http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/RecentBlogs Recent Blog Posts on Tehachapi News en-us http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/sushisoo/6414 Okay, so it's only an hour, but is anybody else dreading losing an hour from their life this weekend? Switching back and forth from daylight savings time just bugs me. Anybody else? Have you ever shown up late/early due to the time change? I once walked into church an hour late which wasn't so bad but the time I made it to work a whole hour early went completely unoticed and unappreciated! "Springing ahead" towards the weekend, I'm already bummed it's going to be one hour shorter! I guess I'll have to leave work a bit early to make up for it. Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:01:57 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/beekeeper/6408 Do these questions look familiar? Copy and paste, and answer for fun if you wish... 1. What is your favorite word?  2. What is your least favorite word? 3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?  4. What turns you off? 6. What sound or noise do you love?  7. What sound or noise do you hate? 8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 9. What profession would you not like to do? 10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:21:31 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LoriMorales/6398 Who is going to buy the land for sale by Superior Farms?  Dick is looking for a buyer.  Anyone have information? Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:53:35 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/6387 Why in any nation considering itself civilized should any convicted child predator ever be set free to continue preying on children? The ready answer that comes to my mind is America is not a civilized nation. It doesn’t take the corruption rampant in our government to tell me this, all it takes is the refusal on the part of our politicians and judges to make sure child predators once caught and convicted ever again be allowed to continue their monstrous acts against children. By that standard how do the Roman Church, the Mormon Church, and Jehovah’s Witnesses fare any better? The refusal to permanently remove child predators from civilized society is to acknowledge the fact of an uncivilized nation. Then there is the matter of America becoming a violent and uncivilized nation by reason of our unsecured borders for the sake of slave labor benefiting politicians and their corporate masters whereby not only child predators but thousands of other violent criminals are coming into our nation in an undeclared war on the law-abiding citizens of America. But if you shoot back at those threatening your life, you are more likely to wind up like those two border patrol agents than not. At that, even for the law-abiding using a gun is not the easy thing much of the anti-gun propaganda would have you believe. While James Jones didn’t mention it in his Pulitzer-winning book “WWII,” shortly after the war I read an interesting study concluding half of our soldiers in battle did not fire their guns. The reasons given were many and varied, but generally came down to men not wanting to kill other men, though some admitted they were too busy trying to stay alive with all the shooting going on to bother risking firing at the enemy. Jones did make a point of referencing the most sensible thing to do when people are shooting at you is do your best to get the hell out of harm’s way! Stephen Crane while never having fought in the war did a remarkable job of describing this in his classic Civil War novel “The Red Badge of Courage.” Years ago in a conversation with the police chief of a southern California city he told me one of the questions asked of those applying for a position on the force was “Would you be willing to shoot someone?” It occurred to me this was a pretty silly question. After all, unless you are actually confronted by the situation how would you know the answer? The chief concurred with me, and went on to say interviewers were looking for “body language” in response to the question; that the hope was if the interviewers were convinced in the affirmative later training at the police academy would weed out those that would not shoot. He sighed and continued to share with me this was too often not the case. It all came down to that moment when the event occurred. Over the years since I have learned from personal experience the enormous difficulty police departments have in not only preventing those who are “gun happy” from wearing a badge, but finding people who are willing to shoot. It comes down to that classic observation by John Wayne in “The Shootist” whether a man is “willin’.” Hollywood would have us believe the military is filled with men anxious to get a gun in their hands and shoot at every possible opportunity whereas the opposite may be closer to the truth. And while field commanders could easily disabuse the makers of war movies, it wouldn’t make for the image of warriors the entertainment industry likes to project in action-packed dramas. Just to watch some of the old war movies of WWII like “Sands of Iwo Jima” gives the impression our soldiers were all bravely shooting it out with the enemy, there are the films like “Apocalypse Now” and “The Green Berets,” and Clint Eastwood has done yeoman’s work in “Flags of our Fathers” and “Letters from Iwo Jima,” but the fact that when the shooting is actually going on the sensible thing to do is try to stay alive. Not surprisingly “Doc” Bradley, one of those in that iconic picture of the second flag raising on Iwo Jima, “never regarded himself as a hero, telling anyone who asked, ‘The only heroes were the ones who didn’t come back.’ “ If the status of hero is defined in this way who would argue Bradley’s observation; though the medals are given Alvin York and Audie Murphy. But war movies as propaganda were needed during WWII and continue to serve the same purpose, though with the introduction of the anti-hero real heroes of the iconic status of WWI and WWII are hard to come by. There really was no excuse for Patton slapping that soldier; not everyone loved war as did Patton though we need men like him in time of war. Western films promote the image of the gunslinger whereas the truth isn’t even close to the actual events. Most so-called “gunfighters” were more likely to shoot from ambush than the stand-up face-off in “Shane” and other films of this genre. And if you have ever experienced being shot at and shooting back you know exactly what I’m talking about. You won’t find much material about the police and military having difficulty with finding personnel that are “willin’.” We don’t see war news on TV showing any of our troops that are not “willin’.” What we always see are film clips of those doing the shooting. Which makes sense; there is nothing exciting about showing soldiers not shooting but doing the sensible thing trying to avoid being shot. But there is that study I mentioned following WWII that gives pause, and even though films made about wars from our own War for Independence on showing so many shooting at each other there is still that sensible thing of soldiers doing their best in many cases of trying to avoid getting shot. This is not cowardice in most cases, but only sensible. But as to actual cowardice, as the violence increases here in America and entire cities are being terrorized by gangs one of the more common tactics by the barbarians is the “drive-by shooting.” These are the cowardly acts by which gang members are identified for what they are: utterly uncivilized and cowardly barbarians without conscience. Unlike actual warfare where men are facing either shooting or getting shot, here in America the cowards shoot from ambush without fear of being shot in return. Small wonder we applaud the vigilante that in turn metes out justice when our laws do more to protect the criminals than the victims. Small wonder there are so few witnesses willing to step forward when gang murders occur when neighborhoods are ruled by gangs and retaliation is far more certain than justice. We don’t hear anything about soldiers being tried for cowardice in the face of enemy fire. One reason, I’m sure, is that the military cannot afford to let it be known how many soldiers are not firing their weapons in time of battle. And I certainly understand this; I don’t fault the military for not wanting such a thing publicized (and speaking of not wanting publicity, wasn’t it obvious that Iraqi that made the news about being detained when airport security at LAX discovered items he had concealed in his rectum was a test for smuggling bomb materials aboard a plane). However, here on the Home Front our police are facing an actual war where to use their guns is to invariably face the threat of lawsuits, being fired or imprisoned. The case of those two border patrol agents being imprisoned for shooting at a drug smuggler from Mexico sends the message to all our border patrol agents: Don’t shoot! Bush may well pardon his friend Libby, but he sits on his hands over those two border patrol agents. Government corruption, child predators and gangs continue to terrorize America, the result being our nation is losing credibility as a civilized nation. When the highest in government are protected and allowed to continue with their corruption, when Ted Kennedy is still in power after Chappaquiddick and Ann Coulter is vilified for the use of a word, when the laws favor the criminals over their victims, when the police are afraid to shoot even when “willin’” there is little to give hope we will ever be a truly civilized nation. Our enemies realize this even if our leadership does not. Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:07:34 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/eekitsaspider/6378 Are cesspools in Kern County/Tehachapi illegal? And if so who would you contact to report one? Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:12:40 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapigrouch/6372 The Tehachapi Fire Study has completed the first phase and the City Council has agreed with it as far as negotiating with Kern County Fire Department. Mr. Coleman did a good job of understanding all of the intricacies of the two departments. He didn't include public forums as I understood the first phase was supposed to contain. So, I am asking what do you think the negotiations should ask for on both parts? Thu, 08 Mar 2007 06:52:32 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/dhall/6362 My seven year old recently discovered the joys of reading.  