This Time it Might Matter

Don't get me wrong, I'll always watch the All-Star game. But this year is different. The Dodgers stand (at the time of this post) at 43-23, which is the best record in the Majors, and are 8.5 in front of the hated ones. Now thanks to one of the many good ideas that have come out of Selig's office, the Dodgers and their fans will have to sit and watch a a meaningless game knowing that a small portion of their postseason fate (provided they make it that far) will be determined by players and coaches who really have nothing to do with the organization.

Anyone else see anything wrong with that?

My Children’s Book Proposal

For my interdisciplinary project I have chosen the title: My Grandmother Was a Catcher. It basically tells the story of Tomas' a young nine year old living in 1981 Los Angeles. Tomas' has been raised by his Abuelita Marta' due to fact that his mother died while giving birth and his father passed while serving in the Vietnam War. Even with a very loving grandmother, Tomas' still feels lonely and he tries to feel that void with baseball. Even as his community and favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are swept up in "Fernandomania", he still feels lonely wishing his parents could be there with him. Then one day his grandmother reveals to him her love of baseball. She tells him that she joined the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. She joined the league because she missed her husband Luis', as he died while serving in World War Two. She also tells him that she understands how it feels to miss someone and presents him with the gift of her old glove she used while playing. She said as long as you have this glove you will never be alone. Tomas' then forms a special bond with his grandmother and from there on in Tomas' and his Abuelita share a lifelong love of baseball together.

Since this story is being written primarily with Mexican American characters it would fit into the Mexican American genre. This book will also contain some of the themes that are familiar with this genre and one would be family. The bond between a grandson and a grandmother can be strong especially when both are sort of alone in this world. Another would be tradition. The book's setting will be around the time of Cinco de Mayo to coincide with Fernando's 6-0 start to the baseball season. Pride for one's country, will also be included. Mexican American's have a proud legacy of defending the United States. In many families a proud military tradition is often present. Finally and perhaps the book's central theme, would be the love for the game of baseball. Combing these themes with certain words and phrases of the Spanish language will certainly be familiar to most Mexican American children. For the illustrations I plan to enlist the aid of my cousin Erika Vasquez-Taylor who is an art student, (and a very good one in my opinion) at Los Angeles' FIDM Fashion school. Throughout the book there will be illustrations of Mexican American culture as well instances of Mexican American daily life. Events such as making Tortillas, working in a garden, and the feeding of chickens might also be familiar for some children; or they might simply become interested after viewing these events. The characters will also be clothing typical for that area and period of time. Hopefully the book will meet the requirements and be an enjoyable read for young children and anyone who is a fan of multicultural literature.

Ten Years Ago

(I'm reflecting on the first time I heard this artist.)

It was around this time. Well, anywhere between April and June if you want to get technical. I was still going to high school and, as was the style of the times, up to no good. I think I was ditching one day, and the girl I was with at the time (those close will know who she is) had a girlfriend whose grandparents lived a block away. After using said girlfriend's friend's fake i.d., we would walk to her grandparents house and take advantage of the situation and drink ourselves stupid. Well one time I was going through her Cd's and I liked what I saw for the most part. (Totally hated the Pep Torres) I saw the back on one of the cases and it said " Batman theme". A rockabilly version of the Batman theme? I just had to check this out.

After the song ended and feeling somewhat intrigued, I started the disc from the beginning and "Rumble" played. (I didn't know it yet, but I would later designate that song as my entrance music for if and when I make the majors) The dirty style of the guitar filled me with all sorts ideas. Most of them being deviant and sleazy in design. Not many songs back then could make the hair on the back of my head,and give me goosebumps as well.

What followed was a long and still standing appreciation for the genius that is Link Wray.

Random Thoughts

*Can shoes be a deal breaker?

*St. Patty's is coming up

*Cigarettes cost way too much at school ($6.25 a pack)

*Oh yeah, I started smoking again

*Must remember to do a Dodger preview before the season starts. Sucks that they open on the road.

*Twitter is losing it, fast

*Big Love has been upping the ante this season

*A-Rod, you're a fucking fake and nobody loves you.

*I think I saw OctoMom once at Monkey's To Go

*I kind of got in trouble in class on Tuesday because I laughed as soon as prof. said the word "Girth" ( which immediately recalls visions of Homer's flag, and many drunken nights with the Narc)

*Hope the Kings make the playoffs this year (probably just jinxed them...way to go)

*I think I'll take Pop's advice and try to get into My Name is Earl

One Down Eleven to go

January has come and left. Some newly discovered concepts and points of interest include a kick ass recipe for grilling Chile Rellenos on an outdoor charcoal BBQ, a 24 hour bowling alley in Huntington Park, a mixture of Southern Comfort and Jager doesn't sit too well in my stomach, the little Italian Restaurant by Pop's work isn't half bad, the Screamer will never grow up, and Dodger penny pinching is at an all time high. (No Manny, and no love for Either. Next stop arbitration) Oh well at least I'm not dead and UCLA basketball is competitive. Next stop February.

