PS3 Frenzy

This was one of the videos that we featured on our old site (delaredo.net) and it was filmed the night before the release of the PS3 video game system. Hardcore gamers camped outside of Best Buy and Target as they awaited the doors to open so that they could purchase their system. We even got some of their insight and opinions regarding the much anticipated day. So watch and enjoy.

Cleaning Time

I snapped this shot the other day of a lady cleaning house with her "trapiador" over in south Laredo. It reminded me of my mom on Saturdays whenever she would kick us all outside so she could get the floors mopped. Also, for some reason, I thought of that show, El Chavo del 8, with that character, Dona Florinda. Doesn't she have a striking resemblance?

A Christmas past

Christmas 2008 was alright. I spent some good time with friends and family, but it just seemed like things were not the same from back in the day. I still think that my own personal Christmas of 1987 was the best one ever. (GIJoes, He-man toys, Transformers, an NES and a bike, heck yea) This Christmas it was just basically my immediate family and one aunt. However, in the Christmasses of the past, my entire extended family would get together usually at my Grandmother's house.
I was reminded of this by a blog entry of my internet blog crush, CindyLu. She has a blog that I have been reading on a monthly basis for over 4 years now. I have seen her grow and mature and even though I have felt like a voyeur as I read her personal entries, I admire not only her wit but also her candor and personality. So, a special thanks for my blog crush, CindyLu, and thanks for posting such a neat pic that took me back in time to my own Christmas past. Its just too bad that some things can't back go to how they were...

Z-93 and other local radio

I confess that I absolutely do not listen to local radio. Other than ocassionally listening to 99.3 (especially when Mayra Marisa and Juan Charlie are on as DJ's), I avoid other stations at all costs. Mainly because radio, for the most part, has too many annoying commercials and the same 'payola' songs that get repeated over and over, l don't really tune in. I do remember, however, when I used to tune in all damn day to Energy 98.1 (especially on way back Wednesdays) and Z93. Now, 98.1 has totally changed format and z93, for some ridiculously strange reason, plays pop songs now in their regular 'tejano' format. That's just not right. It caught me off guard the other day as I was driving with a friend and we were listening to z93 on his radio. A Mazz song finished and then it was followed by Shakira. I was like, WTF! Pop music and Tejano music have no business being bundled into one format. They are inheritantly different and it just seems wrong to treat them as if they are interchangeable. But, I guess the 90s are over, and things no longer make sense. I'm glad I dont listen to the radio...

Daily Blogging (Sikes!)

I will now be posting new blog entries on a daily basis. More updates, more pictures, more unwitty, tired sarcasm. Sikes! Just kidding. Ok, I just wanted to say that word, sikes. I overheard at at a restaurant over the weekend and it have been over 15 years since I heard it; it literally transported me back in time. I needed to blog about it. "Sikes", such a silly word, from such a silly time. Its just too bad I can't go back to those carefree days. BTW, I was just kidding about the serial blogging. I'm more of a 'cereal' blogger. Don't expect daily blog updates. Or hell, maybe I will. You're going to have to come back often to find out.

Keep safe during the Holidays

The holidays are among us and with them it should bring joy and happiness as friends and family celebrate all the good things we have done throughtout the year. Its a season to reflect, to celebrate, and to count all the blessings we have been showered with. This Christmas, take time to be grateful for the good things in life. Sometimes it seems as if nothing can go right, but you have to keep looking harder and realize that good times with friends and family need to cherished, for none of us know when we will be called. Be careful during these holidays. If your going to have a good time and drink, don't drive. There are always too many accidents that tend to ruin the celebration of the magic of Christmas. Be good out there Laredo! And may all good things continue to come your way.

Shoes on the telephone lines

Someone please explain to me what the hell the shoes on a telephone line means. I don't get it. In any case, I saw a pair over in some 'colonia' east of Bordertown Pulga and I thought it was golden. I snapped the picture and took off because I was getting hard stares. Still, the shot was worth the risk.

