Weekend Fun

The weekend has come once again to our sleepy little hamlet.  And, the LPD has not disappointed.  It had been quite a while without one of Laredo's own patented prostitution stings.  Sure enough, with the upcoming Fourth of July festivities on the horizon, the law enforcement types decided it was time for another roundup.

Sure enough, the names and photos are plastered for all to see on the front page of the LMT.  Thank you for making our city so much safer oh great city leaders.

Meanwhile, it was a slow newsday at the ol' newspaper.  Why you ask?  Oh because the front page featured a story on UISD Athletic Director, Bobby Cruz, being a fan of the San Antonio Spurs.  Really?  Shocking, I know.  In tomorrow's newspaper edition, a story on how the sun will rise in the east and set in the west.  Also, stay tuned for a story on how most Laredoans like Texas-based football teams.  Investigate journalism at its finest.

Speaking of the Spurs, a recent flurry of activity has surrounded young Mexican American boy, Sebastian De La Cruz, singing the national anthem for game 3.  Last night, in game 4, he sang the anthem again to much acclaim by the largely Hispanic city and its fans.  Orale.

 If basketball ain't your thing, then go catch "The Man of Steel" at the Cinemark. I hear its kinda dull.  But, at least its a summer movie.

And, in case you've been sleeping under a rock, the outlet mall is finally coming to Laredo.  Or, at least that's what they're saying. Stay tuned as more informed blogs have the latest.

Finally, enjoy the weekend and please don't litter the streets of Laredo with discarded plastic, baby dolls these next few days.  I hear they take decades to decompose.

Lago Casa Blanca

This past weekend was Memorial weekend.  I heard the Lake Casa Blanca was jam-packed, full of Laredoans enjoying all that the mighty charco of water can offer in the form of water fun and carne asada.

But, the De Laredo crew was there a few weeks ago, when things were a bit more quiet.  It was a quiet Saturday morning when we went to stake out our tables and grills.  I know that outsiders cannot quite understand the simplicity of our little lake, especially now that it has a "State Park" designation.  But it's the simple little things that one can enjoy.

I know the summer still has a few more holidays coming up.  But if you get a chance, go and enjoy Casa Blanca.  But be sure to get there early cause the camaradas will be there to stake out the grills before you will.

Video

A video of goats randomly attacking people in Brazil? Yes, a video of goats randomly attacking people in Brazil. Humpday.

Laredo Lemurs' fans 2013

With the local baseball team off to such a hot start, (9-0) as of today, it has many people abuzz and excited about the Laredo Lemurs. This promises to be a good year and a great summer for hot dogs, baseball and Pancho the Lemur (we do  love our mascots)!

The team begins its next home stand on May 24th, and hopefully yours truly will get a chance to finally enjoy a game at the park. Take a peek at some of the pix sent by fans.  You might just spot me in one of them.

Photos courtesy of Laredo Lemurs official website

Weekend Roundup

 It's Friday.  Time to let the hair down and fire up the carne asada grills.  It's time to have fun, in other words.

Case in point, let's have fun with everyone's favorite court jester, Mayor Raul Salinas.  In today's installment, let us imagine his latest publicity pose but in another way thanks to our friends with Fotoshop.
 

Fun and frivolity with Salinas aside, there are serious issues in the mighty city of Laredo.  There are disgruntled barrio residents and protesters throughout the city.  So, pay a little attention to their plights as the carcinogens take over.

 But it wouldn't be Laredo without a little fun and this weekend is no exception.  I'm not much of a car-guy but there are some car things out there for you all to enjoy.  Surprised to see its the 11th annual Laredo Car Show this 2013.  How time flies.

If cars are not your thing, then cheer on the baseball players.  The LMT says so.

For other Laredoans, it is far more important to know that Vince Neil--sans Motley Crue--is returning to the city.  Yup.  August 16 is the date for Rockin the Rio.  Bring it on, plastic surgery and all!

And finally, your weekly mascot alert.  Pay attention.  Look closely.  They're everywhere.

Weekend Stuff

Chinga.  I remember when the local fuzz would make headlines snagging a few street walkers and their Johns on San Bernardo (though it's been a few months now).  Pero hora?  Something worthy of the ol' MSNBC show, "To Catch a Predator."  Undercover officers posing as teens.  Out of state perverts.  The whole nine yards.  Que TGIF y que nada para this dude.

