The Phone Booth

This is from a Fiction Writing Prompt from a writing workshop at The Bookmatters in Milford, OH: Write a scene or story from the point of view of someone or something watching. It could be a ghost, an animal, the furniture coming to life, etc.

People visit me all the time, and I know all their secrets. There's one in particular that if the world knew, it'd be over for him. Fortunately for him, he doesn't know I know.

One day, he blurted out his supposed human name: "Clark". He mumbled something about how stupid he'd been for rotating the Earth to turn back time. Now, before that, I'd known him as Superman, and I knew that because someone yelled it upon his exit.

Oh, and he's good at making sure no one finds out his secret identity. Someone once tried opening the door, and what was I supposed to do? I'm an inanimate phone booth. So he used his super strength to hold the door closed. Using the ends of his fingers! And the idiot on the other side knocked and knocked. Fortunately, Supes' super speed prevented that delay, which would've allowed Lex Luthor to purchase the land for his world domination scheme. How do I know? Supes dropped his newspaper, and I read the headline: "Superman 'uncloses' the deal on Luthor".

Oh, Clark. Stick to saving the world. Leave the real estate puns to the professionals.

Another time, after the guy moved to Metropolis, he couldn't figure out where to put his clothes. What does he do? Uses his super strength again to compact his clothes into the slot under my phone. Then he pushes the phone book in. Left no trace of his clothes. I'm telling you, the guy's good.

Anyway, today Superman... Oh, shit! Luthor's goons just shot me! Broke a piece off of me. What the hell, man? I can't scream for help. Ugh.

There he goes, Supes, ready to save the world. Too bad his world doesn't include me. Oh, sure, he'll save squirrels. Congrats, Mr. Squirrel! Probably shi... do squirrels wear pants? You get the idea.

But what about dear old me? I'm unable to call anyone for help. Can't even use the phone inside me. 

Now, wait? What's this? I'm... I'm flying. Thank my God the great Alexander Graham Bell I'm saved. Superman, thank you! You've...

Oh boy... Oh no... you're... you're using me as a weapon?! He's throwing me at Luthor, and I hit him. He's destroyed. I'm destroyed. But, hey, so are his stupid world domination plans, amirite? I did it. I saved the world. I'm Superman.

THE TACO VAMPIRE

 This is from a Fiction Writing Prompt from a writing workshop at The Bookmatters in Milford, OH: Think of an alternative vampire that survives on something other than blood.

The guy at the taco stand humphs when he sees me again. He knows what I'll ask for, those end-of-day bits, and all that greasy, juicy goodness. But that's the only way I'll feed. I hate blood. Can't stand the taste of human flesh. But a vampire must feed, no?

The taco guy's sweaty, highlighting that sweet spot all vampires aim to stick their fangs into. But I turn away, otherwise I'll throw up. Have you ever seen a vampire throw up? It's not pretty. Blood and gunk and... guts. Like they say, "You'll puke out your guts." That came from us vampires; you're welcome.

Now, as a true Mexican, I can't pass up the tortillas the taco guy hands me. And once I pay him, plus give him a generous tip for my nightly requests, I fly away, figuratively; I haven't made it that far in my vampiric evolution. Plus, he'll freak if I literally fly away. 

Soon, Sheldon the vampire meets me. What a dumb name for a vampire. Pssht. Still, he laughed when I told him mine: Ernesto. Ur-nes-tow, he said. Meh. Well, fuck you, Sheldon, and your stupid name.

I show him my bag. "Here," he says instead and throws me a bone, meat and blood still on it. And upon seeing and smelling it—the rot, the pus, the way it stains my shirt—my bloody saliva comes up. No guts in my throat, though.

So, I kick his offering, but Sheldon, who's mastered super-speed, zooms past me and grabs his meal before it touches the ground. Yeah, he's very particular about his food touching the floor.

"Shelly's joining us," he says. What's up with the "Sh" vampire names in my life? And how did I make the vampiric cut? I'll never know. What's true is that, one night some fifty years ago, as I enjoyed Taco Man's al pastor tacos, a pineapple piece fell out of the taco, and as I grabbed it quickly with my hand, Sheldon came out of nowhere and bit me. Taco Man, twenty years old then, had turned away for one second, and Sheldon got me, like a mosquito in a disgustingly humid night.

"What's your secret? To your staying so young," Taco Man once asked me.

"Your tacos," I told him. "What's your name again?"

"Chava."

Fuck, another "Ch" name.

Anyway, he's my saving grace. I'd have starved decades ago if it hadn't been for Chava. God, no... Shoot, I said the "G" name, and now I have heartburn. But I would've died if not for his tacos, and we vampires can't have that, death. You ever seen a dead vampire? Of course you haven't. Only in movies.

I offer Sheldon my food. He hisses but gives it a sniff after. He's giving in. And he's got one. Thank G... well, you know Who. After fifty years, Sheldon finally gets a taste of my Taco Man's food.

"Coco" nos recuerda la importancia de la familia y de nuestras tradiciones

Originalmente publicado el 21 de noviembre del 2017 en La Jornada Latina.

