Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Ana Brenda Contreras
I was put on the assignment of conceptualizing and creating a couple website prototypes for a new pop singer named Ana Brenda. I have a good start on things and today was the first day where I felt I really achieved what I was going for. Ana comes to the office on Friday to see my progress. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Sálvese Quien Pueda
Sunday afternoon, Polo, his girlfriend Patty and I went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant with a great Mariachi band equipped with trumpets, guitars and ridiculous outfits. It was quite a show. A handful of people approached the table while we were eating to get autographs from Polo. One man was so touched that he almost started to cry...I did my best to hold back my smile.
After dinner we attended the closing show of "Sálvese Quien Pueda" the Spanish version of Ray Cooney's "Run For Your Wife." Three of Polo's friends were performing in the play so we went to support them. Walking into the theatre, Polo took four or five interviews with TV stations while Patty and I stood in the background as part of his entourage.
We were seated with the likes of with other comedians, actors, and musicians near the center of the theatre.
The play was quite funny even though I only understood the situations and not much of the dialogue.
After the play, Polo and many of the celebrities in the audience were called up on stage to present the actors with awards.
We left soon after and headed to an argentian restaurant where we met most of the cast and many of the people that were on stage after the play. It was a little weird to sit with them because they don't understand how famous I am in America...actually quite the opposite. They were all very friendly but none spoke much of any English so I sat...had a beer...sat some more...smiled at awkward times...you know the drill.
The guy I sat next to was a very friendly man. I am going to have to ask Polo what his name was again...I think it was Chabbaaaaaaiii dont know...anyways. He has had a kids show on TV every sunday morning at 7am for the last 40+ years and is more famous to mexicans than our Sesame Street or Mr Rogers is to American kids. I want to know what all the fuss is about so Chabbasomething or another and I have a date at 7am this Sunday.
After dinner we attended the closing show of "Sálvese Quien Pueda" the Spanish version of Ray Cooney's "Run For Your Wife." Three of Polo's friends were performing in the play so we went to support them. Walking into the theatre, Polo took four or five interviews with TV stations while Patty and I stood in the background as part of his entourage.
We were seated with the likes of with other comedians, actors, and musicians near the center of the theatre.
The play was quite funny even though I only understood the situations and not much of the dialogue.
After the play, Polo and many of the celebrities in the audience were called up on stage to present the actors with awards.
We left soon after and headed to an argentian restaurant where we met most of the cast and many of the people that were on stage after the play. It was a little weird to sit with them because they don't understand how famous I am in America...actually quite the opposite. They were all very friendly but none spoke much of any English so I sat...had a beer...sat some more...smiled at awkward times...you know the drill.
The guy I sat next to was a very friendly man. I am going to have to ask Polo what his name was again...I think it was Chabbaaaaaaiii dont know...anyways. He has had a kids show on TV every sunday morning at 7am for the last 40+ years and is more famous to mexicans than our Sesame Street or Mr Rogers is to American kids. I want to know what all the fuss is about so Chabbasomething or another and I have a date at 7am this Sunday.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Polo Polo Bio
I found a biography in Spanish that I threw into a free translator--SO the English isn't perfect but you get an idea.
"Polo Polo:
This great Mexican comedian has become the favorite comedian of the public Hispanic loudspeaker. He began his career in 1972 in a small venue in the Mexico City Rose Zone. His popularity and his recognition quickly grew day after day. It was so much the public that continued it that after a time had to carry its show to another larger stage. Polo Polo presented his show every night with a packed audience. It was show of comedy that was the sensation that Mexico was expecting and had never seen. Businessmen convinced him to carry his show to an even larger stage in Mexicol the Crown Plaza. To date, Polo Polo maintains the record of performances and the longest duration of the recognized parlor. It was such a large the success that Polo Polo did an extensive tour of presentations in all the had to be initiated Mexicant Republic. Many of his successful presentations were shown on important and popular programs of Mexican television. It was during that same time that Polo Polo was signed by an important record company and was given the opportunity to record his first CD. The LP was recorded live during one of his shows in Mexico City. Without being able to play the disc on the radio, because of its strong content, this LP became one of the most sold of the country. Quickly the LP sold like hot bread and their sales surpassed the 100,000 copy mark.
