First would come relief, followed by a long hug, then maybe a crack on the backside.
The nation stopped and watched a UFO-shaped balloon flying up to 10,000 feet over the state of Colorado on Thursday.
News reports from the ground claimed a 6-yr old boy had climbed into his dad's backyard experiment and floated away.
Turns out, the boy never left. He was hiding in a box in the garage attic.
Balloon boy's brother allegedly told his parent's that he saw his younger brother crawl into the balloon shortly before it floated away.
Here's a link with plenty of video: http://www.turnto23.com/news/21307080/detail.html
The parents had been featured on the ABC show "Wife Swap" twice before.
A real-life drama this time.
Perhaps they need a visit from "Super Nanny". The child could have become "Lost" and been "Dancing with the Stars" if not for the fact the helium-filled balloon began a slow decent, and not a fast one, that potentially could have left his brother as "The Bachelor".
"Desperate Housewives" could only sit and watch the drama unfold on TV.
He landed in a dirt field. A faster drop in the woods might have resulted in rescuers finding little "Men in Trees". He definitely would have been "Pushing Daisies".
Rescue crews started the "Private Practice" of puncturing the balloon, giving it an "Extreme Makeover" to try and free the boy, but he wasn't inside.
Anyone with "20/20" vision can see there's much more to this story.
I only hope the "Big Shots" in charge of this will give the young man a stern talking to once everything calms down. And this wasn't just a publicity stunt designed to rake in more "Dirty Sexy Money" for the parents.
**I know, it's bad, but it's the best I could do on short notice.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Naked Man Confronts Intruder
It's not uncommon for potential victim's of a crime to fight back and turn the tables on would-be criminals.
Many times, it has an element of humor. Sometimes the entire periodic table.
Take this story out of Florida:
A 91-year-old man trying to defend his home got out of bed naked and held an intruder at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
Robert Thompson said he woke up early Saturday morning and heard his dog barking.
He told police the intruder tried to get away through a screen door.
So Thompson grabbed the telephone and dialed 911.
He then grabbed his .38 special revolver, confronted the man and fired a warning shot.
The man stopped, and Thompson kicked out a chair and said "Sit down." The suspect did as he was told.
When Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, they pulled their guns on him and told him to drop his.
When he did, the gun went off and bullet fragments struck him in the leg.
He was taken to the hospital.
Deputies said the intruder, identified as Jose Pasqual, 26, was intoxicated at the time.
Thompson was back on his feet today, attending his regular ballroom dancing class.
And what a great story for Mr. Pasqual to tell his fellow inmates in the holding tank.
"Yeah, so I was breaking in and this naked old man with a gun caught me."
Many times, it has an element of humor. Sometimes the entire periodic table.
Take this story out of Florida:
A 91-year-old man trying to defend his home got out of bed naked and held an intruder at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
Robert Thompson said he woke up early Saturday morning and heard his dog barking.
He told police the intruder tried to get away through a screen door.
So Thompson grabbed the telephone and dialed 911.
He then grabbed his .38 special revolver, confronted the man and fired a warning shot.
The man stopped, and Thompson kicked out a chair and said "Sit down." The suspect did as he was told.
When Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, they pulled their guns on him and told him to drop his.
When he did, the gun went off and bullet fragments struck him in the leg.
He was taken to the hospital.
Deputies said the intruder, identified as Jose Pasqual, 26, was intoxicated at the time.
Thompson was back on his feet today, attending his regular ballroom dancing class.
And what a great story for Mr. Pasqual to tell his fellow inmates in the holding tank.
"Yeah, so I was breaking in and this naked old man with a gun caught me."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What Were You Thinking??
There are some stories (many, in fact) that come across the desk or spill out over the scanner that seem to effortlessly demand the immediate uttering, "What the hell were you thinking??"
Case in point:
BPD Press Release
On 9/16/09, at 9:17 a.m., Bakersfield Police officers responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress on top of the parking garage adjacent to the Stockdale Tower, 5060 California Avenue. Witnesses inside the upper floors of the Tower observed three suspects transferring property from one vehicle to another and at least one of the suspects was wearing gloves.
Officers Erik Forbus and Verion Coleman arrived first and observed the following three suspects on top of the garage:
Dennis Barton 37
Andrew Eugene Williams 24
Tara Marie Monti 20
Officer Forbus detained Williams and Monti who were in a black GMC truck but when Officer Coleman attempted to contact Barton, he drove away in a white Jeep Wrangler which was previously reported stolen. As Barton proceeded downward toward the exit, Motorcycle Officer Santiago Baltazar entered the garage and heard the radio traffic that indicated Barton was fleeing in the Jeep as well as the squealing tires from the Jeep as Barton approached him.
Officer Baltazar got off of his motorcycle and moved away from it as Barton approached. Barton did not strike the officer but narrowly missed the officer and the motorcycle as he disregarded the officer’s orders and continued to flee. As Barton passed Officer Baltazar he collided with parked cars causing the jeep to spin 180 degrees and stop. Barton then drove in reverse to get away, striking two more cars causing the Jeep to stop. Officer Baltazar approached Barton and the Jeep, ordering him to exit. Barton instead accelerated toward Officer Baltazar who fired his duty weapon at Barton multiple times and jumped out of the way to avoid being struck.
After Barton passed Officer Baltazar he struck the police motorcycle and another parked car which incapacitated the Jeep. Barton exited the Jeep but refused to obey the officer’s commands. Officer Baltazar transitioned from his firearm to his Taser and when Barton continued to ignore his orders, Officer Baltazar shot Barton with Taser darts. Only one dart struck Barton and the Taser was ineffective.
Barton ran past Officer Baltazar and out of the parking garage. Officer Baltazar pursued Barton and he and other officers were able to take Barton into custody on the center divider in the 5000 block of California Avenue.
Williams, Monti and Barton are all in custody and the investigation is continuing.
The Jeep and a Toyota Scion were taken during a residential burglary from a gated community in Seven Oaks early this morning. The investigation into that offense is continuing.
Officer Baltazar has been with the Bakersfield Police Department since January 2005. He will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the investigation and internal review.
End press release:
There you have it, taking a bad situation and making it worse. The definition of an idiot in action.
Case in point:
BPD Press Release
On 9/16/09, at 9:17 a.m., Bakersfield Police officers responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress on top of the parking garage adjacent to the Stockdale Tower, 5060 California Avenue. Witnesses inside the upper floors of the Tower observed three suspects transferring property from one vehicle to another and at least one of the suspects was wearing gloves.
Officers Erik Forbus and Verion Coleman arrived first and observed the following three suspects on top of the garage:
Dennis Barton 37
Andrew Eugene Williams 24
Tara Marie Monti 20
Officer Forbus detained Williams and Monti who were in a black GMC truck but when Officer Coleman attempted to contact Barton, he drove away in a white Jeep Wrangler which was previously reported stolen. As Barton proceeded downward toward the exit, Motorcycle Officer Santiago Baltazar entered the garage and heard the radio traffic that indicated Barton was fleeing in the Jeep as well as the squealing tires from the Jeep as Barton approached him.
Officer Baltazar got off of his motorcycle and moved away from it as Barton approached. Barton did not strike the officer but narrowly missed the officer and the motorcycle as he disregarded the officer’s orders and continued to flee. As Barton passed Officer Baltazar he collided with parked cars causing the jeep to spin 180 degrees and stop. Barton then drove in reverse to get away, striking two more cars causing the Jeep to stop. Officer Baltazar approached Barton and the Jeep, ordering him to exit. Barton instead accelerated toward Officer Baltazar who fired his duty weapon at Barton multiple times and jumped out of the way to avoid being struck.
After Barton passed Officer Baltazar he struck the police motorcycle and another parked car which incapacitated the Jeep. Barton exited the Jeep but refused to obey the officer’s commands. Officer Baltazar transitioned from his firearm to his Taser and when Barton continued to ignore his orders, Officer Baltazar shot Barton with Taser darts. Only one dart struck Barton and the Taser was ineffective.
Barton ran past Officer Baltazar and out of the parking garage. Officer Baltazar pursued Barton and he and other officers were able to take Barton into custody on the center divider in the 5000 block of California Avenue.
Williams, Monti and Barton are all in custody and the investigation is continuing.
The Jeep and a Toyota Scion were taken during a residential burglary from a gated community in Seven Oaks early this morning. The investigation into that offense is continuing.
Officer Baltazar has been with the Bakersfield Police Department since January 2005. He will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the investigation and internal review.
End press release:
There you have it, taking a bad situation and making it worse. The definition of an idiot in action.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Mandatory Evacuation Means MANDATORY!!
What part of mandatory don't you understand??
I understand that it's practically impossible to predict precisely where a wildfire will unleash it's destructive force.
Yes, I'm aware that by monitoring a variety of weather related instruments, taking into account terrain, the last time an area burned... yada... yada... yada... fire officials can plot a course of destruction.
It's using this information that the command center will issue evacuation orders for various communities.
So, when an order, er, request is given to evacuate, you might want to listen.
Yes, it can be an inconvenience for some people who live in fire prone area's. False alarms are probably part of life on the mountain.
The Station Fire is currently ravaging an area northeast of Los Angeles, burning 21 homes (so far) and thousands of acres. Not to mention, the possibility of roasting about two dozen TV, radio and emergency transmitter towers.
Then, we have a handful of people who refused to leave when firefighters told them to over the weekend, who became trapped by the flames.
They called for help, asking firefighters to put their own people into harm's way, to save their hides.
I listened to a co-worker last week discuss so-called "mandatory evacuation" orders with a producer.
She adamantly lectured the younger producer that there was "no such thing as a mandatory evacuation order" because in her words, "no one can make you leave your house".
Really.... unfortunately there IS such a thing as emergency crews, both law enforcement and fire, that are saddled with the task of rescuing people from themselves on a daily basis.
There are people out there who sadly NEED people looking out for them.
When you're told to leave, or excuse me, asked to leave forcefully, PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM!
If the fire passes your home or neighborhood afterwards, without so much as a burnt leaf, then you can complain about having to throw things in the car in the dead of night in some kind of fire drill.
It might be an inconvenience, yes.
But at least you won't be left wondering if someone will find it an inconvenience to risk THEIR life to pull you out of an inferno.
I understand that it's practically impossible to predict precisely where a wildfire will unleash it's destructive force.
Yes, I'm aware that by monitoring a variety of weather related instruments, taking into account terrain, the last time an area burned... yada... yada... yada... fire officials can plot a course of destruction.
It's using this information that the command center will issue evacuation orders for various communities.
So, when an order, er, request is given to evacuate, you might want to listen.
Yes, it can be an inconvenience for some people who live in fire prone area's. False alarms are probably part of life on the mountain.
The Station Fire is currently ravaging an area northeast of Los Angeles, burning 21 homes (so far) and thousands of acres. Not to mention, the possibility of roasting about two dozen TV, radio and emergency transmitter towers.
Then, we have a handful of people who refused to leave when firefighters told them to over the weekend, who became trapped by the flames.
They called for help, asking firefighters to put their own people into harm's way, to save their hides.
I listened to a co-worker last week discuss so-called "mandatory evacuation" orders with a producer.
She adamantly lectured the younger producer that there was "no such thing as a mandatory evacuation order" because in her words, "no one can make you leave your house".
Really.... unfortunately there IS such a thing as emergency crews, both law enforcement and fire, that are saddled with the task of rescuing people from themselves on a daily basis.
There are people out there who sadly NEED people looking out for them.
When you're told to leave, or excuse me, asked to leave forcefully, PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM!
If the fire passes your home or neighborhood afterwards, without so much as a burnt leaf, then you can complain about having to throw things in the car in the dead of night in some kind of fire drill.
It might be an inconvenience, yes.
But at least you won't be left wondering if someone will find it an inconvenience to risk THEIR life to pull you out of an inferno.