En este Día de Acción de Gracias 2017, démosle gracias a Disney/Pixar porque ellos nos han traído una película animada que no solamente nos trae un sinfín de sentimientos, pero también nos trae una historia con la cual nos podemos identificar.  “Coco” es lo que la gente como yo (que no somos ni de aquí ni de allá) hemos estado esperando:  Una película con la que nos identifiquemos gracias a nuestras raíces hispanas pero que quizás no lo hemos vivido al completo o no lo hemos visto en la pantalla grande, y una cinta que queremos compartir con la gente no-hispana.

La ejecución que nos traen estos actores y actrices al prestar sus voces a personajes animados nos hacen creer en ellos y en un mundo donde podemos ver a nuestros seres queridos que ya se nos han ido.  Sea que creas o no en el mas allá, al ver “Coco” vas a querer ver a tus familiares y amigos que ya no están aquí, porque Pixar nos lo hace creer y nos recuerda que jamás hemos de olvidarlos.

"Coco" es la historia de un niño de México, llamado Miguel que ama la música, pero, a causa del pasado trágico de la familia, la música no se permite tocar ni escuchar en su hogar.  A el le pertenece otro destino, según sus padres y el resto de su familia, pero Miguel siente un amor increíble a la música, gracias a Ernesto de la Cruz, un personaje que nos recuerda al inolvidable Pedro Infante.

En el Dia de los Muertos hay un evento que se llevara a cabo para músicos del pueblo en la plaza central.  Miguel decide competir, pero como le hace falta una guitarra, decide entrar a la tumba de Ernesto de la Cruz y usar la guitara de Ernesto.  Esto lo lleva al mundo de los muertos, donde Miguel se encuentra con sus antepasados.  Como a Miguel le piden que regrese a su mundo para que sus familiares ya fallecidos puedan pasar a ver a su familia viva, Miguel tiene otros planes:  el necesita conocer y pedir la bendición de un musico de la familia para que se permita la música en casa y Miguel pueda ser musico.

Una de las ventajas que tuve yo versus el público americano en mis alrededores, y que vas a tener tu como hispano o hispana, es que vamos a reconocer a varios de los personajes a quien Pixar le rinde homenaje, desde Pedro Infante hasta Frida Kahlo hasta Cantinflas, y más; gente que llegué a ver yo en la pantalla chica con mi familia en días festivos.

Me encanto muchísimo “Coco” ya que me pude identificar muchísimo con temas como la familia y la importancia de nuestras tradiciones.  Como toda película de Disney/Pixar, prepárate y llévate los pañuelos o unas servilletas extra porque vas a llorar al igual como vas a reír.  Si tienes oportunidad (la cual no la tuve yo), ve la película traducida al español ya que se cuenta que es una experiencia mas allá que verla en inglés.

“Coco”, con las voces de Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt y Anthony González como Miguel, dirigida por Lee Unkrich y Adrian Molina, se estrena el 22 de noviembre.

"Coco" reminds us the importance of family of our traditions

Originalmente publicado el 21 de noviembre del 2017 en La Jornada Latina.

This Thanksgiving 2017, let's give thanks to Disney/Pixar because they've brought us an animated movie that not only brings us endless feelings, but also brings us a story that we, the Hispanic community, can relate to.  “Coco” is what people like me (that are both American and Mexican) have been waiting for:  a movie that we can identify with thanks to our Hispanic roots but that maybe haven't lived completely or that we haven't seen on the big screen, and a film that we want to share with the non-Hispanic community.

The executions that these actors and actresses brings us as they lend their voices to animated characters make us believe in them and in a wold where we can see our loved ones that have left us.  Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, while watching "Coco" you'll want to see your family and friends that are no longer alive, because Pixar makes us believe and they remind us that we must never forget them.

"Coco" is the story of a Mexican boy named Miguel who loves movies but, due to his family's tragic past, music is not permitted; it's neither played nor heard in their house.  His destiny is another one, according to his parents and the rest of his family, but Miguel feels an incredible love to movie, thanks to Ernesto De La Cruz, a character that reminds us of the unforgettable Pedro Infante.

On the Day of the Dead there'll be an event for local musicians at the main plaza.  Miguel decides to compete, but because he needs a guitar, he decides to enter Ernesto De La Cruz's tomb and use Ernesto's guitar.  This takes him to the land of the dead where Miguel encounters his ancestors.  Miguel is asked to return to his world so that his deceased family can pass onto the living world to see their live family, Miguel has other plans:  he needs to meet and ask for the blessing of a family musician so that music will be permitted at home and so that Miguel can become a musician.

One of the advantages that I had versus the general public around me at that time is that I recognized many of the characters that Pixar renders homage to, from Pedro Infante to Frida Kahlo to Cantinflas, and more; people I got to watch on the small screen with my family on holidays.

I loved "Coco" since I could identify a lot with themes like family and the importance of our traditions.  Like all Disney/Pixar movies, prepare yourself and have your hanker chief or plenty of napkins because you will cry just as much as you will laugh.  For all you Spanish speakers, if you have the chance (which I did not), watch the movie dubbed in Spanish; your experience will be so much more than watching it in English.

"Coco", with the voices of Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt and Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel, directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, will be released November 22nd.

Justice League: Divertida pero no trae nada nuevo

Originalmente publicado el 16 de noviembre del 2017 en La Jornada Latina.