In 1988, the Mrs. Sonia Of Leon, President of Exclusive Artist Productions, brought to Polo Polo to the United States for the first time. His US tour was kicked off at the prestigious Chew Super Club in Hollywood, California. His short 10 day tour was a huge success. His successful presentations even continue nowadays with full house, attracting to thousands of people to witness his funny show. December 3rd and 4th, 1994, marked the beginning of new successes for Polo Polo. During both days, he performed in the Grand Olympic Auditórium in Los Angeles, California. Here they broke the records of the monetary profits in the history of the Grand Olympic, and the number of tickets that had been sold. The great success that obtained Polo Polo was repeated in almost all the presentations that he gave. So much was the success in the Sahara Hotel & Casino of The fertile plain, Snowfall that to the liquor sales record was broken. Was the same case in the Universal one Ampetheater in Universal City California; in Chicago; Emilios Ballroom in Houston Texas; the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix; Arizona and many more. In this year, the Hispanic public U.S. wait the new one show of Polo Polo. This year the tour will extend for but cities of the American Union. Polo Polo will present its new one show of but of two hours of duration and with all its new jokes."
"Polo Polo:
This great Mexican comedian has become the favorite comedian of the public Hispanic loudspeaker. He began his career in 1972 in a small venue in the Mexico City Rose Zone. His popularity and his recognition quickly grew day after day. It was so much the public that continued it that after a time had to carry its show to another larger stage. Polo Polo presented his show every night with a packed audience. It was show of comedy that was the sensation that Mexico was expecting and had never seen. Businessmen convinced him to carry his show to an even larger stage in Mexicol the Crown Plaza. To date, Polo Polo maintains the record of performances and the longest duration of the recognized parlor. It was such a large the success that Polo Polo did an extensive tour of presentations in all the had to be initiated Mexicant Republic. Many of his successful presentations were shown on important and popular programs of Mexican television. It was during that same time that Polo Polo was signed by an important record company and was given the opportunity to record his first CD. The LP was recorded live during one of his shows in Mexico City. Without being able to play the disc on the radio, because of its strong content, this LP became one of the most sold of the country. Quickly the LP sold like hot bread and their sales surpassed the 100,000 copy mark.
In 1988, the Mrs. Sonia Of Leon, President of Exclusive Artist Productions, brought to Polo Polo to the United States for the first time. His US tour was kicked off at the prestigious Chew Super Club in Hollywood, California. His short 10 day tour was a huge success. His successful presentations even continue nowadays with full house, attracting to thousands of people to witness his funny show. December 3rd and 4th, 1994, marked the beginning of new successes for Polo Polo. During both days, he performed in the Grand Olympic Auditórium in Los Angeles, California. Here they broke the records of the monetary profits in the history of the Grand Olympic, and the number of tickets that had been sold. The great success that obtained Polo Polo was repeated in almost all the presentations that he gave. So much was the success in the Sahara Hotel & Casino of The fertile plain, Snowfall that to the liquor sales record was broken. Was the same case in the Universal one Ampetheater in Universal City California; in Chicago; Emilios Ballroom in Houston Texas; the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix; Arizona and many more. In this year, the Hispanic public U.S. wait the new one show of Polo Polo. This year the tour will extend for but cities of the American Union. Polo Polo will present its new one show of but of two hours of duration and with all its new jokes."
Polo's Show
I attended my first Polo Polo show last night. We pulled up to the parking garage where posters of Polo lined the walls of the ramp. Pepe and I walked Polo in through the backstage area and into his dressing room. The club owner came back and introduced himself to me, had a quick chat with Polo and soonthereafter it was time for him to go on. I went around front to my table near the stage and off to the left wing.
The curtains opened and a band began to play. Polo came out singing with the band with a big smile on his face and everyone began to whistle and clap. He finished his song and started in with the jokes. Although I don't speak Spanish, it was neat to watch the show to see people's faces and hear them all laugh as well as to learn a few swear words in the process. He was on for about an hour and a half and closed the show with a familiar dirty joke about a cow :) that I was able to follow.
After the show, the club owner approached me and told me that the best dance clubs are nearby and if I wanted to go--he would take me. I politely declined and thanked him. An usher took me backstage again to meet Polo and then we left.
It was a great opportunity to give me an idea of how famous he is. I think a good comparison would be Steve Martin. He has done a lot of things in his career from movies, TV shows, and stand up and has his share of success. Now that he's a little older, he performs in smaller venues and still manages to sell out every night.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Coyoacán
Yesterday I went to Coyoacán with Pol, his girlfriend and her son. Coyoacán is not too far from where I'm staying...maybe 10 minutes. Its a place full of live music, street vendors, and of course--great food.
