Aldo's Walkway

El Aldo Tatangelo Walkway in a weekend.

Mira Nomas

Mira nomas . . . there is a "Sports Center" in Laredo. Who would've thought, right? No, not that type of Sportscenter, the one in Bristol, Connecticut, but a full-fledged Sports Center in Laredo.

I'm not sure about what you could find along old San Bernardo besides the street hookers and the palateros, but if you want sports-related stuff, forget the chain brands like Academy and Champs and go here instead.

New Video

Perhaps DeLaredo 2.0 is a bit slow to get on board, but a compadre just mentioned that a new and updated Mami Chula's video hit the airwaves weeks ago.

Same song. Different video.

I think the new video is a promotional endeavor . Either way, even though some Laredo bloggers might be a bit disgruntled about the presence of Laredo's southside and westside beer runs, DeLaredo 2.0 is not. This blog is dedicated to the empowerment of the individual. And, if people want to buy their Schlitz at such establishments, more power to them.

In fact, the esteemed mayor of Laredo, Raul Salinas, doesn't have qualms about taking photos with the man behind the microphone, Estylo Triple S. If you recall it was the video, the song, and the establishment itself which drew the ire of the bible-toting, religious quoting constituency last spring.

It . . . it . . . it was for the children, if memory serves correct.


Personally, I see Mami Chula's and Triple S being unfairly prosecuted for purported crimes against Laredo society. To some, it was like a modern-day witch-hunt, a toxic McCarthy-era recipe of paranoia and unfounded accusations against some smart entrepreneurs and a few innocent young ladies--who I am certain are using their tips to further their college educations.

The south side and west side beer run establishments did nothing as terrible as what the rabble made them out to be. Hell, I know the mayor is all about photo ops, but why take pictures of someone if you later criticize and label their artistic work as "indecent?" I know el alcalde likes to pander to the vociferous rabble, but come on, where's the First Amendment?

Just for that, I think I'll buy my next six pack at Mami Chula's.

Dumped Tires

Its seems the Laredo blogs have now taken up the challenge of reporting and posting about dumped tires in our fair city. (click here and here, for example.) Of course there used to be a blog devoted to stray dogs and dumped tires, but it has not been updated recently.

Hell, even the mainstream media had dumped tires on its front page in El Empty (above).

So, with that said, here is a photo of a dumped tire seen out in central Laredo. It is only one tire, but I'm sure it has many other friends nearby.


Posting about dumped tires is a rite of passage for many Laredo bloggers. These objects simply cannot be avoided in the Gateway City. They are part of our landscape. So, stay tuned for further developments.

The Art of Elrod Rodriguez

Pancha Villa, in all her glory. Nice revisionism there (I had to look it up, I confess).

Anyhow, just so DeLaredo Blogspot is not accused of being against the arts, we bring you some Mejicano art. Click here for a gander.

*Via Tex[t]-Mex Blog

Brisket and Beer

Local eatery,Brisket and Beer, has some good food. Unfortunately, their spelling and grammar is even worse than mine. Take a look at one of their signs outside their establishment. Receive a lollipop if you find the errors.

El Pipiripau Song

"Yyyyyy yo soy el Pipiripau!" Those lyrics bring back a flood of memories of life once upon a time. Los Plebeyos' original song, which has been covered too many times to mention (there are even various versions on iTunes now), was a staple for many a young, adolescent male coming of age in Laredo many years ago.

Oh, it was not quite a John Hughes flick, but you get the idea.

The guys I went to high school with popped the mixed tape in (yup, that's how long ago) and the song came blaring on through the loudspeakers. Yes, the same loudspeakers purchased at the downtown store, Liverpool, and enclosed in "custom" made wooden boxes. The gist of the song (caritas kind of implies it) sort of underscored how we felt about our prowess with members of the opposite sex at the time. Well, at least some of us, if I can be completely honest.

When I was reminiscing about the song, I asked a lady friend of mine is she had heard it. She also grew up in the hood, Los Amores, to be exact. What she said heard the song every time there was a party. No exception. Weddings, quinces, carne asadas. You name it.

Today, the song is on my queue. I will listen to it and eventually move on to something else. But for now, yo soy el pipiripau.

Pan Dulce Caper

Esta caliente! It's so hot that even a trip to the corner panaderia is a chore, something that spends too much energy. But the sugar rush you get from the sweet bread is so well worth it.

I've tried a few panaderias in my day, making it a goal to sample each bakery's best offerings. Some work well in the morning, others do not.

I tend to be partial to the West Side staple, El Mejor Pan, out on Lafayette Street, but I am not too discriminating. It's all good, right.

What I can't take is the grocery store pan. It just does not sit well. Too hard. Too bland. Just no bueno. Of course people might have a different opinion on the issue. But, I'm sure I'm right!

Carcacha

True story: Mi carcacha has too many miles on it. Wwwwaaaayyyy too many miles on it, if you know what I mean. I am already eyeing a new whip, scouring the used car lots for a suitable ride for a Laredo blogger (think a 1980's or early 1990's carcacha).

Lucky for me, Laredo has plenty of used car lots to help a brother out. For now its window (or is wrought iron?) shopping. But it will soon be inevitable when I'll be dropping the Benjamins for a state of the art "pre-owned" car.

You Tube video that sings of the beauty of carcachas

I'm just not sure if I'm gonna drop it low and go for the dubs.

