Chicano Photographer (excerpt)

[Photo: César E, Chávez, 1970, by author. Click on image to enlarge. Below, an excerpt from the proposed book project Chicano Photographer.]

Becoming a Chicano Photographer

At eight years of age, I remember shuffling through a drawer where I found 35mm negatives my sister Dolores had hidden. I pulled them out and held them to the light. They looked like film strips used in elementary school projectors during the late 50s and early 60s. The celluloid miniatures held a certain mystery. How could you make a print from such a small negative? What made this transformation possible?

From this raw beginning, I pursued and acquired the many skills necessary to be a professional photographer, advancing from taking snapshots to exhibiting in galleries. My role as critical observer empowered me, but ascension was problematic. It required coursework, taking countless pictures and discovery. I learned how to previsualize, capture, store, and distribute my art.

Through photography I explored the dynamic Chicano culture of the 70s. During this period, Chicanos struggled to enter the American mainstream while retaining their identity. Previously, Chicanos, Mexican-Americans, or Hispanics were known as the silent minority. In the 70s, I became part of a new, loud, and proud chorus.

I consider myself a Chicano photographer. But what is a Chicano photographer? Is it someone who only specializes in photographing Chicano subjects? What is Chicano subject matter anyway? It’s all very confusing. Should I be photographing stereotypical Chicano imagery?

I have gone to dozens of exhibits of Chicano artists. They can easily be divided into two categories. One large group consists of the Frida Kahlo wannabees. The second category is resplendent with independent thinkers. Both are valid.

Frida’s legacy is manifest in the work of many contemporary artists. Frida will never die as long as dozens emulate her. This genre contains at least one of the following naiveté representations; the maguey, sacred heart, Virgen de Guadalupe, a struggling woman, roses and such. When I enter an exhibition and discover examples of this formulaic work — I always have the refreshments to look forward to.

I consider myself in the latter category — an independent thinker. I am not limited to preconceived notions of Chicano art. Chicano art is a hybrid of the Mexican and American experience. That experience is constantly evolving. It’s also nuanced by region, gender and other variables. Personally, I have used my camera to explore the Chicano Movement, Americana, models, and much more. Yes, I have also photographed representations of the Virgen de Guadalupe.

I am a Chicano — and proud of it. Please don’t call me Hispanic. I am also a trained photographer. When all is said and done, I identify as a Chicano Photographer.

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Talking To Myself... Again!

[Photo: The author is sitting in the snow near Big Bear, just 25 miles from Redlands. The paranoid schizophrenic is keeping an eye out for stray meteors.]

What am I going to do today is a question I often ask myself.

Living more than 60 miles from Los Angeles in the small 'burb of Redlands means that my options are few. Once every couple of months I go to LA, but it sure is a big pain because of the traffic congestion. Driving three to five hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic just to attend an LA event (like I have to do next month... again) is no fun. Traffic is insane here!

You may ask (or maybe not) what does this disgruntled Chicano do for fun in Redlands. Well, many days I just ride my bike to downtown. While in town, I generally order a decaf and peruse the LA Times. On the rare occasion that I feel adventurous, I drive to Riverside, San Bernardino or Big Bear.

In Riverside, I visit the handful of museums they have there. In San Bernardino, I meander into stores, looking at electronic products that I cannot afford (big screen TVs come to mind). At the lake near Big Bear, up in the mountains, I usually go fishing for trout. I am not very good at this, but I still love it.

If I were back home in San Jose, I would enjoy visiting family and friends. There I have brothers and sisters — daughters and grandchildren. I lived in Silicon Valley for more than 40 years and still have a precarious connection to the community. If I were back in the South Bay, I could enter into conversations and attempt to be useful. Here is Redlands, I don't talk or socialize much. Maybe I should try harder.

Luckily, I do have a computer to keep me company. I work on my photography and send plenty of emails. Today, I finished printing, matting, framing and packing an exhibition. Tomorrow I will prepare for a trip to Iowa. I will be visiting the in-laws. Why couldn't they live in Hawaii, instead of Slater, a town of less than 1,000 residents? During the growing season, fields of corn surround this hamlet. In November, all you see is miles of dirt or snow.

