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Merle Haggard gives up pot, takes up Beer Pong as therapy?

It's the

Newsletter - Happy New Year's Edition!

Here we are peeps - 2009! Your hangover is gone, the New Year’s outfit you spent all your hard earned money on is a mess, and hopefully not still thrown in the corner of your bedroom!

So now what? I’ll tell you what! Get up and be somebody!

Like the dudes on this week’s cover - the Hollywood Chihuahuas beer pong team. Yes, there is actually an official sport based on two of Bako’s favorite pastimes - beer & balls. Now hold on, before you think this is some bizarre homo-erotic fetish (we live in sensitive times, hush your mouth), there’s more to this story!

Sports in Bakersfield is huge - team rivalries in football, basketball and maybe soccer. On any given Sunday, you will find one of the local pubs packed and louder than your own home.

Now, we have beer pong - a drinking game played with pingpong balls and plastic beer cups. Best of all, anyone can play, and you don’t need to use beer. But can you imagine downing a 2-liter bottle of root beer after a match? That’s disgusting, stick to the beer.

We also have local comedy, the ‘80s, books, Kathy Griffin and live pix from the crazy Feliz Skavidad show and more.

Thanks to our contributors, and our fantabulous advertisers who keep us free for you and yours every issue. Show them some love by spending some duckets, and tell them Bakotopia sent you!

Congratulations to our new President Barack Obama on 1/20/09!

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 45 IS HERE!
GOT BEER PONG?!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR COOL MAP!)

COVER STORY: BROTHERS OF THE PONG!

COVER AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CARLYLE!

LAUGHTER COMEDY AT THE EMPTY SPACE!

KATHY GRIFFIN'S D-LIST DELIGHT - LIVE REVIEW!

THE STRANGERS w/ 2BAGS OF SOCIAL D AT AMESTOY'S & SOCIAL D?

ENTER TO WIN FREE TIX TO SEE AVENGED SEVENFOLD & MORE ON 2/2!

JASON FROST'S OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL TOP 10 BOOKS OF 2008!

LIVE PHOTOS - 'FELIZ SKAVIDAD' AT FISHLIPS!

GAMESTOR GIL'S 2009 GAME RELEASE RUNDOWNIZZLE!

NORFOLK'S CD RELEASE WITH VELORIO & GET UP GET DOWNIZZLE!

I MISS THE '80S - DONT' YOU? YES!

A TRULY ROCKIN' NOVEMBER WITH THE CRUE & MORE!

LOCAL AUTHOR & BAKOTOPIAN, JOE TETRO HAS A NEW BOOK 4U!

HEY LADIES! THE BAKERSFIELD ACTIVE 20/30 CLUB WANTS YOU!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

CHECK OUT OR ONLINE SNAP GALLERIES! ADD YOURS TODAY! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 1/21/09!

GET INVOLVED! POST STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace & God Bless,

Matt Munoz
Editor

A politically incorrect holiday season might be fun?

HAPPY HOLIDAZE & BON VOYAGE 2008!

It's the

Newsletter - Happy New Year's Edition!

What a year!

Bakotopia magazine celebrated its one year anniversary back in May, we had so many big parties along the way - Fat Tuesday, St. Patty's Day, Drink de Mayo, Night B4 Thanksgiving. We gave away tons to free concert tix, our online family has grown by thousands more, and for that we THANK YOU!

Sitting down at my desk I can't point to one single Bakotopialand happening that hasn't been big. So many great local bands released new music, new art galleries opened - and, would you believe it, we have a new U.S. President - our man, Barack!

Take some time by yourself or with some friends and take a look back at all the cool things you've made happen this past year. If it'll make things easier, do it at one of our cool local bars listed inside our latest issue - I'm sure the bartenders will help you out.

As we get ready to head into 2009, make a list of what you'd like to accomplish, I have.

