This morning I shuffled out of the house in my chànclas to bring in the morning newspaper and to bring a bite of breakfast to my favorite pet squirrel, Frank. As I bent to grab the paper, I happened to glance down on the sidewalk where I discovered a ghastly sight that filled me with disgust and horror…

WARNING! WARNING! The following images depict extreme carnage and gore of the: “ALARMA!” magazine kind. If any readers are prone to àsco and revulsion at such sights, STOP NOW! PLEASE DO NOT CLICK TO CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THIS POST! You have been warned! proceed at your own risk…….ahi de ti!!……….…Entrails gleaming in the morning sun. My analysis of the crime scene suggested that this had been a rodent that met a gruesome end sometime during the night at the paws of one of the neighborhood felines. Vital organs and parts of the head and tail were the only visible remains…..

These images depict the remains exactly as I found them…..eeeeeeyuuuuuuuu!!

Pobre Cabron! Another Ràta bites the dust!……

As I went to look for a broom,…all I could say was: “Welcome to the jungle, baby…………..”

While browsing today’s LA Times, I came across Patt Morrison’s OP-ED interview with developer/mogul and aspiring civic leader; RICK J. CARUSO. That same city-within-a-city retail & housing developer who has brought our region his vision of artificial environments with projects such as THE GROVE, and THE AMERICANA AT BRAND among others. So, now it seems he has his developer sights pointed Eastward,…here is a quote from the Señor Caruso’s interview from today’s LA Times……

“Would you ever build something like the Grove in South L.A.?

I would love to. I would love to build something in East L.A. You’ve got to build something successful or you’re not doing a favor to that community. We’ve looked; we haven’t found the right opportunity, but I would love to do it, absolutely.

What’s necessary to make that a success?

You’ve got to buy the land at the right price. You’ve got to get the right entitlements. The right retailers to serve that community. You’ve got to get enough customers to use it, spend money, support the rents, A lot of very low to moderate income areas really thrive. I think if conceived right it can be done. East L.A., Boyle Heights, I just haven’t found the right areas. ”

Wow…so are we looking forward to, as Dorit suggested,  “THE MEXICANA ON CHAVEZ”?,

….Here’s a festive tune for your Holiday enjoyment!

I noticed that MTA has placed Gold Line train warning and safety signs around the Eastside train route. Many of these signs are in Spanish and seem to address the local lingo seemingly in an attempt to reach as many locals as possible with their message. Here are a few sample signs I’ve seen…

I recently observed this vehicle ad in Santa Monica and I became flushed….

Ok, is it just me? or does it seem like people on the Westside have a way deeper preoccupation with their scatological functions?

Living in the Eastside, I never once came across any signs that this colonics cottage industry (I vaguely remember hearing the word “LAVATIVA” once in Spanish) existed to the degree that  I see it here in the West of L.A. It’s like an accepted part of everyday life it seems….people here budget their colonics along with their cable and cell phone bills.

Has this stuff ever been medically proven to work the wonders it promises? Does anybody from the Barrio get into this? I need to know the answers….

by the way,….eeewww.

Highland Park, CA. Somewhere on Figueroa. October ‘09.

Manuel himself, from El Tepeyac as recently sighted at a local Eastside office supply store. Manuel admits to being instantly recognized everywhere he goes.

photo courtesy of ego plum

This is so friggin awesome! I’m guessing it’s from the 30’s or 40’s! I found it on a house exterior. The Milkman would open this little door……

…and you’d indicate your milk order on this little dial. here is the little door, usually would open towards the kitchen…and the milkman would leave your order here….

and additional shots of the Milkman delivery bay!

COLORADO

Agency retracts Latino warning

An advocate for Latino rights says she was appalled to learn that the U.S. Forest Service is warning the public that campers who eat tortillas, drink Tecate beer and play Spanish music could be armed marijuana growers

-Los Angeles Times, August 29, 2009

I’m not much of drinker but that doesn’t mean I can’t apreciate the entertaining aspects of drinking culture. Musical odes to drinking are some of my favorite kinds of tunes and I’ve included a few of my favorites songs about drinking right here. Cheers!

1. I Ain’t Drunk, I’m Just Drinkin’- by Jimmy Liggins
2. Beer For Breakfast- by The Replacements
3. En El Cielo No Hay Cerveza- by Flaco Jimenez
4. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer..- by Johnny Lee Hooker
5. There’s A Tear In My Beer- by Hank Williams Jr. and Sr.
6. Whiskey, Gin and Wine- by Joe Liggins
7. Have A Beer With Fear- by Fear
8. Too Drunk To Fuck- by Dead Kennedys
9. I’m Home Getting Hammered While She’s Out Getting Nailed- by Banjo & Sullivan
10. What Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)- by Jerry Lee Lewis