Words of Wisdom, Or Just An Old Mans Rantings....

Greetings to you, the unwary,

First, let me say that you are about to embark on a journey of which not everyone will survive.  Sure, right now you're in a classroom that is probably packed to the rafters with the "Have to get-ins" and the "I just needed a class to fill my schedule." students...but take a look to your right, now take a look to your left, now jump up on one foot....hahaha....just checking to see if you were paying attention....lol.  Half of you will not survive the cut, half of you will survive, and the other half don't know how to do the math....we're all outta halves....

But seriously folks, English Composition 101 is what you make it.  The work may be challenging, and you might wonder what you got yourselves into, but for the brave students who don't buckle under the blogs, essays, research papers and stale candy that is passed to those fortunate enough to have Ms. Croker as your teacher/instructor and (tor)mentor...you will learn how to write like you never thought possible...and believe it or not, your typing skills will also greatly improve as well.

So I encourage you to either switch classes now, before you have to drop it anyway, or for the brave, strap yourselves in for one wild ride through the world of topic sentences, body paragraphs, work cited pages and endless re-writes that await you......if you dare........

Oh, and lighten up, it's only English Composition 101....not brain surgery......peace

To Blogg, or not to blogg.....that is the sentence

Greetings y'all,
Well, it's that time of the year again....no I'm not talking about Christmas, Kwanzaa, of Hanukkah, I'm talking about the flurry of papers, reports, essays, and cramming for finals, while carolers sing outside your window..."Semester Finals Are Coming To Town".....oh and lest I forget, curling up with a good computer and reading your bloggs. 
When I first started this, I was like, "What???, no notebook of loooove..how can I learn to write without this valuable tool in my arsenal???"  Well, suffice to say, I learned by using this thing called ......"The Blog"....(Cue Angels singing/heaven opening up)....and low and behold,...it worked.
Now the topics were, for the most part, interesting to say the least.....and believe me, I'll leave it at that....but it was in reading the veritable cornucopia of comments that were left by you, yes you, the reader, that left me laughing my @ss off at times.....and may I say....some of you guys/gals are sick, sick puppies....lol....I won't mention names, but Cody....you're sick....Jessica, you're real sick.....and me, I'm just fine thank you very much.
Sierra always had a great slant at what others would miss, and Oscar....you're just funny my friend...and to the rest of you who contributed to the cause....(cause the teacher told us to)......I thank you all.  I hope to read more of your adventures in life my friends and if you ever look back at this time, and you will, just remember those who made you smile, laugh, or cough milk out your nose.....and if I'm one who did that for you, then my job is completed....
Good day, God Bless and know that we made it through another semester....together.....peace

"What's Wrong With What We Eat?"

Mr. Bittmans' wonderful use of sarcastic humor, biting comments and on screen presentation made watching this video worth doing the assignment for.  His quick pace, ability to stay focused, and present such facts, fables, and tid-bits about the food we eat was an excellent way of educating the public, without dumbing down the message.  His use of facts, such as "cattle flatulence," or the amount of livestock killed in the United States annually was mind boggling, and yet presented in a way that had me laughing along with the audience.  I was surprised to learn that livestock produces 20% of our greenhouse gasses, that methane is 20x more deadly than cO2, and that if stretched end-to-end, the livestock killed annually in the United States alone would reach between the Earth and The Moon five times.
In all this was a great video, and although I cannot use it for my research paper, I found it full of useful information regarding the issues of food consumption and the food industry, as a whole....now time for dinner...gotta go and raid the neighbors garden for my salad......peace

The 3 who inspire me, to be the 1 I am

     In looking back in my life, there are some regrets...but since I can't change what I did, I can only move foward with the education and experiences that life has provided me thus far.  In that there have been many people who have inspired me along the way, and it is for them, that I write this blogg, but not in the traditional form, so bare with me, and let me explain.
    
