Father and son make history on their trip
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
May 1, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief David Mensch traveled with his son Zach from Bakersfield to Sacramento in only his wheelchair. His son rode with him on his bike. He went on this amazing journey to prove that anyone disabled or not, can achieve what they put their mind to. David Mensch, who... Read More
Cudi’s inner thoughts provide career best
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
May 1, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief Kid Cudi is embracing his inner weirdness with his third album “Indicud” like he never has before. He has created a new sound, a slowed down, pot-soaked groove that through bass lines and sounds that seem to come from outer space, taps into the dark space... Read More
Finding relief through music
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
May 1, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief When I decided to write about my songwriting process for this page, I originally was going to tell you, the audience, that writing songs is not that big of a deal. That it’s really just putting a few chords together and singing a melody on top. That still... Read More
League of Dreams gives disabled kids a chance
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
April 17, 2013
Martin Chang Editor in Chief The opening day celebration of the League of Dreams baseball season brought together over 200 mentally and physically disabled athletes, in what executive director Jessica Mathews called the best and biggest opening day since League of Dreams started in 2006. The... Read More
Easy to be inspired by the comedy of Norm Macdonald
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
April 17, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief Norm Macdonald is the funniest talker in America. It’s not really about the jokes he tells, but it’s how he tells them that makes me laugh like no other. He has a way of putting emphasis on words. His deadpan delivery isn’t so dead. He always seems gleeful... Read More
First DRFTRS event opens to packed house
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
April 3, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief A new type of music has hit Bakersfield with the help of local artists associated with the DRFTRS record label. These musicians held their first show at Riley’s Tavern on March 15 to a packed house. Omar Oseguera, a local musician and DRFTRS founder,... Read More
Singing up a storm as 50 people compete
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
April 3, 2013
By Martin Chang Editor in Chief From confidence building and making friends to expressing yourself, the contestants at Prime Cut restaurant’s annual karaoke competition all get something different from their performances. Over the month of March, 50 aspiring singers competed in the... Read More
‘Rincon’ delivers true Cuban flavor
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
March 14, 2013
For those in Bakersfield looking for a piece of Cuban culture there is local restaurant Rincon Cubano. Rincon Cubano has been open for about eight months. It is a family run restaurant that serves mainly Cuban food, but also serves some Mexican dishes. The owner, Releydis Andreu, describes... Read More
The Foundry hosts young and old artists
martin chang, editor in chief
March 14, 2013
Every March The Foundry celebrates the creativity and imagination of children with their Art Imitates Art exhibit. In the exhibit, which is in its second year, The Foundry asks children to send in their drawing of their pets, like fish and turtles, their families, or whatever the children... Read More
Home opened for creative expression
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
March 14, 2013
People are invited to the personal home of LisaAnn Lobasso to celebrate the magic of poetry, art and song. She calls this place in her home Nx Cafe. One of these celebrations is The Speakeasy. People with a song to sing and a poem to hear are given a platform to say what is in their heart. Alexandra... Read More
Band tries to keep old style
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
February 27, 2013
The local Norteno group Los Inolvidables Del Norte celebrates the tradition and positivity of the Norteno genre. The group consists of Israel Perez, who plays the accordion; Andres Rocha, who plays the Bajo Quinto; Luis Campos, who plays the bass; and Rafael Centeno, who plays drums. The group... Read More
New president Sonya Christian here for ‘long haul’
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2013
Sonya Christian, Bakersfield College’s new president, has a vision of community and stability for the college and its students. Since fall 2004, there have been three presidents, including Christian, and three interim presidents. Plus, several deans of different departments have come and... Read More
Sometimes it’s best to do nothing at all
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2013
One of my favorite things to do is nothing, absolutely nothing. It’s not going out drinking with friends. It’s not going to a Condors hockey game. It’s nothing. Sure I have fun going out, I might meet some interesting people or maybe even a cute girl. But so often when I’m out, I... Read More
DmC makes a comeback with its combat and plot