She has always loved to Look at books and have them read to her, but now she reads to herself and her baby sister.  As a consequence to her new found love of books, we raided my childhood bedroom to find my old books.  Among the books were my two favorite series.  The Little House Books and Nancy Drew Mysteries kept me occupied for many years (I always re-read books I love so I read them over and over for years).  She doesn't seem interested in either series too much.  My instinct is to make her read them because I know she will love them (I know that isn't logical but that's me).  I am fighting that instinct so I won't ruin her love of reading.  I was wondering what my fellow bloggers like to read as a child.  Any suggestions on what a seven year old (almost eight) would like? Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:22:07 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/6354 The conviction of Libby caused me to wonder what Custer had planned for an encore; more Indians? Such seems the “plan” of the Bush administration. Custer may not have said “Bring it on!” or put out posters for Sitting Bull “Wanted Dead or Alive!” but the overall picture begins to take on an uncomfortable similarity to the present White House. Knowing of Custer’s ego it isn’t difficult to imagine before his last stand having already prepared a banner “Mission Accomplished,” which would at the very least have proved as premature as that of the present occupant of the Oval Office. Of course, there is nothing of humor about those who died with Custer. The best that can be said of the battle is that their leader died with them, paying the ultimate price for his arrogance and seeking for glory. But Bush sits comfortably in the White House protected from taking any risks to his own hide or that of his friends while ordering others placed in harm’s way. Certainly we don’t expect generals to be on the front lines of battles, but we do have a right to expect generals to at least be concerned about casualties. This has not been in evidence with our “general” sending troops into battle unprepared and with no real plan for either protracted war or any exit strategy together with the debacle of Walter Reed. Brilliant people, even those of great genius can make stupid mistakes and stupid statements. The time would fail in producing a list of examples. I can easily believe Ann Coulter had a “psychotic episode” in her remark about Edwards causing such harm to the very people, conservatives, she has long championed. I don’t doubt Howard Dean wishes he could take back his scream and Hillary wishes she hadn’t succumbed to a similar episode with that shrill, tin ear attempt to be “one of the people.” But some stupid mistakes by leaders, brilliant or not, often cost actual lives. As to Custer, like so many battles and prominent people involved, historians continue debating these things often having to depend on secondary rather than primary sources. However, one would think in our modern technological world with computers and instant communications it would be easier to nail the guilty; but this has not proven to be the case, as the Libby fiasco makes so indelibly and painfully clear; and We the People are left once more wondering if truth and justice have any chance at all in America? We still wonder about JFK, the Warren and 9/11 Commissions, and there is simply too much corruption in government to take any politician’s word as the truth about anything. The passing of time and the lack of primary source material lends an ephemeral and azure tint to things like “Remember the Alamo” and such things are easily romanticized. But there is nothing about our present leadership Republican or Democrat that lends itself to romanticizing. On the contrary the actions on the part of our leaders seems so very tawdry, none of them lending themselves to anything heroic, anything by which history will recall of any of them that is not tarred by the brush of corruption throughout. One of the things, and a very essential thing that helped us during WWII was our heroes. Those my age recall we had real heroes during that era. That so many would prove to have had feet of clay has no bearing on what we believed of our heroes during that period of time when we needed such heroes to fight a world war against the Axis foes. Just as some neuroscientists think we are genetically disposed to religious beliefs, reflecting my own thoughts and writing about an “instinct to believe,” so there would seem to be a need for heroes in order to gather people to a cause. But without that all-important element of romance you cannot possibly have heroes. There has to be something to give the substance to words like glory and heroism, there have to be leaders who gather others to them on this basis to have any hope of success against the foe. The painfully obvious vacuum of leadership in America today, the lack of any of real virtue who are convincing in the role of “hero,” cries out to be filled. Not to even suggest any invidious comparison but I have no doubt Bush cast himself in a romantic