Cheering enthusiast responds

A while back, LaredoTejas wondered outloud (via print) if the National Cheerleading Championships were perhaps called that because of the possibility that they were being held by an organization called National Cheerleading.

Although, it's been a while since that post, LT received a response from a reader and I thought it would only fair to present that response on this post. To "anonymous, thanks for reading and responding.

From Anonymous

This might be a very late response but, regardless if Laredo cheer teams win National, Regional or State champions, winning first place at very publicised and recognized competitions defines Laredo cheerleading teams as being the one of the BEST. In particular, the competitions you see on ESPN and on Varsity.com, are viewed as one of the most prestigious sponsors or so called "companies". I've seen the time, blood, tears, sweat, and effort that those young ladies and gentleman put into their practices. Is it really that hard to believe that Laredo can have so much talent?

 Laredoans can go on and on about how cheerleading is overrated. But, those young men and women are rolemodels to the Laredo community. Instead of wondering about the validity of "National cheer titles" go to varsity.com and search for a Laredo high school team (Ex: United High School) and compare them to the other 100 plus teams around the country you'll see why they win. But to further explain how competitions work, of course, competitions have different categgories and divisions. For example, a high school team cannot compete against a middle school team.

Also, a cheer team who cannot tumble but are better at stunting have their own division as well. The size of the team plays a factor as well. So, you can win first place(national champions) in all the different divisions. However, note that numerous schools and cheer studios around the country compete in prestigious competitions.

This year, if you did not already know, United High School won World and National Champions. You are able to view their routine on the Varsity website. They competed in the highest level and you can clearly see the skills they have compared to the other schools competing.

Century City residents prevail for now

Apartments galore

Congratulations to the residents of Century City for standing up against a proposed zoning change that would have brought multi-family complexes (apartments) to their area. The Laredo Morning Times reported that after presenting a petition with 200 signatures, the Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission voted against the change.

No doubt the developers will make an appeal. They have 30 days to do so and LMT is also reporting that if they do appeal, their case will be heard by the seedy council. In consideration of this fact, it is clear that the residents of Century City are not out of the woods yet. The recent trend has been for the mayor and council to put $$money above everything else and I'm pretty sure they'll be making their usual "we need jobs" argument. 

Still, those protesting the change are to be commended for exercising their rights as citizens and speaking out. We wish them continued success.

Building up the drama, racing against the clock

I guess the people of Laredo should be biting their nails wondering if the Lemurs' Unitrade stadium will be finished in time for the start of the season (Yawwwwwn). Nice try at attempting to invoke some kind of interest and drama into the return of minor league baseball to the Gateway City.

Considering we're getting a transplanted team from Shreveport-Bossier and not one local kid was able to crack the exclusive minor-league barrier, Lemurs marketing had to come up with some other angle.

Another sorry attempt at arousing interest is the Lemurs' TV commercial highlighted today by La Sanbe. In it, a Laredo native lemur lets out a grito and then goes on to tell his redneck lemur buddy that he plans to add some local flavor to Lemur games.  Surely, they figured that some Laredoans might be offended by the tendency of outsiders like Ventura group to stereotype our locals. I guess, i their eyes, even bad publicity is a plus.

Incidentally, according to the Lemurs website, their offical mascot (the one with the heavy Spanish acccent) goes by the name of Pancho Lemur. Very original. You guys must belong to Mensa.

Will hire in McAllen first.......then Laredo (munch munch-eat your lunch)

Shelly Alvarez

From The San Antonio Business Journal

The owner of Shelly Alvarez Insurance & Financial Services PLLC is launching a major recruiting and hiring campaign in San Antonio and throughout South Texas.

Shelly Alvarez says she plans to hire about 15 agents, brokers and other individuals eager to enter the insurance industry.

In order to do this, Alvarez says she will hold about four recruiting events this year, starting in early August in McAllen.

Cities like McAllen and Laredo, Alvarez says, are growing rapidly and present opportunities for her company.

“With the current economy, now is the prime time to learn about how to protect clients’ wealth and their legacy through insurance and other financial resources,” she says. “Our goal is to have 15 agents by the end of the year and double that number by next year.”

The recruiting events will seek to attract new agents and brokers and to offer existing agents and brokers an opportunity to become affiliated with the locally based company as well as provide them information on the products they would be selling. “They (new agents) will also be provided extensive training, to keep them abreast of constantly changing guidelines or regulations within the insurance industry,” Alvarez says.

Shelly Alvarez Insurance & Financial Services is an independent insurance broker and financial services company. It markets corporate and individual insurance benefits, such as annuities, life, health and disability insurance, Medicare supplements and long-term care products.

The Facts about the Laredo Lemurs

Fact: Lemurs never lived in Laredo.  Fact: Lemurs are known to inhabit the distant island of Madasgascar. Fact: Madagascar is also the name of two highly successful animated motion pictures. Fact: The Laredo Lemurs season opener is scheduled for May 17th. Fact:The scheduled release date for Madagascar 3 is June 8th. Fact: This coincidence (season opener and release date) are the only reason that the Ventura Group decided to name the team after those exotic animals that have absolutely nothing to do with Laredo.

Also, what is up with the above picture?  Is the muscular lemur giving his back to the pitcher? He certainly looks like he's facing the opposite direction.  I guess the brains behind the Lemurs marketing had to come up with something creative and that's the best they could muster.  Not only is his back to the pitcher but he's holding both of his arms up.  Is he surrendering already?

Will you get to keep your "old" city council person??

This evening, Wednesday, April 4th at 630pm, the Laredo city council will meet to discuss proposed redistricting map(s).  The meeting will be held, not at the Needmore Ranch thankfully, but at the usual location: City Hall at 1110 Houston Street.

It might be interesting to see the usual power play involved with redistricting at the local level. Will most Laredoans get to keep their beloved council representative? Will there any surprises in drawing the new lines? Will it be the voter who will be foremost in the minds of our city representatives? Or will they be just looking at what's in it for themselves?

Since it's not a regular city council meeting it will not be televised as far as I know (even if it should be). Never fear, it is open to the public; all 3 or 4 of you who might show up. Also, you don't need to don your cowboy outfit and mossey on down to any ranch this time around.

Update/Correction: As it turns out, LT was wrong in that it was the redistricting committee that met to discuss/act on the new boundaries and not, our seedy council-dagnabbit.

La Sanbe: Best mix of politics and gardening since "Being There"

Laredo's Most Imposing Blog, La Sanbe moves seamlessly between the rough and tumble world of Laredo politics and that of the peaceful gardner.  Not since 1979,s Being There has anyone be able to so smoothly blend both seemingly disparate topics.

In the scene below, Peter Seller's character, Chauncey the gardner's advise on planting and gardening is taken to heart by Jack Warden as the US President and his top economic advisor, Melvin Douglas who won an academy award for his part.

From 1979, Being There