Any president promoting a woman to the JCS during his Presidential cycle would give many of us a sigh of relief and encouragement. It would be helpful knowing that more women are part of the “advisory committee”, which helps plan joint operations and resolutions of military problems because, as it stands, there appears to be too much testosterone fueling those key decisions.

It would be helpful for us to see balance at a strategic leadership level.

Some in Congress want changes in military law as a result of sex scandals

Members of Congress said they are so angry about the crescendo of sex-crime scandals in the armed forces that they are considering fundamental changes to military law and other measures that the Pentagon has resisted for years.

Lawmakers from both parties said Wednesday that they were appalled by the latest revelation: that the Army is investigating a sexual-assault prevention officer on suspicion of sex abuse and pimping. Several members pledged to overhaul the way the military punishes offenders and protects victims of sexual assault.  FULL STORY>>>

Why is it necessary for her to bring up the Marines who held an umbrella for the United States President while it was raining?

She wrote in a message to President Obama:

Speaking of coverage, glad you finally called in the Marines… shame it was just to hold your umbrella.

- Sarah Palin

Did Sarah Palin forget it was President Obama who made the final call as Commander in Chief to have Osama Bin Laden executed when he gave the final order for the Navy SEALS to carry out the OBL mission?  Does Palin know that former Marines become Navy SEALS?

One thing Palin does not know (and it is probably due to her lack of military experience) is that we have several “honor guard” members of our Armed Forces who don’t mind being on national news performing their honor guard duty for the President of the United States of America.  Of course honor guard military members want to see photos or videos of themselves with the United States President performing their honor guard duties.  What is she thinking?

Think, Palin … think … because what you are doing is reaffirming the divisive nature of Party politics you have played in, and you are confirming to independent registered voters why divisive Party politics does not heal nor does it put our Nation on a path to unity.

Speaking of coverage, glad you finally called in the Marines… shame it was just to hold your umbrella.

- Sarah Palin

;;

Johnny Depp plays Tonto in Lone Ranger movie.

A little bit of music history before Johnny Depp took on the role of Tonto for Disney in the Lone Ranger movie to be released July 3, 2013 …

Mexican American film director Robert Rodriguez put together a soundtrack for Once Upon A Time In Mexico performed by a group of musicians gathered specifically for the soundtrack recording. Tracks performed by the group includes “Malagueña” with guitar by Brian Setzer and “Siente Mi Amor”, with singing by Salma Hayek. Track 9, “Sands’ Theme,” is credited to “Tonto’s Giant Nuts” but was in fact written by Johnny Depp (according to WIKI, some believe he invented the name ‘Tonto’s Giant Nuts’ as a joke). On the DVD director commentary, Robert Rodriguez states that he requested that each of the main actors give him four or eight notes of a melody for their character, but Depp presented him with the entire track.

More recently, Tonto’s Giant Nuts featuring Johnny Depp and Bruce Witkin recorded their version of “Little Lion Man,” a Mumford & Sons cover for a West of Memphis:  Voices For Justice Project.  The purchase of this album will in part directly benefit the West Memphis Three and serves to raise awareness for the continuing fight for exoneration of the West Memphis Three.

So there you have it.  It appears Johnny Depp had “Tonto” on the brain way before the Disney Lone Ranger movie came out.

Perhaps Depp admired Tonto for quite some time? 

Who knows …

Meanwhile, you can see one of Depp’s first music appearances via the Once Upon A Time In Mexico Soundtrack / tracklisting below.

“Malagueña” (Brian Setzer) – 4:22

“Traeme Paz” (Patricia Vonne) – 2:56

“Eye Patch” (Alex Ruiz) – 1:51

“Yo Te Quiero” (Marcos Loya) – 3:48

“Guitar Town” (Robert Rodriguez) – 2:04

“Church Shootout” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:38

“Pistolero” (Juno Reactor) – 3:38

“Me Gustas Tú” (Manu Chao) – 3:49

“Sands (Theme)” (Tonto’s Giant Nuts) – 3:24

“Dias de Los Angeles” (Rick Del Castillo) – 5:08

“The Man With No Eyes” (Robert Rodriguez) – 2:09

“Mariachi vs. Marquez” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:33

“Flor del Mal” (Tito Larriva & Steven Hufsteter) – 3:13

“Chicle Boy” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:30

“Coup de Etat” (Robert Rodriguez) – 3:02

“El Mariachi” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:22

“Siente Mi Amor” (Salma Hayek) – 4:24

“Cuka Rocka” (Chingon) – 1:44

Mexican American / Latin  voters in southwest 2012

Reince Priebus should resign. His lack of leadership will cost the GOP the entire southwest in future Republican elections.

