ISSUE 375 23 TO 29 DECEMBER / 2017

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You are here, finally! TELEPHONE CALLS: Always check on the We wish you a warm cost of long distance calls from your hotel room. Some establishments charge as much Publisher / Editor: as U.S. $7.00 per minute! Allyna Vineberg CELL PHONES: Most cellular phones from [email protected] the U.S. and Canada may be programmed for local use, through Telcel and IUSAcell, the local Office & Sales: 223-1128 carriers. To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322, Contributors: then the seven digit number of the person you’re Anna Reisman calling. Omit the prefix if dialling a land line. Joe Harrington LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, Krystal Frost Giselle Belanger If you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region, but never quite taxis, waiters, maids, etc. depending on the service. Some businesses and offices close from Ronnie Bravo got around to it, we hope that the following will help. If you look at the maps Tommy Clarkson on this page, you will note that PV (as the locals call it) is on the west coast of 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In restaurants, it is considered poor manners Stan Gabruk Mexico, smack in the middle of the Bay of Banderas - one of the largest bays in to present the check before it is requested, so Harriet Murray this country - which includes southern part of the state of Nayarit to the north when you’re ready to leave, ask «La cuenta, por Catherine Caldera and the northern part of Jalisco to the south. Thanks to its privileged location favor» and your bill will be delivered to you. John Warren -sheltered by the Sierra Madre mountains- the Bay is well protected against MONEY EXCHANGE: Banks will give you a Jake Ames, MD HMD the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna did come close on higher rate of exchange than the exchange Paco Ojeda October 25, 2002, but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 booths (caja de cambio), though not all offer Louise Yim kms north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, exchange services to foreigners. Better yet, Cindy Alpenia thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations. if you have a “bank card”, withdraw funds Barb Bremner from your account back home. Try to avoid AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is the legal exchanging money at your hotel. Traditionally, Cover Photo: POPULATION: 325,000 inhabitants currency in Mexico although Canadian and those offer the worst rates. “Merry Christmas!” CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with an average American dollars are widely accepted. WHAT TO DO: Even if your all-inclusive hotel Internet of 300 sunny days per year. The temperature BUSES: A system of urban buses with is everything you ever dreamed of, you should averages 28°C (82°F) and the rainy season different routes. Current fare is $7.50 Pesos experience at least a little of all that Vallarta Graphic Designer: extends from late June to early October. per ticket and passengers must purchase has to offer - it is truly a condensed version of Leo Robby R.R. FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo hosts a great a new ticket every time they board another all that is Mexican and existed before «Planned Webmaster: variety of animal species such as iguana, bus. There are no “transfers”. Tourist Resorts», such as Cancun, Los Cabos guacamaya, deer, raccoon, etc. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined and Ixtapa, were developed. Millions have pvmcitypaper.com SANCTUARIES: Bahía de Banderas encloses zones of the town. Do not enter a taxi without been spent to ensure that the original “small Online Team two Marine National Parks - Los Arcos and the agreeing on the price with the driver FIRST. town” flavor is maintained downtown, in the An Important Notice: Marieta Islands - where diving is allowed under If you are staying in a hotel, you may want to Old Town and on the South Side. certain circumstances but fishing of any kind is check the rates usually posted in the lobby. DRINKING WATER: The false belief that a The PVMIRROR wants your views and comments. Please send them prohibited. Every year, the Bay receives the visit Also, if you know which restaurant you want Mexican vacation must inevitably lead to an by e-mail to: [email protected] of the humpback whales, dolphins and manta to go, do not let the driver change your mind. encounter with Moctezuma’s revenge is just rays in the winter. During the summer, sea turtles, Many restaurateurs pay commissions to taxi that: false. For the 26th year in a row, Puerto PV Mirror es una publicación semanal. a protected species, arrive to its shores to lay drivers and you may end up paying more than Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification Certificados de licitud de título y contenido en tramite. Prohibida la their eggs. you should, in a second-rate establishment! of purity for human consumption. It is