KEVIN'S WEDDING

Anhtony overlooking the pond.

The wedding was great.
Kevin is a friend I've known for about 15 years now. Kristal is someone whom he's known since elementary school, not that they've been together that long. Everyone had a great time, Olivia was in her element. This was her third time as a flower girl, though she does not want to be a flower girl anymore, now she wants to be a "junior bride's-maid" By the looks of it, she may not be a bride's maid or other for a lot of years.......
This is Anthony "break dancing"

Melissa ---- Happy.
"The Boys" playing a joke on Kevin...Their last one

Indeed, it was a great wedding.
I have more pictures in flickr for those interested in seeing them.

LAST WEEK

So we did go to the baptism which turned out to be a great party. Lots of food were all over the place. A bottle of Chivas and some sort of Vodka that looked like Grey Goose (it wasn't)were also on each table. The party was done by a family of Armenians who live here in Vegas but I guess most of their relatives are in LA (Glendale), so that is where the party was.

We left on Saturday night after I got out of work. We got into Pasadena a little after 10:30PM, stayed at the Sheraton, a bit old but still comfortable.
Next day we hang out with the kids in Old Town Pasadena. Still a great place to walk around, but the restaurants are a bit more snobby and slow. Take Mi Piace for instance. Used to be a great place for a quick easy breakfast, now it is a pain. We sat for close to half an hour without anyone coming to our table. The place was packed, but it also looked like they had enough servers. Some were at time just hanging out. Finally a waitress, perhaps felt sorry for us or played the old trick of, "Nobody's been with you!!???. Let my find out who's got your station and I will let them know."
I guess she never did, because she came back to take our order, which was better than anybody else. We finally got our food, still good and hot as we ordered it.
So in a nut shell. Mi Piace, good for food, but slow service.
If I was a food writer, I would give them a "C". The party on the other hand was definitely an "A+".. Too bad we had to drive back that same night. Well Melissa drove, so the credit goes to her..

And now tomorrow....... Kevin's wedding! More to come.

OLIVIA'S WEEKEND PICTURES

This was the only picture I took.
A shot of an ad for Love.


At Lunch


At Build a Bear



Having fun with the mirrors


The Lobby


A shot from the upper floors at the mall.


A self portrait


My car at the car wash.


The inside of the jetta.

STRONG WINDS

I guess when you see an airplane off the runway and into a street it's beacuse it did not measure correctly the length of the runway or because the runway is wet or icy, but to be "pushed" by the wind because "someone" forgot to apply the breaks or forgot to place those "wooden things" to keep it from taking off on its own is kind of unheard of.
That is what I happened to run into last night, well, I did not "run into the plane". I ran into this traffic snarl, luckily the "event" had just happened and I was able to drive fairly quickly through the mess, not without firsttaking a picture with my cell phone. (Picture to be posted later).
Aside from that, on Monday Olivia and I had a "Father-Daughter" day. She skipped school and we went shopping, to lunch, to the park and just had a nice relaxing day.
Pictures coming as well.

So far a good week.
This weekend the bunch and I are driving to L.A. for a quick baptism party. I promise I will take pictures ...

See you!

Fall Wheather

Finally it arrived!

I left work last night and instead of being blasted by hot blowing air, I was received by a cool breeze. Just wearing a thin black t-shirt made me wish I had a sweater on but after the long summer we've had, I just opened my arms and stood there feeling the air. A stronger gust came by and almost knocked me off my feet, that's when I made the trek up to my car.
Other signs of Fall:
College Football on Saturdays
College Football on Saturdays
College Football on Saturdays
College Football on Saturdays

What else could you wish for?

TEXAS

There are good people in Texas after all. Ann Richards was one of them.

But, what ever happened to good, strong minded, independent, tough, democratic candidates? I know they want to take back the House of Representatives, but who are they? Where are they?. Here in town the political machinery is dominated by Republican money and it is business as usual, including the Status Quo Democrats. The only fresh face is that of Jack Carter, son of President Jimmy Carter.

Fun Weekend

This was quite a good weekend. Aside from the business from work, I was able to have a fun outing both Friday and Saturday.
Melissa and I went to theHard Rock Hotel on Friday hoping to get into "the Joint" for a concert (Kind of a surprise for Melissa). However, when we got there, they were sold out, so we just hang out at one of their bars where we stayed late into the night. I did buy tickets for the following night though.
What a concert.
Classic Albums Live did a concert of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (SPLHCB). In a nutshell, it is a concert where you are listening live music of the Beatles performed by these guys from Toronto. They recreate the music, as they say, "note by note cut for cut". They were awesome. They are not trying to imitate The Beatles by singing like them or looking like them. It is all about the music.
Every sound was recreated, including all the animal sounds in "Good Morning" and the strange sounds in "Helter Skelter".
After doing the SPLHCB songs, they did a medley of different songs culminating with an encore of some of the original first Beatles songs; Help!, I want to Hold your Hand, etc. They do other albums from other artists, so if they come by your town, check them out.
A great weekend!

NEWS!

So, a new President was declared the winner in the Mexican elections. It is Mr. Calderon. He is also a member of the party that won the lection 6 years ago and began the dismantling of the PRI, the party that ruled the country for decades since the early 1900's.
He was declared the winner by an electoral tribunal, much like Bush was elected 6 years ago too, during the big "chads" fiasco in Florida.
So this should tell and show Calderon that just because a tribunal or a bench of judges signs off on your title and job, does not necesarily mean that all the citizens or at least half of them will go along for the ride.
As for Andres MAnuel Lopez Obrador. He worte himself off with the shenanigans that he and his party got into in the last month...He's done.

More news from the wires!
Dick Armitage revealed the name of Valerie Plummer to the press?....
I think he is just a patsy. The White house wants you to believe that now that there is a declaration of "mea culpa" everyone can concentrate on the displays of patrotism coming up in light of the 5 year anniversary of 09-11-06. Purely political I say.
The tune will be, "We republicans honor those who died on September 11"
While the Democrats just want us to cut and run.
Don't forget it is an election year and anything goes.
Dont get dupped!.

