station wagon in the parking lot.
An employee of Costco was walking up to the car as my wife and I got out of ours right next door.
The child never stirred or seemed to even realize three adults were staring at her through the glass.
The mom was no where in sight.
Before I get too carried away with how wrong and dangerous this is, I've left my 2-yr old son buckled in his car seat twice as I ran inside a store for something.
Once to grab a receipt for gas at the pump, and another time to tell the clerk at the AMPM that the gas pump was not working.
Both times I was inside for about 15 seconds, and both times I never stopped staring at my car as I talked to the clerks.
A combination of paranoia and guilt about leaving my son in the car that I tried to compensate by the fact that he was never out of my sight.
I know, I ran inside for just a second, and that's all it takes sometimes.
But running inside the Costco?
I've been inside Costco for 1 item before and it usually takes about 15 minutes at the very least.
Plus, there's no way to see your child.
The manager walked out as we stood there, and checked the scene before he called the police and CPS.
A quick reaction?
Maybe, but he's thinking of the child's safety, not to mention, the store's responsibility.
The mother reappeared a couple minutes later, carrying a portable car seat with an infant in it.
I was already inside the store, when the manager found me and said the police wanted to get a statement from me.
I went outside and saw the mom sitting in her back seat with both kids.
Officers had talked with their superiors and were going to give her a ticket.
They didn't need my statement after all, since they were not taking the child into protective custody.
I didn't have a camera with me at the time.
I then wondered if I did, how that might help put an end to such a dangerous practice by many American's by picking on one mother.
It's not fair.
She's not the only one.
Then I realized what an effect it had on me, watching the scene unfold.
Especially when informed by the Costco manager that it's not the first time this has happened in their parking lot.
Talk about a double take.
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