Charla Cormier Beatin’ down the pounds! November 27th 2008 December 10th, 2008
FREE
www.bakotopia.com
ATOMIC KITTY’S ROCK ‘N’ SHOP DOWN IN THE BASEMENT TURKEY SHOUTS
Fri. Nov. 28th - Shock G - Humpty Hump doing
Digital Underground w/ guests Frost & The Natural Movement Sat. Nov. 29th - Back Up Johnny Wed. Dec. 4th - Murs Fri. Dec. 5th - Closed For Private Party Til Midnight Sat. Dec. 6th - Grant Langston & The Supermodels Wed. Dec. 10th - Dr. Steel’s Toy Soldier Toy Drive Fri. Dec. 12th - Just Dave Band Sat. Dec. 13th - Which One’s Pink? Tribute to Pink Floyd Wed. Dec. 17th - Gary Hoey - Ho Ho Hoey Christmas Show Fri. Dec. 19th - Paul Chesne & The 99’s Sat. Dec. 20th - Mento Buru Christmas Show Sun. Dec. 21st - 5th Annual Paul Cartwright’s
Paulapalooza Show Tues. Dec. 30th - Wayne Hancock
BAKOTOPIA
A
STAFF
EDITOR’S NOTE
s you read our latest issue of Bako, you are either getting ready for a feast or recovering from one. This year, think about attempting to be healthy for the holidaze. Now before you start to frown, check this out. Our country is getting bigger by the day, and not just from illegal immigration - we’re talking pounds. Recently I’ve had some friends get sick due to bad health - that was scary. We’re hoping to inspire our readers to at least try something healthy as we head into the annual food freak fest of the holidays, and we found the perfect local story to get you started. Inside you’re going to read about Bako’s own Charla Cormier. Her story has a little bit for everyone, and not just for the ladies. The fellas can use a tip from Charla, so read on. You’re also going to find out about some cool events happening in town in the coming weeks. Plus photos by Jessica Moncrief from a big night in Bako, Turkey Shouts and more! With the economy slump hitting locals hard, Bakotopia wants to give a big THANK YOU to our advertisers for helping to keep our magazine free for you and yours. Please pay them a visit to show you appreciate them, too. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Please drive safely, don’t drink and drive, and try the new Mento Burrito at Fishlips!
EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Publisher ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Matt Muñoz Editor/Product Manager mmunoz@bakersfield.com 395-7660 Teresa Adamo Managing Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Debbie Weaver Copy Editor dweaver@bakersfield.com
ART Eric Duhart Lead Designer eduhart@bakersfield.com Orlando Galvan Graphic Designer ogalvan@bakersfield.com Robert Nuñez Graphic Designer rnunez@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING Jaime de los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632 David Alanis Sales Executive Gustavo Carrillo Sales Executive Diana Clark Sales Executive David Santillan Sales Executive Samantha Vilchis Sales Executive Mark Wells Sales Executive Dora Cardenas Sales Assistant 716-8642
OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
Peace,
BAKOTOPIA 1522 18th St. Suite 305 Bakersfield, CA 93301
BAKOTOPIA.COM
Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor
Contribute your own articles/stories. Upload photos
.
In trouble? Do you need bail fast?
B A I L
B O N D S
Fast & reliable service. PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL, PERSONALIZED SERVICE We DON'T give up on bail! Very few people know what to do after recieving a collect call from jail. Gotta Go Bail Bonds can answer all your questions and will walk you through the entire process of posting bail step-by-step. Joe M. Serrano, Bail Agent (661) 326-8500
A. Ace Pierce, Bail Agent (661) 324-2900
Insurance Lic. #1844251
Fianzas De Carcel En Español 304 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301
Insurance Lic. #1843703 1328 K St. Bakersfield, CA. 93301
www.GottaGoBailBonds.com
www.SerranoInvestigativeServices.com
When you gotta go, call 324-2900
Se habla español Serving Kern, Tulare & Kings County. BAKOTOPIA 3
BAKOBITFROM BAKOTOPIA.COM
About the cover
Home of the Black Seed Miracle Soap * Aroma-Therapy Products * Reggae Music * Cultural Clothing * Art / Jewelry * Bob Marley Memorabilia * Caribbean Food Products * And Much More!
FREE GIFT
*
*Stop by and receive one free incense with mention of this ad.