At the top of my work list is to make Bakotopia magazine bigger, badder and deffer than ever. But the only way I can do that is with your help. Keep the Bakotopia name burnin' by spreading the word, keep sending those articles and photos in, sign-up for your free online profile at: www.bakotopia.com so you don't miss out on all the cool contests and news blasts!

More importantly, don't forget to support our advertisers inside who keep Bakotopia free for you and yours. Let's raise a glass on New Year's - see you in 2009!

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 44 IS HERE!
BON VOYAGE 2008!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR COOL MAP!)

COVER AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON RUTH OF STUDIO 13!

NEW YEAR'S HAPPENINGS! FIND THE BEST IN BAKO!

THE BAKO-BRITISH INVASION...AND MURDER?

WE'LL MISS YOU BETTIE PAGE!

SURVIVING A HANGOVER WITHOUT HANGING YOURSELF!

THE BASEMENT COMMUNICATES CHANGES IN D-TOWN!

BAKOTOPIA OFFICIAL NEW YEAR'S EVE JAM AT NARDUCCI'S - 12/31!

INTRO TO ACTING CLASSES - 3 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!

AARON NOVAK: FROM OUSTED JW TO MUSICAL PHENOM!

LIVE VIDEO & PIX FROM THE BIG MURS SHOW AT FISHLIPS! A MUST SEE!

WHAT A YEAR FOR GAMING!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

CHECK OUT OR ONLINE GALLERIES! ADD YOURS TODAY! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 1/7/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace & God Bless,

Matt Munoz
Editor

So, the election is over.....NOW WHAT?

Change Is A Comin'!

It's the

Newsletter - Post Election Chill-Out Edition

My fellow Americans - it’s finally over!

What an ending to an election that brought even the most hardened non-political folk off the armchair and into the voting booth.

The nation as well as Kern County had its largest voter turnout in years, and we’re all better Americans for it.

So, let’s all exhale and get back to Bako business, shall we?

In this issue, we feature one thing most can agree on - video games, and some local devotees who allowed us to peak into their realm of mystery.

As you may have noticed, the Bakotopia mag tends to shrink at times. Like many local businesses, the economy has put everyone in a spin, but we’ll always do our best to keep giving you the cool local stories you look forward to. Stories like The Iron Outlaws and their new CD dropping on Nov. 15. It’s on my iTunes and I’ve listened to it tons of times already.

You’ll also read about our local Bakersfield Rollergirls and their fundraising event happening on Nov. 22 to help fellow Fresno rollergirl, Marisol Nuñez. What a remarkable and beautiful woman. Her strength in the face of illness is truly inspiring.

Read on peeps, we’ll see you at the annual Bakotopia “Night B4 Thanksgiving Jam” at Fishlips with Mento Buru and Thee Majestics, on Nov. 26!

Thanks to all of our advertisers who help keep us free for you and yours. Give ‘em some love back and let’s get our economy back on track.

Congrats to our new President - Barack Obama!

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 41 IS HERE!
FULL TILT - LOCAL GAMERS GO AGGRO!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR COOL MAP!)

COVER STORY: "MEET THE GAMERS"
MEET THREE LOCAL HARDCORE GAMING HOMIES & GAMESTOR GARRETT!
COVER AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CARLYLE!

DERBY GIRLS UNITE TO HELP A SISTER IN NEED ON 11/22!

THE IRON OUTLAWS ARE HAVING A CD RELEASE PARTY AT FISHLIPS!

GAMIN' WITH GIL & GARRETT - HOW TO AVOID THE GAMING BLUES!

LOCAL REACTION TO THE 2008 ELECTION!

CATCHING UP WITH 'HEROES' VILLAINS - SEASON 3!

BAKOTOPIA'S NIGHT B4 THANKSGIVING JAM ON 11/26!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

CHECK OUT OR ONLINE GALLERIES! ADD YOURS TODAY! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 11/19/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace,

Matt Munoz
Editor

I was watching Sarah Palin's speech, and then....?