When I get to Slater, maybe I will come to the realization that I have it good in Redlands. Slater doesn’t have a bookstore or a coffee shop (they serve coffee only at the bar and at the gas station). In this oft frozen town, I would probably enjoy the warmth of a cup of java and a book. Please wish me luck as I come to terms with my life. The internal conversation continues.

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2007 Globe, AZ Show

You're invited to my upcoming documentary photography exhibition, Globe, AZ. The show will take place at the University of Redlands (Redlands, California USA) at the Peppers Art Gallery, January 16 to February 11, 2007.

The reception is on January 17, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Come on down and enjoy the photos, free drinks (wine, beer and sodas) and plenty of snacks. I look forward to meeting you. Please tell all your friends. For more information about the show click on the header of this article or go to my website: http://www.jmmgarza.com.

You can also contact:

Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D.
University of Redlands
1200 East Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373-0999
(909) 748-8505
ann_leimer@redlands.edu

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2006 Backpacking Trip to Desolation Wilderness

[Photos: Two photos of Ann Marie Leimer carrying a full pack while hiking above Lake of the Woods. Third Photo: The author poses at a rocky trail near Echo Lake. Click on any of the images for a larger version.]

My wife and I enjoyed an exhilarating backpacking trip to Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe in September.

Ann and I trekked to an elevation of 9,000 feet and still saw plenty of snow. The trail was rocky and dangerous so we had to be careful where we stepped while carrying our heavy packs. The hike was made more difficult because we over packed. Next time we know better. The dehydrated food we selected was horrible. Yuck! The best tasting food didn't need to be reconstituted such as chili, jerky, bars and trail mix.



Nights at the higher elevations were bone chilling and my wife and I had to snuggle to stay warm, even though our sleeping bags were rated to 20 degrees. At Aloha Lake, the freezing night winds made a sound similar to a race car as they swept through the trees. One night, Ann and I wondered what that snorting sound outside was. In the morning we found mountain lion tracks everywhere. And we were worried about bears!



I tried my hand at fishing but didn't get a bite. I only saw one trout (jumping or in the water) while at Lake Aloha and Lake of the Woods. We should of taken the advice of other hikers and fished at lakes at the lower elevations. Next year I hope the hike will be shorter and the fishing better.

We also visited Mammoth Lakes. The various lakes near this resort community were quite beautiful and offered excellent camping and fishing. The town offered excellent amenities and great restaurants. You couldn't help but notice that condos were sprouting up everywhere, like oil profits during the Bush administration. We highly recommend a visit and look forward to coming back soon. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions about our trip.

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Don't Listen To Those Conservative Wackos

[Photo: Spyder Sanchez picketing in front of a 7-11 in San Jose, California, 1973 - Click the image to view a larger version]

I am proud to be left of center. Some network pundits (those bobosos at FOX come to mind) babble that people of my persuasion are nuts. They spew from their electronic pulpit that anyone who does not support right-wing disasters like the Iraq war, wiretaps and oil drilling in wildlife refuges are extremist or worse... liberals.

It is distressing to view these Bush-pandering idiots on television as they spread their confusing message. All the while, they rant about left-wing media bias. It is obvious when you turn on the radio or television that conservative tirades dominate the airwaves.

These rabid TV monkeys could make the yellow journalists of the late 1800s blush. They stealthily use innuendo like cowardly criminals a knife. They slyly stab their progressive enemies in the back while grinning like Cheshire cats. Later they slink back to their comfortable haunts and dream-up more sharp fallacies to share.

Many of these media clowns believe in this axiom; if you emphasize the same lie repeatedly, the gullible public will think it's fact. I believe in getting my news from as many diverse radio, television and print sources as possible. This reduces the odds of being fed garbage. Where do you get your news? I hope not from FOX and some of those other right-wing bozos that seem to dominate the airwaves.

