ARE SPACEX WORKERS SMOKING A LITTLE WEED WHILE CONSTRUCTING THE PROTOTYPE BFR ROCKET?

SpaceX Founder Elon Musk Samples Weed

"While we found many inconsistent results between studies, the general consensus supports  cognitive and motor impairments associated with cannabis use," said Shikha Prashad, lead author of the review and a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas.

from the website www.livescience

A couple friends and I went out to the SpaceX construction site today to note the progress since the September 2014 groundbreaking.

We observed and took pictures of the aft section of the BFR prototype rocket that will soon be tested in short hop missions.

All of us were somewhat surprised by what appeared to our untrained eyes as shoddy workmanship with seeming gaps between stainless steel panels, apparent waving in surface areas and almost an amateurish finish.

Currently, the nosecone that fell off during what Musk said were "50 MPH gusts," is being repaired in what's called the "space tent."
According to The Verge website:  

"Once the damage is repaired and the prototype is complete, the company wants to perform short “hop” tests with the vehicle. These tests entail igniting the vehicle’s engines and sending the rocket to low altitudes between 1,640 and 16,400 feet, before landing it upright back on Earth."

Below are some pictures we took of the portion of the BFR (Big Falcon Rocket) not damaged by the winds:

RACISM, ONCE AGAIN, REARS ITS UGLY HEAD IN BROWNSVILLE

From the editor:  There is no place for racism on the city commission or in our political arena.  The report that Nurith Galonsky's campaign posters have been defaced with Nazi swastikas, horns, etc. is very disturbing.  We publish Galonsky's statement below:

"Many of you may not know that I am Jewish, but I was born and raised Jewish. 

You can only imagine the disappointment I felt when I received news that some of my campaign signs in front of the Main Public Library had been vandalized. 

Why would someone put a swastika (a symbol synonymous with Adolf Hitler and used by Nazis during WWII) on my forehead and horns atop of my head? 

In light of yesterday’s killing in San Diego, I find it unnerving that a hate crime like this could happen in Brownsville. 

I am reminded of one of the questions District 1 and 2 candidates were asked at the Frontera Progressives candidate forum: Would we support a no tolerance policy for hate speech? 

We don’t want to believe that discrimination exists in our country, much less in Brownsville. 

Sadly, it’s a reality all of us must confront. I, myself, will file a police report to see if they can investigate this outrage against our community. 

After all, there are cameras outside of the Stripes and library. Brownsville must never tolerate hate crimes. 

We cannot have anymore incidents like the ones in Pittsburg, New Zealand and so many other places around the world."

ELECT JOHN COWEN, GET FREE FOOD "REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU VOTE FOR"

Among his other expenses, John Cowen, candidate for City Commissioner At Large "A," has already spent $67,381.38 with a single political consultant, Rodrigo Moreno of Pink Ape Media.

Should Cowen make the runoff, his overall expenditures could easily top $100,000 for a job that pays nothing.

The likable Cowen might have been better served investing $500 in a public speaking course as his forum performances do not leave the impression he has the skills necessary to command a room or function as a commissioner.  

If elected, Cowen likely becomes the next John Villarreal or Joel Munguia, someone simply occupying a seat, unable to muster up the wherewithal to contribute to the meetings in any meaningful way.

Of course, shining during a campaign forum is only one way to win election in these parts.  The flyer shown above, inviting its receiver to "Elect John Cowen" and to get "free food regardless of who you vote for," is another way.

PRIOR COMMITMENT PREVENTS MAYOR MARTINEZ FROM APPEARING ON TODAY'S "WHINE WITH CHEEZ" PODCAST

From the editor:  Today's planned "Whine with Cheez" podcast, involving the three mayoral candidates, will proceed without participation by Mayor Tony Martinez.  

We received a message last night from Sandra Saenz, one of the mayor's aides, that Tony will be in Houston for a rehearsal for a commencement address he is due to give June 1 at Cristo Rey Jesuit School.

Candidates Trey Mendez and Charlie Cabler have both confirmed their appearance on today's podcast.

TONY MARTINEZ TIME AND AGAIN REFUSES TO PROTECT THE CITY'S ASSETS

Graphic by Diego Lee Rot

Our beautiful city, sometimes described as the country's poorest, would be much poorer, losing many of its assets, while still shouldering its tax burdens, had not some courageous people pushed back against Tony Martinez and his cronies in 2011 and again in 2014.

Setting the stage for a 2011 "separation or unification" controversy was a November 2010 decision by the University of Texas System Board of Regents to terminate the UTB/TSC partnership.   The proposed plan, supported by Tony Martinez, UTB President Juliet Garcia and others, called for TSC to lose its autonomy, being absorbed by UTB, $198 million in assets being ceded to the University of Texas System with Brownsville taxpayers still on the hook for $102 million in bonded indebtedness.