O
nce again, the fab lenswork of photographer extraordinaire Holly Carlyle graces the latest cover of Bakotopia. “She’s definitely hot, and who doesn’t want a butt like that that?” said Holly of this week’s cover model,
Charla Cormier. “Charla was easy to shoot, totally gorgeous.” As you will see inside, Holly was right. Special thanks to Holly,Charla,and Anytime Fitness on Panama Lane for use of their gym during the shoot. www.hollycarlylephotography.com
Do you have legal questions? Email us at greenelaw@arrival.net
Allison K., Bakersfield, CA –
Q: I was at a party and the police showed up. My girlfriend was drunk and started yelling at them, and they beat her up really bad and arrested her. What should I do? Trustwort hy representation
WE FIGHT FOR YOU!
Family Law & Criminal Law
A:
First, contact the police department to file a complaint of misconduct. Every agency has an internal affairs division that is supposed to impartially investigate allegations of misconduct. If you make a complaint near the time of the incident, hopefully they will take your statement and follow up. You also need to make a list of other witnesses to the incident. If you have their full names, addresses and phone numbers, that would be very helpful. Make sure your girlfriend’s attorney knows about your observations and you give him the list of witnesses. That can be very valuable for her defense. Lastly, contact a civil attorney to see if they will file a lawsuit against the police for their misconduct.
w w w. g r e e n e l aw of f ic e . n e t
(661) 322-8892 4 BAKOTOPIA
900 Truxtun Ave. Suite 310 Bakersfield, CA 93301
Turkey Shouts
November 27, 2008
By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor & Bakotopians
I
t doesn’t matter who you are, everyone’s got something to be thankful for at Thanksgiving! Our registered users at: www.bakotopia.com shared some of their own gratitude for Turkey Day: “I’d like to give a BIG shout out to the guys and gals with pig s#%@ on their boots, whose hard work makes my Honey Baked Ham an American possibility! Yo pig farmers, big thumbs up for your dedication! Please remember to donate to your local food banks! Even one donation can make a difference! Happy Holy Days to Evah’body!” - sistersheree “I’m thankful to have Brendan, my son. He is healthy, smart, funny and such a character, what more could I ask for. He is my sunshine and I thank God every day for blessing me with him. I am also very thankful to have such a great job, with wonderful co-workers and a very caring and understanding boss. I can go on for days, there’s so much to be thankful for. Everyday I live I’m thankful for.” - MsJosey “I’m thankful for our Constitution. I am thankful for the rights we have been given and the opportunity we have in the United States to make as much money as we want to, worship who we want to, own property where we want to, work where we want to, go to school, learn, read, have a family, or not have a family, drive a car, go to the doctor, love who you want, live with who you want, vote for who you want as president. I am very thankful for what I have, what I can do,and that I have the ability and opportunity to succeed or fail on my own.” - Annie L White “Thanks be to God that I am alive! I am thankful for my husband, Roman. He works very hard to provide for our family and is appreciated soooo much. He is my Corona and Lime. =) My fab four: Baby Girl, Sissy, Majin Buu and my little Monkey. You are my life. I am so proud of you girls and I love you! I am also very thankful for my mom, Doreen, an AWESOME woman. Even though she has a busy schedule, she helps with taking care of my girls on those occasions that my husband and I just need a little break. My cousin Bonehead Jaci Rae, and my brothers from another mother, Ponch and Jess, I love y’all and am very thankful to have you in my life. Some of us may not be blood related, but you have been more of a family to me than my own family. Stank you smelly much everyone!” - LomelEZ “I’m thankful for my two beautiful children, Kaitlyn & Mark, my wonderful family & friends, job (duh!), and my band - Mento Buru ... Orale!” - Matt “I’m thankful for coffee in the morning & splashing it with a taste of Pumpkin Spice Coffee-Mate. I’m thankful for my awesome husband who makes me feel like the hottest girl in Bako! My kids make me thankful for the miracle of life! I thank Jesus everyday for my little monsters!!! I’m thankful for my mom who loves me, even though she hates my tattoos. I am thankful for my dad who wants my mom to be ‘all tatted up.’ Haha! I’m thankful for my sister- in-law, who is my best friend! (Besides my husband & my mom, of course!) I’m thankful for art, keeping the world beautiful. And thankful for music ... taking me away when I need to escape, and helping me remember the times I never want to end! I’m thankful for life! And I’m thankful for Bakersfield … because it’s rad. The air sucks, but the people are like no other!” - HOBAG “I’m Thankful for my dad coming out of his surgery, and that he’s going to be around a longtime.” - Charla Cormier BAKOTOPIA 5
Charla Cormier:
HOLIDAY
SUPERWOMAN!
