He-man is da shit!

Most of us already knew what are He-man’s tendencies when we saw it a second time with his pink vest and his blonde well dressed hair. But finally we have more proof with the following video that fits perfectly to his persona. The 4 Non blondes must be proud of this cover on “What’s up”. The new Anthem of Sendlinger Tor and surroundings!

The cholo cavemen

It is true that some times the animal instinct comes to the surface in the most intense moments of our lives, but some times it is just enough and we don’t really know when are we crossing the limit. But that happens normally when we are 3 or 4 years old, not when we are supposed to be mature and aware of our reality.

Mexican people are well known because of their friendship and their warm treatment with others. And in most of the cases is true, it is a real characteristic of Mexicans. So, that’s why I can say for sure that the following video does not represent what is going in Mexico. Yes, it is unfortunate what is going on in this shit called “War on Drugs” but it is something that Mexicans are strongly dealing with, and it’s done without losing hope.

But what I’m presenting now is a video with chicano cholos. Say whaaaat? Well, I’ve never seen this show and never had any interest. It seems to be another talk show, where punches and cat fights are the usual shit. Apparently the name of the show is “Jose Luis sin censura”, and uses the same topics and context as “Laura en América”. This video shows only how the men are fighting each other.

Morbid fascination, indeed, watching this kind of crap, but actually this is how most of the Mexican people can take some interest in something. I just wanna make clear that these guys are NOT Mexican, they are mostly chicanos and, in a majority, cholos.

For a better definition of these two labels (cholos and chicanos) you may choose some other literature. I will also explain that culture in future posts, but by now I can say that they are individuals born and raised in the United States with a Mexican heritage. Yes yes, this kind of cholos are also in Mexico but they are truly a minority in the country.

I decided to name this post “The cholo cavemen” because… well… they are. I can not affirm that all cholos behave like here but it is very probable that they do. I also can not say that all chicanos are like here because I know they aren’t.

Fuck! This kind of shit is unfortunately what the majority prefers to have as an entertainment in the Latin-american culture. Then if you have some pleasure watching how fake cases and stupid programs turn into an amok of slaps, kicks and punches among troglodytes, you may enjoy the following shit.

And as the internet wisdom says: “Gossip and talk shows are like eating junk food. We know it is a total shit but we can not just stop consuming it”.

And the slam you gave me?

Well, this video sadly and in a fun way reminded me of the Mexican moms. Yes, most of them are like that, they don’t accept mistakes and blame some one for something. No regrets.

The original video is “¿Y el putazo que me diste?” (without the exclamation signs) and I couldn’t find a proper word for “putazo”. Putazo is used as a synonym for a hit, a punch, a slam… a collision in general. But it is a vulgar word used merely in the angriest or rude moments. We will see such examples like that in a future section I’m about to create.

As I mentioned, this is a classical example of an average Mexican mom and her, in some cases, indifferent treatment to her family, but in this case, the mother here does it in a fun way blaming the kid after she slammed his head and the guy filming notices it. Also the mom tries to laugh when her “puteado” (slammed) son makes her realize that she was caring about shit, but returns to her initial proudly anger. But stop describing what’s going on, just watch the video. If you can speak Spanish you’ll find it even funnier; or else, I put the transcription in English after the video, so you can know precisely what they are saying:

– Mom: Put it over the place, where the Saints are.
– Son: Unintelligible but I think is something like “again!
– Mom: They are going to fall down.
The doors slam against the kid’s head and the Christmas ornaments fall and break.
– Son: Ouch, assho…!!
– Mom: Oh! What did I tell you? You already broke them.
The guy in the camera starts to laugh.
–  Mom: I’m telling you “they’re gonna fall” and it is because they fall!
– Son: And the slam you gave me?
– Mom: So that’s why!
– Son: Aha!
– Mom: I’m telling you!
– Cameraman: Good thing that I…

Against the Blob

I’ve just seen this video while exploring through videos and meaningless shit and I found it hilarious, not only because of the obvious difference between the fighters, but also because of the total crap that the narrators are saying. The ending is the most “dramatic” and funny unbelievable outcome.

Kick dat ass, biatch!

Song of the day: None of us are free

It is undeniable that the partnership made of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil has brought a lot of successful songs that, even if we are not aware of it, show the enormous inspiration in the couple. This time I wanna share a really good piece of music that I discovered thanks to Solomon Burke, the Gospel King, who got me since the first sounds of this impressive song.

The song is “None of us are free” and it was first recorded by Ray Charles in his 1993 Album “My World” along with Eric Clapton. That version has the characteristic sound of Ray with a formidable instrumentation and a groovy sound that makes you enjoy the powerful voice of the Master and kick the floor with the sound of Slow-hand.

By 1997 Lynyrd Skynyrd, the southern rock band, that I love because of its interesting sounds made also their version. I don’t know, it is good, but I will always have in my mind the sound of the 70’s LS. I like it, I repeat it, but for me it is not the best version.