I had some Top Ramen...

...and read the

Newsletter...

Hanging with the homies of Haggard reminded me of my old high school buddies. All summer long, swimming at one someone’s house, blaring the music, and when it time to clean the pool, you rode it until next year.

We all know that skateboarding has come along way since the days of T&C boards, rubber board protectors, and clay wheels. Clay wheels? Kind of reminds you of The Flintstones, right?

Bakersfield has a grip of skate factions - I usually encounter a select group around the downtown parking structure every night I walk out to my car. They’re always cool, just doing their thing.

A couple of months ago, I received a message from Daniel Scheidle about Haggard Longboards, a new upstart business he and some friends had started.

When we set up the interview, I was impressed to find out that all five friends that make up the Haggard team of builders are really a tight group of buds living the endless summer.

They’re no slouches, these dudes have brains and their minds set on success. I’m sure you’ll agree after reading their story.

Speaking of friends, the passing of local promoter Kurtis Willingham shocked many in the scene. We will miss his mellow demeanor and passion for music, but his spirit lives on in the audience forever.

In this issue we have all kinds of coolness, courtesy of our contributors, some of whom I met at the Ice Cube concert on Aug. 27.

<<CHECK OUT VIDEO FROM COVER PHOTO SHOOT!

Bakotopia would like say “Welcome back” to all of our Bakersfield College readers. Study hard and keep on reading Bakotopia! We’ll see you all at “Bakotopia’s Back To School Bashes” at The Dome and Narducci’s, and after Villagefest at Fishlips for my B-day rager on Sept. 6!

Please support out advertisers who keep Bakotopia magazine free for you and yours.

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 36 IS HERE!
ROAD RAGERS - BAKO'S HAGGARD LONGBOARDS!
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COVER STORY: "ROAD RAGERS!"
THE BUDS OF HAGGARD LONGBOARDS ROLL INTO BUSINESS IN BAKO!

ABOUT THE COVER: BY HOLLY CARLYLE!

BAKOTOPIA'S BACK TO SCHOOL BASHES 9/11,12,13!
NEW FOUND GLORY! MILLIONAIRES! MONTE NEGRO & MORE!

THE LOCAL CELEBRITIES PREPARE FOR A BIG BASH!

REMEMBERING OUR BRO - KURTIS WILLINGHAM!

REVISITING 9/11 - STORIES FROM EXPERIENCE!

KILLER KERN 3 SCOOTER RUN 9/12-14! A PREVIEW!

GAMESTOR GIL VIDEO GAME NEWS - SKATE EDITION!

PARTY AT VILLAGEFEST AND FISHLIPS THIS WEEKEND AS I TURN (?) YEARS OLD!

DVD REVIEW: PROMETHEUS TRIUMPHANT - a Fugue in the Key of Flesh!

FAN REVIEW: ICE CUBE CONCERT ON 8/27!
**BAKOTOPIA INTERVIEW COMING TO 9/18 EDITION!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 9/10/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace,

Matt

I heard a member of Kottonmouth Kings lives in Tehachapi? TRUE?

Now what you hear is not a test...

It's the

Newsletter...hip hop you can't stop edition

How strong is the influence of hip-hop in Bakersfield?

Big, and I’m not talking a pair of old school Adidas and baseball caps tilted to the side with a factory sticker on the bill.

Take a visit to any area neighborhood in Bakersfield and you will find that the original NYC B-boy and B-girl culture has evolved into a unifying worldwide movement.

Back in issue 17 of Bakotopia (Dec. 13, 2007), we featured the mighty Wu-Tang Clan who made a stop by during their stormy reunion tour. Yes, they rocked, but more impressive was the mixed crowd - a real melting pot of different colors, faces, all singing along to every lyric and chorus in unison - no violence.

Interviewing local rappers Frost and The Natural Movement, I was once again reminded of the passionate nature of the art form. Distinctively different styles - a little borrowed from the past, but undeniably unique after all these years.

