The Vegas Robert Review

There's So Much Shit for Kids with Cancer

2010-04-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Alex from high school who I miss chingos left me this vm and it cracked me up so I am sharing it... wish you could hear it - so much sweeter with her voice and emphasis - she was in Drama you know..

Sent Sunday April 18th at 1:49 PM:

Hey Robert, it's Alex. Pince cabron nunca contestas. Oye, I - really wanted to complain about these bitches that stand in the middle of the road asking for money que pa una werkita con cancer. Look - I don't know if there really is a kid with cancer that they're getting money for but these fat ass bitches are always asking for money. You nunca les ay dado but I always see them and one of them always has her chiches out - la mas gorda - ta pero mas gorda que yo wey. She's like over 300 lbs - that fat bitch - do u know what she said to me - she yelled at me que era bien pinche. She said que (yells in re-enactment but I can't make out the words) like next to me. I was like Oh No you did not just call me stingy. You're asking me for money and insulting me for not giving you money. What is wrong with you? Aparte que for a 10 year old kid, which this kid has been 11 years old for like 2 years - puro pinche petho! I mean - I'm sorry but in the US there's a lot - a lot of help for kids with cancer - maybe not adults as much but for kids with cancer, there's like - there's so much shit for kids with cancer - puro pince petho wey!! I'm pissed man. no hombre wey. no. I'm pissed dude..

So I called the cops on those fat bitches. And the cops said they were gonna go tell them to leave because they're not supposed to be doing that. Like they're not even supposed to be there asking for money. Well then why don't the bastards - por que no las corren? Ya tienen toda la manana. Bueno-anyway my sister's on the other line I gotta let you go but Fat Bitches I'm gonna kick their ass (more spanish I can't make out what she says here).

Bueno pues - bye.

Working Together to Create Magical Days for Seriously Ill Children

2009-07-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have always been a huge fan of college football and I recently discovered a wonderful organization that marries my love of the sport with a great cause. The organization is Special Spectators, a group that brings seriously ill children and their families to memorable game day events. What could be better than introducing these youngsters to the color, pageantry, sights and sounds of college football?

Special Spectators works with Division I institutions who donate tickets to sporting events for the seriously ill children and their families. The organization coordinates all the day's activities from pregame events, on field events, and post game events. These activities can include tailgate parties, meeting athletes, cheerleaders, mascots, and bands, on the field introductions, locker room tours, coaches meetings, and much more. The result is these kids get one magical day away from the daily battle of their illness.

The on-field introduction is the most powerful and memorable of all the activities. At some universities, as many as 107,000 fans have given these children a standing ovation for the courage they show from day-to-day.

"My son has suffered so and I have cried a million tears, but the joy that you gave these children with Special Spectators will take away some to those sad times. We lay at night talking about the roar the crowd made for those four little heroes who stood on that OU field. Brian’s eyes light up when he tells others about the limo ride and all the special things that happened that night. To those who made it happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you brought to these kids who so deserve it." E.B. - Mother

If you would like to be a part of something meaningful that also shares in your passion for college football, please consider these 5 easy steps you can take to help raise awareness and spread the word!

Join the group / be a Fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=581038173#/pages/Special-Spectators/11275075777
Learn more about how you can volunteer to get involved by reading the Help Wanted post on our blog: http://specialspectators.blogspot.com/2009/05/special-spectators-classifieds-help.html
Follow @SpecialFans on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SpecialFans
Make a small donation to help support the cause!
Purchase your favorite team's gear from FootballFanatics using this link and a portion of your sale will go to Special Spectators.

The Race for the Cure(R)

2009-04-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a chance to support a great cause, but if you live in Vegas and would rather walk than sponsor me, please go to our page below and click on "Join Robert's Team!". Friends and Family are welcome to join our Company Team ("Team SRS") for a nominal reg fee ...

I am walking on May 2nd, 2009 in a Breast Cancer Walk and raising funds for this very good cause. I've done this twice before (2006 and last year in 2008) and am looking forward to walking again.

I'm participating in the 5K Walk (Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure) on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. Why?

It's great exercise.
It's for a good cause.
And we're doing it together as a team with those that participate by walking, and with the friends and family that participate by sponsoring us.

If you can donate any small amount, or for more info on our walk, please visit the url below.

Click Here for More Info.

If you cannot access the link above, please copy and paste the url into your browser's address bar:

http://race.komensouthernnevada.org/goto/vegasrobert2009

This is my third walk and I started with my nephews. In 2006, we had 6 sponsorships totaling $212 in donations. In 2008, we had 11 sponsorships totaling $340 in donations. The goal for 2009 is $400! Company team-wise, we raised over $900 last year and look to top $1,000 this year - we're already at $490 as of this post!

