Great video!

Here is a great video regarding the (r)evolution of media. It takes a look at print, radio, TV and citizen journalists/ bloggers.

KJ 97

The one thing I will definitely remember from the KJ 97 interview with "Kactus" Lou Ramirez is his hardy laugh. Lou and Cleto were able to play naturally off each other. Lou quite frequently has comedians in studio, so his timing and wit are well excercised!

The KJ office is lined with platinum albums which is quite usual in a radio station. One interesting album cover was that of Kenny Chesney. I agree with Lou... Who would have thought millions of screaming women would find this goofy little boy attractive?


Wait, wait... here's a better photo!


Fetal position. Santa hat and khakis. THIS is what drives middle America wild?!

I'm sure he's a great guy, but my eternal visual of Kenny is catching him at the Kentucky State Fair while trying to find our way to the Peter Frampton stage. (Yes. Frampton. I admit it. Ooh baby I love his way.) I just remember mistaking Chesney for a sickly oiled-up little boy.

Anyhoot, thanks for taking time out of your afternoon to spend time with us, Lou!

KJ 97's Lou Ramirez with Cleto.

Bonus information: On our way out, we swung by to see if Bree was at her desk. Sadly she was not... but her Christmas Story leg lamp was!


Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.

KONO

We got to visit with golden voice Dave E. Rios of KONO 101.1. Another energetic gent! He shared about how sometimes being in a closed space, "talking to yourself" on the radio, one often takes for granted the influence you have on your audience.

Dave shared how once a recently naturalized citizen came up to him during an appearance to let him know that listening to his morning show taught her the pledge of allegiance! [Dave always plays the pledge of allegiance and the Texas flag pledge during his morning show.]

Ever since that moment, he said he realized that his gift is radio and radio is his ministry. Let us not forget that people are always around us observing our actions.

Cleto with KONO's Dave E. Rios

I'm a fan of Dave's sign off: Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift... That's why it's called the present!

Magic 105.3

When I think of Magic 105.3, many memories fill the mind:

The catchy line "Every little thing she does is magic" by The Police.

The breathy "oh ho ho it's magic, you knoooow" pop tune by UK band Pilot from the mid 70s.

My friends Laurie and Eric's mother, because they used to joke she would wear "the best of the 70s, 80s and today" (one of Magic 105.3's slogans from the 90s.)

Well now we've got a new memory: Hanging out with Joe Caruso of The New Joe and Karen Show! Joe interviewed Carlos and Cleto. It was great because Joe was familiar with Cleto's comedy, so it made for a great interview. The interview will air Friday, Dec. 12 during the 7 a.m. hour, so tune in to 105.3 FM!

Joe, Cleto and Carlos ready to get the photo over because the camera wasn't picking up the prior logo in the background.

After the extended session, Joe escorted us out to the lobby where we stood in front of the office Christmas tree while producer David tried to fiddle with the flatscreen to project the Magic logo in the background. Unfortunately after all that hard work, we ended up just going with old-fashion signage because I'm a putz. Thanks for the effort though, David!

Fox News First

We had to haul right after the 99.5 KISS interview to KABB's Fox News First. When we entered the TV lobby, we were greeted with a room full of guys in camouflage. How... unexpected! It turns out they were a jazz band from Fort Sam Houston in-studio to promote their free public concert on post.

Due to the many guests, Carlos and I had to watch the interview in the lobby while Mickey and Cleto got rushed to the studio. (We were pressed for time, remember?) It turns out that Cleto and co-anchor Monica Taylor had unintentional complimentary outfits. Happily married Monica mentioned during crosstalk to happily married Cleto that she felt they needed to go out on a date because they matched, to which Cleto's wife texted "over my dead body!" Cute!

After the interview, Carlos and I rushed into the studio to snap a quick photo of the gang. It was hot in therre. (As opposed to Nelly's "so hot in herre.") It was the perfect opportunity to pull a, "Is it hot in here? Or is it me?" line in front of the soldiers.

What's that? It's hot because of the studio heater?

Mmm-k.

I'll... just... snap the photo.

Mickey, Monica, Cleto and Ernie on the set of KABB's Fox News First

It is always a pleasure to spend the morning with Monica and Ernie Zuniga! Looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Lisle and Hahn in the Morning

Another early morning! Mickey, Cleto and I arrived at 99.5 KISS FM studios early Wednesday morning. Mickey made a pit-stop at a local taquería to pick up some barbacoa tacos for the Lisle, Hahn and Kelly Kendall. Back when Mickey and Gibby were promoting their acclaimed short film "Barbacoa" (which went on to land them a deal with Nickelodeon for The Brothers Garcia), they did a barbacoa and Big Red media tour. Smart! As die-hard Cevallos Brothers supporters, Mickey continues the tradition with Lisle and Hahn.

Producer Carlos Maestas and I hung out in the producer's booth during the two interview segments. The phone screener Lauren was very busy. Boy can that girl multi-task! Taking song requests, telling callers that the contest would be happening later, as well blocking out the Magic 105.3 producer screening contest phone calls next to her.

Mickey, Kelly, Steve Hahn, John Lisle and Cleto after two great segments with the famed rock station.

Lilse and Hahn are an institution in San Antonio. I really, really like their voices. They make me want to pick up smoking... but I won't since my lung capacity is already pretty bad.

By the way, my friend Laura married a gent named Hans. Sometimes I mismatch Laura and Hans' name with Lisle and Hahn.

I'm a bad friend.

