R.I.P. Doug Fieger

A few months ago, my co-worker introduced me to the late 60's pop sensation, The Knack. Last night, the band's frontman Doug Fieger passed away due to cancer. The band was catapulted to the heights of rock stardom with their hit "My Sharona". Their other hits include Good Girls Don't, Let Me Out, and Baby Talks Dirty. Goodbye Doug. You'll be missed!

La Bamba!

I think every Latino boy that learns the guitar has dreams of becoming the next Ritchie Valens. For those of you gringos who don't know who I'm talking about, Ritchie Valens was a rock and roll phenom in the late 1950's. His story became popular in the 1988 film, La Bamba. Valens was from the San Fernando Valley. My great aunt knew the Valenzuela family from their early days in Pacomia. Ritchie's life ended in a tragic airplane crash while on tour with Buddy Holly in 1959. He was only 17.

When I was little, I would watch La Bamba with my family and I would always break out my plastic guitar and act out the concert scenes. Those are some of my fondest memories as a young child. Anytime, La Bamba is on TV, everything stops. I found a clip from YouTube. =)



As a Mexican American, I am proud and grateful for the groundwork that Valens laid for generations of latino musicians. He broke through the sterotypes and people of all races loved his music.

WOW!!!

I haven't had much time to blog of late. Time and inspiration are two of the reasons why I was silent for most of January. Finding time is a fairly obvious problem. Work has been crazy the past few weeks and I'm barely getting my head above water. Inspiration can come in any form. Usually, I am influenced by current events or music and my posts will flow from there.

New Staples Commercial

I LOVE being right (especially about politics)

When the Presidential campaign was at fever pitch, I vividly remember talking with an ardent Obama supporter about the country if then Senator Obama were elected president. I knew that Obama was too good to be true and I told her bluntly that in one year, the public would have buyers remorse. She was pissed when I said that and I honestly think that she thought I was crazy. However, I WAS RIGHT! Obama's approval ratings have tanked since last summer mostly due to his push for Universal Health Care and wasteful spending. Even his merchandise isn't selling like it used to! Click Here



I was right. And, I'm loving every second of it.

Blast From the Past: Pioneer Chicken

Pioneer Chicken was a popular chain of fried chicken restaurants until the early 90's when Popeye's purchased the franchise. When I was young, we lived close to a Pioneer Chicken and it was the absolute best. It was by far the greasiest chicken anywhere and it was delicious! I loved it! I did a little research and found out that there is one location in Downtown LA on Olympic Blvd. I think a field trip may be in order!

Bill Withers

Do you want to know what good music sounds like? Then look no further. Bill Withers is the man.

The Halo That Shines Dimly

Today was another sad day for Angel fans across the globe. In less than one year we've lost a respected coach, a pitcher on the brink of stardom, and now we've lost our voice. Rory Markas died today at the age of 54. Since 2002, Rory did the radio play-by-play for the Angels. I always thought Rory was one of the luckiest guys on the planet. His first year on the job, Rory was the radio voice during a magical season that culminated with a thrilling World Series championship.
Rory had a perfect voice for radio. As the AM frequency would crackle through my car speakers, I enjoyed listening to his call on those endless summer nights. Every Angel fan will never forget Rory's booming voice as he trumpeted after each Angel win, "Just Another Halo Victory!" I admired Rory's professionalism. He was a natural & in an area that has been blessed with the voices of Chick Hearn, Vin Scully, Dick Emberg, Don Drysdale, and Bob Miller, this is a tremendous loss for LA media. I will never forget Rory and he will be missed by this Angel fan. Tonight, in front of the stadium, the Big A is lit in honor of Rory. Though bright, it will be dimmer than normal and Angel victories will not be the same for a long time.