Green Junkbox

We are hypocrites...

2007-09-26T16:53:00.000-05:00

Mr. Bush,

Just a few days ago you came out on T.V., touting the Iraq War as a war for freedom. I would like to see you extend that message to the current situation in Burma, where pro democracy demonstrations are being quashed by the military junta. I beg you, send a battle group, bomb a government building, show these thugs that the U.S. will not sit idly by and watch this injustice unfold. I'm afraid my pleas will fall on deaf ears, as we are selective in our objectives as they are driven by the interests of the oil industry, an industry that has made your family and others in your administration extremely wealthy. Mr. Bush, don't make us hypocrites! For once do the right thing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naingankyatha/

Happy New Year 2007...

2007-01-07T20:27:00.000-06:00

2007?! Geez! I can't believe I've made it this far. 2007 sounds SO modern, yet we are still oh-so backward.

I wish you the very best for the new year. I mean everyone. I mean no ill will. If you made a mistake, well that's your hide, not mine... I wish you the best!!!

This should be a better year as far as local politics go, the voters having made more sensible decisions, we'll see.......

All the best!!!

Lopez Obrador = Nut!

2006-09-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

Is it me or is Mexico's defeated presidential candidate starting to sound like a nut? Parallel goverment? Talk about a sore loser!

Some more school board bashing!

2006-09-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

Most of you know I am no fan of the school district system. It leads to bloated, overpaid bureaucracies that only benefit the fatcat contractor buddies of the school board members.

As a prime example of this; allow me to rant about Mon Mack Rd. in Edinburg, TX. Mon Mack WAS a quaint back road, but a few years ago. At some point someone "cut a deal" and built two schools on Mon Mack, an elementary school on the corner of Sprague and a MS on the corner of Schunior. At first, it was nothing but bliss, now a few years later, it is congestion city. You see the area has expanded, there are new houses as far as the eye can see. My question to the city AND the school board is: What are you doing with the added tax revenue? It's there. These new houses are paying taxes. Why haven't you expanded the street? Why are you housing students in temporary buildings? What are you doing with this money? Why is it taking years to do something? HELLO! Anyone even there? Sigh! Maybe they're waiting for an accident or the TV media to do something. Oh well! Goes right back to my bloated beareucracy comment. Regardless, all these taxpayers deserve, better. Why must we settle for 2nd best?

Salut!

End of summer...

2006-08-18T21:36:00.000-05:00

Every year during the summer I reevaluate my choice of the Valley as my place of residence, not being a native, the heat makes me reconsider my choice. This year would not have made a difference seeing the heatwave the swept thru the entire nation. I actually also like it here so ain't moving, yet the heat! Dang!

Finally, the days are beginning to change, the evenings are getting shorter the air feels different. Fall is coming. To me, this is the nicest part of the year in the Valley. Let's enjoy it!

Kids, finish your homework early and let's go outside!

The uncle and the pitbull menance...

2006-07-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

Children's deaths are particularly disturbing to me. Especially when it involves carelessness and neglect. The death of Hargill's 3-year-old Mariah Puga is particularly tragic. My question to the family, to the uncle Eduardo Davila is:

What is wrong with you?

Why so many dogs? Pitbulls, really? You say to protect the house. What house? That piece-of-crap wood shack? Instead of spending money on those mangy dogs, invest in your family. I plead to all those owners of these types of dogs. Put them down! They are a tragedy waiting to happen. In England they've been banned. Is the life of this little girl and her horrible death worth the questionable benefits of having these animals? I cannot phathom the pain and horror she experienced.

Uncle, Eduardo Davila, you know you just want to make up for your shortcomings by owning these animals. Eduardo Davila, in my opinion, you are an IDIOT! They should put you down, along with your mangy dogs!

Why the heck not...

2006-07-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

As seen in this week's NEWSWEEK... Gang! It can't be any worse...

http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/

We will never end this cycle of destructive decadence we are locked in with these two conformist parties.

Get out and vote!

The summer wind...