Appliances for sale

So I just got my own place and I was in the need for a stove when I came across this yard sale over in Los Tanquecitos (outside citiy limits on the eastern part of town). I did a double take as soon as I saw it. Stove, fridge and boiler (?). Awesome! I really dont know why I took a picture of this. Something about it just screamed Laredo.

Riding in style

When I was a kid, I couldn't even afford a go-kart. Now however, kids don't ride around on bicycles, they drive in style on their way to the park. I saw this kid riding around the streets of the western part of the city. Just goes to show, since an early age, a kid has to have that bling bling ..and the spinners on their wheels, well, that is the next step.

The power of the blog

This just goes to show that blogging does work. See, I was visiting my parents in the south side on Saturday night when we decided to go out for some tacos. We debated just where to go exactly when I remembered that I read over at LaSanbe Blog that Tacos Ravi had opened up a new location on Market St. So, we forgo the other taco places and ventured over to Ravi because of LaSanbe's coverage. It just goes to show the power of the blog. See, there are readers out there; at the end of the day its that realization that makes it all worth it. That's why I sit in my underwear at the pc typing out silly blog entries, for I know that someone out there will read my words and take them to heart, memorize them, and engrave my words on their soul. That's what it's all about ,a que no?

Raspa Man 2 (revisited)

No way! Laredo is still a small dusty town. Turns out I took this picture of an unknown raspero several weeks ago. I had no idea who he was. Somehow (don't ask how) my father saw my blog and he recognized the raspero as a friend of his compadre. Next thing I know, he calls the guy up and tells the raspero that his picture is up on my blog. The raspero thinks he is going to be famous and tells half the city. Just goes to show that in Laredo you can't hide. Everyone knows everyone. That's just the way it goes here.

Upcoming short film project: 'The Purpose'

Its been a long time coming and a long time in production, but ,now very soon, my first amteur short film will begin production. The short is titled, "The Purpose" and it will be written, produced and directed by me. I'm still looking for some more cast members and crew as well so if you are interested drop me a line. I hope to finish the project around New Years time. The plot of the short film is about a man that is attempting to find himself in a sea of tempations. Stick around and I will keep you informed on the latest news.

Loop 20 Beauty Salon

Over by Loop 20 and Ejido St. is this golden beauty salon where for $5.00 dollars you can get the best fade ever. No kidding; I was a customer here for years being that I just lived down the street. The parking is ample, the scissors are efficient, the price is economical, and even though it doesn't look like much, the place is always filled with eager long-haired bushy customers. So if you find yourself in the south side and you need an express haircut, this is the place to go. In these troubled economic times, $5.00 is a steal worth saving.

Elotes Mexicanos

Driving around the south side of Laredo, I saw something really neat and peculiar: street vendors were hawking corn on a stick to passing motorists. Naturally, I pulled over to try one out, and much to my surpise they were quite tasty. Surely, the Laredo Health Dept. would object to this type of food selling tactics, but from what I saw, they seem to have a large clientele. Cars came and went and their corn seems to be selling nicely (at least its just only corn, but im sure other things get sold as well, but I didnt observe that). So, hey, its all good. Two dollar 'elotes Mexicanos', in today's economy, that's not a bad deal at all.

Store Closing and the bad economy

Laredo is also feeling the pains of the recession and the bad economy that has gripped the country. Mervyns at the mall is closing down, apparently they have declared bankcruptcy and we shall see if another store opens up once Mervyns has moved out.

On a similar note, I came across a very useful, informative and fun site dealing with malls, closings and wasted space. Its deadmalls.com and I really recommend you spin by the site and check it out.

But back to the topic at hand, driving down by the river's edge over by LCC, I spotted an abandoned neighborhood grocery store and it reminded me of when I was a kid. I would run down to the corner and buy sodas, snacks and more from small stores like this one here in the picture. Too bad there are less and less authentic neighborhood 'tienditas' everyday. I miss that side of Laredo.