Special Thanks to Last Year's Sponsors:
alpha by last name

$25 - Rachel Allen
Las Vegas, NV

$25 - Matt Almond
Orem, UT

$25 - LC Cunningham
Las Vegas, NV

$15 - Alberto Garcia
Las Vegas, NV

$30 - Patricia Garcia
Houston, TX

$15 - Ricardo Garcia
Winnipeg, MB (Canada)

$50 - Robert Garcia
Las Vegas, NV

$50 - Priscilla K. Lee
San Francisco, CA

$50 - Althea Parker and Barbara Casey
San Francisco, CA

$30 - Carlos Quintero
, TX

$25 - Jerusha Rich
Berkeley, CA

We also want to thank those who sponsored us the first time we walked...

2006 Donations Received - Thank You!
by date

$50.00 - Kehau & Casey
Las Vegas, NV (10/1/06)

$5.00 - Alberto Garcia, 12
Las Vegas, NV (9/30/06)

$50.00 - Jerusha Rich
Berkeley, CA (9/25/06)

$50.00 - Priscilla Lee
San Francisco, CA (9/25/06)

$7.00 - Andres Garcia Jr., 13
Las Vegas, NV (9/25/06)

$50.00 - Robert Garcia
Las Vegas, NV (9/22/06)

My Last Berto Pics...

2008-06-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I haven't been blogging to let you know but I have been consistently uploading pics... lots of them... to my Picassa Web Albums online at http://picasaweb.google.com/vegasrobert. You can see Berto at the Shooting Range, Berto at Disneyland, Berto takes a shit (ok, this one's a joke, chill out now)... but you get the picture (pardon the lame pun).

Anyhoo... I've attached one cool pic of Berto proudly holding up his target sheet of Osama Bin Laden. Out of 20 rounds, he had 19 hits (18 were head and chest hits with 1 on Osama's gun). Only 1 was a miss. I like this pic. Online, you can see my own target sheet... yeah, I didn't do as well as Berto and I had more hits on my hostage than I did on the perp. But it's okay.. I got a few shots on his crotch... ouch!!

By the way, if anyone out there sees Berto, remind him I miss him, I love him, and words cannot explain what it feels like to ...

... oh, trust me, you don't want me to get into it. Words cannot desribe it. I'll leave it at that. I love him. I miss him. And words can do no justice until ... UGH!!! I said I wouldn't get into it... so I'm gonna stop now. Please excuse my pathetic whimpers.

P.S. Check out the older albums, too. You may not have seen these all.

The Race for the Cure

2008-04-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a chance to support a great cause, but if you live in Vegas and would rather walk than sponsor Berto, please go to our page and click on Join Alberto's Team! Friends and Family are welcome to join our Company Team (Service Repair Solutions) ...

Alberto (Berto) and I are walking on May 3rd, 2008 in a Breast Cancer Walk and Berto is raising funds for this very good cause. We've done this once before (2 years ago) and are looking forward to walking again.

We're participating in the 5K Walk (Susan G. Komen for the Cure) on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. Why?

It's great exercise.

It's for a good cause.

Berto learns a lot by participating and donating some of his allowance.

And we're doing it together.

If you can donate any small amount, or for more info on our walk, please visit the url below.

Click Here for More Info

If you cannot acces the link above, please copy and paste the url into your browser's address bar:

http://rfclv.convio.net/goto/berto-and-berto

We also want to thank those who sponsored us the last time we walked...

2006 Donations Received - Thank You!

$50.00 - Kehau & CaseyLas Vegas, NV (10/1/06)
$5.00 - Alberto Garcia, 12Las Vegas, NV (9/30/06)
$50.00 - Jerusha RichBerkeley, CA (9/25/06)
$50.00 - Priscilla LeeSan Francisco, CA (9/25/06)
$7.00 - Andres Garcia Jr., 13Las Vegas, NV (9/25/06)
$50.00 - Robert GarciaLas Vegas, NV (9/22/06)

"A Little R&R" Part 2, My Answers…

2008-01-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Here's what Reuben published on his blog last week while I posted his answers to my blog (Part 1). Actually, I had to clean this up for his blog (his Mom reads his blog) but Janis and I are all about the yo momma jokes so I'm keeping them in for my blog...enjoy! First question is boring but it gets better.

1. What friendship did you not maintain that you wish you would have?
One of my closest friends in high school never spoke to me again after he felt betrayed or left out of our circle with another close friend. He just got mad one day, walked out of my house, and never came back. It was weird because we thought he was angry, would get over it and we would see him again the next day – but apparently he was really very angry and hurt and I just didn’t get it at the time. He was ALWAYS at my house so I was surprised when he just stopped coming over. I still wonder what he’s up to sometimes – he’s connected to my family in the Valley (TX, not LV) so I still hear about him when they see him and tell me they ran into him. I say nothing but oh wow, that’s great, etc. I wish we would have stayed friends – he was a good friend.

2. Have you ever had "friend sex"? Could you maintain the friendship afterwards?
Does your momma count as a friend? Then yes and yes, maintained once on Saturdays and twice on Thursdays… Seriously now -- Ugh, gross. That’s like incest. Hey Reuben, you’re my friend... wanna do it? See what I mean?