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My Super-Duper Plan to Reduce America's Pathetic Dependence on Oil

[Photo: Chicanos hanging out next to their car, San Jose, CA, 1971. Click on image to view larger version]

Boys and girls, here is my brilliant (obvious) plan to reduce America's dependence on oil.
Some of these programs have already been implemented. Please encourage your local politicians and bureaucrats to consider these energy savings ideas. It may be difficult to stop big oil and their partners in government from sucking us dry, but in the long run it's definitely worth it. Good luck!

• Hold a national and International conference on reducing energy consumption and pollution
• Meet with (be nice) and encourage other countries to use energy-saving technologies
• Reward homeowners and renters that conserve or use alternative sources of energy with tax breaks
• Distributors should implement a sliding scale per KWH for residential and small business customers. Many companies today only give you a better rate if you use "more" energy (see www.pec.coop). Energy savers should pay less per KWH not more.
• Support energy conservation with the use of energy saving devices such as replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents
• Encourage telecommuting
• Increase and subsidize mass transportation

1. Busses
2. Trains
3. Light rail
4. Bicycle lanes (for the short haul)

• Develop regional, state and national mass transportation corridors
• Elect a president who isn’t too cozy with the oil companies
• Start thousands of twelve-step programs for gas and energy guzzlers (you know who you are ...)
• New slogan: Gas Guzzlers Suck!
• Create a new class of vehicle - 50 MPG Highway Class

1. Low vehicle sales tax
2. Low vehicle registration fee
3. Commuter lane access
4. Vehicles manufactured (engine and chassis) in US get extra tax break
5. No toll road and bridge fees

• Increase the use of Ethanol and Hydrogen fuels
• Rededicate our communities and nation to the development of solar, geothermal, biomass, wind and other clean fuels
• Don't believe the oil lobby and their sycophants who want to drill off-shore or in wildlife refuges
• Finally ... work for peace in the Middle East. We should immediately start an open dialogue with all sides in the conflict

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Gasping for food

[Photo: Typical Tejano style food (not BBQ) as served at the Conjunto Festival, San Antonio, Texas, 2005 - click the image to view a larger version]

I recently moved back to California after being in Texas for more than six years. In the Lone Star State, I enjoyed great BBQ and Tex-Mex food. I lived in Lockhart where world famous Smitty's BBQ was only a five minute stroll down the street (yes, it is world famous). Now that I live in Southern California, my menu and social life have taken a big hit.

Lately, I have been attending in body if not spirit various parties and mixers to meet the locals. The functions my wife and I attend often relate to the university or SoCal art scene. I have to admit that in the end, these gatherings leave me empty in many ways.

Like fish gasping for air on dry land, a party can be a desperate place. What do you say to someone who rants about a subject that you’ve avoided for decades? What’s the horrible food I am eating?

I have speculated that all trendy types must shop at Trader Joe's. I guess the food has to be as esoteric as the conversation. If the party hosts were ever to ask me, they would learn that I prefer garlic-mashed potatoes to hummus. However, intellectuals have learned though travel and research that cranberry salsa is better than that hot variety from Mexico. Chomping on reduced carb soy and flaxseed tortilla chips is a great way to separate oneself from the unwashed masses. God forbid that you eat "regular" chips.

At a recent torture session that would make Torquemada proud, the discussion was constructed around Derrida and Lacoue-Labarthe. I know nothing about deconstruction, post-structuralism and postmodernism. I came to the realization that the hosts and most of the guests could care less that I was oblivious. I was invisable.

Eventually conversation shifted to the latest esoteric art film. During the arcane discussion, I kept my mouth shut and nodded politely while they rambled about the Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut. Oh yes, the French are so civilized. My wife has us slated to attend another so-called party in September. I am quite sure they won’t be watching football or grilling steaks. Maybe I can get a reprieve and stay home.

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June Oaxaca Trip - Where is the Beach?