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Smoker's Reward
I'm not a cold-hearted individual, despite sarcastic and insensitive tendencies when faced with the following story.
An L.A. jury has just awarded the daughter of a longtime smoker 13.8 million dollars in punitive damages.
The victim, Betty Bullock, died of lung cancer in 2003, but before she passed, filed a lawsuit against Phillip Morris USA for fraud and product liability.
If the name or case sounds familiar, it was seven years ago a jury awarded Betty a record 28 billion dollars in damages, until a judge reduced it to 28 million.
An appeals court reversed that decision last year, an ordered a new trial which produced today's award.
If it gets dragged out another six years, the award might vanish completely.
And I believe that would be the right decision.
I'm not one who gets all wrapped up in talk of addictions.
For example when I was younger I drank. I drank quite a bit at times. I drank quite often.
I then got married and slowed down.
We had kids and I slowed down even more.
Now there is dust on the bottles in my liquor cabinet and expired beer cans in the mini-fridge.
I enjoy a glass of wine or two at dinner with my wife, and the occasional beer or two during football season or my annual guys weekend in Las Vegas.
I don't get the shakes, I don't sit around craving alcohol... I never have and probably never will.
I smoked when I was younger and, the way I see it, grew out of it.
No one forced me to do any of those things. It was my choice. I knew all the warnings and read all the labels.
I didn't blame anyone then for my choices and I wouldn't now.
I understand that some people feel they are prisoners to such vices, I just don't understand the "addiction" or "disease".
I'm kinda like Tommy Lasorda.
The old Dodger skipper was talking to a small collection of reporters (me included) during opening day back in the mid-90's, when he was asked about Daryl Strawberry's suspension for cocaine addition.
Tommy lashed out saying it was a "weakness", not a disease and not an addiction.
I'm from this school of thought. Smoking is not illegal. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.
Now they want to make marijuana legal. I say let them. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.
But it won't stop someone from screaming "fraud" when faced with the possibility of death.
It's cold, it's final and it's something you can't rationalize with once it comes knocking at the door.
That's your final reward.
An L.A. jury has just awarded the daughter of a longtime smoker 13.8 million dollars in punitive damages.
The victim, Betty Bullock, died of lung cancer in 2003, but before she passed, filed a lawsuit against Phillip Morris USA for fraud and product liability.
If the name or case sounds familiar, it was seven years ago a jury awarded Betty a record 28 billion dollars in damages, until a judge reduced it to 28 million.
An appeals court reversed that decision last year, an ordered a new trial which produced today's award.
If it gets dragged out another six years, the award might vanish completely.
And I believe that would be the right decision.
I'm not one who gets all wrapped up in talk of addictions.
For example when I was younger I drank. I drank quite a bit at times. I drank quite often.
I then got married and slowed down.
We had kids and I slowed down even more.
Now there is dust on the bottles in my liquor cabinet and expired beer cans in the mini-fridge.
I enjoy a glass of wine or two at dinner with my wife, and the occasional beer or two during football season or my annual guys weekend in Las Vegas.
I don't get the shakes, I don't sit around craving alcohol... I never have and probably never will.
I smoked when I was younger and, the way I see it, grew out of it.
No one forced me to do any of those things. It was my choice. I knew all the warnings and read all the labels.
I didn't blame anyone then for my choices and I wouldn't now.
I understand that some people feel they are prisoners to such vices, I just don't understand the "addiction" or "disease".
I'm kinda like Tommy Lasorda.
The old Dodger skipper was talking to a small collection of reporters (me included) during opening day back in the mid-90's, when he was asked about Daryl Strawberry's suspension for cocaine addition.
Tommy lashed out saying it was a "weakness", not a disease and not an addiction.
I'm from this school of thought. Smoking is not illegal. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.
Now they want to make marijuana legal. I say let them. You know the risks. You understand the consequences.
But it won't stop someone from screaming "fraud" when faced with the possibility of death.
It's cold, it's final and it's something you can't rationalize with once it comes knocking at the door.
That's your final reward.
Blogging Difficulties
ATTENTION... ATTENTION... THIS BLOG HAS BEEN HAMPERED BY UNKNOWN AND MYSTERIOUS HICCUPS AND CONNECTION ISSUES...
I WILL CONTINUE TO TRY AND POST FROM TIME TO TIME... AND MORE OFTEN ONCE THIS PROBLEM IS ELIMINATED.
THAT IS ALL....
I WILL CONTINUE TO TRY AND POST FROM TIME TO TIME... AND MORE OFTEN ONCE THIS PROBLEM IS ELIMINATED.
THAT IS ALL....
Monday, July 27, 2009
Street Racing Sting!!
The CHP is starting to take a keen interest in busting up illegal street racing in Kern County, targeting rural roads on the weekend.
They've already busted up two parties, the most recent last Saturday night on Garces Highway just west of Enos Lane near Delano.
The Task Force observed vehicles racing westbound on Garces Hwy with between 250 and 300 people lining both shoulders of the roadway.
Officers simply blocked the exits and proceeded to arrest 163 individuals.
The ages ranged from 13 to 26 years of age.
It was a few months ago that two CHP officers attempted to break up a street race and inadvertently fired several shots at a car that allegedly accelerated towards an officer. The shots hit a 14-yr old girl in the front passenger seat. Her family is currently suing the CHP.
Forget about the fact this 14-yr old was out after curfew, riding around with a couple nitrous nitwits and doing who knows what. We attempted to ask her attorney, who only said he didn't want to talk about that, only the officers disregard for proper procedure.
As long as we're busting 13-yr old kids, how about taking the child (not teen) to his house and locking up mom and dad while we're at it.
Let the kid stay home while the parents are downtown getting fingerprinted. I mean, they obviously feel he/she is responsible enough to be out at midnight on a weekend. And if he needs a ride anywhere, he's got a friend close by that can get him anywhere he wants to go FAST!!!
The Task Force reminds you to call 911, if you see anything that appears to be “Street Racing” activity in the dead of night.
Who knows, you might save someones teenager.
They've already busted up two parties, the most recent last Saturday night on Garces Highway just west of Enos Lane near Delano.
The Task Force observed vehicles racing westbound on Garces Hwy with between 250 and 300 people lining both shoulders of the roadway.
Officers simply blocked the exits and proceeded to arrest 163 individuals.
The ages ranged from 13 to 26 years of age.
It was a few months ago that two CHP officers attempted to break up a street race and inadvertently fired several shots at a car that allegedly accelerated towards an officer. The shots hit a 14-yr old girl in the front passenger seat. Her family is currently suing the CHP.
Forget about the fact this 14-yr old was out after curfew, riding around with a couple nitrous nitwits and doing who knows what. We attempted to ask her attorney, who only said he didn't want to talk about that, only the officers disregard for proper procedure.
As long as we're busting 13-yr old kids, how about taking the child (not teen) to his house and locking up mom and dad while we're at it.
Let the kid stay home while the parents are downtown getting fingerprinted. I mean, they obviously feel he/she is responsible enough to be out at midnight on a weekend. And if he needs a ride anywhere, he's got a friend close by that can get him anywhere he wants to go FAST!!!
The Task Force reminds you to call 911, if you see anything that appears to be “Street Racing” activity in the dead of night.
Who knows, you might save someones teenager.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Such A Waste
I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but the vacation has ended.
Sadly, many lives have ended in the past month. A variety of shootings and attacks starting with a senseless killing at a family reunion early in the morning on July 5th leading up to the violent attack of a would-be good Samaritan in the drive-thru of a Del Taco at the Northwest Promenade.
Police will tell you that violence increases with the mercury.
The hotter the temperature, the more people are prone to lose it.
But what would make a group of people beat someone to death?
27-yr old Josh Robertson was riding in a car driven by an ex-girlfriend around 2am last week, sitting in a drive-thru at Del Taco behind a car full of guys.
Robertson took issue with some of the things the men were saying to the employee and got out of the car. I'm told he is some kind of manager for Del Taco.
His mother said Josh was "extremely intoxicated" at the time of the incident and when he faced off with one of the men in the other car, he swung but never landed a punch, unless you count it when he hit the ground.
He may have missed, but the man and several of his friends did not.
They beat him as he laid on the ground, then, propped him up against a wall .
Family members say that Doctors tell them it was this position that cut off oxygen to his brain.
He now lays at Mercy Southwest with no brain activity, and the family hoping for a miracle.
A miracle would be charges of manslaughter or even murder being brought against one or more of the attackers.
While I normally don't take sides with anyone involved in a drunken brawl, there something pathetic about someone who would beat anyone who is flat on the ground.
I do believe that Josh should have just stayed in the car and waited for the idiots to pull away. Unless there was some direct threat to the employee, aside from ridiculous drunken comments, it could have ended when their order was finished or someone calling 911.
The only real threat was Josh calling attention to the rude and childish behavior of a couple jerks.
There are rumors that one or more of the accused are members of the CSUB wrestling team. No one from the University will comment yet, obviously, until the investigation is completed.
But it really doesn't matter who they are, only that what they did was reprehensible.
Sadly, many lives have ended in the past month. A variety of shootings and attacks starting with a senseless killing at a family reunion early in the morning on July 5th leading up to the violent attack of a would-be good Samaritan in the drive-thru of a Del Taco at the Northwest Promenade.
Police will tell you that violence increases with the mercury.
The hotter the temperature, the more people are prone to lose it.
But what would make a group of people beat someone to death?
27-yr old Josh Robertson was riding in a car driven by an ex-girlfriend around 2am last week, sitting in a drive-thru at Del Taco behind a car full of guys.
Robertson took issue with some of the things the men were saying to the employee and got out of the car. I'm told he is some kind of manager for Del Taco.
His mother said Josh was "extremely intoxicated" at the time of the incident and when he faced off with one of the men in the other car, he swung but never landed a punch, unless you count it when he hit the ground.
He may have missed, but the man and several of his friends did not.
They beat him as he laid on the ground, then, propped him up against a wall .
Family members say that Doctors tell them it was this position that cut off oxygen to his brain.
He now lays at Mercy Southwest with no brain activity, and the family hoping for a miracle.
A miracle would be charges of manslaughter or even murder being brought against one or more of the attackers.
While I normally don't take sides with anyone involved in a drunken brawl, there something pathetic about someone who would beat anyone who is flat on the ground.
I do believe that Josh should have just stayed in the car and waited for the idiots to pull away. Unless there was some direct threat to the employee, aside from ridiculous drunken comments, it could have ended when their order was finished or someone calling 911.
The only real threat was Josh calling attention to the rude and childish behavior of a couple jerks.
There are rumors that one or more of the accused are members of the CSUB wrestling team. No one from the University will comment yet, obviously, until the investigation is completed.
But it really doesn't matter who they are, only that what they did was reprehensible.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Screeching, Smoking Tires!!!
It might be the closest I've ever come to serious injury or death.
I've done things in my life (younger days) that could have been perceived as risky, maybe stupid, but never found myself, intentionally or unintentionally, in the path of something potentially deadly.
Until this morning.
I was running errands between newscasts in southwest Bakersfield, just west of the Marketplace on Ming Ave.
Sitting at a red light, waiting to go west through the intersection of Ming and Old River. I was sitting in the middle lane with a dark colored mini-SUV on my left and another 4-door car on my right.
The light changed to green and the SUV on my left sped away quickly. Once I got about 15 feet into the intersection, the SUV was gone and I got my first look at the beige-colored Toyota Highlander Hybrid ROARING at me.
The dark-haired woman driver was going north on Old River at a high rate of speed, when the light changed to red and she was too busy to notice.
How did I know she was driving fast?
It must have been the screeching sound and smoke from the tires as she slid towards me.
New cars have anti-lock brakes that prevent it from "locking up" the brakes. You have to be pushing the brake pedal through the floor board to get a new car sliding.