Mexico Crisis

In Mexican wrestling, there is an event where a bunch of wrestlers get into the ring and go at each other until there is only one standing. Something similar is happening at the moment in Mexico. It isn't just the presidential chaos. It is citywide protests throughout the country, the drug cartels and the entrenched corruption and undefined line between politicos and criminals that threaten to turn the country into a free for all.
For the last few years and since the PAN took power in Mexico, a political storm is about to come to its end or beginning. The PRD, who so far it seems, lost the presidential race anyway you look at it, is still claiming that it won the election because of electoral fraud and to prove its point (Or that of its leader, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador)it closed down one of the main avenues and thoroughfares of the capital city. In essence shutting down this main corridor has created tensions between the business community, city commuters and the political parties themselves. Now the PRD along with Obrador, are threatening with "shutting down" the last of the State of the Union speeches of president Fox. They have amassed a large number of supporters outside of their congressional building at par with the armed guards and soldiers who normally protect the building and the President himself. It's not only the supporters oustide but also the members of the legislature who sit inside the chamber, who have also threatened to "quiet" the President during his speech. By the way. This is supposed to happen today. So keep your eyes on the news.
In the capital city of Oaxaca, what once was a protest for better wages for teachers (Asamblea Popular), has turned into a free for all as well, for all kind of organizations who demand the same-better wages and the resignation of their current governor. The protesters have also shut down the Zocalo in Oaxaca, a beautiful place when it isn't being crowded by protesters. There have been attacks to offices, newspapers, people have been shot and killed. Currently there are talks between the state government and the Asamblea Popular to "solve" their situation however, the protesters main demand is the removal of the governor and as things go, that might be the only viable solution for everything to return to the way it was before.
The recent arrest of the "Tigrillo" does not mean that drug trafficking is about to come to an end. It actually creates a power vacuum within the drug cartels who are now going to continue killing each other for more territory. The drug cartels were limited to the North of the country as of a couple of years ago. Now you hear about killings, retribution, drive by shooting happening throughout the country. It is not just in remote areas anymore. There are shooting on touristic areas, such as Cancun, Acapulco as well as in residential areas where innocent bystanders get caught in the line of fire.
Who is doing something about this?
Nobody it seems.
The current President is on his way out. The federal government so far has refused to take any action to solve demands or at least listen to them.
The City government in the capital, has blatantly supported the blocking of the main avenues by providing tents and other supplies to the protesters.
Your average everyday law abiding citizen in the meantime just goes about his business as best as he or she can. It is almost futile to complaint to your local government (delegacion) unless you know someone on the inside, your pleas will go unanswered. Of course if you have a briefcase full of dollar bills, then all the head honchos will be shining your shoes.
I know this happens everywhere and every country suffers from these maladies. What is troubling is what is coming ahead. Looking at previous events in other countries, the next and logical steps are not pleasant. Violence and more violence. Sort of like what you see in Mexican wrestling. Lots of biting, chair throwing, pulling of hair and blood everywhere with only one winner.
Who is going to be the last man standing in Mexico?

TIPS

While we are discussing tips and since it seems to be a hot topic lately; Waiter Rant,LV Review Journal, I must discuss it further.
When and who do you tip?

I only tip in restaurants and at the car wash. That is it.
Oh yeah, my hairdresser. Yes I have one. Also the pizza delivery guy.(Even though there is already a "delivery fee" added to the check by the pizza place)So, I break my own rule and tip a few other people. In a nutshell as long as you are provided good service regardless of the setting or place, it should be a good gesture to tip.
The problem is when certain places or jobs expect a tip.
Example-The drive through window at Starbucks. WTF!
Isn't it enough that you are paying out your eyes for hot dirty water?. OK I am a hypocrite, I indulge in Chai Tea Lattes.
Fast food places are also some where you are "supposed" to leave a tip. I don't. Why?....
There isn't much that is provided in service or quality. IT IS FAST FOOD!
Yes, the people working there don't make that much hourly, so I am supposed to subsidize their wages?...Yeah, once they split the tips for the day, they get about $5.00 a day..
Oh well.
There's the door bell...
UPS Guy.
Do I tip him?

TIPS-TOKES-MONEY!

Our local paper, The Review Journal, reports that the Wynn (As it is known in town, because it is owned by Steve Wynn) is going to "split" the tips that dealers make. The split is going to include "Supervisors and or Pit Bosses."
Historically, all tips that dealers (those people dealing cards, shuffling dice, standing at tables waiting to empty your pockets, etc) earned for a day, are divided evenly amongst all dealers working that day. SO everyone gets an equal amount each day, regardless of the shift worked or the game worked. At the Wynn, according to the paper, this can amount up to 100K per year.
Of course because the supervisors or floor managers do not make that much in "salary," the hotel/casino management is attempting to make it more "appealing" to dealers, to move up to supervisory and managerial positions.
I think the casino management is just being cheap.
By dipping into the pooled tips to give to supervisors, they are avoiding having to raise salaries and or wages for managers. Since the dealers are not represented by a Union organization, Read More, the hotel can do whatever it wants, short of taking all their tips away.
Now when you talk about food servers or other position where they are not making 100K a year, that is a different story and I will let you in on that on my next post.

The Interior Designer

Aside from being a great mom, Melissa is also a very creative and visual person. What does visual mean?...
Well.
Look at what she did with Anthony’s room. The room went from being a bland white walled room with just the basics; bed, dresser, blinds and a mess of stuffed animals on the floor and in the closet. (I wish I would have taken a picture of what it looked like before, but I just described it to you).


Now look at the new room.

The curtains or drapes she got from Pottery Barn-a bargain (they were on sale and because they gave her the wrong size to begin with on one side, when she returned to exchange it, she got another 10% discount. The wall she painted a light green with blue dots-circles all around. She also added some shelves to the wall for toys, pictures and other things that Anthony likes to have, mainly dinosaurs, yu-ghio stuff and such.
Here is another shot.

and another one

The Week Ahead

Kids are out of school.
Anthony went camping with his grand parents-Not just camping, all the way to Mammoth (California) in one of those nice trailer home things....
Olivia will be going to San Francisco to hang out with her grammie and auntie.
Me?...Work work and more work. This week we are expecting a flow of 15,000 people at work. Large network company is in town for their big celebration, so that means work, work and more work.
Melissa is enjoying her last weeks of freedom then, off to school. 6 classes?..God bless her. I probably won't wee her till Christmas.
Yes, we are lucky to have such normal lives while in other parts of the world, people can barely sleep or eat because of all the mindless violence.
I suppose there is something good to be said for "taking the war to them" as Mr. Bush likes to say, rather than fight them here on our "homeland"...Although my feeling is, it's just a matter of time before have to deal with that kind of violence. I keep picturing George Bush poking at an ant's nest and if you've ever done that, you'll know what I mean.
Poke at the nest and they all come out in droves in all directions seeking to defend their nest.
This time they caught them before the act (London). But you know they (Terrorists) are all over the world now.
So, you must keep your eyes and ears open..