[Photos: Mitla Temple, Oaxacan Cat, Santa Domingo Church, 2006 - Click on the image to view a larger version]

My wife and I came to this Southern Mexico city so she could take Spanish classes. We rented a modest cinder-block apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. We had to dodge potholes and cars just to get to downtown Oaxaca.

The downtown Zocalo was packed during our visit, not with tourists but demonstrating teachers. I had to carefully step around these protesters who were sleeping on the ground. To avoid decapitation, I had to duck under hundreds of guy wires supporting make-shift homes.

It was more tranquil a few short blocks away near Santa Domingo Church. The church sits in the middle of the colonial and trendy part of town. Here, there were plenty of great restaurants, galleries and shops. Because of the artistic Mixtec and Zapotec Indians, the streets were very colorful. Yes, I brought home a few of mementos; they ranged from ceramic vases to colorful painted wood sculptures.

The weather in Oaxaca was predictable. Most days the rain would wash the streets around 6 p.m. Definitely, bring an umbrella during the summer. The weather is too humid for a jacket.

Would I come back to Oaxaca? I'd rather not. I suggested to my wife that we opt for less culture and more beach next time. However, my requests are often ignored. You see, my wife is an art historian specializing in Latin America and she loves this stuff. Frankly, I'd rather go fishing.

I hope you like the photos. Click on them for a larger view. Go to my web site for more: http://www.jmmgarza.com.

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Gas prices are crazy!

I fondly remember the good old days when gas cost only $2. Now I have to pay more and more at the pump. How did we get ourselves into this mess? Why are we paying so much?

The simple and honest answer is because of George Bush. He doesn't care if Americans pay more for gas. His buddies in the oil business are doing great and when "Dubya" leaves office it won't surprise me if he buys another ranch or two with his oil profits.

You and I in the meantime are stuck in traffic losing money by the second. Shrub says we have to fight in Iraq and maybe in Iran. We all know what is going to happen if we send troops to Iran. Prices for fuel will zoom into into the stratosphere. You thought $3.50 gas was high!

What can we do as Americans to stop this insanity. Well for starters, elect a president who has common sense. We need a president who doesn't drop bombs that kill and maim thousands because he thought they had weapons of mass destruction. Secondly, we need a president who is not too cozy with the big oil companies. That would be a great start.

The Filter Effect

[Photo by the author of a man waiting near a cafe in San Jose, California, circa 1970]

By Jesus Manuel Mena Garza

Babies get their food strained through a filter. That is also how we get most of our news. Like meat transformed into broth, our news is made easy to digest. Our news is filtered into neat 8-second sound bites or a paragraph on page 3.

Today, much of my news comes from Washington D.C., then it makes a stop in New York before getting filtered by a Los Angeles affiliate. It eventually finds its way to my home in Redlands. Yes, news zigs then zags across the country before we consume it.

During the 50s like today, news and information traveled from the East Coast and Los Angeles before making a critical stop in San Francisco. Only then would this valuable commodity be piped to San Jose. At an early age, I would watch San Francisco news broadcasts and wonder if San Jose actually existed. I came to the realization that the de facto power in Northern California was San Francisco even though San Jose would become larger and wealthier.

The city by the bay is a national power because it is the electronic media superstar of Northern California. The major national affiliates CBS, NBC, ABC, UPN, WB and PBS are located in San Francisco. San Jose has to settle for national and local news filtered though San Francisco. This inordinate concentration of radio and television stations in the hands of San Francisco translates into incredible clout.

The Bay Area is the fifth largest media market in the nation. San Francisco's clout is evident when you turn on the radio or television. You get the distinct impression San Francisco is the only city in the Bay Area. The opinions, desires and dreams of San Franciscans are manifest daily. Local anchors nary utter a word about San Jose. Lazy San Francisco reporters are notorious for sticking to their comfortable haunts and not packaging many stories about Silicon Valley.