2006-07-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many of you have noticed my abscence, much less missed me. I've been pinning away the summer on all sorts of pursuits. With the kids being out of school, I've realized how much my social life depends on theirs. I now live thru their eyes. Their careless demeanour and the glimmer of hope in their eyes. Definetely makes it worth dealing with all the BS, it's for them.

How tragic it is, this, this violence in the Middle East (and the rest of the world). For what? What's wrong with us? I pray for the innocents. They pay the price. The pictures of dead children is what hurts the most!!! Bring them to me instead, I will take care of them!

:(

Pass me the PAN please.

2006-07-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

Today! Today is the big day. The day in which we see which path our brethen to the south choose for the next six years. There are three major candidates running, two have a real chance of winning; PRD's Lopez Obrador and PAN's Calderon. Aside from all the accusations and mudslinging, each candidate offers a distinctive style.

Lopez Obrador is a Leftist Populist, offering pie-in-the-sky projects and solutions, like creating goverment jobs in infrastructure to solve the unemployment rate. Does this sound like Cultural Revolution to anyone? Anyone remember Pol Pot?

Calderon is a market oriented centrist along the lines of current president Fox. A Calderon win would bring much needed consistency to Mexico.

The last thing Mexico needs is a leftist. Mexico has been there before, it is disaster. Mexico needs to step up to its responsibilities as a country and let it's people find their destiny. A hand-to-mouth system would bankrupt the country for future generations, besides Lopez Obrador's buddies where caught on tape taking kick-backs and he never did anything. So much for caring for your nation.

VOTA POR EL PAN!

Champion of Democrazy?

2006-06-04T07:32:00.000-05:00

For years the U.S. has touted itself as the champion of global democracy. No one has used the banner as much as the current administration. At this very moment American lives are being squandered in this "noble" yet ill planned exercise in Democracy. I have a question for our enlightened leaders. Why don't we push democracy consistently? I read recently that the U.S. will soon establish full diplomatic relations with Libya. I commend Khadafi for dismantling his nuclear program and moving his country towards the main stream, however if I were the president I would demand that Libya become a full democratic society before we even give them a stick of gum. Why are we giving Egypt 5 BILLION dollars a year in aid? This country is an authoritarian police state! How many other non democratic countries are we in bed with? Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Pakistan, Morocco, China, etc...

On the opposite end we snubbed our noses at India for decades. India a full democracy for over 50 years!

So where is this love of democracy? I say let's keep our money, spend it on this country! Get everyone in the U.S.A. to have a decent home, affordable health insurance and the #1 education in the world. This way we can better show the world how democracy works. Not by throwing money at a tyrannical regime that does nothing, but breed radical extremism!

The strength of the human spirit.

2006-05-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

As I was driving around this weekend I saw a gentleman selling newspapers on the corner, in the hot sun and without one of his legs. There is no doubt that there is nothing than can defeat the human spirit. I commend this gentleman for his effort. His is a lesson to all of us.

I don't want to get into the whole immigration & welfare debate, however if this gentleman can work, so can everyone who has their hand out for a welfare check. If we eliminate the welfare system we won't need as many migrant workers to fill these "unwanted" jobs. Two birds right there!

A perfect moment in time / Saigon

2006-05-21T17:47:00.000-05:00

I dediced early Saturday that I wanted to go to Academy. Being that I was in North McAllen I decided to roll down 2nd Street. Since I was killing time I kept to the speed limit the whole time. Well, by some galactic event in where time and space coincided at the same exact moment I was able to hit EVERY green light on 2nd from Nolana to Savannah (south of the Exp.83). Wow! It was perfect, not one red light. picture: Anne Toal

Later in the day after reading the Toal's "Onward..." blog more than once I decided to take their advice and went to eat at Saigon. On 10th & Laurel. This time I took 10th which was LESS than perfect. Actually the exact opposite. I hit EVERY red. OK, back to the restaurant review.

Here's is their entry:
http://www.gtoal.com/archives/2005/01/the_sickness.html

The food at SAIGON is AMAZING. So delicious, fresh and authentic. It is an order-up counter type of place so don't expect wait staff. The owner speaks limited english so be patient, but the food is well worth it and it is very affordable. I had the PHO with round steak. I sampled the grilled chicken sandwhich and the Vietnamese eggrolls. AWESOME! I highly recommend this place. It is in my top 5 at this point.