3. Did you ever have someone that really liked you as a friend that you just didn't care for? How did you handle it?
I had a friend once that I finally let go. I tried real hard to be a good friend and was for a long time, but she got mad b/c I don’t call my friends back. We no longer speak. By the way, I’m a horrible friend – just ask my friends.

4. You're on a 3 week vacation. Each week you have to take a different friend & go to a different place. Who do you take? Where do you go? What do you do while you’re there?
Only one person per week? Ok… First, Rosie and I will go to Mexico and do each other. Then, Janis and I will go to Texas and do your Momma. Third week, Priscilla and I will go to Australia because we’ve always wanted to go sightseeing there and never made it. I also want to go somewhere with Jerusha again but I don’t have any idea where – we could go to Yuma, AZ and have the best time doing NOTHING!! We did that! It was the BEST! YU-MA!! YU-MA!!

5. You and your dog(s) (man's best friend) find an injured cat on the side of the road. What happens next?
Kyla, my dog, eats the pussy (wo ---- she’s gay and you’re dirty? - I meant pussycat you naughty you). Then I say good girl, pat her head, and give her a treat. According to Kyla, cats suck. It’s on her MySpace profile at http://www.myspace.com/kylagarcia

6. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done because a friend told you to do it?
I got out of the car, walked out into a field to pick up an abandoned shoe and the car with my friends in it drove off without me… why did I do it? Because Mari told me to! Wow, they had such a good time laughing with me… except I was walking alone – not with them, and I wasn’t laughing. It’s still WITH, right?

7. Have you ever broken the law to help a friend, or helped them break the law/cover it up? Provide details without soliciting a conviction.
Except for that dead hooker in Waco that David asked me to hide in our apartment, no, not really. God, she stunk! Oh wait, I guess I did try to cover it up – does Febreze count as a cover up?

8. If you had to sleep with one of your friends in order to save the world, who would it be and why?
Your momma, since we already “save the world” every Saturday and twice on Thursdays. Seriously, I’d say Rambo because she’s beautiful but she’s married, so I’ll be good and say Janis. Because she’s such a cutie. Besides, Rambo might beat me up. Don’t know who Rambo is? Tough! My apologies to Janis should the world ever need us. (Rambo, am I the only one who still calls you Rambo?).

9. What’s the one thing you said to a friend that you regret and wish you could take back?
The first one that comes to mind is shameful so I won’t say it. The second one that comes to mind is when I told your Momma she has to pay me more when we "save the world" – she got a little snippy over it.

10. What’s the one thing you never said to a friend that you want/wanted to say?
I always wanted to tell Eleazar that I’m sorry if I ever hurt his feelings.

"A Little R&R" is a Blogshare Series between Reuben & Robert (R&R). We each contribute 5 questions to total 10, then cross-post our answers in two parts / reverse order. Meaning, I post his replies while he posts mine. 2nd post is we each post our own replies to our own blogs. Last week I posted Part 1 (Reuben’s answers) and this week is Part 2 (my answers above).

San Francisco, Day One

2008-01-26T00:50:00.000-08:00

Well it's 1am and I made it my hotel room safe and sound. It's raining in San Francisco and my flight was delayed leaving Las Vegas. But as soon as I met up with Priscilla, it was all good. Day One was spent at Tia Margarita's doing... you guessed it... drinking margaritas made from fresh limes. If you've never been to Tia Margarita's in the city, it's AWESOME! (It's on Clemente). I am missing the Bay Area and am happy to be back here. The people are so nice and tolerant (non judgemental), you just feel so comfortable no matter how silly you are here. We met Morgan and Brett at Tia Margarita's, total strangers, but we overheard Morgan say she's been coming to this place for 20 years. Priscilla laughed and made fun of our stranger neighbors at the bar because she looked 21. :-) About 30 minutes later, our food came out (we were here to drink so didn't care that our appetizers took forever) and we shared with Morgan and her friend Brett because they commented on our chili con queso. I was drunk so I shoved the dish over and insisted that they have some. I was surprised when they actually had some! Now I'm like how rude you freaking strangers - I was just being nice, I didn't think you'd actually eat our food!! Just kidding... we talked with our new friends until they left and Priscilla stayed til after closing finishing our very strong (thanks, Francisco!) double margaritas and talked until the place cleared out and the staff was waiting to go home. Personally, I think 11pm is too early to close on a Friday night but apparently they're not just a bar and they're primarily a restaurant? Whatever... we sat at the bar and didn't notice any restaurant around but yeah I'm told they have one. My trip should suck considering it's supposed to rain everyday I'm here. But with Priscilla and day one behind me, I know it will be just what I needed. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings. Can't wait to see Jerusha tomorrow night and then Kehau on Sunday!!!!