     1. Father God-I would not be here without the love and guidence of my spiritual father, God.  I know that it's not always "popular" to speak one's faith, but if any of you know me, and my life story, it's not hard to see who inspires me, leads me and teaches me the true meaning of life, laughter, and most important, love.  He has given me everything I have ever wanted, and that was just to be valued, and loved as a person.  I thank Him every day for the gift of life, the ability to live and the capacity to love again.  Life isn't any easier just because I believe in God, but it's not as difficult, I know that I am never alone, and with this, I can always get through whatever life throws at me, and know that He has gifts for me that haven't even been given to me just yet.
     2.  My sister Maria-Although we weren't raised together, she has always kept my memory alive within her.  When we reunited in 1981, we began to reconnect as if we had never been apart.  Even through my years of addiction, she stood beside me, believed in me and defended me.  More importantly, she never gave up on me. It is because of my sister that I am about to celebrate being drug-free for 5 years now.  Yes, I did the work, but she was always in my corner, cheering me on, and lifting my spirits when I thought I couldn't make it, and willing to kick my @ss if I talked about giving up. My sister is my hero, and my 1st. best friend...and always will be.  I can talk to her about anything/everything without worrying about what she thinks, because she's not afraid to tell me...lol, but always with love and care...and even though we only see each other 2-3 times a year, we stay in contact through e-mail, FB, and phone calls...and it never ceases to amaze me that when I'm feeling my lowest, worried or stressed, I hear from her..."I just thought about you and wanted to call."...that's my sister, always there when I need her most, and always with a shoulder to lean on.
     3.  Like most people, we do not want to be alone, and like most people, I have made some dumb choices in the dating scene.  I had just gotten out of a scary relationship at the beginning of this year and wasn't looking for a relationship...but here I am, with one of the most beautiful women I have ever known.  Dhyane and I clicked in ways that I had forgotten about.  She, like I, was not looking to get into anything other than maybe coffee, a movie, or something on the "friend" level of dating. We have been dating "officially" for close to 2 months now, and we both know that this is the real thing.  Dhyane is one of the funniest, caring, compasionate, and understanding people I have ever met...and 2nd. only to my sister, is my best friend.  We are taking this slowly, but we are not afaid to enjoy life and all it has to offer...and I know that it is God who brought her into my life...and in so doing, has reminded me that He has only good things for me in His plans....and I am thankful.

So, you can see that all 3 people/entities in my life that have helped to shape me are related...and for that reason I am thankful for the life I now have.....So I'll say that this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for life, laughter, and most importantly, love....and all that life has to offer.....peace

Food Worth Eating

Greetings y'all,
After reading Fast Food Nation, I have changed my eating habits...that's no surprise, and it hasn't been all that difficult to do.  So what do I do when hunger strikes and I don't feel like an "eColi burger, with a side of the runs?"...I eat in one of the various, sit down and get waited on restaurants that populate the Ventura County area.  One of these is a little place called "Tortuga's Cafe."
Located in the Centennial Plaza, behind the movie theater,on the corner of 5th and B St. in Oxnard is a wonderfully delicious, and very nutritious, family run business.  Shelly and Steve, owners of Tortuga's, and their children, greet you as you enter a very spacious, yet warm diner.  Don't feel like being cooped up, well then, sit outside and grab a little sun on Tortuga's patio. 
Tortuga's is a little eclectic in its decor, as well as its menu.  Decorated as a pirates lair, it's easy to get into the mood for good food.  With everything from soups and salads, to veggie, or garden burgers, chicken strips, and hot wings, to tri-tip sandwiches, it's not hard to satisfy anybody with their menu selection.  The food is just a small part of the reasons to support this business.  Shelly and Steve believe in supporting their community and often help local school groups with various fund raising events.  Oxnard Colleges very own Addictive Disorder Studies Club, the ADS-PLC has had several successful fundraisers over the semester. 
The food has a Caribbean flavor to it, so some of the sandwiches and salads reflect that in the wonderful spices and herbs used, providing that "bite" that keeps you coming back for more.
My favorite on the menu is the Spicy Chicken sandwich, onion rings and chocolate shake....mmmm, mmmm, good!!!  While providing a nutritious, and delicious meal, Tortuga's is cost friendly...most complete meals are under $8.00 per person...need an additional incentive???...buy a combo meal, and you can get movie tickets for just $6.99 per person....a savings of $3.00 for you movie buffs.
So the next time you want more than just a place to stuff your face, without cleaning out your wallet, or your intestines, give Tortuga's a try....you will not be dissapointed....just tell them "Cuervo sent me!!!".....and enjoy your meal.

