Making Time For The Public

Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin will announce Tuesday a total of $460,000 in USDA Rural Development funding for Webb County, as part of the USDA’s Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program. Webb County Sheriff’s Department will receive $200,000 in federal funding to purchase rough-terrain inspector vehicles, and $260,000 worth of loans and grants will be used to complete Laredo International Fair and Exposition’s Student Activity Center.

Event: Funding Announcement for Webb County

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Time: 10 a.m. CST

Location: Webb County Commissioners Court Room

1000 Houston St. 2^nd Floor

Laredo, Texas

Raspa Trucks And Cloudy Skies

Nobody Could've Predicted...

Bush was warned of the impending doom right before Katrina hit New Orleans; he just wasn't that interested.

Via Hullabaloo.

Laredo's RioFest

This thing is actually getting some coverage. Let's hope it's a success.

Selena Gomez To Promote White Bread

This weekend, my nine-year-old son was all excited about The Wizards of Waverly Place t.v. movie. It's because of him that I know anything about Selena Gomez.

I don't think he watches the show specifically because of her, so I don't think we're going to go out and buy Sara Lee bread.

Hello?

The LMT punks me with their lead story today. Zach Lindsey reports on the City of Laredo's Capital Improvement Project list and its lack of funding.

The project list lays down future plans such as a baseball stadium, the Cuatro
Vientos roadway and major and minor improvements to parks and public facilities

So I read on and I'm directed to Page 9A but when I get there, there's no continuation of the story. ????
Thank goodness it's included in Spanish in the Tiempo de Laredo.

Gene Belmares goes on about the need for a secondary water source, an administrative building for the Fire Dept., an emergency operations center, and work to widen Springfield Ave.

Mayor Salinas talks about having a baseball stadium with multi-use capabilities, and a new library in south Laredo to serve the needs of the children.

Don Tomas Sanchez

He established a villa with three families.

The site selected is located in the San Agustin Historical District in Downtown Laredo

Today that site is used to celebrate a different person.

Lactose - The Havoc It Wrecks

I have milk with my cereal therefore everybody else should do the same.

It's Raining

Thank you Gawd! I'm getting my car washed and my plants watered at the same time, all while eating M&Ms.

Jenna Hager Hired By Today Show

Oh, I have to see this!

Don't Mind Me

I'm just a wrecked minivan taking up part of a sidewalk in south Laredo. If you would be so nice, could you please sweep some of the broken glass closer to me, I'd appreciate it so much.

I'll be out of everybody's crosshairs as soon as I'm towed off to the junk yard. There's really not much else that can be done.

I've been out here for about a week so I thank you for your patience. Be safe out there.

Requests For Proposals

Zach Lindsey (LMT) writes today about the ongoing talks concerning a water park for Laredo.
Gene Belmares:

The new RFP will include information that "we will have a developed piece of property (with) a baseball field, and that there are some synergies that might be worked out," Belmares said.

Synergies? What the hell is this guy talking about?
And let's not leave out the brilliance of one Juan Ramirez.

"The water park would use only about 880,000 gallons a year because of operation," Ramirez said. "There's people that use more than a million a year in Laredo."

Yeah, those people are called assholes.

Ramirez has long been a cheerleader for a water park, but why is he the go-to guy on this subject?

Offends The Hell Out Of Me

Dick Cheney is upset that the current administration is looking into charges of torture under the Bush era. He goes on to say that what was done during their years in office helped keep us safe.

I'm very proud of what we did in terms of defending the nation for the last eight years, successfully

Yeah, except you don't mention that one fateful early morning in September which is possibly the biggest security blunder in U.S. history.

Dick "Five Deferment" Cheney, Viejo Vavoso! (playing politics for far too long)

2,000 attend Health Reform Rally in Austin, TX

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) meets with health reform supporters in downtown Austin Saturday.

There were about 100 reform opponents in attendance, across the street, with a barricade of cars dividing the two sides. Pretty controlled. Couldn've gotten too rowdy, since it wasn't likely many opponents would know about the event. It was sponsored by MoveOn.org More photos, here.

photo by rodolfo gonzalez, austin-statesman

Huh?

I guess if they're using solar power to drill for oil, it's OK.

Good Times

Steelers beat the Bills, 17 - 0. Big Ben threw for 168 yards.

Oh, and Mark Sanchez led his team to a win over the N.Y. Football Giants.