Elsewhere, long time Laredo Morning Times writer, Odie Arambula received an award, a Humanitarian Award, to be exact.  That's fantastic for him.  I've heard about him for years.  But, I still can't understand his Monday Morning columns.  Too complicated for this barrio boy.

Don't cry for me Argentina, though.  Last night was awesome.  Lemur Time!  Me, myself, and my friends were in attendance as the Thursday crowd trickled in to catch the mighty Lemurs carve out a 2-0 victory over the Fargo Redhawks.  We'll be back there tonight so be sure to look for the crew wearing the DeLaredo T-shirts.  There might be an unconscious body or two nearby so pay attention.

While on the baseball theme, one of the things to do this weekend is watching the game.  While the pros slug it out at Unitrade, the high school squads of the North Side will face off in an epic battle at Veterans Field. Yup, Alexander and United High will face off in the Region IV quarterfinals tonight in the first of a best of three game series.  Let's see how this fares.

Don't worry, the non-athletically inclined still get stuff to do.  For instance, Alicia Villareal will be appearing live in the city of Laredo tomorrow.  You can check her out if you are so inclined.

If not, you can go to watch this risque show.  But, I must caution:  it says its for ladies only.

Lemur Time

Well, opening day is here for Laredo's favorite professional sports team, the Laredo Lemurs.  Yes, we've heard all the negative commentary coming from the far corners of the Laredo blogosphere (click here and here and here for a taste of what the naysayers have written).

But, DeLaredo Blog simply does not care.

The members of this blog are baseball aficionados who want to go to semi-pro games with cheesy marketing opportunities in unfinished stadiums built at the taxpayers' expense.  What else are we gonna do?  Watch wrestling on the TV?  No, I don't think so.

So, get ready.  The summer of Lemurs, a year after Madagascar 3 no less, is here upon us.  Get ready for the sparse crowds, the beer marketing tie-ins, and the apathy from the masses.  These bloggers have their "Distressed" Lemurs cap and are ready to rock it.

Rabies

Chinga, the mighty local paper, the LMT, mentioned that Rabies is still a problem in the City of Laredo. Why? It is the 21st century and Laredo still has a Rabies problem. I feel like I'm in an episode of the The Office.

Next thing you know, Laredo will notify us about the dangers of Polio.

The Day After

Aguas con la agua.

Last night was brutal.  Rain, rain, rain.  Dogs whimpering, cats scampering, and the street walkers complaining.

In other words:  spring showers.

Weekend Platform

This is what's going on this Mother's Day weekend in Laredo.

First and foremost,  Loop 20 sucks.  I don't know how many needless deaths have resulted from that stretch of road, but another one was brought to the forefront in the trial of Elisa Garza who was drunk when she killed a young Derek Trevino.  Garza was sentenced to 18 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter.  I wish that would stop the scary accidents on that loop, but I won't hold my breath.

In an unrelated note, people do change from mugshots to court trials don't they?

Elsewhere in Laredo, TAMIU university is embroiled in a good ol' fashioned coach-student sex scandal.  The allegations being made against the women's softball coach, Scott Libby, first surfaced a few days ago when a player accused him of harassment and inappropriateness.  Well, in today's LMT, his players came to the coach's defense and cast doubts on his accuser.  We'll see how this transpires.

 In friendlier venues, there are musical acts in the Gateway City.  No, there will be no renditions of "El Pipiripau."  But that doesn't mean you can't break out your Tejano hat, heavy, gold chains, and silk-screened shirts to enjoy the weekend.

More importantly, as avid baseball fans, the mighty De Laredo Blog crew is anxiously awaiting the Lemurs Opening Day celebration in less than one week.  Come on, support your local politicos and buy a ticket!  They need to support their lavish lifestyles and fund family getaways to Washington, D.C. too!

Six days away.

Airport Visit

Spent Thursday afternoon waiting for a relative to come into the mighty Laredo airport.  I had not been there in years.  I think the last time I was there parking was free no matter how long you were there.  No mas!  Like everything else in this world, the City of Laredo started charging for parking for longer waits when I visited the airport yesterday.  No biggie.  But still, it's a reminder that things change.

Next thing you know they'll charge at the Mall Del Norte.

Store Visit

This weekend I took a walk on the "Wild Side," drifting towards the landmark looney bin staple known as Dr. Ikes.