Four courageous TSC trustees, Rene Torres, Fransisco Rendon, Adela Garza and Trey Mendez, voted against that merger, protecting Brownsville taxpayers from an incredible and immoral loss of assets.  We stand forever in their debt.

Fast forward to 2013-14.  Mayor Tony Martinez has orchestrated a plan to "convey" the city's treasured Lincoln Park to the University of Texas for whatever they might need to facilitate maintaining a satellite school in Brownsville.

On October 30, 2014 hundreds of citizens show up for a town hall meeting at the Tony Gonzalez Park Gym, with the front row "reserved" for UT "suits," originally to discuss whether or not to give away Lincoln Park, but cleverly changed by the city to giving citizens a chance "to be involved in the creation of a new park."

While one local after another pleaded not to give away the park, IBC President Fred Rusterberg, Chamber of Commerce President Maria Hall and the normally reticent Abraham Galonsky spoke in favor of the transfer.(It was later learned that Galonsky owned a 20 acre tract adjacent to the sewer plant he hoped the city would purchase to expand the new park.)

The public pressure against the conveyance of Lincoln Park won out and the proposal was dropped. Valley Interfaith, among others, made their point.

But, no credit goes to Tony Martinez.  At every turn, he has worked against the interests of Brownsville and its taxpayers.  

Giving Martinez yet a third term would be disastrous. 

TRAVELING ANA'S ISLAND OF MINDANAO WITH THE FIGHTER BOYS

My interest in the Philippines was initially piqued by a vlogger named Reekay(short for Enrique), a Hispanic from California who lived in Phil for over six years.  Reekay has since moved on to Saigon(Ho Chi Minh City), Viet Nam and I keep up with his travels and experiences there.

FinnSnow, a young man from Iceland, who has chronicled his travels through twenty-five countries the last decade, finally settled in the Philippines.  His breathtaking drone photography and underwater shots with his girlfriend, Sherlyn Doloriel, the current Miss Scuba International and former Miss Cagayan de Oro, simply amaze.

Daniel Marsh

Another talented vlogger, Daniel Marsh, with beautifully edited YouTube videos that actually tell a story, also captured my interest.  Daniel, the son of a Scottish father and Filipina mother, speaks the native languages and, like FinnSnow, is recognized by people all over the Philippines, even those living the the most remote areas with minimal WiFi.

FinnSnow, Daniel and three other well-known vloggers recently teamed up for a month-long journey into Muslim-controlled Mindanao, an area of the Philippines currently sporting Level 3 and Level 4 travel advisories from the U.S. State Department.  Marine biologist Mike Corey, BretMaverick and Kyle "Kulas" Kellerman also joined the group., calling themselves the Fighterboys 2.0, taking their Fighter Man truck across the terrain, then onto ferries for the next challenge.(Although, it was never expressly stated, I suspect the trip was sponsored and arranged by the Cebu City company that produces Fighter Wine.)

Once on Mindanao, they started with some day trips around Cagayan de Oro, where my fiancée

Ana lives, doing some whitewater rafting and bonding.  Here's a 9 minute Daniel Marsh compilation video featuring the trip downriver, but you get a taste of Daniel's exquisite storytelling: 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THUV8LgCV38&list=PLI2fxdFyRS1ir4lXWCpMC9wGEfdFk7ce0


Traveling south, deeper into Mindanao, into an area under martial law, the Fighter Boys encountered the typically grim troops of the Philippine Army, but these young men are well known throughout the Philippines and so it became simply another photo shoot.(Ana explained to me that Cagayan de Oro was under martial law when I was there with her, but I didn't even realize it.)

  

FULL EDITORIAL ABOUT THE BROWNSVILLE BLOGOSPHERE FROM THE "BROWNSVILLE BEACON" BLOG

From the editor:  Since we published the "Brownsville Beacon's" critique of this blog in our last article, perhaps we should publish the new blog's total description of the so-called Brownsville blogosphere:

Let's go a couple of times around the Brownsville Blogosphere...

April 10, 2019

What Brownsville lacks in a legitimate daily newspaper, she compensates with the number of local blogs.  Covering everything from the election, to scandal, sexual innuendo, good, old fashioned chisme, and everything in between, you can click on any of them and, at least, be guaranteed a good laugh.  And if the posts don't make you laugh, the comments section sure will.  Here's a little trip around the dance floor so you can familiarize yourself with some of our local blogs and bloggers.

For the record, I do not know any of these bloggers personally, and my observations are based solely as a reader of these blogs.