Drunk while Blogging

Every now and then, I take a break from driving around like crazy looking for dumb things to take a picture of around town. Blogging can be hard work, and looking for 'bloggable' material is time consuming. So, after a long day at work, its sometimes necesary to unwind, relax, kick back and drink a cold one. However, not just any old beer will do. In order to blog correctly and with the necessary passion, the right beverage must be consumed, if not it all goes to waste. Only Schlitz can get me in the right mindset to get blogging on the right foot, however, I can only drink it incognito. So, next time that you see me around town, offer me a cold Shlitz and I might even put you on my blog (aint it great.)

Mexican Shoppers

Mexican shoppers can be rude! Every time I go to Best Buy or Mall del Norte, the place is inundated by Mexican nationals gona amuk, hogging all the parking space, being rude and obnoxious, and they beat me to all the best early bird deals. Why cant they stay in Monterrey so that I can shop at my hometown stores in peace and quiet? Yeah, yeah I know our economy needs them, but they dont even pay taxes on the products they buy, never mind that they use our roads and services. It just seems unfair. And they irk me in everywhich way. Go to the parking lot of Best Buy or Academy and 4 out of 5 cars will have Mexican plates! Mall del Norte is worse; they should rename it Mall del Norte de Mexico! If I see another damn Nuevo Leon license plate, im gonna cut in front of them and point him to his 'cerro de la silla' with my middle finger. Haha. No I prolly won't do that, but am I the only one fed up with their driving and careless disregard for decency while shopping? BTW, dont even attempt to go the WalMart on SanBer. Not only is that place one rung below hell, you need a passport to go in and come out. That ain't no BS either.

MailBox Man

This is how I want to get my mail. In style and too wild. Some of us have more creativity than others. If I had this mailbox, it would be fun going to the the mailbox to get all my junkmail and the offers of goldcards, mastercards and greencards..

Streets of Laredo are safe again

No need to worry downtown residents, for the police are closely patrolling the streets. There is no crime that they can't solve, no thief that shall escape their grip. Beware all downtown criminals, for the cops are on segways and they will catch you! There, I feel safer already. In any case, it sure does look fun.

Raspa Man, Otra Vez

Nothing is better than a lazy Sunday evening, kicking back with a 'carne asada' and having the kids play games as the stereo blasts out some good music. Next thing you know, the raspa guy comes around, and even though its Mid November, a strawberry raspa still goes great after having devoured a large plate of fajita con frijoles. Case in point is this picture here, taken on a Sunday afternoon over by Lafayette. Ah, to be a 12 year old kid again, eating a raspa and playing football on the street. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Oba-monos? Obama mania still evident

It seems as if Laredo is still going ga-ga over Obama with only a few racist pockets here and there. I saw this truck over by Water St. downtown and it made me smile. It seems that the 21st century has finally come to Laredo. Aint that wonderful.

AirCon

That's why I love us Mexicans. We're a resourceful bunch. Who needs standard equipment? That's for the birds. We make do with what we have! Here is a case in point. Visiting over a friend over the weekend, I spotted this gem, and I just couldn't pass it up. In these Laredo summers, an aircon is a must. And for support, what better than some bloques! God bless us.

La Estacion Bar

Driving down by the river's edge over by LCC, I spotted this bar dive. No, I've never been in and I'm not sure what 'type' of cantina it is. My bud says he will never be caught dead in there, but what does he know. He dont drink Schlitz. He drinks Michelob Ultra, so I don't trust him! In any case, if you been inside this hole in the wall, tell us and inform us what its like.

Polo's Bakery

So I love pan dulce. I can't get enough of it. I'll take 'pan dulce' over Krispy Kreme any old day. One bakery, though, I've never been to is Polo's Bakery. Its down the street from Memorial M.S. and I've always wanted to stop by and buy some sweet bread from them to sample their goodies. Anyway, the other day I drove by and snapped this shot. Sadly, I didn't have time to stop. Maybe next time.

Almost Back

I had been away for several weeks, but I think I will return once again in several days. So dont fret dear readers (all four of you) and expect to see me roaming the streets of Laredo once again with my digicam in hand.

DeLaredo

Things almost lost in the monte fire

It might all seem lost, but we still remain here, although staggering, we are still standing. Our main site, www.delaredo.net, was closed indefinetly, and I'm not sure exactly if or when it will return. Nonetheless, this blog will hopefully still remain alive and kicking. Give us a week to roam though the rummage and see what can be saved. Until then, keep the faith, and we hope to return sooner than the blur of Laredo dust.


