Mexico's Drug War to Spill to US?

Everyone seems to be talking about it now. It's just a matter of when. Mexico's drug war seems to be creeping closer and closer to the US side. It seems inevitable that it will reach our doorsteps soon. El Paso seems to have it the worst (read article here). Many people don't even go and venture into Nuevo Laredo for they fear the danger. Let's continue to hope that things get much better soon. Viva la paz!

Spanglish in Laredo

Dialogue overheard at the IHOP:

"When I see him, me pongo bien red."

Freaking golden! Just so sweet. Everywhere you go in this town, this is the way people speak. It's just the inevitable of living on the border and having a clash of two cultures. Over at the blog of Laredo Speaks, they seem to be doing a fun job of chronicling overheard conversations where the speakers intermingle and mix both languages in such a skillfill way. Its great! It is, depending on whom you ask, Laredo at is best or at its worst. I personally think its just plain genius.

Milk in Vienna

I first met the local band Milk in Vienna back in 2007 when their EP was about to be released. At the time, I was trying to get a a now defunct website (DeLaredo.Net) up and off the ground with a business partner. I recalled that I was really impressed by the music of MIV and their electrifying vibe. After an interview and a short music set at their practice place, we posted the videos on youtube for all to see. Unfortunetly, those videos and that interview was lost in the translation after delaredo.net ceased operations. I didn't much keep up with that scene, so I lost track of them. I do remember one of their songs quite fondly, "It ain't love". It says "swallow my love, drink it slowly". For some reason, that song stayed in my mind. Hear more from Milk In Vienna at their myspace page.

Looking 4 Writers

Do you think you have what it takes to join the ranks of the fastest growing blog on the Rio Grande? We blog about everything, anything and nothing at all. Drop us a line and let us know about your writing skills, your wit or your appreciation of all things Laredo. We are looking for some daily or weekly contributors and columnists. Let us know if you are the right person for the gig. Write to us here.

Restaurant Review Project

Sometimes, every now and then, I get struck by a golden idea from the heavens. This afternoon, that was the case. I am going to start a project/experiment by reviewing different local eateries and promising these establishments that I will put up my comments on my blog regarding their food and service. The only catch will be that I have to eat for free at these restaurants. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Where is the integrity and the unbiased attitude?" But that's not the point. I will be doing the places a favor by giving them free promotion and publicity on my ever expanding and growing blog. You see, yesterday I had a record high of unique hits! Thirty nine people logged on to my blog on just one day. Yepee for me. Thirty nine in one day is the most ever for my blog. I know its a very low number, but I'm ecstatic. So when I approach these restaurants I can take them my numbers so that they will jump on the bandwagon and give me the free food. Anyone who is anyone is seemed to be tuned in to my blog lately. I have to take advantage of this new found fame! The first place on my list of high profile local eateries...Tacos Ravi. Let's see how it goes and we shall see in the next few days if they go for my plan. I will keep you posted.

Bat Man Dies (RIP)

Some of you out there might have heard last year the strange story of a trade regarding a player from the Laredo Broncos. It turns out that the Broncos traded for a pitcher, John C. Odom, and in return they gave the other team involved in the trade, ten bats. This caused a hysteria and made John C. Odom somewhat of an instant mock-celebrity. Also, it gave the Laredo Broncos some national publicity and the butt of more than one bar joke. Well, sadly, "Batman", as Odom was referred to in the press, died of an apparent overdose. You can read the story here. It seems as if the trade seemed to have affected him in negative ways. When at first he embraced his notoriety, it soon caused humiliation. I sure hope that the Broncos' front office dont have blood on their hands. In any case, Goodbye Batman. It was great having you in town.

Freddy Benavides: Where are you Now?

Down in south Laredo, behind Cigarroa Middle, is Freddy Benavides Park, named after the professional baseball player from our beloved city. I recall him from the early to mid 1990s and, if memory serves me right, he played for either the Atlanta Braves or Colorado Rockies. For a couple of years he was the shiz-nit here in town and he would always appear at all sorts of local gigs and events as a celebrity. At least someone from Laredo has been able to reach the Show. If anyone has more information on Freddy, leave some comments. Oh Freddy, where are you now?