MS-13

With more then 50,000 members this gang is so destructive El Salvador started a program called Mano Dura which pretty much means when MS-13 gangsters are captured in El Salvador they simply disappear meaning the Salvadorian government simply kills them. MS-13 was established in the 1980's by Salvodorian teenage refugees. MS-13 is also known as the Worlds Most Dangerous Gang. I found this very interesting piece on MS-13 by the LATIMES and if you have a chance check it out.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-102905gang,0,1945507.flash

The Homicide Report

The Los Angeles Times newspaper has an updated list of all Los Angeles murders that have taken place this year.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/homicidereport/

Iconic Player: Dean Martin

Dean Martin was an actor, singer, comedian, mobster, and above all a Certified Player. This man was and will forever be known as the definiton of the word Cool. Very few film and television men can match his flamboyance on and off the screen. He drank, smoked, and partied on a regular basis. Women found him to be handsome. Men mimicked his moves. He was the life of the party, always cracking jokes at his expense. This icon was well before my era but his persona is so bright it reached my attention from the moment I saw him on television. My style is modeled after "Dino" in every which way I act in a public setting. Too bad I am fat at the moment but my "Dino" spirit makes me look like Brad Pitt in the eyes of most ladies I meet. Thank you "Dino" for giving me my swagger. "That's Amore" is my favorite song of Dean Martin. Cheers.

Police Kill, Again!

A man who was unarmed was shot and killed by Culver City police in Venice. Turns out Culver City police pulled over a vehicle matching that of a suspect who was being sought in an assault investigation. According to Culver City police the victim reached for his waist and it gave officers no choice but to open fire. Not only did Culver City police kill an innocent man he was also unarmed. I smell bacon.

Fuck The Police!

Rose Bowl Flea Market (This Weekend)

Over 7 miles of shopping with nearly 2,200 vendors make this one of -- if not the -- largest flea markets in Southern California. The vast area is divided into sections for new merchandise, antique merchandise, vintage clothing & antiques and a catchall section for stuff 'n junk 'n things. Sun., $8 general; $10-20 early bird admission (5-9 a.m.); kids under 12 free Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena. 323-560-7469

Courtesy of WWW.LATIMES.COM

This event seems like something I would love to do in the near future. I love antiques, and just about everything vintage. If you do attend let me know what treasure you found during your visit. Cheers.

Rocio "I'm scared of white people"

We went to Venice Beach to promote and my friend Rocio got intimidated by white people walking the shoreline of Venice Beach. So I took her to Huntington Park to promote the soon to be launched THETALENTEDMRRANGEL.COM a blog site dedicated to Los Angeles topics only.


Rocio in Venice Beach

The Soloist: Trailer

I saw this trailer last month when I went to see the horror movie Quarantine which I saw two times because it's that good. Anyhow, I saw the trailer to the new Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. film The Soloist and it blew my mind. Foxx looks like he might get another Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers a homeless person living in Los Angeles who is very gifted at playing the violin. Downey Jr. plays the part of Steve Lopez who happens to be my favorite columnist on the LA Times newspaper. Lopez befriends Ayers while strolling the streets of Los Angeles. Lopez later writes a few columns on Ayers and Mr. Violin later becomes an underground celebrity. Can't wait to see the movie. It looks good based on the trailer.



http://www.soloistmovie.com/

http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-bio-lopez-b,0,7510326.blurb

HomeWalk

What is HomeWalk?

HomeWalk is part of United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ year-round campaign to end homelessness called Pathway Home. Our goal in 2008 is to recruit an estimated 7,000 people and over 250 volunteers to help raise approximately $750,000 through a 5K sponsored walk to prevent and end homelessness in Los Angeles County. In addition to a walk, HomeWalk is also an educational journey, helping participants learn more about the crisis of homelessness and what we can do to solve it.

When is HomeWalk?

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037


Is there a registration fee?

No! The event is free of charge but we encourage all participants to fundraise.

How will the funds be used?

All money raised from HomeWalk is distributed back into the community to help quickly rehouse homeless families and provide permanent housing with supportive services (e.g. job training, substance abuse treatment) to the chronically homeless.

Last year, HomeWalk raised $500,000, helping over 2,300 homeless individuals off the streets and into permanent housing over the next twelve months.


HomeWalk 2007: 5 K Walk for Homelessness Awareness


http://www.homewalkla.org/site/c.ljJSJ4MQIwE/b.4279163/

Picture of the Day: U.S. Presidents

U.S. President George W. Bush (from left) and former presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush.

I love this photograph. I could only imagine what it would feel to be so powerfull and be under a microscope on a daily basis. These four men have trully been on top of the world and in this photograph they show their swagger while rocking the trench coats. Love it, love it, love it!