Great Day SA

Cleto Rodriguez of "The Cleto Show" and I got caught up in traffic enroute from The Woody show to prior to Great Day SA. (The only thing better than 410 at 8 a.m. is 410 at 5 p.m.) Luckily director/ producer Mickey Cevallos of Cevallos Brothers Productions had taken off earlier to the studio, so he was on-time.

The show's rundown included a husband/ wife team making pork tamales (tamale masa= enemy/ lover/ hater/ friend), a personal trainer and the John Marshall High School choir. The choir kept singing "Carol of the Bells," one of my Christmas favorites! Couldn't help but mentally follow the baseline. Unfortunately the tamale folks didn't take a cue from Oprah and have a dozen waiting under the studio audience's chairs. Ho-hum.

Tidbits: Because Cleto had driven 14 hours to a gig the day before, he fell alseep in the audience prior to the segment. The clapping startled him awake. Mickey had driven his dad to the studio for the interview. Mr. Cevallos is ever-bit as much of a celebrity as his sons are around that set!

Great Day SA's guests get situated during the show's last break prior to the choir performance.

Let me introduce you to a few folks: Host Bridget Smith (pink), as always, was so great and as always- so gracious. I respect Eileen Teves (green) because she too has done time in West Texas... and she's also a half marathoner! Gotta love runners. Kinya Cano (gray) is producer extraordinaire. Not only does Kinya produce Great Day SA, but she also produces The Cleto Show. Ever meet somebody who is really, really good at their job? That's Kinya.

Mickey, Kinya, Cleto, Bridget and Eileen pose after Wednesday's show.

I headed up to the sales department after the show to say hello to my dear sweet friend from college, Karen. She's so sweet, she could have been candy. Her nickname in college was Kthom, but now recently married, it has evolved to Kdrube. (She has gained a difficult Swedish last name. Pity the children!) Well it turns out that Kdrube was still on vacation. So sorry we missed catching up, Karen!

The Woody Show

The day started by arriving to the radio station prior to director/ producer Mickey Cevallos and "The Cleto Show" star Cleto Rodriguez, so I decided to venture to the local Shell station on a whim. Sure glad I did! The clerk there was a breathe of fresh air. I have never met a happier gas store attendent. Who knows-- he could have been the owner. Either way, he was loving life before sunrise and his spirit was contagious. Forget the purchased caffeine-- I'll have what he's having! Thank you, mystery contact.

Headed back to KTFM where producer/ talent Fabian let us in and got us caught up on his big birthday bash. That dude has spunk. In general, I am always impressed by morning personalities.

After hanging a bit in the break room, we got ushered to the studio where Woody, Robynne and Lil' Hip Hop introduced themselves. LOVE them! They were all so gracious and accomodating.

Left: Robynne, Cleto and Woody laughing it up at KTFM studios. To the right is Mickey's relection.

Cleto was on for two segments and even did some promos for the show. Mickey and I hung out in the producer's booth with Lil' Hip Hop and Fabian. The whole gang was so enthusiastic about the show. In the parking lot, a "suit" stopped Cleto and shared some encouraging words as well.

Lil' Hip Hop, Cleto, Woody, Robynne, Mickey and Fabian post-interview.

Nothing but love for The New 94.1 KTFM's The Woody Show! You guys are the best!

What is a Cleto?

If you live in San Antonio, hopefully by now you are planning on spending this Saturday, Dec. 13 in front of the TV to support:

The Cleto Show
Sat., Dec. 13
11:30 p.m.
KABB Fox San Antonio



The show is part sitcom/ part late night show/ part reality show that follows around a local comedian (Cleto Rodriguez) in his quest to launch a late night show in San Antonio. Taping of the show took place from places like La Cantera Golf Resort and the AT&T Center to the Bandera Road Flea Market.

The Cevallos Brothers (of Nickelodeon's "Brothers Garcia" fame as well as others) are directing/ producing, so you know it's going to be quality.

Because the pilot airs this Saturday, the success of the show depends on you! Please be sure to watch the episode and let us know what you think! Feel free to also e-mail your opinions to thecletoshow@gmail.com and kabbtv@kabb.com. You guys are the best! Shine, San Antonio, shine!

More than words

Words cannot express how jealous I am of this guy's talent.

Triple threat!



Somebody get me his contact information so I can book him for my retirement party!

Wind Beneath My Wings

Sarah Palin's favorite Baldwin brother won't leave me alone!

It started off as an innocent plane ride. Then there was the reunion at the coffee chain, then at baggage claim, and now Stephen Baldwin is interrupting my work outs!

I was on the elliptical trainer on the gym this morning, catching up on reading, sports and music videos, when who should throw me a curve ball? None other than the usual suspect himself, Stephen Baldwin!

He's in a music video for fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestant Trace Adkins called Muddy Water.

The video reminded me: 1) Surely Trace should be able to afford a decent haircut by now and 2) Stephen constantly has a constipated/ confused look on his face.



We also learn that Stephen enjoys backpacking, waving and dare I conclude... is Baptist?!

Who knew he had a budding music video career? 

For this, for the throw back to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, for engaging in decent conversation and for ultimately being a good sport, Stephen Baldwin- you are the wind beneath my wings!

As the credibility of my undergraduate degree continues to plummet...

If there is one thing life has taught me, it's that there are a lot of ignoramuses out there. 

Unfortunately, a bunch tend to congregate in Waco, Texas. 

Chalk one up for the argument that natural selection/ survival of the fittest does not exist or else these buffoons would have been removed from the food chain a few generations ago. 

Still, the First Amendment is there to protect us all... even the imbeciles. 