My momentum carried me just out of reach, as I looked up in the rear-view mirror just in time to see her slide just past the back end of the car.
I stopped in the opposite crosswalk. I paused for a moment to make sure I was OK and no one else had gotten T-boned in the process.
I glanced just long enough to see the woman pause, then pick up her cell phone and continue through the intersection.
If there wasn't any traffic now starting to come behind me, I was half-tempted to swing around and go after her.
I wasn't angry, but irritated by her lack of attention. Annoyed by her use of a cell phone in the now blue-tooth state of California. Terrified by what might have been for me and anyone else in that intersection.
I started thinking of my wife who was struck by a red-light runner last December. It was foggy and the other driver apparently didn't see the light. Lori and my son Michael escaped without injury.
I, at least, didn't get hit.
I don't think there's a driver alive who hasn't been distracted at some point in their life and had a close call of some kind. We've all been there right?!
Only this time, I was the potential victim.
I hope the woman went through some of the same anxieties I did as she was sliding out of control through the intersection. I hope she drove another 100 feet, pulled off the road and reflected on what happened. I hope she didn't pick that cell phone back up and say to whoever was on the other end of the line, "Boy that was a close call (laugh)."
And I hope, we never cross paths again.
I've done things in my life (younger days) that could have been perceived as risky, maybe stupid, but never found myself, intentionally or unintentionally, in the path of something potentially deadly.
Until this morning.
I was running errands between newscasts in southwest Bakersfield, just west of the Marketplace on Ming Ave.
Sitting at a red light, waiting to go west through the intersection of Ming and Old River. I was sitting in the middle lane with a dark colored mini-SUV on my left and another 4-door car on my right.
The light changed to green and the SUV on my left sped away quickly. Once I got about 15 feet into the intersection, the SUV was gone and I got my first look at the beige-colored Toyota Highlander Hybrid ROARING at me.
The dark-haired woman driver was going north on Old River at a high rate of speed, when the light changed to red and she was too busy to notice.
How did I know she was driving fast?
It must have been the screeching sound and smoke from the tires as she slid towards me.
New cars have anti-lock brakes that prevent it from "locking up" the brakes. You have to be pushing the brake pedal through the floor board to get a new car sliding.
My momentum carried me just out of reach, as I looked up in the rear-view mirror just in time to see her slide just past the back end of the car.
I stopped in the opposite crosswalk. I paused for a moment to make sure I was OK and no one else had gotten T-boned in the process.
I glanced just long enough to see the woman pause, then pick up her cell phone and continue through the intersection.
If there wasn't any traffic now starting to come behind me, I was half-tempted to swing around and go after her.
I wasn't angry, but irritated by her lack of attention. Annoyed by her use of a cell phone in the now blue-tooth state of California. Terrified by what might have been for me and anyone else in that intersection.
I started thinking of my wife who was struck by a red-light runner last December. It was foggy and the other driver apparently didn't see the light. Lori and my son Michael escaped without injury.
I, at least, didn't get hit.
I don't think there's a driver alive who hasn't been distracted at some point in their life and had a close call of some kind. We've all been there right?!
Only this time, I was the potential victim.
I hope the woman went through some of the same anxieties I did as she was sliding out of control through the intersection. I hope she drove another 100 feet, pulled off the road and reflected on what happened. I hope she didn't pick that cell phone back up and say to whoever was on the other end of the line, "Boy that was a close call (laugh)."
And I hope, we never cross paths again.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Different Ruling, Same Outcome
It's the issue that will never die.
Same-sex marriage. Three words that have spawned a great divide between people across the state and around the world. And, sadly, it will never be bridged.
Yes, the divide has gotten smaller in recent years (52% to 48% in the last election) but it will always remain.
The California Supreme Court (which has done more flip-flopping on this issue than a presidential candidate) has ruled this time, that the voter-approved ban to be constitutional. The same court which ordered the state in May 2008 to recognize gay marriage.
Only difference this time, the 18,000 or so same-sex marriage licenses that were issued during the lull in the debate will remain valid.
But no matter what any court rules, no matter which way the electorate swings, no matter where the debate is broached, there will always be a void.
This goes way beyond any legal wrangling and lands smack dab in the middle of religion. That's where the right wants it and where the left wants to keep it away from.
Ultimately, this is where I believe the final battle will take place.
Gay marriage support groups are already planning to put the issue back before the voters sometime next year.
Let's say for the sake of argument the proposition passes and the right decides they've had enough. Gay marriage is now legal in California.
Is that it? Will we finally be at peace as a state?
I don't think so.
I, like many people, am tired of the debate, the screaming, the finger-pointing and the homophobic accusations.
And I don't think legalization will end it.
I believe same-sex marriage supporters will then go after any church's tax exempt status that denies a gay couple the right to marry and that might be their downfall.
Say what you want about a person's religious beliefs, but you attack their maker, and it's a whole other ballgame.
That's when people on the fence of this issue, might finally decide to get back in the game.
Same-sex marriage. Three words that have spawned a great divide between people across the state and around the world. And, sadly, it will never be bridged.
Yes, the divide has gotten smaller in recent years (52% to 48% in the last election) but it will always remain.
The California Supreme Court (which has done more flip-flopping on this issue than a presidential candidate) has ruled this time, that the voter-approved ban to be constitutional. The same court which ordered the state in May 2008 to recognize gay marriage.
Only difference this time, the 18,000 or so same-sex marriage licenses that were issued during the lull in the debate will remain valid.
But no matter what any court rules, no matter which way the electorate swings, no matter where the debate is broached, there will always be a void.
This goes way beyond any legal wrangling and lands smack dab in the middle of religion. That's where the right wants it and where the left wants to keep it away from.
Ultimately, this is where I believe the final battle will take place.
Gay marriage support groups are already planning to put the issue back before the voters sometime next year.
Let's say for the sake of argument the proposition passes and the right decides they've had enough. Gay marriage is now legal in California.
Is that it? Will we finally be at peace as a state?
I don't think so.
I, like many people, am tired of the debate, the screaming, the finger-pointing and the homophobic accusations.
And I don't think legalization will end it.
I believe same-sex marriage supporters will then go after any church's tax exempt status that denies a gay couple the right to marry and that might be their downfall.
Say what you want about a person's religious beliefs, but you attack their maker, and it's a whole other ballgame.
That's when people on the fence of this issue, might finally decide to get back in the game.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Miss Ridiculous Pageant
Move over Miss California, one of your predecessors is getting into the fight.
I tried to ignore this ridiculous battle, but it's time to jump in.
One day after the "Don" backed the current sash-wearing recipient Carrie Prejean, former Miss USA Shanna Moakler has resigned as co-executive director of the Miss California USA Pageant.
She didn't like Donald Trump's decision NOT to fire Prejean.
Here's a little bit from today's AP story: "At a news conference Monday, Moakler had angrily accused Prejean of violating the contract she signed with pageant organizers by speaking out on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she had posed nearly nude for racy photographs before entering the state pageant, which leads to the Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions."
He did call the photo's "risque", but added it's the 21st century.
Yes it is, now let's get a grip.
Moakler says she no longer believes in the Miss Universe Organization and what it stands for after she believes Trump gave Prejean a pass.
Gave her a pass? Let's back up and take a look at the video replay of the ambush supplied by celebrity (haha) judge Perez Hilton during the pageant.
The look on her face is total shock as she starts to answer. She stumbles a bit, as she begins to recite the politically-correct answer, then, in mid-stream, she speaks her mind.. her opinion.. and then, is crucified for it.
What did you expect? Hilton obviously knew what he was doing. Perhaps a pre-interview or questionnaire filled out by Prejean tipped her hand and gave Hilton the target he was fishing for.
She was served up on a ratings platter.
So, she went out after the fact and made a few speeches to support her beliefs and the pageant folks in California don't like it.
Trump does, if there's one thing he knows is controversy sells, and sells big!!
He won't fire her, Hilton or anyone else that provides HIS pageant with a spark.
Anyone who dares to wear the sash from this day forward needs to be prepared for a new generation of pageant pratfalls.
Gone are the days of world peace, prepare for the crowning blow!!!
I tried to ignore this ridiculous battle, but it's time to jump in.
One day after the "Don" backed the current sash-wearing recipient Carrie Prejean, former Miss USA Shanna Moakler has resigned as co-executive director of the Miss California USA Pageant.
She didn't like Donald Trump's decision NOT to fire Prejean.
Here's a little bit from today's AP story: "At a news conference Monday, Moakler had angrily accused Prejean of violating the contract she signed with pageant organizers by speaking out on behalf of organizations opposed to gay marriage and by failing to disclose she had posed nearly nude for racy photographs before entering the state pageant, which leads to the Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions."
He did call the photo's "risque", but added it's the 21st century.
Yes it is, now let's get a grip.
Moakler says she no longer believes in the Miss Universe Organization and what it stands for after she believes Trump gave Prejean a pass.
Gave her a pass? Let's back up and take a look at the video replay of the ambush supplied by celebrity (haha) judge Perez Hilton during the pageant.
The look on her face is total shock as she starts to answer. She stumbles a bit, as she begins to recite the politically-correct answer, then, in mid-stream, she speaks her mind.. her opinion.. and then, is crucified for it.
What did you expect? Hilton obviously knew what he was doing. Perhaps a pre-interview or questionnaire filled out by Prejean tipped her hand and gave Hilton the target he was fishing for.
She was served up on a ratings platter.
So, she went out after the fact and made a few speeches to support her beliefs and the pageant folks in California don't like it.
Trump does, if there's one thing he knows is controversy sells, and sells big!!
He won't fire her, Hilton or anyone else that provides HIS pageant with a spark.
Anyone who dares to wear the sash from this day forward needs to be prepared for a new generation of pageant pratfalls.
Gone are the days of world peace, prepare for the crowning blow!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Steroids Statute Of Limitations
Leave Manny alone...
That's right, Manny Ramirez, mayor of Mannywood, the bulked-up bambino of Los Angeles.
So reality has finally slapped everyone in the face and the rumors of steroid use by MLB's biggest hitter is now making headlines.
So what...
He's reportedly been doing it for years, like many (not all) of the big names in baseball.
They're called the steroid generation for a reason, but they're not alone.
Performance enhancement supplements are everywhere and have been for a long time. Just take a look around your own neighborhood in any town U.S.A.
A wire copy story from two years ago surveyed nearly 2,000 people who went to the gym regularly and used anabolic steroids. It found the majority were white males in their late 20's or early 30's who held jobs in the private sector, made above-average income and were NOT in professional sports.
The reason: they just wanted to look better, no matter what the cost.
Take a look at some kids in local high schools or colleges. Some of the kids walking around the mall with the wife beater t-shirts. All bulked up (ripped) at a very early age. I've heard the argument "oh, well he's in the gym for 6-8 hours a day, he's a gym rat".
Yeah, I thought I smelled a rat!
Steroids, supplements, cream and clear, whatever, it's out there and law enforcement is powerless to stop it.
I've heard stories about players from a local high school football team in the mid-to-late 90's that would travel to Mexico to buy steroids and hide them in their car's rear speakers to bring them back across the border.
I've seen guys who came back from one season to the next, transformed into a monster seemingly overnight, with no second thought from the coaches.
No one who uses them seems to care. The risks are well-documented. No one can claim ignorance, just stupidity.
I've talked about a survey in S.I. years ago, asking Olympic athletes if they could take steroids and not get caught, that would guarantee a gold medal, but you'd be dead in 10 years. Would you take the drugs? It came back a ridiculously high number said they would!
Baseball just happens to be in the spotlight right now, but I say "SHUT IT OFF"!!