“Justice League” por fin junta a los superhéroes que ya empezamos a ver en el DCEU (Universo Extendido de DC):  Batman, Wonder Woman, y Superman, y aunque ya los habíamos visto brevemente en “Batman V Superman”, a Cyborg, a Aquaman y a Flash.  Me divertí al verla, pero no sentí la emoción que sentí cuando vi a los personajes de Marvel juntarse por primera vez.  Por lo menos con Marvel, al ver a Thor pelear contra Iron Man mientras Loki veía ese espectáculo, sentí ver a los personajes de mis comics favoritos y a los dioses de los que leí de niño en libros de mitología saltar de las paginas a lo que pueda ser la vida real.  Esa magia faltó al ver a uno de mis equipos favoritos de comics en la pantalla grande.

Es una película que ya se ha visto:  algo fuera de nuestro mundo o de nuestro control nos amenaza y el villano quiere destruir a la humanidad; una persona o un grupo con poderes se unen para salvarnos a todos.  No se llevan al principio, se unen y salvan al mundo.  Ya lo hemos visto en otros filmes.  Lamentablemente, “Justice League” no nos da más de eso.  El problema más grande en esta situación, y en esta película en particular, es el villano:  Steppenwolf.  Steppenwolf quiere un mundo donde el reinará después de destruir a la humanidad.  ¿Suena familiar?  La verdad, no me interesó; al contrario, me aburrió.

Aparte del mismo cuento, los efectos no fueron de lo mejor.  Hay escenas que parecen más escenas de video juego a algo que posiblemente pueda suceder en nuestro mundo real.

En “Justice League” se vive un mundo sin Superman.  Empezamos con Batman cazando unos extraterrestres llamados “Parademons”.  El problema que tuve con esta escena es que empezamos con extraterrestres sin alguna explicación.  ¿Por qué los está buscando y cazando Batman?  ¿De dónde vinieron?  ¿Cuál es su objetivo?

Batman necesita la ayuda de Wonder Woman para reclutar a unos seres con poderes:  a un hombre “que habla con peces” (Aquaman), a un chico que desaparece de repente (Flash), y a un futbolista que, después de un accidente, ya es más que hombre (Cyborg).  Batman necesita la ayuda de estos seres maravillosos porque ya no se trata de payasos ni de hombres con patos explosivos.  Después de la llegada, y de la muerte de Superman, el mundo en el que viven es uno de seres poderosos y de fuerzas fuera de nuestro mundo.

De los tres personajes ya conocidos, Superman fue el que más me agrado.  Por fin tenemos a un Superman que agrada a todo mundo, ya sea si eres fan del Superman de los comics o de las caricaturas o del cine, este Superman es más agradable que con el que empezó el DCEU.  Batman es de lo que se espera:  un héroe que da más de lo que daríamos nosotros.  Wonder Woman no tuvo el mismo carisma que vimos en “Batman V Superman” o en “Wonder Woman”.  Me gustaron, pero en ningún momento di un “Wow!”.

De los tres nuevos personajes, Cyborg me sorprendió.   Muchas veces con personajes que son mitad-maquina, casi siempre son muy monótonos.  Con Cyborg vemos la humanidad de un hombre que ya es más máquina que hombre.  Cyborg está confundido y enojado.  Flash, aunque algo gracioso, muchos de los chistes se dirigen más a niños.  Además, es algo torpe.  Aquaman es el personaje macho que vemos en todo grupo, uno que prefiere trabajar solo.  Sabemos que es fuerte en el agua, pero fuera del agua no es nada más que un hombre fuerte.

El director Zack Snyder, con la ayuda de Joss Whedon (uno de los grandes del Mundo Cinematográfico de Marvel), nos traen una película con humor y no aburrida, como las películas anteriores.  Lamentablemente, con el éxito y lo maravilloso que fue “Wonder Woman”, dan un paso atrás con esta película.  Afortunadamente no tan atrás como lo que fue “Suicide Squad” pero no fue a la calidad y al carisma de “Wonder Woman” o lo que se espera de su competencia, Marvel.

Si estas esperando ver una película divertida, solo o con tu familia, te la vas a pasar bien.  Si estás buscando ver una película con lo surreal que viviste cuando viste a los Avengers por primera vez, prepárate porque la magia que sentiste, desafortunadamente, no está allí.  Si esperas ver algo completamente nuevo, Viejo, quédate en casa.  ¿Te la recomiendo?  Si, pero no hay prisa en verla.

“Justice League”, con Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot y Henry Cavill, dirigida por Zack Snyder, se estrena el 17 de noviembre.

Justice League: Fun but doesn't bring anything new

Originally published 11/16/17 in Spanish on La Jornada Latina.

“Justice League” finally brings togehter those superheros that we already started seeing in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe):  Batman, Wonder Woman & Superman, and although we've already briefly seen them on "Batman V Superman" Cyborg, Aquaman & the Flash.  I had fun watching the movie, but I didn't feel that emotion I felt when I saw the MCU characters  together for the first time.  At least with Marvel, when I saw Thor fight Iron Man while Loki watched this spectacle, I felt watching those characters from my favorite comics and those gods that I would read about as a kid in mythology books; they jumped out from the pages to something that could be real.  That magic was missing while I watched one of my favorite comic book teams on the big screen.

It's a movie that we've seen before:  something out of this world or out of our control threatens us and the villian wants to destroy humanity; one person or a group with powers come together to save everyone.  They don't get along at first, they unite and they save the world.  We've seen it on other films.  Unfortunately, "Justice League" doesn't give us more than that.  The biggest problem in this situation, and in this movie in particular, is the villian:  Steppenwolf.  Steppenwolf wants a world where he'll rule after destroying humanity.  Sound familiar?  Honestly, that didn't interest me; on the contrary, it bore me.