Les Vale Madre

The locals don't care anymore about taking another person's property and passing it off as their own.

This salon arrow sits along Zapata Highway. What are the chances that the whole establishment is covered in wall to wall pink?

Creepy iPhone Apps

Down Time

Unavailable at this time. Please check back later.

BTW, I heard the McDonald's on Saunders is closed due to a broken water line.

Fire At A Bar

Pro8news reported at 5 p.m. that El Gastronomico Bar sustained damage from a fire. Arson is not being ruled out.

The building is still standing; the extent of the damage was not shown.

Cowboys Drinking Game

If you are not a fan of preseason football, try a drinking game for the Dallas-San Francisco game tomorrow. It will surely entertain you.

According to the NinersNation drinking game, you can get pretty trashed by halftime if not careful.

Thanks Uncle Jerry for your giant scoreboard. The Cowboys are now the mockery of the league.

But here is the list of things to drink by while waiting for the punt that will hit the scoreboard:

1. One shot if the broadcast plays the clip of Titan's punter A.J. Trapasso hitting the scoreboard.

2. One shot if the broadcast plays a clip of Andy Lee hitting the scoreboard with a punt during pre-game warm ups.

3. One shot for every time the broadcast cuts to a shot of Jerry Jones just before an Andy Lee punt

4. One shot for every time Andy Lee punts the ball into the scoreboard.

5. One additional shot if the 49ers coverage team didn't even bother to pursue the kick knowing it was going to hit the scoreboard.

6. One shot if the broadcast cuts to Jerry Jones' uneasy face after Andy Lee punts the ball into his scoreboard.

7. Two shots if Coach Mike Singletary looks amused with Andy Lee punting the ball into the scoreboard.

8. One shot if any broadcaster makes an analogy between the new Cowboy Stadium and the Death Star.

9. One shot if Andy Lee is interviewed on the sideline during the broadcast and asked about punting the ball into the scoreboard.

10. One shot if any 49ers fan is spotted in the broadcast wearing an Andy Lee jersey.

11. Dallas punter Mat McBriar will be shot for hitting the scoreboard.

Update:

Thanks Fooch for the addendum of taking one drink instead of one shot, if you're not a hardcore drinker and want to be conscious before halftime.

In light of the new "Dallas do over" rule I thought it was appropriate to add one more rules to the list. (can also be called the "Jerry Jones is Roger Goodell's daddy rule")

12. One shot (or drink) if the broadcast explains the punt "do over" rule to the audience.

Drum Therapy

Thanks to _ch for tipping us off to this video. As a former percussionist, I can appreciate this approach being used to assist students with special needs.

It's On

A new mural made its way to Philly yesterday. Michael Vick and a dog in a Cowboys jersey. Philly fans are still idiots (remember how they cheered when Michael Irvin was carted off the field in 1999?).

Meanwhile, the Cowboys play old rival, the 49ers tomorrow. Looking forward to that game!

But keep in mind the old rivalries in the NFC East. Especially the Eagles.

We Weren't Ready To Take The Money

Janet Napolitano commented on the story of Laredo not getting stimulus funds for its bridge checkpoints.

"That story was so wrong," she said. "the scope of work hasn't been
completed yet. We all know the needs at Laredo. It really wasn't
ready to take the stimulus money, which was money designed to go out very
quickly."

It's good that people are talking about it, and about Laredo. Perhaps now some money will come our way.

Kennedy's Passing

A friend asked me yesterday for my thoughts on Ted Kennedy's passing. What came to mind was the ups and downs the man had to endure. He had his faults (some pretty big ones) but one can't discount the many things he fought for.


In 2008, when Laredo was falling in love with Hillary Clinton all over again, Ted Kennedy paid us a visit to campaign for Obama. Most dignitaries didn't bother to show up for his appearance, as they wanted to seem loyal to the former first lady. The locals threw their hat in with Hillary because she had worked in south Texas helping people register to vote early in her career.


But as Text-Mex reminds us (and Daniel Hernandez), Teddy did his part for Hispanics as well. Yeah, I love the Clintons too but the Kennedys are in a class all their own.


Ted Kennedy is gone and we'll miss him.

Sylvia Palumbo Talks To LaSanbe

A handful of local candidates have taken to the streets to get their campaigns off the ground. With seven months before the primaries, the political activity will only intensify.

Here I got a chance to speak with Sylvia Palumbo about her strategy and what she brings to the table as she embarks on a campaign for Webb County District Clerk.