I was able to try Enchiladas de Mole. Mole is a sauce made from chocolate, peanuts, tortillas, just about anything else you can imagine. It's ground to a fine powder, water is added and then it is put in a frying pan with some oil and served as a sauce for your main course.
I had a glass of jamaica--pronounced (ha-mike-uh) which is a drink made from a hibiscus flower. It's very tasty and unlike any flavor I've had before. I would say its comparable to grape or cranberry juice, but that really doesnt do it any justice.
Spooky
Meet Spooky. He is a gentle old man. He's 1/2 golden retriever and 1/2 cocker spaniel...I guess I would describe him as a golden cock. He likes getting scratched behind the ears and is always down for a good belly rub. Spooky is a sentimental dog and has a hard time with goodbyes. The language barrier has been a bit of a problem, but so far we are doing just fine.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Tienges
Today was an interesting day. I found out that every Thursday in Mexico City is a day where anyone can bring goods to sell on the street. They call it 'Tienges.' It was set up a long time ago so farmer's could bring their goods to town and in order to have a direct sale and avoid paying the middle man. Since then I think it has lost its original purpose and its more of a free-for-all. You can find anything from hats, to cheap toys, to pirated music, to clothing and fruit--the marketplace has virtually everything for sale. Only the food items are marked with a price and the rest is unmarked--so you have to ask how much each item is and there is a little room to barter. It reminded me of how I think a marketplace would look like on the movies. They are small booths lined up side by side on both your right an left. Canopys made of a plastic tarp or cheap fabric is strung between each side of the walkway to act as a rooftop.
Alfonso (Poncho) and I ate at one of the stands on the side of the road. I honestly have no idea all of what I ate but I know that one was some kind of tortilla made of pumpkin flour, another was filled with zucchini and a fungus that grows on corn and lastly one filled with spicy pork and veggies. Each one was delicious in their own way and unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
Tienges may have become something other than intended so many years ago, but is still a custom...and a pretty cool one at that. I can't wait until next Thursday.
Alfonso (Poncho) and I ate at one of the stands on the side of the road. I honestly have no idea all of what I ate but I know that one was some kind of tortilla made of pumpkin flour, another was filled with zucchini and a fungus that grows on corn and lastly one filled with spicy pork and veggies. Each one was delicious in their own way and unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
Tienges may have become something other than intended so many years ago, but is still a custom...and a pretty cool one at that. I can't wait until next Thursday.
Calling Card Blues
I bought a 500 minute phone card before I left the US thinking it would last me awhile.
Think again buddy.
Last night, I spent over an hour trying to make a phone call with my card with no luck. I would call only to get customer service each time. I bounced back between AT&T customer service reps, prepaid phone card customer service and every time they gave me a different excuse as to why my card wasn't working. They told me my phone was bad, I was punching the numbers in too fast, and my card was invalid. After I attempted dialing higher than I knew I could count, I finally got a representative who was able to connect my call. By this time, between international surcharges for each call--I was down to 50 minutes of my 500 and being able to complete ONE phone call.
Anywho, after that fiasco--I discovered Skype, a service that enables me to buy minutes to call any phone from my iBook. I'm going to give it a shot. Can't be any worse than a single $30 phone call, eh?
Think again buddy.
Last night, I spent over an hour trying to make a phone call with my card with no luck. I would call only to get customer service each time. I bounced back between AT&T customer service reps, prepaid phone card customer service and every time they gave me a different excuse as to why my card wasn't working. They told me my phone was bad, I was punching the numbers in too fast, and my card was invalid. After I attempted dialing higher than I knew I could count, I finally got a representative who was able to connect my call. By this time, between international surcharges for each call--I was down to 50 minutes of my 500 and being able to complete ONE phone call.
Anywho, after that fiasco--I discovered Skype, a service that enables me to buy minutes to call any phone from my iBook. I'm going to give it a shot. Can't be any worse than a single $30 phone call, eh?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Montezuma's Revenge
Since I've been here, people have warned me of the water....'It's no good.'