El Rrun Rrun

Author Juan Montoya's offering is probably the deepest of the local blogs.  This is the one I go to first.  This blog is a one-stop-shop for everything from local history, to works of poetry and prose, and local news.  While blogs like mine will be deeply rooted in opinion, Montoya tries to offer facts whenever he can, often times posting legal documents and images pertaining to what he's writing about.  Montoya is relentless when he takes on a particular subject or political candidate.  In the absence of a legitimate daily newspaper, Montoya often times writes articles that are worthy of being published in what The Brownsville Herald should be, if it wasn't run by staffers who are from Harlingen and McAllen, and if it were still printed here in Brownsville.  I very much enjoy reading El Rrun Rrun, and I'll continue to do so whether or not my blog tastes any success at all.

The Brownsville Observer

Jim Barton's offering has gone through some changes this election season.  I don't know if it will go back to what it used to be once all the votes are counted, or if he'll continue to publish what can only be described as The Brownsville Observer "Light," but Barton's blog is a bit of a quandary.  Recently, Jim Barton has allied himself with another local blogger, and BISD Trustee, Erasmo Castro.  He now co-hosts the weekly Whine and Cheez podcast.  It seems that Barton has made a bit of a transition to talk show host as opposed to blogger.  This isn't to say there isn't any legitimate news on his blog, there his.  However, the blog has definitely taken on a kinder, gentler tone.  Mr. Barton also writes about his personal life quite a bit, including his blossoming relationship with his fianceé.  The Brownsville Observer is definitely worth a visit, albeit a different type of blog experience than it once was.

The McHale Report

There have been several incarnations of The McHale Report, going all the way back to a print version called El Rocinante.  I remember picking up copies of El Rocinante and reading it as a child, feeling like I'd discovered a copy of my uncle's Playboy or a copy of MAD Magazine (which my mother absolutely hated me reading - her voice still echoes in my head, "Esa revista llena de mañas!").  I didn't understand all the political references or inside jokes, but I enjoyed reading nonetheless.  I wish I could say the same about The McHale Report.  McHale commonly refers to Brownsville as the "Third World Capital of the United States."  I've never understood why McHale does this.  If Brownsville is so terrible, I don't see why he just doesn't pack up his things and head north on US 77.  I'm sure he won't be missed.  He seems to be joined at the hip with another RGV blogger, Duardo Paz-Martinez (I'll talk about him in a minute), and has absolutely no problem spewing his anti-Brownsville vitriol, often times regurgitating the same hatred DP-M spews on his blog.  McHale is also very inappropriate, often times posting pictures of naked women and describing local politicians with colorful nicknames.  I still read this blog, but I read it in the same manner people watch NASCAR races and only find it interesting when the cars wreck.  

The Brownsville Voice

The Brownsville Voice is a major acid trip down a long and winding rabbit hole.  It is often times difficult to understand author Bobby Wightman and his ramblings about everything from his health to local politics.  His is also the most censored of the local blogs.  If you don't agree with him, or if you don't stroke his ego enough, he won't approve your comments, but he will definitely take the time to call you a troll and how you're engaging in this massive conspiracy to discredit him.  This disbarred former litigator loves threatening people and says he has all kinds of information that can bring every single local politician down, but his posts hardly have any substantive proof of anything.  His local political analysis is also interesting, often times endorsing one candidate one month then endorsing their opponent the next.  Trying to understand The Brownsville Voice is like trying to get cats to march in a parade.

The Brownsville Republic

This doesn't even count as a local blog.  The author of this blog is, apparently, the most credentialed of all of them, having supposedly written for the Associated Press and The Boston Globe among others.  This blog seems to be written by an angry person who does not like anything about Brownsville and seems to know even less about Brownsville politics.  This blog doesn't have one redeeming quality.  I guess Brownsville looks pretty different from McAllen, where its author lives.  I tend not to lend any weight to the opinions of those who criticize my hometown, yet live on the other side of the Valley.

Well, there you have it.  I know there are quite a few Facebook pages out there that also talk about Brownsville politics, but I have decided to keep this post to the actual blogs that are out there.  I'm sure there are others as well.  I just wanted to give a brief rundown of the ones I know of.

If you get a chance, read them and decide for yourselves.

POSTING A CRITIQUE FROM A NEW BROWNSVILLE BLOG, THE "BROWNSVILLE BEACON"

From the editor:  A new local blog, the

Brownsville Beacon

"Brownsville Beacon," published a critique of my blog posted below.  We have no disagreement with any of what the writer of https://brownsvillebeacon.blogspot.com/  says about us or our "offerings."

My life is obviously in flux, with Nena's death, my Asian trip and courtship of Ana Adiong, a decision to send Grandson Jack to public school this fall, plus the realization of being in my eighth decade of life.