A Little R & R, Part 1

2008-01-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

::::THIS POST IS FROM MY GUEST BLOGGER REUBEN LEWIS AS PART 1 OF OUR NEW BLOGSHARE SERIES::::

I made a new friend this week! In our totally awesome friend making time we managed to come up with the idea of a blog mash up. I think it’s just because I’m lazy when it comes to blog writing and he felt sorry for me. Right now is a little bit of a get to know you time. For the next few weeks you’ll see Robert’s answers to some questions we came up with together and soon after you’ll see my response to those same questions. So sit back and relax because it time for “A little R&R”

1. What friendship did you not maintain that you wish you would have?
Malcolm. Although I had no choice in the matter. He stopped being my friend because I told him to stop embarrassing me in public. Most people are my friends just because the like embarrassing me in public. He thought I was just being haughty. Um…duh! You do know me right? I still feel bad though because he was smart and funny and cool and kind of a dick. All the things I like in a friend.

2. Have you ever had "friend sex"? Could you maintain the friendship afterwards?
Ummm… with who have I not had friend sex? My goal for 2007 was to make a friend that I hadn’t had sex with. I made some new friends. Only one hasn’t seen me naked.

3. Did you ever have someone that really liked you as a friend that you just didn't care for? How did you handle it?
Frankly I like very few of the people I hang out with. People in general make me want to hit them when they talk to me. Not to say I’m not friendly. I am. It just that when I’m being polite to someone I’m secretly thinking of jamming my fingers in my ears and screaming “la,la,la,la”. So in short I smile a lot and offer to take them out to dinner.

4. You're on a 3 week vacation. Each week you have to take a different friend & go to a different place. Who do you take? Where do you go? What do you do while you’re there?
Week 1: Who: Ab Where: Brazil What: THE FOLLOWING STAMENTS HAVE BEEN CENSORED BY THE FCC. THEY CLEARLY VIOLATE ALL STANDARDS OF DECENCY. ANY ATTEMPT TO DISCOVER THE TRUE NATURE OF THESE COMMENTS COULD RESULT IN A PRISON SENTENCE NO LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AND FINES NO LESS THAN $100,000.
Week 2: Who: Kris Where: Jamaica What: THESE SENTANCES HAVE BEEN REDACTED BY THE CIA. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ATTEMPTING TO DISCOVER THE TRUE NATURE OF THESE STAMENTS COULD RESULT IN BIG SCARY GUYS COMING IN TO YOUR HOUSE, ROUGHING YOU UP, AND EATING ALL YOUR LUNCH MEAT.
Week 3: Who: Sloan Where: New York What: Shopping.

5. You and your dog(s) (man's best friend) find an injured cat on the side of the road. What happens next?
Bella hides behind my legs in fear and eventually will run around me until I am trapped in her leash. If Mullet had opposable thumbs he with poke it with a stick and drool but since he doesn’t he would just do that doggy head to the side thing and maybe pee on it.

6. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done because a friend told you to do it?
I was usually the guy daring my friends to do stupid things. But that only because some told me to pull my shorts up super high and go down one of those 5 story water slides. The shorts were never seen again.

7. Have you ever broken the law to help a friend, or helped them break the law/cover it up? Provide details without soliciting a conviction.
I’m going with a no one that one. Just so you know if this is your way of asking me to be a part of you international drug cartel I’m out. I’m out and I’m telling

8. If you had to sleep with one of your friends in order to save the world, who would it be and why?
I’ve already slept with all of my friends so whoever happens to be the closest.

9. What’s the one thing you said to a friend that you regret and wish you could take back?
In high school because I was a stupid boy I pointed out to a friend that she was probably fat because she was Asian and they weren’t metabolically evolved to eat American food. I’m not sure if I could come up with a sentence that has more offensive statements in it than that one. I still feel bad about it and I don’t feel bad about anything. I’m going to write a letter to Mo’nique and Pat Morita asking for forgiveness.

10. What’s the one thing you never said to a friend that you want/wanted to say?
Please return my porn.

"A Little R&R" is a Blogshare Series between Reuben & Robert (R&R). We each contribute 5 questions to total 10, then cross-post our answers in two parts / reverse order. Meaning, I post his replies while he posts mine. 2nd post is we each post our own replies to our own blogs. Reuben is a friend from work and I apologize in advance for unleashing him on you. Just kidding - as you can see, the guy is a riot. To learn more about Reuben, check him out on my Friends List on my MySpace Profile (he's last on my list). Again -- just kidding, Reuben!

See Legend, Cloverfield Hype More Than Quality

2008-01-19T18:26:00.001-08:00

Well, I bought into all the hype about the movie with no name (or a bad name), Cloverfield. It's Blair Witch Project meets Godzilla. Great idea, really, and thus I do actually recommend you see it. It's basically a monster (not Godzilla) attacking NYC and a group of friends runs their camcorder, which makes up the film. It's a great concept and very exciting, but the acting was not impressive for me so I couldn't buy into it like I wanted. Still a good movie and worth seeing, maybe I expected too much - you know how that happens when you think it'll be GREAT and it's "just" good. All of a sudden, good isn't good enough. :-) This movie made me miss Blair Witch Project which WAS good, but felt 'great' because I didn't expect much from it. God that was a great movie... you see? I give it an 8 out of 10.