one of reproducción total o parcial de su ECONOMY: Local economy is based mainly There are 2 kinds of taxi cabs: those at the only two cities in Mexico that can boast of such contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin on tourism, construction and to a lesser degree, airport and the maritime port are usually vans accomplishment. True, the quality of the water previa autorización por escrito del editor. on agriculture, mainly tropical fruit such as that can only be boarded there. They have tested at the purification plant varies greatly Note: mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs are from what comes out of the tap at the other end. To Advertisers & Contributors and those guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas. yellow cars that charge by the ride, not by So do be careful. On the other hand, most large with public interest announcements, passenger. When you ask to go downtown, hotels have their own purification equipment the deadline for publication is: Index many drivers let you off at the beginning of and most restaurants use purified water. If you the area, near Hidalgo Park. However, your want to be doubly sure, you can pick up purified 2:00 pm on fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so why bottled water just about anywhere. Monday of the week walk 10 to 15 blocks to the main plaza, the EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and American prior to publication. Church or the flea market? Pick up a free tourists often fall in love with one of the many map, and insist on your full value from the stray dogs and cats in Vallarta. Many would like to 250 words max, full name, street or driver! Note the number of your taxi in case bring it back with them, but believe that the laws e-mail address and/or tel. number for verification purposes only. If you do of any problem, or if you forget something do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If you would not want your name published, we will in the cab. Then your hotel or travel rep can like to bring a cat or a dog back home, call the respect your wishes. Letters & articles help you check it out or lodge a complaint. local animal shelter for more info: 293-3690. become the property of the PVMIRROR TIME ZONE: The entire State of Jalisco is LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good beginning and may be edited and/or condensed for publication. The articles in this on Central Time, as is the area of the State of would be to take one of the City Tours offered publication are provided for the purpose Nayarit from Lo de Marcos in the north to the by the local tour agencies. Before boarding, of entertainment and information only. Ameca River, i.e.: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La make sure you have a map and take note of the The PV Mirror City Paper does not Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San Pancho, places you want to return to. Then venture off accept any responsibility or liability for the content of the articles on this site Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo De Marcos, the beaten path. Explore a little. Go farther than or reliance by any person on the site’s Guayabitos, La Peñita, San Blas, etc. are on the tour bus takes you. And don’t worry - this is contents. Any reliance placed on such Mountain Time, i.e.: one hour behind PV time. a safe place. information is therefore strictly at such person’s own risk. 3

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With only a couple of days left in this rather unusual year, you will probably be getting ready for Christmas and the New Year’s Eve festivities, wherever you are. We will be celebrating not only the end of one and the DEAR EDITOR, beginning of another. It has to be the beginning of renewed hope. I believe A few months ago that most people sincerely hope that this new one will be better, calmer, gentler, more peace-full in every way. a few ladies started After all, if we look back, 2017 was rather unnerving -to say the least- on getting together for this little blue planet of ours. Floods and droughts, tornadoes and earthquakes, lunch in a few different unexplainable acts of horror, never-ending wars and governments racked Marina locations. We’re with scandals, etc. etc. Who among us would not wish, hope or pray for a made up of young and change …for the better? I for one pray for such a change. young at heart, retired A few years ago, one of our advertisers sent us a beautiful greeting for the mostly, all living in New Year, which ended with: “Queremos ver un México prospero y que la Vallarta year-round and tremenda riqueza de este país sea una bondad para todos y no derrochada por we’re from all around unos pocos.” Literally translated, that means “We want to see a prosperous the world; but certainly Mexico, and for the tremendous richness of this country to be goodness for the Canadians make up the majority, eh! all and not wasted by a few.” How very well said! It should be a wish for We call ourselves “The