Day: July 20, 2026

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Invisible

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Invisible

Invisible

By John Curran

 

Invisible? They used to make fun of me a lot, mis amigos. Since yesterday they don’t make fun of me at all. Yeah, they used to call me ‘no mucho macho, amigo’ ‘cause whenever something heavy was happening ‘n maybe it was happening around us, I would go into my survival mode. I would just close my eyes, be real still, and as quietly as I could I would slide myself over and out the nearest damn exit. No matter what they want to call me it has worked so far and it worked yesterday ‘n got me through the heaviest go down I’ve seen yet, in all my days, which continue on, no thanks to this place where I hope to just survive long enough to get the hell ‘outa here.

See, we was just going to work, ‘Bossman’ Jake had just picked us up. ‘Bossman’ Jake  who’s real name is Jose would always say that Jake is just what it takes to get him thru until one day he can be Jose again; back in that little fishing village where he was born down in Veracruz. To one day pack up this so called American dream, leave it for the next sucker, and take his wife ‘n 3 kids back on down to that little grass shack where he was born and where once he says, he was truly happy. So, Jake picks us all up, the four of us and we’re heading to the first job site. We got three of them today ‘n it looks like it’s gonna be hot. And if you know Houston, a hot day here you don’t take light, it’s brutal here, worse than Mexico ever was.

Money, that’s the only damn reason I’m here. Like I say to Jake, I hope to be right behind ya’, one day soon. Well… that day won’t never come for Jake ‘cause of right before we got to the first jobsite we come on some kind of roadblock manned by these pretty heavily gunned-up soldier type guys. Someone says, “it’s fucking ICE”.

As we come to a stop, Jake rolls down his window and the closest goon yells something, then one of the others behind him yells something else; and so that’s when Jake starts his car, slowly going forward until another one ‘a these guys yells something else  and so Jake turns to the left and that’s when they shot him.

The car continues to roll, finally coming to a stop at the side of the road.  That’s when I closed  my eyes and became very still and in all the ensuing screaming yelling and general commotion it was not hard for me; especially as I was seated  in the back by the door, facing away from all that,  I just slipped right on outa’ there sight unseen the way I have always done. So… call me anything you want but I am still here, unlike Jake who was a good man, a hardworking father and husband. A good man. Maria is shattered, I ain’t gotta be told. She loved him more than the rest of us did, and that was a whole lot, right there.

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25 Years Of My Elle Woods Obsession

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25 Years Of My Elle Woods Obsession…

25 Years Of My Elle Wood Obsession…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Woods, Elle…

Twenty-five years ago, July 13th (yes, it was a Friday, the 13th, but lucky for us) the world was introduced to Elle Woods, a seemingly unlikely feminist played by serious dramatic actress Reese Witherspoon. She has said, she had qualms about the part, but was encouraged to take it by none other than feminista extraordinaire Gloria Steinem – this breakout movie role catapulted her to film fame. “Legally Blonde” is a romantic comedy with a very strong message of women’s empowerment, and a cult classic all over the world.

Pink Focused

It positively affected my life; some might say I am “Legally Blonde” obsessed – I consider it blonde ambition. I own props and jewelry from the film, and our Mini Cooper has an Elle Woods personality plate. My adorable Chihuahua, who crossed Rainbow Bridge some years ago, has been succeeded by my precious pug. I dyed my hair platinum blonde, and I am seriously looking into law school; I was also vice president of my Delta Nu sorority chapter. My husband calls me a plus-size senior real-life Elle Woods.

Giving Girly-Girl with Grit and Gumption

Why does Legally Blonde have such a huge impact on the general public, not just fans of the film? Because it’s about feminism, self determination, and supporting others while taking care of yourself. Like Ms. Woods, I am a staunch feminist girly-girl that believes in social justice. In our world today, more than ever, we must stand firm as women with a clear sisterhood.

A Film Phenomenon

I encourage everyone to see the original classic, check out “Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde”, “Legally Blondes”, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, and Amazon Prime Video’s new prequel series “Elle”, executive produced by Reese herself. The film’s profound societal impact is all about the strength of us ladies – it’s all about Elle. Let’s give ‘em Elle, using the intelligence God gave us while looking good and doing good. Here are 25 iconic moments from “Legally Blonde”:

  1. “What, like it’s hard?”
  2. After getting into Harvard Law, Elle arrives with her caravan of decor, clothes, and cosmetics. She carries her precious pooch Bruiser, telling him not to be afraid, a boost of confidence she herself needs but her determination wins out.
  3. Her playboy bunny outfit at the party she was tricked into believing was a costume party. After leaving the event she finds herself in line to purchase a new computer because once again she is more than determined to kick some Harvard booty.
  4. Having followed to Harvard the ex-boyfriend Warner who broke up with her because he felt she was not serious enough in hopes of winning him back, at the aforementioned party, she comes to a realization, saying to him, “I’ll never be good enough for you, will I?” That moment is when she decides that, of course, she is more than good enough, she is awesome. We all need to live our lives as Elle after she realizes Warner is not worth her trouble.
  5. Pink is my favorite color, just like Elle who wears it well.
  6. The moment Elle and Vivian bond together over the years Bruiser (?)
  7. The relationship between Paulette and Elle.
  8. Getting Paulette’s dog back from her ex
  9. The infamous “Bend and Snap”.
  10. Elle finding out that she got one of the coveted internships with her Harvard professor.
  11. The famous slap when Elle helps her friend get dates.
  12. Slap number 2 when Callahan when her law professor makes a pass and finds out what Ms. Woods is made of.
  13. When she discovers her true love, Emmett.
  14. Brooke Windham’s alibi is safe with her sorority sister because a pinky swear between friends is sacred.
  15. A wolf whistle gets an “I object” from Elle.
  16. Harvard female Professor Stromwell sees Elle for the fabulous woman she is, encouraging her to stay at Harvard and finish her degree.
  17. Elle defends Brooke Windham and the truth about the murder comes out.
  18. Emmett encourages Elle in court, and her fellow students show her respect and support.
  19. Elle and Emmett get engaged.
  20. Paulette bends and snaps, breaking the UPS driver’s nose.
  21. Paulette marries the UPS guy and is pregnant by film’s end.
  22. Emmit and Professor Callahan are impressed by Elle’s pretty scented resume.
  23. Elle teams up with Emmett to get an alibi for Delta Nu sister and workout star Brooke Windham, falsely accused of murder.
  24. Elle tries to join Warner and Vivian’s study group, bringing sustenance muffins with her. Her hurt at being rejected does not stop her from being kind.
  25. Elle, “a woman, a blonde woman”, is Harvard Law valedictorian…

 

What Would Elle Do?

Wear pink, watch “Legally Blonde”, bend and snap, get your nails done, use toilet paper that doesn’t chafe, put on your big girl faux fur panties, don’t buy last year’s dress at this year’s prices, read your horoscope, and be empowered, be an Elle…