role relishing the cowboy mystique, that he sees himself much like that famous painting of Hitler in shining armor. But just as things turned out disastrously for Hitler, so things are proving disastrous for Bush. We can only hope our entire nation does not fall prey to such a dark romanticism as that of Hitler. But the dark side should not be ignored. Hitler presumed an expertise he did not possess and became blind to the obvious, refusing the counsel of all opposed to him because of filling a position of such immense power. It is an old story filled with much grief, that leaders too often presume wisdom and expertise on the basis of position rather than actual ability. Our own leadership throughout seems to suffer this affliction. An historical axiom has it power destroys those that do not use it wisely. Our hope as Americans is that our whole nation does not have to pay the price Germany did for the lack of wisdom among those holding power. It would serve us well to remember the history of nations that have fallen due to the lack of virtue in their leaders and act accordingly as we are subjected to a parade of those who would presume to lead without virtue, and without virtue being without wisdom. Of this much we can be assured, though it is an uncomfortable assurance: No nation can survive without a national identity based on heritage, culture, language, and secure borders. That we do not have a leadership dedicated to this inescapable imperative of history and nations, that there is no such prospective leadership being offered bodes ill for America. Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:05:28 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/LoriMorales/6347 Any of my blogger friends still think there weren't lies told about WMD capabilities in Iraq?  Scotter's been found guilty of obstructing justice and lying to the Grand Jury (twice).  This particular lie, with any luck, will send Mr. Libby to jail.  Mr. Libby knew that there were absolutely no materials coming from South Africa to Iraq that are used to produce WMD.  He lied.  Then Scotter tried to shut Wilson up (our Ambassador to Iraq) who was running around telling the newspapers that this information was inaccurate, by outing Wilson's CIA under-cover operative wife.  Now, do you think he was the only one who knew that compeling piece of information was completely fabricated?  Not very likely. Who, in their wildest nightmare, can support the way this administration took us to war.  It is hideous because our troops are dieing and returning home maimed, only to end up in deplorable conditions at places like Walter Reed Army Hospital. Support our troops - as my mother used to say:  "my eye."  Don't hear that anymore, but it means someone is flat out lying.  Shame on our Generals, shame on our President, shame on Dick Cheney and ya know, shame on the hospital administrators who didn't blow the whistle sooner.   Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:24:22 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/jimr/6326 WE NEED EACH OTHER!  Let’s give it up for Laura Howser and all the other Tehachapi Hospital Foundation Members who worked so hard to make the recent Western Fundraiser such a success and contribute so much money towards making a new hospital and critical care facility dream into a reality. Listen up people! There is no hospital between Lancaster and Bakersfield and the new Tehachapi Hospital will not only serve our Tehachapi residents but some 21 additional population centers as well. It is in our own best interests that we do all we can to help the THF and thereby help ourselves. Sooner or later, we or some family member will become ill or injured and need to go to a hospital. Shall we spend a precious hour being transported to Lancaster or Bakersfield? It’s up to you. As a new Member of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and recently appointed Chairperson of the Corporate Fundraising Committee, along with Members Jo Anne Huckins and Jett Tracz, we urge ALL citizens to join with us by becoming Members. For a ten dollar Membership fee you will make a positive move in building this new and sorely needed facility. It’s for ALL of us. I will be happy to send you a Membership Application and hope that you pass this information on to others who may not see this blog. Please send me your name and address to request this and I will send it out to you immediately. Send it to me at: jrichards@bak.rr.com WE NEED EACH OTHER! Jim Richards Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:53:19 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Vincente/6318 We spoke with Dave Culp, who is the Developer of Kite Ship, a company in Northern California that is using kites to pull ships.  They are very interested in helping us with the development of energy kites, and the energy kite contest, using videos to teach about the potential and development of High Altitude Power Generation. Check out their site: www.kiteship.com They have some awesome videos in their photo gallery.  Check it out. http://www.kiteship.com/photos.php Mon, 05 Mar 2007 23:20:58 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/GregL/6311 Here's a great article regarding global warming and the minute effect humans have had on the climate.  