You are what you eat

   Entering the semester, I thought, ok this should be easy...I'll learn how to write better papers, wow my professors, and share my words of wisdom with those who read my articles, essays, and short stories...little did I know that I would also change my eating habits.
   Fast Food Nation is one of the few books that I'll not only keep in my library, but will recommend to anyone who eats fast food.  This book really opened my eyes to the dangers involved in areas I hadn't thought about, such as the feed lots, the processing plants, and the handling of the food items in the fast food restaurants.  
   Since reading the book, I have changed my eating habits drastically...I no longer eat fast foods....ok, so I'm still struggling with giving up my Egg McMuffins every now and then, but I'm working on it...lol.  In the past 3 weeks, that I have given up fast foods, I have noticed that I've lost 5 lbs. and have managed to save $25.00 so far.  I did struggle for the first few days, but every time I pulled into a drive-up window, chapters 5-9 kept coming back to haunt me...and I left the line to the calls, "Welcome to....Hey, you haven't ordered yet!!!" coming from the menu board intercom system.
   Not only have I quit eating fast food, but now my girlfriend also has joined me.  Not because I made her, but because I told her that I would wait in the car while she played "Russian Roulette" with her health...just the other night, she stopped off on her way home, picked up a burger, fries and a drink....she then went home and took a big bite out of the burger....and started to remember what I had shared with her about the FFN, so she spit it out and then she called me to let me know that she can't eat any fast food without thinking about what I had shared with her...."Nice job Cuervo....you owe me $7.99"....fair enough, a small price to pay for a better way of eating. Now we go to sit-down restaurants and enjoy our meals, or we cook at home, which has added benefits of spending more time together...and knowing what we are eating.

THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH???...YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

Greetings y'all....well, thanks to Black Widow, y'all think I'm an ex-con, or a con on parole....or just a con...lol.  Others could have sworn they saw me in a music video.....(maybe I was a stand in for Ricky Martin, or Tim McGraw)....but no, that wasn't me...and someone guessed I only have 1 brother/sister....I wish...no, just kidding...the truth is that I know how to play several instruments.  I play all 4 saxophones, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone....French Horn, Flute, and Oboe....my favorite, the Tenor Sax.....thank you for playing along, but sorry, we don't have a winner...better luck next time.
Now....as for how this semester is going....let's just say that I picked the wrong classes if I was looking for a smooth semester.  First off, I love my classes, Chicano Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, and my FAVORITE....English Composition 101.  My issue, each one of them require a lot of writing....every week it's another essay, research paper, questions from a book we have to read, as well as trying to keep up with note taking and homework organization.  That being said, I'm still blessed to be where I am...it sure beats where I was heading. 
Sometimes I feel stretched, pulled, pushed, formed, molded, tweaked, fine-tuned, and overall, overhauled during the past 5 semesters, but this one has really pushed me to reach, try, learn, earn, and grow in ways I didn't think was possible.  But the most rewarding of this adventure has been meeting y'all.  I have met some great people, and have had a lot to be thankful for in the friendships that have been formed, so I guess all in all, taking the difficult with the easy, I wouldn't trade my OC experience for an easy A, ....ok, so I might think about it....lol

What a tangled web we weave....

Hmmmm...
Which 5 are the lies, which 1 is the truth??

1. I worked for Warner Brothers Studios.
2. I have 1 brother, 1 sister.
3. I have appeared in a music video.
4. I play several musical instuments.
5. I spent several years in prison.
6. I care about what others think about me.

Looking Into The Future, By Reviewing Our Past

BRIDGING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT

ETHNIC STUDIES AT OXNARD COLLEGE

   Oxnard College is located in Ventura County and was founded in 1975. With 4,400 students enrolled in that Fall semester, it was fast on its way to becoming more that just another Community College.  Thirty-five years later, Oxnard College shows no sign of slowing down, even in these economic times.  With classes being offered into the late evenings, and even week-ends, Oxnard College continues to offer its best to the more than 8,000 students currently enrolled as of the Fall of 2010 (“History of Oxnard College”).  Although the student body is diverse, as are most college campuses, Oxnard College is represented with a strong Mexican/Latin population. Numbering over 63%, this equals to over 5,000 students (“fast facts”) of Mexican/Latin heritage. It is these students that have a greater opportunity to explore their heritage, history and future in several classes, most notably, the Chicano Studies classes.  Led by Dr. Tomas Salinas, students are able to learn of their culture, stretching back to the earliest times in Meso-American history, through the conquests, and up to the current events of today.

   I had the pleasure of not only taking Dr. Salinas’s class, but I was also able to pin him down for a few minutes and learn more about the man who shares his passion of our history with those who enter his classes.  I say pin, because Dr. Salinas is always on the move from class to class, but is more than willing to stay to help a student, answer questions and explain lessons given to those who seek his assistance, but you must be quick, or you will miss your chance. 