[Tip of the fedora to Joe for the upsetting news tip.]

It is what it is

The most competitive marathons in the United States are the Chicago marathon, the New York marathon and the Mecca that is Boston. For getting the opportunity to run the five boroughs of New York, I am humbly grateful. Definitely not something I earned or deserve.

With that out of the way, let's open up a bottle of good whine. (By the way, this entry is going to be a pretty painfully long one, so you might want to skip it if you are not a running nerd or if you are selfish and don't care about Debbie Downer!)

Cruel, cruel summer
It's been a difficult training season. This was my first season really training in San Antonio. I had been living in cooler, hillier climates prior to former competitions. I sat out the past three season due to injuries and had a new injury resurface prior to this run.

Baby, it's cold outside
I was on a 5:30 a.m. bus to get to Staten Island for the 39th New York Marathon. I had the great fortune of befriending a New York Roadrunner on the bus ride. She (Ruth) and her friends (David, Victor, Amanda and Tami) were great company during the 4 hour-plus wait in the windy, low 40s field at Fort Wadsworth. During the wait, I, like many other runners, was underdressed. I had figured that I would be alright in my five layers of clothing, but had underestimated the brutal northeastern wind. If I could do it again, I'd have packed more layers, a jacket and a blanket. Also, I would have taken the best-kept-secret/ under-utilized Staten Island ferry to the starting line. Organizers don't really promote the option, but runners can wake up later and stay in the warm terminal until their wave (my wave was at 10:20 a.m.). Ask me about transportation details if you plan on running this marathon because I want you to learn from my mistakes.

Water you talking about, Willis?
Unfortunately, water and carbohydrates ran out quickly. Definely not enough on-hand for 39,000 participants during the four hour wait.

Looking back, I wasted energy shivering for four hours and not correctly hydrating prior to the run. Argh!

Once again, I have to be thankful for the opportunity. Going into the race, I knew I wasn't going to break any personal records, so I did my best to enjoy the ride.

I'll shut up now and let the photos do some of the talking.

Here is a smart runner who packed a blanket and caught a few zzzzzs during the wait.

Runners cast off layers of clothing during the race. Organizers collect the clothing and donate them to charity.

The course takes you from Staten Island to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx then through Central Park for a glorious finish. The crowd support is great. There are about 100 bands lining the course and residents from the five boroughs come out to cheer for the mega-marathon participants. Great crowd support.

I hit "the wall" (the point of muscle and mental fatigue) at mile 6. How embarrassing! Traditionally, "the wall" is reached around miles 18-22, so I hit the wall quick and hard! As mentioned, looking back, I believe I spent too much energy shivering at the start. I ingested an energy gel at mile 8 (usually don't need them until mile 18) and made peace with the fact that my lame ankle wasn't going to cooperate.

I've started wearing obnoxious Texas flag running shorts when running outside the state. It's a great conversation starter, makes me easily identifiable to friends and family, plus it garners additional support from South Americans. To explain: This is what the Texas flag looks like:


And this is what the Chilean flag looks like:

As you can see, the union of both countries (let's face it, Texas is its own country) are red, white and blue and both share a lone star. However, the Chilean flag has a longer read band across the bottom.

So when I run, I get cheers from Texas as well as Chile. God bless geographic ignorance.

The run through Brooklyn was enjoyable. The run through Queens (miles 13-16 and the surrounding) was quite a drag. The neighborhoods were desolate and the roads were neglected.

Running through the Upper East Side of Manhattan was quite a treat! Mile 18 was well-welcomed site of seeing supporters Marilyn, Jon, Alyson and Russell. Thanks guys for coming out and braving the wind and cold! [Jon jumped in at mile 18 and ran along side until getting kicked out around mile 26.] Their names now join the list of you other wonderful sideline bravehearts to whom I am eternally indebted [Roll call! Laura, John, Ashley, Gaby, Connor, Brian, Vicki, Ed, Ron, Meta, Kasey D., Robin, Monica, Justin, Hiral, Erica, my mom and dad to name a few.]

One of the most beautiful moments of the race for me was when my favorite U2 songs, City of Blinding Lights, came on over my earbuds during one of my lulls. Bono once explained that the song is a reflection of a surreal naivety U2 had when they first arrived in New York in 1980. He said they were in awe looking out from New York into Brooklyn at night. The band revisited the sentiment when they played in New York following the 9-11 attacks. They then penned both occasions in this one song.

I remember looking out from Staten Island towards Manhattan in 2003 with my friend Dan and mentioning to him that someday I'd like to run New York. Five years later, God and Bono were there to remind me of the unexpected blessing as we reentered Manhattan at mile 21!

So how does the story end?

The unfortunate reality is that I ended up crossing the finish line about an hour later than my worst marathon time, but the course made for an enjoyable long run. Got to meet some new friends and reconnect with former contacts... Got to hobble away with a medal as well as a victory cape [foil insulating blanket]... Got to warm up while waiting for the group over a handy heated subway vent. All-in-all, a success!

Can't wait to see you all at the next race, whether it be as a spectator, volunteer or a competitor! Looking forward to hearing what great feats you accomplish! Only two months left in 2008... Finish strong!

The final countdown!

Pre-marathon pasta party at Tavern on the Green did not disappoint! Got to fuel up on some quality nutrition as well as break bread with new friends from across the United States, Canada, Germany and Scotland.

One of the highlights for me was having volunteers rally as we made our way to the buffet line.

