Laredo Sunset (redux)

I was looking for an old picture on my hard drive yesterday and I came across this gem that I took of my nephew way back in 2005. I recall that day, a Sunday afternoon, we were just driving around and taking pictures around town, including some down by Zacate Creek and in front of the spooky old Mercy Hospital. Toward the end of our shoot, the evening glow began to creep up on us, so I snapped this pic of my kid nephew with the Laredo horizon in the background. I recall that day fondly, for it was a good day. I even had this picture on my first ever local site (delaredo.com) where it was seen by a total of about seven people (hits were hard to come by). Those were the good days.

Home Remedy

It was your typical WTH (What the Heck!) moment. Don't you just love home remedies; at times they are the most effective in curing all sorts of ailments. Turns out that the boy in this picture was complaining of 'air' in his ear that was bothering him constantly. The home remedy is to construct a cone-like sphere that slightly inserts into the ear while the opposite end is lit on fire so that, somehow, it drives the 'air' out of the person's ear. I have seen this in action hundreds of times and each time it works. So, really, don't knock a home remedy, but still it seems dangerous and it seems like its just one burrito away from everyone catching on fire. Heck, I guess thats just me.

Don't Call it a Comeback

(I've been here for years!) Comebacks are always easier to do on paper, but the difficulty is in the execution. You see, I had me a party of one tonite. I drank me a Schlitz and came to the realization that I just found myself and my comeback is all but certain. You might not know what I'm talking about, but trust me, it will be good. I have been walking down a slippery slope of self-destruction lately, but I had a momentary vision of wowness that I havent had since March 13, 2002. Sometimes life shows you the puzzle and sometimes it shows you a cheat sheet. Well, I just saw the answers, and believe you me, I'm most-def making a comeback. I'll drink my last Schlitz to that.

Mi Laredo I Used to Know

The Laredo I Used to Know

by JPC

Mi Laredo siempre me hace backstab

Con todas las lies que me dice everyday

And I finally can't stand this shit no more.

Es que ya son puras chingaderas.

This city ya no es mi hometown de antes.

What happend to aquel Laredo I used to know?

Now its all gunfights and gangsters

Peleandose por drugs, corners and dumpsters

And I finally can't that this shit no more.

Mi Laredo poco a poco me hace backstab

Promises me growth, prosperity y que de la chingada

Says now I'll have concerts, movies and events.

Pero nunca me dice nada del traffic, crime and congestion.

This city ya no es mi hometown de antes.

What happend to Beto and Kike singing the Tejano onda?

Now its all regue-tontos

Invading mis oidos con un noise rete-gacho.

And I finally can't take this shit no more.

Mi Laredo is not telling me the truth.

No es que me quiera ir; I still love it here.

I will will have to learn to put up with las chingaderas.

So when the traffic is driving up your ass,

and the loop becomes more congested than my nose,

and the crazy drug wars spill into my town,

then your going to ask yourself too.

What ever happened to mi Laredo I used to know?

Clamor en el Barrio

When I was in highschool, a girlfriend I had at the time, gave me a copy of Freddy Garcia's book, "Clamor in the Barrio". In its essence, the book is a conversion story of a delinquent gangbanger-turned preacher. I recall how at the time the book captured my attention, due mainly to the detailed drug use. However, about half-way through, I lost interest and set the book down. I forget all about the book until I came across a medium size billboard sign that stands in front of a residence in Laredo's west side, close to LCC main campus. Seeing that sign made me remember the book itself, but also that particular girl from highschool. It's crazy how one small thing can transport someone to 15 years in the past.

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.