But hey! Which is my favorite? The Burke’s version. My god! Solomon Burke made an impressive inspirational performance with it. I think it is the first time that this song is sung with the proper feeling. Just listen, boy. Place your chair, get your shoes off, open a window and let the air hit your face, because Pastor Burke is going to praise the word of Music!

Listen to that organ, the picking guitar, the strong deep voice and the smashing feeling. Listen, just listen and shout it to be free, to freed your chest and jump, or cry or laugh. I don’t know but give this song the proper homage and enjoy it.

Song of the day: Júrame – María Grever

The song is a masterpiece of one of the best Mexican composers: María Grever. She was born in León, Guanajuato by the end of the XIX Century. When she was young she was really into music and she was even studying with Claude Debussy. As a trend of the time, she was composing many pieces for films.

Actually her passion were “Boleros”, so she was very prolific at them but unfortunately was not so famous until her classic song hits the radios: “Júrame”. It is well known that the most skilled tenors in the world love this song because of its versatile movements and strong sounds, but most of all because of the passion in it. Lately Plácido Domingo was singing it in almost all of his concerts.

It is the story of a man asking to her beloved to swear him that she will never forget him. That’s why the name of the song: “Júrame” (“Swear to me” in Spanish). The guy just asks for a final second of love with a kiss and a promise, the promise of being someone important in the memory of the girl he loves. Well… actually, because it is in first person, it doesn’t specify if it’s a guy or a girl. It is just a gigantic love between two persons, a love that leads to madness and desperation.

Nowadays the “Plácido Domingo of our times”, Rolando Villazón gives an interpretation that entirely shocks me. It is really stunning to hear this song in his voice, so, here it is:

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Song of the day: Kumbala – Maldita Vecindad

In the last stressful days I’ve been hearing a lot of mexican songs and remembering my youth and first steps into the national rock. Well, this time I wanna share something totally diferent… ??? It all began many years ago when “La maldita vecindad y los hijos del quinto patio”, best known as “Maldita Vecindad” came with their original and very rhythmical pieces mixing ska, mexican sounds, arab melodies and powerful rock. The result? Classics!!

I saw them once when I was a kid and even had the chance to be backstage with them, such a fucking great people!! Nowadays the guys from “la Maldita” are not very active and there are no concerts scheduled, but if they come to Europe I’ll be there for sure and no matter what!

Ok ok, the song. This time the song is an unusual sound from rock, but a very fucking classic from the band. Is a cuban “danzón” with a passionate rhythm that carries sadness because of the Love that has been lost. The lyrics just recreate the scene in the “Kumbala” bar, where the couples go to heal their broken hearts, describes the passionate slow motion of the bodies crying through their hands and feet, dancing with the sound of a melancholic trumpet. Questions the presence of the almighty Sun, trying to be the protagonist of the Passion in Kumbala, where the love will always belong to the night.

Slow but sexy, painful but delightful, close and warm… Welcome to Kumbala.

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FX guy of the day: Rick Baker

Anyone in the film business can tell who this guy is. He’s just a living legend and a freaking mastermind of our times. He has already 40 years in the FX industry and his achievements are almost as impressive as his creations. He was first known for the low-budget film “Schlock”, where he was in charge of an amateur costume… which turned out to be very realistic and of high-quality. This gave him the opportunity to work in “The Exorcist”, and it started his fast rising.

He has been 7 times Awarded with the Oscar for “Best Make-up”, and gave his inspiration and work for productions such as “King Kong”, “Star Wars”, “An American Werewolf in London”, “Harry and the Hendersons”, “Men in Black”, “Planet of Apes”, “Hellboy” and even “Thriller” from Michael Jackson.

He is one of the few, who see the beauty of horror, the beauty in a scary face, the beauty in a disgusting creature from the worst Nightmares. He is an expert in arts, design, paint, sculpture and (my favorite) Animatronics. All that without CGI. His work along these years was one of the reasons I study Robotics. He is THE MAN.

Truly a living legend and the inspirations of millions around the world, including me. Do you remember those real life Heroes you wanna meet when you’re a kid? He’s one of mine.

Song of the day: Classical Gas

This classical song was composed by Mason Williams a long time ago. I remember it was one of the first songs that impressed me, because of the clean sound in a classical guitar. I was really young, maybe 5 or 6 years and the song was one of my first in my personal  collection. I even had it in the cassette, and the cover gas a standing classical guitar in a faded blue background with the big letters: “Classical Gas”.

I remember hearing it. I was once and again doing it because Williams hooked me into his sound from the first notes. The time was passing and I even forgot the name of the song but the sound was still in my head.

Years later I found it again with the name and since I like to hear it many times, maybe because I remember my innocent days, I don’t know, but I really like it.

This is the version of Tommy Emmanuel, the picking Master. I’m sorry but I couldn’t resist to share this version.

Awesome, right?

Rolando Hoffmann

After my failed attempt of going to “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” in the National Theater, I’m convinced now that I have to go and watch these two super amazing performers. Most of all because of the energy in Rolando Villazón. I could stay here saying how much I admire that man, but… you can see it in this video. It doesn’t matter if you can not speak German, Rolando is enough expressive.