November 27, 2008
By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor
J
ust when you thought it was safe to surrender to gluttony,along comes Charla Cormier. Bakersfield’s super-mom of fitness modeling - Cormier, 35, wife and mother of three - wants to help you survive holiday food temptation, and its ever-present guilt. “Make a goal, not an excuse,” said the 5-foot-5-inch beauty during a photo shoot break for the latest issue of Bakotopia at Anytime Fitness on Panama Lane,where she also works as a certified trainer. “It’s really all about diet,more than weights and exercise.” Judging by her solid, but very feminine physique, we believe her. “After my third baby, I decided I had to get into shape,” Cormier said. Originally from Marble Falls, Texas, along with her husband Rob, the two moved to Bakersfield in 2001, and have been settling into Bakersfield life ever since. “All my family lives in Texas, and where I’m from, we like to wave to people even people we don’t know,” she explained. “I still wave a lot. They probably think I’m weird,” she laughed. Looking back at her life so far, from being a Marble Falls football cheerleader to Bakersfield health guru, Cormier shared some memories of creating a family, but also her struggle with post-pregnancy weight. “After my third child, I reached my heaviest at 170 pounds,” she said of her former physique. Cormier’s older brother Bryan Northcutt, who also happened to be an awardwinning body builder in his own right, helped his sister start her journey back into solid shape - and quickly. “I had my youngest in March of ’04, and competed in my first fitness competition in December that same year,” she remembered. “I placed six out of 12. And I’ve never done steroids.” Impossible as it may sound, according to Cormier, once she had her mind set, it was on. “My brother and I developed our own diet called the ‘Caveman Plan,’” she said of the prescribed 200-calorie-every-two-hours diet plan. “Basically you eat like a caveman might have - berries, vegetables, etc., and minus the fatty foods.” If the name doesn’t turn you on, maybe the results will - fabulous arms, legs, tummy, butt - BAM! For Cormier, who also developed her own exercise plan to reach her ninemonth goal prior to her first competition, she reminds that you needn’t spend days on end at the gym - 30 minutes will do. And even if you’re not interested in competing, it’s easy with a little will-power and dedication. “30 minutes of cardio (running, walking, aerobics) a day is nothing,” she said. “Even 20 minutes is fine.” What about moms and dads out there who say they can’t exercise with kids? “I have a double-stroller, and I don’t care how much the kids weigh, I’m gonna go run,” she said. “No excuse.” After a few more competitions, Cormier’s name began to grow like the muscle mass she acquired during strict workouts,as product endorsements (American EFX), and modeling offers began to knock at her door. Creating a balance in all areas of her life as a wife and mom, Cormier also experienced a scary reality check when her youngest child became ill while on a flight to another competition. “My family comes first, and when I found my daughter had a 105 degree temperature, I jumped off the plane at the next stop and headed home,” she said. Cormier gives credit to husband Rob, for encouraging her to follow her dream, and supporting her through a busy four years of maximum fitness. “He’s really proud of me, and has always been supportive,” she said. As the holiday season nears with family gatherings and parties,Cormier has finally come to grips with what can commonly be described as “table terror” where food, snacks, and booze are plentiful, and we all know what that means: pounds. “Once you get the right kind of cardio and dieting plan going, your body becomes this natural fat-burning machine, where you can eat and lose it right away,” she explained. “I was once an overweight person, so I know how it feels. Now I can go to a party and have slices of pie. I couldn’t do that before.” BAKOTOPIA 7
LOWDOWN FEATURE STORY
Caveman Plan Party Survival
by Charla Cormier
Mama said knock you out: Charla Cormier shows off her guns and gloves much to the delight of Bakotopia readers. Photos by Holly Carlyle.