I've been going to the place for years.  Nothing shocks me.  And, even though I no longer bear the scars of my youth and am forced to go with the ol' parents, I still go back every now and then to see the craziness for myself.  Thankfully, Dr. Ike's never disappoints.  They will have their disheveled store, their hodge-podge of items, and their annoying ads (Don Chema!)

Sure enough in my latest trip to the West Side of Laredo I got it all.  I just walked around and let it soak in.  The blaring music.  The outdated facade.  The apathetic sales staff.  The entire shopping was just like I remember it when I was 12 years old.

And then I saw the item above, a back scratcher.  Wow.  Just when I thought I couldn't find another useless item, then I see this.  But for $3.99?  Really?  Thanks, Dr. Ikes.

Mascot Inc.

There used to be blogs dedicated to a bunch of different things in Laredo.  Each little blog picked up something different along the way.  Some focus on music.  Others on politics.  A few just concentrate on all things dealing with Laredo.  One blogger who is no longer with us was always fascinated by the mascots this city has. I mean, they're everywhere.  Sure enough, earlier today, DeLaredo caught some mascots over at Shirley Field at a Kid's function out there.  I couldn't get closer because of the armed guards protecting these masked menaces, but you get the idea I'm sure.  Have a good weekend.

La Roca

La Roca in downtown Laredo has always been one of my favorite restaurants.  I can't really place my finger on the reason.  Indeed, I seem to go out of my way to brave the downtown infrastructure: dealing with the traffic, the guy hovering in the parking lot (waiting to see if we are actually going inside the restaurant), and the distance just to order my usual plate of seafood at the restaurant.

I met a friend for lunch there recently.  It seems like it was yesterday (which, in fact, it was) that I was cursing a driver that pulled out in front of my as I made my way past Jarvis Plaza bound for La Roca.  Regardless of that minor setback, I found a parking space and gave the parking lot attendant a friendly nod as I turned the corner--via the non-ADA compliant sidewalks in downtown Laredo--and made my way inside.  I quickly spotted my friend sitting in the back and I pulled out a chair and joined him.

We drank a few birongas and caught up with one another as the restaurant patrons conversed around us.  In the midst of my conversation I tried to pay heed to the crowd and the waitresses around us.  Our server brought us some crackers while we waited for our order.  I noticed that some City of Laredo workers were having a loud conversation a few tables down from us.  As hard as I tried, I couldn't quite tell if they were discussing Mayor Raul Salinas or the City Council.  Nevertheless, they seemed rather engaged in their discussion.

Once our main entree arrived, the conversation in our table shifted to other things such as baseball and the NBA.  We inhaled our shrimp plates and enjoyed another cold brewskie before we made our way back to the parking lot and the ever vigilant parking attendant.  (I did not tip, like a true Laredoan.)

As I drove away, I wondered what it is that always brings me back to the same restaurant over and over.  I've taken friends and family to the other La Roca restaurants on San Bernardo and McPherson, but it's just not the same.  I always want to come back to this joint no matter how inconvenient it is for my lunch/dinner partner.  Perhaps it's the ambience--the darker, quieter features of this location compared to the others in Laredo.  Or, maybe its the clientele, most of whom, like your faithful narrator, are more humble than the rowdy crowds who make their way to the other joints. Regardless of what the true reason is, I always give the downtown La Roca a positive review.

Maybe one day you can buy me a beer.  Or two.  Or three.

Collage

I just remembered why DeLaredo blog lags behind in popularity and in ratings.  Why, we just simply don't appear on YouTube videos making funny faces.

Serious Blogger,  el Key Rose, a friend to this blog, has long championed the causes of blogging from his lofty perch atop the burning carcasses of now defunct Laredo blogs like the "Streets of Laredo," "Bordertown Blues," "La Guera," and others.  

Enjoy the collage of KeyRose making faces as he discovers another political ne'er-do-well and brings him to justice on La Sanbe.

Phone Book Ad

I came across this ad in one of the many phone books that have been accumulating at my home in recent years.  I don't know why I'm drawn to blogging about a phone book ad that features two lawyers donning boxing gloves beyond the obvious.  Oh, yes, I know it looks kinda silly, but there really is no substance behind poking fun at something that sort of pokes fun of itself.