Grandson Jack Conversing with Sandy
Stillman at Washington Park

Honestly, everyone looks like a kid to me now,  even hardboiled Pat Ahumada.  All of the current candidates, except for Pat and Tony, are younger than Diego Lee Rot, my only son.  What right do I have to scold or chastise someone else's kids?

When and if Ana makes it through the immigration process, I will reinvent myself once more, building on what I know and continue to learn about what makes me happy and fulfilled.

Ana Adiong

Ana studies Brownsville, has no desire to live elsewhere and has so far read five years of the nine published years of my blog.  Her "votes" in this election were slightly different from mine.(Actually, her observations changed my intended vote in one race.)

I've posted my current favorite pic of Ana.(I've ordered a t-shirt with that pic that will soon by unveiled on the "Whine with Cheez" podcast.)

This Sunday's podcast, live streamed from "Angelita's Casa de Cafe," 2200 Boca Chica Blvd. at 1:30 PM, will feature the three mayoral candidates.  The last time those three appeared we had over 5,000 viewers.

Now, the promised critique from the "Brownsville Beacon" blog:

The Brownsville Observer

Jim Barton's offering has gone through some changes this election season.  I don't know if it will go back to what it used to be once all the votes are counted, or if he'll continue to publish what can only be described as The Brownsville Observer "Light," but Barton's blog is a bit of a quandary.  Recently, Jim Barton has allied himself with another local blogger, and BISD Trustee, Erasmo Castro.  He now co-hosts the weekly Whine and Cheez podcast.  It seems that Barton has made a bit of a transition to talk show host as opposed to blogger.  This isn't to say there isn't any legitimate news on his blog, there his.  However, the blog has definitely taken on a kinder, gentler tone.  Mr. Barton also writes about his personal life quite a bit, including his blossoming relationship with his fianceé.  The Brownsville Observer is definitely worth a visit, albeit a different type of blog experience than it once was.

IS TONY BUTTERING UP CHARLIE FOR THE RUNOFF? ALSO, THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS FLYER

(Photo by Jim Barton)

It's not gone unnoticed, a certain graciousness extended by Mayor Martinez toward one of his opponents, former City Manager Charlie Cabler.

The incumbent mayor has actually congratulated Cabler after forums, extending his hand, while frequently saying in comments "I agree with Charlie on this" or "Charlie has that absolutely correct."

The mayor's gentility is selective, though, not also extended to his other challenger, Trey Mendez.  With respect to Mendez, the mayor's approach has been the polar opposite, noticeably clenching his jaw in something approaching a scowl, even using the 2 minute "closing comment period" of the AARP forum to tear into Mendez about the handling of the Lily Tercero termination at TSC.

Some are reading into this a certain strategy by Message, Audience, Presentation, Inc., the Austin advertising agency employed for the third time by Martinez in a city election.

Tony, many think, is simply buttering up Charlie in anticipation of a Mendez/Martinez runoff, employing a strategy that could bring Cabler voters into the Martinez camp for the grand finale.  

Yes, there will obviously be a runoff, but Cabler himself, who's undeniably putting in the work, could break up this strategy by making the runoff himself against one of the other two.

The above flyer, stamped by the Texas Valley Educators Association, the Brownsville Chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Brownsville Unions Coalition, is being passed out today at Brownsville's Central Library, urging votes for Trey Mendez for mayor, John Cowen, Jr. for City Commissioner At Large "A," Nurith Galonsky for City Commissioner, District 1 and Caty Presas Garcia for City Commissioner, District 2.(The Holy Trinity plus one)

The success of such a flyer relies on voters so gullible as to let someone else do the thinking for them.

FORMER CITY PLANNER ROMAN MCALLEN SPEAKS OUT IN MAYOR'S RACE

Roman McAllen, second from left

Mark your calendar for Monday, April 22nd to Tuesday, April 30th and Saturday, May 4, 2019, then go out and cast your vote for Trey Mendez to make a great future a reality for Brownsville.

Trey Mendez has studied the issues, and knows the potential for the City better than his opponents. He has answered the call of public service as a volunteer on the Heritage Council of the City of Brownsville and a publically elected trustee of Texas Southmost College. Brownsville needs a leader who consistently engages with his constituents and in a dialogue with City staff on how to make Brownsville better. He knows the true obstacles the city faces. Brownsville needs a mayor who is a Leader and will be laser focused on results. Only one person has the combination of characteristics to do the job right, right now. Trey Mendez has the clarity of thought, energy and homegrown enthusiasm to make true success for Brownsville a reality.

How do I know? I had the good fortune of working closely with Trey for 4 years from December 2011 to January of 2016. While I worked on downtown revitalization and historic preservation for the City, Trey voluntarily served, along with other distinguished citizens, on the Heritage Council as its chairman. He invested, lived, and worked in historic properties in the center of this great American city.