ECONO GIRL

I red this blogg a few weeks ago, posted a link to her blogg and for a while I though she had been silenced. However, she is back.
You can still read the ongoing string of comments on the old post. a piece on torture and the main reason why she got fired from the CIA.

MIDDLE EAST

How can we as citizens of the world, as human beings, as children of God respond to the on-going crisis in the Middle East?

Aside form prayers, donations to the Red Cross or other humanitarian organizations and a simple shrug of shoulders, there isn't much that we can do from where we are. It is a conflict between two sides that just want to completely destroy each other. Unfortunately their actions are going to resonate around the rest of the world.
Not one country can make another one stop from attacking or sending their fighter jets to bomb villages.
The UN?...That should be their job and what are they doing about it?..Not much by the looks of it.
The US can't pressure Israel to stop what they are doing in Lebanon when our own country is entangled in its own quagmire; Iraq, Afghanistan.
I think the Lebanese government is showing much restraint or they just don't have the means of defending themselves and are just hoping that eventually the Israelis will stop their attacks. Although according to the news, Syria is readying its army, and that can only mean that the conflict is about to spread.That is more plausible than an actual end to hostilities. So, what do we do?..
Continue praying and hope that both sides come to some sort of sense because ultimately, the ones that are hurt the most, are innocent civilians.

HOT!!!!

Yes, it is hot and we cannot get away from it. I guess we are a lot better off than the rest of the country. We are "used to it", whereas people from the Northeast and mid america are roasting and even California is having to deal with Power "issues" (I guess they do not want to scare their people by saying, "power outages")TOO LATE!
Living in a small city has its advantages. For as hot as it gets here, we do not have issues of power outages because our AC Units use up too much energy. If that was the case, the casinos would be the first to shut down and they would not allow such thing to happen. Imagine the millions of dollars that they would loose if that was to happen.
A few storms bring a bit of cloud coverage which brings a bit of coolness. We like it that way.

Mom's Home!

Yes.
She is finally here. I never thought she would actually agree to come here and I am quite surprised. She is also excited and eager to spend some time with us and her grand kids here. I thank my brother for going trough all the trouble of dealing with the INS and all the hassles of applications, letters, money and so much more. The process took at least a couple of years. Well done Max!
I am truly looking forward to spending time with her as well. There is so much to say and know. I love her dearly but I just have not been too attached to her as I used to be when I was a kid--Circumstances I suppose. I always enjoyed seeing her on my trips to Mexico, but if she wasn't around, it was not a big deal.
I hope that changes...
Her 3 brothers are driving from L.A. to see her this weekend and of course at the same time, my "other mom" (Mother in Law) is also hosting her sister from Arizona and she is expecting us (including Olivia-my daughter) to be there...
I hope there aren't too many issues between the "grannies".
Well, life is still full of surprises...

Till next time..

CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS

Life is good.
I count my blessings. Yes, I've had my share of pain but, who hasn't?..
Even the fact that my girlfriend is "late" does not scare or frighten me.
A child would be welcomed with open arms and lots of love. I am sure Anthony and Olivia (our kids) would be thrilled to have a little brother or sister. I would too. Not that it would be a planned pregnancy, but how many pregnancies are carefully planned?. Hopefully lots.
On the other hand, we were just settling into our ways,(No diaper duties, or up at night with crying and late night doctor's visits)but rather, enjoying Olivia and Anthony with their school and extra activities routine. So, what to make of it?...I am not sure.
I know it's not official yet.
Then again, we are also not married. Why do we make everything so complicated?
Why do "I" make things complicated.
Then again,
I count my blessings.

MOM

So my mom is coming to the States.
My brother is in the process currently of getting her an entrance visa through the US Consulate in Juarez, Mexico. That in itself is another story.
The fact that she is coming here, I suppose is a good thing. She will be living with my brother for a while and perhaps with me here as well. I do not think she'll be staying long. She has lived all her life in Mexico (Cuernavaca) and her roots are there. All the grand children that she has helped to raise are there and I know she will miss all of them dearly.
I am happy she is coming here. I have not "lived" with my mom since I was 12 and even before then, the times we spent together as a family were sporadic. I hope that we can get to talk and really get to know each other as mother-son and as independent people as well.

ADOE Second Edition

Michel Bernard from France is at it again...

A day on Earth project ---a flickr thing----
Is back on...

>

Where the hell is Matt?

Great Video---make syou want to get up and GO!

WHAT NOW!

World Cup is over----Italy beat France if you didn't know.
Mexican Presidential Elections are at a stalemate currently and Football season is stil about two months away.

So, what now?.
Well, more heat here in Las Vegas. The humidity has helped but it is still muggy. Much more else to come....Stay tuned

THE WINNER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

That is what Mr. Calderon is.
He is not yet the President of Mexico. At least not until he is officially declared "The President Elect" around August or so. He will very likely stay in that position, despite the many challenges coming from Andres M. Lopez Obrador, the other candidate who received just as many votes, if not more according to his followers. (the difference being of only about 0.27%)
The comparison between this election and the one in 2000, here in the United States between Gore and Bush is all over the news. The similarities do not end there. There are also accusations of voter manipulation, software programs designed "by" supporters of Calderon that were used by the IFE, which again, has been dominated by PAN, the party currently in power. In the end, status quo will prevail.
Somewhere else, I read that the PAN is now the new PRI. Lets see how well they do for the next 6 years, perhaps a bit more than what the Fox Presidency accomplished.
As for AMLO, hopefully he can work with the new administration for the betterment of the country. Mexico.

MEXICAN ELECTIONS

Si hay algo que aprendieron de las elecciones Americanas los politicos Mexicanos, es que cuando los resultados estan a la pareja, sea por unos cuantos millares de votos, uno tiene que decir, "Yo soy el ganador" No importa que los resultados no sean finales.

SI usted recuerda, lo mismo paso hace 6 anios aqui en los Estados Unidos, cuando Al Gore y George Bush fueron frente a frente. Inicialmente, los resultados eran favorables a Gore, y de repente las cadenas informativas retractaron eso para decir que los resultados todavia eran pre-maturos (FLORIDA) y que no habia un gandor por certeza. Cuando menos aqui nadie se declaro ganador inmediatamente. Aun sin haber resultados oficiales, George Bush se declaro el ganador, aunque oficialmente no fue declarado ganador por la suprema corte hasta mas de un mes despues.