Saigon Cafe & Sandwich
1200 N 10th St, Mcallen, TX
(956) 664-9986

The Ochoa Difference...

2006-05-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

Well, our worst fears have been realized! Joe Ochoa is back as Mayor of Edinburg. This time he has brought a cohort to his side in Gus Garcia. Don't get me wrong. I'm old enough to understand that perception is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe these men aren't as bad as their rivals paint them out to be. Or maybe not!

I make a plea to the upcoming administration. Please! No white elephant projects. Please, no inflated engineering fees to your buddies. Please, no dead-beat workers on the city's payroll. Yeah, yeah! This is falling on deaf ears. Anyway, I'm pleading.

Unlike the hack that is Edinburg News (blog) we will continue to be here. Ever vigilant, ever opinionated. Praising the good, slamming the bad and always looking for intelligent factual discourse. I'm challenging Joe Ochoa & Gus Garcia, to start blogs, to interact with their citizens. It won't happen... I don't think they care.

Lord No!!!

2006-05-11T18:19:00.000-05:00

Now that Earn has gotten religious as towards politics, I must follow suit and plead: "Lord, NO!"
In today's edition of The Monitor there is a story covering how the current President Bush is encouraging his brother, Florida Governor, Jeb Bush to run for President. Please NO! I guess "W" believes the country is not done being thrown in the tank. A continuation of the war-mongering Bush family would be a global disaster. We must not allow this to continue lest we will never end this destructive cycle we are on. Not only NO, HELL NO!

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

Having been raised in Mexico, for me today is Mother's Day and the women in my life will not let me forget that. So lets take a step back and give our mom's a hug. I'm VERY fortunate to still have my mom. She's still running around, busy little bee that I've always known.

Mother's Day is always a day of mixed feelings for me. It is a day to symbolically recognize the toil, sacrifice and sometimes suffering that our mothers, wifes and daughters go thru. As men, we will never be able to fully understand the selflessness that comes with being a mother.

Today was especially mellancolic for me. Although many moons have passed, I had my grandmother in my mind. She was a woman of character and a symbol of living life to it's fullest. Having given birth to seven children, raised six to adult hood, sixteen grandchildren she was the perenial matriarch. I wish I could hug her one last time. I miss her.

Happy Mother's Day!

Ethiopia Sidamo

2006-05-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

I'm in love! For those coffee drinkers out there I highly recommend this particular blend. I know, I know...mega-giant corporation, but at least (on the surface) they are ethical about how they acquire the coffee...

Ethiopia Sidamo From the birthplace of coffee, Sidamo is highly prized by coffee buyers from around the world. It features a fleeting, floral aroma with a bright yet soft finish and, like the best Sidamo coffees, a wonderful hint of lemon. Typically, Ethiopian coffee is grown in small, backyard coffee gardens and sold at daily auctions.

Yeah! Yeah! I sold out on this one, but it's great coffee!

Less of me...

2006-05-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

Despite my early resignations towards reducing my waist size, I've actually been behaving and doing what I have to do and have started to loose a bit of the excess weight. One of the delights of these past few weeks has been the over endulgence of sushi. I love sushi! I've eaten it on three continents and a variety of states within the US.

Locally, ff note is Yoko's Sushi in Trenton Plaza on 10th and Trenton. The sushi is of good quality with a good variety of rolls. The service is good, the crowd is varied and it is overall a very trendy scene. I've been there numerous times and the staff is the same, which tells me they are happy there. I always knock back a couple of Asahi's during my dinner which makes the overall experience so much more pleasant.

Fellow blog "Onward into the Fog" has a review of this place from exactly one year ago:
http://www.gtoal.com/archives/2005/05/yokos_sushi.html

Give it a try!

Backwater no more!

2006-05-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

I just read an interesting piece on the award of the supplemental insurance coverage contract in the La Joya ISD. You can read the full text on the South Texas Paper's web site. I'm just amazed at the sheer gal of the whole thing; Ignoring the Administrator's original decision then awarding a bid that is NOT beneficial to your constituency. Really? A 9-month insurance contract? Did you not think people would notice?