I have a difficult time referencing Europe's great jock jam The Final Countdown without thinking fondly of Will Arnett's character Gob Bluth on Arrested Development.

So without further ado:



In bed by the glorious hour of 8:30 p.m. See you at 4!

Hotdog! It's Halloweenie!

[For those of you who can't tell, I've catching up on my New York blog posts. The late entries are due to the sporadic Internet connection at our Spanish Harlem abode!]


We started the day off heading to the runner's expo to pick up my marathon packet. To quote a friend's observation, "Oh! Look at all the running nerds!"

Yes, runners, particularly marathoners, are a different breed. But glorious! Oh so glorious!

We enjoy sampling different energy bars and energy gels. Our jaws drop when we sight an elite runner. We are obsessed with finding hydration and hygiene facilities quickly.

Moving on...

Spent part of Halloween skating at Rockefeller Center! It does not quite carry the prestige of ice skating during the holidays, but I'll take it. The hit of the party is a gal we nicknamed the Mennonite Dancing Queen. We gave her that nickname 1) because we are ignorant and 2) because she didn't let her mid-calf skirt stop her from working her sassy sashay.

Camera 1:


Camera 2:


Camera 1:


Camera 2:


[Stop this pun if you can...] You twirl, girl!

Quick! Somebody get on an animated GIF stat!

Killing mediocrity

The Soup Nazi did not foil our plans! We were able to meet up with rising fashion designer friend John Saldivar at another location (McGee's across the street). It was great catching up with a wonderfully talented, creative friend who had resurfaced thanks to the magic pixies at Facebook. (By the way, if you dig his Web site, it's all thanks to the talent of Studio 721's Leslie Modgling.)

After lunch, we headed over to be part of the Conan O'Brien studio audience! Love Conan, but a bit disappointed in his line-up. For the show, he interviewed Jada Pinkett Smith, Jason Biggs and P!nk, who, for some reason, spells her name with an exclamat!on po!nt.

Conan is a real trouper. All of the guests had some pretty lame projects they were promoting... not to mention that none of them have had cultural relevance to society since Y2K. Still Conan was still able to get us to belt out some laughs.

It's sad to realize that Late Night will soon be replaced with the Dane Cook of Saturday Night Live:



Idiot boyfriend indeed.

THANKFULLY, there IS fresh, up-and-coming comedic talent out there! And they are killing mediocrity!

We went to a free, underground show local comedians produce every Thursday in Brooklyn called Big Terrific. What talent! Local and touring comedians, comedic writers and other entertainers stop by to hone their craft. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip. It's always fun to cheer for and support creative talent.

You know you are in good company when one of the hosts dresses up like John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls in honor of Halloween Eve.

No soup for you!

We were planning to meet up with a friend for lunch at International Soup Kitchen yesterday (as made famous by Seinfeld's Soup Nazi), but true to his character, soup nazi didn't show up for work yesterday. He opens when he wants to (usually noon to 6 p.m. on whatever day he wants to) doesn't have a phone at his place of business and apparently really DO have lines out the door. Sad day.

Since I'm not able to upload photos from my camera to the site right now, I grabbed this off another site. Here are his rules as posted:

No soup for us indeed.

I'll have what she's having

Jon is in town!

Our friend Jon came down from the commonwealth of Massachusetts and is planning on running along side me for the last 5 miles or so to help get through some injuries.

To celebrate Jon's big arrival, we had dinner at Katz's Deli, home to the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene in When Harry Met Sally...


[Side note: Sodas are no longer 60 cents... up to $2.50.)



We capped off the night by going to catch two late improv shows at the Upright Citizen's Brigade, known for cultivating up-and-coming comedic performers. (They tend to feed talent into Saturday Night Live as does the Second City.) I don't want to give it away, but we had to wear ponchos.

We headed back to our abode via subway. I fell asleep on the line (not my fault! I expire after 9 p.m!) and we ended up somewhere in Queens, a far cry from our Spanish Harlem digs. Luckily Marilyn was able to renavigate us and the Puerto Rican flags welcomed us home.

RICE, RICE baby

I failed to mention that I rolled my ankle last week getting in one last hill run workout... and that sprinting through the terminals in Atlanta only reminded me of the injury.

What's a gal to do? Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate... and rely on the mystical powers of frozen vegetables. (They make clean-up a cinch!)



Wednesday was a productive day. Here's the scoop:

Went to the Borders on Wall Street becaus Marilyn unfortunately forgot her guidebook. D'oh! Staff members want to know where we are from. Texas? It figures. (Apparently due to the fact we used "y'all" and were nice... NOT because we look like Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.)

Met some interesting chacters on Wall Street: Nervous traders, silent protesters, contruction workers with flair (lapel pins) and the likes. Got our photo by the stock exchange bull... ran into some folks from Madrid... and our day had just begun!

We took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For me, lady copper is nothing more than a photo op and a restroom break. Save your stamina for Ellis Island. Incredible! Very humbling to think I am the product of a man who left all he ever knew in Germany to pass through those doors and embrace an unknown land. The museum is also a wonderful reminder that America prospered much from immigration, then suffered much from greed and fear.

What kind of fruit are you?

You can learn alot about a person just by traveling with them. There is a concept that a certain Walker Moore introduced to me called "the squeeze test."

If you squeeze an orange, you'll get orange juice, if you squeeze an apple, you'll get apple juice. If you squeeze a person, what do you get? [Figuratively speaking ofcourse, not literally.]

Our flight from San Antonio to New York was delayed due to mecanical maintenance. It was interesting to observe how people reacted to the unintended situation of being six hours late. What fruits fell when the tree was shaken?