Obama, Chick Flicks, and Kobe's 81

It sure has been hectic in the world lately hasn't it? Personally I can say that I have been drunk,tipsy,or what ever way you want to put it,more days than I have been sober in 2009. Along the way I have some thoughts about current and on going events:

*On Obama: Okay I'll admit, I usually vote Republican. Usually this annoys some people and I get reminded of my political preferences in the most inopportune time. But ever since he gave that speech at the DNC he's sort of changed me. Some of my closest friends still can't believe I voted for him. Today's events really put things into perspective. To see our country come together to watch our 44th president be sworn in was truly history in the making. Yet again my bitch ass shed a tear. Special day indeed.

*Chick flicks: Speaking of tears I have this theory that every guy has a secret chick flick that he secretly likes. I mean everyone has a musician or band that they secretly like but they wont admit to, so this theory isn't too far off. My belief in that was strengthened when I was informed that one of the scariest looking dudes I've ever met (think of a mix of John Favreau and Bane)gets a huge boner for the movie Jersey Girl. Anything's possible I guess. (for the record my fave chick flick is a tie between Love Actually and Steel Magnolia's. I blame the latter on my Madre.)

*On Manny: What is with the lag? SIGN HIM NOW!!!

*On my b-day: Every January 22nd for the past three years something eventful has happened. 2006 saw Kobe score 81. 2007 had the official news that Rage Against The Machine was reuniting at Coachella and 2008 brought the unfortunate and untimely death of Heath Ledger. But usually it's just an excuse to drink for two weeks straight. I don't think anything will happen this year and quite honestly I'm fine with that. Like the great Sam Cooke once sang "A Change is Gonna Come".

Thank God it's finally here.

Bedtime

I had a unusually productive shower tonight. Lately I have been questioning the validity of some relationships and I realize sometimes I put too much stock on all the little random signs that one gets every now and then. (i.e. stupid little things like certain songs, the mention of that name in the most unlikely of places, and other things of that nature) Call me stupid but I used to be a big believer in signs and coincidence. Still sort of am although it kind of shames me to admit it. Guess that's the Madre in me.

Supposedly wisdom comes with age and experience. Although I may not have the age, I do consider myself to have a (excuse the vulgarity ) butt load of experience. Thanks to my infamous wild streak, eternal love of booze, countless hours spent in the proverbial punk rock/rockabilly scene, and general contempt for all those in charge, I think I have put myself in situations where much life experience was gained. But now I'm getting off track.

Point is I'm starting to move away from believing in coincidence to "just the facts mam". Is that bad? Am I becoming colder? This is probably just another rung on the ol' ladder of maturity but in a way this kind of saddens me.

Maybe I think too damn much?

An Admission of Sorts

Films that have made some sort of salty, watery, discharge leak out from my eyes

*Return of the Jedi
*Beauty and the Beast
*Schindler's List
*Million Dollar Baby
*Philadelphia

Now you can add Gran Torino to that list.

If you don't think I am a bitch and are not disgusted by this revelation, then I would hope you will take my advice and go see this movie. If you think otherwise I guess you really don't think much at all do you ?

Just A Thought

Fridays nights used to be about hanging out in Uptown Whitter. Dodging so called "skins" and playing "Hey Mister" outside the liquor store. Now it's usually all about homework and whatever else needs to be done around the house. I mean I still score the occasional bottle but I feel more at ease at home.

More Than Likely I'm Wrong but...

I think instead of writing huge long pieces I'm going to try writing quick short blurbs to let everyone know what's going on in my head. Like today for instance I've been think about honesty and when it should be used. Naturally it should be used 24-7 but come on, there are times when absolute honesty can really fuck things up.

Like Tuesday for instance. This person (the Screamer if you pay attention to my tweets) I was watching Scrubs like a good little boy and just as the second episode started on ABC (cheap plug) the screamer calls wanting to hang out. Even though I was already pissed that she called during my stories, I reluctantly agreed. Never mind the episode earlier in the day in which I was sorta bailed on, I decided to see if there was any sort of apology waiting for me.

Just as I'm getting ready the phone rings and I was informed of a gathering that would feature free booze and video games. I had a choice to make: either go with the Screamer and be mildly uncomfortable or go with the guys and drink. I decided to make it all about the booze. (yeah, big surprise) I grabbed the phone and tried to reach the Screamer but apparently no dice. Someone had the bright idea of turning their phone off. Long story short I'm in the doghouse.

I called the Screamer the next day and was asked for an honest answer why I bailed. Being the firm believer in honesty that I am I replied " I found something better to do." I know I screwed up by being THAT honest. (Granted I was still pissed about the day's earlier events and was kinda tipsy) But I believe when you ask for an honest answer you should get it. No matter how brutal it is. But then again I have been known to be called an asshole every so often...

Happy New Years

I barely finished my Rivalry Week series. I mean it's not bad but I was supposed to finish it up before the game. We ended up losing so I guess you can blame me. The holidays were hectic and the b-day is 17 days away. Hopefully I'll be able to blog more this year.