Still, the ad reminds me of the world of lawyerdom.  I recall a high school friend who eventually went to law school only to come back to town and rake in the big bucks.  I remember how everyone we knew in high school would sort of wince when they heard his name and the fact that he had become a lawyer.  Oh, not that lawyers as a whole are bad, but that this gentleman's personality was such that it immediately created a sense of doubt among those of us familiar with personalities and the like.

I even remember one person asking if Mr. Lawyer had an ad in the back of a phone book.  No, I answered, but give him time.

Nevertheless, if you want legal representation, let your fingers do the walking.

Laredenses on Facebook

Photos courtesy of Facebook

I spent a few hours last night surfing through Facebook, checking out how my fellow Laredenses live in this great city.  None of the folks were actually my "friends," per se, but I was able to check out a few photos.

From what I gather, folks like guns.

In today's installment of Laredoans on Facebook on DeLaredo blog, that is clearly the case.  My fellow Laredenses like guns in cars and apparently, they like to keep it real by rolling with assault rifles in Nuevo Laredo.

Hijole!

Sunday Morning

The unthinkable happened at DeLaredo Headquarters this Sunday morning.  The bat-phone rang and I had to make my way from the comfy confines of my warm couch to the inner bowels of the Laredo Medical Center on Saunders.

It was early--well before 8:00 a.m.  It was cloudy and unseasonably cool as well.

Still, what was most unnerving was not the weather nor the time.  It was just how quiet the Streets of Laredo were at that hour.  It was just a few hours earlier, on Saturday night, that I drove down a rocking and rolling San Bernardo Avenue on my way home.  And now, as I moved in the opposite direction, it was like a ghost town.  The beer runs were closed.  The street walkers were gone.  The drunks were not jay walking to get to el Lazy Mex club.  And, the no-tell motels were quiet, sans Sanchos and Movidas.

It hit me later, long after I returned home after what was then considered a family emergency, that it dawned on me.  Sunday mornings are a special time in the ol' homestead.  There were a few people out.  People were, in fact, washing their cars and getting ready for the lazy day ahead, the smell of carne asada embers still lingering in the morning air.

I have mixed feelings about Sundays.  They are the last day before I have to start work again.  I have had a love-hate struggle with the day since I was in high school.  But, today I remain at peace with the Sabbath.

Obits

Por que es asi mi pueblo?


I know it ain't right to question those who have left this earth to enter another plane, but Laredo's obituary section is always fascinating.  Whether it's the odd nicknames that people stick on the last testament (like "La Naranja" Lopez) to their loved ones, or whether it's the choice of attire (or lack thereof) that really makes me wonder about my fellow Laredoans.

Take, for instance, the photo above.  It has now become my wish that when I pass on, I also want to appear shirtless in my obituary.

The Death of Video Stores

One common theme of DeLaredo Blog has been the acknowledgment of the slow, painful death of Laredo's video stores.  I have to admit--it often brings a tear to my eye to realize that the video stores are dying.

Why?

Because I am a nostalgic at heart.

I like things to stay the same.  I fondly recall driving towards the Calton Road H.E.B. and checking out the dozens of VHS (!) tapes on the shelves of the Hollywood Video store right next door.  Then, later, as I grew older, I recall going to the many Blockbusters throughout the mighty city of Laredo, whether it be on McPherson or elsewhere.

And now there only remains a Redbox machine here, or a Redbox machine there.  It's so sad.

It's been a couple of years since the disappearance of these video stores and more.  But there are still some reminders of an era gone by out there in Laredo.  Oh, they may not have had VHS like the old days.  But, they did have DVDs.  And, more  importantly, "Exotic" View videos too.  Orale.

Carne, Cruda and Cascarones

For a million and seven reasons I have been unable to post anything new in the past couple of weeks. I could say it's due to lack of time, but that would be a lie. Or I could try to spin it and say that my lack of updates is due to not having any material to post, but that would be both pathetic and false. Even more so, I could throw a curve-ball and say that I haven't updated due to my pressing social life, however; anyone that knows me could smell the bullshit from eight tamales away.

In the end, it does not really matter why I haven't updated; I just haven't.

 But yesterday, Easter Sunday, while munching on my carne asada tacos and dodging cascarones and water balloons, I came to a realization and one that I will share with you very soon.

Resurrecting my personal life, and by extension this blog, has not being easy, but I'm certain that I have found a blueprint, and now I'm ready to use it.