Obviously some were mad, some got into petty shouting matchings, others were demanding... pretty much a slice of the uncomfortable temper tantrums you'd find at any given day care facility mixed in with some anger, rage, malice and slander.

When you are squeezed/ put under pressure... what sort of fruit juice do you produce? The half-day delay was quite a blessing. We [eventually] arrived (better to arrive late than not to arrive at all!), got to meet some interesting characters, some fun internationals, local politicians and even Barney Rubble himself-- Stephen Baldwin! (You know it's a rough economy when a Baldwin brother is sitting with you in coach.)


May we all yearn for the chance to produce the uncommon fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Why I'll root for the Phillies tonight

5) I'm a sore loser.

4) Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton. Not only did Blanton hit a home run (pitchers are traditionally not known for their hitting skills), but he hit his FIRST major league home run AND made World Series history by being the first pitcher to home run in the series since 1974.

3) I support freedom of speech. Tampa Bay self-censored their mascot, removing the "devil" from "devil rays" and renaming them "rays." Rays. As in rays of sunshine?! How dare you rename the animals! Shall we now censor the "Tasmanian devil" and rename it "mischievous beast"?!

Adam named the animals so let them be!

2) Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon wears Tina Fey/ Lisa Loeb glasses.


And the no. 1 reason why I'll have to support the Phillies against the Tampa Bay [sun] Rays tonight:

1) Motown Philly's back again.

Those three little words

Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of the San Antonio Spurs.

However, I am highly entertained by their fans. They've got a lot of heart.

Right around playoffs, they will drag their escobas [straw brooms] to area sports bars just for a moment of glory to be interviewed with their prop ("Break out da brooms! Da Spurs are gonna sweeeeeep!") for the liveshot on the local news.

Spurs fans are not ashamed to tell you they are Spurs fans. To me, they are the Toby Keith of basketball. Think "How do ya like me now?" and "It's a flag, not a rag."

The essence of local support for the franchise can be summed up in three little words:


[Passed by this jewel on a recent run.]

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere

On November 2, I get the great privilege of joining 39,000 other runners across the globe to compete in the 39th New York City Marathon. Incredible. It still has not sunken in yet. This has been a defeating season for me plagued with injuries and other mental and spiritual roadblocks.

I was sharing with an acquaintance a few of my burdens this week. Instead of encouraging my pity party, they provided some perspective: I have the monumental privilege of experiencing a global milestone!

Besides, if running a marathon were easy, they'd call it basketball, right?


We will be running all five of New York's boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The crowd support is supposedly amazing and rivaled only by that of the Boston marathon [every runner's Mecca.]

We are heading up Tuesday, so be sure to check back here for updates!

Only 26.2 miles to go! It's up to you, New York, New York.

Thanks, that was fun

As Soxtober draws to an end, I'd like to applaud the Boston Red Sox for a great season. They made it to game 7 of the American League Champion Series; more than that, they made staying up past 10 p.m. a delight. Now that the gang is back to their natural habitat, reports are coming out that the team was the gimpiest ballclub of 2008.


Kept a secret until post season, the injury report is quite extensive [20 hits]. Some undisclosed injuries include David [Lee Roth] Ortiz- strained tendon, Josh Beck[kkkkk]ett- strained oblique, Jonathan Papelbon- strained shoulder and Jed Lowrie- who played five months with a fractured hand.

To quote one of my favorite bloggers, "It is nothing short of a miracle that the Red Sox were able to fight their way to a Game 7 of the ALCS with a roster held together by scotch tape, much less make the playoffs at all."

Hey Romo, how is that pinky holding up?

Charmed, I'm sure

Let's take inventory of the people you will most likely meet while waiting for the doors to open at a Neil Diamond concert. [Yes-- we were that pumped about the concert that we arrived early.]

Gentleman with argyle sweater around the shoulders? Check!

Perpetual Dancing With the Stars voter? Check!

People who obsessively collect things? Hmm... I'm looking around the line, and...

Bingo! Our neighbor's two James Avery bracelets boast over 200 charms which she claims she never takes off. If you dare test her, she will gesture you to ask her boyfriend who "needs to marry [her] already."

Charming.

More people "habla español" in the US than in Spain

¡Increíble!

The United States of America is second only to Mexico in Spanish speakers. 

¡Qué padre! 

The U.S. even beats out la tierra patria-- España-- in Spanish speakers. 

Wind Beneath My Wings

Clinched!

Your 2007 MLB World Series champion Boston Red Sox are a step closer to defending their reign! Let's celebrate their postseason guarantee with another great sound bite from ace pitcher Josh Beckett:



"That cigar makes you smell like a hamster," followed by the did-I-impress-the-lady? look. Love it!

Mike Lowell and Beckett: The next great comedic duo.

Guys, you are the wind beneath my wings. 

You can't say that on [American] television!

Venezuela's dictator Victor Chávez is quite evil, but he makes for great entertainment... sort of like the Benny Hinn of the political world.

Chávez' latest theatrics was to cast out the demon that is the American ambassador in his country. Around the :49 mark he shouts: ¡Váyanse al carajo, yanquis de mierda!



Classy "Mr. President." Gentle reader: If you have not learned that phrase from your Rosetta Stone software, demand a refund!

Chávez was at his finest hour when the King Juan Carlos of Spain told him to shut up: ¿Por qué no te callas?

In case you missed that blip in international politics, I present you the reggaeton mix!

George Michael: A no go-go?