OK
, I think it is time to tell my secret! I know I should say something like, “I stay lean because I stay away from all the rich foods during the holiday” BUT I DON’T! I can allow myself to have great foods during holidays and parties because of the “Caveman Plan.” Funny name, but it works! The concept of this plan is to feed the body every two hours with the right amount of calories for your lifestyle (mine is 150 to 200 calories every two hours). Do some research and find the right snacks to enjoy, don’t just eat anything. Eating frequently turns my body into a fat burning machine and eliminates cravings and hunger. This has become my new way of eating, and by eating this way I get to enjoy the holidays and every other special occasion without feeling guilty! Other tips I use to stay healthy at holiday time are: 1. Eat a handful of almonds before going to a party. 2. Don’t stand in front of the food table. 3. Do not eat until you are stuffed, and wait at least 30 minutes in between eating small portions. 4. Always drink plenty of water (half a gallon is the daily requirement)! 5. Stay consistent with workouts. 6. Do extra cardio the day after eating those rich foods and get back on the Caveman Plan ASAP!
8 BAKOTOPIA
Charla’s favorite exercises: Hip lifts: Lie on your back with your legs straight up in the air. Keep your back pressing into the floor and think about tightening a belt around your waist. Slowly pull your belly button to the floor and as you do so, feel your hips lifting gently off the floor as your legs are lifted. Do not lift with the legs, but instead with the abdominals. Repeat 10 to 15 times. The Plank: Facing the floor, get on your hands and knees, keeping your shoulders over your hands. Straighten out your body and keep your toes on the floor. You should be straight like a board with your abs pulling in tight. Breathe in and out naturally. Hold for up to one minute. Repeat four to five times. The Bicycle: Lie on your back with you knees bent. Slowly pull your upper body off the floor and support your head with your hands. Activate your abs by pulling your belly button to the floor and release any pelvic tilt. Take one shoulder and turn your torso to face your opposite knee. Go to the other side. Think of riding a bicycle as you turn slowly from side to side. Repeat for 20 repetitions. Double Leg Drop: Lie on your back with your legs straight up in the air. Keep your back pressing into the floor and think about tightening a belt around your waist. Keeping your abs pulled in at all times, slowly drop your legs toward the floor, keeping them pressing together. If you feel your back begin to arch, pull your legs back to the starting point. Inhale on the way down, exhale on the way up. Only go as far as you are comfortable with and go slowly. Repeat 10 times. For more information, e-mail Charla at: askcharla@aaefx.com, or visit: www.myspace.com/reimroc
November 27, 2008
Atomic Kitten Christmas Bash
Hey, ladies! It’s time to rock ‘n’ shop on F Street By Nisha Smith, Bakotopia.com contributor
A
tomic Kitten Salon, 2507 F St., will be holding a Christmas Bash on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. This event will include wine, hors d’oeuvres, free consultations with the Atomic Kitty team of hair experts, raffles, giveaways and a chance to do some Christmas shopping for that unique gift!
Allison Margolin Har vard Law School Graduate
For more information, visit: www.atomickittensalon.com or call Atomic Kitten at 323-7653. Hubba-Hubba!: Nisha Smith, right, not only designs pinup creations, she wears them, too!
• MEDICAL MARIJUANA • DUI • DRUGS • WEAPONS • IDENTITY THEFT
Tattoo EST. 1989
• PROSTITUTION/PIMPING
Bakersfield & Los Angeles
1-888-DOPELAW (367-3529)
1522 19th Street Bakersfield, CA BakersfieldsBestCriminalAttorneys.com
Hours
BAKOTOPIA.COM
Stuart Dumas
Rockin’ brands like Cherry Lane Apparel, Lucky 11 jewelry and hand-painted purses, Miss Red’s Lucky 13 line and accessories, and beautiful handmade hair pieces by Mezmerized will be available for purchase. The designers of all these great brands will also be on hand to offer insight on their products! Owners Ramona Potts and Kresa Hoffman, and their diverse and innovative collection of Atomic Kitten stylists, have worked especially hard to come up with some great gift packages that offer you rockin’ deals for the Christmas season! This is the salon that, among more traditional hair styles and color, has been made famous for the pinup girl up-do now ever-so-popular. They even have an inhouse barber! Need a photographer? Eric James will be there, showcasing not only his classic, era-appropriate motif photography taken especially for the salon, but will also have on display photography from other realms of his talent. So join us — it’s sure to be a rockin’ good time!
ONLINE VERSIONS
NOW AVAILABLE
SEE IT PAGE
BY PAGE
Tues. - Sat. • 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1214 CALIFORNIA AVE. BAKERSFIELD (Corner of L St. & California Ave.)