I'm sick of hearing about it. If you catch a steroid junkie using one particular type, they'll just return using something else. There are too many and not enough tests to detect them. (Although the visual test seems to be a pretty good indicator)
In the end, it's really not about the professional athletes who use them, but the young kids who start taking them and the parents and coaches who turn a blind eye.
Steroids for all my men (and women).
But don't come whining about your physical or mental deterioration when it comes back to bite you later on down the road.
I don't want to hear it.
And don't try to justify their use to me or dispel what you call the "myths".
I know, I know Manny, you didn't know what you were putting in your body.
If you don't care... well... you know my position.
That's right, Manny Ramirez, mayor of Mannywood, the bulked-up bambino of Los Angeles.
So reality has finally slapped everyone in the face and the rumors of steroid use by MLB's biggest hitter is now making headlines.
So what...
He's reportedly been doing it for years, like many (not all) of the big names in baseball.
They're called the steroid generation for a reason, but they're not alone.
Performance enhancement supplements are everywhere and have been for a long time. Just take a look around your own neighborhood in any town U.S.A.
A wire copy story from two years ago surveyed nearly 2,000 people who went to the gym regularly and used anabolic steroids. It found the majority were white males in their late 20's or early 30's who held jobs in the private sector, made above-average income and were NOT in professional sports.
The reason: they just wanted to look better, no matter what the cost.
Take a look at some kids in local high schools or colleges. Some of the kids walking around the mall with the wife beater t-shirts. All bulked up (ripped) at a very early age. I've heard the argument "oh, well he's in the gym for 6-8 hours a day, he's a gym rat".
Yeah, I thought I smelled a rat!
Steroids, supplements, cream and clear, whatever, it's out there and law enforcement is powerless to stop it.
I've heard stories about players from a local high school football team in the mid-to-late 90's that would travel to Mexico to buy steroids and hide them in their car's rear speakers to bring them back across the border.
I've seen guys who came back from one season to the next, transformed into a monster seemingly overnight, with no second thought from the coaches.
No one who uses them seems to care. The risks are well-documented. No one can claim ignorance, just stupidity.
I've talked about a survey in S.I. years ago, asking Olympic athletes if they could take steroids and not get caught, that would guarantee a gold medal, but you'd be dead in 10 years. Would you take the drugs? It came back a ridiculously high number said they would!
Baseball just happens to be in the spotlight right now, but I say "SHUT IT OFF"!!
I'm sick of hearing about it. If you catch a steroid junkie using one particular type, they'll just return using something else. There are too many and not enough tests to detect them. (Although the visual test seems to be a pretty good indicator)
In the end, it's really not about the professional athletes who use them, but the young kids who start taking them and the parents and coaches who turn a blind eye.
Steroids for all my men (and women).
But don't come whining about your physical or mental deterioration when it comes back to bite you later on down the road.
I don't want to hear it.
And don't try to justify their use to me or dispel what you call the "myths".
I know, I know Manny, you didn't know what you were putting in your body.
If you don't care... well... you know my position.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Act Like A Champion
It was pretty amazing to see.
Seven U.S. Olympic swimmers in one pool. A pool in Bakersfield. Spending the afternoon talking with more than 100 fellow tankers (slang for swimmers) who had visions of standing atop a podium sometime in the future.
Forget the podium, just wearing the red, white and blue speedo and racing for the U.S.A.
The world class caravan arrived with '96 triple Gold medalist Josh Davis leading the way.
The lineup was extremely impressive with Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, Gabe Woodward, Elaine Breeden, Dana Vollmer and Tara Kirk.
I talked with Jason Lezak a few months ago when he visited my son's swim school to sign a few autographs and take pictures. He was polite, patient and professional in dealing with all the kids that descended on him.
Sunday afternoon, that same character was evident with the rest of Team USA that spent a few hours talking and demonstrating technique with the clinic participants.
And I tried my best to reflect that same attitude.
My day started around 7am at a swim meet downtown. It transitioned into the clinic around 12:30 and continued until 5pm. I was hot, a little burnt and tired by the time it was over.
My son attempted to get autographs before the event started but got into line too late, and missed out in the pre-signing session. It was partly due to the fact that many people crashed the line ahead of us in their exuberance.
So be it. It happens.
Now, it's 10 hours into my day on the pool deck, I want to go home and I get into line as it starts to form after the session. The Olympians are moving back to their chairs. My son digs out his t-shirt and poster. We're 8 people back in a line that stretched to more than 50.
Then, the wayward mother pushes her teenage son into the line next to the people in front of us.
It's just 1 person, but it was the principle that started to irk me. I looked at the woman who was doing her best to avoid eye contact with me. She whispered to her son, looked toward the gold medalists, looked at her watch, etc, etc, etc.
Finally, she glanced at me, obviously feeling the stare that was digging into the side of her face.
She sheepishly asked me "is this the line for the signatures?!" I said, "Yes, and it ends back there."
I was very polite, almost too much so. I had a flashback to the movie "A Christmas Story" when Ralphie and his brother were trying to see Santa Claus, and they unknowingly cut into line.
But this woman simply smiled, ignored me, and continued to stand there.
The man behind me wasn't as kind. He nudged me, beginning to fume at this woman's obvious disregard for line etiquette.
I asked him what he wanted me to do. This woman and her teen didn't care. Maybe she had the same kind of day I did up to that point (although she lacked the sunburn I had attained).
He let out a heavy *sigh* that the line cutter heard. She turned and looked at me. I smiled and motioned to the man behind me. She gave him "the look" and turned back around.
At that point I glanced down at my son who was completely oblivious to everything going on, as he inched closer to getting the autographs that he so desperately wanted.
We moved through the line chatting and meeting each Olympic swimmer one-by-one. My son was having a ball. Every now and then, I'd glance back to see the other man still fuming as he glared at the line crasher.
We finished up with Tara Kirk, moved away from the table and took a long look at the T-Shirt and poster that would soon adorn my son's wall.
The cutter walked by giddy saying, "you're not gonna want to wash that t-shirt now, Dad!!"
I just smiled, knowing I acted like a champion in this situation.
I then moved away, so the other guy could have his say!!!
Seven U.S. Olympic swimmers in one pool. A pool in Bakersfield. Spending the afternoon talking with more than 100 fellow tankers (slang for swimmers) who had visions of standing atop a podium sometime in the future.
Forget the podium, just wearing the red, white and blue speedo and racing for the U.S.A.
The world class caravan arrived with '96 triple Gold medalist Josh Davis leading the way.
The lineup was extremely impressive with Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, Gabe Woodward, Elaine Breeden, Dana Vollmer and Tara Kirk.
I talked with Jason Lezak a few months ago when he visited my son's swim school to sign a few autographs and take pictures. He was polite, patient and professional in dealing with all the kids that descended on him.
Sunday afternoon, that same character was evident with the rest of Team USA that spent a few hours talking and demonstrating technique with the clinic participants.
And I tried my best to reflect that same attitude.
My day started around 7am at a swim meet downtown. It transitioned into the clinic around 12:30 and continued until 5pm. I was hot, a little burnt and tired by the time it was over.
My son attempted to get autographs before the event started but got into line too late, and missed out in the pre-signing session. It was partly due to the fact that many people crashed the line ahead of us in their exuberance.
So be it. It happens.
Now, it's 10 hours into my day on the pool deck, I want to go home and I get into line as it starts to form after the session. The Olympians are moving back to their chairs. My son digs out his t-shirt and poster. We're 8 people back in a line that stretched to more than 50.
Then, the wayward mother pushes her teenage son into the line next to the people in front of us.
It's just 1 person, but it was the principle that started to irk me. I looked at the woman who was doing her best to avoid eye contact with me. She whispered to her son, looked toward the gold medalists, looked at her watch, etc, etc, etc.
Finally, she glanced at me, obviously feeling the stare that was digging into the side of her face.
She sheepishly asked me "is this the line for the signatures?!" I said, "Yes, and it ends back there."
I was very polite, almost too much so. I had a flashback to the movie "A Christmas Story" when Ralphie and his brother were trying to see Santa Claus, and they unknowingly cut into line.
But this woman simply smiled, ignored me, and continued to stand there.
The man behind me wasn't as kind. He nudged me, beginning to fume at this woman's obvious disregard for line etiquette.
I asked him what he wanted me to do. This woman and her teen didn't care. Maybe she had the same kind of day I did up to that point (although she lacked the sunburn I had attained).
He let out a heavy *sigh* that the line cutter heard. She turned and looked at me. I smiled and motioned to the man behind me. She gave him "the look" and turned back around.
At that point I glanced down at my son who was completely oblivious to everything going on, as he inched closer to getting the autographs that he so desperately wanted.
We moved through the line chatting and meeting each Olympic swimmer one-by-one. My son was having a ball. Every now and then, I'd glance back to see the other man still fuming as he glared at the line crasher.
We finished up with Tara Kirk, moved away from the table and took a long look at the T-Shirt and poster that would soon adorn my son's wall.
The cutter walked by giddy saying, "you're not gonna want to wash that t-shirt now, Dad!!"
I just smiled, knowing I acted like a champion in this situation.
I then moved away, so the other guy could have his say!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Supervisors vs. the Sheriff
And the beat goes on...
The 5th District Court of Appeals has shot down the latest claim by former Sheriff Carl Sparks in his on-going battle to get compensated for his legal fees, in the now infamous struggle with the County over the nearly-forgotten premium pay lawsuit.
The court ruled that Sparks' attorney didn't file the paperwork in the proper order.
First, you file the claim, then you file the lawsuit.
His attorney disputes the ruling, and said it didn't matter, he has another petition that he hopes will bring the case from the 5th District court back to Kern County sometime this year.
I've forgotten what round this is, in a battle of hometown heavyweights.
Lest we forget, this entire fiasco began in November 2004 with the County wanting to recoup about $26,000 in overtime that they contend Sparks approved without the proper authority.
To date, Sparks estimates that his legal fees have reached about $350,000.
He says the County has spent more than that (since they went after the Commanders to begin with).
So for roughly $750,000, we will get to relish in another courtroom battle this year (and probably another after that) until someone cries "Uncle".
Which is not too far from the truth.
Sparks' attorney compared this trial to a book, which tells the story of a case that lasts for decades and is passed down from generation to generation.
He apparently has a sibling that might be going to law school and talked jokingly about passing the case onto her at some point down the road.
Is it possible that neither side in this dispute will finally blink and end this ridiculous posturing, or (more likely) will the costs just keep piling up until the debt becomes part of the County's annual budget?!
Now, remember, it's Sheriff Sparks who's still pushing the issue. The County has long since dropped this debate and is now only fighting to avoid getting stuck with the bill.
No dine and dash here!!
Nope, someone will end up paying.
Let's hope we're not the ones stuck in the kitchen washing the dishes.
The 5th District Court of Appeals has shot down the latest claim by former Sheriff Carl Sparks in his on-going battle to get compensated for his legal fees, in the now infamous struggle with the County over the nearly-forgotten premium pay lawsuit.
The court ruled that Sparks' attorney didn't file the paperwork in the proper order.
First, you file the claim, then you file the lawsuit.
His attorney disputes the ruling, and said it didn't matter, he has another petition that he hopes will bring the case from the 5th District court back to Kern County sometime this year.
I've forgotten what round this is, in a battle of hometown heavyweights.
Lest we forget, this entire fiasco began in November 2004 with the County wanting to recoup about $26,000 in overtime that they contend Sparks approved without the proper authority.
To date, Sparks estimates that his legal fees have reached about $350,000.
He says the County has spent more than that (since they went after the Commanders to begin with).
So for roughly $750,000, we will get to relish in another courtroom battle this year (and probably another after that) until someone cries "Uncle".
Which is not too far from the truth.
Sparks' attorney compared this trial to a book, which tells the story of a case that lasts for decades and is passed down from generation to generation.
He apparently has a sibling that might be going to law school and talked jokingly about passing the case onto her at some point down the road.