As a musician and longtime rap fan, it’s rare you get to catch a live rap show in Bakersfield. My first rap show was watching X-Clan downstairs at the Masonic Temple downtown, with guest Professor S and DJ Choc on the turntables back in the ’80s. No fights, just bouncing with Professor X who reminded us that “this is protected with the red, the black, and the green, with the key, sissies!” Old school, friend...

During the late-night photo shoot and interview, both Frost and The Natural Movement were surprisingly unaware of each other’s projects. That all changed once the camera snapped and hands shook.

We have another great issue, with contributions from some of our regular favorites as well as some new names. Keep on supporting our advertisers who keep the Bakotopia print pages free for you and yours.

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 35 IS HERE!
ONE WORLD MANY MICS - FROST & THE NATURAL MOVEMENT!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

COVER STORY: "ONE WORLD MANY MICS!"
LOCAL HIP-HOPPERS: FROST & THE NATURAL MOVEMENT KEEP IT RISING!

ABOUT THE COVER: BY HOLLY CARLYLE!

BLAK MIST SURFACES IN LOCAL RAP GAME!

BAKERSFIELD AWAITS ICE CUBE ON 8/27!

JOSEPH GOMEZ IS LIVE FROM ROCK THE BELLS '08!

FORBIDDEN ZONE DIRECTOR - RICHARD ELFMAN INTERVIEWED BY GREG GOODSELL!

JACQUELINE PILAR IS FOCUSED ON FASHION!

LIVE PIX: 2008 LOWRIDER NATIONALS - GIRLS, GAME, AND CARS!

'HEROES' IS COMING BACK TO TV ON 9/22!

STILL TIME TO ENTER! WIN TIX TO SEE ICE CUBE IN BAKO ON 8/27!

GAMESTOR GIL'S VIDEOGAME NEWS - DEF VERSION!

ARE JELLY'S AND MINI-SKIRTS BACK IN STRIDE?

LOCAL AUTHOR LOREN JOHN PRESLEY TRIUMPHS!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 8/27/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace,

Matt

I ended up at Edwards Air Force base on my way to Mammoth?

I did....believe it....or not!

Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert!

It's the

Newsletter..."Funkdafied" edition!

School’s almost back in session for all you college folk and high school is right around the corner.

Did anyone really get a chance to take a vacation? I did ... Sorry!?

Our economy isn’t doing too well, but that doesn’t mean you have to give in and be a bore.

I managed to save up some dough, play a few extra gigs with my band Mento Buru and off it was to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, yes Knott’s AND Dis.

I don’t care how old you are, once I pass through an amusement park gate, I turn into the biggest kid. Two days of running around, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones, and stinky people. It wasn’t that bad — after a while, I came to the conclusion that we all have a “funky” side as humans, and there’s only so much AXE spray to save the world — just go with it. Shout out to my not-so-stinky son Mark, Josey, and her son, Brendan who joined me for the adventure.

When I got back to the office, Bakotopia was in full swing, and we’re back and packed with fruit-flavor!

In this issue: Jarod Palmer Intrudes and Alerts!; NL survives the Comic-Con nerdathon; Buck Shot gets berzerk; Jason Frost gets evicted, if you don’t take his books; a punk lit party at Russo’s; 800lb Gorilla is giving away a sweet bass; Gamestor Gil talks Maddenflu; Circa Survive magically appears; and more!

I heard from Chase — our former Super Intern — last week, and he says all is well in San Diego (so far). Good Luck, homie!

Don’t forget to visit our wonderful advertisers who keep us FREE! And if you spot an empty Bakotopia magazine rack, let us know, so we can fill you back up!

Special “Gracias” to photographer Joseph Gomez, who came in to save the day last minute.