Untitled

Oh

Bigwigs

Bigwigs waving at the crowd

Waiting for the parade to begin

Standing by the Coffee Dolce and still waiting for the floats to appear. I should have stayed in bed. #Laredodowner

The Future

Many men know for certain when The Time finally arrives. And it has nothing to do with wedding bells.
Rather, it comes from inside the soul.
Maturity finally strikes full force and it makes men jump into the arms of eternal commitment. I know it for certain that my time has arrived. That's all I was waiting for.

From Laredo

Don't forget to visit our new sister site, FromLaredo! More information soon.

Hal Holbrook in Laredo

As soon as I heard Hal Holbrook was coming to Laredo, I jumped in glee at the possibility of meeting one of my favorite actors and an icon of both cinema and stage.

For those of you who might be unaware, Hal Holbrook will once again reprise his role as Mark Twain at the TAMIU Fine Arts Hall as part of the Sanchez Lecture series. No doubt, Mr. Holbrook is known for his role as Mark Twain as well as a long list of credits in countless other films, but I could hardly care less about any of those.

To me, Hal Holbrook is that old guy that appears in one of my favorite awful slasher films from the 1980s', "Girls Nite Out" (originally titled "The Scaremaker").

Girls Nite out is not just a horrible movie, it's a terrible slasher film with a confusing plot, ineffective acting and quite possibly some of the dullest kills ever imagined. One almost has to ask: What the hell is Hall Holbrook doing in a movie like this?

And that is just what I plan on asking him, if I get the chance to go. That is a big IF. How can I pass up the chance to meet a horror/slasher legend (Creepshow, The Fog)?

So, just in case, I plan on taking my VHS copy of Girls Nite Out in the hope of getting it signed by Hal. Well, still not convinced in the awesome-badness of this film, check out Final Girl's review here.

The Legend of Billy Jean (movie)

    Growing up, we hardly ever had HBO. Come to think of it, regular cable was a luxury hard to come by as well. However, every now and then, HBO would offer those free weekend promotions where they featured their programming in an attempt to sucker people into subscribing

It was on one of those magical Saturday mornings, when my older brother and I, lounging around the house and having the time of our lives watching  the movie "The Legend of Billy Jean", made one of the most important discoveries of our then-young lives; the movie actually mentioned "Laredo"!

"What about that school in Laredo? Did you burn it down?"

You might have seen this movie 1,000 times back in the day, and to be completely honest, one of the only reasons to ever watch this movie is not only for to cool pop 80s soundtrack, but also for the cool way that Laredo is briefly mentioned in the film.

Supposedly, many scenes from the movie where filmed in and around the Corpus Christi area, and every now and then I still get a kick watching it on late night cable (yeah, I can afford cable now, Thanks Obama).

Nonetheless, if you have never enjoyed the 80s fromage that is The Legend of Billy Jean, click the YouTube link below. It's uttered at minute 59:50.

Walking through Laredo

Some of you might have noticed that recently my blogging output has slowed down to a trickle. That is due to several factors with the major reason being that I have recently moved from one residence to another. Because of the move, most of my time has been absorbed in that transition. Now that I am beginning to be firmly settled down once again, I can begin to sit down and blog about my city like I have for the past three years.

However, it was during this move to my new "home" that I came across something that once meant the world to me: my Sony Walkman with MegaBass.

similar to my trusty Walkman, but in better condition

 You see, back in the late 80s and through out the 90s, whenever I would jog or run through the dangerous streets of south Laredo, my trusty Walkman was always hanging off my belt clip, like a can of police-issued mace. Also with me I carried various music tapes, usually the home recorded-off the radio variety. I loved my Walkman and off course I took it to school for boring French class with Mr. Jacobs, rocked it on Saturdays at the old RiverDrive Mall, and carried it with me on the rare Sundays that my primos took me cruising to La Sanber (er Sanbe to some).

Sometime in the late 1999, I lost track of my battery draining Walkman and it did not resurface until 2009. I was at my parent's house going through an old box of mine when I spotted my closest friend since the time of Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski. Time was not kind on my trusty Walkman, but after putting in fresh batteries and sliding in my old copy Grupo Mazz's "No te Olvidare", the Megabass shook my body, like a visit from Monica Lewinsky.

I slapped on my warm-ups, grabbed my Walkman and trotted out into the stray-dog filled south Laredo night, as if the the past decade had never happened.

I just now this is going to be a great new year, even if it's not 1995.