Alcalde Planking

You know this planking thing is getting out of hand once the mayor starts getting in on it.

Late Night Eateries

I went to a local eating establishment a short while back. It's one of my favorite places to go late at night after a hard day's work at a dive bar. I believe many other Laredoans feel the same way about the place too. It's no TKO but you catch my drift, right?

Anywho, I was there and snapped a pic because I was inspired. There was just so much going on I couldn't pinpoint it all in one shot. But I'm sure some of you can.

People of Wal Mart Laredo. . . stand up and shout.

Edecanes vs. Beer Run Gals

The U.S.-Mexico soccer game was like kissing your sister. It was a draw, 1-1. Boo.

As I drove around the West and South sides of Laredo, I began to wonder, which country is truly better. Well, I know that the ol' U.S. of A. is great in many respects, the money, the jobs, the lack of corruption. OK, not so much in Laredo. But you get the idea.

But Mexico is pretty cool too. Like, for example, check out this video of some edecanes in Nuevo Laredo, shaking their money makers in front of what appears to be La Mina. Ain't that cool?

About a year ago, I posed the same question (click on this link), thinking about all the possibilities of edecanes and the Mami Chula's beer run attendants. I still maintain that it is a solid concept to consider. That is, of course, unless you're a Communist. Or the mayor.

A local beer run in the South Side. No touchy touch.

But, if you would see some lovely ladies dancing to some loud music in Laredo, what would happen? Oh yeah, Mayor Salinas and the City Council would be all over that, crying to the heavens about morality and the children. Yeah, the children.

Whatevers.

But in all seriousness, what is wrong with Laredo Beer Runs. The girls are very nice. They are earning more tips than you would think possible. No, really. Ever talk to a waiter or waitress from any restaurant that you love in Laredo? You know, Olive Garden, Johnny Carinos, Logan's, etc. If you talk to any of them you'll hear the common theme: Laredoans don't tip squat. Nothing in some cases. But these nice ladies working hard in the South and West Side of Laredo are turning the tables. It's . . . it's . . . about empowerment!

So, support feminism and go tip your beer run attendants!

Soccer Friendly

Orale! Mexico vs. U.S.A futbol tonight at 8:00 PM. ESPN 2. Watch it and cheer for one or the other.

Preferably with a cold beer in hand, be it a Schlitz if you live in the South Laredo, or a Heineken if you live in the North. Oh, wait, its a Heineken Lite.

Laredo Loses out to Encinal? Go Figure.

I've been reading los blogs compadres (check the scrollbar for specifics) and a few of them have mentioned how the adult entertainment is now going to el norte, Encinal and company. Hell, even El Empty had a story a few days ago on these "sinners" and how mom and pop entrepreneurs are building new adult businesses the "right way," so their moms could be proud.

But isn't that typical of our local leaders? Now our beer runs and strippers could leave our fair city? What is this world coming to? Next thing you'll tell me is when I call my Direct TV rep I'm actually talking to someone in India.

In reality, Laredo is a bizarro world of duplicity and hypocrisy. Our local leaders claim to want this city to move forward into the modern era, embracing all that the 21st century has to offer. And, in reality, they remain rooted in the bastion of conservative mumbo-jumbo cowing to the religious masses in public while doing who knows what behind closed doors.

So the gals at Mami Chulas wore lingerie. Big deal. Get over it. There is more skin shown at a Lingerie Football League game or in a rap video than in our southside drive-ins.

Oh, I forgot, its for the children.

Bah-humbug I say.

I have a feeling that Salinas and the rest of the City Council gets their freak on when the cameras aren't rolling. What? You don't believe? Ha! Read about the nation's political leaders--sex, corruption, scandal--so who says its can't happen here in our little burg?

I have a feeling that Mayor Salinas was once a customer for the gals in the Southside Drive Ins. Just a feeling. Just a feeling.

New Blog

Ay, ay, ay. Mi duele la cabeza. There is a new blog in town.

The blog is called lagueradelnorte and so far her posts are very entertaining, even though they are a little above my Laredo edumacation. But its still awesome writing. (It made me break out the thesaurus!)

Unlike the plethora of bloggers from the West Side, the newest addition to the blogging ranks of our fair city, is a norteña, which means she will focus on northern Laredo but include everything in between.

I read one of her recent posts, a nod to now defunct blogger, Bordertown Blues, which mentioned dumped tires in north Laredo and I have to admit I was surprised. No, not with her skill behind a keyboard, but with the fact that North Laredo has dumped tires!

All this time I thought north Laredoans ate caviar and drank wine. Go figure. It seems they also have a problem with dumped tires and trash.

Ah, Laredo gotta love it.

UTSA Football

  I had me a good idea recently. Since I won't be watching any Dallas Cowboys football, I had to find another way to fulfill my diminishing pigskin interest. I have no desire to give Uncle Jerry anymore of my money either from merchandising or TV revenue so I won't be tuning in to watch the 'boys. Nonetheless, I found another team for which to root.

Join me in support

UTSA Roadrunners' inaugural season is about to begin Sept.3 at the Alamodome against Northeastern Oklahoma State. I can totally see myself rooting for and rocking a Roadrunners hoodie. Just in case my Rangers don't make the playoffs, plan B will take effect. I'm even contemplating going to a game or two at San Anton. Anything will be better than Jerry and the Boys.

(Full schedule here)