Let’s Get Political

In an election year that is shaping up to be the biggest circus the electoral process has ever seen in the United States, I feel it is important to vote, and I will as I have for the past several elections. At the very least, that’s my carte blanche to complain, and at the most it’s my contribution to the democratic process, even if I'm in Puerto Rico (as a US territory, Puerto Ricans can vote in primaries although not in presidential elections, something I still don't quite understand).

Now I don’t expect everyone to agree with me on any of my stances, but I do expect my opinions to be respected as I would the opinion of anyone who is kind enough to read me. A lot of people want to keep their political views private, and I get it. I’m actually not one to mull over politics because I’ve noticed that a lot of people get very touchy when you don’t agree with them on everything. So to anyone who disagrees with my points of view, my apologies.

Off the bat, let me say that for demographic purposes, I’m 35, Hispanic, married, and mostly liberal. Some people may call me naïve, some people may think I have an idea of what I’m talking about, but the reality is that I’m just a human doing his best to be a good human, with whatever knowledge I may have. I pay my taxes, I try to recycle as much as I can, and I am sure people from all denominations are also doing their best and like anything, I welcome a healthy debate.

As I write this there are basically 4 remaining candidates in the electoral process for the presidency of the United States: Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders. (Not really counting John Kasich although he is a better candidate than both Trump and Cruz, from what little I've read. Let's face it, the other two make so much noise it's hard to break through the clutter).

First up, why I’m not voting for Donald Trump. I’ll admit it will take a lot of effort to not be snarky, but I want to make a point and don’t wish for a joke to get in the way of said point. Simply put, Donald Trump represents way too many things I can’t agree with: misogyny, elitism, racism, and what worries me is how much he incites violence and how eager people are to please. Bully tactics, smearing, and a severe lack of political intellect or a general sense of respect should make him the least likely choice to run for anything, yet he’s high up in the polls, as in VERY high. As a Puerto Rican, I’m worried. I’m genuinely worried and won’t deny I am fearful of even visiting pro Trump states. The slogan of Make America Great Again might as well be understood as Make America White again because that is the tone and manner in which he carries himself and his campaign. His ideas of foreign policy make Bush sound like a genius and his “make a wall” sound byte won’t happen for however much he barks. This has been a campaign run on violence, smoke, mirrors, and very little substance. “We’re going to get it done,” I often hear him say… but I rarely if ever hear HOW it will get done.

Secondly, why I’m not voting for Ted Cruz. When you have a video montage of how you cook bacon by wrapping it around a machine gun and release it the same week or week after a mass shooting, I have a problem with that. To say Climate Change is not science but religion is also a dangerous proposition because his campaign is running strongly on religious faith. I for one am for the complete and utter separation of Church and State, ESPECIALLY in the US, but that’s another matter altogether. I think it’s bad politics and can spark violence instead of harmony. He is the other Republican candidate that has made headway even if he’s way behind from Trump. Still, a Cruz presidency guarantees that nothing will be done to address the serious issue of gun violence in the US while more decisions will be made to appease lobbyists and large companies that focus on dollar signs instead of climate talks.

Thirdly, I’ll openly say that in the Democratic Primary between Clinton and Obama, I voted Clinton. I thought the US was due a woman president and I still stand by that vote, although I do think Obama has done as best as he can, even if I don’t agree with some of the decisions made, i.e. Iran invasion, Israel-Palestine situation, etc. Still, there has been a lot of progress and I think with all the challenges this administration faced coming in, they’ve done a good job, an opinion a lot of people don’t agree with me on. Although let’s be honest, we have NO idea what goes on in politics or international politics to be honest (meaning behind the scenes). But back to Clinton. Her experience and stances on minorities, equality, and other topics at that time were to my liking. But this election has cast an odd shadow over this potential Clinton administration. Simply put, it feels as if she’s playing with loaded dice and this does not feel like a fair race between her and the other democratic candidate. CNN and the media in general have played a rather odd hand. I think she has the qualifications to win on her own. I really do, but it does feel as if everyone wants to declare her victor and it feels odd and a little off.

Then there’s Bernie Sanders. A candidate who talks about the middle class, something I don’t think anyone has done and being middle class, that’s a welcome change. I hear informed answers, I hear and see a plan, I see the potential for change and I would like for change to happen. He flies coach, his donations come from ordinary people (like me), he has desisted from attacking candidates as much as he can, and he stays on topic. Oh, there’s also the small detail that his stance now is consistent with what it was 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and even 30 years ago. That definitely sets him apart from most candidates and is one of several reasons why I will vote Sanders in Puerto Rico.