Martin Chang, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2013
“DmC Devil May Cry” is a crazy, intense thrill ride that backs up its vivid world and engrossing story with core combat and enemy types that offers thrilling gameplay. “Devil May Cry” tells the pulpy story of Dante and his fight for mankind. The story that unfolds is an angel vs. demon... Read More
COLUMN: Don’t inhibit your abilities
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
November 28, 2012
I have been writing songs for about five years now and it’s something that I treasure. It provides such a sense of accomplishment. It helps me define my feelings and know what’s going inside of my crazy head. Living through our daily lives, we all experience the highs and lows of emotions,... Read More
Improvisational band creates ambient sound
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
November 28, 2012
The Bakersfield Astral Troupe is a local group of musicians who play experimental ambient electronic music at places like Dagny’s coffee shop and Metro Gallery. Andrew Koeth, a member of the group, describes the sound of the group as “ambient” and “improvisation.” “We never practice... Read More
Rap icon plays at Narducci’s
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
November 28, 2012
When Blowfly hit the stage here in Bakersfield at Narducci’s Cafe, he wore a sparkling superhero outfit inspired by Superman. He rapped about sex and women in an explicit, yet humorous way that members of the audience couldn’t help but smile. During his show, he pointed directly to his... Read More
Republican party has minor wins
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
November 15, 2012
On election night, members of the Republican Party gathered to witness the triumphs and disappointments of the election. Shannon Grove, who was re-elected that night, described the results that night as a mix of disappointment and success. “I was kind of disappointed [that Romney didn’t... Read More
COLUMN: Local art can be a breath of fresh air
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
November 15, 2012
It’s always about a month before the semester ends that the stresses of school seem to pile up, and wherever you can find something to help you get through it is a blessing. I found that something right here on campus. Adel Shafik, a graphic arts professor at Bakersfield College, had a... Read More
Jerry Brown visits BC, encourages a ‘yes’ vote on Prop. 30
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 31, 2012
Gov. Jerry Brown spoke on the Bakersfield College campus Oct. 23 in support of Proposition 30. In his speech, Brown told California’s voters the choice they have this election. “It’s really a stark question here,” he said. “Are you for the schools? Do you want to put money in? This... Read More
COLUMN: Don’ t let ads be your guide
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 31, 2012
Today, what does it mean to be a man? Growing up I have seen images on television, magazines and in the media in general that answers that question for me. It paints a picture of masculinity that makes me ashamed to be a man. Whether it’s the Axe body spray ads where smug men use their products... Read More
BC golf team enjoy having a small team
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 31, 2012
Most golf teams have six or seven players, but this year’s Bakersfield College women’s golf team has found a close bond in its smaller size. Returning player Andrea Marquez feels she can be closer with a team she is not competing with. “I think it’s great, I’m really grateful [we... Read More
Jerry Brown speaks at Bakersfield College in support of Prop. 30
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 23, 2012
Governor Jerry Brown spoke at Bakersfield College in support of Proposition 30. He said that support of the proposition goes beyond politics as usual. “This is not about elected officials or politicians or Sacramento or Washington,” he said. “It’s about you, the students of California.... Read More
‘Big Pink’ brings peace of mind
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 17, 2012
No other generation has had more distractions, more little electronic nothings to keep us entertained. Between Youtube and Twitter, people my age might look at hundreds of little jokes and videos that we watch for 30 seconds and then forget 10 seconds later. But what happens to those pieces... Read More
Blood drive wins award
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 17, 2012
The Student Government Association was awarded fifth place by The Migrant Student Foundation for their work in blood drives. The SGA got the award for “most successful blood drive” as a part of the National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge in which 225 community colleges and universities... Read More
Concert celebrates diversity
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
October 17, 2012
A musical celebration of Korean culture featuring fan dancing, traditional chamber music and “Gangnam Style” was played to a standing ovation at Bakersfield High School’s Harvey Auditorium. The Korean American Association of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Sister City Project put on the... Read More
Obama visits Chavez monument
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
October 17, 2012