Then they ask me if I have ever heard of Montezuma's Revenge. The band? Not quite. They are referring to the invasion and conquering of the Aztecs and Montezuma by the Europeans led by Cortes. Basically they say that anything bad that happens to people who aren't of Mexican descent, is actually Montezuma getting even.
Pol reassured me that the water is ok to drink. The coffee we have in the office is made with tap water. If I were to get sick, I probably would have by now, right? So I started to drink the tap water as well.
Bring on the chronic diarrhea Montezuma. I'll believe it when I shart myself...maybe.
Then they ask me if I have ever heard of Montezuma's Revenge. The band? Not quite. They are referring to the invasion and conquering of the Aztecs and Montezuma by the Europeans led by Cortes. Basically they say that anything bad that happens to people who aren't of Mexican descent, is actually Montezuma getting even.
Pol reassured me that the water is ok to drink. The coffee we have in the office is made with tap water. If I were to get sick, I probably would have by now, right? So I started to drink the tap water as well.
Bring on the chronic diarrhea Montezuma. I'll believe it when I shart myself...maybe.
One Grande from Starbucks for me and a banana nut muffin for my guardian angel
Van Galder bus from Madison to CHI- O'Hare. Check.
Get e-ticket. Check.
Quickly remove 6 lbs from my large suitcase to shove into my already full carry on. Check.
And I'm off. 3 hours 30 min, 3 cups of coffee, a movie and a little snoring and I arrive in Mexico City.
Out of customs I see 30-40 people holding cardboard signs with names on them...and to think I thought I was special. I scanned the crowd and was able to spot my name and a familiar face. Mr. Polo Polo himself. He calls chauffeur Pepe over and we depart the airport.
Although I have never met Polo as an adult, I feel like he is an old friend and there is plenty to catch up on. He immediately tries to make me feel comfortable by telling me a really dirty joke about a cow...don't ask. He tells me stories of my mother's parents, who I never had the pleasure to meet and I already feel at home. We make a stop at home to drop off my luggage and Pepe and I drive to meet Polo Jr. (Pol) and see where I'll be working.
I meet Alfonso (Poncho) who is Pol's co-worker. He's a very friendly guy who speaks english (thank god), and makes me feel welcome within the first few minutes. Then Pol walks in the door. I haven't seen this guy since I was 5 or 6 years old and I barely recognized him. I stand about a foot and a half taller than him...he always seemed so big when I was a kid. He is bald, has a goatee and an earing and had a hard time not saying 'Kyle what in the F***' over and over again. Apparently I've changed as well.
One afternoon at the office (without a computer) and I have already learned more than my past internship. These guys are amazing.
The URL to Polo's website www.polgapema.com
In the 'about us' section you can click on our webcam where you might get a glimpse of myself, Poncho or Polo at work anywhere from 9am-9pm. Feel free to give us a visit.
Get e-ticket. Check.
Quickly remove 6 lbs from my large suitcase to shove into my already full carry on. Check.
And I'm off. 3 hours 30 min, 3 cups of coffee, a movie and a little snoring and I arrive in Mexico City.
Out of customs I see 30-40 people holding cardboard signs with names on them...and to think I thought I was special. I scanned the crowd and was able to spot my name and a familiar face. Mr. Polo Polo himself. He calls chauffeur Pepe over and we depart the airport.
Although I have never met Polo as an adult, I feel like he is an old friend and there is plenty to catch up on. He immediately tries to make me feel comfortable by telling me a really dirty joke about a cow...don't ask. He tells me stories of my mother's parents, who I never had the pleasure to meet and I already feel at home. We make a stop at home to drop off my luggage and Pepe and I drive to meet Polo Jr. (Pol) and see where I'll be working.
I meet Alfonso (Poncho) who is Pol's co-worker. He's a very friendly guy who speaks english (thank god), and makes me feel welcome within the first few minutes. Then Pol walks in the door. I haven't seen this guy since I was 5 or 6 years old and I barely recognized him. I stand about a foot and a half taller than him...he always seemed so big when I was a kid. He is bald, has a goatee and an earing and had a hard time not saying 'Kyle what in the F***' over and over again. Apparently I've changed as well.
One afternoon at the office (without a computer) and I have already learned more than my past internship. These guys are amazing.
The URL to Polo's website www.polgapema.com
In the 'about us' section you can click on our webcam where you might get a glimpse of myself, Poncho or Polo at work anywhere from 9am-9pm. Feel free to give us a visit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