Es lo que va a pasar en Mexico?
Quiza la diferencia sea de tan solo unos 300,000 votos. y eso sera suficiente para que cualquier candidato y sus seguidores griten, "FRAUDE", aun cuando todos los candidatos declararon que respetarian los resultados finales. Pero si ese fuera el caso, entonces nadie hubiera declarado victoria. Va a haber demandas, es lo unico que le queda al perdedor, demandar y tratar de que los resultados se revisen en detalle, como fue aqui en EEUU. No le conviene al perdedor el usar marchas, mitines, movimientos o paralizar el govierno,y que acaten los resultados sean cual sean.
Ojala que el perdedor use sensatez para aceptar la voluntad de la gente. Aunque el ganador no sea elegido por una mayoria de los Mexicanos, deben ver que la democracia continua su avanze en Mexico. Va ser muy claro despues de estas elecciones que el congreso ya no va a ser completamente dominado por el PRI. Quiza esa sea la unica bendicion para el proximo Presidente.


Ya se observo que la presidencia de Fox no fue tan effectiva, y eso quiza sea porque no supo "trabajar" con el congreso anterior. Y esa es una leccion que el proximo Presidente tiene que aprender.
Ojala y que en este caso, los unicos ganadores sean los Mexicanos.

A GREAT MARRIAGE

Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles Music are combined in a great production called .LOVE at The Mirage here in town. According to my brother, who works there and as an employee, got to see it before it opens officially tonight, it is a great show and he is no fan of the Beatles. There are very high expectations for the show, since its been a while since a worthy du Soleil production, since "O" at Bellagio, at least in my opinion. Now we have 5 of them; KA, MYSTERE, ZUMANITY and the previously mentioned "O" and now LOVE>
I hope to catch it soon since I have always been a Beatle fan. I will let you know how good it is.

DREAM

I dreamt I was in Mexico City walking about with my digital camera, which was not my "real" camera, but something not so digital and bigger than a video camera. There were quite a few people around and I happened to know some of them. On of these people, was the front runner for the presidency of Mexico. Manuel Lopez Obrador He was just sitting there on the sidewalk with, I am assuming some of his assistants, while most people walked about. I asked one of his friends to take a picture of us. I sat right next to him and put my arm around him. Instead of looking to the guy taking the picture, I put my right arm around him and shook his hand with my left hand. I turned to face him and told him, "It is an honor. You are going to be a great President. It is in your destiny." Of course when the guy returned with my camera, I checked the pictures on the small screen and sure enough, no picture!
By then, he had walked off. The dream veered off into another direction, still dealing with the big ugly white digital camera.

DICK CHENEY-HYPOCRISY

I guess if you are the V.P. of the United States you are exempt from hypocrisy. As the V.P. of the U.S. you are allowed to leak info on Covert CIA agents and get away with it. However, if you are the press, or anyone else for that matter, you cannot report on anything that the government is doing in the shadows of secrecy. Yes indeed. Hypocrisy!
Read more on: Huffingtonpost

WHAT A WEEK!

Hello all.
It's been a busy and relaxing week at the same time.
As usual, work keeps me busy during the week and not being able to go to sleep early, then getting up at 6:00AM my time, to watch the soccer games has taken its toll. Though now that the games start a lot later makes it a bit easier to concentrate on everything else but soccer.
Yes, my team was eliminated by Argentina as I figured.....Also, as I predicted, the US did not get past the first round. You don;t have to be a genius to know that, anyways.
This past weekend, I took two extra days off and went camping with Melissa. I can't remember the last time I went camping and this was a great experience. We went to Duck Creek up in the mountains of Utah. a mere 3 hour trip from Vegas. Also about 30 degrees in difference. Not a major camping trip, just a lot of hanging out and relaxing. Took some games and books to read. Lots of bugs but hey, its nature..
We talked (She did more of it) more about the state of our relationship and where we are headed. Too soon and too quick to make decisions. Sometimes these life changing, altering decisions must be thought through and we still have a lot of it to do. I do love her do. I know I may not show it at times but I know I do.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END?

Or is it?
There is this scene in a Woody Allen movie, where the main character-woman- comes back to her apartment after being out to see a "friend". She is confronted by her "boyfriend", an older man, played by Max Von Sydow (If that is how its is spelled) He looks at her and deduces that she has been kissed because her lips are red and she is nervous and on and on.
Then he breaks down and says, "I should have married you many years ago when you wanted to" or something along those lines. Because he knew it was inevitable that he was going to lose her.
Which brings me back to my case.
I think my girlfriend is finding out that she has a lot more in common with old friends and acquaintances than we do together. Yes we are great with our kids and enjoy each other immensely. However, my feeling is that it is dawning on her that we are not getting any "younger" but perhaps more mature in all senses of the word. The sticking point in our relationship is the marriage issue.
I do not want to get married and she does. Until we resolve this issue I don't think either of us is going to have peace of mind.
Does the fact that she is 26 and I am 41 matter? Clearly it is beginning to show. I am seeing some signs or changes in her demeanor. I do not believe that she is cheating on me, but I think she is considering her options (Not whether she cheats on me or not) but on whether it is worth staying together and what is good in her own life and for her own future.

WORLD CUP-MORE NEWS

IN regards to the picture below, It says, PHO' KIM LONG.
Strange name. I am sure it means something in Vietnamese or other language, but when you read it in English, it does say, what it sounds like.
Anyways.
Lots of soccer games the last week; 3 a day to be more precise, exactly what the doctor prescribed. No big surprises there. The teams that no one has hardly heard of keep losing to those that are superior in the sport. It is like that in any sport I guess. Definitely a show of first tier teams; Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Italy, versus the likes of; Ghana, Iran, Serbia-Montenegro, Togo, etc. Not that they don't deserve to be there, obviously they played in regional tournaments where they beat other teams, but at the end, I see the perennial 4; Italy, Brazil, Germany and Argentina. You pick the winner from that crowd.
The way the standings are right now, Mexico may have to play Argentina in the next round and that will be the end of it. The US will probably not get past the first round.
IN the meantime, I'll keep watching

Driving around Las Vegas

I took this picture with my cell phone, so I hope you'r able to read the name of the restaurant.

