Author: Philip J. Perez

Features

Breaking cultural barriers

Philip J. Perez

Overcoming the stigma of mental health in the Latino community Editor’s Note: Due to the sensitivity of mental health issues, we have chosen not to reveal last names of the participants in this story. This is part 1 of 2. For many children, the spectacle of watching your parents get ready for a night on the town can be a bit overwhelming to the senses. The preparation in front of the mirror, the selection of the right outfits and the aromas of overlapping perfumes and colognes leave a memorable impression in a child’s life.  Most often, this memory of confusion…

Entertainment

Spring break entertainment calendar

Philip J. Perez

From classic rock to metal to rap to country music, fans of live music will have plenty of options for spring break this year. For those who grew up in the 80s, R.E.O. Speedwagon will bring their hits to the American Bank Center’s Selena Auditorium on March 12. The bands hits include “Keep on Loving You” and “Take it on the Run” among many others. Also on March 12. Reggae music with Flat Broke at the Black Monk Tavern. On March 13, the House of Rock presents Soulfly. The band provides hard grinding metal tunes such as “Back to the…

Editorial

Stop the mask mandate madness

Philip J. Perez

Let’s start by saying our Editorial Board is a collective of many views and ideals. We are a blend of many viewpoints from different walks of life. We are conservatives and liberals and independents. We are straight out of high school or 25 years removed. We are parents of teens and we are also looking at life with fresh young eyes. We are different and unique like so many of you. As different as we are, we are still Americans who are all witnessing the potential decline of our once great nation, all because of a mask.  Since this COVID-19…

Entertainment

Wicked Age proves that rock is not dead

Philip J. Perez

As music continues to evolve, the art of good old rock ‘n’ roll seems to be fading away. Bands like Motley Crue, Ratt and Poison, whose mantras were “Live Fast, Die Young and Rock Hard,” have almost become distant memories except for the multitude of farewell tours. One local band continues to rock on and provide rock ‘n’ roll connoisseurs with heavy grooves and party jams that will motivate fans to get up and dance. “Our influences range from Queen to Led Zepplin to AC/DC and many other classic rock bands,” said Ruthless Jon, drummer for the band Wicked Age.…

Column

Feeling like you’re old? Deny. deny, deny, deny

Philip J. Perez

Diary of a Non-trad  At what age did you realize you were getting old? Maybe it’s not a certain age but a specific moment in life that causes an “Oh Hell, I’m Freaking Old” realization.  Perhaps it’s the moment you let out an involuntary grunt as you got off the couch or maybe it was the sudden urge to snag multiple packs of crackers from a restaurant. Maybe all it took is one look in the mirror to notice a random hair growing off the bridge of your nose. Heck, it could even be a combination of multiple things or…