I Am Legend is worth seeing! Very interesting... I waited to see this one til Berto convinced me because I'm not a huge fan of Will Smith anymore, but I'm glad I saw it. You'll enjoy it. It's not an Oscar candidate, but it is a good movie with enough suspense to hold you and keep you interested. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Hillary Wins Nevada

2008-01-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to say Hooray for Hillary who won the Nevada Caucuses today. I know George and Reuben will read this and say this next part so here it is... yeah, she won the overall vote and thus won the state, but Obama picked up more delegates because of the areas he won. She got 12 and he got 13. Isn't America funny? Caucuses and electoral colleges that gives victories to the candidate with fewer votes. And we're supposed to be the model for democracy? Tsk, tsk! :-)

A Little R & R

2008-01-18T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hey, heads up... I'll be introducing a new series on my blog called "A Little R&R", short for a little Reuben & Robert, or Robert & Reuben. As you may already know, I have 2.9 million readers on my blog (yeah right), and they all keep kindly telling me enough of Robert... let's hear from someone else. So that's the plan. Reuben and I will each answer the same 10 questions (we each contribute 5), and then cross-post to each other's blogs. Anyway, it seemed like a brilliant idea after 3 martinis last week and hey look, we're actually going through with it. The first installment is done and is coming up soon! Look for it in the next day or so...

Playing With His Wii

2008-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Once again, I would like to blog about a couple of embarrassing moments that have been on my mind... for those of you who question why any fool would openly reveal their embarrassments, here's a snippet from my Xmas blog: "I'm a firm believer that by announcing embarrassing moments, one can let go of the associated shame. As is engraved on the UT Tower (and in the Bible of course), the truth shall set you free. So here are my embarrassments from ... and I'll blog it ... expose these issues below so ... [they] can have no power over me."

Now with that out of the way, I can properly recount these incidents....

1.) I got Berto a Nintendo Wii for Christmas last month and after we got home from our trip to Tucson, I played it for a little while (tennis). Of course, the Wii is all about motion simulation through sensor or something like that. Anyhoo... what Berto doesn't know yet is that one day while he was running around the house to let me play for a little, I hurt his remote. The Wii remote comes with a wrist thingamajig so you do the motion with your arm like you're playing tennis and it can stay strapped on to your wrist. I did use the strap ---- but then I got excited as I was "getting better" at the game and started to "hit" harder in my game. Of course I'm swatting the air like an idiot because there's no ball and racket, just the Wii remote in my hand.. or so it was for most of the game... until I accidentally tried my hardest swing and ended up THROWING THE REMOTE AT THE LCD TV, very HARD of course. I felt like an idiot and was so concerned about damaging the remote or my tv... I'm happy to report neither has evidence of my abuse. Anyway, after that, I stopped playing the Wii. It really is a safety hazard... I've come to learn that apparently this happens often and I'm not alone so it's easier to admit now that I didn't know how to use the darn thing properly. :-)

2.) When we were in Tucson on Christmas Day and Berto opened and played with the Wii, Mari called Cesar over on the phone and just the WAY she said it "Berto's playing with his Wii all alone - come play with him and his Wii." (Mari and I were cooking). Anyway, I WON'T repeat what Cesar said on the other end of the phone b/c his buttocks have threatened to sue me before :-), but you know he picked up on Mari's tone/joke. Anyway, for a while there, the Wii was a horrible word for me. It was so hard, pardon the pun, for me to use that word. Now.. do me a favor and go back and re-read the headline to this post ... dang! You're dirty-minded! Now I say playing THE Wii, not WITH the Wii or HIS Wii. Besides, this is Mari's dirty fault, not mine. She ruined the once innocent word Wii for me. Let's move on now, can we try to do that please?

First Sunday, but Skip the Devil

2008-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Saw two more movies this weekend. Reuben and I saw “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”. Great cast and acting (Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Marissa Tomei), but the story is just not entertaining. This movie is HEAVY in one word. It’s depressing and uninspiring with no uplifting angle whatsoever. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a good movie in terms of art and production value. It’s just not something I can recommend in terms of entertainment. I say skip it – you might not blow your brains out. Unless of course you’re too happy and need to be brought down – then by all means, go see it – YOU need to see it! I give it a 7 out of 10.

“First Sunday” is a comedy so again, you have to like the silly comedy genre to enjoy this but I recommend it! Berto and I both liked it a lot. Kat Williams is hilarious in this movie. It stars Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, Kat Williams and is slightly similar to the Madea type movies. So if you like those kind of movies, you’ll love this one, too. I did! I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Above is a recap of my ratings for movies currently out - some I did not review (they don't warrant it), but I did rate them in the chart above since I saw em! :-)

My Dog Is A Liar

2008-01-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

Don't believe it. My dog (her name is Kyla) posted a not so nice comment about me on my myspace profile. She claims I am exploiting her but the truth is I did not put her on myspace! Look.. my dog can't talk, okay - she's a dog. But sometime while I was sleeping she learned how to type...

http://www.myspace.com/kylagarcia

Survey Your Year to Close Out 2007

2008-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Take this survey as a quick look back at your year in 2007. This was a myspace bulletin from my good friend Janis in Texas. I'm blogging my replies - now you do yours!!!

