El Ultimo

Happy New Year to all in Cowboyland and beyond. Tune in tomorrow for the first Tim Tebow post of the year. Cheers!

NFL regular season ends

Dallas plays at 3 p.m. today. Watch the game, or kick back with a Lifetime movie.

This is a test

David Montoya drumming away.

Person of the Year

Laredo saw a good deal of people behaving badly in 2007. But La Sanbe will shine the light on Chief Agustin Dovalina for his abrupt retirement and subsequent admission of wrongdoing.
His participation in taking bribes from local businesses was surprising to say the least. Corruption was thriving in Laredo and it led all the way to the top. But the story doesn't end there.
Dovalina apparently timed his resignation just right in order to cash in on his pension and accumulated leave time. The latter is valued at more than $86,000. A career of public service undone by greed.
Shame and remorse cannot apply in his case. The chief could've attempted to make amends with the community by coming clean and forgoing his pension. But not only did he choose to betray the public's trust, he then decides to flip us off all the way to the bank.
He has added to Laredo's storied notoriety. His actions, for better or for worse, will bring about far-reaching change in local policy - at least, I hope.
Congratulations Chief Dovalina; You are La Sanbe's Person of the Year.

Gordon Lightfoot 1974 - Sundown

La Sanbe keeping it mellow.

Raspa Man

Spreading goodwill, one raspa at a time.

Paint the town red

Ms. Buckley thinks Laredo really leans Republican:

"We'd have much more credibility as a city if we were voting Republican. The rest of the country is voting Republican, so what's going on?"

I don't think Karl Rove's "math" is panning out. And besides, do you really want to be associated with the party of Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh?

Glass Kitchen on Park St.

The old Favarato's Restaurant is also coming down. Prediction: future site of car lot, or ceramics dealership.

Slow day

Apparently there isn't much going on in the world, except for a tiger that got loose and killed somebody.
Even Nancy Grace's stand-in kept us abreast of the cat story.

The Christmas break is great

Except if you work at one of the bridges, or for the police department, or at a hospital, or Jack in the Box.

Deja Vu

My Christmas wish: for Pro8News to stop showing the Mina Montes meltdown after the LISD board meeting.

What is this?

I think they're doing this on purpose.
And what in the world is E.T.E.?

Book TV

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

Even in death

Nothing is off-limits when it comes to showing off your support for the Cowboys.

New pole tax

You'll have to cough up five more bucks at your local strip club. It's either that or bathroom stall tapping.

Don Felder - Heavy Metal (Takin' A Ride)

Support Noriega

And I'm not talking about the former newsman.
This other Noriega is going up against Cornyn.

Could it be?

I noticed a backhoe at the proposed Slaughter Park site. Could it be that construction will finally begin? I've been waiting for this since early 2006; that's when the ground-breaking took place.
This project might take our minds off of all the crap that is going on with local officials.
Then again, its completion might be timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

Elp Wanted

It's hectic out there. "Wal-Mar" is one place that you especially want to avoid. Get out there early 'fore two' avoid the crowds.

What will we tell our children?

Having sex with an underaged student might get you sent to jail, as in the case of Genarlow Wilson.
But if you knock up Britney's sister , your name will go up in lights, or in the pages of widely-read tabloids.

Statutory rape laws should be brought up in the next DA's debate, to break the monotony.

Mmmm

No doubt about it, these are 100%.

Good gawd!

When will this ever stop?

The D List

And by D, I mean divorced. The "magician's assistant" line made me laugh for some reason.

Let's file this other story under creepy.

Walk this way

This trail is located along the Chacon Creek; it's approximately a mile long. It should be extended and touted as a tourist attraction.

Leader of the Band

Rest in peace Dan Fogelberg.
Oh yeah, the Cowboys lost.

Nice day

Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and New England are getting pounded with snow. Wonder what that feels like.

Common courtesy

Pigeons are given smoking privileges and then they poop all over the place.

Dire Straits

10 shopping days left...

Piper Maru here...checking in on La Sanbe...By the way, great job Mr. Q.
I was asked today if I was done with my Christmas shopping. Truth is I haven't even started. Is that so wrong? I want to take it easy and enjoy the holiday time, since it flies by. And although I enjoy giving presents that someone else will enjoy, I don't think its necessary for shopping to consume my December schedule, when its not my thing the rest of the year. Like Charlie Brown says (paraphrasing): "Christmas is a big commercial racket...I can't stand it!" I just know I want to do something different this year. We'll see. Happy Holidays.

Maria Elena Morales Accuses Teachers and School Employees

LCC debate clip.

Bah!

I'm cancelling my subscription to Rolling Stone. Not just for the fact that I'm running out of space, but because Rush got dissed again.

Border wall

The valley has been turning up the heat on officials wanting to build a border wall. Meanwhile smugglers go on about their business.

Rock on

It was cool and cloudy today. Enjoy this picture.

Happy Bush v. Gore Day

This case was heard and decided by the Supreme Court a mere seven years ago. And the rest is history.

Ongoing saga

LMT, May 17, 2007
The Geo Group came to Laredo on Wednesday bearing cash for both the City of Laredo and Webb County.