The San Francisco sycophants rather publicize the antics of then Mayor Willie Brown and now Mayor Gavin Newsom. The clown prince of politics Willie Brown blossomed into a national figure with the help of local media. Another result of San Francisco biased media is that the two U.S. Senators for California are closely associated with San Francisco. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer both have strong ties too and offices in San Francisco.

San Francisco based media offers a powerful springboard for the aspirations of Fog City politicos. From this electronic spigot political power flows. When the FCC issued licenses for electronic media over a half a century ago, San Francisco was the only major market city in the Bay Area. But with the advent of the computer chip and the growth of Silicon Valley, San Jose has blossomed. But this newfound wealth has fallen on deaf ears. San Jose politicians don't have this great electric soapbox at their disposal. On the other hand, Gavin Newsom is a regular on the boob tube. He invariably will run for Governor or Senator on the basis of his name recognition alone.

It takes 40 minutes to drive from San Jose to San Francisco. The South Bay's large Chicano population is in the wrong place to get their growing voices heard. Even though Chicanos in San Jose have gained a strong foothold in city government, including the Mayorship, they are limited by the myopic vision of San Francisco Media. They are relegated to the role of being country bumpkins from the southland. The San Jose Chicano political and cultural scene is ignored by the media in favor of the more flamboyant tourist oriented Latino events of San Francisco.

Annually a half million people converge on downtown San Jose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Here city leaders can see vividly their constituents. They have become aware that Chicanos are a potent force to contend with in Silicon Valley. The sons and daughters of farm workers, cannery workers and laborers are now leaders in the South Bay.

More than a decade ago, County Supervisor and Congressional candidate Zoe Lofgren was named Grand Marshall for the annual Chicano Festival and Parade. It was tantamount to an endorsement by the Chicano event organizer, the G. I. Forum. Lofgren sat in the VIP section in the bleachers and was given a crucial venue to speak from. In the crowd was former mayor Tom McEnery. He was limited to a brief mention and responded with a pathetic wave. Even though McEnery was an important political leader and the front-runner, Chicanos turned the tide for Lofgren.

San Francisco based media ignores these San Jose stories. Apparently only San Francisco based politicians and their cronies merit any form of media attention. How can a candidate from San Jose compete with their San Francisco contemporaries for state wide or regional office when it comes to name recognition?

KRON, KPIX, KGO and KQED eagerly cover every squabble or innuendo at San Francisco City Hall. San Jose might as well be a thousand miles away in the eyes of San Francisco media. Chicanos are again disappointed when they are left out of camera range. The role of shunned outsider is too familiar to Raza. Chicanos are out of the political loop in favor of smaller San Francisco groups.

San Jose suffers in comparison to the city by the bay when it comes to tourism. San Jose doesn't have a Golden Gate Bridge, China Town or an Alcatraz. When the Goodyear Blimp flies over a 49er or Giant game, the city gains prestige. With every tourist grabbing image San Francisco gets free publicity.

Those shots are impossible in a less touristy San Jose. The Sharks hockey games aren't great fodder for aerials even with their new modern indoor stadium. When you think of San Francisco you think of shopping, museums and restaurants. San Jose has to find solace in being warmer, cleaner and having better parking.

Being so close to a tourist Mecca leaves precious little airtime for San Jose. San Francisco media does not cover even the largest San Jose events. Every summer San Jose attracts over a million revelers to free concerts and festivals in downtown. But invariably these events get minimal exposure by San Francisco media. Again, smaller events in San Francisco get the lion's share of attention.

San Francisco in September is magnificent. The views from atop Coit Tower are spectacular. But this tranquility is rudely interrupted by hundreds of homeless people accosting you in downtown. Near Union Square there are dozens of panhandlers per block.

Although not perfect, San Jose has far less people living on the streets. The problem of open drug use, prostitution and street violence is rampant in San Francisco. Every year hundreds of people die in the streets and alleys of San Francisco according to the latest statistics of social services. Men, women and children die from overdoses, some by exposure; others are shot by out of control youths. San Francisco is famous for its drug culture. On any given day in the Haight-Ashbury District you can find youths openly panhandling for money to buy heroin. They later shoot up and sleep in Golden Gate Park.