   Sitting with Dr. Salinas one morning, I learned that he is the only male, the youngest of three siblings.  Born in Laredo, Texas in 1955 he went to Catholic School until he was 8 years old.  “Those Catholic nuns were tough man,” stated Dr. Salinas, “They didn’t take any sass, and yes, they used their rulers when you stepped out of line.”  It wasn’t until he entered public schools that he began to learn English.  “We were taught in Spanish, and Spanish was the language my parents spoke at home, so I really didn’t begin to speak English until I entered the public school system” he explained. Tough as it was, he persevered, and eventually entered the college life.  It was here that he was inspired to become a teacher.  “I was actually looking at becoming a lawyer, at that time there were few Chicano lawyers, and I thought, why not? I had a Professor who taught American History and he was out there, but he influenced me to want to become a history teacher.” Although at the time, Dr. Salinas wasn’t politically active, he was influenced by his older sister. “She was involved in several movements, and so, I got involved.  I was a part of the UFW-United Farm Workers and a member of MECHA in 1969-1970. I was involved in walkouts, protests and rallies” he shared.

   Dr. Salinas began teaching at Ventura College first, but eventually transferred to Oxnard College in 1982, where he’s been teaching American History, as well as Chicano Studies. After over 25 years as an instructor, Dr. Salinas hasn’t lost any of his fire for his love of teaching, but when asked about the difference in the students, from the early 80’s in comparison to today, he had this to share. “Back in the early 80’s, students were more informed, politically involved and knew what was happening in the world around them. Today’s students don’t seem to have the same fire that once sparked debates, questions and discussions in my early classes.” “It’s sad to see 40+ students in a class, and they don’t seem to want to get involved, or don’t think it’s as important to get involved. I love it when a student questions “why?” rather than just accept what I have to say in my lectures. They see the clips about the Chicano Moratorium, or the UFW, and they don’t seem to get just how difficult it was back then for Chicanos.  It wasn’t until the protests in the 1960’s and 70’s, that ethnic studies were even considered. Today’s students don’t realize the sacrifices that were made, that allows them to sit in a college classroom and learn of their past, today,” he stated. “Students show up, some late, others unprepared to take notes, and think that the course is an easy A, but there are still those few students who want to know what it is to be Chicano, where did we come from, and more importantly, where we are going. It is those students who help hold Chicano Studies together” he finished.

   With budget cuts that affect classes campus wide, ethnic studies could be in danger of being dropped.  “Cuts have affected everyone, but cuts to the ethnic studies classes have not only been financial, but politically motivated as well. “People in higher offices don’t think that specialized classes, such as Chicano Studies are important anymore. If the students don’t wake up and say something, there could be a day that Chicano Studies may not be offered, and then it will be too late to do anything” Dr. Salinas explained. In closing, Dr. Salinas doesn’t have any regrets.  “I am fortunate to have become a teacher, my life was changed by a teacher, and I hope to inspire my students to go out and make a difference, maybe become teachers themselves, but I mostly want them to become aware of the world around them, and maybe make a difference for those who follow after them” he said, with a smile on his face.

   As a student of the Chicano Studies class, I can say that Dr. Salinas has made an impression on several of his students, myself included. I found it an honor and a great experience, to learn from someone who was at one time, on the front lines of those changing times in Chicano history.

Same Sex Marraige-Who Has The Right?

Same Sex Marriage-Who Has The Right?

   In the four articles I read regarding same sex marriages, I found myself in a bit of a quandary.  To begin with, I am a “Born-Again” Christian who believes that the Bible is the unerring Word of God.  I believe in the concept of Heaven and Hell, I believe that it is the guiding principles that govern my life and that living in a “sinful nature” will result in consequences. I believe that I am forgiven of my sins, and in living by the Word of God, I will live forever in Heaven when my time comes.

    That being said, I also find myself on the fence regarding same sex marriages and the homosexual lifestyles that surround this issue.  I have several friends who are gay and although I do not understand the why to their lifestyle, I find that I respect them for “who” they are, not “what” they do.  I find that there is enough hate in the world without adding to the mess. 

    Who am I to say that they are in the wrong?  I was forgiven a multitude of sins when I chose to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and not to brag, but when I walked on the dark side; I was a General in Satan’s army.  I did things that I am not proud of, and still have to deal with as I grow closer to God, but I was forgiven of all that I had done.  So, I ask the question…”Who am I to pass judgment on the lifestyles/actions of others, when at one time, I was as lost as the next?”