PHO" KIM LONG

JAPAN VS AUSTRALIA

So far a good leveled game. Japan already scored a gol against Australia. I think Australia needs to focus on playing better rather than play a dirty kind of game. Japan can handle the ball and move it around the field, despite their height disadvantage against Australia.
Australia will eventually score and make it a tied game or
Australia 2 Japan 1
--My prediction--.

Next game of course is the US.
Do Traditional American Networks know how much money they are giving up (in add revenues) by not showing the world cup games live on their networks?...
Univision is raking it in. Any person who wants to watch the game, knows that they just have to tune in to their local Univision channel to watch any game live. No matter their nationality (Even though the games are broadcast in Spanish.

MEXICO IRAN

GOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!
3 of them, versus 1 from Iran. Great Game. Not much else to say. Tomorrow it will be the U.S.' turn to impress everyone.

WORLD CUP SOCCER

I am watching right now the match between Paraguay vs England . It is 17 minutes into the second half. England is up by one, although it was a header by one of Paraguay's defenders. So technically, England has not scored.
However, it is hard not to notice the superiority of the English over Paraguay. Their game is very fluid and are taller than the other guys. That is an advantage, particularly when everytime someone hits the ball, it tends to curve up and up. England has kept more control of the ball and when they pass it, there is always someone who is open without a defender. Paraguay seems to just get the ball and pass it to someone who is alone without any support and the ball is quickly "stolen" by England.
As the game progresses, I can see England scoring and winning by 2 to 0. Unless the SouthAmericans get lucky and score 1. Still England will win.
Yesterday as was expected, Germany beat Costa Rica by a score of 4 against 2.
Argentina plays later today and of course. Tomorrow- Sunday here in the states- a perfect day for world cup soccer, Mexico, vs. Iran.

HOT WEATHER

yes Indeed, 105 yesterday, today 107 and tomorrow more of the same.
It's the dessert, I's Vegas, Thank goodness for air conditioning..

On another note. World Cupis comming soon. A whole month and more of nothing but good football. Will it be Brazil again?...
Probably...
As usual I will be rooting for Mexico

GHOST?

So last night I went to the den to turn the computer off. After turning the light off, I was waiting for the "off" prompt, when out of the corner of my eye (left) I saw my girlfriend just standing there. I turned my eyes back to the screen and immediately turned to ask her if she needed anything. There was nobody there. (She was in the bedroom getting ready for bed. (As I am writing this, the goose bumps come back)
Was it a ghost?.. And I know I was not just imagining things.......

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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Our Church group put together a "kids" version of "Fiddler on the Roof" this past weekend. The show was on May 21th. A great Birthday for me since Olivia participated in the play as Chava.

All kids did great in their performance. Ages varied from 7 to about 14. Olivia being the youngest, who by the way will turn 8 this Wednesday.

We went to a restaurant to celebrate her introduction to theater as well as to celebrate my 41 birthday....

I do not feel it though, I keep telling myself that I am stuck on 30's.

See more of the pictures on my flicker page...

NATIONAL GUARD ON THE BORDER

So, it finally happened.
National Guard on Mexico-US Border
Bush is going to supposedly announce that the National Guard from Border States is going to go and assist the border patrol in their quest to control the borders of the US and Mexico. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION:

The presence of armed military men/women is going to be the only way to decrease the entry into the US (from Mexico) by undocumented immigrants. The same should be done along the border with Canada.
The mere presence of armed military forces along the border is going to create friction between people who live close to the border on both sides. There was a shooting of a young kid (American) by a group of military folk a few years ago, who were "assisting" the border patrol then. They thought that he was a drug smuggler, since he had a small shooting rifle on his back. He was actually herding a bunch of goats close to the border and close to the town that he lived in.
The presence of the military will have a positive effect on the entry of "mules", or people carrying drugs into the US through the border. Undocumented entries will continue, albeit in smaller numbers. People will still risk getting caught and returned. Petty drug smugglers however, will not want to risk getting shot or imprisoned for some quick dollars.
The challenge will be in making sure that the members of the National Guard can distinguish between a mule and a simple migrant. Problem is, they look the same. Perhaps some of the people who already served in Iraq can be called back and placed on the border with Mexico, they already have the experience of dealing with stressful situations and can keep their cool and not be too quick to get into a shoot out. Unless of course it is necessary if and confronted by Armed drug smugglers.
Aside from what the President of Mexico says about the placement of the military on the border, this is an issue that had to be addressed by the US Government. Bush may be doing it to placate the conservative forces opposed to his stance on immigration and many groups from the left will decry the militarization of the border, but it is a necessary step. Once that step is taken, then some kind of amnesty for current undocumented immigrants must follow and only after they have satisfied a set of requirements imposed by the government.
Many other countries have the military guard their borders, why not the US?

MOTHERS DAY

Calling friend
Originally uploaded by Ciscokid1.

Happy Mother's Day Miss "961 Views"

MOTHERS' DAY

What is the meaning of mother's day?
Yes, to recognize and appreciate your mom and any and all moms. Happy mothers' day to you all.
Of course that was yesterday in Mexico. It will be mothers' day here on Sunday. A Bolivian friend told me that in Bolivia they celebrate in on May 27.
SO, why the difference in dates?..
Is it the same in Europe? Asia?
I wish my mom was here so I could wish her a happy mother's day.
I am sure she has a few happy days in her life. I make her cry when I talk to her. Are they tears of sadness?, happiness?
I don't know.

MAY

The heat is back.
So far a week of great weather, a bit sunny but perfect-not too hot. SOon though, it will be upwards of 100 degrees here.
In the meantime, here are some shots of what is going on in Vegas..


Recently, there was a convention of Harley owners at the place where I work. I've never seen so many Harleys in one place.




Also,
at my daughters school, they had a Patriotic program where all the second graders sang and danced...
Good Show.


Life just goes on...

CRIPPLE THE ECONOMY?

"Illegal Aliens-Fail to shut down US"--CNN
Listening to the news shows this afternoon, you'd think that the marchs and protests today were geared towards, "crippling the economy", or "shutting down America."
I don't think there is anything that can accomplish that, short of war, as we saw back in 09-11. So a country wide march or protest will not ever accomplish that.