LMT, November 14, 2007
Webb County Commissioners Court unanimously voted Tuesday against accepting a $250,000 donation from Geo Group.

LMT, December 11, 2007
The meeting bore witness to more than half a dozen citizens' impassioned speeches in which they told the court they are adamantly against the company with an alleged history of physical and sexual abuse setting up shop in Webb County.

Political barbecue

One needs a seasoned barbecue team to get the word out. Vote "Lino" for County Commissioner.

A win for PETA

Michael Vick is going away for 23 months, but can more be done to avoid this in the future?

Believe it

Laredo has originality coming out its pores.

Tim Tebow

The dude is in. Congratulations on winning the Heisman Trophy.

What tha?

Don't these people have something better to do.

MI- Right Down the Line

Gerry Rafferty

Happy colors

I prefer this type of scenery over those blasted palm trees. I've got a fever, and the only prescription is less palm trees. Anyway, who knew cinder block could look so lively.

Urban blight

Who is this Mimi? And why must she do this to our landscape? Laredo is homely enough without these monstrous vessels strategically placed near busy intersections. Sure some people thrive on making a big splash, but where do you go from here? Blimp--too expensive. Bat signal--might attract actual bats. Bigger signs--lavender paint on back order. Pace yourself Mimi; It's not over yet.

Round 1 for DAs

This event got a bit more heated than the sheriff's debate last week. You can thank Maria Elena Morales' antagonistic approach for that. Catch it on teevee if you can.

I work my ass off!

At least that's what Paula Abdul wants us to believe. But Tina Fey tells us something we already know.

Park space

The city needs to get tougher with developers to leave land aside dedicated for city parks. For now we have the Bruni Plaza. Enjoy.

A-list charity

Brad Pitt is helping the people of New Orleans rebuild their lives. Sorry ladies, no full-length picture included.

Don't eyeball me

In a Nov. 8 LISD board meeting, Jesus Guerra, and Jose Valdez said that campus employees are intimidated by their presence when they visit on unofficial matters. Mr. Guerra attempted to show some concern by saying, "I'm sorry if they're intimidated."
Mr. Valdez said that the PA system is utilized to warn staff when he sets foot at Christen Middle School. Most of the board had a good chuckle after that little anecdote.
Please, a little more respect for our campus staff gentlemen and gentlewomen.

December

How 'bout this weather?

Star?

He's no star, he's Montel Williams. And he should stop having Sylvia Brown on every week. I wouldn't trust her any more than I could throw her.

Juegenla fria

Hugo Chavez might do something foolish if we cross him. Let's wait till after the holidays to rile things up.

Sniff'n The Tears - Driver's Seat

Bar semicolon grill

We made a couple of stops downtown to see the Cowboys game. In true Laredo style this bar completed the football experience with an outdoor cookout. The bar's supply of crime scene tape came in handy to cordon off the dive's prime parking spot. Cheers tio!

Sheriff's debate at LCC

From left you have: Flores, Ortiz, Carmona, Paez, Salinas, and Cuellar. Carmona did manage to slip in the "Just Do It" line. And a couple of them did mention the Glen Beck situation. But for the most part, they all agreed that it's important to work with other law enforcement agencies to get the job done. Yawn.

Keep Laredo sleepy

I could go for some corn in a cup.

Fear of a brown nation

White people are in trouble, or so says Pat.

Afghanistan bound

The local National Guard unit was honored at Shirley Field today. Friends and family came out to support the troops before they ship out to the Middle East.

Nothing to fear

Rick Flores needs to stop talking about drug cartels aiding terrorists across the border.

This is something

Someone needs to tell city council that this could create jobs in Laredo.

Blame it on the rain

Monday night's game brought us the return of Ricky Williams and his bald head. He left the game right before halftime due to an arm injury. Anyway, the Steelers beat the Dolphins, 3-0. That's as depressing as this picture.

Follow the money

Eight-liner machines are not going anywhere, especially when Laredo officials are dumbfounded as to how to regulate them.
Legislators in Austin defend these contraptions, saying that they will generate revenue for Texas schools, and create new jobs. But Laredo has seen the havoc these machines can bring. And this is just the beginning.

Glenn Beck: Texas Sheriff vs Scumbag Congressman

Pensativo.

America's Most Obese Cities

1. Memphis
2. Birmingham
3. San Antonio
4. Riverside
5. Detroit

Walk it off

Tim Tebow, QB of the Florida Gators, broke a bone in his non-throwing hand in the game against Florida St.
He stayed in the game. The Gators won.

A taste of Laredo

Mr. Gerardo Carmona goes for broke in his quest to be known this political season. I could be getting punked with this sign since it doesn't state what office he is seeking. I'm gonna look like a real doofus showing up at the polls with my big red pen, ready to fill in the square box.
At any rate, Mr. Carmona makes good use of his nickname (why?), uses Nike's three-word slogan, and to top it all off, quotes the Bible. The only thing that's missing is the "once a tiger, always a tiger" line. I don't know if he went to Martin HS; I'm just going with the color of the billboard. Nevertheless, could Phil 4:13 be a sign of things to come in political billboards?