Where is RNC’s Reince Priebus’ “Hispanic” leadership at when Rep. Steve King’s bigotry becomes the face of GOP?

Mexican-Americans are the fastest growing demographic in our Nation and Priebus is still missing in action doing everything that he can to not grow the party.

Priebus is not growing the Party as he turns a blind eye to the likes of Congressman Steve King and Cuban American Senator Ted Cruz.

Here is what Rep. Steve King is up to:

Steve King: ‘Senate Immigration Bill Is Worse Than Obamacare’

For the record:  The Senate Immigration Bill is a bipartisan bill that is supported by Republicans, Independents and Democrats.  It is a LEGAL method that will fix our clearly broken immigration system.

What can Priebus do to grow the Party?

Reince Priebus can start by signaling change to the RNC’s newly adopted anti-immigrant platform that was created and supported by Kris Kobach in the Summer of 2012.

Robert Rodriguez – Mexican-American film maker of Austin, Texas.

We are seeing the sign of the times…

Congrats to Mexican-American Robert Rodriguez the renowned American Filmmaker with regard to the El Rey partnership with UNIVISION.

El Rey Network is a new action and general entertainment TV and digital network founded and owned by legendary filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. The Network, taking its name from the iconic Mexican song EL REY and numerous references in Rodriguez’ films, will be the first television and digital network in English that will be inspired by a contemporary US-Latino sensibility that will be broadly entertaining, dynamic and cool for all young and young-minded adults.

While it will be primarily geared to the 2nd and 3rd generation Latinos who speak English first and define themselves as Mexican or Puerto Rican and the like, El Rey Network will create, produce and showcase content that

In addition to being a film director, Robert Rodriguez formed one of my favorite bands via Chingon –  a compilation album to Rodriguez’ Mariachi Trilogy, and released their debut album, Mexican Spaghetti Western. In photo, Robert Rodriguez, Alex Ruiz, and Del Castillo brothers.

has universal appeal and inclusive to everyone, as are all of Robert Rodriguez’ films throughout his 20-year career.
Just in from UNIVISION:

NEW YORK — MAY 14, 2013 – Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, today announced it has made a strategic investment in El Rey Network, the new general entertainment, English-language cable network geared towards young-adult audiences and created by renowned American filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures. The network will launch in December 2013 and have nation-wide distribution with initial carriage via Comcast.

Chairman Robert Rodriguez — who has been named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Hispanics and has directed films such as Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, The Faculty, Spy Kids, Machete and Sin City — unveiled the plans for the new network and showcased one of its slated programs today at Univision’s 2013 Upfront presentation in New York.

As the lead curators of content for El Rey Network, Rodriguez and FactoryMade will cultivate a mix of reality, scripted and animated series, movies, music and sports programming. El Rey Network will provide English-language programming and will include action content that boldly features — or is created, produced or directed by – high-caliber talent, celebrities and public figures. Univision Communications will be responsible for the back office operations, sales and distribution of the network. Financial details for the agreement were not disclosed.

“Our partnership in El Rey Network is a testament to Univision’s culture of innovation, the power of our brand to live in both languages, and our constant quest to ensure we remain the ultimate resource for all Hispanics’ tastes and preferences. As we continue to grow, evolve and expand into new frontiers, Univision remains the one and only gateway to U.S. Hispanic audiences,” said Randy Falco, president and CEO of Univision Communications Inc. “We are pleased to partner with Robert, FactoryMade and the teams at El Rey Network to launch a new network to serve one of the most influential, rapidly growing audiences in America – young Hispanics. Today at our upfront, we spoke about Univision’s unparalleled brand connection and showcased our world-class content offerings across our multiplatform portfolio, as well as our firm commitment to providing Latinos with the best in-culture programming available.”