Some upsetting news for Arrested Development those who enjoy being entertained. Actor Michael Cera thinks he's too awesome to be in a much-talked about, much-anticipated Arrested Development movie. Arrested Development is a great show that sadly lasted only 3 seasons on FOX because boneheads prefer to watch "gems" such as According to Jim, Yes Dear and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Arrested Development made Michael Cera the great awkward hero he has grown to embrace. (A bit too much... stretch yourself, buddy!)

Now it seems that Cera is trying to distance himself from his Arrested Development George Michael character (even though he continues to play the same character script after script...)

You listen to me Cera and you listen to me good! I don't want you to become the male Molly Ringwald! So quit doing awkward teenage quirky!

I'm still pulling for you and would love for you to get back with the fam. Didn't we almost have it all?

Sell outs!

Being a sell out can be a good thing!

Congratulations to the folks at Fenway Park for securing 456 straight regular-season sell outs. This streak began May 13, 2003 and surpassed the record previously set by the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field June 12, 1995 to April 2, 2001.

Better than the accomplishment is their great full page ad. Kudos!

While it wasn't quite Fenway Park, we got to catch the fellas win the series against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Park in Arlington. The visit to the Promise Land (Texas) miraculously resurrected three giants from the disabled list: Sean Casey, Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett.

I leave you with my favorite photo of the series:



Dear, sweet Beckett left the barn door open during the first inning of this series debut. Pobrecito. Let he who cannot relate cast the first stone.

Lobbyist gone wild!

Know how lobbyist are painted as the moral enemy? The demise of America? The make big a big, bad word. Big money. Big corporations.

Turns out that some of our representatives are big liars.

What was that promise? Oh yeah... "We will not take a dime from Washington lobbyists."

Aren't you glad that politicians were looking out for your interest, for my interest and for America's interest by putting ethical parameters on these ee-veel lobbyist?

Egad! Those cunning lobbyists were able to tear their claws in the moral fibers of America and find some loopholes. All ethical, of course.

The sarcasm of the story is never smile at a crocodile... and good thing $50 million isn't a "dime"... or else politicians wouldn't be able to accept it!

WARNING! Gratuitous ABBA ahead

Thank you Meryl Streep for taking the summer to remind us that "The Winner Takes It All" is ABBA at best.

What could be better than Meryl, musicals and ABBA?

British pop band McFly covering the gem post Olympics.

The umph factor

I don't like plugging products of multibillion dollar companies that will never send a penny my way, but Nike: Here's your free (and lucrative might I add) endorsement.

I finally got around to getting to know my Nike+ Sportsband product. It's a nifty USB band and shoe chip that wraps around your wrist to keep track your distance, time, pace and calories burned; a fan favorite of runners. Sync it up to your computer when you are ready and the doodad graphs your progress.

Sounds great huh?

Wrong.

It's as humiliating as viewing a candid photograph of yourself in wet Spandex. It just confirms my suspicion, that my running pace is horrendous.

That's me?! Surely the camera adds 10 pounds/ surely the USB band is slow by 10 minutes a mile.

Unfortunately, technology doesn't lie.

Only one thing can cheer me up now... Roo's baseball video of Kip's unintentional bunt and sprint to first base.

cactus jack softball debue!

Way to put that "e" in effort indeed.

Wind Beneath My Wings

Red Sox Pitcher Josh Beckett is currently my most favorite athlete to watch during an interview. He's a man of few words. Brash, to the point and unmistakably cocky. Oh-- and he's Texan.

As a superfluous lover of words, Beckett is my comic relief.

Such past nuggets include: "Is that that supposed to be an allegory?" and "I don't get paid to make those [expletive] decisions."

Today's soundbite is priceless. The ace gave up eight earned runs in 2 1/3 innings.

The reporter's question is: "How frustrating a day was it?"

The ace's response can be found at the 50 second mark.

Wordsmith Beckett, you are truly the wind beneath my wings.

Effortless

A lot of attention has been given to the heavily decorated American Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. I am in utter amazement how one person can make such record-breaking feats seem so effortless. Phelps just seems to glide through the water. 

But these feats are most certainly not effortless. Phelps does no glide. Phelps competes. 

Publicity has been fixated on Phelps' seemingly superhuman (and quite honestly, freakish) physique. Granted Phelps' wingspan is three inches longer than his 6'4" height, but what good is the equipment if you never utilize it? 

Phelps makes the most of his opportunities. Training includes two sessions everyday (or three when in high altitude!), seven days a week and he logs around 50 miles in the pool once a week. 

Effortless? By no means. 

We should all take a cue from Phelps. May we all work hard and make the most of our talents, abilities and opportunities and make the competitions seem effortless. 

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure." Eric Liddle, Chariots of Fire (1981).

What is your "effortless" talent? We all have one... in fact several! Are you making the most of it?  

Billy peed in his pants

If there is one thing I love, it is The Office. Be it American or British-- both are brilliant. 

If there are two things I love, it is The Office and staying hydrated. Yes my friends. I have a vice and its elements are two of H and one of O. (That's dihydrogen monoxide y'all.)

So if there are three things I love, it would have to be The Office, water and getting to reference Billy Madison. 

"Of course I peed my pants. Everybody my age pees their pants. It's the coolest."

Read on!

"... I'll look back on this time as a delicious, tiny window where I got to whatever I wanted." Nice quote, Mindy Kalig. 

Another step closer to National Geographic

Congratulations to North Texas photographer Hansel Dobbs!

Hans has not only earned a spot in KXAS NBC5i's North Texas Weather Calendar, but has garnered the front cover as well.