Beside the same ol' story, the special effects were not the best.  There are scenes that look more like video game scenes instead of something that could possibly happen in our real world.

"Justice League" is a world that now lives without Superman.  We start with Batman hunting a Parademon.  The problem that I had with this initial scene is that we start with aliens without any explanation.  Why is he looking for them and hunting them?  Where did they come from?  What's their purpose.

Batman needs Wonder Woman's help to  recruit beings with powers:  a man that "talks to fish (Aquaman), a kid that suddenly disappears (Flash), and a football players that, after an accident, is now more that a man (Cyborg).  Batman needs the help of these marvelous beings because this is no longer a world of clowns nor of exploding ducks.  After Superman's arrival, and death, the world that one lives in is one of powerful beings and of forces that are out of this world.

Of the three characters already known, Superman was the most enjoyable.  We finally have a Superman that everyone likes, whether you're a fan of his character in comics or in cartoons or in movies, this Superman is more enjoyable than the one we started off with in the DCEU.  Batman is what you'd expect:  a hero that gives more of himself that we would.  Wonder Woman didn't have the same charisma that we saw in "Batman V Superman" nor in "Wonder Woman".  I liked them both but at no moment was I wowed by either.

Of the three new characters, Cyborg surprised me.  Many times with characters that are half-machine, they tend to be monotonous.  With Cyborg we saw the humanity of a man that is now more machine than man.  Cyborg is confused and he's angry.  Flash, although funny, a lot of his jokes are kiddish.  Besides, he's clumsy.  Aquaman is that macho character that we see in a all groups, one who prefers to work alone.  We know he is strong in water, but outside of water he is no more than a strong man.

Director Zack Snyder, with the help of Joss Whedon (of the MCU), bring us a move with humor and one that is not boring.  Unfortunately, with the success and how wonderful "Wonder Woman" was, they take a step back with this movie.  Fortunately not too far back to what "Suicide Squad" was but it wasn't the quality that "Wonder Woman" was or what you'd expect from their competition, Marvel.

If you're hoping to watch a fun movie, by yourself or with your family, you're going to have a good time.  If you're looking to watch a surreal movie as was lived when you saw "The Avengers" for the first time, prepare yourself because that magic that you felt, unfortunately, is not there.  If you're looking to see something completely new, stay home.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, but there's no hurry in watching it.

"Justice League", with Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill, directed by Zack Snyder, will be released November 17th.

Películas de Navidad

Ya estamos en ese tiempo del año, cuando nos juntamos con nuestra familia y con nuestros amigos y vemos esas películas navideñas favoritas, y tengo curiosidad por saber cuáles son sus favoritas.

Ya tiempo de ver esas películas navideñas.

Hay películas navideñas que no se pueden perder como “A Christmas Story”, “Home Alone” y “It’s a Wonderful Life”, y luego hay las mas nuevas como “Krampus” y “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”.  Y luego están aquellas que algunos consideran películas navideñas, aunque no lo sean para otros (no importa lo que digan, “Batman Returns” SI es una película navideña).  Sea lo que prefiramos, lo importante es disfrutar esos filmes que nos traen tanta alegría y nostalgia.

Aquí tienes las 10 películas favoritas mías y de nosotros (de mi esposa y de mi).  Como hay muchas películas para considerar, incluí otras que aun vemos, pero nos las podemos brincar si acaso llegamos a decidir ver otras.  Hay un empate allí (¡VA pues!  Son 11 películas).  Pero estas 10 favoritas son películas que no nos podemos perder… bueno, por lo menos para mí.

1. “Elf” – Esta se debe ver.  Para mí, esta ES la película navideña.  Típicamente la vemos cuando ponemos nuestro árbol de navidad, pero yo la puedo ver en CUALQUIER momento. 
2. “It’s A Wonderful Life”
3. “A Very Sunny Christmas” (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) – Esta no viene siendo una película de navidad, pero está en nuestra lista, así queeeee… es más, se vendió separadamente a la seria de “Sunny”.  Esta la vemos después de ver “Elf”.  Una MUY CHISTOSA para ver.
4. “Love Actually” – Esta película sin plot es una de nuestras favoritas.  Tiende a ser la primera, o una de las primeras, que vemos después de Thanksgiving.  Hay tanto amor y diferentes formas en cómo lo vivimos, desde ese primer amor a esos que amamos en el trabajo a ese amor que nunca vamos a tener.  Como dijeron los Beatles, “Lo único que necesitas es amor.” ("All you need is love.").
5. “Home Alone”
6. “The Family Stone” / “The Holiday” – Estas dos las vemos ya llegándose la navidad.  Las dos me encantan al igual.
7. “Serendipity” – Una película muy cursi con un plot tonto, pero me encanta esta película.
8. “Batman Returns” – Como había dicho, ¡ESTA ES UNA PELICULA DE NAVIDAD con mi superhéroe favorito!
9. “Scrooged”
10. “While You Were Sleeping” – Esta es una de las primeras películas donde note se vivía en mi ciudad de Chicago.  Al paso del tiempo llegue a verla cada navidad.