Do I think Clinton is capable of running the country? Yes. Highly so. But my gut tells me to go with the other guy, for several reasons but I’ll sum it up this way: the difference between Hillary & Bernie is that Clinton looks in a mirror to know she wants to become president. Meanwhile, the same sentiment comes to Sanders but when he looks at people. Or at least that’s how it feels for me. Does that sound idealistic? Sure. But it is still my opinion, and you can have yours as well. Here’s to voting and regardless of the outcome to everyone doing their part to help the greater good.

Listy Time: top 10 Cosplays I want to see

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a fan of cosplay and cosplayers. I love when people invest their time and skill to bring a slice of fiction to real life and fully admit to that being one of my favorite parts of going to any convention. Does this mean I would love to see someone cosplay my characters someday? You betcha!!! But for now, why don’t we explore the top cosplays I haven’t seen in person and would love to see done right!

10. Synergy (from JEM): Since the movie was an insult to the 80’s, why not start making things right with a properly executed cosplay of the virtual console. How complicated you want to make it will definitely be up to the cosplayers although here's a hint, I'm looking to see someone with the ENTIRE console (Ok, not much of a hint, but you get what I mean). 

9. Mazinger/Voltron: I would love to see either of these iconic robots in all their splendor. As a kid I watched a LOT of cartoons and in this case, Mazinger, “El Festival de los Robots” (Puerto Rican 80’s programming), and Voltron were always among my favorites. I really think a properly made cosplay of either would look more than kick ass.

8. Dynamo from the Running Man: I LOVE obscure cosplays and the odder the better. That said, I’m surprised I haven't seen anyone take this cosplay on or at least that I have seen in person. Just for the sheer over-the-topness I think it could be quite awesome. Bonus points if they sing opera.

7. Silverhawks/Thunder Cats: ANY character from either of these series I want to see although I’ll admit I am partisan to the SilverHawks because I want to witness someone pull off that reflective armor. Iconic as they are, the challenges for each set of cosplays is as daunting as it should be alluring.

6. Cobra Commander: I want that reflective facemask and someone to do the voice. Am I weird? Did you JUST notice? Still, that doesn’t mean that this wouldn’t make an awesome cosplay and to be honest, one I haven’t seen done right yet.

5. Ghost Server (Blood Sword Comics): The main influence for the Gerald Order from my Human Cycle series is probably Ghost Server from the long defunct Jademan Comic series, The Blood Sword. These comics made an impact that will be with me all of my life and Ghost Server was a man who had both arms cut off, his face mutilated, and still they couldn't kill him. His lack of arms means he uses a long braid to wreak havoc, his speed was unparalleled, and only a handful of people had more kicking power than him. His face mask is the work of dreams and he still visits mine. I remember when I had an action figure lose two arms to wear and tear. It was one of the best things in my life. :D

4. Samus Aran: I don’t mean Zero Suit Samus, or a sexy Samus. I mean the orginal badass Samus Aran that forever made me love strong female characters (one of the best reveals of ANY video game). I want a Nerf Ball arm cannon. I want a retractable visor. I want a pet morph ball. I want it all!!!!!!

3. Ganondorf: there are SO many versions of Ganon that I can’t begin to choose one over the other. I just want to see one. Ocarina’s? Twilight Princess? Wind Waker? Skyward Sword? Whichever it is, THIS is one of the cosplays I most want to see.

2. Dream of the Endless: The main character from one of the literary works that has most shaken me, Dream can be a sight to behold if done properly. Although I’ve seen Death done beautifully, I’m still waiting for the real Dream. :D

1. The Three Storms from Big Trouble in Little China: Last but not least, if you read me, if you know me, or you hear me talk, you know Big Trouble in Little China is one of my favorite movies of all time. Case in point, I used to put on a laundry basket on my head as a kid as I made like one of the Three storms. Weapons, headgear, attitude… This could be so kick ass.

So let’s put it this way, if I’m ever at a Comic Con and you cosplay, and you do ANY of these, PLEASE come over and I promise to make it worth your time. Plus, how often do you get to hear a grown man giggle like a kid?

Peace, love, and maki rolls

Listy Time: INTRO

Lists have always been a great source of fun for me and I’ve done many a random lists in my life. For a while now I’d lost touch with that love but this is me laying it down that lists will be coming in full force and for several reasons:

1. They’re fun to make.

2. They’re even more fun to share. Admit it, you know your top 5/10/20 of many a random thing. Plus, it’s a good way to get to know someone and I’m all for comparing notes on our unique brands of weird.