    I believe that God will address this issue when He feels it is time. I have no desire to add to the pain/suffering/shame of another fellow human.  Although this is not a popular view, (just ask the hard-core fundamentalists), I believe that when Jesus said “Love thy neighbor as you love yourself,” he meant to accept everyone, as you wish to be accepted…not just those who are like you…..and so I chose to love my fellow human, Black, White, Jew, Gentile, Gay and Straight….we are all God’s children.

“Peace, Love & Understanding”……Elvis Costello

A Walk With Cesar, A March For Change

   I was born in 1959, a child of the 60’s, the oldest born into a family of migrant farm workers that would end up with 3 girls and 3 boys.  We travelled all over California, but mainly worked in the San Joaquin Valley, which is in the heart of California.  It was in the summer of 1972 that I would meet the man who would forever change the ideas of who I was, and who I could be. His name was Cesar Chavez.

   Migrant farm work was difficult back then.  As a child, one never had the chance to make lifelong friends, or have a school to call their own.  The constant moving from field to field, crops to crops, were filled with back breaking days of work that would often start hours before the sun would rise.  The living conditions ranged from raggedy tents, to converted railroad boxcars.  There were no lunch breaks, no bathroom facilities, and no protection from the locals who found great sport in terrorizing, beating and robbing the farmworkers on paydays.

   That began to change, as a growing number of workers began to band together under the leadership and guidance of a man named Cesar Chavez.  Mr. Chavez came from a humble background.  A farmworker like us, he would look at you with eyes, filled with fire, which sparkled and danced.  Although soft-spoken, he could hold a crowd in the palm of his hand with just a whisper or make the trees shake with his speeches of change.  Mr. Chavez spoke of a better way of life, better working conditions, wages, and the

treatment of the farmworkers.  We believed, and so we followed, but this did not come without a price.

   Field and farm owners banded together with the local sheriffs to try to break this movement for change.  Often the locals, along with the law officers, would resort to violence against the farmworkers.  I can still remember going to the fields to work, surrounded by an angry mob as they shouted, “You wet-backs better learn your place!”  At times, fire hoses were turned against those who protested, police dogs were pitted against us if we refused to do as directed, but still we gathered to work for change.  Mr. Chavez called us to use non-violent protests against those who used violence against us.  I saw activists dragged from fields where they were beaten with boards, ax-handles or bats, and if lucky, arrested and thrown into police cars where they were taken to jail.  I would also see activists who had been beaten, and thrown into pick-up trucks, only to be found dead at the side of a deserted road.  No arrests were made, no investigations started, no one brought to justice for the crime of murder, just a crumpled, beaten pile of cloth, flesh and blood.

   I was 12 years old when I got involved with the farmworkers movement.  I had been working the fields for about 6 years, going to school when I could, but for the most part, still a farm worker, a “spic” or “wet-back” as the locals called us.  It was then that I was recruited into a group of activists, the UFW, the United Farmworkers Union who travelled from camp to camp.  They travelled from farm to farm in a flatbed truck that they would use as a stage to hold rallies, do skits and protest the treatment of the migrant worker.  It was at one of these stops that we learned of a march to be held from Fresno, to Selma, the heart of the grape growing community.  We had a lot to do, signs to make, people to organize, and supplies to gather.  At times, we struggled with the pace, but a fellow activist would remind us, “If you want to succeed, you must first believe.”  Pointing up to Mr. Chavez, the activist whispered, “And he believes!”  This helped us to focus our energy and strength to complete our tasks.

   On the morning of the march, I was one of three young men called to carry the UFW banner at the front of the march.  I was proud, but scared, my mouth so dry that I couldn’t even spit.  All morning long cars, trucks, busses and even on horseback, the people gathered for the march.  Some carried banners or signs; others were wrapped in the Mexican flag.  A few people carried statues of the Virgin Mary, and a few, a picture of Cesar Chavez.  Although the mood was upbeat, one couldn’t help but to feel the tension in the air.  In the distance, we could see the farmers, field owners, the locals and the police as they shouted; shaking their fists into the air, but it was the sounds of the barking dogs that scared me most.  Would they attack us as they had in marches past?  Would they beat us, set their dogs on us, would some of us disappear?  These thoughts raced through my head as we assembled for the march.  Looking around me, I saw several marchers kneeling around a local priest who offered words of encouragement and prayers for the marchers. While watching the activities going on around me, I sensed someone standing between me and the sun that had been warming my back.  It was Mr. Chavez; he just stood there, looking at the surrounding activities.  Finally, he spoke, “Do not be afraid, but be careful.  Do not show fear, but be proud, and remember…if you let them stop you now, you will let them stop you for the rest of your lives.” 