For two local residents, Jose Gurrola Jr. and Jill Egland, President Barack Obama’s recent trip to Keene was an inspiring and moving experience. On Oct. 8, Obama dedicated La Paz, located in Keene, as a national monument. La Paz, the burial place and former home of Cesar Chavez, was named... Read More
Green Day’s new album catchy but lacks depth
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 3, 2012
Let me tell you why Green Day is a band people still talk about. For me, there is not a band that I feel gets me more than Green Day. When the lead singer Billy Armstrong sings about boredom and lack of motivation on songs like “Burnout” and “Longview,” it was like he was ripping pages... Read More
COLUMN: Pop music sings of love
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
October 3, 2012
I love, love mainstream dance pop. I’m talking about “Teenage Dream” and “I Found Love.” It’s weird because I’ve never danced at a club, and it’s the type of music that’s meant to be disposable, the type of music that serious music lovers like myself are supposed to despise. Yet... Read More
College president finalist Kevin Trutna
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
October 3, 2012
The three finalists for the vacant role of Bakersfield College president spoke on campus Sept. 25-26 to discuss their qualifications and ideas for the future of BC. The candidates were asked a series of questions by faculty and students, and they were able to give their views on each topic... Read More
Patriots do not need speeches
Martin Chang, Opinions/Features Editor
September 19, 2012
At this year’s Republican and Democratic national conventions, “God bless America” was a common and familiar refrain. Right or left it doesn’t matter; these politicians want to let us know that they love America. Yet these words ring hollow. Those three words seemed practiced, rehearsed;... Read More
A showcase of talents and songs
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features editor
September 19, 2012
The Songwriter Showcase at Prime Cut is a place for veterans and beginners alike to play their music and explore songwriting. Freebo, a veteran musician of 40 years who has played with people like Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young, organizes the event. He has been running the event for about a year... Read More
Democratic convention a reasoned argument for their ideas
Martin Chang, Opinions/Features Editor
September 19, 2012
At their national convention, the democrats gave something missing from the republican one: answers and reasons to believe their platform. Instead of Ann Romney screeching “I love our women” and constant references to moms, Lilly Ledbetter spoke on how Obama helped her fight for equal pay... Read More
Car show brings families out to Kern Fairgrounds
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
September 6, 2012
At the Carnales Unidos car show, families gathered to have fun and admire the cars on display. With 200-250 cars on display, varying from trucks and low riders to classic Bel Airs, there were many cars of all shades of color for these families to see. For the organizers and participants,... Read More
COLUMN: Life’s joy can be a simple process
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
September 6, 2012
In the quick day-to-day pace, it can be easy to forget what is important in life. I had slept in before my class. I was naturally stressed and worried about getting to my class on time. But as I was walking briskly to class I began to notice the stillness of the morning. Walking from the library... Read More
RNC should focus on ideas not insults
Martin Chang, Opinions and Features Editor
September 6, 2012
Watching the Republican National Convention was the first time I ever turned off the television in anger. I started watching on the first full day on Aug. 28. At first it seemed OK, Mia Love compassionately spoke about the American Dream, about how her parents grew up as immigrants and “didn’t... Read More
Speakers inspire students to lead
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2012
The Future Leader Conference, held at Bakersfield College on April 28, featured speakers such as activist Dolores Huerta, Mayor Harvey Hall and Shannon Grove staff member Javier Reyes. The campus chapter of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) put on the conference, with the help of the local... Read More
Afroman interacts with fans at B Ryder’s
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2012
When Afroman played in Bakersfield at B Ryder’s, he played to an appreciative crowd that danced and really got down. Afroman first became known when his song “Because I Got High” became a national hit in 2000. He calls the experience of seeing that song explode, “unreal” and “cartoonish.”... Read More
Jack White storms back with new album
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2012
With “Blunderbuss,” Jack White’s first solo album, White has released a collection of songs that, not only show his skills as a musician and songwriter, but also captures who he is as an artist. But by trying to show everything he does well, he loses focus on what he does best. What he... Read More
COLUMN: Music provides memories
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2012
