http://www.swvoice.com/home/RecentBlogs Recent Blog Posts on The Southwest Voice en-us http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/Softballjoe/30415   TYPICAL GIRLS FAST PITCH SOFTBALL PLAYER (TGFPSP) is first and foremost somebody's little girl. The TGFPSP still has all those little girl attributes. The only difference is now she looks cute dressed in sliders and shorts. If she is wearing ribbons in her hair, they are team colors. She still bakes cookies ... team bake sale. And she has probably earned a few bucks ... at the team car wash. Now she is, and always will be daddy's (mom's) little second baseman. The TGFPSP takes pride in how much dirt she can collect every weekend. Go to dinner on a night that she is not playing and it takes an hour of primping to get ready, and she still feels self-conscious. Go after a game and she'll walk right into a restaurant with a streak of dirt across her forehead, ratted hair, stained shirt and brownish/white socks. Or brown toes with sandals! Let's EAT! The TGFPSP is ready and willing to play at the drop of a hat! If she can get away with it, she will play on two teams. (In the same day no less) She has a huge wardrobe: plenty of tournament shirts and shorts from all the teams she has played on. Her parents do her school shopping every weekend at the tournament T-shirt booth. When you say, "wear something nice", she thinks it means a tournament shirt without dirt stains. The TGFPSP needs to get an athletic scholarship. Her parents have spent $100,000 on camps, private instruction, batting cages, gloves, bats, equipment, uniforms, player fees, concession stands, travel and lodging. THEY'RE BROKE!!! The TGFPSP is a fierce competitor, willing to stand in against a fast pitcher at close distance that even pro baseball players would have trouble hitting! And she might be 5'2" and 100 lbs. soaking wet. She might play first or third base at 20 feet from home plate, saying I dare you to bunt ... drive one down my throat!!! The TGFPSP has more spirit than maybe any other team sport. At least it sounds that way. Softball is the only sport where a girls ability to cheer sometimes effects roster decisions. She can't bunt or hit, she is a liability in the field ... but she cheers constantly! The TGFPSP is playing the game for all the right reasons! SHE LOVES IT! She could hang out at the mall, stay home and watch TV, or spend her summers at the pool. Instead she has a tight schedule with limited free time, hangs out on the practice field with a coach in her face, and spends her summers getting baked on a 105degree field with no shade. J The TGFPSP has her priorities in order: Tournaments, League Games, Team Practices, schoolwork, individual practice and batting cage, family, private softball instruction, church, conditioning, softball camps, boys. (Maybe church comes before the batting cage.) At least on Sundays. The TGFPSP is diligent and hardworking. She knows you get out of something, what you put into it. She is not the type of kid to take the easy way out! She is competitive, not willing to give up. She learns many valuable lesson during the course of her softball career, like: The TGFPSP has a lot of fun every summer, enough to make her come back next year regardless of all the sacrifices, the money, the occasional bad coach, drinking water that people have put their hands in, etc.       Lets Play Ball    you can stay at Holiday INN for $15 bucks a night if you are willing to go 4 to a room. hotels don't monitor pool usage, and you can go swimming anytime, whether your a registered guest or not. Continental breakfast means: 3 bowls of cereal, bagel, 2 donuts and 4 glasses of OJ. Unlike the geographically challenged, softball girls know how to get from home to every field in a 25 mile radius. At one time, she looked cute as a button, dressed in pink with pony tails. She played with dolls, helped mom bake cookies, and has probably earned a few bucks baby-sitting. She has been, and always will be daddy's (mom's) little girl. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:55:03 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/Softballjoe/30403 Weight Training Specifically for Softball In order for a female softball athlete to improve her performance on the diamond, it is essential to train as hard off the field as well as on the field by having a weight training regime specifically designed for softball. Some athletes workout on the ball diamond for two to three hours at a time - fielding grounders and shagging fly balls - and believe it to be sufficient. Now, however, with the level of competition much keener, to stay ahead of the pack an athlete will have work just as hard training her body as she does fielding and hitting. The primary objective of a weight training program for a female softball athlete is very simple: The stronger and more flexible your body, the less prone you are to on-field injury. A weight training program helps build strength. The strength you develop will allow you to swing the bat faster, throw the ball further, and run bases faster. Speed and strength are the two most important components for success in softball. If you serious about elevating your softball game, no matter what caliber you currently play, a weight training program will help take your game to the next level. Caution: If you are planning to begin a weight training regime and have never lifted weights before, check first with your team's coach and your parents. