Tim Burton + Lucha Libre = FANTASTIC 4th of July!

Tim Burton became my favourite director of all time. Not because he made Charlie and the Chocolate Factory better then Willy Wonka, (yeah, i said it!). Not because he directs Johnny Depps best work, but because he came out to see Luche Libre in London last night!!
Timoteo was sitting down ringside for Europe’s introduction to Mexican Wrestling. He passed me heading back to his seat after using the loo and I asked if I could take a picture with him which he obliged, even gave me a hug in the process. Too bad the photo didn’t come out!!

Before the show officially began there was this short fella who snuck up on stage and started dancing to the pre-show DJ music going on. The crowd cheered and he had some impressive moves. For a moment it appeared he was part of the show getting the crowd going until two beefy security guys started walking towards the ring. Once he saw them he made a bee line back to his seat. He turned out to be none other than Deep Roy, the Oompa Loompa guy in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

It was great watching the sons of the great Luchadores Blue Demon y El Santo perform their breathtaking acts live. The producer brilliantly selected songs for the Luchadores to make their entrances like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Paranoid”. Something tells me the Luchadores don’t play “Money For Nothing” when they head to the ring in DF, but who knows? Although Cassandro, the most flamboyant number one exotic wrestler in Mexico appropriately choose “Mi Cucu” as his entrance song. Even he won the crowd over.

It was also fun hearing some of the cheers and jeers from the crowd. “Is that you Dad?”, and “C’mon baldy! Do it for us other baldies!” What a memorable Fourth of July!

My Dads Fathers Day Present

JC,

I know you were concerned about me attending a get together with my new ExPat Americans In London group and demonstrating against the Commander in Thiefs visit to London but in the end there was nothing to worry about. Most of the people appeared to be professionals in their mid to late 40's and extremely kind. We met at this pub called The Lord Moon of the Mall very close to Trafalgar Square. What was great was that it wasn't just us Yanks there. I spoke to people from not only the US but also UK and Italy who shared similiar views. Once we left the pub we were a bit lost with whether to join the thousands of other protestors at Parliament Square or hang at the motorcade route so Bush can get a glimpse of our "LIAR LIAR! and "America Says You're Fired" posters. We ended up doing both and it felt pretty good being with so many people and making a statement like that. One gentlemen who is part of our group had 8 large cardboard letters that spelled out LIAR LIAR and I was holding one of the letters at any given time. We had professional photographers and tourists snapping up pics of me and my posse. A UK news agency called Sky News asked if we could stay together for a bit so her camera guy could film us. There were soooo many bobbys out there armed and unarmed. Usually the police don't carry guns around here, so you know it's a real special occasion when the armed ones come out. Anyways, here's a couple pictures from today. One where I'm in front of a humongous wanted poster where GW looks like Alfred E Newman. Just hours have gone by and it's already top news story on the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7455206.stm

I hope you get a kick out of this. Happy Father's Day Pops!

Love,
Mona

Hotspur or Arsenal?

Hay yai yai! I’m in a serious predicament. I’m trying to confirm my Premier League allegiance; however with the latest developments it’s going to be a tough call. Giovanni Dos Santos just signed on Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £4.7 million ($9.2 million). Arsenal recently announced that the work permit for Carlos Vela was granted and he should be in the starting line up next season. I live in Arsenal territory; however Tottenham is just 20 minutes north. I think if it was reversed, with Dos Santos going to Arsenal, it would be a no brainer but this is difficult to choose. Arsenal came in 3^rd last season, Tottenham came in 11^th. I’m certain that next season will be a different story for Tottenham which is very appealing. Hmmmm. Puma v Nike, Mansion.com v Emirates, Monterrey v Cancun. I may have to get two jerseys. This is going to be tough. Nonetheless, I’m glad that these talented young Mexican players will be groomed in the football’s finest league. I wish I could fast forward to World Cup 2010 already!! Who wants to join me in watching the next Hotspur v Arsenal match?

Vela congratulating Dos Santos above.