Martin Beat Nixon 35 To 26

NFL or NBA?

Which is it, NBA Or NFL?

36
Have been accused of spousal abuse
7
Have been arrested for fraud
19
Have been accused of writing bad checks

117
Have directly or indirectly
Bankrupted at least 2 businesses

3
Have done time for assault

71,
Cannot Get a credit card due to bad credit

14
Have been arrested on drug-related charges

8
Have been arrested for shoplifting

21
Currently
Are defendants in lawsuits, and

84
Have been arrested for drunk driving
In
The last year

Which is it, NFL or NBA?

Neither,

it's the 435 members of the
United States Congress

Almost Two Years Old

Here's a look at the past; it's one of my first entries (Sept. 23, 2007).

Oh, So Close

We'll have to wait another two weeks to see if Mark Sanchez is worthy of a starting job.

Meet-Ups

Henry Cuellar's meet-up is starting about now at TAMIU.

I got word earlier today that Ciro Rodriguez is having a town hall meeting tomorrow at Palo Alto College in San Antonio at 6:30 p.m. Good for him.

And Ms. Sylvia Palumbo is having a campaign kickoff tonight at the Danny's Restaurant on Malinche. She is running for Webb County District Clerk.

Today's Top Headlines

Today we feature the work of the LMT's Nick Georgiou.

On the topic of the proposed 5th bridge:
a majority of the council members expressed second thoughts about the proposed bridge, saying it's not feasible because of tight economic times and decreasing traffic on the existing four bridges

On LISD not raising taxes:
According to LISD, the upcoming budget will have a surplus of about $114,000 and a fund balance of approximately $46 million

And LCC's hearing and subsequent budget vote tonight:
After the hearing, the board will discuss and possibly act on tuition and fee increases and the fiscal year's aproximately $45 million operating budget, which involves the tax rate

Someone deserves a break today.

Deep Thought

I like the fact that the LMT website looks the same at 8 p.m. as it did at 8 a.m.

Staff Don't Forget

This was not taken at my place of employment. I'm super seriol.

Argus 1 System In Laredo

A tracking system is being implemented locally to help health care providers share information about communicable diseases.

The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) and the Laredo Independent School
District (LISD) are installing a "first-in-the-nation," Internet-based system
for early identification of possible novel Influenza H1N1

I haven't heard much fuss about the upcoming flu season, and the possibility of another H1N1 outbreak, from my son's school. I think at this point parents are just glad their kids are back at school.

Henry Cuellar On Ted Kennedy's Passing

"Last night, we lost a great American whose legacy will likely outlive us all. Senator Edward M. Kennedy is an irreplaceable part of American politics; he led an extraordinary life defending the core principles of this country, creating equal opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “He was an inspiring leader who wasn’t afraid to reach across the aisle. He was a champion for civil rights and a true believer in education and health care. His name is synonymous with respect and fairness. His contributions will undoubtedly live on. Senator Kennedy was a lifelong public servant who will be greatly missed in Congress and beyond."

Cut And Paste Art

I noticed the fine art displayed at this restaurant located on Saunders St.
A closer look revealed that it's actually a vinyl piece secured to the wall.

Just another view. Photo taken by Marc Tribble.

Jerry's Folly

Uncle Jerry's extravagent $1.2 Billion grand gesture of a stadium is officially under review. Turns out the screen may violate more than the laws of humility. Full story here.

To add insult to injury, this video highlights some of the worst seats in the house with fairly atrocious, obstructed viewing. If you're travelling from Laredo (or anywhere else for that matter) to check out an event at this joint, you may want to avoid shelling out hard, earned cashola for those seats.

We realize here at LaSanbe how good Jerry is to all of us. At the same time, is it possible he's an idiot?

Don't Hurt The Dog!

If you own a soft and cuddly pooch, be mindful of it; it could land in the hands of a shifty individual.

bold enough to call the owners and ask for some financial "help" in order to
return the dog

Thankfully I don't have any pets. And if I did, it wouldn't be one with papers and all. I would hate to have to get a call from some nefarious character.

Gabe Reed Productions

Confirmed acts for the 5th Annual AutMus Fest are: Vince Neil, Crooked X, Nico Vega, and the Toadies. Funny that there's no mention of Billy Idol.