The murder rate was nearly three times higher in San Francisco compared to San Jose in 2005*. This is due in large part to the liberal but not progressive policies of city hall. San Francisco has a population under 750,000 while San Jose has nearly a million inhabitants. The painful statistics scream for change, but is anybody listening.

San Francisco Media has become numb to this pathetic onslaught. The image of the homeless person with pneumonia isn't broadcast before the 49er games. Rather images of a fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge are beamed to millions of households across the country. The heroin addict in the Tenderloin or the Haight is ignored in favor of a beautiful tight shot of San Francisco's ubiquitous Cable Cars. Invariably the vague liberal policies of city hall ring hollow to the poor and abandoned. San Francisco is a beautiful city, but San Jose in my opinion is a much saner place to live. Let San Francisco corporate media filter that fact. They have plenty of experience.

*Link to SF 2005 Murder Rate: http://cbs5.com/local/local_story_364151544.html

*Link to SJ 2005 Murder Rate: http://cbs5.com/local/local_story_364151943.html

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This article was originally written in 1997 for my web site wwww.jmmgarza.com. It was updated on April 14, 2006. All articles on this BLOG are copyright Jesus Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.

c/s

My Newest Granddaughter

Here is a recent picture of my newest granddaughter Ava Juliet Dodge. You have to admit she is quite beautiful. I guess it's true, good looks can skip a generation. I also have two other grandchildren, Marissa and Antonio. Maybe I will post their picture on my blog... soon.

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Vietnam and Iraq — it's all one big mess!

[Self-portrait of the author, circa 1970]

Hay también una traducción en español después de este artículo.

In 1970, more than thirty years ago, I wondered if it was my turn to die in Viet Nam. I wasn’t too different from many of those I knew in high school who came back in a box.

My father told me that I should go, but I felt very different. At age 18, I had to figure out a way to avoid being a pawn in this war. After a little research and a lot of hard work, I received a stay of execution — a college draft deferment.

I was one of the very few from my barrio and the first and only member of my family to get a college degree. In the 60s and 70s, thousands of young Americans found themselves fodder in a war that the U.S. would eventually abandon. I didn't want any part of that.

My neighbors were fighting and dieing while Airman George Bush was protecting Texas from an invasion from Mexico. In the USA, it literally pays to have connections — connections that can mean the difference between life and death.

Sadly, history tends to repeat itself. For example, men and women died in Viet Nam because an arrogant President from Texas couldn't admit he was wrong. Yes, both President Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush suffer from the same affliction — arrogance. Why must average Americans die for the arrogance of others?

Thousands today are dieing is a mess called Iraq. There were no Al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq until President Bush started dropping bombs. Now our youth, some patriotic, others just trying to get money for college, are fighting in the Middle East. I feel for the families and communities that have lost thousands of their loved ones.

In some ways, history does not repeat itself. There are no large protests against this war. The average American teen isn’t going to be drafted, so they are ambivalent. If they could be drafted, I am quite sure that they and their parents would be working hard to stop this insanity. There would be a war against terror, the terror of having to fight in an unpopular war.

I ask you to remember just one thing. The Iraq war was started by a lie. Bush and his associates were babbling to anyone who would listen that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. We know now that Iraq had no such things.

What is going to happen in Iraq? Is Iraq going to become a western style democracy or are they going to fall further into a civil war? Nobody knows. The question we have to ask ourselves is how long are we going to allow our sons and daughters lives to be destroyed just to fulfill Bush’s dream of democracy in Iraq? America, do you think we are winning the war or making things worse? Where is Usama Bin Laden anyway? Isn't he the guy we're after?

I am sick and tired of Bush and his spin mavens talking about "the war on terror." Yes, terror is Bush’s favorite word and the Texan uses it every chance he gets. Many in the press are too quick to spread the President's message, quoting him ad nauseam. These right-wing pundits don’t believe in being objective and are quick to disparage patriotic Americans who contradict their hero. I have heard quests called pawns of Al-Qaeda or worse similar to Hitler.

