Fun With Family

I spent New Year's Eve with my cousins. They're a lively bunch. If anyone enjoys life, it's them.

Last year it got a bit out of hand I'm told. They lit a couch on fire - on purpose. I left right after midnight and I can tell you that there was no ceremonial couch immolation. Thank gawd.

We all went inside as soon as we heard gun shots at midnight.

Gotta love the holidays.

The Ax Falls

The man inside my radio tells me that special teams coach Bruce Read will not return in 2009. Bastards. Couldn't the Cowboys have waited until Monday to make this announcement

The Celebration Prep

The HEB on Guadalupe was packed before noon today. Many a 12-pack were being carted away. The excitement is palpable.

Stay safe everyone and have a Happy New Year.

Swearing In Thursday

Sheriff-elect Martin Cuellar should get sworn in Thursday in the Central Jury Room along with other Webb County officials. I will be there.

I wonder what the mayor is doing January 1st.

Uvaldo's Tiendita

Ben's Third Concussion

Ben is not practicing yet. Luckily the Steelers have a first-round bye for the playoffs.

We will proceed slowly with him because we have that luxury.

Repeated hits to the head can lead to dementia, or Parkinson's - I worry (for Ben) about that.

Desert Art

Person of the Year 2008

It's that time of year again when we pay homage to the individual who has stood out amongst all the rest. La Sanbe's 2008 Person of the Year award goes to Sheriff Rick Flores.

Unlike last year's choice, Rick kept his nose clean throughout his highly publicized one-term career. But ruffle some feathers he did and 2008 was no different.

What was supposed to be his re-election year, instead turned out to be a drawn out, irritating episode of Laredo's own version of "Wyatt Earp."

All of Rick's bravado, self-promotion, and diplomas could not help him garner the needed votes to avoid a runoff in the Democratic primary. When he lost his position in a head-to-head match to a former law enforcement official, he was quick to take the low road by disparaging his opponent's brother and the Webb County Elections Administrator. The courteous hat tip that was a staple of his commercials turned out to be a disingenuous gesture.

The tactful, educated administrator was replaced by a two-bit, sniveling egomaniac unwilling to let go of his throne.

Election adversity will do that to a man, but his was as undignified a performance as any.

As the appeals process ran its course, Rick slowly faded away. No longer was he on T.V. brandishing a Stetson and pretending to be Laredo's lone watchman. All comments concerning the sheriff's department would now go through spokespeople.

Eventually no new election would be granted. It was the end of the road for Rick. But for a finale, he tried to spend as much of the department's budget and forfeiture funds as he could to leave the incoming administration empty-handed. He was stopped by the sheriff-elect's restraining order. One final rebuke for a fallen man.

Rick tried to convince us that he was the best man for the job, but in questioning other people's honor we quickly realized that he was the one without honor.
He tried to come across as superior to the masses but all we saw was a showman with no depth or maturity.

In his future endeavors we can only hope that he meets them with a newfound grace and humility.

Cardinals Advance - Holmgren Coaches Final Game

Beyond Laredo and Dallas, another bastion of Cowboy fans can be found in Phoenix, Arizona. Visits by the Cowboys are usually greeted by more Cowboys than Cards fans. Things may be changing. Cards ended regular season with their best record in 20 years and won (the admittedly weak) NFC West. Though not a powerhouse player just yet, Cards may have ingredients to have a run in next couple of years - even Matt Leinert looked pretty good controlling the game in the 4th. After hitting a rough stretch, Cards picked up some momentum by beating Seattle 34-21 Sunday on Mike Holmgren's last coaching gig(?) and will host their first playoff game since 1947 next Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. This will be one day before the Horns arrive at same joint to finish their business for the year.

Last Week of Football

The Cowboys are up in 45 minutes.

On the AFC side, Ben Roethlisberger suffered a minor concussion and was carted off the field. Luckily they have a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Mi Barrio

I took a stroll down Stone St. to see the progress of the 30-acre park being built near my house. I came across this simple display of turf pride.

The Border Patrol is frequently seen patrolling the area. Their presence might deter gangs and graffiti from taking over the park, but who knows. La Sanbe is going to have to form a neighborhood watch.

