Latin Fusion TV BLOG

Brandy and I, here at Latin Fusion Tv, wish you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

If you are not from the states, you may not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it is a National Holiday for us in the US, as we celebrate the beginning of a new nation and our national pride.  It was a time of new beginnings for our country, even before it was a country! Which brings me to my point!

Right now, Brandy is undergoing a tough time! Her daughter is in intensive care, or ICU, and on Life Support!  Two days ago she was on the brink of death – today she is breathing at 60%.

What a difference a day makes.  It reminds me to be grateful in all things, both big and small. And in order to do that – I must realize that thanksgiving is more an attitude than just a day.  And while many are waiting for the day after, Black Friday, they are forgetting the reason why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place.

That being said, I will spend time with my family, knowing I cannot afford the deals that Black Friday will bring, but I am thankful that we are not suffering through another loss in our life! I am grateful that my brother is here in town, my family will get together, as will Brandy’s (even if it is in the hospital). We will gather and pray for those things that matter! Because we have learned that Thanksgiving is an attitude – not just a day! And there is much to be thankful for!

Thanks for reading, thanks for watching and most of all Thanks for the Prayers!  May God Bless, heal and protect our beloved Diamond Monique!

Have a blessed day and a Happy Thanksgiving!

We love you all!

Michael Arellano

Have you been told that “You don’t know Jack!”

Well, I have, and I do and I can prove it.  One of my best friends is named “Jack.”  So, you see, I do know Jack!  But, why is this important?

I was thinking about some sayings I heard this week.  There are many sayings that make sense and many that don’t.  There are  “put-downs” that offend, and truths that simply mean what they say.  There are exceptions and variations – but we are not here to “split hairs!”  But I will go through a few that I heard.

“You don’t know Jack”  – usually they are saying something with malicious intent, i.e. that you don’t know what you are talking about, and perhaps they are saying that you are an idiot without actually saying it.

“You are ignorant” – well, it could be true…  I am ignorant about a great many things.  I am also well versed on some things.  I take the time to continue to learn new things, so it doesn’t offend me when called ignorant – I just try to learn something about it.  “Ignorant” is not a bad word and being ignorant is not all that bad, either.

“You are not the sharpest tool in the shed” – Do you need to be? Unless you plan on cutting something down – The important thing is to find someone that is sharp and can do what needs to be done.  I am no genius, but I am smart enough to surround myself with smart  and capable people that can get the job done.  That is the trick – to surround yourself with great people.

I write about this because the aforementioned have been said to me and about me…. And it made me think about what the sayings actually meant no matter the context they were used.

I then realized that “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”  Unless, I allow them to.

Look, what anyone thinks about you is “none of your business.”  I mean that – you cannot change the way people think about you.  So why worry, and anyway, how is that your business?  See my point? Here are suggestions, based on what I have learned:

1. Do not fall prey to those talk about you – small minds talk about people;
2. Do not get into the name calling business – it only makes you look small;
3. Do not dignify what they say by retorting a response – the truth always surfaces;
4. Don’t make someone else make you defend yourself – why should you have to defend yourself to others;
5. Do not personalize things – If it is true and you don’t like it – change it;
6. Do not talk maliciously about others – it will come back and haunt you;
7. Don’t gossip or partake in others gossiping to you – because the Spanish Proverb says: “If they will gossip to you, they will gossip about you”;
8. Don’t judge others….their book is still being written and there is always room for change – take me for example;
9. Act “As if…” -  As if you have some class and know how to act; and
10. Do the best you can – they cannot take that from you!

So, if someone says something bad about you, let it go!!! Or if they tell you that you don’t know jack, go get a friend named Jack – Then, like me, you can answer: Yeah, I do!

Life is too short to worry about others!  Get on with life and live in peace to the best of your abilities. The world will be a better place – I guarantee it!

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings! – Michael

This is a special blog from our correspondent “Sid” and he is just “Dishin’ it out!”

Okay, what’s the deal? Why has everyone gone out and gotten in a great big hurry? Drivers that tail you, not giving enough space, speeding around you just to get in front of you by one car, pulling out in front of you when there is clearly no traffic behind you….Crazy driving. That’s my beef!

There ain’t no need to endanger your life or the life of others just to get one car ahead.  It’s bad enough we gotta text and talk on the phone (dangerous enough – and yes I am guilty of talking on the phone – not texting, though!) while we drive, but then we gotta get in front.

Look, I can be a speed demon on the road and I am no better than you.  But I have to watch out for the other drivers also. They too have families and loved ones. I could be a race car driver, not because I like to go fast, but I watch patterns in traffic, the speed of other drivers, the way others maneuver through traffic….All things necessary to be a good driver.

I watch cars drive right up on your butt, not paying attention to the fact that you have cars on either side and in front and then they want you to pull over and let them pass….crazy arse drivers. They are driving like maniacs – all to get one car ahead….crazy arse drivers. Oh, I already said that!

Here are my suggestions…

1. Pay attention to all cars in all lanes, especially if you are in a fast lane mode;
2. Respect the fast lane if you want others to respect it for you;
3. Don’t make phones while driving;
4. Don’t text while driving;
5. Try not to zigzag through traffic;
6. Keep an eye on what is going on with the vehicles in front of you;
7. Give yourself an opportunity to adjust to traffic, not react to it;
8. Use your blinker;
9. Adjust your rear-view mirrors; and
10. Don’t drive with a chip on your shoulder!!!

You will be the better driver if you put on some lovemaking music rather than war tunes – I promise!  Look, we all have places to go and people to see and sometimes we run late – I get it – You are moreimportant than me, but do not risk all of our lives cuz you think you are more important and we should bow to you. The road is ours, not yours.

And yes, I got the memo – It is all bout you!  But guess what? I filed that memo in my round file…so there.