If only our president had daughters at the front lines of this war instead of at the liquor store, then maybe this cowboy wouldn’t be so arrogant and reckless. Then again, most of our political representatives (Democrat and Republican) conveniently have their children tucked away in college. Hey, just like me, during the Viet Nam war.

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[Foto de Jesús Garza en 1971]

¡Vietnam e Iraq -- es el un lío grande!

Empecé mi vida adulto con la pregunta si sería enviado lejos a Viet Nam. Afortunadamente recibí un aplazamiento de giro en 1970 porque era un estudiante en la Universidad Estatal de San José. Era uno del pocos Latinos de mi generación para tener esa opción. Los otros de mi vecindario de la clase obrera no eran tan afortunados.

El colegio era una oportunidad para obtener una educación. Era el primer y sólo miembro de mi familia de obtener un grado colegial. El segundo razona que fui al colegio debía evitar ir a Asia del sudeste. Usted ve; yo no creí que yendo a Viet Nam resolvería nada. Como Iraq hoy, no tuvo sentido.

Iraq, Viet Nam, es todo el mismo lío. ¿Por qué nuestros líderes hechan la nariz donde lo no pertenece? No había terroristas de Al Qaeda en Iraq hasta Presidente Bush empezo dejando caer bombas. Ahora nuestra juventud, algún patriótico, los otros tratando apenas obtener dinero para el colegio, lucha en el Iraq. Miles están ahora muertos y muchos más herido. Yo me siento para las familias y las comunidades que han perdido sus jóvenes.

No hay las protestas grandes contra esta guerra. El joven Americano medio no será redactado, así que ellos son ambivalente. Si ellos podrían ser redactados, estoy bastante seguro que ellos y sus padres estarían trabajando duro contra esta locura. Habría una guerra contra el terror, el terror de luchar en una guerra impopular.

La guerra de Viet Nam forzó a muchos jóvenes a movilizar. Era su vida en la línea y muchos vieron las mentiras del gobierno. Mientras Presidente George Bush protegía Tejas de la invasión, los otros desafortunados fuenron en los barcos y los aviones a Viet Nam. Esta juventud Americana encontrón una guerra que abandonaríamos finalmente.

¿Qué sucederá en Iraq? ¿Llegará a ser Iraq una democracia o pasa a una guerra civil? Nadie sabe. ¿La pregunta que tiene que pedir que nosotros mismos sea cuán largo somos yendo a permitir nuestros hijos y las hijas para ser destruidas para cumplir apenas el sueño de democracia en Iraq?

Las relaciones públicas mecanizan las marcas que lo suena como hacen el progreso. ¿Pero somos realmente? Pido que usted recuerde sólo un cosa. La guerra fue empezada por una mentira. El presidente y sus socios balbuceaban a cualquiera que escucharía que Iraq tuvo armas de la destrucción. Sabemos ahora que Iraq tuvo no tales cosas.

Así, expertos de publicidad mantienen produciendo en masa la retórica y nos dice que yendo a ganar la guerra contra el terror. Sí, el terror es palabra favorito de Bush. Si solamente él tuvo a hijos en las primeras líneas en vez de hijas en la tienda comprando licores entonces quizá él no sería tan arrogante. Pero por otro parte, la mayoría de Los Senadores y el Congresista (demócrata y republicano) tiene convenientemente a sus niños metidos lejos en colegio. Como mí, durante la guerra de Viet Nam.

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Models - It's time to be creative?

[photo of Lance Armstrong by Jesús Garza]

If you are a model and up for a challenge, please contact me.
I am in the process of starting several exciting photography projects. I have photographed everyone from Lance Armstrong to Joe Montana.
My photos have been published in books, posters, magazines and newspapers. The proposed images in this project will be for exhibition. If you are interested, please EMail me at: garza@jmmgarza.com. By the way, if you have any great ideas for a photo shoot ... I would like to hear about it!