Be sure to let Hans know about the great photo by dropping him a comment here.

¡FELICIDADES!

Congratulations to Esteban Velásquez for making it in TV Azteca's La Academia! Remember to keep checking back here to find out when the recent Odessa High School graduate will be making his debut as one of Mexico's newest reality stars as well as showcasing his great vocal talent. Esteban is featured below in the first column, second row as one of 24 classmates to enter La Academia (The Academy).



¡Échale valiente! (That's Spanish for WOOHOO!)

You done good

Congratulations to the stellar educators at Middlebury College! The Princeton Review says the Vermont liberal arts college boasts the best professors.



Scientia et virtus... Knowledge and virtue indeed.

Well said

"There is no comradeship except through union in the same high effort."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 1900-1944
French aviator, writer, poet, philosopher

Mariachi the vote

A dear friend of mine is up for election and he could sure could use your votes!

Esteban Velásquez from the mighty West Texas town of Odessa is competing to be a contender in Mexico's popular reality show La Academia [The Academy.] Shown on Mexico's no. 1 television channel TV Azteca, La Academia is the perfect blend of American Idol participantes living in a Big Brother casa.




¡Ánimo valiente! Let's support Esteban on this wonderful opportunity.

I've voted! Have you?

Tickle me emo

What is your biggest regret?

Singer/songwriter Chris Black googled [side note... don't you just love when brands become verbs? I.e. Google > googled, Xerox > xeroxed] "biggest regrets" for his song " Someone Else." The result is this interesting video:



Now that I've praised the video, let us deconstruct the art.

Anybody else tired of supersensitive and oh-so dramatic products? The buzz word is emo. "I'm emotional, take me seriously." Yeah, yeah. Take me back to the days when my sodas were cold, my music was loud and my veggie burgers were flaming.

This whole morose angst trend is a bit Dawson's Creek on a 10 year delay. I blame coffeehouses, flat irons and John Mayer.

All that to say, I applaud the creative video, marketing and moment of zen.

Biggest regret? Not listening to music turned up to 11.

Let's see how far we've come

A friend of mine recently came back from China. She was sharing how she was part of a studio audience for an English debate show called Outlook English. Her photos and experiences were quite fascinating. She shared about how military propaganda kept rolling on the studio monitors during the show's taping. Her photos and account reminded me of the creepily awesome 1984 Apple Macintosh Superbowl Ad.



Thanks to the greatness of YouTube, I was able to catch up with other vintage Apple footage... Steve Jobs introducing the Macintosh that January of 1984. He -and the Macintosh- were quite revolutionary with their huge, creative edge such as font and size options in such a tiny package. Listen to the audience ooh and ahh!



Not too shabby for a man who dropped out of Reed College and audited a calligraphy class.

Never trust a computer you can't lift.

Well said

"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to shore. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly to venture on wider seas where storms will show Your mastery; where losing sight of land we shall find stars. We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; we ask You to push in the future in strength, courage, hope, and love."
-- Sir Francis Drake - 16th century English sailor

Stop. Look. Listen.

There is nothing quite like taking in a great concert at a small venue in support of up-and-coming artists. With that in mind, I hesitate to let you in on one of Mexico's best kept secrets:

Jesse y Joy.



This brother and sister duo has been touring for a few years and are on the cusp of gaining great momentum in the United States. Little sister Joy is the talented vocalist, decent guitarist who is supported by big brother Jesse on keys and guitar.

Adorable in person, talentosos on stage.

Definitely NOT creepy Osmond family clones.

Enjoy!

And the winner of Worst Photoshop Award goes to...

Fox News aired altered photos of "attack dog" New York Time journalists this week.



Corndogs altered the photos by yellowing teeth, raising hairlines and stretching noses and ears and "passed them off" as actual mug shots.



I'm sure the network will try to backpedal with a fib that this was their attempt at humor. Remeber: The Onion you are not.

Lessons learned:
1) If you are going to Photoshop, do it right.
2) THOU SHALT NOT LIE.

For those keeping score...

"Spain are the kings of Europe again!"- ESPN commentator



Felicidades amigos. ¡Enbuenahora!

Wind Beneath My Wings

I'm not sure who Seth is, but I'm sorta bummed that I wasn't invited to his bar mitzvah.



As entertaining as Seth's family is, I want to give big props to the audio visual team for those awesome graphics! You guys are the wind beneath my wings.

Blame it on the rain

My love of rain, baseball and bad kareoke in a two minute clip!

For those of us unable to experience the rain delay at the St. Louis Cardinals/ Boston Red Sox series at Fenway Park this weekend, here's some love from closer Jonathan "cinco ocho" Papelbon and pitcher Manny Delcarmen.



Perhaps one of the best parts of the series was watching the game on TV and listening to the sportscaster go on a five minute rant about how baseball players should implement yoga into their regular workout routine to promote flexibility and to prevent injury.

I look forward to the day when Red Sox ace Josh Beckett joins us for class and has to modify his pose to heart center.

And yes- it looks like the Obama fist bumps have hit Red Sox Nation.

For those keeping score...

Spain and Italy played a no score game.

However, Spain won 4-2 on penalties.

Chinese is the new black

For those interested in South Africa and international politics, Chinese will now be treated as blacks...

As a reminder, South Africa is still very much racially divided into blacks, whites and coloureds.

Chinese were once viewed as coloreds, the lowest racial class in South African culture. The apartheid government (which lost its power in the 1990s) had "upgraded" the Chinese from coloureds to white status during the early 1980s.