If you are going to graft at least don't screw the people you are supposed to serve.

Then, trying to cover up the Bob Treviño sign in the La Joya office. Hello! They are already on to you, painting over it makes it look worse!!! HELLO!!!

Times are changing. Mass media, the internet, blogs, digital cameras are making all corners of the world accessible to everyone. No more can these political bosses get away with their shennanigans in their backwater towns. They are now being exposed. Long live technology!

To walk, or not to walk?

2006-04-29T21:02:00.000-05:00

I am a US born, Mexican. At, least that is what I consider myself. Having been raised in Mexico, I always considered myself an immigrant to this great country.

I am debating whether to "walk out" on Monday or not. I'm not sure this is going to work.
These low-wage workers need to get paid. They have no sick leave, no vacation time to take. They get paid by the day! It's a good idea. The point to prove: The US economy will suffer without this particular caste of workers. Let's not be naive though, as needed as they are, this country has always proven it can adapt to anything. The US will just find other sources of cheap labor. Both sides are as guilty in this particular case:

MEXICO
1. Cannot continue to depend on another country to provide work for it's unemployed masses.
2. The Mexican economy and labor law needs a MASSIVE overhaul.
3. The bureaucracy needs to be converted in favor of small businesses.
4. The unions are choking Mexican industry and simply stated not enough jobs are being created.
6. Mexico needs to lower its birth rate. The fastest growing segment of its population is the poorest, the one with the least access to education and opportunities.
7. Needs to teach English in its schools. I don't understand the resistance to bilingual (or trilingual) education in the Americas. The Europeans do this normally.
8. Mexico needs to respect its neighbor's borders. It is hypocritical for Mexican foreign policy to claim neutrality while the government turns a blind eye and in some cases assists illegal border crossings.

USA
1. The might and competitive nature of the US economy will always search out a way to lower operating cost. It's current solution; Low wage labor from where they can get it: Illegal Latin workers, South Asian clothing factories, Indian tech firms. Any deviation of this would put consumer prices beyond reach.
2. Needs to face reality. We need this labor. How do we formalize it without having costs skyrocket?
3. Get off the immigrant bashing. They are, and always have been the lifeblood of this country. I'm, tired of the argument that the previous migrant waves came in legally. Hello! The borders were open. All you had to do was go to Ellis Island. There is no current way to easy entry into this country.
4. Come up with a system. Quick! Get the immigrants to pay taxes and NOT have access to benefits for the first 5-10 years.
5. It is obvious immigrants work hard. Tax them and reward them.
6. Get off the "I hate Spanish" theme. Unfortunatley, in 1 or 2 generations these kids are completely assimilated and don't even speak Spanish. This is a shame!

MEXICAN immigrants:
1. Don't translate the US anthem to Spanish. It is a lack of respect. Your heart may be in Mexico, but your belly is in the US.

Well enough venting. So what do you think, should I walk or not?

There's a little yellow idol..

2006-04-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

...to the north of Kathmandu.

Congratulations to the people of Nepal! After days of pro-democracy rallies the reigning monarch finally gave in to their demand; the reinstatement of the elected parliament.

From AP:

King Gyanendra's concession Monday night handed power back to elected politicians and cleared the way for the creation of a new constitution that could leave him largely powerless, or even eliminate the monarchy.

It is truly heartening to see that the roots of democracy are alive and well.

I have a question for President Bush and Dick Cheney. How many U.S. troops are there in Nepal? And yet this wonderful event ocurred... Democracy must bloom, not be yanked out!

Still hungry...

2006-04-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

Had a light lunch today?

Thinking of what to do for dinner?

Cuatro Vientos (Edinburg): Located on Monte Cristo, 1 block west of Closner. An outdoor taco place. The BEST fajita tacos I've tasted. Their servings are HUGE! Great burgers and their "papas" are amazing. No diet food here! Sometimes you have to endulge.

Kiss of Death?

2006-04-23T19:13:00.000-05:00

Late this week I drove by the Courthouse, as I was heading West, I saw what seemed like dozens of Joe Ochoa signs in front of Ramon Garcia's office.