Rookie Mistake?

Baby or Burrito?

Cheers

It's time to drink (semi) liberally to see if the economy has hurt the local bar business.

But if you're in finance, oil and gas, real estate or automobiles, you're drinking Lone Star.

Location to be determined.

Not Just Chicanos

Everybody loves Salma.

Santa Has a Cousin

Nick de la Torre HOUSTON CHRONICLE

In Houston, Richard Reyes’ version of Pancho Claus wears a red zoot suit, fronts a swing band and keeps an entourage of “elves” and lowrider cars.

The Day After

I got a cool pen for Xmas.

And Sleuth is having a Magnum P.I. marathon. My holiday is complete.

Forecast Calls For Apocalypse

Our local meteorologist breaks the news that we won't see a White Christmas this year.

"So Christmas happens to fall on average within the coldest portion of the year, but this year will be a little milder than average," he said.

Okay, so we're used to warmer winters in Laredo - big deal.  But then "Heatwave" Berler goes all Orson Welles on us.

It will be cloudy this morning with possible fog, but the sun should burn through the clouds by the afternoon and heat things up, Berler said.

The Rapture will definitely put a crimp in Brad Pitt's new movie this weekend.  Thanks weatherman!

Merry Christmas

Sheriff-elect Martin Cuellar

Our new sheriff will be sworn in a week from today. I'll be there for the ceremony at the County Courthouse. Feel free to join me.

In this video, I ask Mr. Cuellar about monies that the current sheriff was spending, hoping to leave the new administration with little to no budget.

Strays

While running errands this week, I noticed a bunch of dogs just wandering the streets of Laredo. Alex has talked about this before. This is not odd for Laredo. It's just that I've noticed more of them recently.

These pics were taken in the central part of the city, near older neighborhoods.

If you happen to visit our fair city, keep an eye out for our four-legged friends.

Scotch Tape Dispenser

This thing is not for man hands. I tried it on but after a while it cut off the circulation to my fingers.

Talking Bailout with Rep. Henry Cuellar

Rio Bravo's New Firetruck

I traveled ten miles south this morning to Rio Bravo to see the unveiling of their new fire engine. They acquired this new rig through a grant from the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Chief Javier Estrada, in white shirt, said that they started out in 1995 with a pick-up truck and a large water container to put out fires for the community.

Now they'll be better equipped to put out fires in Rio Bravo, as well as the neighboring town of El Cenizo, and areas along Highway 83.

Also pictured are: Sheriff-elect Martin Cuellar, volunteer fire department staff, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, and Rio Bravo Mayor Juan Gonzalez.

Merry Christmas!

En Movimiento

Viva Laredo out and about.

Dip, Clip, and Dye

If I ever open up my own record store, I'd like to share the space with someone who sells curtains.

La Tamalada

Spackling on a Saturday night.

Texas Stadium's Last Stand

Cowboys are up 7-0 against the Ravens in the 1st.

UPDATE: It's 7-6 at 8:15.

UPDATE: It's Ravens with the lead, 9-7.

UPDATE: Ravens just scored late in the 3rd quarter. It's now Ravens 16-7. The 'boys are getting killed softly.

UPDATE: 19-10 Ravens in the 4th. The end is near.

Final - Ravens 33-24. Goodbye Texas Stadium.

Portland, OR

Crazy Sushi Idea

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that people in south Laredo aren't wild about sushi. I hope my assumption is proven wrong.

Anyway, I give this place three months.

Man In The Middle

A local man plays dumb.

"I can't read minds like a psychic. If I knew he was going to use guns to get me in trouble, I wouldn't have sold them."

Right.

Bowl Season Arrives

32 Games, 64 teams , one ultimate champion and much fun along the way. Bowl season gets started tomorrow with Wake Forest taking on Navy in the much heralded Eaglebank Bowl. It only gets better from there. LaSanbe is packing up this year to bring you sights and sounds from the Fiesta Bowl where Ohio State and Texas - college football's biggest schools with biggest spenders and largest alumni groups -will meet up for the 3rd time in 4 years. Holidaze, beer, football, barbacoa, college chicks, midgets, Bevo, Tebow, the down low, a dancing Brutus.. It's all coming your way..