DeLaredo.Net

Laredo Taco Shack

Now, this is what im talking about. Laredo at its absolute best. Who needs fine dining? Whenever I get the munchies, I run over to this superb taqueria, for it has it all. Great food, great decor and awesome view of the whizzing traffic. If im not mistaken, this establishment is located over by and behind the "Super S Foods" on Clark. So next time you get hungry head on over to this loncheria. I just might run into you, and if I do, your buying!

Farias Spray Park

Last July, I was driving over by Calton and Santa Maria and I came across this 'Spray Park' behind a Boys and Girls Park and right in front of the railroads. The strange thing was that this picture was taken around 11am in the morning and the water was turned off and there were no chidren enjoying this costly structure. It seemed odd to me to have the spray park not working in the middle of the day on one of the hottest days of the summer. I know there is another similar park beneath the Lafayette Overpass and I have seen that one in action with kids and families having a great time. But i've passed through this one, and each time, its been dead. Maybe someone can explain it all to me.

Lonche Time: Food on the Run

Lets say your working as a construction worker over by Plantation. Its lunch time and you're starving, but you dont want to leave the site for you have lots of work to do. So its loncheria truck to the rescue. The loncheria truck brings hot tacos morning and lunch right to your worksite. Now that's efficiency. So next time you see the loncheria truck at your workside selling taquitos, its your turn to buy.

What happend to our barbershops?

Another lovely site from Laredo's yesteryear. This photo too was taken somewhere out in the west part of Laredo (thanks Alex for the correction). I never actually went to this barbershop, but I sure do miss them in general. Where are men to get a haircut now? A beaty salon? At the mall next to some fifty year old granny getting a perm? Screw that! Its a darn shame we have few places to get a decent haircut. Barbershops in general are a decline and this picture here is a honorary tribute to barbershops everywhere...

The Reen "Disposable Boyfriend" Live

Way back in late 2006, local musician the Reen, played a couple of songs back at our old office and was also kind enough to answer some of our questions for an interview. Since then, we have seen him play around town at clubs and festivals. This song, 'Disposable Boyfriend', penned by him, is presented to you, hope you enjoy.

House with 80s TV antenna

You remember those huge antennas that people would place outside their home in order to receive a crazy amount of channels? Those things were so wicked that it would be able to pick up channels from deep in the jungles of Peru! Anyway, driving down the western part of Laredo the other day, I spotted a house that was still rocking one of those. The antenna is so big its almost the size of the house itself. Its a great visual too, nothing says home sweet home like a quarter ton of magnetic metal. Im a fan of vintage electronics so I think its great. I wonder if this antenna is actually still working? If it does, maybe I can hang at at this house next time that Time Warner Cable doesn't televise the Cowboys game on the NFL Network. I want to see Tony Romeo have the ball slip through his hands...again. Or at least maybe we can watch public access and catch a good fight..oops I mean LISD Board Meeting (wink).

Things are tough all over (recession affects us all)

There is no doubt that we are facing tough times all over. President Bush, Haliburton, Enron, Jessica Simpson and even crooked Reffere Donelly have all conspired to ruin our economy. Even local musicians are not immune from the bad economy. Not even writing a bad country and western song can cure this guys ills. Hey, "ni modo" as my Ama used to say. She always said there'd be days like this.

Laredo Chameleon Advertises

I'm minding my business driving down Meadow Ave.(and Market St.) and I ran across an advertising hanging off the wall at a local gasoline station. The bright yellow sign is used to drive motorists to this local website dedicated to raising awareness of local political issues. Im glad to see local civic minded websites thriving. The only wrong with Laredo Chameleon is the the site is a bit difficulto to navigate, but other than that, good work.