Please be cool this Fourth of July.  Arrive alive, Don’t Drink and Drive!  There is no law against getting wasted and letting someone else drive, just don’t get wasted and drive…call a cab – it is worth it in the end. Trust me, I know! Get a designated driver.

As far as driving like an arse – is it really worth it? I think not.

I’m just saying!

I am Sid and I am just Dishin’ it out!

Later Alligator!

First of all – I hope everyone is enjoying the summer break.  When I was young – it meant no school; as I was in the workforce it means less traffic, but more distractions.  Now that I am looking for work and clients – it means its easy to get distracted, less traffic and a chance to do something I have never done before – Dog sit.  And let me tell you – it has been fun.

I like dogs.  Most dogs like me ( I hav been bitten in the face by a dog) and I still like them.  I like cats too, but dogs have different personalities than cats and that is what makes them interesting.  If you are not a dog lover, cool with me, but they are a treat and a trip.

I am house sitting for a neighbor and they have two cool dogs, Chandler and Lilly.  And those dogs have cousins – Louie and Riley.  All small to medium small dogs. Ok – enough!

I get to walk the dogs and the experience has taught me a few things.

1. I want to be the person these dogs think I am.
2. They great me with joy when I walk in the door – I should do the same with people I like/love.
3. They have taught me the great responsibility of being a pet owner – I have to follow a schedule and be disciplined.
4. They get me out of me and to think about something or someone other than myself.
5. They have done for me something I could not do for myself – go for a walk.
6. They have taught me the importance of picking up after myself – neighbors let their dogs poop in other peoples yards and then do not pick it up – so very very uncool! I carry a bag and it don’t take much!
7. They are joyful when they go outside.
8. They are inquisitive and somewhat careful – two things I am working on.
9. They eat when hungry and drink when thirsty – I will work through both, without tending to my own needs.
10. A pissing contest is just that – a pissing contest! It is unnecessary and can get messy pretty quick.
11. When I get out of hand – someone should put a diaper on me to bring me back to reality….I have to use a diaper to keep the boys from peeing everywhere and it works.
12. They have taught me that it is okay to rely on others, for things I cannot do myself.  And like Lilly, it is okay to speak up when I need help. She barks to let me know she gotta poop!
13. Most of all – they are teaching me to be grateful – for what i have, the opportunities given to me and for my life.

The dogs are cool, they are fun – Riley will run up to you jump on your leg and push off as if she is pushing you and then she spins around.  Louie, a yorkie, prances when he walks and is careful where he steps (there is a lesson there). Oh, I mean King Louie! Chandler has diabetes and a bad eye – but he loves to explore, walk and run.  Sounds like me as a kid!

And what does any of this have to do with the price of tee in China, you ask?

It is a blessing from God!  Seven years ago – I would have never been given this opportunity by my neighbors.  Today, I am trusted enough to house sit and dog watch. The dogs love me  and I made two new friends, Louie and Riley (I already new Chandler and Lilly).

But as I said, it is a blessing from God – because He says: If I can trust you with little I can trust you with much.  Caring for life on any level – even a dogs life – is a responsibility given by God.  It should be treated as such and appreciated for what it is – Fun!

Thank you God for my life, my family and my blessings as well as for the dogs, it has shown me that when I put you first – you help me out in even the smallest of ways….

Most of all – Thank you for my sobriety – it has given me a new lease on life and for that I am truly grateful!

Love, Peace and many blessing to you all and thanks for your comments – we read them all and appreciate them very much!

Cool Runnings mon – Michael Arellano

Fiesta is the largest event in our Beautiful City of San Antonio.

Organizations work all year to prepare for their cause and alot of funding is raised, and just to be able to be a part in volunteering our time for such great cause is a Blessing.

But today I want to share with you about someone who is dear to me and LFTV, one who has always volunteered his time with his music and his humility with the world.

Sam Watkins, country music artist/ songwriter from Austin, Texas is one artist that I feel everyone should get to know.  Far more than his musical talents but because he is involved in helping families find  missing children. This is a mission very close to his own heart, as a parent of a missing child.

Sam wrote and recorded a song titled “Baby Girl” which has since become a song of Hope for the Families of missing children.

When he gives to his community he gives it with alot of Love from the heart, Sam and his band came to San Antonio to  our Christmas Gala and  brought a huge bag of toys to share with children, who other wise would have nothing to unwrap on Christmas morning.

He reaches out to other communities, and is always ready to help out in anyway he can.  He is Blessed with a strong team  and his wife Tina, who supports and manages his career.

Sam will be traveling, with his band, throughout the states and Europe will be sharing the importance of protecting your children, and will share with the world his Great love for Music, and I can say this he has a voice that cannot be missed and should always be heard.

Thank You Sam for your beautiful music, the support you give, But most of all to the faith and hope you share with families who deal with lost or missing children.

Now, what does this have to do with Fiesta, you ask? Lots!

Please be mindful of your children at all times and keep them close by.  Fiesta, or any other large event, is not the time to give young children the autonomy to roam free! This is family time and nothing ruins that more than the hurried, harried feeling of being separated from your loved ones in a large crowd! AND the feeling of a missing child is enough to make any parents heart drop!

IF you get lost or separated – have a plan – before the event.  Something like this:

1. Have a plan before you get there;
2. Find a specific spot to meet if separated;
3. Notify authorities immediately if person is not at meeting point;
4. Utilize cell phones and other means of communications; and
5. Do not deviate from this plan…

As I said, nothing is worse than tragedy at an event, but you can always be prepared.  We are not pessimists, but instead realists! And we want you – and yours – to enjoy the beautiful Fiesta San Antonio and any other event for that matter.

Viva Fiesta!

Blessings – Brandy Lopez / Michael Arellano