Outside of strong mayor-council cities, such as Los Angeles and Houston, the job of City Manager is omnipotent and can lead a city to good things, stifle success, or worse. The former City Manager left City Hall under a cloud of suspicion. Why was the Audit Committee disbanded? Those that voted to disband the Committee, as one can imagine, had something to be worried about. Brownsville must hold them all accountable by denying them at the ballot box. Mayor Martinez can be credited with many great things that have happened in Brownsville over the past 8 years and if he had a better City Manager, progress and good decisions would have happened far more frequently. It is unfortunate that some, including the mayor, voted to provide a large, unwarranted raise to the City Manager, rather than recognizing the disadvantage that he put the City in. It is simply time to hand over the baton to the younger generation in Brownsville. Brownsville needs a mayor that can inspire new, capable, honest and thoughtful citizens to come into the fold.

I worked in Brownsville in part to honor my late father, Alfred Barreda McAllen who was born and grew up on Polk Street near downtown Brownsville and in San Benito. Brownsville and its citizens, like citizens in every city in the country, deserve leadership they can trust and that inspires them to get an education, then stand up and serve. Brownsville needs a mayor who will be outspoken and supportive of robust public debate, and ultimately be an advocate for the right decision, every time.

Monday, April 22nd to Tuesday, April 30th and on Saturday, May 4, 2019, voters in Brownsville have the opportunity to vote for the one person that is ready and able to take Brownsville significantly higher. The choice could not be any clearer. I wholeheartedly endorse Trey Mendez for Mayor 2019.

RULES DON'T APPLY TO MAYOR AS HE ADVERTISES ON CITY PROPERTY

Mayor Martinez Has Vehicle Advertising Campaign Strategically Parked on City Property, the Central Library

HOW TONY MARTINEZ DISRESPECTS THE HISPANIC VOTERS OF BROWNSVILLE

From the editor:  For the third time Tony Martinez has chosen as the ad agency for his campaign an Austin firm that views Hispanic voters as uneducated and having "low education levels" and "a low level of information."

The James Aldrete firm with the acronym M.A.P., representing "Message, Audience, Presentation, Inc." has never addressed the comments made below about Hispanic voters, the need to talk baby talk to them, keeping things "at a grade level that ensures widest comprehension."

They did take the remarks down, though, after our initial posting.

Perhaps all of this contributes to the perception of Martinez as an elitist, someone who considers himself above the typical Brownsville Mexican man or woman.  We sincerely hope not, but Martinez has never dealt with these racist, condescending comments that once appeared on the website of the firm he's now using for at least the third time.

Here is an excerpt from our story five years ago:

Mayor Tony Martinez

"While flooding the city with a sea of blue "Believe in Brownsville" campaign signs, Attorney Tony Martinez did not himself believe in any Brownsville operative to run his campaign for mayor in 2011.  He reached out to James Aldrete, the founder of M.A.P., Inc. or Message, Audience, Presentation, an Austin advertising agency specializing in "communicating with Hispanics and African-Americans."  The ad agency chosen by Martinez evidently feels that the education level, tradition and lack of information of Hispanics necessitates that they be treated and approached differently from other Americans.   Does it seem odd, that Martinez, himself an Hispanic from Harlingen, would choose such a firm to run his campaign for mayor?

As M.A.P.'s website explains:  "The biggest challenge in communicating with Hispanics is not one of language only, but one of tone and approach. We have to recognize that those we most need to turnout are more apolitical and at an economic level that can often make politics and voting seem like a luxury."

James Aldrete, Founder of M.A.P.

The website continues, discussing what it refers to as the "New Latinos": "Spanish in Texas is for the most part an oral tradition, among a community that has low education levels. While Spanish print has made a comeback, it is important to keep it at a grade level that ensures the widest comprehension.

Aldrete discusses dealing with Hispanics, mentioning an "empowerment and educational component. No one likes to be embarrassed, and considering the low level of information most Hispanics have on political processes, basic information on how to participate is critical in overcoming issues of insecurity, fear and doubt." 

If you find the remarks from the website racist and condescending, insulting to Hispanics, understand this was the publicly stated point of view of the advertising agency running Tony Martinez' first run for mayor.  Not only did Martinez not object to the apparently racist views expressed on the website, but Tony, evidently pleased with the approach and performance of Austin's M.A.P., gave the same agency $23,342.58 to organize his "State of the City" event in August 2013.

TREY MENDEZ TO APPEAR TODAY ON "WHINE WITH CHEEZ" TO ANSWER MARTINEZ CHARGES

Mayoral Candidate Trey Mendez

Trey Mendez has agreed to appear today on Whine with Cheez, the podcast live streamed each Sunday at 1:30 PM from Angelita's Casa de Cafe, 2200 Boca Chica Blvd.  