(661) 472-8470 BAKOTOPIA 9
AGENDA WHAT’S ON IT
Nov. 29 With A Bible & A Gun “Johnny Cash Tribute” Skip Heller w/ special guest Amestoy’s 2303 River Blvd. $5 / 21 & over / 8 p.m.
=Highly recommended event “Go Figure”
Nov. 27 Karaoke (Also Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Lane 21 & over / 9 p.m. / 325-2139
Seed aka Dub Seeds Fishlips 1517 18th St. 21 & over / 9 p.m.
Nov. 28 Really Big Midgetz The Belvedere (Fri & Sat) 3090 Brundage Lane 21 & over / 9 p.m. / 325-2139
Divided Highway The Lone Oak (Fri & Sat) 10612 Rosedale Highway FREE / 9 p.m.
Shock-G of Digital Underground - w/Natural Movement & HPC Fishlips 1517 18th St. $20 / 9 p.m. / 21 & over
“Project Turkey Day” The Empty Space (Fri & Sat) 706 Oak St. / Fundraiser night 8 p.m. / 327-PLAY
Left Coast Groovies Glenda Robles & The Heritage Park Allstars Sandrini’s 1918 18th St. $5 / 9:30 p.m. / 322-8900
10 BAKOTOPIA
Vinny’s Bar 2700 S. Union Ave. $5 / 9 p.m. / 21 & Over
Group show in The Basement 1532 19th St. $10 / 7 p.m. / 330-8733
The Mothership Sandrini’s w/special guest The Natural Movement 1918 Eye St. FREE / 21 & over / 9 p.m.
Dephinger & Missing Autumn Vinny’s Bar 2700 S. Union Ave. FREE / 21 & over / 9 p.m.
Mento Buru’s “Gobble Gobble Getdown” Funky Reggae Latin Ska! BRyder’s 7701 White Lane FREE / 21 & over / 9 p.m. 397-6709
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NERD GUY OF THE NATURAL MOVEMENT!
Mike Ness of Social Distortion w/ Dead Rock West
Backup Johnny
Buck Owens Crystal Palace 2800 Buck Owens Blvd. 7:30pm / $30 / 322-5200
Fishlips 1517 18th St. $5 / 21 & over / 9 p.m.
Panic Tuesdays w/ ’80s DJ Music
Major League Improv The Empty Space 706 Oak St. FREE / 6 p.m.
$1 PBRs & more The Element Lounge 1927 K. St. 8 p.m. / 21 & over
Nov. 30
Dec. 4
Sunset Sundays w/DJ Damage
Twisted College Night w/DJ Myth & Adam E
Chuy's Mesquite (Rosedale) 4-9 p.m. / FREE All Ages
Randolph’s Lounge 7737 Meany Ave. 9 p.m. / 615-1494
Dec. 2
College Night w/DJ Oso Mighty & DJ John Fox
Comedy: Dane Forst, Brian Ross, Russ McGaffin & Joe Alanis
Chuy’s Mesquite 8660 Rosedale Highway FREE / 7-11 p.m. / 587-5750
Randolph’s Lounge 7737 Meany Ave. $5 / 8 p.m. / 303-3945
Karaoke (Also Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Lane 21 & over / 9 p.m. / 325-2139
SPOTLIGHT Dec. 4 MURS Fishlips
1517 18th St. $12 / 21 & over 8 p.m. www.vallitix.com
Mystic Red Band BRyder’s 7701 White Lane 8 p.m. / 21 & over 397-7304
Abysmal Dawn & Axiom Pharos
Moosehead Band
Jerry’s Pizza 1817 Chester Ave. 6 p.m. / All ages
Ethel’s Old Corral Café 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway FREE / All ages / 7 p.m.
Kottonmouth Kings The Dome 2201 V St. $30 / All ages / 5 p.m.
Ballroom Dancing Lessons (every Fri.) Randolph’s Lounge 7737 Meany Ave. 6-9:30pm / 615-1494
The Dome 2201 V St. 8 p.m. / All ages
Jerry’s Pizza 1817 Chester Ave. 6 p.m. / All ages
Major League Improv
Divided Highway Muggs Pub & Eatery 1306 Airport Drive FREE / 8 p.m. / 393-2035
The Empty Space 706 Oak St. FREE, donations encouraged 6 p.m.