1) DRINKING BUDDIES OF THE YEAR?
My award goes to Tim! See you at BWW. Our waitress is so nice to us there. She always has Heini coming for me (the beer).

2) YOUR SONG FOR 2007
Hmmm... one song I absolutely hated was Bartender. The lyrics are gawful. "She made us drinks... to drink.... we drunk em." Why can't I get paid millions to come up with shit like that? I'll go with Buy U a Drink b/c it's Andres' favorite for the year.

3) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend)
Has to go to Mari and Rosie. Both are friends since high school and they are still there for me. Can I have a tie? Rosie I met freshman yr and Mari later, but Mari lives closer now and I see her more now.

4) NEWCOMER AWARD - COOLEST NEWEST FRIEND?
Tim, met him at HSI. He's the coolest new friend I made in 07. See #1.

5) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?
Getting my nephews back for a second year. They went home for summer but both came back in August to live with me for a second year.

6) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?
Ahem... sending my nephew home early in November instead of in June 08. Right thing to do, but hardest thing to do. Still sad and feeling guilty over it, too. And I miss him sooo much.

7) BEST HOLIDAY?
Another tie... I know, I can't commit. Memorial Day: took nephews to Lake Mead and we had a blast there! I love going out with them and getting away on short trips with them!! AND... Xmas to Tucson to see Mari and Cesar - that was supercool, too!

8) MOVIE FOR 2007?
See, I hate these type b/c inevitably you only think of the most recent movies you've seen, so for me... The Great Debaters.

9) WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH?
What is Valentines?

10) BEST RELATIONSHIP?
My nephews.

11) WHAT WERE YOU FOR HALLOWEEN
Me.

12) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR?
Hash House A Go Go (In Las Vegas on W. Sahara)

13) BIGGEST douchebag AWARD?
George W. Bush, 7 years running. This guy is good.

14) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR?
See # 6

15) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
I want to travel more. I made a few trips in 07 (SoCal, Texas, Tucson, Utah), but I want to do see my old friends more - and I really need to go back to the Valley (Rio Grande - South Texas).

16) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK
Driving

17) TV SHOW OF THE YEAR?
Another tie, I know, I suck at choosing... America's Psychic Challenge and Lisa Williams - pls stop laughing :-)

18) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?
Rosie

19) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?
See #5 and #6. They're still the focus for me.

“Walk Hard” Is Funny, but Cover Your Eyes

2008-01-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it started with “Borat” deciding to show a fat man’s junk, rub it in Borat’s face and then kept running reel for a lot longer than any shock value would require. It was hilarious, gross, shocking, and highly entertaining although most don’t like to admit that last part (especially guys).

Now, “Walk Hard” decides to follow suit with its own shot of the male genitalia. (I’m trying to talk about schlong without sounding crude here so excuse the fancy use of ‘male genitalia’). You go in expecting a silly comedy and are then surprised by the scene showing naked women. You’re okay with it, though, as far too many movies have showed women’s bared breasts that it’s no longer shocking to see on the big screen. But then this movie pushes it with a man’s butt shot. In the scene, Dewy Cox is seated on the floor leaning against his bed facing the camera. His friend stands in front of him, with his buttocks to the camera (the audience) and then walks away. You think it’s over – it was just a man’s butt, no big deal. A short moment later in the same scene, the same man reappears but this time standing next to Dewey, which means – you guessed it, his junk is now facing you. And it’s not one of those one second shock shots either. They know audiences, especially men, will look away at first sight, so they leave it on screen long enough to make sure you get a decent look, enough to inspire true shock which is so hard to get in Hollywood nowadays (pardon the hard pun, but it’s hard to blog about xick without those slipping in, you see what I mean – another one just came without effort, and there was another).

All in all, though, this is a very funny movie. MY favorite scene is the duet with Darlene where they sing lyrics that seem innocent and country, but are filled with sexual innuendo (like my last paragraph). A few examples:

In my dreams you are blowing me…. some kisses.
Let’s just do it (supposed to be duet).
Can you feel me creeping up behind you?... You can just come in my back door.

You get the picture. Now, I know this genre is not for everyone. So if you don’t like crude humor, stay away. You’ve been warned. But if you love humor of all kinds, you will enjoy!

I give it a 9 out of 10.

The Time to Travel is 2008

2008-01-01T01:07:00.001-08:00

I used to travel about 2-3 times per year down to Texas (Waco, Austin, the Valley, and Houston). Lately, I've been only been to Houston when I visited Texas and other than that my trips have been elsewhere with my nephews. I'm not big on resolutions as a part of celebrating the new year (I usually break them by right around January 2nd), but I have decided to start travelling again in 2008 and visiting my friends and family.