Look!

Don't blink or else you'll miss his last 400 days in office.

NFL Network dilemma

I still don't know if I'm going to see the game between the Packers and the Cowboys. I've heard of some place that's going to charge a $20 cover for the event. If anyone's going to host a backyard shindig, let me know.

Black Friday

Laredo is bustling with activity. Be careful out there.

First debate for candidates

Only two candidates have confirmed to appear at the debate next week at LCC.

I wonder if Rick Flores will bring up the fact that the Sheriff's Department has evidence that the Zetas were teaming up with Guatemalan jungle fighters.

Glen Beck talks the truth about Laredo

What is wrong with this story?

Early birds

Several stores are opening at 4 a.m. tomorrow morning. Crazy. Could this be a way to avert any brawls between customers? Stay tuned to see if this ploy will thin out the waiting lines on Black Friday.

Those less fortunate

Mary Kate Olsen will not be smirking for the cameras anytime soon. She is taking care of her infected kidney. Send your thoughts and prayers in her direction this turkey day.

Men are pigs.

There's a time and place for everything, but this is ridiculous.

Drive safely

This scene looks peaceful, unlike the road leading to Bridge 2. The end of I-35, Santa Ursula, and even La Sanbe are jam-packed with cars. Police are working overtime to direct traffic going to Mexico.

Really?!

In the Really? department tonight, we focus on Michael Vick and City Council.

How can you not know that dog fighting would get you in trouble; I mean really!

And you really thought that Laredo wouldn't mind if you accepted a $250K donation from the Geo Group? Really?

I was going to title this entry as "no manches", but I hate the word manches. Peace out.

A T.O. KO performance

The Cowboys are still sitting pretty in their division. Laredo saluted them with countless barbecue smoke plumes.

Que relaje

Don't blame Glen Beck for giving Laredo a bad name.

Commissioner David Cortez pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of bribery.
City of Laredo employees were discovered tapping into water lines illegally.
Two police officers were nabbed for taking bribes from 8-liner establishments.
The police chief, Agustin Dovalina, turned himself in on bribery charges also.
A veteran 911 operator was found to be laundering money through some trucking business.
And two JPs, Rangel and Liendo, are on probation for DWI charges. These two JPs still have their jobs.

Good for them

A judge has ruled that Britney Spears cannot drive while her kids are in the car. Maybe they can take the bus. And let this be a warning to all Laredo drivers: Don't drive with your kid on your lap.

K.I.S.S.

Man I hate the Patriots.

Look busy

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is coming to Laredo this Saturday.
I wonder if someone will tell her that the local National Guard unit is shipping off to Afghanistan later this month.
Here's hoping that Congress doesn't cave in handing Bush a war spending bill with timelines for pullout.

I'll take lobbyists for 250

This from the Laredo Morning Times, May 17, 2007:

The Geo Group came to Laredo on Wednesday bearing cash for both the City of Laredo and Webb County. ....George Zoley, Geo CEO and founder, doubled the amount he planned to give the entities from $125,000 each to $250,000 each in general funds.

And now - Laredo Morning Times, November 14, 2007:

Webb County Commissioners Court unanimously voted Tuesday against accepting a $250,000 donation from Geo Group - a company contracting with the federal government to build a jail in southern Webb County. The vote followed public comment when the money was characterized as "dirty" by attorneys who represent the family of an inmate killed inside one of the company's privately owned prisons.
Pct. 4 commissioner Sergio Martinez was more blunt. "I see this money as something to buy our influence," he said. "I think it's inappropriate."

Yeah, you think?
Amazing what a little public pressure and city-wide scandals can do.

Audacity

Patricia Barrera campaign signs have infiltrated the barrio. She is obviously unfazed by the whole attorney general investigation her office is confronting. I'll be plenty surprised if she goes neck and neck with her challenger.

Picks of the Week

Time selected Matt Damon as the Sexiest Man Alive.
Oprah's book pick is "The Pillars of the Earth."
And Heidi Klum and co. chose Simone LeBlanc as the first person to be aufed from Project Runway.

Our pick for Classy Laredoan goes to Rick Flores for describing the 'north side rapist' as a "scumbag."
Those are the picks of the week.

Get 'em while they're hot

Tony Romo jerseys are selling like hotcakes.

Different strokes...

The Confederate Flag is still displayed at our local airport, and at the Civic Center. It doesn't really bother Laredoans much. But to others, it rears up painful memories.

World's shortest psychiatric joke

A man walks into a psychiatrist's office wearing only underwear made of Saran Wrap.
The psychiatrist says, "well...I can clearly see your nuts."

Thank you Alex A. and Albert C. for that submission.

He's not gonna take it anymore

Mayor Raul Salinas is upset at the way Glen Beck is portraying Laredo. He is so incensed that he is personally going to write a letter to Beck, asking for an apology. Good luck.

It's Monday

No garbage pick-up today.
10 days till Thanksgiving and I haven't bought my canned cranberry sauce.