Bakersfield Jam vs. Utah Flash
Dec. 9 Panic Tuesdays w/ ’80s DJ Music
Grant Langston & the Supermodels
$1 PBRs & more The Element Lounge 1927 K. St. 8 p.m. / 21 & over
Fishlips 1517 18th St. $5 / 21 & over / 9 p.m.
Dec. 10
The Entertainers Café Med (Fri & Sat) 4809 Stockdale Highway FREE / 8 p.m. / 834-4433
Stick to Your Guns, My Children My Bride & Gwen Stacy
Dec. 6
Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$20 / 7 p.m.
Dec. 5
Fall of Troy, God is an Astronaut, The No. 12 Looks Like You & Warship
Goodbye Elliott, Dying to Live & Age of Trinity The Gate 2010 O St. $7 / All ages / 7 p.m.
Toy Soldiers Toy Drive w/Calcaneous, Sunday Snake Oil and Lucid Chaos Fishlips 1517 18th St. Free entry with unwrapped toy 21 & over / 8 p.m.
Dec. 11 Be a Santa to a Senior Glenwood Gardens 350 Calloway Drive 6:30 p.m. / 321-3235
Bakersfield Jam vs. Tulsa 66ers Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-$20 / 7 p.m.
Comedy: Harland Williams The Nile Theater 1721 19th St. $22 / 8 p.m. / 322-5200
Karaoke (Also Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Lane 21 & over / 9 p.m. / 325-2139
Live Music • Pool Tables • Shuffleboard • Darts Video Games • Great Food • Drinks & More NFL Ticket & ESPN College Game Plan • 14 T.V.s Wed. - Nov. 26th My Opus Sat. - Nov. 29th Mento Buru Thurs. - Dec. 4th Sunday Snake Oil Fri. - Dec. 5th Mystic Red Sat. - Dec. 6th Cross Thread Tues. - Dec. 28th Bob Wayne
Open everyday for lunch & dinner
(661) 397-7304 • 7701 White Lane (One block East of Gosford • Next to The Body Exchange)
www.brydersbar.com
www.myspace.com/brydersbar BAKOTOPIA
11
B-52s Fox Theater 11/15
POST YOUR PHOTOS
Check out user galleries or post your own at: www.bakotopia.com/seen • • • • • • • • • • •
Bar Open Late!
Happy Hour
All You Can Eat Specials Mon Crab Legs (Snow or King)
Until 7pm Daily!
Tues
Shrimp
Check for upcoming shows at: www.myspace.com/lecorusserouge Mondays Live Jazz Featuring: Richie Perez from 6pm till 9pm
Wed
BBQ Ribs
Thur
Sea Feast
Vehicle Wraps Window Tinting Vinyl Signs Static Cling Signs Window Forms Fat Head Canvas Floor Decals Wall Noodles Concrete Wraps Paint Protective Shields
Restaurant Ho urs: Mon. - Fri. 4:30pm-10pm Sat. 11am-10pm Sun. 11am-9pm
661-834-1611
4647 White Lane • Bakersfield, CA 93309
www.wrapcityandtint.com 4500 Shepard Street #A1 • Bakersfield, CA 93313
(661) 831-WRAP
BAKOBITFROM BAKOTOPIA.COM
Gaming with Gil By Gamestor Gil, Bakotopia.com contributor
H
ere’s an oxymoron: holiday fitness. How do I stay fit during the holidays, when I have homemade tamales, tortillas, pecan pies, mashed potatoes, yams, cookies, biscuits and gravy, and am being prodded by my in-laws to eat up? This is a challenge for many of us to get through. These are the holidays, right? We’re supposed to eat, drink (in my case caffeine-free Diet Pepsi), and be merry, aren’t we? Well, I might have a solution for all of us who struggle to say,“No, thank you” - it’s called “Wii time.” By now, everyone must be familiar with Nintendo Wii. It was not so in the beginning of 2006. Code named “Revolution,” Nintendo wanted to make an interaction game system, not a graphics-and-flash machine like their competition Xbox 360 and PS3. In the fall of 2006, Nintendo launched Wii in North America. We could not get enough of them. We are just now beginning to see more and more of them in stock. No doubt the physical aspects of the game system make it so much fun. Some of you put your Wii-mote (controller) right through your LCD flat screen TV or even wake up with Wii-elbow soreness. Some have coined this treatment as needing “Wiihab.” The Wii has moms, dads, kids and the elderly celebrating the fun you can have with the five featured games it comes with, the Wii Sports (baseball, tennis, bowling, golf, and boxing). Wii Sports has, on national average, been played up to 33 hours per person, according to a data collector for Nintendo Channel (Kotaku.com). With Wii Fit out there, people are introduced to their own Avatar personal trainer. According to a September 2007 report 33 percent of Wii Fit buyers are women (Codenamerevolution.com). Almost 20 per cent of women polled admitted having accidents after getting carried away in the living room with fitness routines such as those on the Nintendo Wii Fit.