Getaway Car

Trio Laredo

I KNOW these guys.  Actually I know the two that don't have a goatee, Tomas and Mario.  They're former Martin H.S. alumni.

Fed Up

The mayor has to stop shaving hair off everytime he takes part in a toy drive. If he must shed something next year, I'd like to see him lose his feminine frame glasses.

George Bush and the republicans have to stop patting themselves on the back by saying that this country hasn't been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001. The GOP does not do national security well; Sept. 11 happened on their watch.

The media, especially Matt Lauer, has to stop using the words Ponzi scheme. It sounds so cheap and unsophisticated. It sounds like a scam that took place in alleys, with an accomplice named Ratso Rizo. Enough with Ponzi. Instead, call it a pyramid scheme or the AIG shuffle.

Instead of using "an historic event" writers will now have to use the better-sounding 'a historic event.'

I've had it with tacky Christmas light displays. (scroll down)

Hats should not be worn indoors. Jobsanger agrees.

It is considered respectful to remove your hat

I'm talking to all of you Laredo Randy Travis wannabees out there. (rick flores)

Criticism

My video gets some choice words.

so i have only 3 fucking words for you chinga tu madre

Dude, the demolition is not my idea.

San Bernardo Beat

Misplaced Outrage

Many on the left are upset that Rick Warren will give the invocation at Obama's inauguration next month. Warren strongly opposes gay marriage, and a woman's right to choose.

He's really no different than any religious man out there. What bothers me is that this guy makes money peddling this crap.

I'd rather there'd be no invocation at all.

Obama will make more sour choices. It's inevitable.

You're Putting That Where?

The house with the nice personality makes a comeback and residents are not happy.

an old house that seemed to fall out of the sky and into a shiny new
neighborhood

Pile Driver

Cemetery Near Capacity

I love that we have smart, compassionate people running things around here.

Villarreal suggested condemning property next to the existing cemetery for
public purposes

Orale!

We don't need no stinking education. (video)

Zacate Creek - Laredo, TX

I was driving around my old neighborhood Saturday and saw a guy putting a weed eater to good use.

I went over to ask him if he worked for the City of Laredo, or was hired by anyone to do this. He told me that he was doing this just for the hell of it.

His name is Luis Vega.

He said he did this before but city staff erased his work by doing their routine mowing. I was amazed when he told me that he did this freehand, so to speak.

Some people spread their message with cardboard; Luis does it with an edger.

We Salute You

BT Blues puts his AC/DC concert experience into words.

...away from the pulsating crowd, the faint smell of Mary Jane, and drunk/high
fans who literally passed out in the row behind us

I love Rock&Roll.

Barrio rides

Growing up was fun; I had a tree house, BB gun, bikes, friends with go-carts, Atari game system, skateboards, etc. But I never had a toy car with bucket seats.

The Flying Shoe

He's in denial.

I didn't feel the least bit threatened by it

How about embarrassed? Disappointed?  Ashamed?   

NFL Sunday

Wow! The Texans win another one.

T-minus four hours till the Giants battle the Cowboys.

Are you pumped?

UPDATE:  The Steelers have clinched their division and have a first round bye!!!

A Park in 48 Hours

City leaders, volunteers, and high school students landscaped, picked up trash, and broke ground on a new park Saturday in north Laredo.

Keep Laredo Beautiful Executive Director, Lynne Nava, said Girl Scout Madie Simms was instrumental in coordinating this effort.

La Sanbe gives props to all those who took time this weekend to make Laredo a better place. Volunteers include: Alexander H.S. Honors Program, Nixon H.S. Honors Program, Girl Scouts, Jerry Resendez (contractor), and Nick Benavidez (landscaper).

The City of Laredo Parks and Leisure, and Water Utilities staff was also in the mix.
Lynne Nava talks about the landscaping at Las Brisas.



And Henry Mejia talks about the park at Andrew Lane that should be completed in 48 hours.

Long Neck

I flew solo tonight at one of Laredo's well-known dive bars. This place used to be called Las Palmas many moons ago.