I'll be going to San Francisco in late January, then Texas in February, and of course, the Houston gang will all be here in March for a week. In February, I will start in Dallas to visit my good friend Jerrie Turk! Then I will pick up Rosie in Waco and together we will visit my Aunt Carol and her gang in Austin as we make our way down to the Valley. I haven't been to the Valley in so long, I can't wait.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-12-31T23:09:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all I love!

Be safe, be brave, and you have my best wishes for a fun and exciting 2008!!!!

Go See "The Great Debaters"

2007-12-30T03:26:00.000-08:00

As many of you already know, I'm a Forensicator at heart (the Speech and Debate kind of Forensics, not the dead bodies variety). I was Captain of my High School's Speech & Debate Team (UIL District Champ in Prose my Sr. Year), and participated in college on the AFA Overall National Champions UT-Austin Forensics Team (made it to Semis at Nationals, Top 16, in two different events). I did a lot more (coached high schoolers at two different summer institutes), and yes I know it sounds pathetic to relive those glory days from high school and college - but anyone who did Forensics understands it never really leaves your system. You learn so much about the art and power of communication that it indirectly helps you in so many different life situations, both personally and professionally. I always find myself going back to AFA's website each year in April or May to review the National results. How did UT do (they finished 2nd in 2007), how did George Mason Univ do (Dr. Peter Pober who was my great coach at UT now coaches there) - I just can't help my curiosity. I used to judge for a long time after I competed but alas I finally let that go - the days are too long and you have to be a hardcore supporter to keep judging forever - it's certainly not for the low pay.

Enough about that, but thought it would help explain why I loved this movie. I just got back from seeing The Great Debaters and I'm calling it now. This movie will be nominated for an Oscar in 2008 for Best Picture. I think it will win but it's too early and I have to see what else comes out, so for now, I call a nomination only. Remember, I called that Texas would beat the favored ASU Sun Devils by at least 2 touchdowns and they did. So don't be so skeptical that I'm over-reacting to this movie because I'm biased. I am biased because I love Forensics. But this movie is not just about Debate. It's a really great drama about so much more that took place in our country in the early 1900s and there's a deep Texas tie in so most of network in Texas should like that, too.

Whether you care about Forensics or not, you will like this movie if you appreciate a good drama of Oscar caliber. I know, some find these boring and prefer the comedy and action genres only. But give this move a chance - it will surprise you as it did me - I went in thinking I would only like it because I like Forensics. I was surprised to find it was just a great movie in general. Now, I list all the Forensics stuff up front because if anyone out there knows what I'm talking about, then you will have a very different experience in enjoying this movie. I know I did!

The movie is directed by and stars Denzel Washington. It's produced by Oprah Winfrey. All around great acting, excellent script, and a great drama. Yes, I cried. I can admit it. I cry in movies. Andres always made fun of me for this, but I think it's part of enjoying a great drama - letting it pull you in and take you into its world of emotion and passions. I don't have to cry - I can keep from crying in movies very easily, but I find I love movies so much more because I can suspend my disbelief and let it engulf me. Now go see this movie!!!

I give it a 9 out of 10.

Chris Jessie Becomes Famous (Texas Blasts ASU 52-34)

2007-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Mack Brown's stepson, Chris Jessie, is now famous. Oh yeah... and my Texas Longhorns demolished the ASU Sun Devils today, 52-34!!!!! I'm wearing my Texas Longhorns t-shirt tomorrow as it's casual Friday and what a sweet day it will be - for me, I mean, especially since everyone knew ASU was favored and thought I was crazy when I predicted Texas would win by at least 2 touchdowns. Ahhh, how sweet it is....

Anyway, back to the story of the night. Texas forced a turnover while leading 21-0 and stops ASU from scoring in the end zone. BUT - Chris Jessie - a nobody before tonight's instant classic game - decides to touch the loose ball and draws an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. ASU gets the ball back and takes it in for 6, then makes it 21-7. ASU immediately got the momentum back and the cameras would not come off Chris Jessie, who it turns out is Coach Mack Brown's stepson and a member of the team's staff. Anyway, had Texas lost, Chris would be a marked man and would have to enter the witness protection program and leave the state of Texas forever -for his own safety. But thank God Colt McCoy, Jamaal Charles, and our incredible Defense (they're back!) overcame the momentum shift and won big time - that score again? Ahem... it was 52-34. Now with the victory, Chris Jessie will surely be famous and a laugh rather than a dead man walking.

Oh yeah, THE LONGHORNS JUST WON THE 2007 HOLIDAY BOWL 52-34. They now become the team with the longest active streak of 10+ wins in back to back seasons (this is their 7th straight season with 10+ wins each season!!!).