Venice Beach Tomorrow

I will be in Venice Beach promoting on saturday 11/8/2008 from 10:00am to 2:30pm so if you are in the area come on down and say hi.



The Talented Mr. Rangel Street Team
(562) 500-5067

California: No More Tax Hikes

Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to increase taxes in California to help cover the costs for California's financial shortfall. I say he finds a better way to cover those costs than by charging Californians money that we trully don't have or can't afford to give. He should have a sitdown meeting with all those over paid politicians in Sacramento and local cities here in California and find a way to work this out. It's time they earn their money by finding solutions to California's financial woes instead of just going the easy way out and taxing us more. I am so fed up with our government.

Picture of the Day: Maria

Maria is a friend of mine who I met at St. John's Clinic (Compton, CA). She loves to flirt and for a young lady who has two kids she has a body most girls would kill for. I love her energy.

Bring Back Manny!

Dodgers Make Manny An Offer



The Dodgers made an offer to Manny Ramirez today. An offer believed to be worth 45 million dollars for two years. I know that it's a lot of money but if any baseball player is worth it that player is Manny Ramirez. He is the best hitter in the National league bar none. His influence in the cluhouse also helped lead the young Dodgers to make a serious run at the World Series this year. If Manny rejects the offer I hope the Dodgers make a counter offer in order to keep him from going elsewhere. Let's start a campaign to help keep Manny here in Los Angeles. Go Dodgers.

http://www.resign99.com/

Prop 8

Prop 8 would eliminate same sex marriage rights. I feel this is wrong and it is time for our country to move foward in allowing same sex marriage. Gays are tax paying citizens and deserve the same rights non-gays have access to here in California and the United States in general. Let's move forward. As I write this blog there is a protest being held outside a Mormon temple in Westwood. I say bring the ruckus.



http://www.noonprop8.com/

Quick Fact: I Voted No On Prop 8!

Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle

11/6/2008 My Visit To Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle

Phil Spector is on trial for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson who he met while chilling at the House of Blues in West Hollywood. That same night she left with Spector and ended up in Spector's Alhambra, California home known as Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle. Lana Clarkson was found dead in the early hours of 2/3/2003 of a single shot to her mouth. According to Mr. Spector's driver and butler Mr. Spector admitted to accidently killing Ms. Clarkson. The rest is history. He is currently on on retrial for second-degree murder. Stay tuned for more juicy details.

Here are the pictures of my visit to Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle:











Quick Fact: Phil Spector Supports Barack Obama

Grow Up Rappers

Bishop Lamont needs to grow up and show The Game his due respect. Lamont has a song called "Grow Up" produced by Dr. Dre which I consider to be one of the top 10 west-coast cuts of 2008. Maybe when Bishop Lamont sells a few records he can a spit a few bars at the current king of the West-Coast, but for now stop making diss interviews towards The Game. Concentrate on your soon to be released album. Peace.

Fresh Out The Press

~ The Talented Mr. Rangel Promo Cards Are In ~

It's time to start hustling. They are going for $1.00 a piece. Time to hit the streets and make it official. So don't be surprised if you see me in a hood near you.





Promo Note: The Talented Mr. Rangel cards are being given in return for a minimum $1.00 donation to the soon to be launched THETALENTEDMRRANGEL.COM site which will feature stories on all Los Angeles topics. Make sure to check this site on a regular basis in order to see upcoming street promo dates.

Thanks to G&R Printing


5009 Alhambra Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 221-2126

Picture of the Day: Empty Freeway

I took this picture of the 710 Long Beach at 1:10 am. The freeway was empty and quiet. I wish this could be a normality at all times of the day. I hate Los Angeles traffic.

Picture of the Day: My Polling Place

I took this photograph of the exterior of my polling place with the flash by mistake and it came out looking so serene. I just loved it.

44th President of the United States

Congratulations to Senator Barack Obama on becoming our 44th President of the United States. Although I did not vote for Senator Obama. I believe Senator Obama will do a great job as our President. Our country needs a change. A change for the better. I believe Senator Obama will be an improvement over President George W. Bush in every aspect of office. I just hope he tackles our economy issues. God bless our nation. Peace.

I Endorsed Sen. McCain

I simply can't buy what Sen. Obama is selling. My vote goes to Sen. McCain who is experienced and trustworthy.