Cuellar To Show After All

But it's not at a convenient time for the people who voted him in.
(Via the LMT)

He will appear this Thursday at the town hall meeting hosted by TAMIU and the Mercy Ministries of Laredo. Doors open at 11:30 at the Texas A&M Student Center Ballroom.
Sister Maria Luisa Vera:

We hope people come with good questions, not dissertations. We've had enough of
that.

We've actually haven't had enough of anything. Apart from private fund raisers and restricted photo ops, Cuellar has never made time for his constituents.

Here's video of his appearance in McAllen yesterday. An attendee informs Cuellar that the Constitution doesn't state that we should have health insurance forced upon us.

Maybe. But the Constitution does state that something should be done for the people of the U.S.

The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and
Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general
welfare of the United States

Suck on that, bitch.

Our Love On Display

Another short term goal soon to be fulfilled. Coronary artery disease a thing so far away.

Jets Playing The Ravens

Jets QB Mark Sanchez has one TD pass, but his team is down by 14 at the half.

Lake Casa Blanca Threatened

The water levels at the lake are getting too low.

Now they have gone down another four feet

Hey, I've got an idea: let's build a waterpark!!!
(that's sarcasm, by the way)

PaRa-Pa-Pa-Pa!

Andy Dick and Martin Short are too funny. Jeremy Glick's act never gets old.

Jiminy Glick Interviews 'Ronald McDonald' - watch more funny videos

Martin v. Nixon

If the oldest local football rivalry wasn't insignificant before, it is now. The game is set to go off this Thursday at the Student Activity Complex at 7:30.

Things And Such

If this message appeared on local buses, people would go mad. I'm assuming people pay attention to local transit ads.

If I think evil spirits are upon me, or if my luck is wearing thin, I usually just brush myself off with a pirul branch.

No couch loitering, please; especially near fire hydrants.

Perry Lays It On Thick

He hearts Palin and he's not ashamed to tell the world.

I love Sarah Palin, I love her positions, I think she was a good governor

I can only hope that Palin is drafted to run in 2012. Maybe then she can tell us which newspapers she reads.

Former Laredoan Speaks

Dr. Bill Nericcio talks to the media.

Low Budget Protester Or Savvy Homeless Person

I usually see an Anglo gentleman loitering around this block on Chihuahua St. He's always pushing a cart around that has a large flag mounted in the front.

He wasn't in the vicinity when I took this picture but he's the only one who I can think of that would put this sign on display here.

What I'd like to know is where is he getting his information from?

Butt Olympics

Type A Personality

While driving towards downtown the other day, I noticed a white car behind me. Like so many drivers in town, this one quickly passed me and proceeded to bob and weave in traffic.

The car caught my eye because it was a hybrid. Anyway, we were going in the same direction and I noticed that the car was doing its best to get ahead of everybody else, i.e. cutting people off.

When I caught up to the car, I found out it was one of our local officials at the helm. It all made perfect sense right then and there.

Still Debating The Bridge

Zach Lindsey (LMT) reports on the ongoing bridge saga.

At a special meeting of the City Council on Monday, the city will hear a status report on the fifth bridge, and will possibly approve its side of a tripart agreement among the city, Webb and Nuevo Laredo

It's On

Henry Cuellar will host a town hall meeting Monday in McAllen. It'll start at 3:15. That's a good time for old people, I guess.

It should get a bit rowdy. Valley demonstrators were already waiting for him to appear before them.

But he did not come out to talk to the chanting crowd

What I want to know is where is our town hall meeting?

Coiffing

Laredo only has about three barber shops (and three Wal-Marts). Each shop has only one working barber so if you decide to visit one, it'll take a while for you to get serviced because there's usually a line - pretty much like going to the doctor's office. But at least this downtown barber is very meticulous. He'll make sure you leave satisfied with your new cut.

It's "Make It Work" Time Again

Piper Maru here. My recent tax-free shopping has prevented me from discussing the return of one of my longtime favorite reality competition shows: Project Runway!

Friend of LaSanbe Jobsanger beat me to the punch, but it's great to know he's an addict just like me (All it took for me was one show back in Season 2).

The show, which was originally on the Bravo network, has returned for its 6th season Thursdays on the Lifetime channel. This has been a long time coming since the show was embroiled in a lengthy lawsuit between the two networks.

The winner of Season 5, Leanne Marshall, was announced back in October of 2008! Season 6, which was taped long ago, was to have started airing on Lifetime back in January of this year. After the extra long wait under the show's "mums the word" gag order, the contestants finally get to see the light of day.