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEXAS LONGHORNS

2007 BOWL CHAMPIONS AT THE PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL IN SAN DIEGO, CA

7 STRAIGHT 10+ WIN SEASONS (LONGEST ACTIVE STREAK IN THE NCAA)

To see the video of Chris Jessie getting into the game for his dad, follow this link. By the way, Chris said he did NOT touch the ball, and videos all shows no contact changed the trajectory of the ball so sounds like he's telling the truth.

Christmas Pics are up!

2007-12-25T23:04:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all in Texas who sent gifts to Berto - it was another awesome Christmas! Pictures are posted from our Christmas trip to Tucson in my Picassa Web Alums. In addition to the photo albums online, I'm also uploading some video on my Orkut page but you need a Google / Orkut account to see those.

Leaving Las Vegas

2007-12-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

This year for Christmas, we left the Vegas lights for a road trip to Tucson. It was a blast! I fell down Mt. Lemmon, got thrown out of a cave, and ruined a perfectly innocent apple pie.

We drove and of course road trips are cool in their own right. In Tucson, we visited some of the parks outside of town. First, we went to Colossal Cave. It's guided tours only but we busted in and explored on our own all over places no one is allowed. It was cool - Berto was the brave one who climbed and explored while Mari and I took pics and dared him. It didn't last too long, though before we were kindly escorted out. We ran into a tour group on the path who was so shocked we went in without a paid guide, which is not allowed. Oh well, we kinda knew but didn't care. It was Christmas and they need better signs to keep Mexicans out. She made us follow her group out which we did. Funniest thing is A.) Berto had just landed back on the trail from going climbing up the caves where you're nowhere near allowed. It was right after he returned to the trail that we got caught and I am grateful we didn't get busted when he was missing - we would have probably had to keep hiding in there until the tour passed. That would've sucked lots. B.) On our way out, the second group coming in had to lean against the cave to let our group out. As our group tailed out, they commented "well that's a large group". Their guide went on to complain as our guide had already informed him about us "Well that's because they found 4 people roaming around in there on their own who weren't supposed to be in here". We laughed but were looked at with shame by our group who knew we had just free loaded. It was so much more fun without a guide!

Later we left the park and drove to Mt. Lemmon, which is very similar to Mt. Charleston near Vegas. (You can live in the desert but a short drive up a mountain and you're in beautiful, green land with snow in the winter and tall trees year round). We had a blast playing in the snow. Berto abused Wanda, my car, with a snowball. I fell down the hill after landing on my ass and sliding down in embarrassment. But it was beautiful driving up and back down. The sunset over Tucson is amazing from up there.

Thanks to Mari and Cesar for inviting us down for Christmas. We had a blast!!!

The Terrible Tucson Trip (no, not really)

2007-12-25T22:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, it wasn't terrible, but I'm a firm believer that by announcing embarrassing moments, one can let go of the associated shame. As is engraved on the UT Tower (and in the Bible of course), the truth shall set you free. So here's my embarrassments from our Christmas trip to Tucson -- which was a fun trip and I'll blog it after I expose these issues below so Mari and Cesar (and Berto, too) can have no power over me.

First, we went to Mt. Lemmon to play in the snow, which was I think the highlight of our trip. We climbed a hill and on the way down, I landed hard on my butt and slid down to the very bottom on my ass. Mari, Cesar, and Berto of course laughed at me, which I don't mind. But what really made it embarrassing was the strangers down the trail (who were smart enough to stay on the trail) pointing and laughing at me out loud. I don't care if family and friends laugh at me - they're allowed, but strangers - well that's just not right. At least I was smart enough to turn off my camera right before I tried to head back down.

Second, I decided to cook. I like to cook but never do it anymore. I decided to make a casserole and two pies. Well, the casserole was okay but not spectacular, and the pecan pie didn't harden enough because the recipe I used called for too much corn syrup. And my apple pie recipe was a total failure. I'll find a better recipe. The pecan pie tasted awesome and at least next time I know to use less syrup. Truth is the pecan pie looked beautiful (see pic above) and tasted great. Thank God I had the sense to buy a pumpkin pie and cool whip in advance as plan b.

Memory of Vacation

2007-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just want to let folks know I pulished MORE pics online at my Picassa albums. Some are from last year and some from earlier this year. Wow. It was really something going through those pics. Makes me kind of sad because I miss my nephew Andres very much. The little punk doesn't call or think of me but here I am all depressed thinking of him daily. Then I see these pics and it just hurts. Anyway, I love and miss him, always will. He'll never know what he means to me. I guess that's the way it is with some kids. So different from his brother - I can tell he thinks of me and cares. He is so considerate. But I know Andres is a good person. I see how loving and caring he is with his parents and it makes me so proud, even if he couldn't find it in his heart to embrace me. :-) Andres, if you're reading this - you suck. JK. LOVE YOU! CHINGOS!!! I hope you remember our vacation - it was the best.

Anyway, check out the pics. Again, they're mostly of my boys Andres and Alberto (Berto), but they brought back some great memories I wanted to share, especially the vacation photos.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!

2007-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Please be safe this weekend and cherish all your family and friends! I send out a *big hug* to all!