Seems the shroud has fallen and these men have confirmed their allegiance. It makes sense...

Will this work for Joe Ochoa? - Recent events have proven that a Ramon Garcia endorsement doesn't necesarily result in a win. Ramon Garcia IS strong in Edinburg, however. Let's see how this pans out!

Holiday pounds

2006-04-20T23:27:00.000-05:00

Having cast aside my hope of shedding the Holiday weight before the summer, I've decided to follow the example of the Taco Hunt Blog. In this case, I will focus on naming restaurants I find interesting and tasty. I will start in the Edinburg area, as it is where I have my academic pursuits.

NANCY'S (Edinburg)

Located on North Bus. 281 (Closner) / North of Schunior.
A small hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Actually I was turned-on to this place by Gene's uncle, Charlie. They have the BEST chicken tacos I've ever tasted. It's a small, but varied menu. Great taste and very moderatley priced. If ever in the area give NANCY'S a try.

This is hillarious!

2006-04-19T21:33:00.000-05:00

Maybe a bit late in the game, especially since Ramon Garcia resurfaced. Nonetheless, this gave me a good chuckle! Of course I had seen the "Missing Ramon" art on Earn My Vote's Blog, which is Montxu's work. I wonder if Ramon Ramirez got his idea from that or was Ramon Garcia's abscence a collective thought? Either way this is awesome! Valley artists are beginning to have some influnce. Ramon Ramirez being the more established artist.

Happy Easter!

2006-04-13T22:38:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone out there a Happy and safe Easter!

Seems Othal Brand, Jr. & family of McAllen got an early Easter Egg treat.

I'll say no more!

This bastard's been caught!

2006-04-06T22:10:00.000-05:00

As outlined in today's The Monitor; Mexican police arrested Jose Luis Cantu.

"When asked what he was running from, he said he had strangled Nelly Casas with a wire for cheating on him, Montes said. “I’d do it again, too,” according to Montes’ account of what Cantu told Mexican investigators. "

Don't worry Jose Luis, you'll have a chance to cheat on her when your someone's wife in the slammer.

Aside from the fact that this guy is a BASTARD and I volunteer the tree on my front lawn to hang him, there are a couple of questions that come to mind:

(1) Why did her parents allow a 16 year-old girl to date a 19 year-old man? Isn't there risk of statutory rape? Call me old fashioned, but a 16 year-old child should not be subjected to the desires of a 19 year old male.

(2) If the parents where aware of abuse, why did they not FORCE her to end it? I would of chased him away with my shot gun.

(3) This story is indicative of the abuse that our women are subject to on a daily basis. We really need to rethink our machismo. As a young man, I'd hoped that when I became an adult I'd see the males of my generation and the younger ones treat women better. Sadly, that is not the case. Machismo and shovenism are very much alive.

(4) His family here didn't know where their 19 year-old son was? Please! He was even carrying a gun. Gun's ain't free or easy to come by in Mexico. I hope the authorities go after the family for obstruction. I'm real tired of all this half-way justice. Let's hold everyone that had even the smallest role in this tragedy accountable.

(5) I hope the authorities seek the death penalty for this BASTARD. Strangling with a wire would be appropriate. I'll hold him down.

Progreso backstep

2006-04-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

From the Newschannel 5 website

http://www.newschannel5.tv/2006/3/30/7038/Sheriff-s-department-called-in

Seems that there is twist. There is no six year old brother who may have shot her:

"What is not known is who shot her. On Wednesday, police told NEWSCHANNEL 5 the girl shot herself. That story changed Thursday when police said the girl's 6-year-old brother shot her. The only problem with the claim: Saldana does not have a 6-year-old brother. "

So three days later, the Progreso PD calls in the County Sheriff for assistance. At this point the whole crime scene is possibly contaminated and key evidence destroyed.

Why did it take Progreso PD three days to call in the Sheriff? Who leaked the info about the six year old brother? In some of these cases the local authority must put their pride to the side and call in the big boys.

Let's go get this b......!