That is not the goal. The goal is to send a message to the leadership of this country to consider granting some sort of amnesty to undocumented aliens, or illegal, however you want to refer to them. Sure there were calls for not attending school and not going to work. When you are counting on the hours that you put in to work to pay for bills, rent etc, it can be a bit hard to skip work. There are ways of getting out of work by requesting the day off, or ask for vacation days, but if they are not granted, you can risk getting "counseled" or even fired. So, to those who missed a day of work, I salute you. To those who couldn't, try and support in one way or another.
I still believe that in the long run, the marches will have their desired effect and in some way or another, there will be legislation that will help many people without documents attain them or at least not make them criminals just for lack of documents.
What happens after today?..
Hard to tell, I am sure that there will be more, though not as wide spread or as high in numbers as today.

nohr4437.org

for more info:

nohr4437.org

MAYO 1- UN DIA SIN INMIGRANTES

El día se acerca rápidamente y el miedo de las corporaciones americanas es muy palpable, particularmente los que emplean a millones de inmigrantes en trabajos de servicio; hoteles, restaurantes, hospitales, etc. Éstos no son miedos infundados. La ausencia de trabajadores en cualquier compañía lastimará su capacidad de proveer producto(s) a sus clientes, ya sea un producto tangible o intangible.
Aquí en Las Vegas, los casinos y la unión de trabajadores, “exhorta" a sus miembros (sobre todo trabajadores de hoteleros) que no dejen de trabajar y que mejor atiendan a una "reunión" después de el trabajo donde pueden firmar una petición que será enviada a los representantes del estado en el congreso. Esto reducirá al mínimo el ausentismo el 1 de Mayo; por lo menos ésa es la meta. ¿Va a ayudar? Mi opinión es que habrá bastantes trabajadores ausentes pero las compañías han establecido ya planes para lidiar con esta situación. Lo interesante de esta “amistad” es el hecho de que la unión y las compañías aquí encontraron tierra común. En vez de que la unión llamara para apoyar a las marchas, acordó organizar un mitin con los presidentes de los hoteles. Por supuesto lo están haciendo por pura conveniencia. El contrato entre los hoteles y la unión va a ser re-negociada muy pronto y esto le ayuda a la unión a pedir mas concesiones.
¿Y los trabajadores que?
Habrán mas marchas y habrá gente que no trabajara en todas partes del país este Mayo1, de eso no hay duda. Todo esto afectara las decisiones tomadas por el Congreso No duden que la presión de los grupos cívicos y el miedo a que las marchas podrían aumentar en frecuencia y tamaño afectará las decisiones que el congreso toma. Es absolutamente posible que si no se hace nada, la premisa de la película, "A Day Without Mexicans" pudiera ser realidad.

May 1 a day without

May 1, a day without immigrants.

The day quickly approaches and the fear of the American corporations is palpable, particularly those that employ thousands of immigrants in service jobs; hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. These aren’t unfounded fears. They have seen hundreds of thousands of marchers across the country express their support for legislation that will allow some sort of amnesty for the undocumented population of the U.S. and as time passed since the marches began just a few weeks ago, the significance of May 1, as the day of the worker, has become greater here in the States. Typically Labor Day is celebrated in September. In many other countries, Labor day is May 1. So, why are the corporations afraid? one simple term, profits.
The absence of workers on May 1 in any company will hurt their ability to deliver product(s) to their customers, whether it is a tangible or intangible product. This in turn affects their bottom line in unhappy customers and when you are dealing with thousands and thousands of customers daily, it can get a bit frightening. In the service industry, this is dogma. So what to you do about it?
Here in Las Vegas, the large corporations and the local union, have teamed up to “encourage” their members (Mostly hotel workers) to show up for work and instead, attend a “rally” at a very popular spot here in town where they can sign a petition which will be sent to the State representatives in Congress. This “should” minimize absenteeism on May 1; at least that is the goal. Is it going to help? My guess is that there will be plenty of workers who will be absent form work but the companies have already established plans to deal with this issue. What I find interesting is the fact that the union and the companies here found a middle ground with regards to this issue. Instead of the union calling for support from their membership for the marches, they have agreed to hold the rally. Of course they are doing it for leverage. Contract negotiations are beginning soon, so instead of antagonizing their counterparts, they are willing to cut a deal that will help the hotels get through May 1 without major issues. I am wondering if this has happened in other parts of the country.
What about the workers?
There will be people marching and missing work throughout the country on May 1, no doubt about it. Will it affect decisions made in congress in regards to immigration? In the long run, I think so. There is no doubt that the pressure that civic groups and the fear that the marches could increase in frequency and size will affect the decisions that Congress takes. It is quite possible that if nothing is done, the premise of the movie, “A Day Without Mexicans” might come true.

EASTER SUNDAY

There is a strong message on Easter Sunday that doesn't have anything to do with Bunnies or Easter eggs.

It is an uplifting message of hope and new life out of death. Whether you are religious or not, you cannot help but to listen and reflect. I guess the message is stronger after you suffer some form of tragedy, distress or life altering event.
I make it a point to attend at least a couple of services throughout the year; Christmas, Easter and whenever Olivia is singing in the choir. Of course there are plenty of excuses, not reasons, not to attend. My main one is that I like to sleep in on Sundays, have pancakes and just enjoy the morning. I used to go every Sunday to church back in Mexico, now it is here and there, particularly when Olivia wants to go. She is there a lot more frequently than I am so, I suppose I should make some kind of personal commitment with God about being a regular attendee at one of our churches.
It isn't being with churchgoers, or what the preacher, priest, pastor may say. It is the message I get out of it and the connection I make with my own self or god. Is it a matter of age?
I stopped going in my mid-twenties and as I grow older, I feel the need to have a closer connection with God.
What do you do?
What do you think?

One More Year

Another year that goes by.
Another torrent of memories unleashed.