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Univision on this groundbreaking initiative to deliver high-quality original programming to our community and the wider, mainstream audiences,” said Rodriguez. “El Rey Network will serve as a launching pad to satisfy the tastes of young adults looking for exciting, cinematic, action-packed content. As a broadcast leader in media, Univision is the best partner to support us in achieving this vision.”

Added FactoryMade CEO John Fogelman and co-CEO Cristina Patwa: “Univision’s investment in the network is a ringing endorsement of the strength of El Rey Network’s strategy and its potential not just through television, but also through social and mobile platforms. El Rey will offer a slate of visionary talent, adventurous stories and iconic characters that will entertain, engage and relate to younger audiences.”

At Univision’s upfront presentation, Rodriguez unveiled the first original scripted production for El Rey Network. Based on the hit action/horror franchise from Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn, the series will be written, produced and directed by Rodriguez. It will explore and expand on the characters and story from the original film, providing a wider scope and richer Aztec mythology.

In addition, Rodriguez announced that K/O Paper Products, the television and film production company founded by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, will produce a scripted, action adventure series for El Rey Network, which will start development at the end of June. Kurtzman and Orci are the writers and producers of blockbuster movies such as Star Trek, Transformers and Sleepy Hollow as well as broadcast shows such as Fringe and Hawaii Five-O.  The duo plans to announce a showrunner later this summer.

“Robert, Alex and Roberto exemplify the types of show creators that will ultimately set El Rey Network apart. We are honored to pave the way for their unprecedented debut into cable,” said the network’s Vice Chairman Scott Sassa.

The two original scripted shows are being developed as a part of the network’s co-financing pact with Reliance-backed television studio Georgeville Television and will be produced in Austin, Texas, home of Rodriguez’ 26-acre studio facilities.  Georgeville, founded by Motion Picture Capital and Reliance, will be co-producing scripted programming for El Rey in a $250 million deal announced two months ago.

“As an independent studio, we were already thrilled to partner with El Rey Network on these series — we have been receiving tremendous interest in these shows internationally on multiple windows, given the filmmaker-driven stature and high-quality content of the series selection.  El Rey’s partnership with Univision only strengthens our combined ability to bring more A-list content to a wider audience,” said Georgeville Television founders Marc Rosen and Leon Clarance.

Read more: http://corporate.univision.com/2013/press/univision-communications-and-el-rey-network-announce-strategic-partnership-unveil-upcoming-scripted-series/#ixzz2TIE30kuQ
Follow us: @hispanic411 on Twitter

Danny Thompson (drummer) with Scott Weiland

Attention Scott Weiland and STP Fans:

Drummer Danny Thompson will be playing for Scott Weiland again and Arizonans can expect to see him play on May 31, 2013.  As you may alreay know, Scott Weiland wrote many of the Stone Temple Pilot songs until STP booted him out.  I wasn’t thrilled with how STP booted out Weiland when Weiland is the force behind STP. Whatever, dudes — I’m glad Scott will be singing the many songs he wrote when he comes to Scottsdale.

Why should we be excited about Weiland and drummer Danny Thompson coming to Arizona?

Because Danny has the “invisible hand.”

Eric Kamm of DRUM Magazine describes Danny Thompson’s drumming abilities best:

Danny Thompson constructs his drum sounds from the ground up — literally. In addition to his musical abilities, he’s also a seasoned drum builder. In 2008 he was busy crafting a kit for the drum company that he co-owned when his business partner, Kenny Livingston, received a phone call from Face To Face. Although the legendary punk group had broken up in 2004, they were now getting back together for a handful of festival dates. Their former drummer, Pete Parada, was busy playing with The Offspring, so they wanted to know if Livingston was interested in auditioning for their band. “Kenny was like, ‘Yeah, I can’t play this fast punk rock stuff, but I know someone who can,’” Thompson recalls. “[At the time] I was playing in another band called The Uprising, which was real fast, Pennywise-style punk rock.” And so Thompson got the audition.

As soon as he found out about the opportunity he planted himself behind his drum set for the next couple of weeks, wood shedding on a potential set list that the band had given him. His hard work paid off, although the talented punker contends that his successful audition was more a testament to the band’s high level of musicianship than his drumming skills. “ ….