Otras que vemos pero que nos podemos brincar: “Krampus”, “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas”, “Hook”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Family Man”, “Trading Places”, “The Santa Clause”, “A Christmas Story” (esta nada más porque se ve por 24 horas cada navidad).

Ustedes, ¿Qué películas ven en tiempo de navidad?  ¿Alguna en español?  Quizás de su lista agregue yo a la mía.

Visítenme en línea y en Facebook.

Christmas Movies

It's that time of the year, when we all gather with our family & friends and watch those holiday favorites, and I'm curious to know what your favorites are.

Christmas Movie Time

There's the holiday favorites you can't miss like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and It's A Wonderful Life, then there's the newer ones such as Krampus and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas.  There's also those that some consider Christmas movies even if they're not entirely to other people (I don't care what anyone says, Batman Returns IS a Christmas movie).  Whatever we prefer to watch, the important thing is to enjoy those films that bring us such joy and nostalgia.

Below are my and our (my wife and mine) top 10 favorites.  Because there are so many movies to consider, I've included others that we still watch but can skip if we end up watching others.  There's a ties in there (FINE!  This would make it a top 11).  The top 10 favorites, though, are can't miss movies for us... or at least for me.

1. Elf - This is a must-watch.  To me, this is THE Christmas.  Typically we tend to watch it when we put up our Christmas tree but I can watch this at ANY time.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life
3. A Very Sunny Christmas (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) - This isn't technically a movie but it's on our movie watch-list, soooo...  Plus, it was sold as a DVD separately to the other seasons.  We tend to watch this after Elf.  A VERY HILARIOUS one to watch.
4. Love Actually - This plot-less movie is one of our favorites.  This tends to be the first, or one of the first, we watch after Thanksgiving.  There's just so much love and the different kinds of love that we experience, from our first crush to those we love at work to that one love that will never be with us.  As the Beatles said, "All you need is love.".
5. Home Alone
6. The Family Stone/The Holiday - We tend to watch both of these closer to Christmas day.  I love these two just the same.
7. Serendipity - A very cheesy movie with a dumb plot but I'm a fool for this movie.
8. Batman Returns - Like I said, THIS IS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE with my favorite superhero!
9. Scrooged
10. While You Were Sleeping - This is one of the first movies where I paid attention to it being set in my hometown, Chicago, and over time I grew to love watching it at Christmas time.  

Others we watch but can skip:  Krampus, A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, Hook, Edward Scissorhands, The Family Man, Trading Places, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story (only because it plays 24 hours each Christmas Eve/Christmas).

What about you?  What's on your watch-list?  Maybe we'll pick up a few this season.

Visit me online and on Facebook.

Thanksgiving 2017

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Each year, the radio station that I work for, WOXY La Mega 97.7 FM, buys turkey dinners for families and this year I had the honor of delivering some of those turkey dinners to families.

The radio station bought 30 turkey dinners, which included a turkey, corn, mashed potatoes and bread.  Ten were given to 3 churches.  Of the 3 churches, I had a chance to go to two:  Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Florence, KY and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dayton, OH.

At Cristo Rey I only had the chance to meet less than half of the people whose food were going to be given since that most people were working at that time.  The few people that I had the pleasure of meeting were great to meet and I'm glad that they will have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

At Cristo Rey Church in Florence, KY.

From Florence, KY I took what should've been an hour drive to Dayton, OH to St. Mary's Catholic Church.  As tired as I was after driving close to two hours, when I arrived I was more than happy to continue to lend a hand to the next church.  Once I arrived the priest, Father Ariel, asked me to help him deliver some of the dinners after a couple of families would come and pick up theirs.

Father Ariel from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dayton, OH.

It truly was an honor to go to some of the parishioners' houses to deliver their turkey dinners.  The most beautiful thing about this experience was that they were not expecting this beautiful gesture from their church.  These wonderful people who are extremely humble.  One of the families invited us in for a drink and something to snack on (to which I was more than thankful for; that nearly two-hour drive had me famished.).  Talking to this family I find out that the patriarch of this family, Jociel, works two factory jobs and studies online; his wife also works full-time.  This is a family that truly deserved something like this and much, much more.  A true blessing to their community.

Jociel and his wife & daughter, a truly hardworking family.  A true blessing to their community.

What an honor to do this via La Mega 97.7 FM.  Not a day goes by where I'm not grateful to have this job that I love.  Now I can add one of the best experiences that I have lived through La Mega.  Hopefully this is just the beginning and I can continue to do this for a long time. 

You can see more photos at La Mega's Facebook Page.

Día de Acción de Gracias 2017

Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias para todos.

Cada año, la estación de radio con la que trabajo, WOXY La Mega 97.7 FM, compra cenas de pavos para familias y este año tuve el honor de entregar algunas cenas de pavo a familias.

La estación de radio compro 30 cenas de pavos, que incluían pavo, maíz, papas y pan.  Diez fueron dadas a 3 iglesias.  De las 3 iglesias, tuve la oportunidad de ir a dos:  a la iglesia católica Cristo Rey en Florence, KY y a la iglesia católica St. Mary en Dayton, OH.

En Cristo Rey solamente tuve la oportunidad de conocer a menos de la mitad de la gente a quien se les iba a dar comida ya que la mayoría de la gente estaba trabajando a esa hora.  De la poca gente que tuve el placer de conocer fueron grandes personas y me da gusto que vayan a tener un maravilloso Día de Acción de Gracias.