Is it possible that neither side in this dispute will finally blink and end this ridiculous posturing, or (more likely) will the costs just keep piling up until the debt becomes part of the County's annual budget?!
Now, remember, it's Sheriff Sparks who's still pushing the issue. The County has long since dropped this debate and is now only fighting to avoid getting stuck with the bill.
No dine and dash here!!
Nope, someone will end up paying.
Let's hope we're not the ones stuck in the kitchen washing the dishes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
On Fire Luncheon
Hats off to Bakersfield City and Kern County Firefighters!!
The Outback Steakhouse was overrun by firefighters and restaurant employees serving up more than 200 lunches, all to benefit the new Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital.
Men and women (mostly women) flooded into the central Bakersfield restaurant to plunk down $25 each for lunch, then dug deep for nearly a thousand dollars in tips.
All told, the fundraising event pulled in well over five thousand dollars.
Some firefighters were out of their element, while others showed some skills they attained before they ever picked up a hose. All in all, the customers were appreciative of the effort to benefit the families of children who are staying at the hospital.
There was one request for the next On Fire Lunch: single firefighters only, wearing muscle t-shirts and suspenders.
Ladies please, it's for the children... (plus there might be a health code issue :)
The Outback Steakhouse was overrun by firefighters and restaurant employees serving up more than 200 lunches, all to benefit the new Ronald McDonald House at Memorial Hospital.
Men and women (mostly women) flooded into the central Bakersfield restaurant to plunk down $25 each for lunch, then dug deep for nearly a thousand dollars in tips.
All told, the fundraising event pulled in well over five thousand dollars.
Some firefighters were out of their element, while others showed some skills they attained before they ever picked up a hose. All in all, the customers were appreciative of the effort to benefit the families of children who are staying at the hospital.
There was one request for the next On Fire Lunch: single firefighters only, wearing muscle t-shirts and suspenders.
Ladies please, it's for the children... (plus there might be a health code issue :)
While Supplies Last...
I told the person in the drive-thru that "I can take the heat".
She told me they were out until tomorrow.
Out?!
I wasn't given a timetable when I heard about this free promotion, but to be honest, the whole thing made me a little uncomfortable. I was brought up to believe when you get something for free, there are strings attached.
It's the same feeling I've been getting watching the whole bailout mess unfold. Billions upon billions of dollars doled out with occasional oversight, just enough to make us believe that someone is REALLY watching.
Maybe someone is, a little closer, than when this entire cash carnival began, but I think there are many people involved in this exchange of taxpayer funds, that don't feel the slightest bit uneasy about accepting our money.
It was recently revealed that the 700 billion dollar pot had about 100 billion left in it. Those in charge weren't very worried, because they were expecting about 25 billion to be paid back soon.
Exactly when will the check be postmarked?
G.M. took another two billion dollars today, as Chrysler is reportedly on the verge of collapse after it was carried by the taxpayers for a couple months.
How many other financial institutions will be following suit? Officials reiterate that anyone who received the bailout dollars were aware they would have to pay it back at some point.
Really?!
What if they can't? Will they continue on while the supply lasts, then shut the doors?!
The government might do what I did, spend a little more on what they didn't want (original chicken sandwich) and wait for tomorrow.
She told me they were out until tomorrow.
Out?!
I wasn't given a timetable when I heard about this free promotion, but to be honest, the whole thing made me a little uncomfortable. I was brought up to believe when you get something for free, there are strings attached.
It's the same feeling I've been getting watching the whole bailout mess unfold. Billions upon billions of dollars doled out with occasional oversight, just enough to make us believe that someone is REALLY watching.
Maybe someone is, a little closer, than when this entire cash carnival began, but I think there are many people involved in this exchange of taxpayer funds, that don't feel the slightest bit uneasy about accepting our money.
It was recently revealed that the 700 billion dollar pot had about 100 billion left in it. Those in charge weren't very worried, because they were expecting about 25 billion to be paid back soon.
Exactly when will the check be postmarked?
G.M. took another two billion dollars today, as Chrysler is reportedly on the verge of collapse after it was carried by the taxpayers for a couple months.
How many other financial institutions will be following suit? Officials reiterate that anyone who received the bailout dollars were aware they would have to pay it back at some point.
Really?!
What if they can't? Will they continue on while the supply lasts, then shut the doors?!
The government might do what I did, spend a little more on what they didn't want (original chicken sandwich) and wait for tomorrow.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Model For All Americans
President Barack Obama called it a "model for all Americans."
He was speaking of the "courage" shown by American freighter Captain Richard Phillips, at a time when many Americans in the business sector are showing a lack of character.
His unselfish and heroic actions not only saved his crew, but maybe this country's overall image in the international community. At least for the moment.
Before we get sidetracked on a rant about the nation's economy, I'll stick with the situation in the Indian Ocean.
The shooting of three Somali pirates by NAVY seals (one shot each, at night and in choppy water) has now forced the U.S. to deal with a problem that has plagued that region for years. The pirates do NOT operate in the Caribbean, but off the coast of Somali, as they have for more than a century. Considered a nuisance by some might be the reason no one has ever thought about taking them on until now.
Yes, I understand the political ramifications of the region, but the fact we took a stand (even if our hand was forced) I'm glad it was the U.S. not backing down to a terrorist in a pirate's costume.
I give the President a little bit of credit, after all he did give the green light to the Navy, in the event the situation escalated.
But let's not forget the crew of the freighter that fought to re-take the ship, and the Captain offering himself as a hostage to avoid a blood bath.
If that situation had never occurred, we could be negotiating with the pirates right now as the ship and it's crew sat in a Somali port along with hundreds of other hostages and ships.
The pirates are threatening to retaliate. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. The President has called for an international solution to piracy on the high sea's.
Thanks to a couple of crack shots from the US Navy, we will finally get the chance to explore it.
He was speaking of the "courage" shown by American freighter Captain Richard Phillips, at a time when many Americans in the business sector are showing a lack of character.
His unselfish and heroic actions not only saved his crew, but maybe this country's overall image in the international community. At least for the moment.
Before we get sidetracked on a rant about the nation's economy, I'll stick with the situation in the Indian Ocean.
The shooting of three Somali pirates by NAVY seals (one shot each, at night and in choppy water) has now forced the U.S. to deal with a problem that has plagued that region for years. The pirates do NOT operate in the Caribbean, but off the coast of Somali, as they have for more than a century. Considered a nuisance by some might be the reason no one has ever thought about taking them on until now.
Yes, I understand the political ramifications of the region, but the fact we took a stand (even if our hand was forced) I'm glad it was the U.S. not backing down to a terrorist in a pirate's costume.
I give the President a little bit of credit, after all he did give the green light to the Navy, in the event the situation escalated.
But let's not forget the crew of the freighter that fought to re-take the ship, and the Captain offering himself as a hostage to avoid a blood bath.
If that situation had never occurred, we could be negotiating with the pirates right now as the ship and it's crew sat in a Somali port along with hundreds of other hostages and ships.
The pirates are threatening to retaliate. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. The President has called for an international solution to piracy on the high sea's.
Thanks to a couple of crack shots from the US Navy, we will finally get the chance to explore it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Buildings at Riverwalk
It was a view I was starting to enjoy more and more.
Driving to work along Stockdale Highway and glancing over at the Park at Riverwalk.
The peaceful looking ponds (when people aren't swimming in them), the walking/bike paths, picnic areas and the ampitheatre.
Well, the ampitheatre before the start of construction on the new Target. Thank goodness the powers that be decided to scratch plans for the upscale shops and put in a Target or some other big box retailer.
The view of the ampitheatre is now blocked as you drive past the main entrance headed east on Stockdale.
You get a brief glimpse of it before BJ's, then the other Castle and Cooke dome building obscures the ampitheatre, until you pass Changs.
You can look back and see the backside of the structure, until of course they finish putting in the other businesses on the eastside of the complex.
I understand that this was the plan (or the revision of the original plan) for the area, but I grew fond of the ampitheatre and the grassy knoll as a selling point to draw people into the park.
Soon the view will be gone, unless you pull into the parking lot.
Brighthouse might want to rethink the sponsorship, since their sign will soon be obscured by progress.
Driving to work along Stockdale Highway and glancing over at the Park at Riverwalk.
The peaceful looking ponds (when people aren't swimming in them), the walking/bike paths, picnic areas and the ampitheatre.
Well, the ampitheatre before the start of construction on the new Target. Thank goodness the powers that be decided to scratch plans for the upscale shops and put in a Target or some other big box retailer.
The view of the ampitheatre is now blocked as you drive past the main entrance headed east on Stockdale.
You get a brief glimpse of it before BJ's, then the other Castle and Cooke dome building obscures the ampitheatre, until you pass Changs.
You can look back and see the backside of the structure, until of course they finish putting in the other businesses on the eastside of the complex.
I understand that this was the plan (or the revision of the original plan) for the area, but I grew fond of the ampitheatre and the grassy knoll as a selling point to draw people into the park.
Soon the view will be gone, unless you pull into the parking lot.
Brighthouse might want to rethink the sponsorship, since their sign will soon be obscured by progress.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Officer Involved Shooting, Again...
I've said it before, so I'll save the speech about obeying a police officer.
If a member of law enforcement is pointing their gun at you, ordering you to drop something, or get down, or hop on one leg, I'm doing it whether I understand why or not.
As of Tuesday morning, the BPD is investigating three officer involved shootings in three days.
Yes, three times someone did something in a threatening manner to cause an officer to pull their service revolver.
One person had a knife, another a gun and a third allegedly tried to run down an officer with his truck.
One was shot and killed, another wounded and a third was not hit by gunfire but later arrested. He's the lucky one.
But it's the reaction from some witnesses that baffles me.
In the case of the person wielding, not one, but two knifes, a witness told ABC23 he was concerned about collateral damage. The officer fired four shots, hitting the suspect twice.
The witness was worried about the other two bullets hitting bystanders. Fair enough. There have been plenty of instances over the years where innocent people have been hit by errant gunfire. Fortunately, no one else was injured.
Keep in mind, Officer Hinzo did NOT fire her weapon when the suspect threw the hunting knife in her direction. She ordered him to the ground as he pulled out a SECOND knife and unfolded it. Only after he began advancing towards her did she fire at him.
Another witness told us they never would have called police if they knew it was going to end in a shooting. Really?! Maybe Officer Hinzo should have tangled with the knife-wielding man using a taser, police baton or other type of non-lethal option. And, exactly what type of scenario do you believe warrants an officer shooting a suspect?
Police officials say they don't stop to try and consider a suspects mental condition when they are in possession of a weapon.
During a similar story I reported on nearly 10 years ago, a senior officer said this when it comes to confronting a suspect holding a weapon. If an officer shoots, he will keep shooting until the threat is neutralized. Does everyone understand?!
In another situation over the weekend, a boyfriend is trying to gain access to his girlfriend's home. There's reports of abuse. The guy shows up in her backyard HOLDING A GUN when he's confronted by a police officer who orders him to drop it. The man reportedly points the gun towards the officer and he's shot and killed.
What would you have an officer do in this situation? Let the person go free until a non-lethal alternative presents itself? Perhaps the officer should potentially sacrifice their life trying to physically disarm the suspect?
It's all so easy to quarterback after the fact, but put yourself in their shoes for a minute, if you dare.
This morning, a suspicious person is at a local apartment complex and when approached by an officer, tries to run him over with his truck. The officer fires a couple shots in self-defense. The suspect gets away and is eventually pulled over and taken into custody.
I hope this isn't a trend that we will see continue in 2009.
If a member of law enforcement is pointing their gun at you, ordering you to drop something, or get down, or hop on one leg, I'm doing it whether I understand why or not.
As of Tuesday morning, the BPD is investigating three officer involved shootings in three days.