Natural climate swings and cycles have accounted more for climate changes than humans ever have... From the Patriot Post: "Global Warming: Fact, Fiction and Political Endgame" Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:30:02 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/countygirl/6305  Here we go again. I have been busy moving for the last week and haven't really been watching any TV. Have there been any events that are causing the recent rise in gas prices?  Some places around town are $3 a gal for unleaded. I can't bear to fill my tank. I'm just wondering if anyone else is in as much pain when filling up. Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:00:26 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/6284 Like Clara Bow in respect to God and the “hereafter” I have the same question: “Why can’t we know?” I smile at the question Clara Bow in her interview with Liberty Magazine phrased so succinctly and eloquently, so seemingly ingenuously, the haunting question from time immemorial. No philosopher or theologian has ever phrased it better or more honestly. While being quite knowledgeable of science and according it all due respect, Emerson quite rightly confronted the limitations of science with the question of metaphysicians regarding the mechanics of the universe “Could you not prevail to know the genesis of projection, as well as the continuation of it?” But, alas, it seems neither science nor metaphysics has solved the two greatest mysteries of all: Life and Death. Nor has either answered Clara Bow’s reasonable question. However, We the People do have every reason for asking those in power “Why can’t we know?” when it comes to the prevailing secrecy in government at all levels, local, state, federal, a secrecy not for the sake of national security or any worthy reason but for the purpose of shielding corrupt politicians from being exposed and prosecuted. But it seems we are as unlikely to have our legitimate question answered by politicians as Clara Bow’s of God. And while I don’t believe God took offense at Clara Bow’s question, it is obvious politicians do take offense; and for good reason: The corruption throughout government at all levels is a stench throughout the whole world and reaching up to heaven! Back in October, 2001 recalling WWII I wrote President Bush telling him that if this is a real war our leadership had better make the case for it before making the demands that were made on us during those years of ’41 through ’45! While I thoroughly enjoy the world of subtle ideas found in philosophical exploration, there are pragmatic questions requiring equally pragmatic answers facing us as a nation. I wanted to believe Americans were never going to be gulled by a lying scoundrel like Lyndon Johnson again; but here we are, though I don’t think there will ever be room for any more Clintons (of either sex) in this present crisis. Americans, the whole civilized world, need leadership they can trust to fight this war to win. Now, it is up to the present leadership to make its case to us, a case that cannot look to the Ivory Tower, Hollywood or Madison Avenue to make such a case. Like Phil Harris, no matter what brand the candidates wear, Republican or Democrat, I want to hear the leadership talking “American” without hiding behind the flag or either the University or God thing obfuscating the real issues at stake for my children and grandchildren. The International Red Cross says that killing Osama bin Laden is against humanitarian law. I am quite certain that I am not the only one who appreciates the philosophical difficulties encountered when struggling with the issues raised while trying to be civilized in the face of such a thing as the barbarism of Muslim fanatics. Does justice have anything to do with this? What does justice demand in the case of an Osama bin Laden? Was the issue settled in Nuremberg? I think not. First Lady Laura Bush was certainly correct in pointing out that the issue of equal rights for women was crucial to any government in Afghanistan. What she neglected to point out was that this is an issue that needs to be addressed in all Moslem nations. It could take a few decades to happen, provided there are decades left to address the problem, but it’s a good thing the First Lady didn’t say “equal value” for women since America and most of the world is still working on this problem with no end in sight. However, apart from politics being the dirty thing it has always been inviting corrupt scoundrels into its ranks, as controversy over Jesus continues to swirl unabated grabbing headlines I’m reminded none of us are going to get out of this alive. We all die. It may be that those loved ones and friends gone on before me that I believe are now the experts in things about which I can only guess are lending their knowledge to my speculation about such things. Still, as per the “IT” girl of silent film stardom, her legitimate question remains unanswered: Why can’t we know? My guess so far is that our not being able to know was intentional, and with the intention of separating the children of God from the children of the Devil by whatever definitions, those sincerely wanting