En la iglesia Cristo Rey en Florence, KY.

De Florence, KY tomé lo que tuve que haber sido una hora manejando hacia Dayton, OH a la iglesia St. Mary.  A pesar de estar cansando después de manejar casi dos horas, cuando llegue estaba mas que feliz en continuar a prestar una mano a la próxima iglesia.  En cuanto llegue el sacerdote, el Padre Ariel, me pidió que le ayudara a entregar algunas de las cenas después de que un par de familias llegara y recogieran lo de ellos.

El Padre Ariel de la iglesia St. Mary’s de Dayton, OH.

Fue verdaderamente un honor ir a algunas de las casas de estos feligreses a entrarles sus cenas de pavos.  Lo mas bello de esta experiencia fue que ellos no se esperaban este bello gesto de su iglesia.  Esta maravillosa gente quienes son extremadamente humilde.  Una de las familias no invito adentro a tomar algo y a botanear algo (a lo que les estuve mas que agradecido; esa manejada de casi dos horas me dejo famélico.)  Hablando con esta familia me doy cuenta de que el patriarca de la familia, Jociel, trabaja en dos fabricas y estudia en línea su esposa también trabaja tiempo-completo.  Esta es una familia que verdaderamente se merecía algo como esto y mucho, mucho más.  Una bendición real para su comunidad.

Jociel y su esposa e hija, una familia verdaderamente trabajadora.  Una bendición para su comunidad.

Que honor haber hecho esto vía La Mega 97.7 FM.  No hay días que pasen donde no este agradecido por tener este trabajo que amo.  Ahora puedo añadir una de las mejores experiencias vividas a través de La Mega.  Ojalá esto sea solamente el comienzo y pueda yo continuar esto por un muy largo tiempo.

Pueden ver mas fotos en la pagina de Facebook de La Mega.

Ya Regresé (Eso Espero)

Hola a todos.

Bueno, van mas de 4 anos de edad desde que he publicado aquí.  Llegue al punto donde no sabia que escribir.  Pero un montón de cosas han sucedido:  me case en el 2014, regrese a la escuela en el 2016, y, ahora, trabajando para una estación de radio hispana.  Supongo que SI hay bastante que me ha pasado.

Espero que por fin pueda llegar a publicar mas aquí.  Poco a poco pondré mis pensamientos y más.  Por lo pronto, asegúrense seguirme en las redes sociales.  Me encuentran en Facebook bajo AbelSchmabel Zav, Abel Zavalaa y AbelZ Media.  Pueden agregarme y seguirme en Instagram, Twitter y en Snapchat (@AbelZavalaa).  Pueden visitar mi página web AbelZMedia.com.

AbelZ Media va creciendo de poco a poquito, a través de la pagina web y en Facebook.

O, y si gustan escucharme, estoy al aire en La Mega 97.7 FM (WOXY) cada jueves y cada viernes en las mananas (6 a.m. a 10 a.m. EST) y los sábados en las mananas (8 a.m. a 12 p.m.) y en las tardes (5 p.m. a 7 p.m.).  Pueden escucharme a través de mi página web aquí.

Abel Zavala

AbelZMedia@gmail.com

I'm Back (I Hope)

Hello everyone.

Well, it's been over 4 years since I've posted here.  It got to a point to where I didn't know what to type.  A ton of stuff has happened though:  got married in 2014, went back to school in 2016 and, now, working for a (Spanish) radio station.  I guess that there HAS been a lot that's happened.

I hope that I can finally get around to posting more here.  Little by little I'll get to post thoughts and more.  In the meantime, be sure to follow me on social media.  You can find me on Facebook under AbelSchmabel Zav, Abel Zavalaa & AbelZ Media.  You can add me and follow me on Instagram, Twitter & Snapchat (@AbelZavalaa).  You can view my website at AbelZMedia.com.

AbelZ Media is slowly being built, both the website and Facebook.

Oh, and if you'd like to listen to me, I am on-air at La Mega 97.7 FM (WOXY) every Thursday & Friday mornings (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST) and Saturday mornings (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST) & evenings (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.).  You can listen to me online via my website here.

Abel Zavala

AbelZMedia@gmail.com

Mr. Blue Fish and Mr. Red Fish

This past Tuesday, we lost our little friend, Eli (or as he was previously known, Levi).  I was really hoping he would be around for at least a year, but he did surprise us, making it past March of this year.  Now that we know Frances' sister and niece are coming to visit us, I was really hoping her niece, Ceci, would see him again.  After all, she was the one who helped me choose our little blue betta.

R.I.P. Eli, or as Ceci called you, "Mr. Blue Fish"

So today I headed to our local pet store for a new fish buddy.We wanted to avoid a blue one since it was too early.  So now, I present to you...

Sheldon

We wanted to name him before Ceci arrives.  I don't think she's very imaginative with names just yet.  I was afraid that she would name him something similar to the previous betta fish, something like "Mr. Red Fish".

Welcome Home little Sheldon and Rest in Peace little Eli.

Weight Milestone... and what I thought of Man of Steel. Also, what I want from DC.

First order of business:

Last post I had mentioned that I have to go to the dentist due to a bad molar.  Now, I'm waiting for a call back, and fortunately my tooth has not bothering me.  However I've had to watch what i eat to cause as little pain as possible. 