CASH FOR VIDEO GAMES
Now people are losing weight and getting off their couch while playing video games. What a winning concept! With your Wii game system and the desire to have fun, you have only weight to lose this holiday season. So go ahead and snack a little, but keep your Wii nearby. What’s coming up: Week of Nov. 24: Sonic Unleashed (X360); Chrono Trigger (DS); and The King Of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga (Wii) Week of Dec. 1: Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon; Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain Of Memories; Prince of Persia; The Tale of Despereaux; and your favorite - SingStar ABBA. Questions? Comments? E-mail: gil@gamestor.com with“Bakotopia” in the subject line.
S H E L B Y
W I L S O N
H a i r s t y l i s t / Co l o r Sp e c i a l i s t -
NO MONEY LEFT? It’s time for you to get cash for those video games you don’t play anymore!
We Specialize In:
• PSP • PS2 • PS3
( DVD, Video Games, CD ) Before
• Xbox • X360
Catch Gamestor Gil on:
6 61.33 3.43 0 6 192 0 Eye St. – D o w ntow n B a ke r sfield
We fix scratched discs
Video Game System Repair
After
LOCATED IN THE EAST HILLS MALL Mon- Fri 10-9 • Sat 10-7 • Sun 11-6
Tuesday Mornings Live @ 9AM 14 BAKOTOPIA
Call (661) 871-7900
Make-up Artist Fo r m a l s Color Correction We av e s & H i g h l i g h t s Con t e m p or a ry St y l e s M e n & Wo m e n S t y l i n g
November 27, 2008
Pink Ladies Christmas Toy Drive
GUITAR LESSONS
Be Santa to kids of Bakersfield on Dec. 3!
Photo by Danya Absher
with Marky Chavez
Take lessons from Marky Chavez founder of platinum selling rock act Adema. Learn from a proven professional. Beginner to intermediate and get advice concerning the entertainment industry.
Lessons starting at: $70 / Hour $50 / Half Hour
Also save by prepaying 5 hours for $250
All ages are welcome. Gift Certificates Available
661-869-7653 www.myspace.com/markychvz
Pink Ladies from left to right: Jennifer Webb, Amber Callas, Angie Aleman, Jenelle Hutcherson, Paulette Engle, Joanne McCain, Emily Chapman, Stephani Memering, Carrie Puckett & Amanda Thomas.
By Paulette Engle, Bakotopia.com contributor
T
he Pink Ladies are having their very first toy drive this Christmas for the less fortunate children of Bakersfield - and we’re asking for your help. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to Fishlips, 1517 18th St., on Dec. 3 between 6:30 and 10 p.m. The Pink Ladies will be on location to collect, and all toys will be donated to the local 20/30 Women’s Club following the toy drive.
In as little as 6 months become experienced and licensed using specialized Microdermabrasion, Galvanic & High Frequency equipment. Secure your future doing the latest professional facials, eye lashes, make-up and skin care. Specializing in the use of Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up and Pevonia Botanica Spa products. We are nationally accredited and offer financial aid to those who qualify. All work done by supervised students.