What is the power of music? It captures moments in time. It gives people something tangible to remember when they look back in their lives. But it is so much more than a picture or an object you can put in a shoebox. It captures an emotional memory, something that captures what you felt, what... Read More
Bakersfield College to host trial section of Amgen cycling tour
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2012
The Tour of California, a nationally recognized cycling event, will be holding its fifth section, a time trial, at Bakersfield College, and both the organizers and cycling enthusiasts are excited. On May 17, the trial will take the top cyclists in the world from BC, through Alfred Harrell Highway,... Read More
COLUMN: Women have a spirit strong and powerful
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
April 18, 2012
There’s a force in my life that propels me out of the deepest depressions, that sparks my creative spirit when it’s at its most dead. The feminine spirit and how it expresses itself will be a friend, something that guides my path, for my entire life. As cheesy as her music can be, I first... Read More
Veteran blues musician Alastair Greene to rock Pyrenees Cafe
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
April 18, 2012
Alastair Greene is a blues guitarist and songwriter who has been playing blues-style music for over 20 years. He likes to play crowd-pleasing blues standards, but also creates music of introspection. Greene says he was first exposed to rock ‘n’ roll and blues by hearing other artist’s... Read More
COLUMN: Molded by the city around me
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
March 28, 2012
There’s a unique beauty to this town, and it has shaped the person that I am. In between the dusty air, the cracked streets of downtown, the brown vista of oil derricks looking over Panorama Drive, the orange and purple sky distorted by pollution, a mood emerges. A mood that is not necessarily... Read More
Video game trilogy sees tremendous finale to series
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2012
Mass Effect 3 tells an in-depth story with many great moments, from an alien race nearly wiped out by the horrors of war, to the tragic deaths and unsung heroes that such a war brings, to more quiet moments between friends. In Mass Effect 3, these moments have an emotional impact that is... Read More
COLUMN: Check into this musician to get your fix
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2012
Daniel Johnston’s music has an undeniable quality. He’s the reason I write music, so if you ever hear me wailing one of my songs, it’s his fault. He’s influenced musicians such as Conor Orberst, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, and Kurt Cobain, so I’m not the only one that finds his... Read More
Vietnam’s culture sparks discussion
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2012
As a part of the Norman Levan Colloquium, Jeannie Parent shared with fellow Bakersfield College teachers, staff and adminstrators, her study of the Vietnamese culture on March 9. The Norman Levan Colloquium was established in 2005 after BC Professor Mike McNellis asked Levan for a grant. Since... Read More
Holy Beast makes a connection with music
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2012
Holy Beast, a local band from Bakersfield, plays a unique a blend of soul, punk and R&B built on the special chemistry that they all share. Alejandro Tuesta, the drummer; Chanell Hall, the lead singer; Edy Hernandez, the guitarist; and Carlos Contreras, the bassist; all met by answering... Read More
Divorce the Bacon Shake now
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 29, 2012
Ever have one of those days that started out okay, not great, just okay, but then it gradually gets worse and worse until you are having an undeniably awful day? That is what drinking the Bacon Shake from Jack in the Box is like. Jack in the Box has recently launched the Marry Bacon advertisement... Read More
COLUMN: City Lights enlightens your mind
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 29, 2012
When I visit City Lights, a bookstore and publisher located in the North Beach area of San Francisco opened by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, I feel a power. I feel the power of the hundreds of ideas and words, the power of the artistic dreams that fill the store. This power is undeniable... Read More
Cal State Bakersfield hosts comic opera
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 15, 2012
When the various musical talents came together to perform the comedy opera “Albert Herring” at Cal State Bakersfield for students and faculty alike, it was one of the most challenging and rewarding musical undertakings for all involved. Ronald Kean, the choir director at Bakersfield College,... Read More
COLUMN: Right wing full of hate
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 15, 2012
When did the Republican Party become the party of hate? Because that is what it has become. At one time they stood for low taxes, small government, and representing morals in an increasingly hedonistic culture. But now it’s a party whose top priority is to spew a completely unreasonable amount... Read More
Globetrotter chases dream
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 15, 2012
When Blenda Rodriguez was cut from his high school basketball team, he didn’t let that kill his dream. After taking few years as a break, he said to himself, “I have a love of basketball. I’m just going to keep working hard.” He started out playing college and NBA halftime shows. Then... Read More