Mendez will certainly be asked about the recent negative mailouts by incumbent Tony Martinez as well as how he hopes to enhance Brownsville's progress.

Pastor Brad Burke, a local organizer for the National Day of Prayer event scheduled in May, has also agreed to appear on the podcast.  

Burke's appearance will be interesting as Erasmo Castro was the lone dissenting vote on the BISD Board on giving Burke's group a discount for use of BISD facilities.

BOBBY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT, WARNS ANA!

From the editor:  Bobby Wightman-Cervantes, the editor of the BROWNSVILLE VOICE, sent us this coherent response to our article on his announced intention to seek advertising from lawyers, businessmen and candidates.

In his response, Bobby uncovers my deep, irrational "hatred" for City Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., exposes how I protect Nurith Galonsky by editing his less-than-celebratory comments about her and warns my fiancee, Ana, that I'm not exactly the man of her dreams.

Bobby also explains that he was not bemoaning the fact that his desktop is 17 years old, but instead revealing its value as an heirloom so the Cameron County Appraisal District could accurately assess his tax liability.

And, of course, Bobby issues the ultimate threat:  "It is no longer possible to be nice" to me.

Bobby's full, unedited response is posted below:

"You know Jim being nice to you is not possible.

You just out right lie left and right in this post. You simply choose to make it appear I need new equiptment when I made no such statement. I clearly stated these are my assets for tax purposes and I would claim a DBA so the county appraisal district can tax me. Do you really believe your readers cannot understand the difference between being up front about paying taxes and me trying to suggest I need new euiptment. My rolltop is worth over 10K. It is solid Oak. My hardrive is portable and new. The computer is just a processor. As to comments, you just pull this shit out of your ass. It has nothing to do with the pod cast. It has to do you with being do desperate for comments you encourage the lying deceiving trolls. The BV does not need those comments for readers. Even Jerry and Duardo gets that issue. You do not. Further my post makes clear I am doing fine financially. I just decided after so many lawyers asking me about ads, I needed to reconsider my approach but set out clear rules.

God Jim, does the truth even matter to you. We all know your problem. You are hiding it from no one. You hate Rick Longoria and I am telling the truth about Nurith. Grow a pair Jim and learn to be a man. You cannot stand I speak the truth about Nurith and have to attack whenever any speaks ill of the candidate you support.You are so blinded by your hatred for Rick you cannot see just how bad Nurith is for Brownsville.

Every time I try an be nice you have to go on an attack with lies and deception. What the hell is wrong with you?

It is funny how you moderated out my comments which were not troll comments but did not celebrate Nurith, but now raise them while you continue to post the worthless troll comments. Your standards are non existent and soon enough Ana will see you are not want she wants. She cannot be that stupid.

Bobby Wc"

BOBBY SHOCKS CITY ANNOUNCING BROWNSVILLE VOICE PLANS TO ACCEPT ADVERTISING

Bobby Wightman-Cervantes

Bobby Wightman-Cervantes, our city's self-described "unbought" blogger, caught me by surprise recently when he suggested in a blog comment that I start taking ads on my blog to "supplement my income."

A few days later, on April 14, Mr. Wightman again raised the issue of my blog, the Brownsville Observer, opening itself up to local advertisers.  Here is Wightman's blog comment about the Brownsville Observer, which also contains some constructive criticism:

"With the exception of the moderating I am extremely happy with his blog and how it is making Brownsville more informed. I wish him the best in getting valid ads. Honest lawyers might consider taking an ad."

Again, while I appreciated Mr. Wightman's concern for my financial well-being and his best wishes on "getting valid ads," I admit to being a bit puzzled as to the rationale for his concern about the ad policy on my blog.(Bobby's gentle criticism about "moderating" has to do with the Whine with Cheez podcast live streamed each Sunday.  Actually, Erasmo Castro moderates that podcast and it reflects his style. My only role is to prepare 3 or 4 questions and, if Erasmo has time to work them in, he does so.)

Bobby's sudden  interest in my blog's ad policy became clear today when the blogger announced HIS new policy of accepting advertisements from "lawyers and them maybe other businesses."

Wightman set a few conditions for those he will allow to advertise on the BROWNSVILLE VOICE:

"Here is the deal - the fee is $250 a month for an ad you submit. It cannot be demeaning to the profession. Brownsville has a lot of good lawyers. They will be permanently placed on the right side. First come first served."

Wightman also makes a firm rule, but then says he might change his mind later:

"As a lawyer, if you run for office, the ad will have to stop. . . . . . Hence no ads for lawyers who run for public office. I may eventually try it. If I do there will be no third party payments."