I’ll keep this brief though, but stay tuned. Many lists to come. :D

Peace, love, and maki rolls

Rant in Estrada Minor – 1,000 words on my teenage years

Braces, dance classes, awkward silences, strange looks, sexual tension, sexual discovery, kisses, acne, bullies, fights, writing, old friends, new friends, old new friends, new old friends, confusion, confusion, confusion, change, change, change. Teen years are not for the faint of heart although latest reports demonstrate that most of us make it. Some of the most painful deaths in your life will happen in these years. I had my share. My grandfather was awesome. And one day he was gone. So was one of my dogs. The first one to pass. That’s teen years for you. Sudden changes. Slow changes. Sudden deaths. Slow deaths. Mortality 101. Love 101. Desire 101. Master’s in confusion. Croaky voice, unwilling yelps as your voice breaks. Hair begins. There is enthusiasm with hair. Not like when you’re in your thirties. REAL enthusiasm. Protein and hormones conspire to give you a soft felt lip. Moustache hair. Armpit hair. Chest Hair. Hair down there. The kindling of manhood. I always liked girls. Now I REALLY liked girls. I thought of girls. I dreamed of girls. Girls, girls, girls. My first kiss was a tongue kiss. Here’s to overachieving. Everyone around you is breaking in their own way. Teen years bring heartbreak of varying kinds. 31 flavors of rejection and then some. No sprinkles. No whipped cream. Just rejection. And heartbreak. And Confusion. And redemption. Teen years are unpredictable. Things can be lukewarm, then an inferno, then artic tundra. There’s no escape from teen years because those formative scars, complexes, frustrations, and pain live for you. These are some of the most permanent memories in your life. Some of your best memories will be playing videogames. Being able to relate to pixels is weird. But you can. And you do. Part of who I am is defined by Super Mario, by Samus Aran, By Link, By Edgar, Shadow, Locke, Terra, Celes, and the liberating ride atop a chocobo. You want a mog. You also want to ride a luck dragon. You swear you know everything when you’re a teen. You know everything and your parents know nothing. I remember having a discussion with my dad. I was pissed. When he left the room I started doing one of those angry teenage dances where you’re flipping off into nothing and getting really into your moves at how unfair life is. Very mature. He walked backed into the room. He saw me flipping him off. He lowered his head and said in a low voice, “Why did you have to do that?” He turned around and left the room. That wound is still there. I’m sorry dad. There’s a lot of I’m sorrys when you’re a teen. That’s one of them. I’m sorry for falling in love with people I had no business falling in love with. I’m sorry the girl everyone wanted was into me even if only for one occasion. I’m sorry we kissed. I’m sorry she stopped kissing me. I’m sorry she told me she was thinking of her boyfriend. I’m sorry I was so afraid I had to go throw up. This was not a normal teenage guy. Actually this wasn’t a teenage guy. But she was a teenage girl and was with a man no one should be with. I’m lucky I wasn’t some sad headline: Stupid teen gets shot for making out with beautiful girl and boyfriend commits double homicide. In an alternate universe I’ve died so many times. Two of those times would have been in the water. I almost drowned twice when I was a teen. Got caught by a huge set one day and dragged across the reef. I was held down against my will. I was force-fed seawater. But I made it out alive. The same as I made it out alive from my teen years. I fell in love so hard I scraped my heart’s knee. Almost busted a kneecap on two occasions. I had a best friend I had a bad fight with. We had been best friends since 2^nd grade. We fought at the end of 8^th grade. We talked again well into 10^th grade. That’s two years of being too proud to admit it was a misunderstanding. It was a lesson in life and friendship. Now when things like that happen, I accept it. I had my first kiss at 14, first drink at 15, first cigarette at 16, and first cast at 17. I’m proud of only one of those facts. In Puerto Rico, underage drinking happened often. I saw Mortal Kombat under the influence of alcohol. I would have given it an Academy Award. You weren’t carded in the good old days. That’s why teens did stupid things under the influence. Now they do more drugs. Or maybe I’m just less ignorant. My dad smoked Winston. My mom smoked Marlboros. Yeyo smoked Salem. Padrino smoked Camel. My family smoked and I carried the tradition up and out of my teenage years. I’m happy I quit. But as a teen you know better until you finally know better. I used to get bad migraines in high school. A combination of needing prescription glasses and hormones. Or maybe I just liked to watch TV on a school day. I picked up a guitar when I was 17. I took two classes and learned I don’t like to take classes. Everything I learned, I learned on my own. It’s not much, but it’s mine. Much like life in teenage years. Sure you can have people tell you what will happen, but there is no better lesson than a cold bitch slap courtesy of life. There is an overabundance of those during your teen years. You eat anything when you’re a teen. You wonder why you don’t feel great. Then you do a recount of the tube of Pringles, the 3 sodas, the bag of Oreos, and still wonder what the hell happened. Just like teenage years. Often you’re left wondering what the hell happened. And somehow you survived.