Yes, three times someone did something in a threatening manner to cause an officer to pull their service revolver.
One person had a knife, another a gun and a third allegedly tried to run down an officer with his truck.
One was shot and killed, another wounded and a third was not hit by gunfire but later arrested. He's the lucky one.
But it's the reaction from some witnesses that baffles me.
In the case of the person wielding, not one, but two knifes, a witness told ABC23 he was concerned about collateral damage. The officer fired four shots, hitting the suspect twice.
The witness was worried about the other two bullets hitting bystanders. Fair enough. There have been plenty of instances over the years where innocent people have been hit by errant gunfire. Fortunately, no one else was injured.
Keep in mind, Officer Hinzo did NOT fire her weapon when the suspect threw the hunting knife in her direction. She ordered him to the ground as he pulled out a SECOND knife and unfolded it. Only after he began advancing towards her did she fire at him.
Another witness told us they never would have called police if they knew it was going to end in a shooting. Really?! Maybe Officer Hinzo should have tangled with the knife-wielding man using a taser, police baton or other type of non-lethal option. And, exactly what type of scenario do you believe warrants an officer shooting a suspect?
Police officials say they don't stop to try and consider a suspects mental condition when they are in possession of a weapon.
During a similar story I reported on nearly 10 years ago, a senior officer said this when it comes to confronting a suspect holding a weapon. If an officer shoots, he will keep shooting until the threat is neutralized. Does everyone understand?!
In another situation over the weekend, a boyfriend is trying to gain access to his girlfriend's home. There's reports of abuse. The guy shows up in her backyard HOLDING A GUN when he's confronted by a police officer who orders him to drop it. The man reportedly points the gun towards the officer and he's shot and killed.
What would you have an officer do in this situation? Let the person go free until a non-lethal alternative presents itself? Perhaps the officer should potentially sacrifice their life trying to physically disarm the suspect?
It's all so easy to quarterback after the fact, but put yourself in their shoes for a minute, if you dare.
This morning, a suspicious person is at a local apartment complex and when approached by an officer, tries to run him over with his truck. The officer fires a couple shots in self-defense. The suspect gets away and is eventually pulled over and taken into custody.
I hope this isn't a trend that we will see continue in 2009.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Pile on the Pork
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we in a recession?? An economic slowdown?? A financial funk?!!!
With that in mind, and the current debacle that has swallowed up jobs and retirement funds around the nation, why in the world would our elected representatives do something like this:
Congress is sending President Barack Obama a massive bill funding domestic programs and awarding lawmakers their cherished pet projects after more than a week of partisan debate.
Senators passed the measure by voice vote after voting 62-35 to shut down debate. The White House says Obama will sign the bill. It finishes up last year's budget business, which stalled as Democrats feuded with former President George W. Bush. The huge bill encountered unexpected difficulty in the wake of Obama's economic stimulus bill and a budget plan forecasting a $1.8 trillion deficit for the current budget year.
I know that I'm not privy to a lot of the wheeling and dealings in Washington, but how do you justify more than 400 million dollars in pork spending when Nancy Pelosi is talking about a 2nd stimulus package, while the first one is still being passed out?!
Please, help me understand!!
The AP update is somewhat humorous in recounting the huge bill encountered "unexpected difficulty". Really?!! From who, the Republicans?!
Does it really matter...
The GOP has no leverage to do anything in Washington, but sit on the sidelines and watch as the Democratic Party leads the bailout recovery. Even the symbolic vote has already lost it's luster.
I'm just stunned that with the economy still teetering on the brink of collapse, ANYONE in Washington can still think about pet projects and pork.
I'm not naive enough to believe that the financial mess was somehow going to lead to a pork-free diet for lawmakers, but I can dream!!
With that in mind, and the current debacle that has swallowed up jobs and retirement funds around the nation, why in the world would our elected representatives do something like this:
Congress is sending President Barack Obama a massive bill funding domestic programs and awarding lawmakers their cherished pet projects after more than a week of partisan debate.
Senators passed the measure by voice vote after voting 62-35 to shut down debate. The White House says Obama will sign the bill. It finishes up last year's budget business, which stalled as Democrats feuded with former President George W. Bush. The huge bill encountered unexpected difficulty in the wake of Obama's economic stimulus bill and a budget plan forecasting a $1.8 trillion deficit for the current budget year.
I know that I'm not privy to a lot of the wheeling and dealings in Washington, but how do you justify more than 400 million dollars in pork spending when Nancy Pelosi is talking about a 2nd stimulus package, while the first one is still being passed out?!
Please, help me understand!!
The AP update is somewhat humorous in recounting the huge bill encountered "unexpected difficulty". Really?!! From who, the Republicans?!
Does it really matter...
The GOP has no leverage to do anything in Washington, but sit on the sidelines and watch as the Democratic Party leads the bailout recovery. Even the symbolic vote has already lost it's luster.
I'm just stunned that with the economy still teetering on the brink of collapse, ANYONE in Washington can still think about pet projects and pork.
I'm not naive enough to believe that the financial mess was somehow going to lead to a pork-free diet for lawmakers, but I can dream!!
Back On Line!!!
The blog is working... it's working again!!!
It's been a difficult couple of weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with this blog (aside from some of my thoughts, apparently).
Everything appears to be up and running again, so here we go.......
It's been a difficult couple of weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with this blog (aside from some of my thoughts, apparently).
Everything appears to be up and running again, so here we go.......
Monday, February 23, 2009
I need a vacation, from my vacation...
Why is it vacations are so much work??
It started on Friday, February 13th as I worked the Condors 5-3 win over Ontario.
The next morning, I set out for Stateline, NV (making it through the Tehachapi pass that had just re-opened following a snow closure) for a Boxing/MMA show I was ring announcing on Valentine's Night. A romantic affair with former World Champion Fernando Vargas on hand wearing a blue velvet pimp suit, holding a cigar in one hand and a large pit bull on a chain in the other.
The next morning the rest of my family headed out for Scottsdale, AZ for the Arabian Horse Show, while I got up early and drove to Burbank to board a plane for Phoenix to join them. (I know, why didn't I fly from Vegas, but I'll get to that later).
The Scottsdale Show is the largest and one of the most prestigious next to the US Nationals. I hung out for a few days helping around the barn and visiting my family (parents, sister and three brothers in the area) before returning home with my son Michael on Wednesday night.
We flew back to Burbank and drove to Bakersfield. Michael returned to school Thursday morning, while I drove back down south for a boxing show in Irvine that night. (Michael stayed at his best friends house) Good show with former World Heavyweight Champ Mike Weaver in attendance and former UFC Heavyweight Champ Andrei Arlovski (who's switching over to boxing).
Returned home Friday morning and picked up Michael from school. We headed to the Central California Junior Olympic Swimming Championships at Cal State where he was scheduled to swim in two relays beginning at 4pm.
We repeated the swimming schedule on Saturday, but worked in a Condors game that started at noon. So it made the trip to CSUB a little more exciting.
Rewind on Sunday, but the Condors game started at 2pm, so when we pulled up at the pool, the relay was being called to the blocks just a few moments later.
The rest of the family was pulling up with the horse trailer about a half hour after we returned home from the pool on Sunday.
Following a quick reunion, we collapsed around 9pm Sunday night, so I could return to work Monday morning at 3:30 am.
Now, I can get some rest.
It started on Friday, February 13th as I worked the Condors 5-3 win over Ontario.
The next morning, I set out for Stateline, NV (making it through the Tehachapi pass that had just re-opened following a snow closure) for a Boxing/MMA show I was ring announcing on Valentine's Night. A romantic affair with former World Champion Fernando Vargas on hand wearing a blue velvet pimp suit, holding a cigar in one hand and a large pit bull on a chain in the other.
The next morning the rest of my family headed out for Scottsdale, AZ for the Arabian Horse Show, while I got up early and drove to Burbank to board a plane for Phoenix to join them. (I know, why didn't I fly from Vegas, but I'll get to that later).
The Scottsdale Show is the largest and one of the most prestigious next to the US Nationals. I hung out for a few days helping around the barn and visiting my family (parents, sister and three brothers in the area) before returning home with my son Michael on Wednesday night.
We flew back to Burbank and drove to Bakersfield. Michael returned to school Thursday morning, while I drove back down south for a boxing show in Irvine that night. (Michael stayed at his best friends house) Good show with former World Heavyweight Champ Mike Weaver in attendance and former UFC Heavyweight Champ Andrei Arlovski (who's switching over to boxing).
Returned home Friday morning and picked up Michael from school. We headed to the Central California Junior Olympic Swimming Championships at Cal State where he was scheduled to swim in two relays beginning at 4pm.
We repeated the swimming schedule on Saturday, but worked in a Condors game that started at noon. So it made the trip to CSUB a little more exciting.
Rewind on Sunday, but the Condors game started at 2pm, so when we pulled up at the pool, the relay was being called to the blocks just a few moments later.
The rest of the family was pulling up with the horse trailer about a half hour after we returned home from the pool on Sunday.
Following a quick reunion, we collapsed around 9pm Sunday night, so I could return to work Monday morning at 3:30 am.
Now, I can get some rest.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Bailout Bonanza Part 2
HOLD EVERYTHING!!!!!!
Moments after posting "Bailout Bonanza", an update on the Wells Fargo Bailout Bonanza.
From the Associated Press:
Bailed-out bank Wells Fargo says it's reconsidering whether to hold a corporate junket to Las Vegas amid criticism from Capitol Hill.
The company had planned a posh outing for its top mortgage writers to kick off this week at the Wynn Las Vegas.
The conference is a Wells Fargo tradition. Previous years have included all-expense-paid helicopter rides, wine tasting, horseback riding in Puerto Rico and a private Jimmy Buffett concert in the Bahamas for more than 1,000 employees and guests.
After The Associated Press reported that this year's event was about to kick off despite the company's $25 billion bailout, the company defended its decision.
But after swift outcry from Capitol Hill, a company spokesman says it's reconsidering its plan.
Smart move...
Moments after posting "Bailout Bonanza", an update on the Wells Fargo Bailout Bonanza.
From the Associated Press:
Bailed-out bank Wells Fargo says it's reconsidering whether to hold a corporate junket to Las Vegas amid criticism from Capitol Hill.
The company had planned a posh outing for its top mortgage writers to kick off this week at the Wynn Las Vegas.
The conference is a Wells Fargo tradition. Previous years have included all-expense-paid helicopter rides, wine tasting, horseback riding in Puerto Rico and a private Jimmy Buffett concert in the Bahamas for more than 1,000 employees and guests.
After The Associated Press reported that this year's event was about to kick off despite the company's $25 billion bailout, the company defended its decision.
But after swift outcry from Capitol Hill, a company spokesman says it's reconsidering its plan.
Smart move...
Bailout Bonanza
Man, what a time to be working for Wells Fargo Bank!!
Still reeling, despite a 25 billion dollar check from Joe Taxpayer, the banking giant is headed to Vegas this weekend for a nearly two week stay at the Wynn and Encore hotels.
It's to honor the top mortgage lenders. You know, some of the same kind of people who got us into this housing crisis in the first place.
Before you attack, I don't blame one solitary person for the housing collapse, nope, I spread it around to everybody just to be fair.
From Fannie and Freddie who gave loans to people who couldn't afford them, to the real estate agents who pushed people into homes that were a *tad* out of their reach.
Wells Fargo is setting up shop for 12 nights in an annual tradition.
This comes of course after some other high profile bailouts that were followed up by some ritzy high price junkets, that begs the question: "What are you thinking?"
Or more to the point, "Do you care what the public thinks."
Company spokeswoman Melissa Murray told the Associated Press that recognizing employees remains part of the Wells Fargo culture. She went on to say "it's very important that employees know they're valued."
Good thing, they can sit around patting each other on the back the next time the company needs a billion dollar lift, and don't get it.