That being said, I've been weighing myself here and there, and this morning I hit a major milestone....
I'm at less than 200 lbs.  New weight:  199.6 lbs.

So, Congratulations to me!

--

Man of Steel review (Caution If you've not seen it yet !!!)

This morning Frances and I saw MoS and I've got to say:   I really liked it!!!

Unlike the previous film, which was of a dialogue film versus this was more action packed.  Now, I didn't hate the former, but did find it a bit boring, lacking punch, which is what I want in a Superman film.  That's the reason why Superman Returns was like more by critics versus the audience and vice versa with this film.

Now, there's two type of people for these type of films:  the comic book community and the movie community, and I belong more to the latter than the former.  Reason being that, even though I've always been fascinated by superheroes and mythology and the sort, growing up I didn't get much of a chance of reading comic books so growing up I relied more on watching shows, cartoons and movies.  It wasn't until after high school that I would go to Borders bookstores and read graphic novels and comic book stories.  I'm the type of guy that knows a lot more than the average non-comic book reader but less than a comic book reader.  So when I watch a comic book movie I look more at what the film consists of versus what was pulled from their sources.  Same goes for movies based on novels or anything else for that matter.

First, I was very happy to see Chris Nolan's touch in this.  I think having him be part of bringing Supes back was great.  I really like his films especially the Dark Knight trilogy.

I was happy too when I found out Michael Shannon was cast as Gen. Zod.  As I watched the film, however, I think my joy for his portrayal went down a few points.  I liked his portrayal of Zod but did not love him.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by Faora, Zod's right hand.  I really liked her. 

One thing I really wanted to see:  Zod's famous line from Superman II, "Kneel before Zod!"

Now, because Nolan came on board, I wonder if they tried to copy some of what worked in Batman Begins.  One things were the flashback scenes.  They felt a bit misplaced. 

One last thing was that the movie was a bit slow moving at first.  Yet also felt that some of the scenes were rushed or suddenly cut and then... the action began and the movie's pace was much faster.

In the end, as I mentioned before, I really liked the movie.  I do think it's a wonderful way to bring Superman back to the big screen and start that new DC cinematic universe that we've been waiting for.

So what would I like now?  For one, I was glad to hear that they may work on MoS2 before finally bringing a Justice League movie.  I think DC shouldn't rush into it to be at par with Marvel.  Rushing it may just crumble what they are trying to achieve for us fans.

Second, I hear that Supergirl and Lex Luthor are coming on board for MoS2.  Supergirl as a supporting character would be better than an attempt at a solo film any time soon or later.  Also, as for Lex, I hope they reinterpret him more as a real threat versus what has been interpreted by Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey.  And for a third film (in case it's a trilogy) I'd like to see Doomsday.  Give us the Death of Superman!!!  After all, we all know Superman comes back.

Lastly, eventually I'd like to see comic book movie crossover, so DC and Marvel, get to working at it.

Dentist?!.. Well you know the drill

I don't even know when was the last time I went to the dentist.  I'd say 15-20 years ago.  Now I HAVE to go... and I'm super scared.

Over 3 years ago, Frances and I were at a theater when I chew on something and that chipped some of a molar which now is a "dead" molar.  It didn't bother me until one day two years ago I was driving to work and was chewing gum to clean some of the food from the breakfast I had just had when the piece of gum hit the inside of the molar and caused an extreme amount of pain which I didn't make much of afterwards and learned to chew on the other side of my mouth.  However I knew I would have to go to the dentist eventually.

And so here we are.  I was hoping to postpone going until November of this year when I would be able to get dental insurance, especially because Frances and I are planning our wedding and it's been getting hard to save (especially after some auto issues and last month's events).  If not til November, at least until I start my new part-time job to have a little extra.

--

If you notice, I've added my Day Zero list.  I have a few still to add so if you have suggestions so if you have any suggestions I'm all ears (eyes).

Party time is (almost) over

Frances and I took most of the week of 4/30/13 to have time to see our families and friends before the wedding and quinceañera.  Unfortunately we were so busy running from one place to another that time flew by.  Nonetheless, everything came out very well and we had an absolutely great time.

That being said, congratulations...



...to the newlyweds

 

... and to the Quinceañera.

By the way, my Facebook profile pic was taken at the wedding.  ("That's one sharp couple", I hear)

Now that those two are over, time to get on with our week 'til Saturday when we're off to one more wedding.  Ha Ha!

 

--

 

In my last blog post I mentioned that I needed a new laptop.  I finally gave up on my messed up laptop a day ago (from writing this post) and so decided to go to my local Best Buy for a new computer.  I decided on a Toshiba fairly similar to mine, same components.  The previous two laptops I've had have been Toshibas so I decided to stick with what I know.

 

To be honest, I'm not very fond of this new Windows 8 program.  I've been told to give it some time and that I'll get used to it, which is fine, but for now that I'm still getting used to the changes I'm certainly hoping that technology is not getting the best of me... Why, technology, why?  I'm only 31.  Wish me luck!!!

 

 



High School Class of What????

Wow, what a slow month it's been.  I think it primarily has been slow for us because we're just so excited for our family events in a just over a week.  I don't know if I've mentioned this before (I'm sure Frances has in her blog) that from 4/30/13-5/5/13 we'll be back home in the southern part of the Chicagoland area due to a wedding and a Quinceañera that weekend.