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:55:51 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/sunnica/30326 I have a question for our online readership: Do you watch reality T.V.?  If so, what shows? If you don't watch reality T.V., what are your favorite shows? I like "Lost," "The Bachelorette" (not as fond of "The Bachelor"), and "American Idol."  I don't always get to watch them, but I try. What are YOUR favorite T.V. shows, reality or otherwise? Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:35:14 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/dweaver3/30235 Last Saturday my son and I had a full schedule. Not only did we attend the Book Blast at Pioneer Village, we caught a double feature at the Fox Theater: "Madagascar" and "The Wizard of Oz." What's great about the Book Blast is that kids can write down about 10 books they've read so far this summer, and they get into the event for free. At various spots throughout Pioneer Village, members of the community read books to small groups of kids. At the end of the story, each kid gets a ticket and can enter drawings for prizes at the end. It's pretty exciting when it's prize time! At the Book Blast, we checked in with friends from work and rode the train. In between stories we mingled among the buildings of Bakersfield past. The weather wasn't as hot as it had been at previous Book Blasts, so everything was quite pleasant. One of the neatest features of the event was the wandering magician. Several times we'd spotted him doing a show, but usually at the end. Finally we caught him and my son was amazed by the Chains of Doom. Then we were off to the movies! Finding parking near the theater was a bit tricky, so I was sure we'd have a hard time finding a seat. However, the air conditioning was broken, which must have deterred some of the crowd. The house kindly offered a free soda per ticket stub, which went nicely with fresh popcorn - I'd forgotten how delicious theater popcorn can be! We watched "Madagascar" from the balcony then switched to the first floor to watch "The Wizard of Oz" — and what an experience it was! Both movies were fun to see in the theater, but "The Wizard of OZ" was magical! The special effects were excellent given the technology of the time, and the editing really is clean. Never before had I seen it on the big screen, and it made such a difference! Most of all, it was really fun to hear the audience around me reacting to the movie. (Plus the couple in front of us shared popsicles they'd brought along - just when I was really wilting!) At the end of the movie, everyone clapped and it was applause full of excitement and appreciation for having witnessed such iconic American culture on the true silver screen. I am so grateful to have had the chance for Armand to see "The Wizard of Ox" in such a neat theater. Thanks Fox Theater! Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:35:59 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/dweaver3/29737   These are the shoes I recently blogged about. I'll be going back to Plato's Closet soon and often! They made the outfit I wore to my friend's birthday party last weekend. You can sort of see them in this picture my son took of me.   Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:46:44 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/sunnica/29640 I've been in the market recently for a new dog.  Wyatt Earp needs a friend, so I have been combing the issues of The Southwest and The Northwest Voice each week for the entries from both major pet shelters in town (the SPCA and Kern County Animal Shelter).  For the past three issues, the same dog was pictured -- her name was Ethel.  For some reason, Ethel's photo was speaking to me.  When we were making the next issue of Southwest Voice this week and Ethel was still looking for a home, I saw it as a sign that I needed to go see her. I went to the SPCA on Thursday after work, and there she was.  It was, as it often can be, love at first sight.  Ethel came home with me that night and quickly became part of our family. She's smart, ridiculously loyal to "the one" (that's me) who rescued her, and she's loving to Wyatt. I noticed, however, that she didn't respond to "Ethel."  In fact, at first I thought she was deaf because she never turned her head at all when I called to her.  We took several names for a spin, and finally someone called her "Jenny" and she responded!  Whatever her pre-shelter name was, it must have ended in a "y" because Jenny now responds quite heartily when called. When you see the next issue of The Southwest Voice and see a sweet white Boarder Collie mix, she is no longer looking for a home.  :)   Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:33:38 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/dweaver3/29555 Work on Wednesday was pretty hectic, and I had computer fatigue by the time I left to pick up my son. I then shuttled us off to Plato's Closet, since I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes for my friend's birthday party on Saturday. After browsing as long as my son would allow (and after finding a great pair of sandals), we moved a few blocks down Ming Avenue to try out Izumo Sushi. Their miso soup was so-so and their edamame seemed a bit over cooked, but it was yummy. We ordered crab, tuna, and freshwater eel sushi. Armand quickly devoured his crab and enjoyed the tuna well enough, however, I couldn't help but be amused by the way he peered at the eel! It was quite delicious and I look forward to eating it again. Armand even tried a bite, but I think trying something so different and new was a bit overwhelming for him. Overall, I'm glad to have tried a new restaurant with my son, and quite glad that we had a decent, healthy, very tasty meal for two that came to only $13. I didn't have to do dishes! My Danish friends Jane and Jan (both sushi enthusiasts) emphatically recommended a place in town called Kato Sushi, which features a sushi happy hour. I'll have to take them up on that soon. Maybe Armand will like their eel — yearh right! Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:15:59 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/Softballjoe/28998 Softball in Heaven? Author unknown   Two 90-year-old women, Rose and Barb, had been friends all of their lives.   When it was clear that Rose was dying, Barb visited her every day.   One day Barb said, 'Rose, we both loved playing women's softball all our lives, and we played in all through High School.     Please do me one favor: when you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's women's softball there.'     Rose looked up at Barb from her deathbed, 'Barb, you've been my best friend for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for you.'   , Shortly after that, Rose passed on.     At midnight a couple of nights later, Barb was awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to her, 'Barb, Barb.'     'Who is it?' asked Barb, sitting up suddenly.. 'Who is it?'     'Barb -- it's me, Rose.''You're not Rose. Rose just died.''I'm telling you, it's me, Rose,' insisted the voice.     'Rose! Where are you?' 'In Heaven,' replied Rose. 'I have some really good news and a little bad news.'     'Tell me the good news first,' said Barb.     'The good news,' Rose said, 'is that there's Softball in Heaven. Better yet, all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better than that, we're all young again. Better still, it's always springtime, and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play softball all we want, and we never get tired.' 'That's fantastic,' said Barb. 'It's beyond my wildest dreams!     'So what's the bad news?'   'You're pitching Tuesday.' Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:53:52 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/mt2127/28743   THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND …   4th of July 2007 found me out in the blistering heat with a Brazilian high school student, Felipe Souza, and two visiting representatives of the German Foreign Office of EF Foundation for Foreign Study, Dana and Annette.  We had spent the better part of the day handing out flyers, talking to people on the street, and were now using the time before the BC Fireworks Display by chatting with everyone who would listen to us.  As the patriotic music started Dana looked over at me surprised that people were singing along.  “This doesn’t happen in Germany,” she told me.  As it turns out, the flags, the music, and the fireworks extravaganza were all new to both Germans and Brazilian.  “We only have fireworks on New Year’s Eve,” one or all three of them mentioned between ooohhhs and ahhhs and wild clapping going on around us.  I was asked, “Why are Americans so nationalistic?” by either Dana or Annette.  I asked them to look around at the people in the stands, their various ethnic backgrounds and languages being spoken around us.  It was simple to me, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as a nation incorporating people from all over the earth into one group.  Our freedoms and legal rights are safely guarded by constitutional law.  Variations of this  celebration were occurring all over the USA and for the same reasons – we are “One people under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”    As I’ve welcomed foreign students into my home over the past 14 years, I always ask them what they think about America when they arrive.  I ask mostly the same questions as they are leaving.  This year, Fabian Taute from Germany admitted that he had some preconceived ideas and ‘prejudices’ about Americans before he got here.  As he passionately told me of what he had learned, the changes he had gone through, and how he felt now about our country, our government, and our people it reminded me that spending time with another culture, speaking the language of that culture, fosters understanding and acceptance.  As a multi-racial and multi-ethnic community and country, we should all realize that already and remember to pull together.  The concept that ‘Together we Stand and Divided we Fall’ has always been true.  If my memory is correct, the Latin translation of ‘E Pluribus Unum’ is ‘from many, One’.  That’s what it means to be a citizen of this great country – to come together from many and varied backgrounds, races, religious beliefs, and native languages and to become One Nation.    I’m proud of my heritage, my brave ancestors and what they sacrificed to come here to this land.  I’m proud of what our country has achieved – and thankful to be an American.  My friend, Kalinka Rutberg, a Jewish Russian immigrant, summed it up nicely just the other day.  I had asked if she felt Americans, in particular Californians, were friendly, open, and tolerant of English learners.  She responded in the affirmative but went on to say that it just was not possible for those of us born here to completely appreciate our legal system, political system, and personal freedoms because we had never lived without them.  She brought tears to my eyes as she confirmed her appreciation to this country and it’s people. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:07:31 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/aletheaanderson/28703 Gold Canyon Candles - Shop Online Gold Canyon, established in 1997 has had over 10 years of successful growth and is now a company bringing in over 110 Million Dollars per year. Started by a Mom who wanted a strong-scented candle.  She tinkered and formulated in the kitchen and created the perfect candle.  A balance of high quality wax, amazing fragrance and a clean burn.  Little did she know that a decade later her candles would be known as "The World's Finest". That Mom, Karen, opened the doors of Gold Canyon to other Moms in her area - giving them a chance to be home with their children too.  The business grew in leaps and bounds. Over 10 years later other Moms across the United States, Canada and the UK are making their dreams come true with their own Gold Canyon Candle businesses. If you are seeking a strong-scented candle, Gold Canyon Candles are the ones to try!  With over 100 true-to-life fragrances and many shape and sizes to choose from these candles are truly affordable elegance.... It will be love at first light! Gold Canyon Candles - Shop Online Alethea Anderson, Gold Canyon Independent Demonstrator, Candle Coach http://www.shopgoldcandles.com Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:37:57 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/TheEmptySpace/28453 THE EMPTY SPACE’S SUMMER PICNIC & BASKET AUCTION! “A picnic for all ages to benefit The Empty Space!” Saturday, June 21st 1-4pm at Jastro Park In an effort to bring back the annual “theatre picnics” of the past, The Empty Space would like to extend an invitation to all the theatres around town as well as ALL Bakersfield artists and their families! There will be lunch, games, prizes, raffles, face painting, and a preview performance of Reefer Madness: The Musical (family-friendly scenes only, of course!) To top it off, we’ll be auctioning off some delicious picnic baskets filled with homemade desserts and baked goods. Come hang out, eat, support the arts, catch up with old friends, and make some new ones! Bring water balloons and squirt guns to cool off afterwards! Picnic Lunch: $6 adults $4 kids (includes hot dogs, chips, fruit, and lemonade. A la carte items available as well). Please RSVP at 327-PLAY to help us get an idea of how many people to expect. We’d love to see as many local artists in attendance as possible, so spread the word to your friends and family!   Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:35:12 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/bakomom/28311 The military troops fighting to defend "Lady Liberty" are in our hearts. Often we pray for their safety. We pray for their families. We pray for their safe return. We pray God keeps them safe while they are fighting for our freedom. There selfless-service to this nation should be an inspiration. Without them could we sleep each night as comfortable? Tonight when you lay you're head down on your soft pillow. Think of where some of our troops are sleeping. In self dug a hole? On the ground? Maybe they aren't even sleeping, keeping guard through the long, lonely dark nights. Yearning for a touch from family?   Dreaming of a hug or familiar smile from a loved one?  For some it's possible this freedom is taken for granted? I am ever so thankful for the freedom they provide us. I come from a very long family history of military. From great grandpas and grandpas to dad to step-mom to most recently, my Brother-in-Law. Born on a Marine base and raised in a military family, I know some of the sacrifices of seeing your family members go off to war. Although I appreciate there service and duty protecting this beautiful nation. With tearful eyes and a heavy heart, my brother-in-law is being deployed tomorrow. My sister will be left behind, with a 4 month old and a 2 year old far away from family. Please, when you lay your head down tonight. Remember the peace and freedom we have. And should not take for granted. Thank you to all the service men and women. Please also say a pray for my brother in law, sister, their children and our family. Remember there is a price for freedom. Veterans, Soldiers, and families have and are paying that price. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:20:42 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/sunnica/28254 How did the all-star game go tonight?  I couldn't make it, but I know Hannah Grisham. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:24:27 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/djkyle/28029 Even today I can't help but smile at the memory of last Wednesday night! It started out very, very, slow ... and for awhile Joe, Brandon, Lindsey and I thought we were going to be the only ones on stage. With DJ Kyle in Cuyama, and a slow start to the evening, it looked like we'd have an uneventful, even BORING night, but we were sooooo wrong! We promised everyone that we'd have two styles of karaoke nights: Tuesday nights for families, and Wednesday nights for adults who wanted to have a little fun. This Wednesday the crowd pulled out the stops and provided us with a fun party that, let's just say, is a little more grown up than the kids can handle. Watch the Videos Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:57:41 PDT http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/Softballjoe/27600 MARK YOUR CALANDARS NOW,  WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 @ 6:30PM AT DAVE FRY FIELD, BY SAM LYN BALL PARK. FRIENDS  Sat, 31 May 2008 18:08:00 PDT