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The Greyhoud Bus Experience

[Photo left: Arizona Landscape
Photo Below Left: Fort Stockton, Texas Bus Station]

For spring break 1998, I decided to embark on an adventure. I would take a Greyhound Bus from San Francisco, California to Jacksonville, Florida. I was 45 years old and I had never been west of San Antonio, Texas. I felt it was about time that I see the South. In retrospect, it was a foolhardy notion. Email me before you decide to take "The Dog." I will share with you some of my horror stories.

My biggest complaint was that it is impossible to get any sleep on a cramped bus. I tossed and turned in my narrow seat next to a three hundred pound man who exuded the pungent aroma of rotten milk. All the while an infant is screaming bloody murder behind me. Never again!

The bus stops every two or three hours in a nondescript town that time forgot. You have no choice but to be stirred from your vague slumber. The driver like some tormentor rousts you at three in the morning with the announcement of a rest stop over the loudspeaker. Everyone is herded like sheep ready for a fleecing.

I'm half awake and bleary eyed, so I decide to grab a hamburger and french fries at this anonymous eatery. Your first questions is, "where am I?" Two and half hours later you stop again. It's five thirty. I don't know why, maybe due to sleep deprivation, I eat again. This time I order two pieces of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. At the next bus station I go for a short walk. I survive the sleepless nights by attempting to take short naps throughout the day.

At every stop, I pray for a clean restroom. I rush to the sink and try to refresh myself. I'd brush my teeth and wash my face. I would try to clean my various parts to the best of my ability. I desperately needed a shower. As for entertainment, you eventually come to the realization that radio stations are few and far between in rural America. Before the trip I knew I didn't like country music. But in many parts of America — the twang of country music is all you hear.

At least once a day, like clockwork, the INS would interrogate me. At the station or on a lonely stretch of the interstate they would be looking for Mexicans. They would ask me if I was an American citizen and I would show them ID. Sometimes I would react obnoxiously and say, "I am as American as you are." I saw a dozen Greyhound passengers get arrested during my trip for not having the proper papers. To the INS having a dark brown face is an open invitation for questioning.

The ordeal was over when I made it to Florida on March 23, 1998. I had crossed the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic in three days and three nights. I promised myself that day I would never take the bus again. Then I remembered ... in five short days, I would have to get back on that same cramped bus to get back home. I winced at the thought. But first I desperately needed a shower.

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Too ugly for words

January 12, 2006 - Since moving to Redlands from Austin a few months ago (my wife got a job here), I have spent time looking for work, helped keep the apartment tidy and have completed various projects. Since I am in LA I've considered attending some TV shows. Why not?

I was planning to attend this “high-quality” show but there was a certain caveat — they only want hot, hip, young and attractive people in the audience. Better luck next time. Maybe the Mickey Mouse Club Reunion Special will let me in.

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Playboy TV : Live Audience Needed For Season Finale

Reply to: bselle@playboy.com
Date: 2006-01-11, 11:36AM PST

Playboy TV's most popular new show, "Jenna's American Sex Star" is seeking a HOT and HIP/YOUNG attractive audience for the LIVE taping of our Season Finale show on Friday, January 20th. Come see which of our finalists will be offered a coveted contract with ClubJenna. (Sexy Females are encouraged to attend as Jenna loves to see girls in her audience!) Starring the ever voluptuous Jenna Jameson, J.A.S.S. has been hailed as the "adult version" of 'American Idol' with judges Jim Powers, Christy Canyon and Ron Jeremy.

If you are in the LA area and interested in seeing this show as part of our LIVE Audience, please email your name, age, contact numbers and a photo to bselle@playboy.com. All confirmed audience members will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information pertaining to the show. This is a very intimate and limited seating engagement, so the faster you respond, the better. All audience members MUST be a minimum of 18 years old, have proper ID to be copied and sign a consent form. Showtime is 6-7 p.m. with seating beginning at 4:30 p.m.

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