Up to this point in Wightman's article, he's only mentioned allowing ads for lawyers and possibly later on, businessmen, but now Bobby illustrates how "candidates" could benefit by advertising on his blog:

"From my perspective I think I can actually help the candidates, even those opposing each other, if they are running ads because they will keep an open door with me and I can give them my honest opinion about matters. By allowing me to challenge them while they run ads, tells the voters they are transparent and open to discussion. Not a bad thing for the record."

Let's sort this out.  Wightman will allow ads from lawyers, as long as they are not candidates, although that might change later.  

Someday soon, Wightman may take ads from businessmen.

Candidates will benefit running ads with Wightman because of his "open door" policy, but those candidates should have a profession other than that of attorney.

Mr. Wightman also explains why, after all these years of blogging, he's just now deciding to accept advertising:

"My roll top desk is about 17 years old, my computer is about maybe 8 years old, and my printer is brand new.

The money will help fund my work. Financially I am getting back on my feet. I just got a project which will pay all May bills. I lost a lot of work time this year. Thank god for gay divorces. They are really no different than any other divorce but the lawyers do not see it, so they are paying me to handle everything. There is absolutely no difference between a gay and straight divorce. The issues which can come up are identical. I know a troll who knows nothing about the reality of straight divorces will claim differences, but there are none."

Bobby expects his advertising program to be a success:

"If just one lawyer takes an ad, I think it will expand. I will not cover their cases unless it is a high profile case and they will be treated just like opposing counsel."

ANNOVA LNG PROMISES TO "MITIGATE" DAMAGE TO ENVIRONMENT TO GET APPROVAL FOR PLANT AT PORT OF BROWNSVILLE

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By Jessica Corso, Reporter, San Antonio Business Journal



One of three proposed projects to ship liquefied natural gas from the Port of Brownsville took a step forward in a federal review Friday, with regulators saying that most of the environmental harm caused by the facility's construction could be curtailed through a company-proposed mitigation strategy.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued its final environmental impact statement for an LNG terminal to be run by Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC) subsidiary Annova LNG. Though the project stands to cause harm to the local environment, most of it will be reduced through Annova's proposed plan, FERC staff said.

While the report does not grant FERC approval to the project, the commission must consider the environmental review when weighing whether to grant its approval. Annova celebrated the release of the report as a "significant milestone" toward getting its project approved.

“We are pleased they recognize our proactive approach to minimizing our impact on the environment, including investing in mitigation that is above and beyond what is required by local, state and federal regulations," Annova CEO Omar Khayum said in a statement.

Annova's proposed LNG terminal, taken together with two others before the FERC, could devastate local wetlands, harming local industries like ecotourism and shrimping, the Sierra Club said.

The proposed mitigation strategy is unclear and undeveloped, the environmental group said, and the local school board has already signaled its opposition.

“Texans from across the state have spoken out countless times in opposition to Annova LNG and the other fracked gas projects proposed for our community,” Sierra Club organizer Rebekah Hinojosa said. 

“We shouldn’t have to sacrifice our health, our pristine coastline, our ecotourism industry and our diverse wildlife, all so that fossil fuel companies can export more fracked gas overseas.”

The company has promised to create a 185-acre conservation corridor to protect the local ocelot population and to restore 250 acres of wetlands in an effort to reduce the habitat lost when the Brownsville Ship Channel was built.

“From moving the entire site to accommodate an ocelot corridor to using electric motor-driven equipment to minimize air emissions, Annova LNG has demonstrated its continued commitment to operating the Annova LNG project in an environmentally responsible manner," Khayum said.

The Annova facility would be capable of processing 6.95 million tons of LNG per year, which would require 125 ships to export.

Texas LNG Brownsville, one of the other companies that have proposed LNG facilities at the port, has received final environmental review from the FERC. The agency also said that it believes a company-led strategy at that facility could mitigate environmental damage. The third project, by Rio Grande LNG, is awaiting the results of its review.

INCUMBENT MAYOR MARTINEZ DECIDES TO "GO LOW," RELEASING ATTACK AD AGAINST TREY MENDEZ

From the editor:  Mayor Tony Martinez has decided to "go low" in an increasingly desperate effort to retain the the mayor's office in the City of Brownsville.

Perhaps internal polling by "Message, Audience, Presentation, Inc.," the Austin agency Martinez now uses for the third time to run his campaign, has suggested that Martinez lags behind the other two candidates.

In any event, Martinez, who chose not to sign the "Code of Fair Campaign Practices" pledge, has now prepared an attack ad for mailout.