Come to think of it, I have started something new this month and am planning a few other things...

1.  I've started doing the 100 Snapshots challenge.  You can see the list here and view the pics on my Flickr page here.  I don't think they have to be in order but I choose to do it that way so as to not overwhelm myself.  Anyway, feel free to browse my other photos as well.

2. I want to start playing tennis.  I used to play when I was in high school, but since 1999 (my senior year), I haven't set foot on a tennis court.  I miss it and may start looking for others to play with after the week of May 5th, so if you're from Cincinnati and don't mind playing with a rookie, let me know.

Yours truly, top row, 4th from the left

3.  I want to vlog again.  I started vlogging over a year ago but I think I lost interest because I found myself too boring.  I've started re-watching a few vloggers and am now watching some new ones too (The Shaytards, Arturo Trejo, It's Judy's Life and Jenna Marbles).  They're inspiring me to start again.  I just don't know how to go about it; I don't know whether to only post videos here or also on YouTube.

4.  Work part-time.  I recently applied for a Spanish language interpreter position here in Cincinnati to work part-time.  One reason for the part-time is to make sure that I'm a good fit for the company, not just from my point of view, but also from theirs.  Plus while keeping my current full-time position and obtaining this new part-time one, I'll be able to save up for a new laptop, a new camera, a new car, and most importantly, for our wedding.

...and did I mention a new laptop

By the way, I passed my written and oral tests for the interpreter position, so next comes orientation.

Pre Mid-Life Crisis part 2... and my (non) Facebook update

We went home this Easter weekend.  Our original plan was to go last month at the end of February due to one of my niece's turning 15 but due to a couple things here and there we had to push it a month.  Now, even though we went home for "vacation" purposes, it turned out a bit different for one of us (let's leave it at that for now).

This weekend back home I noticed something:  I was a little saddened with the changes people are going through as time goes on. I understand my nieces and nephews are growing up, but then I really took notice of my brother-in-law, of how much older he's getting even though he's only 11 years older than me.  And I can understand why:  the construction industry is not so great right now; 4 kids to provide for, 1 of them celebrating her "Quince" in a month, the other in a year and a half, as well as other things.  I also noticed how my brother is suddenly had a gray-hair growth spurt.

Easter Sunday we went to Easter Mass early in the morning.  This church we went to, I used to be a part of and hadn't set foot in it for approximately 10 years.  I saw old friends who are now older and kids who became teenagers and teens who are now married with a kid or two.

That being said, it brought back the Pre Mid-Life Crisis feeling I had a few months ago (see post).  As happy as I was to see people I grew up with, it made me think of my mortality.  I'm only 31 years young but nonetheless it makes me wonder about my future.  I can only hope for the best.

----

A little update on my "no facebook" month (see post).  I was successful in not incorporating Facebook in my life, not for a week or for a month, but for the whole 40 days of Lent.  It's not much of a sacrifice but I was sucessful.  I finally logged back on yesterday and posted a pic...

...and updated my banner to what I also have here, but to be honest, I don't miss it.  I realized I can do without it.

New Banner, Nice! and a little bit about Mr. Rogers

Woo Hoo!!!  New Banner!!!

Since I changed the way my blog looks a few weeks ago I've also wanted to change the banner but I'm not very good with that sort of stuff.  So the awesome Frances took it upon herself to work on it on one of the days I was working.  And as you can see, she knows me quite well, being the superhero fan that I am.

(By the way, Frances just started a new blog, check it out.  Also don't forget to check out her Etsy shop.)

Now, to be clear, I am more of a DC fan than a Marvel fan (but due to my blog's title, it was only appropriate to use Marvel characters.  Unfortunately for me too, Batman is not a part of the Marvel Universe, so can't be pictured on it.

For anyone new, so there is no confusion, this blog doesn't focus on comics (my favorite character is Batman) but rather a sort of "A Day in the Life of ...".  On occasion I may blog about a comic or character or (my love of) movies .  The reason that I don't focus on comics is that I'm not an expert.  Nonetheless, all are welcome to be a part of my life.

----------------------------------------

In other news, I hopped on the scale today and am excited to tell you... I'm at 200.6 lbs.  I'm actually quite happy with that result.  Now, as many know, I never focused on reaching a certain weight but now that I'm there I'm just tying to get to 199.9 lbs being that I don't remember the last time I weighed under 200.  I know it's not much of a challenge but rather the excitement of it.

I'll leave you with this little bit of trivia I learned recently:  Mr. Rogers liked to weigh 143 lbs because it takes 1 letter to say "I", 4 letters to say "Love" and 3 letters to say "You".

For other facts about Mr. Rogers, check out the video below:

Eli Schmeli

Meet Eli, our Betta Fish (who's original name was Levi due to his blue color).

This first week of March we decided to have a day in honor of Eli being with us one year, but Netflix sent us a different movie I requested, and I wasn't able to find a dish I've been wanting for a long time, so plans changed.

Eli's Day was going to consist of having our Sushi Bowl for lunch and "Caldo Siete Mares" (7 Seas Soup) for dinner...

Sushi Bowl

Caldo Siete Mares

...as well as Frances and me taking a trip to the Newport Aquarium and, finally at the end of the day, watching Finding Nemo.

Maybe next year, buddy, maybe next year (or next week).