For information on becoming a Pink Lady, send Paulette Engle e-mail at: pengle@bak.rr.com
661.327.9784
2935 F Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301
NOTHING SACRED t a t t o o
• Custom Tattooing • Traditional
• Fine Line • Japanese
12pm - 10pm • 7 days a week
• Old School • New School
s t u d i o s
• Custom Artwork • Clothing Designs
Walk-ins welcome & by appointment
661-679-7904 • 828 Norris Road • Bakersfield, CA 93308 www.myspace.com/nothingsacredstudios BAKOTOPIA 15
BAKOBITFROM BAKOTOPIA.COM
The Basement
New local gallery has a lot to do with art - find out how to get involved! By Deon Bell, Bakotopia.com contributor
A
Lot to do with Art (aka The Basement), 1532 19th St., is an establishment offering local artists an opportunity to create, promote and exhibit their work. More importantly, it will be a location for artists to network and develop productive relationships with other artists. A Lot to do with Art will provide paint, easels, canvas and a large workshop. Over time, no matter the medium, artists will only need to bring themselves. Our goal is to attract and exhibit all artists, but more importantly, the true artist: one who produces art that communicates his or her point of view about something that matters. More often than not, artists who choose to express themselves, their points of view or their beliefs are shunned by more “traditional” galleries. We believe such artists are create change, and because of that they are always welcome. Nonetheless,the quality of work that will be displayed in our monthly exhibits must be up to standard. Another goal is to create a constant art scene that never gets boring in an atmosphere that encourages artists to produce more work. Besides providing art supplies, A Lot to do with Art also offers artists a venue (8,500 square feet). Additionally, artists will be allowed to exhibit their work in our 1,400square-feet members gallery (I’ll come up with a cooler name later) free of charge. If an artist chooses to charge an entry fee for his or her event, the gallery will only receive 30 percent of what comes through the door. If the artist sells a piece, he or she owes the gallery nothing (donations are appreciated). Each artist/member will be allowed to exhibit work in our monthly show every four to six weeks. All proceeds for these events go toward the gallery. There will be instances when the studio will be closed due to serving as a
Got art? By providing art supplies and a space to create, A Lot to do with Art is doing more than its part to help local artists. venue. In these instances, the artists/members will have an additional day added to their lease (month to month). More importantly, if an artist/member finds a patron who wishes to use our location as a venue and the customer follows through,the artist will be given an additional month added to his or her membership. In essence and with a little initiative, an artist/member can have studio space, free paint and a large venue — all for free. — For more information on exhibits at The Basement, contact Deon Bell at: Bakdeon1@hotmail.com or 281-4752.
Rosedale
Southwest 2500 New Stine Rd.
8660 Rosedale Hwy
833.3469
587.5750 Where The Lo c a ls Go ™
COLLEGE NIGHT Coming soon to Thursday nights
“CHUY’S BAIL OUT PLAN” LUNCH SPECIALS from $4.99 w/ drink
WEDNESDAY BIKE NIGHT with “Sunday Snake Oil”
NFL SUNDAY TICKET Watch it on 7 new HD flat screens
Daily Specials MONDAY
Chicken Sandwich w/Fries
$6.99
TUESDAY
Family Fajita Day
$6.99
WEDNESDAY
Fried Fish Tacos Whitefish Meal
$6.29 $7.29
THURSDAY
Tri-Tip Sandwich w/Fries
$6.99
FRIDAY
Fish Fry w/Fries & Salad
$7.29
1/2 Chicken Meal
$6.99
Chuy’s Burger w/Fries
$6.49
SATURDAY SUNDAY
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 2pm - 7pm
16 BAKOTOPIA
Thursday nights
SATURDAY NIGHTS Live Music
NOV. 22 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS Elevation 406 vs. Inhale
NFL SUNDAY TICKET DJ DAMAGE Sundays 4pm-9pm
a 661.742.8448
• BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY COMPANY PARTIES @ CHUY'S •
We Will Cater Any Event!
COLLEGE NIGHT
The Central Valley is experiencing the classic sounds of Bakersfield’s own Roger “The Crooner” Martin. His passion sparks memories in all ages singing big band standards made famous by a “pack” of vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin. This Crooner has added a touch of class to many private parties, receptions and local venues such as McGee’s, Golden West Casino and the Fair Grounds. Accompanying Roger with technical and emotional support are his wife Marie and brother-in-law Ronnie V. Together they create an eventful evening of toe tapping favorites that will generate excitement at any event, guaranteed!
Roger
“The Crooner” M a r t i n 661-205-3766
CERTIFIED SPECIALIST • CRIMINAL LAW
The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
T R I A L
L A W Y E R
C R I M I N A L
D E F E N S E
S e r i o u s Fe l o n i e s • M i s d e m e a n o r s 4Effective preparation and presentation of jury trials 4Motions to dismiss based on illegal search & seizure of evidence 4Motions to dismiss for insufficient evidence 4Over 25 years experience
322-1708 1211 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA
w w w . h a s a l a . c o m