We repost a copy of that mailout below:

MAYORAL FORUM CONTRASTS OLD VS NEW, MAYOR MARTINEZ THROWS SUCKER PUNCH

AARP Mayoral Candidate Forum

Yes, Brownsville has had an ungodly amount of campaign forums, but, if New York is the city that never sleeps, Brownsville is the city where no one votes, so bring on the forums, podcasts and commentary until we get something resembling participatory Democracy here!

Almost like the NCAA Basketball Tournament, this campaign season in Brownsville is a grueling test of endurance, commitment and skill.  If your work schedule and skill set makes you  consistently miss or shy away from forums, do you have what it takes to be mayor or city commissioner?

This evening's AARP/CBS 4 Mayoral Candidate Forum, the most professionally run to date, split the three candidates into two camps.

If you feel Brownsville's leadership for the last few years has been adequate to great, perhaps the eight year incumbent, Tony Martinez, or longtime City Manager Charlie Cabler is your man.

On the other hand, if you feel the city needs new leadership, even a new direction, Trey Mendez is making himself available.

Mayor Martinez, uncharacteristically angry, used his final two minute sum up to throw a vicious sucker punch at Mendez.

"Action speaks louder than words," the mayor kept repeating, reminding voters that terminated TSC President Lily Tercero had been awarded a $13.1 judgement against the college, putting the blame squarely on Trey Mendez, a TSC trustee.

Mendez, already having used up his time, could not respond.

The threesome is scheduled to appear together one last time before the election on the Whine with Cheez podcast live streamed from Angelita's Casa de Cafe Sunday, April 28 @ 1:30 PM.

REPOSTING OUR 2014 STORY ABOUT THE HOMELESS COUPLE LIVING UNDER THE AWNING OF CASA DEL NYLON

Homeless Couple Still Living Under La Casa del Nylon Awning Despite Applying for Housing Months Ago

The couple pictured in a February Mean Mister Brownsvillearticle, living under the awning of La Casa del Nylon building at 1305 E. Adams Street, were still there on Memorial Day.

Brownsville native, Jesus Marroquin, sporting a U.S.A. ball cap and his wife, Roberta Waters, originally from Washington D.C., and their dog Milo sleep nightly under the aluminum overhang of the old retail store.  

After Roberta asked "Who owns this building?"  I explained that it was purchased in 2012 by the City of Brownsville for $2,300,000, to which she responded:  "They paid too much!"  While any Brownsville resident with common sense would agree with Roberta, Mayor Tony Martinez and the City Commission have not demonstrated common sense in spending or protecting taxpayer monies.  La Casa del Nylon is just one of a dozen or so old buildings the City Commission has purchased recently with other people's money for which the city officials are now scrambling to find uses.

Roberta called my attention to how clean and neat they

were keeping the store entrance.  Pointing to the concrete, she offered:  "I clean that with Fabuloso."

Family dog Milo stays tied to an H.E.B. shopping cart, stuffed with reusable plastic bags, containing the couple's earthly goods.

"He won't let anyone get close to our stuff," explained Jesus, "but he won't bite."  When I extended my hand to Milo, he licked my fingers that likely still contained traces of the handful of dog food I'd given my dog that morning.  When I mentioned that the housing authority may not permit dogs, Jesus said:  "Well, he could stay with my cousin."

"Have you two ever applied for housing?" I asked.  "I know some people actually prefer living out-of-doors."

"No, we've applied," responded Jesus, pulling out a card with the name of a Brownsville Housing Authority contact.  "They told us there is a two year waiting list."

Jesus did take some personal responsibility for their situation, stating: "We didn't have all our paperwork together."  The couple are not exactly off the grid with Roberta getting a monthly disability check via direct deposit in her bank account and what looked to be a cell phone stuck in the door pull bar of La Casa del Nylon.

The conversation turned to other places the couple had spent the night, including uncovered bus stops, before finding this location under an awning.  The city's primary downtown restroom, La Plaza at Brownsville Multimodal Terminal, is just a half block away.  The bus terminal's restrooms, cleaned constantly, serve as body wash and changing stations for Mexican Nationals with jobs in Brownsville.  The restroom counter, with several sinks, is covered with water splashed from patrons washing more than just their hands.  A young man exits a bathroom stall after changing into a Church's Chicken work outfit including cap and name badge.

One street away from Jesus and Roberta, a homeless man sleeps in front of the formerFamsa/Edelstein's Furniture Storeon Washington Street.

While the blame for downtown homelessness can be spread out among several entities and individuals, including the homeless themselves, our city's officials are preoccupied with using their cleverness to convert a tract of land unneeded as an easement to owned property for a city planner or to make overpayment for downtown real estate owned by a friend of the mayor in a deal negotiated by the mayor's law partner.  

Why can't we divert some of that cleverness to solve real needs in our city or does Mayor Tony Martinez not "Believe in Brownsville?"