Drums: LTD Classic Maple
1 24″ x 16.5″ Bass Drum
2 14″ x 5.5″ Yamaha Snare Drum
3 12″ x 10″ Tom
4 16″ x 16″ Floor Tom

Cymbals: Sabian
A 14″ AAX Hi-Hat
B 17″ Vault V-Crash
C 18″ Vault V-Crash
D 21″ AA Ride
E 20″ Vault V-Crash

Danny Thompson also uses Yamaha hardware, DW 5000 double pedal, Aquarian heads (Super 2 Clears on all tom batters, Classic Clear on resos, High Energy Coated snare head, and Super Kick II on bass drum), Vater Fusion sticks, Humes & Berg cases, and Cympad cymbal felts. FULL STORY HERE>>>

I can’t help but think of Steve Jobs when Bill Gates is brought into a conversation.  If you read the Steve Jobs book by Walter Isaacson — you would know what I mean.

Steve Jobs was ahead of his time and he was an absolute health nut.  Frederic Patenaude writes: “Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs, the man who revolutionized our lives more than once with the personal computer and the iPod, was once a raw-foodist.  His early experiments with the raw-food diet were well-known. According to the story, at the time when the company Apple was founded, he was on an all-fruit diet. He threatened to call the company “Apple Computers” unless someone suggested a more interesting name by five o’ clock that day. It seems the name stuck, and that’s why they called it Apple.”

That said, it appears Bill Gates is on the opposite side of the Steve Jobs spectrum again.

Dr. Mercola writes:

In ABC’s “Nightline,” Bill Weir talks with Microsoft founder Bill Gates about his charitable endeavors.

Gates’ latest plan is to try to end world hunger by growing more genetically modified (GM) crops.

He’s already invested $27 million into Monsanto Company—leading some countries to reject his charity due to the high risks, such as:

• New disease vectors
• Mutated pesticide-resistant insects
• Resistant “superweeds”
• Contamination of surrounding non-GM crops

We already know how deeply entrenched the U.S. government has become with Monsanto.

….In recent years, it has become disappointingly clear that Gates may be leading the pack as one of the most destructive “do-gooders” on the planet… His views on what is required to make a difference in poverty- and disease-stricken third world nations are short-sighted and misinformed at best. A recent article in the Seattle Times¹ joins me in arguing that Bill Gates’ support of genetically modified (GM) crops as a solution for world hunger is based on unsound science. A team of 900 scientists funded by the World Bank and United Nations, investigated the matter over the course of three years, and determined that the use of GM crops is simply NOT a meaningful solution to the complex situation of world hunger.  Instead, the scientists suggested that “agro-ecological” methods would provide the most viable means to ensure global food security, including the use of traditional seed varieties and local farming practices already adapted to the local ecology.

Admittedly … I am a bit biased.  Bill Gates did not treat Steve Jobs very well and he seemed to be overly competitive and destructive when Jobs was on a mission to change the communicative world.

That said, I encourage you to take the poll below.  I’m curious what the world thinks.

Bottom line:  People are concerned about what they eat and they want to ensure they are not feeding their children poison.

First thing is first, GMO means a genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered (like in our food sources).

I think more and more people are concerned with the consequences of eating food that has been genetically modified.

What is this doing to our bodies?

What will GMOs do to our bodies and the bodies of our children?

Food should probably be labeled informing consumers what has been modified.

If I see an apple, I want to believe it is a natural apple — not one that has been modified …. and if it has been modified then I want to know how.

If you want to learn more about the dangers of GMOs, I encourage you to visit this page or the Consumer Wellness Center.

Watch out, Pablo, they will say you were never a Republican and you were always a Democrat even though you may have voted contrary.

I’m glad to see Pablo leave the Republican Party — the GOP has yet to change their immigration platform since their Florida convention of 2012.

From Florida Nation:

Note from Editor Kevin Cate:
From: Pablo Pantoja

Subject: From Republican to Democrat

Date: May 13, 2013 5:57:11 PM EDT

Friend,

Yes, I have changed my political affiliation to the Democratic Party.

It doesn’t take much to see the culture of intolerance surrounding the Republican Party today. I have wondered before about the seemingly harsh undertones about immigrants and others. Look no further; a well-known organization recently confirms the intolerance of that which seems different or strange to them.

Studies geared towards making – human beings – viewed as less because of their immigrant status to outright unacceptable claims, are at the center of the immigration debate. Without going too deep on everything surrounding immigration today, the more resounding example this past week was reported by several media outlets.

