In this episode I give my view on Dave Chapelle and Joe Rogan's tactics to be controversial without actually taking a side. They project the everyday's guy point of view but they live a privileged life.I also address the myth of a Lazy Labor Force and how businesses ahead of the curve will do better.Lastly, my views on the lack of representation for latinos in movies and TV shows as well as politics. Why is it that latino characters always have to have an accent. Millions of us do not speak that way and are fluent in both Spanish and English. jVELD5w3JX4IMRFYj9uI

The restaurant and bar business has seen the worst of the pandemic. No one person has done more damage to the hospitality industry than Trump himself. By contradicting scientist early on in the pandemic and by promoting to his followers to defy masks orders from state and local governments, he helped the virus spread. Then, on January 6th he fomented a crowd of his supporters to storm the capital and fight for his made-up fraudulent election. Every single one of these events costs restaurants and bars billions of dollars a thousand at a time. Made up of small units of no more than a few dozen employees, small bars and restaurants are greatly affected by those decisions.

Our economy has been driven by cheap goods and consumerism for many decades now. That said, shutting down the economy would have been devastating but manageable given the scope of how a virus persisting within a population can create fear with long-lasting economic effects stemming from the psychological effects of a false sense of security.

There is a lot to say and nothing let to discuss about 2020. We are done with one year and leading into a new one. As we prepare ourselves to peruse our goals in 2020 it is important to keep in mind the determination necessary to continue our path regardless of what the new years brings.

Happy New Year!

Salud!

While the Senate plays hard to get with one another and McConnel continues to serve special interest WE, the working-class American piles on the debt. Also, the bar and restaurant industry shuffles a hundred different way depending on governors, counties and municipalities. Heads of households need the help Congress gives the wealthy and corporations.

This week in Matt’s Pick III we go for the holiday diet thumper, desert!

Matt gives us three delicious options for some custard delicacies worth the drive for even an Inner Looper like myself.

Texas Tribune, Texas Latinos

Big Ice Houston  832 582 5993

Houston cocktail bar Rabbit’s Got the Gun hit the scene in late 2019 to they surprised of many. A typical Northside patio bar with an excellent cocktail program that includes soft serve, a coffee program, a food truck and host of talent from the Houston cocktail echelon.

If you are in Houston, this spot is a must visit.

Dr Marta Vega Moreno curated the El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan. In it is the story of the many people who helped make NYC one of the greatest cities in the world. After many years of political sabotage by the city’s elite, it needs the hard-working people from El Barrio now more than ever.

Matt was at it again with his Pick III favourite food spots in Houston (he sneaked in an Austin spot).

Illegal Mezcal Global Brand Ambassador Gilberto Marquez talks about his humble beginnings, his passions, and his side hustle of making custom hats, Pachuco Supply Co.

We have a projected winner of 2020 calling for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the new POTUS and VPOTUS. That said, it doesn’t seem to be going as expected. We have grown accustomed to concession and acceptance speeches, this time we are missing one. At what point will reasonable adults be part of government?

Once again I have Matt Carrizales give his Pick III of the Week: Masala Munchies, Somos Semillas, Pan de Taco (Honorary mention to Xela Roasters )

Gustavo Arellano writes for the L.A. Times and is the author of Ask a Mexican. We explore the possible future for the democratic party as well as the best taco and bourbon pairing.If you live in Houston or plan on visiting Matt has got a few recommendations for you; great food, ambience and service.

Early voting started today in Texas. States like Arizona, California and Georgia have started voting too. In Harris County where Houston resides there was a record setting day with 68,000 voters turning out.