    With these words, Cesar Chavez stepped out, and we followed right behind him. We were heading towards the angry mob that awaited us, unsure of the outcome, but willing to march for what we believed in.  As we got within range of the fire hoses, we waited for the blast of cold, icy water, but nothing happened.  We marched on, now within range of flying rocks, bottles or worse, and still nothing happened.  Finally, we were within a few yards of the angry mob, dogs lunging at their leashes, people yelling, and shaking their fists at us, surely now something would happen, but still nothing.  The mob moved into the road, shouting racial epitaphs, shaking their fists at us as we marched, but they did not attack.  Rounding a bend in the road, we found out why we were spared.  Standing on the tops of cars, trucks and vans were the local news stations busily filming the marchers, but more importantly, filming the mob that filled the road ahead of us.  Several reporters joined the ranks of the marchers, as stationary cameras continued to roll.  The angry crowd parted to let us through, like the sea that parted for the Israelites, and like they, we walked through to the other side. 

   We made the 20+ miles march without any further incidents. Where we had started with about 75 marchers, we had found that our ranks had swelled into hundreds.  People joined us as we marched through the small towns, farms, and schools where they had assembled. Like small streams, they joined us, until we became a marching river of change.  I don’t remember the speeches, the music or the skits we performed, but I do remember the pride that I felt, not only for myself, but also for my people.  I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but that march helped to shape me into who I am today.  When someone tells me it can’t be done, I find a way.  When someone tells me that I won’t succeed, I keep on working at it, until I get through it, and when someone tells me I won’t, I show them that I can.  Since that day, I have never let anyone stop me to achieve goals I have set for myself, for who better than I, can know, not only my limits, but my strengths?

  

All About Performance

   At first glance, Daniel looks, sounds and acts like most 19 year olds you’d find on any community college campus.  However, after spending a few minutes, you realize that there’s more to Daniel than meets the eye, and in talking with him, I hope to share with you, just what I learned.

   What brought Daniel to Oxnard College was a combination of the proximity to his house, as well as the fact that most of his friends from high school were also attending.  But this journey into higher education almost didn’t happen.  “I really wasn’t thinking about college, I wanted to get a job and see what was out there for me,” stated Daniel, “But it was that my older sisters had attended college first, that motivated me to at least give it a try.” 

   Like most teen-agers, Daniel has a full day of school, work and of course, his social life.  His free time, when he can find some, is usually spent with his friends, his girlfriend, and when possible, his family.  “I like to hang with my friends as we work on our cars, it’s all about the engine performance, you know, the faster, the better,” he says with a grin.  “I also take time to spend with my girlfriend, going to movies, or just hanging out with her.”   Although he is close to his family, he does miss the one on one time he used to spend with his father.  “When I was younger, I used to follow my dad out to the garage when he was working on the family car.  As he worked, he would explain what he was doing, what the parts were, and how to make the repairs.  This was our time together, our “bonding-time” that I miss, since now I am usually in school or at work.” Daniel shares.  “We don’t see as much of each other, unless we’re having a family gathering, such as b-b-que’s, birthday parties, or special events, but we are still a close family, and we really get along with each other.”

   It was this time spent with his father that helped to direct just what Daniel planned to do with his life. “I decided that if I was going to go to college, I might as well get into something that I loved, and that’s working on engines.” Daniel is looking forward to continuing his education, with the goal of earning a Master’s Degree in either Automotive engineering, or as an Auto Technician. 

   Through it all, Daniel uses the following three words to describe his outlook on life.  Life; to live it and enjoy it.   Exciting; how life should be, and finally Risky; doing things his way.  If there is anything I learned in talking with Daniel, it’s that although he juggles a hectic school schedule, work load, and social life, this young man has dreams, desires and goals, and there is no stopping him once he sets his mind to things. I think that I can safely say, that there’s no stopping this young man as he works towards his goals, good luck my young friend….just one question….when can I bring my car into your shop???

"When I Was A Kid...."

I've been reading many of the blogs posted and I have to say...you guys/gals are spoiled rotten...I mean, you have the internet, i-phones, twitter, google and a bunch of other stuff that I still have no idea how to operate...

Back when I was a kid, if you wanted to know what a word meant, you had to go to this thing called a dictionary (it's also called a "book") to look it up...and it sucked if you didn't know how to spell the word to begin with....

There was no e-mail, you actually had to sit down and using pencil/pen to paper, you WROTE it out.....then you actually had to WALK to the mailbox at the corner of the block to send it on it's way....