- The Talented Mr. Rangel

The Watts Towers of Simon Rodia

The Watts Towers located in Watts, CA are a collection of 17 interconnected structures built from 1921 to 1954 by Simon Rodia a Italian immigrant construction worker. I lived right in front of these marvelous structures for a good amount of time on 107TH/Wilmington. I would wake up in the morning to a great view never quite understanding why people would come from many different countries, states, and cities to see these mini skylines in Watts. Once I learned that it took 33 years to build and Mr. Rodia had no formal training in architecture using no special equipment and working alone. This is when I realized Impossible is Nothing.

Throwback Picture: South Central Farm

2006

Fighting the machine. Unfortunately we lost, but not without a fight.

The Original Pantry Cafe

This Los Angeles landmark eatery has been providing Angelenos as well as out of towners with great food since 1924. The food and quick service are second to none. Definitily a must eatery. On a scale from 1-10 based on customer service, parking, taste, tradition, seating, culture, accessibility, and pricing. (Rating: 8.5)
My favorite breakfast plate is the ham and cheese omelette along with hashbrowns and sourdough bread. Simply delicable.

877 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 972-9279

Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club (Starring The Game) [Full Film]

The Game starring in Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club
For promotional use only. If you enjoyed the film make sure to purchase a copy of the dvd.

The Game (Feat. Travis Barker)

I love this video. Travis is a true musician and The Game is the Westsides answer to the Eastsides Jay-Z

Baron Davis Hurt, Again!

Baron Davis hurt his tailbone last night in a overtime loss to to the Denver Nuggets. What else is new Baron Davis has and will forever be injury prone. I see Kobe Bryant play through illness and injury on a consistent basis without any complaint on his behalf. Tough it out Baron the Clipps are trash without you!

Corrupt Orange County Sheriff

The players in the case:


Michael S. Carona, 53, served nine years as Orange County's sheriff before retiring in January. He was indicted in October 2007 on charges that he defrauded the public by accepting tens of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts from people who wanted favors from him. He is also charged with witness tampering. Carona has pleaded not guilty and says he reimbursed people who gave him gifts and did not accept cash bribes.


Deborah Carona, 57, has been married to Michael Carona for 28 years. She is a member of the Orange County Fair Board of Directors and a retired Orange County probation officer. She was indicted along with her husband and charged with conspiring to trade his influence for cash and gifts. She has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a separate trial.


Debra V. Hoffman, 42, met Michael Carona in 1998 and reportedly became his mistress. She is charged with conspiring to use Carona's position to enrich herself. An attorney, she is also charged with bankruptcy fraud.


George Jaramillo, 48, an attorney and former police sergeant, served as one of Carona's assistant sheriffs and one of his closest confidants until he was fired. Jaramillo has pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and is expected to testify against Carona. He has not been sentenced. He already served a year in jail for lying to a grand jury and misusing a county helicopter.


Donald Haidl, 57, is a wealthy Newport Beach businessman who served as an assistant sheriff. He is expected to be a key prosecution witness and testify that Carona promised him the assistant sheriff job and other favors in exchange for cash, gifts, trips and the use of his yacht and airplane. Haidl pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. He has not been sentenced.


Joseph Cavallo, 53, is an attorney and longtime friend who allegedly conspired with Carona, Jaramillo and Haidl to get cases steered to him in exchange for a cut of the proceeds. He is expected to testify against Carona. He has served house arrest in a kickback scheme with bail agents and could lose his law license.

Stay tune. This just got interesting!
Courtesy of www.latimes.com

R & J's Family Restaurant

If you are looking for exceptional southern cooking then R & J's is the place to dine. The menu ranges from fried chicken to frog legs. Whatever you choose to sink your teeth into R & J's will not disappoint. On a scale from 1-10 based on customer service, parking, taste, tradition, seating, culture, accessibility, and pricing. (Rating: 7.5)
I personally recommend the smothered pork chops. They are to die for.



8852 Rosecrans Ave
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 408-2960‎

Philippe's French Dipped Sandwiches

This restaurant represents the ever lasting feeling of good food mixed in with tradition and Los Angeles culture. On a scale from 1-10 based on customer service, parking, taste, tradition, seating, culture, accessibility, and pricing. (Rating: 8.0)
I personally recommend the lamb french dipped sandwich. Delicious. You can thank me later, cheers!

1001 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-3781

Rat Story

One of my many funny but true stories......

New Website Coming Soon

So im in the process of launching my new personal website in which I will be discussing current events, ent., gang life, upscale living, local hot spots, and just about everything Los Angeles related that the mainstream media overlooks. There a few minor details that need to be fixed beforehand (finances). Gosh I did not know it was so expensive to start a new personal website. So in the meantime you can find me grinding at the local hot spots in Los Angeles asking my fellow angelenos for donations going to my website. So hopefully in a few weeks or so my dream becomes a reality. Cheers.

- The Talented Mr. Rangel