Back To School

We've got a couple more weekends of swimming fun.
My son and I went to the Three Points pool yesterday and we noticed that it was a smaller crowd out there.
Perhaps a lot of kids were out getting their back-to-school haircuts.

Urban Art?

Or just someone's belongings left unattended for a while?
This shot was taken at one of the I-35 underpasses.

Photo courtesy of Piper Maru.

Inglourious Curiosity

I was just watching Charlie Rose interview Quentin Tarantino and the subject of Brad Pitt's character (in Inglourious Basterds) having a rope burn around his neck came up.
He said that he didn't want to reveal how the character got the scar. That way, people come up with their own conclusion and end up owning the movie on a more personal level. (I'm paraphrasing here)

He cites that he did the same thing with the briefcase scene in Pulp Fiction. Nobody really knows what's inside the case and that's what adds to the movie - it makes it harder for us to easily discard the film.

This new movie's trailer seems absurd, what with Brad Pitt barking at a small group of men with a stupid Southern accent. But a lot of buzz has surfaced for the work of the German actor who portrays Colonel Hans Landa. It's caught my attention so much so that I may inconvenience myself enough to go watch it.

Damn you Tarantino!

Jerry World

Be sure to watch the Cowboys-Titans game tonight since it will debut the newly constructed Jerry World Cowboys Stadium.

This Elite Laredo

Bordertown Blues features the newly-crowned George and Martha Washington, John and Anna Galo.

How did we get to this point? Let me see if I can make sense of it.

Princess Pocahontas was born in 1594. She died at 21.
George Washington (original patron) was born in 1732; died in 1799.
Villa de San Agustin de Laredo was founded by Tomas Sanchez in 1755.
Laredo was capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840.
Laredo was rechartered in 1852.
The first Washington's Celebration dates back to 1898, where a mock battle, that included the Improved Order of Red Men, was staged. The key to the city was ceremoniosly handed to Princess Pocahontas (dead long ago). The patron at the time was Mayor Christen.
In 1979, Mayor Martin's (el mas famoso patron of Laredo) reign came to an end amid findings of corruption.
1983-1988, I marched in the George Washington's Parade with the Christen M.S. and Martin H.S. Bands.
2009 - Martha and Anna Galo lead us all in celebrating Laredo's elite history. Both, by the way, are related to the (patron) Martin family.

Laredo: we celebrate el patron, and leave Tomas Sanchez in the dust.

Oh, My Back!

Poorly pruned tree resides along San Dario Ave.

Them Crooked Vultures

Another day, another 'supergroup'. This time it's Dave Grohl (Nirvana), John Paul Jones (Led F. Zepellin) & Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age). I'm getting old, can't keep up with these things.

** Update **

I take it back - I CAN keep up with these things damn it. Yes we can.

UISD Tax Hike Approved

The board of trustees approved a 1-cent tax increase for maintenance and operations. People showed up to voice their opposition.

Jesus Flores - I don't feel the tax rate is justified especially when we have schools (under Stage 1 federal govenment sanctions)...I believe that we at (UISD) are too top heavy.
If you need to make ends meet, decrease the salaries or personnel on administration...We feel that enough is enough.

Javier Cantu - the tax increase will mostly impact the working poor and families faced with foreclosure.

Oliver Garza - although the tax bill will increase by a small amount, it just adds to all the other ever-increasing bill costs. Give us a break, please?

Quotes obtained from LMT story written by Nick Georgiou.

Busy Off Season

The NFL season hasn't started yet but that hasn't prevented us from talking football, even though it hasn't all been for the better.

We had the Tony/Jessica split; Ben Roethlisberger's charge of assault; Michael Vick's return; T.O.'s departure; Brett Favre's indecision; and now Plaxico Burress' conviction - all before Labor Day.

The first game can't get here soon enough. We need some actual tackles to distract us from all these hits the NFL has had to endure.

Pesky Bloggers

The SEC is coming down on bloggers.

has issued rules in the past week prohibiting fans from distributing photographs
or video of its games

If LaSanbe blogged the upcoming Border Olympics, would anyone raise a stink? Would anyone notice?

Festivals

The official lineup for Autmus Fest will be announced next week.
The ACL Festival is sold out.
Now enjoy this video.

Come To Laredo

We may not have much, but that which we have we'll tout.