It was early in the morning. Standing on the balcony at the Century Plaza in L.A. There was a thick blanket of fog enveloping the building. I could barely make out the railing that kept me from the ground bellow. Barely a sound around or maybe I just shut down all my senses. It seemed so peaceful up there. I did think of jumping and only one thought kept me from doing it.
Olivia.
How do I go about telling her that her mom had just died a few hours before?
Barb had just gone through a bone marrow transplant at UCLA Medical a few days before. Our hopes were so high that she would get through the transplant, but a few days after, things began to turn for the worst.
The last thing I remember telling her was that we were going to take her down into the ICU for close observation. She replied with tears in her eyes, "OK, OK." Because of pain they had to heavily sedate her. After that, she was barely conscious while her body began to show signs of deterioration. It took about 5 days in ICU and eventually her vital organs began to fail.
One by one went.
Many doctor came by, who hardly exchanged words with us. Barb's mom and sisters were always in the room and we took turns to go out to get some food or a bathroom break.
It was a certain doctor, whose face I still remember who brought us or me, into full reality mode.
He explained that my wife was dying, that there wasn't much more that they could do. He explained that all the symptoms and signs indicated that her body was shutting down and that eventually her heart would stop beating.
I broke down and cried. Sobbing like a kid whose ice cream just fell off the cone. I cried on my mother in law's shoulders and embraced comforting each other. There wasn't much else to say. The tears and sobs got in the way.
The future at that point looked so uncertain. The only thought was for my daughter..
and it still is.
Eventually she stopped breathing and then a few minutes later, her heart stopped. And just like that, our lives as we knew them, were over.
We all comforted each other back at the hotel later that morning. Barb's dad had stayed back at the hotel to babysat Olivia while we were at the hospital. We cried more after we told him of what had happened. Olivia was till asleep.
So much pain, so much sadness.
And it doesn't go away ...as easily.

protest

protest
Originally uploaded by Rosie O'Donnell.

Thanks to Rosie O'Donnell for the picture...

IMMIGRATION MARCHES-MORE COMING

Rather than write a long essay about the immigrant movement going on in this country, I will give you my view of the whole thing.

The movement is catching white America by surprise. Not many people expected that thousands and thousands, weeks after weeks of protesters would take to the streets in a peaceful manner. When some people opposed to the marches or to the whole idea of granting any kind of amnesty for immigrants complained that the marchers "should" wave American flags and not the Mexican flag, organizers of these marches asked and suggested to their participants to wave and hold the American flag. Protesters complied and in the last two days, most of the marchers were indeed holding American flags. I suppose that after this weeks protests, the people opposed to the protests will cry "foul" about some other aspect of the marches.

The people opposed to the moveements fail to see that this is not an issue that pertains only to Mexican immigrants. In the marches you will see, besides Mexican flags, Salvadoran, Ecuadorian, and from other countries. But, it isn't just about nationalities or flags.
It is about accepting a group of people into American society. About making them productive members of society who will pay their taxes and contribute economically into the system. I am not suggesting that the amnesty should be given across the board, but rather to those who have been here for a long time, 5 years, 10 years, I am not sure, perhaps at least five years. If the figures being passed around these days are correct, at least 10 million undocumented aliens are living in the country. Of those millions, perhaps the majority have been here more than five years. Drive around any neighborhood in any major city of the United States and you will see many businesses and housing that are owned by immigrants. These people have been working hard and for a long time to attain their dreams. The irony is that many of these people are undocumented immigrants. There are ways of buying a house and or starting a business without having documents. These people have also settled in this country. They have kids who are American citizens and the prospects of going back to their native countries is far fetched. These are the kind of people that need the amnesty. There have to be guidelines to achieve this amnesty. Starting with a "penalty" fee or whatever you want to call it. Say a document fee of $1000.00 or more. If there are at least 7 million undocumented immigrants who will qualify for this amnesty, each paying $1000.00 each, You do the math.
That money will go directly to the tax coffers of the federal government. This can be used to pay back to States that are most "affected" by immigrants or to pay for social services that may need to be provided for many of them. Although, I would suggest that any new applicant or once the amnesty is granted, they cannot receive or apply for social services such as; Medicare, social security, etc. There will always be non profit groups, churches or civic groups that would step in to assist those in dire need.
Yes, they have families back home, parents, sisters, brothers. However, those who chose to stay also have families of their own and the idea of making a deadly trek through the dessert with kids in tow is out of the question.
Most of those daring to come north are single, men and young. The kind of workers that a vibrant economy needs. Now if these people can prove that they have been here at least 5 years, then they should apply. If not, there ought to be other options available that will at least keep track of their whereabouts. At the same time, the federal government needs to do more efforts to seal the border with Mexico.
There are more advantages to granting amnesty than disadvantages.
More of that later...

BRUINS--WHAT A RUN!

O.K.
So my team didn't make it. They lost in the finals. Florida was convincingly the better team. Time to move on..

Busy week here at work. This weekend there is a concert for Billy Joel and the following day for "Queen" Of course Queen without Freddy Mercury is like KISS without make up, Like the Beatles without John or George, Like Katie Curic without Matt Lauer.....
Now that is stretching it...

Yes did you hear Katie Curic is moving to CBS to do 60 Minutes?...
Should be interesting...

So How is your week?.

BENGAL TIGER IN ALABAMA

BENGAL TIGER IN ALABAMA


So, while driving home today from work, I heard on the radio that there is a Bengal tiger prowling around the State of Alabama.

(No location given)
Supposedly it is a tiger with a red strap on its neck. Of course speculation is that someone had it and raised it since it was a cub and it got away from them or they actually let it loose.
Why in the world would you want a pet like that?....
I was afraid of the sharp claws that my cat “used to have”.
Each time I picked her up when she was a kitten, I’d be weary of the scratches I was going to get, now imagine a tiger cub.

What do you feed an animal like that?...
What size is their litter box?
Does it chase birds and mice?
Does is scratch at the window and howl while there are other cats outside?..

I do think every cat should have a colorful strap though…….

Do your pets have a red strap?????

Animal pets that is..

BRUINS ON TO THE FINAL FOUR!

Picture by AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
They did it again..
Yes they are going to the Final Four. That in itself is an accomplishment, but not good enough. Now they must go for the big one; The National Championship. Just like they did 11 years ago.


Yes, time does fly.

What ever happened to; Ed O'Bannon, Cameron Dollar, Tyus Edney, Toby Bailey, etc, etc.?
If you know?.....Let me know..

Final Four Saturday and Monday, April 1 and 3, 2006

WEEKEND

Hot weather is coming soon to Vegas. Currently Spring Break is here. This means loud, obnoxious, dirty and inconsiderate college students are all over the place. I was once a college student too. But, not a loud one so I cannot identify with these brutes. The girls tend to be nicer, unless they are a little drunk, but hey, it's time to "live it up" right?..
Since I am on the subject of College and Spring Break, March Madness is here. March Madness is all about Collegiate Basketball. A tournament with lots of teams playing for The NCAA National Championship. Four teams (The Final Four) will play for the final two spots to select the National Collegiate Champion. Last night was a very wild one. The Bruins (UCLA) came back from behind to beat a team that "had" it already won..... But, it isn't over till its over..
Read on..

Bruins Win

GO BRUINS!