Alfredo Santos building gets demolished

I never actually shopped at any of the Alfredo Santos grocery stores. However, my dad gets nostalgic each time we pass by where one of them used to be and he goes off in a rant about the good ol' days. Thats why this scene captures my attention. From what I can recall, there used to be an old Alfredo Santos buiding on the corner of Sanchez and Santa Maria, that was most recently used as a bodybuilding gym. However, I passed through this intersection several weeks ago and I made the startling discovery that it had been torn down. Just wait to my dad hears about this...or maybe I shouldn't tell him or else he'll go into a Laredo history lesson circa 1971! In any case, what a shame. Here is a picture of the building in 2006 and of the site just last week.

Laredo River Park

Parks in this city are horrible. There are hardly any trees or shade, grass is non-existant and la raza can't keep them clean. But one of my favorite public parks is the one down below the old Int'l bridge on the river infront of the old Riverdrive Mall. The park is great, well, if you factor out the foul stench that spews out of the Rio Bravo, and the daily influx of undocumented immigrants, as well as the zooming border patrol trucks, the heavy noise of traffic above on the international bridge, and the fact that its a hotspot for car theives and crime. Other than that, its one fantastic park and one of the better local ones. But seriously, the park seems to be packed every Sunday night with families doing carne asada. It would be nice if there would be some shady trees and if the restrooms weren't always locked (wtf). But, hey, in Laredo, that might be asking for too much.

Amistad Nortena and Schlitz Beer

So I was invited to a carne asada the other day (ok, I'll be honest I crashed it since I'm such a freeloader) and I spotted a local conjunto doing their thing. Naturally, I busted out my digi-cam to document them on film. They told me their name was "Amistad Nortena" (jaja, love it) and they had the whole panchanga dancing and causing a storm of polvo. It was great: rancheras, carne asada, baile, compadres and Schlitz beer. To me, this in a nutshell is Laredo, apoco no?

Volver Bar

Well, nice, I spotted something on Vidaurri St. in downtown Laredo. I'm not sure if the place is still in business, but the name of the local watering hole caught my attention, Volver Bar. Volver means "return", as in you will return again and again to this place to drink more Schlitz or Old Milwaukee. It looks like a great bar to go in and have a cold beer. Anyone know what type of bar this is, or anyone actually frequent this dive? In any case, love the name, I sure will return here again soon.

Sherif the Chocolate

Ok, I'll admit something, I don't follow local politics too closely. I kept an eye on the sherrif's run-off race and the re-count, but after a while it got a bit tedious and annoying.To my understanding, the sherrif's office is for a public servant position, but the way the soap opera unfolded, you'd think it was a highschool yearbook race for "most handsome". In the end, Rick Flores lost and Martin Cuellar, Henry's bro, won the election on a judge ruling.
Now with Henry Cuellar as Laredo's Congressman and Martin Cuellar as Webb County Sherriff, that seems like too much power resting on one single family. Hum, hey I'm no politico, I had no problem with Rick, though he seemed to have lots of local detractors. I kinda liked his hats. In any case, there finally is a new sherrif in town.
It's funny, but I was driving around town and a song came on the radio that reminded me of the sherrif's race. It's this early 90's cumbia song by the grupo Bronco titled, "Sherrif de Chocolate". The song is beyond silly and I really dont know what the lyrics are talking about, but hey, im sure its one 'sweet' song. In any case, lets see how it goes with Martin and his brother Quique.

Raspas

The intense heat in this city is sometimes unbearable. The six months of summer that we have to endure can seem eternal at times. That is why rasperos play a very important function in Laredo society, for they destroy the heat with their quick, ice cold treasures. Kidding aside, as a kid every summer, I would listen cafefully for the ice cream truck music as I watched television. As soon as I heard it, I would run outside with my dollar in hand ready to buy whatever cold treat was readily available, wether it be a paleta, ice cream sandwich or raspa. Now that im all grown up (well, my significant other questions that last statement), I no longer wait for the ice cream truck, but rasperos still continue to play an important and vital service in this freaking heat. God bless em!