This sign sits at the entrance to the Laredo Airport.

Local (Free) Media Offering Video

El Manana and Univision go cuckoo for video.

Yipee! I can link to a story (it's actually an announcement) from the LMT!

Nothing To See Here

In today's LMT, LISD trustee Jose Valdez mentions that the district has had eight superintendents in the last 13 years. But don't let it concern you.

Jose Valdez said Tuesday the idea that the school district changes
superintendents a lot is "just a perception."

Yeah, our eyes are fooling us; that's what it is. In fact, the superintendents the board pushes out aren't really gone since we are still paying out their contracts. They're not so much fired as much as they're no longer with us.

Valdez' own musky scent has fried what little brain cells he has left.

Town Hall Staged By Anonymous Firm

For a minute there, I was warming up to the idea of having Henry Cuellar being my representative up in Washington but that quickly faded when he doesn't even take the time to hear our concerns. In today's LMT:

What I told my office when we left D.C. is we want to go out and get ideas from
people. Let them tell me what they like or don't like

Joe Rutland (LMT) goes on to report on the 90-minute staged (my word) phone conference Cuellar had with District 28 constituents yesterday but makes no mention of any questions coming from any Laredoan regarding the proposed health care bill.


It should be no surprise; the event wasn't even publicized locally. And it's Pro8news that states that this event was put together by some firm Cuellar hired. Micromanagement at its best - It's one of the better things that money and power can buy you.


Voter turnout is not the best it can be in Webb County but it's something else to take us for granted.

90 minutes is quite a chunk of time but surely he could've squeezed in some face time with the working people he represents and not just with Laredo's media outlets who had limited access. It's all good in politics, I guess - I mean, it's only his hometown we're talking about. We should be appreciative will all the token plastic checks he's presented us with.

And he'll talk up his humble upbringing, and his extensive schooling, but fails to connect with working folks who help him massage his own ego. A stuffed suit is all he has become.


For a subject so public, this was such a private event.

One of Congressman's aides did not allow us inside his office during the
teleconference

This has all the stink of a charade. Apparently a very good education affords one the skillful use of smoke and mirrors. And we'll all play along because we don't have any other choice. As long as he takes a pretty picture, we won't ask any more of him.

Staind In Laredo

I just got in from the show at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Halestorm, Chevelle, Shinedown, and Staind rocked the house.

Something special happened: Staind singer Aaron Lewis dedicated a song to "a fallen friend" and the band proceeded to play Pantera's This Love. It kicked ass!

Immediately after, the guitar player ripped through Eddie's Eruption. Sweet.

I'm estimating somewhere between 6,000 to 7,000 in attendance.

UPDATE: Cool! A picture from last night's show, via Bordertown Blues.

Douchebag Tees

Can get your very own douchebag tees here.

Do me a Favre won't you?

Similarities?

Why is it that when I hear Dr. Landeck speak, Triumph comes to mind.

Safe Haven Support

Local dignitaries talk to El Manana about the Webb County Safe Haven program. And they do it in YouTube videos. Hey, that's my thing!

Curious Curry

Ann Curry has been interviewing Brad Pitt on the Today Show ALOT. I get the friendly banter and all. She's also an established professional and a married mother. But, she wouldn't go all MILF and actually do Brad Pitt, would she?

Hand In The Collection Plate

Egads!!!!

Ironically the suspect's name is Jesus Villa, and at 44 years old, he was even born on Christmas Day of 1965

Gasp!!!

This And That

Beck must be feeling the heat. It couldn't have happened to a better asshole.

LaSanbe agrees, people who bring semi-automatic weapons to rallies are insane and/or stupid.

And Laredoan Tom Delay is going to dance on t.v. I will now officially kill my t.v., once and for all.

Spare A Little Change

The homeless are always ready to assist LaSanbe document everyday life.

Monday Convocation

Work calls. Will be back later this afternoon.

Republican Meet-Up

At church today, somebody gave my mom an invitation to a Kay Bailey Hutchison rally this coming Thursday.

Councilman Gene Belmares works for La Posada; He's a republican; hopefully we'll see him on t.v. talking about the KBH movement.

My mom was planning on going but 9 a.m. is too early for her. RSVP Taylor Spalla @ 210-315-0286.

Sunday Funnies

The Mad Men finally return

I can't believe the last episode of Mad Men aired before Halloween last year! At long last Season 3 of Mad Men premieres tonight on AMC...yay! I cannot wait to see how the many cliffhangers will be resolved.