COLUMN: Here’s to a generation of, well.. nothing
Martin Chang, Opinions Editor
February 1, 2012
During the 2000s, when I was growing in junior high and high school I looked at the kids around me and saw a startling inauthenticity. The things people said and the way people acted seemed a silly imitation of what they saw on television, or read in a magazine. The core of people seemed to... Read More
Honor Society arrives at BC
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 30, 2011
Since Sept. 30, Bakersfield College has had a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society chapter. Phi Theta Kappa provides scholarships for students and participates in community services activities. The group already has taken part in the Wounded Warriors Project, a project where wounded veterans are... Read More
School president speaks with students
Martin Chang, Online editor
November 30, 2011
A group of students recently had the opportunity to talk to Bakersfield College president Greg Chamberlain, Student Government Association president Tawntannisha Thompson, and president of the Academic Senate Cornelio Rodriquez in a casual conversation over coffee and muffins. These students... Read More
Crisp visuals enhance gameplay
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 16, 2011
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” has a campaign that is a focused, well-realized thrill ride that offers detail and variety at a higher level then previous “Call of Duty” games. Yet, other than some new multiplayer tweaks and modes, the game play is too similar to the previous games. The... Read More
New Coldplay lacks their old soul
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 2, 2011
With “Mylo Xyloto,” Coldplay’s fifth album, they have traded in their emotionally stirring, perfectly balanced music, for slick, radio-friendly Rihanna and Lady Gaga style dance pop, and while the core of what makes Coldplay good is still here and the album is generally successful in... Read More
Local gamer wins tournament
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 2, 2011
Neo, a tournament fighting video game player, is from here in Bakersfield. He has ranked about fifth place in the world in the Marvel vs. Capcom gaming series, a fighting video games series in its third installment. The game was developed by Capcom and started in the mid-‘90s. He recently... Read More
Tech N9ne invades Bakersfield
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 2, 2011
When Tech N9ne, one of the most successful independent rappers today, hits the stage he transforms. Dressed in ghostly face makeup and a mental patient outfit, he raps his songs in a hard technical style that along with songs like “Am I a Psycho?” and “He’s a Mental Giant” explore... Read More
An interview with Tech N9ne: The Renegade Rip Podcast 11-2-11
Martin Chang, Online Editor
November 2, 2011
After the news brief which ends at 1:03, we play the complete Renegade Rip Interview with Tech N9ne. Tech N9ne is one of the most successful independent Hip-hop artist today. He talked to the Renegade Rip about family, the misconceptions he has faced and the current rap scene. Here are... Read More
Former Korn member strikes out on his own
Martin Chang, Online Editor
October 19, 2011
When Brian Welch, musician, author, Bakersfield native and former guitarist of the heavy-metal band Korn, was at his lowest, he found God at a time when his use of drugs, such as methamphetamine, was at its worst. “I started praying, I felt this intense love come into me when I was at my... Read More
A look at Nevermind, 20 years later.
Martin Chang, Online editor
October 5, 2011
When Nirvana performed at The Reading festival in 1992, an amazing moment happened. When Kurt Cobain started to sing the opening lines of “Lithium”, many of the voices, out of the thousands watching, began to sing along. No one from the band said a word before starting the song, it... Read More
Diverse tastes form one musical voice
Martin Chang, Online Editor
September 21, 2011
The members of ExposE, a local band from Bakersfield, come from different styles and perspectives, but they combine to form something they see as different. Chuk Thomasy, the lead singer and guitarist of ExposE, calls himself, “a child of the ‘90s.” He thinks that the grunge sound is... Read More
Sparks fly in first issue of ‘Justice League’ reboot as two familiar superheroes meet for the first time, yet again
Martin Chang, Online Editor
September 8, 2011
Other then music, no other medium has made a deeper impression on me than comics. But the superhero style comics represented by DC Comics have never been a part of that. It just has never clicked with me. The long history and back-stories of these styles of comics has made it even harder to... Read More
Head on The Prize: A new school year at Bakersfield college
Martin Chang, Online Editor
September 8, 2011
Students have many hopes and expectations for the upcoming school year. These three returning Bakersfield Students share these expectations and their history with the school.
The Renegade Rip podcast will publish on September 8th.
Martin Chang, Online editor
August 25, 2011
The Renegade Rip podcast will be published on September 8th. It will contain a news brief and a discussion of features, reviews, opinions and sports.