The high court's ruling (classifying Chinese-South Africans as black) will now allow the Chinese to have access to post-apartheid benefits that are available to nonwhite ethic groups.

Protecting us, first amendment at a time

American University in Washington DC is looking for a copy writer for the school’s sales and marketing department on Craig's List.

"A dynamic, entrepreneurial for-profit college in Northwest DC is looking for an experienced copy writer and desktop publisher to lead aspects of both internal and external written communications."

Alright. Keep reading.

“The twist: while you are writing copy you will also fill the role of security guard, working 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. We will buy your uniform. You won’t carry a gun. “



Insert Barney Fife reference HERE.

American University... protecting the first amendment one copy writer at a time!

Clever marketing!

In light that recording artists are having trouble selling albums and selling out concerts, the folks behind Weezer have come up with a clever marketing ploy!

YOU, Weezer superfan, get to jam out with Weezer in the following concerts: Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Weezer is encouraging fans to bring their instruments to these shows where they will be making these Hootenanny recordings!



Here is the set list:

Pork and Beans
Island in the Sun
Creep (Radiohead)
Say It Ain’t So
El Scorcho
Beverly Hills

Question: Can I consider this a résumé builder? It is honest to say Rivers Cuomo was my guitar instructor, correct? And that I got to jam out with Weezer and make a recording with them?

Now to decide... Do I play it safe and show up with my guitar? Or do I break out the chanter/ bagpipes?

Say it ain't so indeed.

For those keeping score...

Spain takes Greece 2-1!

¿Cuba libre?

Sweet little Elián Gonzalez is now a card-carrying member of Cuba's Young Communist Union.

As you may recall, Elián became an updated symbol of communism versus democracy during an international custody battle in 2000 .



Since returning to Cuba, it seems that Fidel Castro has become a mentor to young Elián. Elián has also become a national hero for surviving "being sequestered by the [capitalist] mafia in Miami."

Fidel transferred temporary power to his brother Raúl Castro as "president" in 2006. Since then, Raúl has implemented unparalleled reforms such as limited cell phone and Internet usage. Raúl is 77 years old, Fidel is 81 years old.

Is Fidel working towards strengthening Elián to be the young muscle of the communist cause?



I am reminded of a similar situation in Spain back in the 1970s. Dictator Francisco Franco selected young, royal heir Juan Carlos I to continue his fascist regime as his personal successor. Much like Elián and Fidel's relationship, Juan Carlos would meet and appear with the dictator Franco at official and ceremonial state functions.

After the dictator's death in 1975, the Spaniards held their breath. Would Juan Carlos I carry on his mentor/predecessor's plans?

Much to [most of] the Spaniards delight, two days after Franco's death the newly crowned King Juan Carlos I transitioned the country from a 28-year dictatorship to parliamentary democracy.

Could the same be in store for Cuba? Could Elián be Cuba's "chosen one"?

Cuba libre.

[Images from CNN.com]

For those keeping score...

Spain has advanced to the UEFA Euro 2008 quarter finals! ¡España venció a Suecia 2-1!

Even though it's not quite time for the World Cup, let's celebrate with a bit of Ricky Martin, shall we?!



¡Viva la liga!

¡Viva la liga!

No team from the Great Britain Islands made it to Eurocup 2008. Thankfully they have a great sense of humor as well as a stupendous sense of el mejor.



The macarena is the only bit of culture you need to know.
¡Viva la liga!

Chim-Chim on Parade

This morning I was reminded of something that is in the Bible. Often termed "the love chapter" (and mercilessly recited at "religious" weddings) 1 Corinthians 13 had seemed to have lost its meaning to me until now.

"If I speak... but have not love, I am a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1 (New International Version)

Clanging cymbals, eh? This mental image came to mind:



Do you know a Chim-Chim who noisily and hatefully yammers away?! I know I do... Several! They make me want to turn off my mental hearing aid.

What should our response should be?

Patience, kindness... no envy or pride. Love doesn't strut, doesn't force, isn't always me first, doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score, doesn't revel when others grovel. Love loves truth, always trusts, looks for the best, never looks back and keeps moving forward (check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

So which do you chose?

Don't be a Chim-Chim.

Eurocopa 2008

For those keeping score, Spain beat Russia 4-1!

When I grow up, I want to be a Spanish sportscaster. Highlights from the glorious June 10 Eurocopa 2008 game below:



¡Gooooool! Gol, gol, gol... ¡Golazo!

Wind Beneath My Wings

In honor of the NBA Playoffs, I'd like to bestow my inaugural Wind Beneath My Wings Award to a creation whose husband gets all the glory while she is the one with all the strength.

Say what you will about Kobe Bryant's integrity [ahem and ahem] but I'm suddenly a fan of his wife's fashion:



Socks and pumps, a purple tutu and leggings... Vanessa Bryant, truly you are the wind beneath my wings.
[Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn at Getty Images]

Dos Culturas

I've always been fascinated by the yin-yang of competing/ complimentary cultures: English versus Spanish, spiritual versus physical, traditional versus contemporary, immigrant versus emigrant, patriot versus expatriate and of course- Sharks versus Jets. 

As a product of two cultures (categorized as "general" and "Hispanic" by market research), and as friend and student to many with large, diverse world views, I've had the privilege to continually experience [cue Hannah Montana theme song] "the best of both worlds."

Hopefully you'll be able to stop by regularly so we can share interesting insights and findings that may spur each other on our journey to discovering new culturas as well as understanding our own. 

Let the journey begin!