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.