2006-03-25T18:41:00.000-06:00

AMW FUGITIVE DATA FILE FOR

Jose Luis Cantu

Murder, Pharr, TX

Mexico

Texas

Web Exclusive

Search For Missing Teen Ends In Tragedy
The search for a 16-year-old Texas teen ended tragically when authorities discovered her remains hidden in a shed just 10 yards from her parent's back door. Now, cops in Texas are on the hunt for her 19-year-old ex-boyfriend, Jose Cantu. >>The Full Story

Last updated: February 22 2006

Shaft...

2006-03-25T18:30:00.000-06:00

In today's Monitor there is an article that highlights the shafting that the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Dept. received from its peers at the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition. Of the $8 Million plus slated to be distributed, Hidalgo County got the sum of $0 (zero). While neighboring counties received substantial monies, Cameron ($1,000,000) and Starr ($802,733).

I have NO idea what the politics behind this is. Anyway you slice it there is NO justification for not giving Hidalgo any money. This county is one of the largest entry points into this country.

I suggest legal action be taken, or let's just release all the illegals we catch into the neighboring counties, or better yet, let's not arrest them at all. So much for border security. Give 'em hell Lupe, I'm behind you!

Kevin Sites in Afghanistan... a must read!

2006-03-22T19:11:00.000-06:00

I just read this post from Yahoo! News' Kevin Sites. I am horrified that this kind of thing happens in the world. Please read it! You will treasure what you have even more after you do...

It is a story of unimaginable cruelness and the undying human spirit.

http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs2986

I'm speechless...

Count down to 5pm...

2006-03-20T06:56:00.000-06:00

I've heard all kinds of theories and suppositions, about the coming hours.
What will our current County Judge, Ramon Garcia, do about his election upset?

Will he challenge the election totals infront of a Judge? Will he concede?

Whatever he decides, I pray it is a decision made in his good conscience and not out of spite or ego. The greater good of the County and the future of your name are at stake. As his supporters cry "bloody murder", you must realize this is out of their own selfish self preservation. As had they worked harder they might of won this. Where was this level of energy from them during the campaign?

I hope I'm wrong about the blog entry before this one, and things don't get ugly. I have a feeling I'm not!

The Washington incident! -Ha!

2006-03-18T10:15:00.000-06:00

I just read this on the Edinburg blog:

"The one I feel bad for is Omar Guerrero. He had all those really nice billboards, weekly newspaper ads, T.V. and radio spots. In the last few months he had cleaned his act up and was actually showing up to work. His dad spent over $500,000.00 on his campaign and got lied to by Ramon, Billy, and a group from Donna. There's no way his opponent could have gotten 76% of the votes. Those machines were rigged by someone in Washington to make his daughter look good. Ramon needs to look into the voting machines and have the entire election declared null & void! "

First of all: Ramon is no one to "look into" the voting machines and declare an election null. The inner workings of the electorate system are, fortunatley, much more complex and beyong his reach.

Of all the ridiculous accusations I've read in the blogs, this one takes the cake! I'm left in awe by the sheer stupidity of the post. This is an example of the verse: "who is more blind than he who doesn't wish to see". Ofcouse Laura was going to win by a landslide. This was more a result of an anti Omar vote than anything else. It also helped that Laura has the money, name, connection, looks and class to win this election. This is the reality. I don't understand how anyone, except his family, can even try to defend Omar.

My point is we need to really give everything we read and hear a good look. Alot of the things out there are just invented to create chaos. Let's not fall victims to this and lets allow; reason, the facts and common sense prevail.

Democratic election or not!

2006-03-17T06:44:00.000-06:00

If you all hoped the Ramon Garcia challenge to his elections ouster was quietly going to go away, think again. Something is brewing at the ol'firm in downtown Edinburg. It'll be more than a recount, it'll be a direct assault at the wishes of the Hidalgo County electorate.

We've started to get some hints of what is being attempted.
-Fake lists of alleged voters by the calous Roux brothers.
-Attacks on County Elections Administrator Teresa Navarro about her ties to her sister.
-Coercion of Election workers by a Ramon Garcia investigator.