Jazz players groove out
Martin Chang
April 13, 2011
Bakersfield College’s Jazz Ensemble played a selection of pieces, including one by BC student James Russell on April 1 in The Outdoor Theater. Russell, who plays alto saxophone, also had several solos that night. He has been at BC for five years and has studied music for two-to-three... Read More
‘Rolling Papers’ offers a great way to relax
Martin Chang
April 13, 2011
With the songs on “Rolling Papers,” Wiz Khalifa has laid down tracks with a dreamy, flowing groove created by smooth, soaring keyboard parts and well-composed beats. A groove that sometimes is excellent and inspiring. This groove defines the album and gives the music vision. It... Read More
BC choir channels its tragedies into its art
Martin Chang
March 30, 2011
The Bakersfield College Chorale and Chamber Singers performed the “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure at St. John’s Lutheran Church to an appreciative audience. The director and the students were inspired by tragedies, personal and in the world. Ronald Kean, director of the BC chorale... Read More
Students get scholarships on International Women’s Day
Martin Chang
March 16, 2011
On March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world to honor international women who contribute to their communities. Here in Bakersfield, the day is celebrated by giving awards and four college scholarships, including two scholarships to Bakersfield College students,... Read More
The Gate offers youths a safer musical grotto
Martin Chang
March 16, 2011
The Gate, a concert venue on 23rd and O Street, focuses on providing a positive place for the youth to listen to music and support music acts. According to event director Mike Carlson, it is “the atmosphere” that makes The Gate different from other venues. He said, “It’s... Read More
Hayden Keene finds fulfillment in sculpture art
Martin Chang
March 2, 2011
Hayden Keene, a second semester student at Bakersfield College, has been creating art since he “could pick up a pencil.” He is currently taking sculpture as a class. Keene’s mom is a painter and he believes that is where he got his talent for art. He started out drawing self-portraits... Read More
Storyline holds up pacing of ‘Bulletstorm’
Martin Chang
March 2, 2011
“Bulletstorm,” available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, is a game which is not perfect and has many areas that could be improved upon. But despite these problems, the game is very fun. “Bulletstorm” tells the story of revenge gone wrong. Grayson Hunt, or Gray,... Read More
One-on-one conversation with comedian Regan
Martin Chang
February 2, 2011
Brian Regan has slowly gained a following among fans, and gained the respect of his peers, with his brand of physical, high-energy observational comedy. He has appeared on “The Late show with David Letterman” over 20 times, and he tours over 80 cities a year. The Renegade Rip talked... Read More
Kid Cudi uses vices as inspiration in new album and blends genres
Martin Chang
November 17, 2010
With “The Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Ranger,” Kid Cudi has created a musical work of unique power. He uses the genre of hip-hop to explore the dark side of the human psyche with spectacular results. I have always found electronic music to have a strange, otherworldly,... Read More
Retrospective showcase brings ‘nostalgia’ to BC library art gallery
Martin Chang
November 4, 2010
Nancy Romero has an exhibit of her art at the Bakersfield College library. She describes her work as “grounded in mythology and anthropology.” Romero started her interest in anthropology in more traditional study. Yet she abandoned this study because of “dissatisfaction... Read More
Bakersfield-inspired poems read at BC
Martin Chang
October 20, 2010
At the Norman Levan Center for the Humanities several poets read poems inspired by the Bakersfield area, each poet read different works based on different aspects of Bakersfield life. The reading occurred on Oct. 12, and its title was Poetry and Place. It was the first event in Kern Literary... Read More
Mixing time limits and zombies makes ‘Rising’ a difficult run-through
Martin Chang
October 6, 2010
Dead Rising 2 offers an enthralling gaming experience that often times is very fun. Unfortunately the game is also marred by many problems that often makes the game a more frustrating, hard to play experience than it should. Dead Rising 2 follows the story of Chuck Greene who finds himself... Read More
Tower of Power returns to KC Fair
Martin Chang
October 6, 2010
Tower of Power played a high energy set at the Kern County Fair Budweiser Pavilion stage to an appreciative audience. TOP played to a nearly full audience on Sept. 28. The audience was responding to the beginning of each song by yelling and clapping.? At the end of some songs the clapping lasted... Read More
The Vaselines explore new sound
Martin Chang
September 22, 2010