A researcher included as part of a past dissertation his theory that “the totality of the evidence suggests a genetic component to group differences in IQ.” The researcher reinforces these views by saying “No one knows whether Hispanics will ever reach IQ parity with whites, but the prediction that new Hispanic immigrants will have low-IQ children and grandchildren is difficult to argue against.”

Although the organization distanced themselves from those assertions, other immigration-related research is still padded with the same racist and eugenics-based innuendo. Some Republican leaders have blandly (if at all) denied and distanced themselves from this but it doesn’t take away from the culture within the ranks of intolerance. The pseudo-apologies appear to be a quick fix to deep-rooted issues in the Republican Party in hopes that it will soon pass and be forgotten.

The complete disregard of those who are in disadvantage is also palpable. We are not looking at an isolated incident of rhetoric or research. Others subscribe to motivating people to action by stating, “In California, a majority of all Hispanic births are illegitimate. That’s a lot of Democratic voters coming.” The discourse that moves the Republican Party is filled with this anti-immigrant movement and overall radicalization that is far removed from reality.  Another quick example beyond the immigration debate happened during CPAC this year when a supporter shouted ““For giving him shelter and food for all those years?” while a moderator explained how Frederick Douglass had written a letter to his slave master saying that he forgave him for “all the things you did to me.” I think you get the idea.

When the political discourse resorts to intolerance and hate, we all lose in what makes America great and the progress made in society.

Although I was born an American citizen, I feel that my experience, and that of many from Puerto Rico, is intertwined with those who are referred to as illegal. My grandfather served in an all-Puerto Rican segregated Army unit, the 65^th Infantry Regiment. He then helped, along my grandmother, shatter glass ceilings for Puerto Rican women raising my aunt to become the first Puerto Rican woman astronomer with a PhD in astrophysics (an IQ of a genius as far as I’m concerned). Puerto Ricans, as many other Americans still today have to face issues of discrimination in voting and civil rights.

Regardless of what political affiliation people choose, my respect for some remains. I don’t expect all Hispanics to do the same (although I would hope so) but I’m taking a stand against this culture of intolerance.

I am also making a modest contribution (here: http://bit.ly/12uF3g8) to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for the efforts in helping protect the rights of immigrants and civil liberties in general.

With warm regards,

-pablo

The World’s First Jewish – Chicano Radio show originated from Arizona.

What an amazing radio show!

The Phoenix Talkback Radio show is the first Jewish – Chicano radio show in the world, and

Arizona Senator Steve Gallardo

yesterday they had quite a line up  that included a tea party supporter who referred to himself as “Guy” and who had the audacity to defend racist Jason Richwine of the Heritage Foundation.  Unbelievable.   Both Lou (Jewish dude) and Angel Garcia (Chicano dude) pushed back and set him straight.  In the second half of the show — you will listen in on how Arizona Steve Gallardo believes Tom Horne should be impeached.

Tune in!

PHOENIX TALKBACK RADIO SHOW – 2013 May 12, 2013 (Show #7) – “THE HORNE BLOWS SHOW” with Special Guest Arizona Senator Steve Gallardo.

IN THE FIRST HALF: Lou and Angel Garcia discuss the brand new “Working Dems Club”; the effect of tacking LGBT Rights onto Comprehensive Immigration Reform; Other disclaimers against CIR, such as Jason Richwine’s dissertation that “Latinos genetically have a low I.Q.” or Ted Cruz’s view that adding a path to citizenship is Obama’s grand plan to make CIR fail; Slow-Talkin’ Teabagger “Guy” calls in to challenge our disqualification of Jason Richwine’s dissertation; DeeDee calls in to debunk everything “Guy” said.

IN THE SECOND HALF: “Mystery” Guest Arizona Senator Steve Gallardo joins Lou and Angel to explain why Tom Horne should be impeached as the worst attorney general Arizona has ever had. Phoenix Talkback premieres two commercials for sponsor A&B Automotive. Lou expresses his disappointment of Tom Horne as a fellow Jewish person; Viva calls in express support for Senator Gallardo’s idea that Horne needs to be impeached; more on the history of Tom Horne. (This show originated out of KFNX Studios, Phoenix, Arizona, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, on May 12, 2013)