We are not sure yet what the end game will be, however be sure it will be an afront to all the democratic values we hold dear. Many more people will be implicated and their reputations damaged. This is the type of no-holds-barred politics these people play, while "on camera" put-on dignified air.

People, bring your children in! Something is coming!

Spring is in the air...

2006-03-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

Tonight is a particularly nice night. Probably the last cool night, before the long summer.
One of the nicest things about the Valley this time of the year is the smell of the orange blossom in the air. It is so sweet! Ever since I can remember that scent is been there upon the arrival of spring. It makes me yearn for days gone by. This is one of those moments where you need to stop and smell the "roses", or in this case the orange blossoms!

Wow!

2006-03-12T17:45:00.000-06:00

I'm excited! I had emailed my picture to Montxu so he could fix me up.
The results are in. I'm a little greener than expected, but it does conceal the age. I hope!

Spring is near...

2006-03-12T14:42:00.000-06:00

Instead of posting politics I should be out at the Island! Am I really getting that old that I'd rather be slumped in my chair? My niece keeps reminding me how old I am when she rolls her eyes at my advice. Hmm! I remember doing that to my elders, how did I get on this side of the argument? Anyway, I had already posted these pics before, but I believe I deleted them...I'm telling you!!! By next month all this will be in the past and we'll be talking Easter.

Let's get together and be alright!

2006-03-09T06:11:00.000-06:00

OK! Please let's remember that win or lose; we are all human, all american and all democrats here. So let's be nice. Each side can learn from each other and if we pay attention we can all come out ahead in the end. Hard to do with so many emotions! Let me revive some of Montxu's art...

"T" minus 2 days!!!

2006-03-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

Saw the newspaper ads for Sunday, March 5, 2006...
Here are some observations:

- JD: Finally! A possitive ad, although I thought I'd seen this one before. Should of put this one on TV. Sharp's endorsement speaks volumes.

-Arturo Guajardo: Consistent. You reminded the electorate of your opponents sordid past, in a nice way. Well done!

- Eric: Too little, too late. What happened?

- Ramon: No ad? Hmmm? (or maybe I missed it).

- Fidencio: Got to hand it to Fidencio, he has been putting his name out. Where are you Albert?

- Ricardo: What an eye catcher of an ad. I think you've just put it away.

- Tito Palacios: Consistency is the name of the game. Same ad every day. Interesting strategy.

- Balde: Broke the piggy bank for the ad. It's alright. No message though. Trying to get by on looks?

...forgive me if I forgot someone!, more later...

...+5489=31,629

2006-03-03T21:32:00.000-06:00

5489, souls marched to the polls to exercise their right (and obligation) and cast their, hopefully, secret ballot.

The total for early voting is 31,629. Wow!

A few questions come up in my mind...

How many will vote on March 7?

How will the elevated number of early votes affect ANY projections by the candidates as towards their races? My niece told me the RG camp was signing people up at PanAm to their victory party. Wishful thinking?

Systematically, the Westside of the County has started to weigh more in the outcome of the elections. Will the Westside hand the winners victory?

Which candidate will get the most votes? And the least? (I predict Andrew Perez)...

I must plug valleypolitics.blogspot.com, again, the story is engrossing!

Valley Politics Blog

2006-03-03T06:45:00.000-06:00

I am strongly recommending a 4 part series post on the the
Valley Politics blog. It is so wonderfully entertaining and engrossing!
I commend the bloggers on their fairness and willingness to share their experiences with us.

Earn My Vote, has an entertaining post on our "illustrious" District Clerk, Omar Guerrero. Check it out!

The end is near!

2006-03-02T18:10:00.000-06:00

Gosh! I've seen, read and heard so much these past weeks. In all my long years it never seizes to amaze me the contrasts that appear in an Election: The hope it stirs, the negativity exposed, the apathy it creates... It's just another reflection of our behavior as people.

Tomorrow is the last day of Early Voting. It's a mad dash to the finish line. Who can stuff the most votes? How much of the Status Quo will be shaken? Does it need to be shaken or does it even matter?

We decide our own fate. No matter what, let's keep it civil. We are all Americans and Democrats in the end, we are all the same...

-GJB