There wasn't much of a crowd out tonight. I saw several people come in, have a couple of beers, and leave. Inside, the bar is well-kept, but the lighting didn't allow me to get a good shot. One of the flat screen TVs had Mission Impossible on. I didn't know that the girl from Felicity was in the movie.

I decided to check out the patio. A TV out there was tuned in to ESPN; that's where I learned of the new Heisman winner. Sorry Colt. Anywho, beer is $2.25 at this joint. Stay sleepy Laredo.

Outrage!

Bradford is a good kid and all, but.. OU sucks and now completes the trifecta of taking the Big 12, National Championship game & Heisman trophy from Texas. We here at LaSanbe will be screaming for the destruction of this piece of shit institution when they face LaSanbe's boy Tim Tebow in January. We're not bitter. Bartender!

Conditions

Currently it is 76 degrees and sunny in the Gateway City. Nice.

Heisman Heist tonight

While W. KeyRose is out drinking liberally tonight, the Heisman will be decided one time zone away in the Big Apple. Someone will get ripped off. Tebow could win it (again) enabling the SEC to rip off Big 12 during their historic offensive season. Bradford could take the bronze creating the ultimate head scratcher - ripping off Texas of the Big 12 spot, the national championship spot and the Heisman - oh, the Inhumanity! OR, Colt the big strong real McCoy could become the first actual Texan to win since 1990 (anyone remember Ty Detmer?). Colt will not directly rip off anyone, but we will be reminded that another Texas QB Vince Young was ripped off a few years back. The last few winners (including Tebow) have gone on to screw up their subsequent bowl game. So, perhaps 'losing' this one ain't such a bad thing.

Blog's Night Out

I will be (quasi) drinking liberally tonight at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to join me at the bar on the corner of Garza and San Bernardo. Have a good day.

Money Issue Put To Rest

The book was finally closed on the case involving Sheriff Rick Flores' use of forfeiture funds. Sheriff-elect Martin Cuellar alleged that Flores was spending all of the funds so Cuellar would be left with nothing come January 1.

He alleged Sheriff Flores was spending outside the scope of what state law allows.

Flores fired back and called Cuellar's case frivolous.

"I don't have a checkbook and I don't spend money like a drunken sailor," Flores said.

Cuellar will now have $1.52 million at his disposal when he takes office next month.

I don't know if Flores could've burned through that much money in his final days as sheriff but it has been done before by other county officials.
Here I speak to Keko Martinez, County Commissioner for Pct. 4 (El Chacon!), about some colonia projects he's working on and he brings up the fact (@ 2:22 in video) that he started out with no funds when he took office. Take a look.

Fin De Semana

The Day The Earth Stood Still opened in theaters today. The wife and I won't have a chance to see the flick until Sunday. We'll have to wait till then to see if Jon Hamm and Jennifer Connely bite the dust.

Tomorrow night, we'll find out if La Sanbe favorite, Tim Tebow, wins the Heisman again.

And Cuadro Cafe will host an independent film festival Sunday, featuring local filmmakers. That might be something worthwhile.

Today, La Sanbe's part-time reporter, Luis Uranga, brings us news of a new restaurant that just opened near the Chacon neighborhood, Taquitos Ravi. This restaurant, like La Manzana de Guillermo, El Rancho, and Tacos El Popo, got its start in Nuevo Laredo but has moved to our fine city because of the decreased tourism south of the border. Mr. Uranga highly recommends the tacos al pastor. I'm more partial to the flautas de pollo. Happy eating.

Brain buys crappy drumset

Tour de Taco - Jamboozie

Activities for the 2009 Jamboozie have been announced. The event, taking place January 24, will feature Flaco Jimenez and the first-ever Bicycle Parade.

It begins and ends at San Agustin Plaza with cyclists trekking up and down San
Bernardo Avenue

This is good. Organizers have come up with an idea to get Laredoans up and about. But why they decided to name it "Tour de Taco" is beyond me. It could be a way of celebrating our culture, or just a way of enticing people to ride their bikes: Forget the carrot stick, we've got tacos at the finish line!

A cookoff follows the parade

Mmmmmm, tacos.

Keep Laredo Beautiful

Santa is going green.

Kris is going to teach Laredoans about litter prevention

This I gotta see. Las Brisas Park, here I come.