Child Abuse??? if you were out of line, you got the back of a hand or your "Hot Wheels" track taken to your butt....if you got in trouble in the neighborhood, your friends' parents had permission to whack you....then you got it again when you got home....talk about double jeopardy...

When you were punished, we didn't get a "time-out", we got knocked out..."I'll give you something to cry about"....we were sent to our rooms....which consisted of a bed, dresser and a lamp, if you were lucky....today, you have computers, cell phones, dvd players, super stereophonic-quad speaker/whoofer/tweeter/sub-compact multi-disc changer.......oh, the noise....and that's punishment???

We didn't have cell phones, heck, your home had 1 phone....no call waiting, no answering machines...if the phone rang, you had to pick it up to hear who was on the other end of the line...which, if you were like me, you hated .....it could have been the teacher, neighbor or someone letting your parents know that you were screwing up...again......

X-Box, Atari, Wii...WHAT!!!....we had toys like "Paddle Ball"...a ball on a rubber band that you paddled it off of.....thunka, thunka, thunka....snap....the rubber band would break, sending the ball flying into your mother's display of "Commorative Thimbles"....then she used the paddle to whack your butt for playing in the house in the first place....

There were no car seats, seat belts or child safety locks on the doors to the cars we rode in....just climb in, hang on and shut up....we would slide from one side to the other as pops took a turn at a high rate of speed....wheeee...and if you hit your head on the dashboard because mom slammed on the breaks too soon...well that was your fault for calling "shotgun" in the first place....

This is what I'm talking about, you kids have it too easy today, you wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes in the "good ol' days"......man, I sure miss those days.....peace....Cuervo

2 txt or not 2 txt....hmmm

Although texting a message from on person to another is growing in popularity, I can't help but wonder what it may be doing to us in how we interact with one another.  To begin with, to take a text from someone, is to avoid talking to them.  This is, to a degree, a form of "screening your calls."  Sure you have caller id on your phone, how else would we know which calls to ignore?  With texting, you can read the message and respond at your convenience...or not. 

Next you have the issue of "how/what/if" the recipient of the text understands the emotion behind the message.  Some people have a hard time expressing themselves in person, this is only compounded by the lack of "face time" that we need when communicating with others.  Hell, I used to hate it when, my then girlfriend, would take what I "said" the wrong way....I mean come on people, I can get myself into trouble without this added aggravation....and yet, our fingers fly across a mini-keyboard at record speeds.....tika-tika-tika...send.

The Department of Transportation states that cell phone use related accidents are down.  However, accidents involving one or more parties taxting, have sharply risen....OMG....really?

Then there is the issue that has been raised by teachers, and parents nationwide.  Our children are learning how to be illiterate in that the shortcuts used in texting, are affecting spelling scores, the ability to write complete sentences, or construct a high school essay.

As for me...I jst tnk txtg is rad...lol......c u l8tr.....peace....Cuervo

The Land of Fools and Fakery and Funny

   Greetings y'all..so now we get to write about "Reality Show".....whoopty damn doo!  No really, I do enjoy a few of the reality shows, but for the most part, they are a waste of time.  What was once called "shock t.v",  has now morphed into a blathering blob of useless protoplasmic t.v.  Who wants to see rich kids act like spoiled brats, or just how crazy it is backstage with tottlers in tierras?  I mean really, is this the future of television as we know it?   I don't care if they have 19 and counting, I'm wondering if they ever heard of birth control....and to think that the media fed the "Octo-mom" frenzy, but just adores the Duggers.....what the heck is going on?
   Ok, as I said before, there are a few shows that I really enjoy, but don't know if they are "Reality shows", or educational shows.  Take, for example, "Pawn Stars."  Ok, the day to day life in a pawn shop, big deal you say... I find it not only funny, (gotta love Chumley) but educational as well.  The history that is shown on there really does somethig to entertain, as well as educate, (and yes, I've been looking at that crap I've been collecting with a much more wary eye before sending it to Goodwill).
   Then there is "The Smoking Gun Presents....The World's Dumbest."  You can't help but laugh when some poor slob falls, crashes or just simply wipes out.  Those of you who know me, you will probably say,"Cuervo, how could you, what kind of Christian are you to find humor in the pain of others?" You may be right, to an extent.  After all, the difference between tragedy and comedy is simply...."Tragedy is you slipping on a bananna peel, comedy is someone else slipping on a bananna peel," it's a matter of perspective....better you than me.
   All in all, with 535 channels to choose from, we still seem to end up right back to the channels that show us how screwed up the rest of the world is, and in a sense, these reality shows actually do us a lot of good. After watching them, one can't help but think...."Damn, and I thought I was screwed up!"  That being said, I've gotta run, channel 535 is running an all day "Redneck Rodeo" marathon, and I can't miss it.....till we chat again, this is "Channel Cuervo", bring you the latest in redundent psychobabble....peace