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 34 IS HERE!
"INTRUDER ALERT - BAKO'S OWN ONE MAN COMPU JAM!!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

COVER STORY: "JAROD PALMER - INTRUDER ALERT!"
Local electronica phenom is on tour now!

LIVE FROM COMIC-CON 2008! A BAKOTOPIA EXCLUSIVE!

BAKO MMA FIGHTERS AT TACHI PALACE! LIVE PIX!

ENTER TO WIN TIX TO SEE RAPPER ICE CUBE IN CONCERT ON 8/27/08!

BUCK SHOT - THE NEW HEADBANGIN' HOOTENANNY!

CONTEST: TAKE MY BOOKS PLEASE! JASON FROST NEEDS HELP!

GAMIN' WITH GIL - WEEKLY VIDEOGAME NEWS!

LES OF 800LB GORILLA IS GIVING AWAY THE BUCK OWENS BASS!

ANTHONY GREEN OF CIRCA SURVIVE - BAKOTOPIA INTERVIEW!

LIVE PIX: KISS TRIBUTE BAND - GODS OF THUNDER AT FISHLIPS 7/19!

ANGST-FILLED NOVELIST HAS SOMETHIN' FOR LULU AND YOU!
COMING TO RUSSO'S BOOKS - 8/9/08!

LOCAL CONSUMER LEAVES OPEN LETTER TO BODY XCHANGE - YOUR THOUGHTS?

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 8/13/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace,

Matt

Remember the 900 Ft. Jesus spotted in Tulsa, Ok?

Ahhh the good ol' Oral Roberts days of religious hallucinations for cash donations..

It's the...

Newsletter...Feel My Art 2 Edition!

Hey Bakotopians! How are you doing? Good? That’s nice to hear! Not so good? I’m sorry about that.

Maybe a nice refreshing glass of iced tea and some music could cheer you up a bit? You could even throw a lemon slice or two in there. Life has been giving out lemons lately for a lot of people, and in this economy the exchange rate is going to knock you back a bit more.

What about another selection of local artists to express the array of emotions you’ve been toting around? I think we can do that.

Chase'nation

This is my last issue before I hit the road to continue my educational learnings at SDSU. So I’m leaving you not only with more local artists to satiate the ravenous response to the first venture, but also some other great content as well.

Greg Goodsell addresses the frustration of the local art scene, and Gamestor Gil has some more Gamestor Goods to share with you. Also, Bakersfield heads to Hollywood, Tarantino borrows from the French, pix from local events, the best event calendar ever, and more.

So thank you all again for your support, and don’t forget to also support our advertisers for helping keep this thing alive!

See you around!

Chase Brockett, Bakotopia staff

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NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 33 IS HERE!
"FEEL MY ART 2 - PROFILING MORE OF THE NEW BAKO ART SCENE!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR NEW MAP!)

FEEL MY ART 2 - PROFILING MORE OF THE NEW SCENE!
THE LOCAL HEART OF ART - MEET MORE BAKO ARTISTS!

SUFFERING FOR ART'S SAKE - WHY BOTHER? FIND OUT!

FRESH RHYME SCHEME BECKONS BAKO POETS!

BAKO BANDS AND BELARDES AT ROCK N' READ!

GAMIN' WITH GIL - WEEKLY VIDEOGAME NEWS! HOT!

THE ORIGINS OF FICTION - TARANTINO BORROWS FROM THE FRENCH!

WIN TIX TO THE 11TH ANNUAL LOWRIDER NATIONALS!

EPITOME OF SOUND - MUSIC REVIEWS WITH DJ MOUSTACHE!

COMBINING CULTURES - PHILIPPINE WEEKEND: 7/25-27/08!

ALL STAR SUPERMAN - THE CAPED CRUSADER GETS COOL!

CATCHING UP WITH MCGEE'S - AGAIN!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

PIX FROM ALL KINDS OF LIVE EVENTS IN BAKO! DID OUR BAKORAZZI GET YOU?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 7/30/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST YOUR STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

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