ONE YEAR

Yes, It's been a year since I've been blogging. It's been fun and educational. I still manage to read some bloggs in between working and everyday living. I have seen a few bail out. Some new ones, some that grow and evolve. I think eventually the blogg world will thin out to leave mostly those who are serious about writing about a particular or specific subject and those that serve a special "need".
Mine?..
Just to keep a timeline about my own personal happenings. someday when I sit down to write my memoirs, this blogg will serve as a reference for this part of my life. I do have an interesting life.

Chapter 1 will be

Hijo de la Sierra.
Or A Child of the Highlands

It is a story that takes me from a small village, nestled in the highlands of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. From there to Mexico City and 15 years later to the city of Los Angeles. In between; tragedy, love, tears, despair, sadness, loneliness and all those emotions that make us stronger and able to continue facing what is ahead each day.

GREEN ENCHILADAS

Someone has been asking for recipes so here is my first one.
This is a recipe for "Green Enchiladas". Enchiladas are a very traditional Mexican dish. There are many variations, including "Enchiladas Swizas" "American Enchiladas-only found in the US-", etc.

I prefer the green ones:
I think of myself as a good cook, However, I am not much for following recipes, so I hope if you follow my instructions, you will turn out a good dish for about 4 people.

YOU NEED:

4-Chicken Breasts-with bones
A Packet of Tortillas(12 to 24)-Corn works best
A Bush of cilantro
Tomatillos( about 12)-very important part of recipe.
GourmetSleuth -� Tomatillos (Husk Tomatoes)Tomatillos provide the tart or sour flavor to the dish. Most big markets carry these nowadays.
Garlic- 1 head
Onions (4)
Some type of "Crumbly cheese"
Jalapenios (6)(Or chile Serrano)-Fresh-"Not Canned!"
Cooking oil
1 container of creme fraiche (Or mexican creme, thinner than sour cream)-not sour cream
Salt pepper and all other necessary kitchen spices.
1 Blender
2 Pots
1 Pan
1 Pyrex-glass type shallow and long

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts with quartered onions, garlic, salt and pepper.
While that is cooking, clean the cilantro, jalapenios, remove the husk from the tomatillos and wash. Gather a couple of pans for cooking (boiling) the jalapenios and tomatillos with onions.
(Clean the cilantro by removing the bottom part of the stem. Some people just use the leaves, I like to use the stems as well.)

Once the chicken is cooked, remove from pot and let cool, since you will be removing the breast meat from the bones. Save the broth. This will be used for making the sauce. The meat will be used to place inside the tortillas. More about that when we get to that part.

Preheat oven at 250.

Once the jalapenios and tomatillos are cooked, drain water and you will need to blend everything that you cooked with the tomatillos (onions, garlic, jalapenios). Instead of water, use the chicken broth to add to the Sauce in the blender. Be careful not to add too much or the sauce will be runny. While the blender is going, add handfuls of colanders. Add a bit more salt, depending on particular taste.
Set the sauce aside and begin to shred the chicken-by hand.

While you are shredding the chicken, place the salsa in a large pan and place on the stove to maintain hot and also to cook off some of the liquid in case it is too runny. No more than 10 minutes.

The chicken will be placed inside the tortillas.-Soft tortillas work the best, of course in Mexico you have the "luxury" of just walking to the corner tortilleria to get fresh tortillas. Here in the states, you have to microwavethem to make them soft and manageable. You can either roll the tortilla with the chicken inside or just fold over in half (Like and actual Mexican quesadilla)

You will need a pan with hot oil to fry the tortillas once they are folded with the chicken inside. Fry to a light brown, ,not too hard-place on paper napkins or plate to drain oil.
Place the already fried enchiladas into a long Pyrex type glass ocntainer. Lay them flat, side by side or however you want. The sauce will be spread over the enchiladas, add the cheese to the top and quickly place in the preheated oven.
While the pan is ine over for about 10 minutes, set the table, get your favorite beer out and then serve the enchiladas.
Add more cheese, add cream on top, sliced onions to tatse and maybe some shredded cilantro for garnish or whole leaves.
A dish with 4 or five enchiladas has enough nutrients and flavor tha you do not need anything else to go with them
However,
Enchiladas can be served with refried beans (That will be my next recipe for you) IN the meantime, canned refried beans are OK. You can also serve with rice (Another Mexican dish with lots of variations)

Enjoy!

Month Long Absence

Yes, it has been a month.

A month without writing, not that I don't have anything to write about, I have just been busy with work..and with everyday life.

At work- I cannot believe the stupidity of people over the simplest things---
"I cannot have any bread, so can you make a sandwich without bread?"
Of course the answer is yes (All for customer service).....
My questions is:

If you cannot have bread in your diet, why walk into an establishment where the specialty is Sandwiches?.... Why not try a coffe shop or buffet?, for crying outloud, it is Vegas!

Don't feel offended if you fall in this category-It is called "planning ahead"

Another one is:

"Can you make a sandwich with my own bread?----I have my own bread"
That is definitely a no- no.
It goes against health regulations, then again, if you carry your own particular kind of bread around, why not go to the store and buy the ingredients to make your own?..

At home- Just hanging out when I get the chance.
Reading books, trying to relax after the stress of work.
(Currently reading- The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova)

Just venting.......
and you.
How've you been?...

NOW WHAT!

Yes, now what!

Football season is over, Texas beat USC in college football. March madness is coming up (College Basketball) but still, NBA, don't follow it enough, at least not until the playoffs.
SO, the US Government "pressures" the Starwood chain of hotels (Westin, Sheraton, W, etc.) to kick out a Cuban delegation out of the hotel where they were staying to conduct meetings with US Businessmen.
Yes, I know there is an embargo against Cuba, However, this happened in Mexico City!. Of course the Federal Government there (Currently PAN) decided to stay out of this sticky situation by claiming that it was an issue between "private individuals." The hotel even kept all monies previously paid by the Cubans for their reservation.
I doubt that the embargo was the reason behind the removal of the Cubans out of their hotel. Simply because if the embargo was to be applied constantly and frequently, we would have plenty of people all over the world getting kicked out of their rooms, since most hotel companies or chains, tend to be American.
American businessmen, even Senators have gone to Cuba for one reason or another, why have they not been stopped?
Maybe it had to do with an American company trying to do business with a Cuban company which would have a negative effect on one of George Bush's interests or a friend's?...
Just pure speculation here.