Hubcap Heaven

This here is what im talking about and why I love driving around town just looking for colorful things to focus my lens on. I have driven by this corner several times without paying much attention to the wonderful decor, but on this particular hot July afternoon, it caught my attention. You see, back in the day, way back in 1995, I came out of Riverdrive Mall and walked to my parked car when I noticed that all four hubcaps on my tires had been stolen. You can imagine my rage. So, when I saw this place, on Gustavus and San Eduardo yesterday, it reminded me of that unpleasant event, but it did bring a smile to my face. I guess this place here is where all good hubcaps come to die, a slow painful death in the hot July sun.

Broken Mercy

With its broken windows, decaying structure and suppossedly haunting nightly sounds, the old Mercy Hospital stands as a reminder of times gone by and of a Laredo that no longer exists. Now, this abandoned buidling stands as a relic mostly used by vandals and junkies. However, the old Mercy Hospital once saw births and deaths daily, and now it faces its own decaying death. It was once a haven for the sick and broken, but now all it can do is try to weather time as Laredo moves forward without it and its broken windows remind us that time moves on and it has no fear of yesterday's heroes.

Plaza Theater

At night, one of the more visually appealing scenes downtown is the neon green lights of the old Plaza Theater that sits across from the Laredo Center for the Arts. Unfortunetly, this local landmark has been closed since at least the mid 90's, yet it still sits there with all the integrity of a building with a rich history. There has been plenty of talk of re-opening it, but nothing much has been made of it. Still, it sits there at night, glowing with a large grin of stately pride as the building remembers how grand and great it once was.

Energy Crises

We all know that gasoline prices have skyrocketed and have became ridiculously high. Many people have stopped purchasing those monstrous SUVs and are downgrading when it comes to their automobile. Energy costs too have gone up and will continue to rise.
However, driving down Cedar Ave. I spotted a house with one of those 'clotheslines' outside of their home used to naturally dry their laundry after being washed. "Hhm, now there is an idea", I thought to myself. The dryer uses up lots of electrical watts and therefore it increases my electrical bill, so, maybe, just maybe this could be a small step to reducing my monthly expenses. I know, its a crazy idea, especially with the tremendous heat in this city. Imagine having to go outside in the middle of the day to hang your clothes on the 'tendedero', as my ama calls it. Still, I just might give it a try, see if I do save myself some money and bring back my moms old-school ways.
Now, if only I can convince my wife to switch systems and leave behind her beloved dryer. Well, we just might have some resistance there. I'll keep you posted.

You, me, and a bucket of angels

Back in 2004 (0r maybe 2005) I attended an event over at the now defunct Espumas Cafe and a local poet was reading one of his better works. I can't recall the name of the individual (if someone recognizes him please let me know his name) but I find the poem itself to be rather nice and cheery. It's titled "You, me, and a bucket of Angels" and you can view it below, just as I saw it. Enjoy.

Chilitos Restaurant

Hilarious but true, about 7 blocks away from "El H-Evito", the subject of my previous post, there is a small dingy restaurant on Zapata Hwy that bills itself as "Chilitos". It sits right across the street from "El Rancherito Meatmarket" ("pasale pa'dentro primo") and next to the now faded Movie Palace Video. What caught my attention about Chilitos though, was the play on the name as a semi-parody of Chilis, only this is a small or Chilitos version. Only in the Laredo southside. I haven't eaten there, but maybe one of these days I will. Who knows maybe this restaurant is better than its corparate giant chain counterpart. Mmm, maybe not, but still the name is genius.

HEB Competion in the Southside

On Ejido St.

As we all now, HEB has an unhealthy monopoly on supermarket industry in south Texas, but one south Laredo mini-mart has taken them to task. Over by Los Presidentes, on Loop 20, there is a store that bills itself as "H-Evito" or a mini HEB. As hilarious as it may sound, the play on words is pure genius. I spotted this store as I drove around town and it made me chuckle as I drove by that I had to take a pic of it. Finally somebody out there has a sense of humor. Now, if only we could do something about the lack of competition for HEB....

DeLaredo

Welcome to our new blog that is finally up and running. We will update this blog everyday or every other day so look back and read frequently. I'm gonna try to comment on different aspects and issues concerning our fair city and just pretty much pick up on the vibe and the oddities that make our border city of Laredo unique and adventurous.