Still reeling, despite a 25 billion dollar check from Joe Taxpayer, the banking giant is headed to Vegas this weekend for a nearly two week stay at the Wynn and Encore hotels.
It's to honor the top mortgage lenders. You know, some of the same kind of people who got us into this housing crisis in the first place.
Before you attack, I don't blame one solitary person for the housing collapse, nope, I spread it around to everybody just to be fair.
From Fannie and Freddie who gave loans to people who couldn't afford them, to the real estate agents who pushed people into homes that were a *tad* out of their reach.
Wells Fargo is setting up shop for 12 nights in an annual tradition.
This comes of course after some other high profile bailouts that were followed up by some ritzy high price junkets, that begs the question: "What are you thinking?"
Or more to the point, "Do you care what the public thinks."
Company spokeswoman Melissa Murray told the Associated Press that recognizing employees remains part of the Wells Fargo culture. She went on to say "it's very important that employees know they're valued."
Good thing, they can sit around patting each other on the back the next time the company needs a billion dollar lift, and don't get it.
Risky Behavior
From the Associated Press, it's time to find out if you're acting in a careless manner at home and abroad.
Consumer Reports called up 1,000 American adults and took a brief survey of everyday behaviors that might put you in danger, without your knowledge.
Here are a few excerpts of the AP story:
It found nearly 3 of every 4 Americans put cotton swabs inside their ears, risking a perforated eardrum. Nearly 4 in 10 admit eating raw cookie dough, which can carry salmonella.
61 percent don't have a rubber mat in the shower. Thirteen percent admitted sometimes drinking beer while using power tools.
Check out the full report at http://www.consumerreports.org/
**I can't believe I never contracted salmonella, after all those years helping my mom make cookies.**
Consumer Reports called up 1,000 American adults and took a brief survey of everyday behaviors that might put you in danger, without your knowledge.
Here are a few excerpts of the AP story:
It found nearly 3 of every 4 Americans put cotton swabs inside their ears, risking a perforated eardrum. Nearly 4 in 10 admit eating raw cookie dough, which can carry salmonella.
61 percent don't have a rubber mat in the shower. Thirteen percent admitted sometimes drinking beer while using power tools.
Check out the full report at http://www.consumerreports.org/
**I can't believe I never contracted salmonella, after all those years helping my mom make cookies.**
Friday, January 30, 2009
I Wanna Be Like "Sully"
It was only a matter of time, wasn't it?!
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger pulls off a miraculous landing in the Hudson River, saving more than 150 lives.
I'm still waiting for the movie, but for now, people enamored with the idea of heroically landing a crippled airliner can take solace in a new on-line simulator of sorts.
http://www.addictinggames.com/heroonthehudson.html
Enjoy "Hero on the Hudson".
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger pulls off a miraculous landing in the Hudson River, saving more than 150 lives.
I'm still waiting for the movie, but for now, people enamored with the idea of heroically landing a crippled airliner can take solace in a new on-line simulator of sorts.
http://www.addictinggames.com/heroonthehudson.html
Enjoy "Hero on the Hudson".
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Blog Problems
I've been having problems for several weeks now with the blog server saving my posts. I'm trying to get the issue resolved. Stand by for more thoughts at a later date.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Carjacker Wanted For Murder
Update on the carjacker shot by the BPD at the Bakersfield Air Park, after running from officers on January 4, 2009.
The BPD's Critical Incident Review Board found that all three officers were within Departmental Policy, along with state and federal guidelines.
**A side note, apparently the suspect, Jose Peyan-Leal was being sought be Mexican police on an outstanding warrant for murder**
The BPD's Critical Incident Review Board found that all three officers were within Departmental Policy, along with state and federal guidelines.
**A side note, apparently the suspect, Jose Peyan-Leal was being sought be Mexican police on an outstanding warrant for murder**
Riding High, Feeling Low
What a weekend!!!
It began with another cameo on ESPN2 as ring announcer for Friday Night Fights. A great fight card that ended with up and coming featherweight Yuriorkis 'El Cyclone' Gamboa scoring a TKO with :48 seconds left in the 10th and final round. I was feeling pretty good.
On the drive home from Primm, Nevada on Saturday morning, I get a frantic call from home. One of the horses backed up into a piece of metal in his stall and sliced the two tendons and an artery in his right hind leg.
My wife Lori was holding a towel in place, while one of our vets, Dr. Chris Comeau raced to the house. "Merlin" (the 7-yr old Arabian) was patched up enough to take to the Bakersfield Vet Hospital where Dr. John Tolley did his best to sew the tendons and artery back together.
Toss in Dr. Laura Blanton, along with assistants Hector and Rachel, and a terrifying moment was made a little more bearable.
I raced from there back home long enough to get cleaned up for Saturday night's Condors game where despite a severely sore throat, I struggled through and watched the guys pick up a much needed 3-2 win over the Aces.
Sunday was spent reflecting on everything that transpired in the last 48 hours, while boxing up the last of the Christmas decorations.
You see, there are two X-mas celebrations in my house. The one on Dec. 25th and another sometime this month in Phoenix with my family.
I'm always glad to have the 2nd holiday with my side of the family, especially this year.
There's already a lot to be thankful for in less than two weeks.
It began with another cameo on ESPN2 as ring announcer for Friday Night Fights. A great fight card that ended with up and coming featherweight Yuriorkis 'El Cyclone' Gamboa scoring a TKO with :48 seconds left in the 10th and final round. I was feeling pretty good.
On the drive home from Primm, Nevada on Saturday morning, I get a frantic call from home. One of the horses backed up into a piece of metal in his stall and sliced the two tendons and an artery in his right hind leg.
My wife Lori was holding a towel in place, while one of our vets, Dr. Chris Comeau raced to the house. "Merlin" (the 7-yr old Arabian) was patched up enough to take to the Bakersfield Vet Hospital where Dr. John Tolley did his best to sew the tendons and artery back together.
Toss in Dr. Laura Blanton, along with assistants Hector and Rachel, and a terrifying moment was made a little more bearable.
I raced from there back home long enough to get cleaned up for Saturday night's Condors game where despite a severely sore throat, I struggled through and watched the guys pick up a much needed 3-2 win over the Aces.
Sunday was spent reflecting on everything that transpired in the last 48 hours, while boxing up the last of the Christmas decorations.
You see, there are two X-mas celebrations in my house. The one on Dec. 25th and another sometime this month in Phoenix with my family.
I'm always glad to have the 2nd holiday with my side of the family, especially this year.
There's already a lot to be thankful for in less than two weeks.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Viewer "Sounds Off" On-line
This e-mail was sent to ABC23 through our website. The viewer was reacting to the story of the carjacker who was shot dead by police at the Air Park. Tuesday night we had reaction from the suspects family, (which as you can imagine was filled with "police didn't have to kill him", "why didn't they shoot to stop him", etc, etc) the BPD and the neighbor of the victim.
Here's what the viewer wrote:
Why is it that you, and every other TV station, feels it necessary to spend so much time and energy trying to convince your viewers that a criminal being shot by police is a good, fine, upstanding, family man who wouldn't harm a flea? You show happy family photos, and endlessly interview family members and others, showing children left behind. I heard virtually nothing about the victim this punk shot in cold blood. What about him? Oh, yeah, that wouldn't fit with the punk's angelic image you try to portray. How about just mention that his family disagrees with what happened and then report about the crime itself and how the police stopped a violent criminal from continuing to inflict harm on society.
Well, we did report on the "punk" and what he did.
I think you can understand my take on the situation by reading the last two posts on this blog, but that doesn't mean that the suspects family doesn't have a right to be heard. To be truly fair, we go after both sides of the story, even if I personally don't care for it.
As for the picture of him, I've yet to encounter the family of a suspected criminal who provides the media with a "bad" photo?! I can only think of one time, and the family called right after the show to ask for the photo back and for us to stop running it, because it made him look guilty.
As for the endless family interviews, it was one person we used, with two short sound bites that had to be translated.
We buffered that sound, with bites from the neighbor who came to the aid of Julio Diaz after he was shot trying to stop Leal from stealing his car, along with Sgt. Greg Terry.
No one is trying to set up this suspect as something "angelic".
All the sound bites and happy photo's in the world can't change what really happened.
Here's what the viewer wrote:
Why is it that you, and every other TV station, feels it necessary to spend so much time and energy trying to convince your viewers that a criminal being shot by police is a good, fine, upstanding, family man who wouldn't harm a flea? You show happy family photos, and endlessly interview family members and others, showing children left behind. I heard virtually nothing about the victim this punk shot in cold blood. What about him? Oh, yeah, that wouldn't fit with the punk's angelic image you try to portray. How about just mention that his family disagrees with what happened and then report about the crime itself and how the police stopped a violent criminal from continuing to inflict harm on society.
Well, we did report on the "punk" and what he did.
I think you can understand my take on the situation by reading the last two posts on this blog, but that doesn't mean that the suspects family doesn't have a right to be heard. To be truly fair, we go after both sides of the story, even if I personally don't care for it.
As for the picture of him, I've yet to encounter the family of a suspected criminal who provides the media with a "bad" photo?! I can only think of one time, and the family called right after the show to ask for the photo back and for us to stop running it, because it made him look guilty.
As for the endless family interviews, it was one person we used, with two short sound bites that had to be translated.
We buffered that sound, with bites from the neighbor who came to the aid of Julio Diaz after he was shot trying to stop Leal from stealing his car, along with Sgt. Greg Terry.
No one is trying to set up this suspect as something "angelic".
All the sound bites and happy photo's in the world can't change what really happened.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Shooting Accusation Update
New information, outcome the same.
Another day and more information is coming out in the case of Jose Leal, the carjacker who was shot by police as he attempted to run away.
There's been a lot of talk about the police and how they handled the situation.
Let me reiterate my stance from the previous post.
You have a positively identified suspect, who shot the owner of a car as he stole it, sitting in the stolen Dodge Durango with police all around it.
The suspect starts to run away, with gun in hand according to police, and he's shot from behind.
I don't have a problem with that.
What part of "Get out of the car" and "Show me your hands" don't you understand. Family members told a reporter that he didn't speak English.
Picture yourself in a foreign country where you didn't speak the language. You are surrounded by vehicles with lights or sirens blaring. People with guns are pointing at you, screaming things you don't understand. Is your first reaction to run? My answer is: only if you're guilty.
This isn't a movie.
The hero isn't escaping after being framed for a crime he didn't commit.
When someone dies however, we sometimes attempt to justify or rationalize his or her actions.
Family members say he had a wife and child. He came into the country illegally, but was trying to make a better life for himself.
I'll even overlook his past indiscretion.
But don't forget, the police gave him plenty of chances to give up.
Officers gave numerous commands, over and over.
They deployed a K-9 to take him down, but the dog became distracted by another dog.
Only then did they fire their guns and thus create a potential firestorm of controversy.
Don't try to run from the truth.
The media gets a bad wrap for jailhouse interviews. The public is sometimes angered by us giving the accused a chance to tell their side of the story.
Sometimes, like this situation, the suspect doesn't give us the chance.
And the media, police, family and victims are all left to wonder.
Another day and more information is coming out in the case of Jose Leal, the carjacker who was shot by police as he attempted to run away.
There's been a lot of talk about the police and how they handled the situation.
Let me reiterate my stance from the previous post.
You have a positively identified suspect, who shot the owner of a car as he stole it, sitting in the stolen Dodge Durango with police all around it.
The suspect starts to run away, with gun in hand according to police, and he's shot from behind.
I don't have a problem with that.
What part of "Get out of the car" and "Show me your hands" don't you understand. Family members told a reporter that he didn't speak English.