I know many people don't watch because the show has a lot of hype around it. But it really is well written; you get to see how life was like in the early 60's; and it's not another police or doctor show! And let's not forget all the sex, drinking, and smoking!

When we left off the year was 1962. Kennedy was President, and Americans were worried about a possible looming nuclear attack due to the Cuban missile crisis.

Here's a recap of Season 2 to get us all ready for tonight.

Grain Diet With A Helping Of Meat

Cesar Rodriguez (LMT) reports that "Webb County is the fifth-fattest county in Texas." Several people chime in with reasons as to why we ranked fifth: culture, food, lifestyle, food portions.

Personal trainer Joey Rodriguez:

Blaming obesity on Mexican food is a misconception

Let me see - tortillas de harina, refried beans, fajitas, beer, white rice, bacon with eggs, barbacoa, cheese enchiladas. Yeah, he's right; there has to be another reason.

He said the Mexican diet is "fairly clean" and contains basic healthy options such as meat and grains

Really?! Meat does tend to lead to gastrointestinal problems, even cancer. And grains, if not whole grains, is another word for carbohydrates.
Maybe I'm missing something. Apart from the caldo de res (included veggies) that my grandmother used to make, I don't recall many healthy Mexican dietary staples.

Rodriguez (LMT) cited the Texas Health Institute. See info here.

Shakira's New Video

Shakira - New Music - More Music Videos

One of Laredo's many favorite music stars released a new video a short while ago. Enjoy. Or not.

Blue Dogs

Are they really fiscally conservative?

In fact, they are the epitome of a Washington captured by moneyed interests

Body Farm

I've thought about donating my body to science when I die but this is too freaky.

Their bodies could be placed in the sun or shade, buried or in water, perhaps even in the trunk of a car

He Advocated For The Poor

People hate Socialism so much that they're going after its main spokesperson.

Clarence Roger Victor

What's your clearance Clarence? Roger Roger. What's our vector Victor?

Hot Stuff

Cesar Rodriguez (LMT) reports that AC units are disappearing, stolen for the copper.

According to a news release issued Friday, there have been about seven to
10 reported air conditioning units stolen per month

40 years ago today...

It's the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock today. Before it became a "free concert", the tickets were a whopping $8! (You can't even get a turkey leg and a soft drink for $8 at today's concert festivals!) Most of the music played there is as fresh-sounding now as it was then. Here's a nice little number, which shows that there's a lot more to Santana than Oye Como Va. Enjoy!

Out And About On A Friday

El Protector in El Manana

La Sanbe noted the return of Abraham "El Protector" Diaz back to his old job after an arbitrator ruled that the 19-year veteran of the Laredo Police Department had merely shown bad judgment in being out late at night to help a "friend."

In addition, being found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle at a gas station that fateful morning was not that bad, supporters of Diaz argued. Cops do it all the time, apparently.

According to news reports, just because "El Protector" was hanging out at 5:00 a.m. with a "friend" who insisted on giving Diaz a beer (Diaz was noble, asking for a non-alcoholic one), there was not enough evidence to support the harsh punishment "El Protector" received when he was suspended and stripped of that annoying title as the "Guardian."

Besides, it was the fault of the medicine he was taking, according to Diaz's lawyer, George Altgelt. Yeah, that's the ticket. It was the medicine!

Well, in today's El Manana, Diaz had his say, in Spanish.

According to the report, Diaz is happy that his honor has been restored. (Really? You tried to enter the wrestling ring with Mexican wrestlers last year.) In addition, he offers a critical theory as to why he fell into disrepute: his colleagues were jealous! Yeah, that's it. Everyone wanted to be "El Protector."

The real clincher is the concluding sentence of the story which points out that Diaz will relish in his triumph, while considering if he will pursue further legal action against the Laredo Police Department for sullying his name.

It is obvious the guy thinks very highly of himself. And while frivolous lawsuits are always possible, I doubt many people buy into his story that he left his home in the middle of the night (morning?) to help a friend. A friend who insisted on having a drink with him during his moral crisis. (For the record I stopped using the "friend" defense when I was a teenager. --ed.)

So arbitrators from Fort Worth might buy your story, but not the folks in the hood. Sorry brother.

My favorite readers' comments from El Manana reads: All right Abraham, let's go out drinking! You drive!

See what I mean?