This is the music that makes being a music fan worth it. This is the music that I love. The Vaselines are Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee. They recorded about an album and a half worth of material in 1987 to 1989, and broke up in 1989 shortly after the release of their first full-length record... Read More
Local artist Jen Raven creates art while fighting lupus
Martin Chang
September 22, 2010
Jen Raven is an artist who has, with the help of many others, overcome several challenges to become an artist. She has fought against illness to become who she is today, an artist who is a part of, and helped develop, the art scene here in Bakersfield. Raven grew up in a military family in... Read More
Open BC land development site still tied up in legalities
Martin Chang
September 22, 2010
The Kern Community College District owns two properties that will not be built on for an estimated 10 to 15 years. According to Tom Burke, the CFO of KCCD, and Rick Wright, the Interim Director of Facility Planning and Compliance at KCCD, the two properties will not be built on until the Williamson... Read More
Singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham packs his emotions into ‘Junky Star’
Martin Chang
September 9, 2010
Ryan Bingham has recorded an album of beautiful simplicity with his latest “Junky Star.”? Working with veteran producer T-Bone Burnett, his songwriting and musicianship shine under the straightforward way the songs were presented, along with his fabulously in-sync backing band “The... Read More
Local rising country star performs
Martin Chang
May 5, 2010
The career of Lauren Ashley, a country singer and songwriter from Bakersfield, began after she saw a Grammy-award winning 20-year old country singer perform. “When I was 12, I went to a Taylor Swift concert, and I saw that she played the guitar, and I was like, ‘Mom and Dad, I want... Read More
New sandwich at KFC disappoints reviewer
Martin Chang
May 5, 2010
Ah yes, the Double Down, the “sandwich” with no bread. The KFC Web site describes the Double Down as “two juicy, boneless chicken filets, two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of cheese and the colonel’s sauce.” People that have seen this new item at KFC can’t... Read More
Square Enix wins with FF13
Martin Chang
April 21, 2010
Square Enix has accomplished something significant with Final Fantasy XIII. They have made a game that is fun and accessible in a way that is unique to role-playing video games. They have also created a story of a quality that I have not seen in video games. I have found the combat in many... Read More
Jill Board assumes presidency at Cerro Coso
Martin Chang
April 21, 2010
Jill Board will become the president of Cerro Coso Community College on July 1. “I will ensure that Cerro Coso continues to offer courses representative of our core mission, driven by input from each of the communities we serve,” Board said. “I plan to lead an increased focus... Read More
Bloody, gory violence slashes to silver screen in ‘Repo Men’
Martin Chang
April 7, 2010
In the film “Repo Men,” they paint a sci-fi portrait of a future world where you can prolong your life by buying body parts from The Union, the monolith company that sells artificial organs. The Union can sell you anything from eyes to hearts. But there is a dark side to this operation.... Read More
Arts Council of Kern hosts house concerts
Martin Chang
March 17, 2010
The Arts Council of Kern is working together with residents of Bakersfield to host The Bakersfield House Concert Series. These concerts will feature artists of different genres, including Celtic, Irish, folk and blues. Steve Key, a singer and songwriter, will be performing on March 28. Previously,... Read More
Bakersfield’s Bellmoore gallery opens with ‘Pruning Season’ exhibit
Martin Chang
March 17, 2010
On March 13, The Bellmoore opened its doors. The Bellmoore is an art gallery downtown located at 2001 Chester Ave. Its opening exhibit is, “Pruning Season,” which features seven different artists from Kern County. These artists include Greg Jones, Marisela Oropeza and Hope. Formerly... Read More
Johnny Sanchez causes laughs at CSUB
Martin Chang
March 17, 2010
Comedian Johnny Sanchez, who starred in “Happy Feet” and was on Mad TV for two seasons, performed at CSUB in the Icardo Center on March 12. Sanchez grew up in Tulare. He is “glad I grew up in Tulare. It was the right balance. There was a nice mix of everybody. You had African... Read More
Bakersfield College’s Community Week postponed
Martin Chang
March 3, 2010
The Student Government Association at Bakersfield College had planned a Community Week for Feb. 22 to Feb 26. According to Bethany Rice, member of SGA and organizer of the event, the event was meant to show students the opportunities for “community [service] in the community.” According... Read More
SGA sponsors ‘Ask Me’ tables
Martin Chang
February 3, 2010
The Student Government Association of Bakersfield College organized Ask Me tables the first week of school in order to inform and help students in the new semester. The tables were placed in strategic places to help the most students, such as outside the Fireside Room. At the tables, volunteers... Read More