Air Guillermo

Guillermo plays Hitler

Home Of The

Let's Get Rockin'

La Sanbe contributor, Alex, will see AC/DC in San Antonio tomorrow. We wish him a rockin' good time.

I Heard That Before

Every time I hear Let It Die by the Foo Fighters, it reminds me of two other songs. The bass part, early in the song, gives us a hint of the melody I'm referring to; it's not until 2:47 in, that the guitar gives me a strong sense that I've heard this somewhere else. Have a listen.


Journey's Stone in Love has a similar part that comes in at 2:33.

And the Oooooooo'ed melody of Level 42's Something About You also sounds a bit familiar.

Coldplay rip off the Satch

What the hell. It's a slow news day..

Man Up

Are you prepared for the uprising?

Laredo would probably see a riot involving expulsion of federal authorities

Richard Pryor

December 1, 1940 - December 10, 2005 RIP

Stripes

Pomar Electronics is located about four houses down from the corner. In the mid nineties, I visited them to inquire about radio transmitters hoping to someday have my very own radio station.

I still remember what the guy told me: I can sell you the 100-watt transmitter but you WILL get caught if you use it.

That quickly dashed my dreams of ever having my own call letters.

Me and my crazy dreams.

Worse Than Scarlet Letter?

The hits keep on coming for one of Laredo's own.

It is alleged that 26-year-old Madrigal had a sexual relationship with a
15-year-old student

If that wasn't enough, the shame keeps piling up for this man.

Madrigal's father, was arrested at the same time for $11,000 in outstanding
municipal court fines

Jesse must now fight sex offender charges, deal with an outlaw father, and bow his head at the fact that he lives with his parents, at the age of 26.

If cleared of the felony charges, he could still be shamed out of town. If so, he would have to explain to people that he is originally from Laredo, sending what little self-esteem he has left into a tailspin.

Prop 8 Protest Fails Miserably in Laredo

People were encouraged to show support for gay rights.

Gay-rights activists are encouraging people to "call in gay" to work today
to demonstrate how integral gay people are to American society.

Stories are starting to come in to La Sanbe headquarters that all employees have shown up to work today.

In an effort to fend off any suspicion of homosexual tendencies, or distance themselves from behavior that goes against their Catholic teachings, all men and women in Laredo arrived at work early, and have been toiling at their work stations efficiently, and with a surprising, newfound work ethic. People have also been careful not to talk about today's protest, or the upcoming LEC Broadway shows, Cats, Hairspray, and Lord of the Dance.

Local employers have never seen anything like this. A supervisor at a bottling company said that even sick employees came in to work, and have not taken any breaks. However, he added, a weird sense of insecurity filled the air.

We'll bring you more as this story develops.

Whole Wheat Wednesday

Alfredo Santos No More

The Rivalry Continues

Martin and Nixon to meet tonight on the hardwood.

The Martin Tigers and the Nixon Mustangs are the granddaddy of
all rivalries in Laredo.Since 1964, the year the Mustangs opened their doors,
they became instant rivals. Martin had been a staple for Laredo since 1937,
and the newest school in town (Nixon) offered another option for the expanding
city.

Lunch Thread

• Juan Rodriguez got into some trouble again.
• I'm worried about Jennifer. She's slowly going the way of Karen Carpenter.
• People give chucklenuts too much credit because he supposedly "kept the American people safe" after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks... Thing is, his administration started nine months earlier. And then there's this little thing called the August 6 PDB. It contained this: FBI information since that time indicates patterns of suspicious activity in this country consistent with preparations for hijackings... Huh?

Cheech and Chong in Laredo

The comedy duo will be at the L.E.C. Sunday January 11, 2009. Tickets go on sale December 13 at 10:00 a.m. Ticket price will range from $25 - $58.50.

I Feel Your Pain

Cowboy fan is feeling as dejected as this little tree.

And so is UT fan to some extent.
(thanks to Chris for the link)

Unzipped

Love the creativity.