Picture yourself in a foreign country where you didn't speak the language. You are surrounded by vehicles with lights or sirens blaring. People with guns are pointing at you, screaming things you don't understand. Is your first reaction to run? My answer is: only if you're guilty.
This isn't a movie.
The hero isn't escaping after being framed for a crime he didn't commit.
When someone dies however, we sometimes attempt to justify or rationalize his or her actions.
Family members say he had a wife and child. He came into the country illegally, but was trying to make a better life for himself.
I'll even overlook his past indiscretion.
But don't forget, the police gave him plenty of chances to give up.
Officers gave numerous commands, over and over.
They deployed a K-9 to take him down, but the dog became distracted by another dog.
Only then did they fire their guns and thus create a potential firestorm of controversy.
Don't try to run from the truth.
The media gets a bad wrap for jailhouse interviews. The public is sometimes angered by us giving the accused a chance to tell their side of the story.
Sometimes, like this situation, the suspect doesn't give us the chance.
And the media, police, family and victims are all left to wonder.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Where are the shooting accusations?
A fleeing suspect is shot be Bakersfield Police on Sunday.
I've received a press release from the BPD, with two updates as of 3:30 Monday morning but so far no conspiracy theory.
The two usually go hand-in-hand.
Within minutes of an officer involved shooting (this one involving THREE officers) we get at least one e-mail and a phone call or two charging the police with being gun-happy mercenaries who target innocent people OR one-time criminals, who've been working hard to turn their lives around, up until they accidentally stole a car by shooting the owner, thus leading police on a high speed chase.
A chase that ended up at the Bakersfield Air Park, driving across the runway, around hangars, until the suspect hopped out of the car and started to run, with gun in hand, and was shot by three officers.
I was expecting the first e-mail within minutes of this story. Someone crying out, "But he was running away from police!!!"
Who cares which direction he was headed?!
If it was towards my neighborhood, I say "Open Fire!!!"
Police have a policy when it comes to a person holding some kind of weapon and is a danger to a person or property.
Shoot until the threat is neutralized.
I can already hear it, "Couldn't they have used a non-lethal device?!"
Let me answer for them by saying, "No".
There was no confusion in this incident.
The suspect shot the owner of the car and stole it. The call went out. The vehicle was identified and the driver matched the suspects description. Probably further verified when he took off leading police on a chase that went on the tarmac at the Bakersfield Air Park, crashing through several gates before overturning in a vacant field.
The suspect got out and ran, with gun in hand.
Police yelled for him to stop and drop the weapon. He didn't comply. He's now dead.
I've always been fascinated by people who run from police, then complain about how they deal with the situation.
Try this, stop and give up.
You'll save the police and grief stricken family members from trying to make sense of it after you're gone.
I've received a press release from the BPD, with two updates as of 3:30 Monday morning but so far no conspiracy theory.
The two usually go hand-in-hand.
Within minutes of an officer involved shooting (this one involving THREE officers) we get at least one e-mail and a phone call or two charging the police with being gun-happy mercenaries who target innocent people OR one-time criminals, who've been working hard to turn their lives around, up until they accidentally stole a car by shooting the owner, thus leading police on a high speed chase.
A chase that ended up at the Bakersfield Air Park, driving across the runway, around hangars, until the suspect hopped out of the car and started to run, with gun in hand, and was shot by three officers.
I was expecting the first e-mail within minutes of this story. Someone crying out, "But he was running away from police!!!"
Who cares which direction he was headed?!
If it was towards my neighborhood, I say "Open Fire!!!"
Police have a policy when it comes to a person holding some kind of weapon and is a danger to a person or property.
Shoot until the threat is neutralized.
I can already hear it, "Couldn't they have used a non-lethal device?!"
Let me answer for them by saying, "No".
There was no confusion in this incident.
The suspect shot the owner of the car and stole it. The call went out. The vehicle was identified and the driver matched the suspects description. Probably further verified when he took off leading police on a chase that went on the tarmac at the Bakersfield Air Park, crashing through several gates before overturning in a vacant field.
The suspect got out and ran, with gun in hand.
Police yelled for him to stop and drop the weapon. He didn't comply. He's now dead.
I've always been fascinated by people who run from police, then complain about how they deal with the situation.
Try this, stop and give up.
You'll save the police and grief stricken family members from trying to make sense of it after you're gone.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Broken Promises
It's time to start initiating those New Year's resolutions!!!!
You know, the one (or one's) you came up with in the latter stages of 2008, that are meant to shape you and your life into a better person this year.
Scanning the web for a variety of resolutions that are typically broken, I've come up with a few to keep in mind.
Obviously, losing weight is a biggie, no pun intended.
Also on the list being more organized, becoming more of a people person and saving money are very popular promises.
Then, there are things like the desire to learn something new in the coming year. I could use this one when it comes to my computer and the world wide web, which after all these year's I've barely scratched the surface on.
Other vows include scaling back on the amount of TV you watch and giving up on-line games at work. (Maybe they should erase Solitaire from the windows system menu).
Another promise I found interesting on the list was the promise to never be late for work again. However in the news business, you're ALWAYS at work, so to speak. Breaking news never takes a day off.
The number 1 resolution of course is to quit drinking or smoking, which might explain the increase in TV ads for the patch and other nicotine quitting devices you see advertised at length during the holidays.
So, here is the list of the old standbys, just in case you didn't come up with something fresh for the new year.
If you're someone who constantly ends up with a broken promise by February 1st (at the latest) then you might want to start small.
Like promising to post more on your company blog!!!
You know, the one (or one's) you came up with in the latter stages of 2008, that are meant to shape you and your life into a better person this year.
Scanning the web for a variety of resolutions that are typically broken, I've come up with a few to keep in mind.
Obviously, losing weight is a biggie, no pun intended.
Also on the list being more organized, becoming more of a people person and saving money are very popular promises.
Then, there are things like the desire to learn something new in the coming year. I could use this one when it comes to my computer and the world wide web, which after all these year's I've barely scratched the surface on.
Other vows include scaling back on the amount of TV you watch and giving up on-line games at work. (Maybe they should erase Solitaire from the windows system menu).
Another promise I found interesting on the list was the promise to never be late for work again. However in the news business, you're ALWAYS at work, so to speak. Breaking news never takes a day off.
The number 1 resolution of course is to quit drinking or smoking, which might explain the increase in TV ads for the patch and other nicotine quitting devices you see advertised at length during the holidays.
So, here is the list of the old standbys, just in case you didn't come up with something fresh for the new year.
If you're someone who constantly ends up with a broken promise by February 1st (at the latest) then you might want to start small.
Like promising to post more on your company blog!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Concert Behavior 101 - Clear the Air
Consistency is the key.
There's been a lot of talk about the BPD's behavior regarding pot smoking at the Snoop Dogg concert last week.
Why didn't the officer bust the dozens of people *lighting* up during the concert?!
Talk of a potential riot, racial profiling, etc, etc. have been tossed around, turning the incident into a full blown blogging controversy.
I've been attending concerts for the better part of 30 years, taking in my first show (Fleetwood Mac, 1978 Chicago Amphitheatre) when I was 14.
From the rock chapter there was the Stones, Aerosmith, RUSH, AC/DC, Journey and The Who (Farewell Tour '83) just to name a few.
John Michael Montgomery to Frank Sinatra, a young Little Richard, KORN, George Clinton and The Grateful Dead, I've attended a large number of shows, from stadium gigs to intimate gatherings and just about ALL of them contained some form of stimulant or sedative that was floating around the venue in people's hands or in the air.
Sure, not everyone was doing it, but there were groups here and there.
Every now and again, I cover a concert for ABC23. It consists of getting escorted down to the sound board, where you plug in and record the first :30 seconds of the first two or three songs. Then, you're escorted out.
It's amazing what you can witness in that short time.
Like the time I shot the Brad Paisley concert, and while I was wading through a sea of people towards the front of the stage with my camera, I'm offered a joint.
C'mon, I'm working!!!
My message though is be consistent. If you're not going to bust someone in a large crowd of people at a concert for lighting up in plain sight, then you've got to leave the little guy alone.
I'm not going to try and differentiate between the people getting stoned at the Snoop Dogg concert and those who were spinning around in the grass, on grass, during a Jimmy Buffet show I attended in San Diego.
Stoners are stoners, only some now pack heat.
It's the consistency I'm after.
At a ZZ Top concert at Rabobank a couple years ago, I'm standing on a chair waiting for the show to start. A young man (when he started attending these shows) was very excited to be at Rabobank for the bearded brothers. He was screaming at me to put him on camera. I mentioned I didn't have night vision on the camera, but it didn't mean anything to him.
He had that "I've been smoking pot all day" stink about him. As soon the curtains parted and the band launched into the first song of the night, this gentlemen sparked up right below me, inhaled, and walked off with the joint in his hand, while screaming in his exhale.
He didn't make it 10 feet before security had him in a headlock and was escorting him to the door.
Are you kidding me??
The last few times a rap or hip/hop artist played at Rabobank, I clearly remember the smell of marijuana hovering over the crowd. Maybe I just missed the part where they were escorting people out. There was no riot and the people taking part weren't making any effort to hide it.
There have been calls for the BPD to shutdown concerts for this kind of illegal activity.
Maybe, just be consistent from now on.
It might free up some more tickets.
There's been a lot of talk about the BPD's behavior regarding pot smoking at the Snoop Dogg concert last week.
Why didn't the officer bust the dozens of people *lighting* up during the concert?!
Talk of a potential riot, racial profiling, etc, etc. have been tossed around, turning the incident into a full blown blogging controversy.
I've been attending concerts for the better part of 30 years, taking in my first show (Fleetwood Mac, 1978 Chicago Amphitheatre) when I was 14.
From the rock chapter there was the Stones, Aerosmith, RUSH, AC/DC, Journey and The Who (Farewell Tour '83) just to name a few.
John Michael Montgomery to Frank Sinatra, a young Little Richard, KORN, George Clinton and The Grateful Dead, I've attended a large number of shows, from stadium gigs to intimate gatherings and just about ALL of them contained some form of stimulant or sedative that was floating around the venue in people's hands or in the air.
Sure, not everyone was doing it, but there were groups here and there.
Every now and again, I cover a concert for ABC23. It consists of getting escorted down to the sound board, where you plug in and record the first :30 seconds of the first two or three songs. Then, you're escorted out.
It's amazing what you can witness in that short time.
Like the time I shot the Brad Paisley concert, and while I was wading through a sea of people towards the front of the stage with my camera, I'm offered a joint.
C'mon, I'm working!!!
My message though is be consistent. If you're not going to bust someone in a large crowd of people at a concert for lighting up in plain sight, then you've got to leave the little guy alone.
I'm not going to try and differentiate between the people getting stoned at the Snoop Dogg concert and those who were spinning around in the grass, on grass, during a Jimmy Buffet show I attended in San Diego.
Stoners are stoners, only some now pack heat.
It's the consistency I'm after.
At a ZZ Top concert at Rabobank a couple years ago, I'm standing on a chair waiting for the show to start. A young man (when he started attending these shows) was very excited to be at Rabobank for the bearded brothers. He was screaming at me to put him on camera. I mentioned I didn't have night vision on the camera, but it didn't mean anything to him.
He had that "I've been smoking pot all day" stink about him. As soon the curtains parted and the band launched into the first song of the night, this gentlemen sparked up right below me, inhaled, and walked off with the joint in his hand, while screaming in his exhale.
He didn't make it 10 feet before security had him in a headlock and was escorting him to the door.
Are you kidding me??
The last few times a rap or hip/hop artist played at Rabobank, I clearly remember the smell of marijuana hovering over the crowd. Maybe I just missed the part where they were escorting people out. There was no riot and the people taking part weren't making any effort to hide it.
There have been calls for the BPD to shutdown concerts for this kind of illegal activity.
Maybe, just be consistent from now on.
It might free up some more tickets.
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