Fast Food Nation

   I have had the unique experience of watching what is called the "fast-food" industry grow.  As a child, fast food meant something that mom would whip up in 30 minutes or less, now it means meals served up in 30 seconds or less.  One of my earliest memories was a stop at Mc Donald's for hamburgers, fries and a soda.  I was about 5 or 6 years old, and as we entered the parking lot, I noticed a sign that read, "Over 4 Billion Served."  "Wow," I thought, they serve balloons here, but why only 4, why not one for every customer?  Since we lived in a farming community, going to Mc Donald's was a treat that only happened two or three times a year, if that, since it was located only in the larger cities, and not in our small town.  The only other place that could compare, would have been a visit to the local A & W Drive-In, which still used car hops.  Watching them zip around on roller-skates from car to car, taking orders and coming back, trays full of great food and of course, their root beer floats, as "oldies" played over the parking lot speakers is something that I will never forget. 

  Fast foward 40 years, and the fast-food industry has certainly changed.  Go anywhere in America and you are more likely than not to find a Mc Donald's, Arby's, Burger King, Jack in The Box, or a Carl's Jr. on most corners, if not across the street from each other.  From limited menues of burgers, fries and soda only, we now have low fat foods, salads, shakes, smoothies and kid's menu's...and the list goes on and on.  The fast food industry has changed, to not only find a place in our society, but has spread out to several other countries.  Japan, England, Spain, and even China, to name a few.  I would not be surprised to find plans for a Mc Donald's if we ever build a community on another planet.  "I'd like the Low Gravity double cheeseburger, with a side of Space Spuds and an Asteroid soda to go please."

   I do enjoy an occasional trip to my local fast food eatery, but it is not as big a deal as when I was a kid.  Of course, then it was a treat, something to look foward to, now, I find myself oblivious to the forest of signs begging me to "Enjoy a break today", or eat chicken that is "Finger licking good".  Maybe it's just a sign of my growing older,  to the point that I am beginning to sound like my father...."Back in my days....."

The Things I Have Done, The Things I Have Seen

I have lived an interesting 50+ years of life, and have accomplished much. I grew up a migrant farmworker in a family of 6 brothers/sisters.  I later was involved in farmworkers rights demonstrations where I met and marched with Cesar Chavez. I have been on my own since I was 13 years old, living where I could and with who ever let me camp out on their sofa or spare room. At 18, I joined the California Consevation Corps, where I became a wild land/forest firefighter, worked on river clearing projects and was dispatched all over California to assist in rescue operations for fire, flood and other natural disasters that happened.  It was then that I rode in a plane, (A C-130) rode in a helicopter to a remote fire line, (in Northern California) and had my first skydiving experiences.  I later became a business owner, including bar-owner and a restaurant manager. I have also been a heavy equipment operator, a taxi cab dispatcher and a cab driver, to name a few of my past professions. I have also walked down the dark side of life which involved a rather long run of drug/alcohol abuse and the lifestyle that it intails.  I am not proud of it, but it was, what it was, and although they weren't the best years of my life, I learned survival skills that would later serve me in ways I could not even begin to imagine. 




At this time, I have found a new lease on life, as I am approaching my 5th year clean from drugs. I have used my years of “research in the field”, as the catalyst to a new career as a Drug/Alcohol counselor. I have learned that no matter the mistakes, you can start over as long as you have the "ganas," or the Desire to do so.  I entered college at the age of 48, and although it is tough at times, it is worth every minute of every headache, of every class, assignment and test. I am a full time student, with dreams and goals that include eventually earning my Master’s Degree in Addiction Therapy.



As for the future, who knows what God has in store for me, but I do have a dream of opening up a fully functional ranch that uses equine and canine therapy for at risk youths. This will be a fully operational ranch, including land for crops, animals, and equipment to run the ranch. I would also like to travel a bit and after receiving my Masters Degree, return to teach the ADS classes at Oxnard College.



To those of you who wonder if this is all worth it, the schooling, the hectic trials of life, and the day to day things that life throws in your way I can only say, Hang in there….it is worth it, never give up, never give in, and never settle for second best.  As Kasey Kasum says..."Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."