Greg Maddux retires

My wife sighed at the news of Greg's retirement.

the biggest pitcher of his generation and among the most storied pitchers
of all the generations

The End

Now that De La Hoya has laid waste to his own legacy, we take a look back to recent interview leading up to big fight yesterday. In this pre-fight segment, De La Hoya interviews himself and discusses his 'walk in the park' preparation and strategies for using his experience, reach & weight advantage. Kenny Rogers once pontificated: "You got to know when to fold em, know when to walk away and know when to run". Some people ignore these words. Instead, they stand still and get their ass kicked.

Football Thread

It is currently windy, with single-digit wind chill conditions, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Demarcus Ware might not play because the weather might affect his knee.

My wife is baking a football-shaped cake as we speak. And I have my yellow towel ready to go.

UPDATE: The cake is ready! Now we wait...

Local radio sucks

For once, when I call a radio station to request a Springsteen, or Depeche Mode deep track, I'd like to hear it.  Spare me the 'I don't have that one' refrain.

Main Boys Club - Laredo, TX

Laredo Drinking Water

I drink quite a bit of water throughout the day so this is reassuring.

The EWS, for instance, can generate real-time, automated warnings of
contamination

The Happs

• DeLaredo offers up a suggestion about how to spend two dollars.
• Rapper T.I. is coming to Laredo. I'm happy for local rap fans.
• owner of Marti's, a high-end arts and crafts gallery on Guerrero Avenue in Nuevo Laredo, refuses to let his kids come home to work in the business
• Walsh on Bush: What a cowardly, buck-passing answer. Love it.

Gun Fascination

If I owned a gun, I'd probably shoot myself in the leg like Plaxico. Guns are dangerous but that doesn't stop people from owning them.

"But if you come in between that door frame of my home, I am going to kill
you. Hands down."

I love these numbskulls who tell us that they own guns and aren't afraid to take someone's life if somebody trespasses on their property. Because it's not enough to just say you own a gun, you have to eloquently state your intention of using it in the most fatal fashion possible.

I'm not totally against guns, it's just that comments like "I am going to kill you" sound so ridiculous. It almost sounds like a dare. And I doubt this guy is going to be standing watch over his home 24/7 with an itchy trigger finger. He has to go play football eventually.

What's more ridiculous is that they utter these words to people who pose no threat whatsoever. Basically what they're doing is crotch-grabbing/posturing. They're so proud of their gun, their mad shooting skills, and the element of surprise. The trouble is, the element of surprise might favor the intruder.

El Portal - Laredo, Texas

Love The Sci-Fi

My wife and I are looking forward to a movie coming out December 12.


In it, she'll get Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Keanu Reeves (anything).


I'll get a personal favorite, Jennifer Connelly (whose birthday is actually Dec. 12), Kathy Bates, and some scary robot named Gort.

Awesome.

Richard "Heatwave" Berler

El Heatwave rocking the beard. (scroll down)

Something funny from the Onion.

I'm thinking about who to chose as La Sanbe's 2008 Person of the Year. Nominees include: Patricia Barrera, Rick Flores, and the entire Laredo Police Dept. ???

Show Me The Money

Tuition and fees are going up at TAMIU

According to Castillo, based on last year's increase of $12 per credit hour,
this year's designated tuition increase of $5 is not that high

In other words, you're welcome Laredo.

Mr. Castillo goes on to defend the price hikes by comparing TAMIU to other universities.

we are still cheaper than Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Kingsville and UTSA

That's stupid because TAMIU isn't even in the same league as the other colleges.
He's trying to sell the university by saying, hey we're cheaper, when in reality the slogan should be: hey, we're closer.

UPDATE on 5/10/2016: photo

La Movida Westside

The Cycle of Life

Tuition deregulation is passed.

Zaffirini said she reluctantly voted for it

Tuition and fees go up.

Public hearings regarding proposed increases in tuition and fees at Texas
A&M International University for 2010 (fall 2009 - summer 2010) have been
scheduled

A college education gets pricier so politicos must act: propose tax-free books.

"The costs associated with higher education are becoming increasingly
burdensome," Zaffirini said in a statement.

If the bill is passed, students will see a savings of $50 - 100 on books per semester. Nice.
But fees, on services students don't use, will go up. Damn.
Vote Zaffirini.

A New Month

I'm being attacked by Vimax ads.