sanantonio

Special to University of Houston Law Center, courtesy Philip Vasquez

Dream job? Alum takes legal expertise to war zone

Philip Vasquez's Law Center degrees have taken him from Victoria, Texas, to Washington, D.C., and on to the war-torn streets of Kabul, Afghanistan – where he insists he is living "a dream."  In a capital city that reverberates with the suicide bombings and rocket attacks of the Taliban, Vasquez calmly dons body armor and travels via armored car to a heavily guarded compound to perform duties that he sees as vital to the future of Afghanistan. 

"I am actually living my dream," he writes via e-mail from Kabul.  "And what better place to do it than in a country where the world has placed its collective hope, and where our brave men and women serve."

Vasquez arrived in Kabul in May 2010 and now lives in a "guesthouse," which is about four miles from his office located across the street from the Presidential Palace in the city's fortified "Green Zone."  He works six days a week, marking Juma (Friday) as his only day of rest, which is customary in the Muslim world. His daily "commute" involves a trip in an armored car with an experienced driver at the wheel and a Personal Protection Officer, who is typically a former member of the British Special Forces or a Gurkha from Nepal. Trips to a grocery store or neighborhood restaurant are discouraged for safety reasons, and Vasquez is prohibited from traveling anywhere alone. "These protections keep me as safe as anyone can be here in Kabul," he writes.

Vasquez credits the Law Center with launching him on a career that he deems both successful and exciting.  "My J.D. enabled me to work in Victoria, my hometown, and provide a comfortable life for my family," he writes. "My LL.M. studies in International Economic Law enabled me to become a senior appointee in the Clinton Administration which has continued to open doors for me."

[ Read Philip's complete story here ]

SAAHJ, the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists has awarded $26,000 in scholarships to 15 San Antonio students, who attend college in the Alamo City or elsewhere in the United States.  The awards ceremony took place last Wednesday, and scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $3,500.  Here are some of the recipients in a video presented the night of the awards.

Video courtesy: SAAHJ.org & Jerry Gonzalez

"All of the people who buy tickets for the event are sponsors of these scholarships -- from the Express-News and Well-Med to the individual ladies of 'IMAGE de San Antonio' who each spent $100 for a ticket. We are indebted to all of them!" Shared 2010 elect SAAHJ President and Express News journalist Elaine Ayala.

SAAHJ.org

During the 12th Annual Scholarships & Award Gala, SAAHJ also honored Martha Tijerina with the Henry Guerra Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in journalism, and Rosie Castro with the 2010 Community Service Award.

Mayor Julian Castro and State Representative Joaquin Castro were in attendance, as well as many local Latino journalists, community organizations and public in general.

AlamoCityTimes.com"Your Community News Blog" has partnered with SPOT.us to generate community stories and the funding to publish them.

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Our friends at StreetFire.net have a great video about the best and right way to wash your ride!

StreetFire.com

"We're sure you think you know how to wash a car, but chances are good that you're committing some pretty basic errors that can actually damage your ride's finish. Blake from Northwest Auto Salon shows us detail-shop-approved techniques"

What does a 70-year-old Beatle want for his birthday?

Wireimage.com

In a video posted on his official site, Ringo Starr wants his fans around the world to say “Peace and Love” and flash a peace sign at 12 noon today wherever you are in the world!!

And from Ringo'ss official website: http://www.ringostarr.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEACE AND LOVE

JULY 7 2010 RINGO INVITES THE WORLD TO CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY WITH A MOMENT OF PEACE AND LOVE “NOON, YOUR TIME, WHEREVER YOU ARE………..”

THE HARD ROCK CAFÉ INTERNATIONAL WILL SUPPORT THESE CELEBRATIONS WITH EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD

This July 7, 2010 Ringo Starr will turn 70 and he will celebrate his birthday in New York City. At Noon Ringo will be joined by family, friends and fans all together in one simple salute: "Peace & Love".

The genesis of the July 7 Peace & Love Celebrations began in 2008 when Ringo was asked during an interview with Access Hollywood, "what would you like for your coming birthday?" and he replied "more Peace & Love." That launched a "Peace & Love" campaign, and Ringo encouraged everyone everywhere to say Peace & Love at Noon their local time. The idea took hold and on July 7 2008, a wave of Peace & Love swept the planet, with Ringo and Barbara joining throngs of fans and Peace & Lovers on the streets of Chicago in front of the Hard Rock Café.

The Hard Rock Café International will once again host various celebrations around the world, with additional spontaneous Peace & Love events cropping up everywhere. (In 2008 Peace & Love events occurred at Hard Rock’s in Chicago, LA, New York, and Florida as well as happening at Abbey Road in London, one at Capitol Records in Los Angeles and one at Strawberry Fields in New York’s Central Park).

Please join the wave of Peace & Love as it continues this July 7 2010. Whether you say it along with a crowd, out loud as you go about your day, Tweet it or simply think the words, we hope you will join Ringo in celebrating “Peace & Love” wherever you are at Noon your local time.

Additional details coming soon!!!

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Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson confirms oil tar balls from BP Gulf Spill have now reached the Texas coast.  Crews removed the tar balls found on at least two beaches including Crystal Beach and East End of Galveston Island.

KHOU Report

At least five gallons of tar balls have been collected said Jim Suydan of the Texas General Land Office. He also reports beach patrols have also been increased and urged citizens to report any findings.

WATCH KHOU NEWS REPORT:

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_U1sK4s_Ek

A 4th of July tribute that I put together to honor America's freedom.

I was inspired to put this video together today and wanted to share my love of living in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America with my fellow American's.

May God Bless America Forever and Always!

I do not own any of the photographs and the song is sung by LeAnn Rimes and I do NOT claim any copyrighted material to the song it is being used for pure entertainment.

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS VIDEO AND HAVE A SAFE AND FUN 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY! God Bless!

alpost579| Calendar of events for July 2010 American Legion Bicentennial Post 579. Come join us for some fun, food, music and dancing.

Heart-breaking aerial video by Hurricane Creekkeeper John Wathen. At 6:30 you see a pod of dolphins and a sperm whale swimming, dead or dying in oil.

John L. Wathen

From: youtube.com/hccreekkeeper | June 26, 2010 | This was the most emotionally disturbing video I have ever done! A flight over the BP Slick Source where I saw at least 100 Dolphins in the oil, some dying. I also photographed a Sperm Whale covered in oil all around it's blow hole. Please spread this around the world. Send me any links to places it gets posted so I can follow. I want to piss off the world. Who will answer for these gentle creatures?

You can find John Wathen's blog here: http://bpoilslick.blogspot.com/2010/07/creekkeeper-appears-on-olberman.html