to know, seeking for an answer and living their lives accordingly believing there must be an answer and those caring nothing about a hereafter and possible judgment to come that believe living only for themselves like the monsters in human guise preying on women and children, corrupt politicians, tyrants and despots, is all that matters. But the caterpillar has no idea of where it came from or where it is going; and neither do we. I don’t believe there is anything wrong in our questioning such things as where did we come from, why are we here, and where are we going; such questioning may in fact be evidence of divinity within us as we strive for answers to these questions, and like Clara Bow ask the question Why can’t we know? But despite the claims of many we seem no closer to answers than the most ancient of our ancestors. Religion and its varied monuments, artifacts and methods of worship and the King of Disciplines, Philosophy, do not provide us any certain knowledge of where we came from or where we are going. They do not answer Clara Bow’s honest question. But it does seem that we are possessed of an instinct that drives us in a direction that death is not the end, that life does have purpose, that by whatever form of a “butterfly” we emerge, that purpose will be fulfilled. There is an instinct of self-preservation and for procreation in all life forms. Perhaps we human beings even have an instinct for love? Why shouldn’t there be an instinct for a belief in God, for a belief in purpose in our lives and that death is not the end? Religion and the biases and prejudices in our lives are most often matters of choice based on what we have been taught to believe. Such things do not seem to be “instinctive” but depend on such things as others and how they impact our lives, of things like the circumstances of geography, environment, and what we are taught. But could it be that we have an “instinct” to believe in God? Certainly prayer and calling out to God in extremis seem to come naturally to all. It may be that Clara Bow’s question cannot be answered while we remain in our present form? It may be that as the caterpillar may not know or recall anything of its larval stage, and the butterfly may not recall its previous stage of existence, such “knowing” isn’t possible for us at this time; that such things progress on the basis of an unconscious knowing we call “instinct.” Like the caterpillar, we may believe in God(s) by instinct, and by that instinct attempt to live our lives in preparation for the hereafter, our instinct in most cases being to emerge the most beautiful butterfly possible at the next stage of life. We may believe in God, Gods, or Mother and Father God by instinct and by that instinct, in most cases since the majority of people are for the better part good and decent, attempt to live our lives decently and morally in preparation for the hereafter, to emerge the most beautiful butterfly possible. Though answers to such questions may in fact not be possible at this stage of life, the pursuit of answers, the curiosity that drives people to search for answers continue. It seems that the quest for answers to these questions is just as natural (instinctive?) as that of the caterpillar preparing for its next stage of development. But the caterpillar, while having the instinct for survival and preparation for becoming a butterfly, has no sense of impending death… and it does not die, but metamorphose. The quest for answers has much to do with a great deal more than just curiosity. Humankind has the knowledge of death, something the caterpillar may not have. The butterfly? It lays its eggs and dies and that is the end of the cycle of nature for it… but human beings? This is a great distinction between a lower life form and human beings, self-awareness, the image of God, the children of God? If so, perhaps an instinctual knowing resulting in a search for answers and the refusal to accept death as the end of the cycle of nature for humankind, but rather a rebirth on a higher plane of existence. Theoretical physics offers such a possibility, so why not a natural, instinctive belief in such a thing? For my part, I don’t think some of the greatest minds in history have held such a belief without good and sufficient reason, though it be no more than instinct; and it would be good to bear in mind the genius of those like Newton and Einstein remains without any other explanation than “instinct” to offer by way of explaining the results of their genius. Sun, 04 Mar 2007 10:44:21 PST http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/hansen529/6266 Hello, My name is Brande and I do not live in Tehachapi yet. I have been trying to move my family out there for over a year but with the market value of houses, it is impossible for me and my husband to afford it. We are not low-income but we do not want to get in over our heads with a mortgage payment . I am hopping that there is someone who needs to sell a house but does not want 100,000 or 200,000 over what is owed to consider us for their home. If you have a home and would consider us please call me at (760)284-2107. I appreciate the time you all have taken in reading this Blog. Sincerely, Brande Sat, 03 Mar 2007 11:35:25 PST