WOW Ladies” (Women On all countries, not just Mexico. Wednesdays) and our purpose is just to enjoy meeting, eating For the sake of our newcomers, I should point out that this issue includes and learning about where we’ve chosen to live. Our ‘few’ ladies December 28th, “El Día de los Santos Inocentes”. In keeping with Mexican has grown to fifty plus but our bi-weekly lunches still promote traditions, we have the pranks that have become the trademark of what used businesses run by women. to be a sad reminder of a horrific passage dating back to biblical times. Since the Middle Ages, the sacrilegious have remembered this mournful We had a special Christmas lunch recently at Villa Rouse event with humor - and the jovial tradition has continued to this day. on Pelicanos in the Marina, lovely three-course meal but a On TV and in the newspapers throughout Mexico, bogus stories will highlight was the most beautifully decorated CUPCAKES by appear (a UFO terrorizes the capital; all cars with registration ending in 7 TORI. There were Snowmen, Reindeer, Wreaths, Trees, Snow must report to the police, etc., etc.), only some of which are later attributed Flakes and Santa Hats on every table and they were all different to Los Santos Inocentes. flavours. You can find them at her PV CUPCAKES store at As you leaf through this issue of the Mirror, please bear this unique event Plaza Caracol or the Thursday Night Marina Market; at the front in mind, and don’t be “fooled” …like a paloma inocente! steps of Dz Route 66 Diner. Thank you for your readership, thank you to all on our ever increasing list The photo is of Tori, who delivered dozens of cupcakes and of advertisers for their faith in us, and thank you to all our contributors who then helped place them at each table setting. Please print this help to fill this little mag of ours with interesting articles. May you and your to help us celebrate Christmas and highlight another wonderful loved ones enjoy a most Merry Christmas, and be blessed with a Happy and woman making her life and business in Vallarta. Feliz Navidad Healthy New Year. from Nancy and all the WOW Ladies! (Like us on Facebook) Allyna Vineberg Publisher / Editor A happy WOW Continued on next page... (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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DEAR EDITOR, DEAR EDITOR, I had an interesting experience last week that I haven’t previously read For so many years, we had fed the cats that lived in the Bistro about in these pages. For the last several years my blood has not been that we were curious to see it after its restoration to its former accepted for donation by Canadian Blood Services, based solely on my glory …and it is fabulous! The food, the service, the ambiance, winter vacations in Puerto Vallarta. I found this extremely disappointing and certainly the location are just fantastic. We enjoyed ourselves and finally set out to find out how I could donate here. enormously - the staff is very charming - and we expect it will There was no reference on the internet, but of course Pam Thompson become a “most frequented” on our list of dining establishments. would know! And she did. She provided the following information: It is so quiet and beautiful along the river and the bird watching “The Blood Bank is located at Hospital San Javier Marina Hospital just adds to the pleasure. The restaurant itself is large and the (across from where the cruise ships dock). It is private (not owned by San décor is lovely. Javier). Donations are accepted Monday through Friday and best to go El Bistro is on the Isla Cuale right at the Insurgentes Bridge so between 10am and 2pm. You must be fasting for no less than 4 hours but it’s a convenient location. Having this gracious restaurant back no more than 8 hours. Age limit is 65 years and they do not accept some is a real addition to “old” Vallarta. Try it yourself and spread the people who take certain medications.” word - as with all our fine restaurants, we want them to thrive and I hopped off the bus at noon, outside the hospital, and was directed to the best advertisement is a recommendation from you. the 2nd floor. There was the requisite blood check for iron levels and usual questionnaire. The questions were in English! After a quick donation Georgia G. in a comfy chair with a TV remote in my hand, I was presented with a croissant ham & cheese sandwich and Gatorade drink. DEAR EDITOR, As easy as that. Oh, and a T-shirt and recognition certificate! Today I received an unexpected copy of my blood work by email, with yet more I wanted to compliment you on the beautiful cover photo of thanks for my ‘highly satisfactory’ blood. All of the above is to show issue 474 (16-22 December,) which shows part of the bay with what a pleasant and easy experience it was to give blood here. If you too the sculpture “Triton and Nereid” by Carlos Espino of Mexico are a long time Canadian donor who has been frustrated by the refusal at City in the foreground. Triton was the nickname of Poseidon, the home, I encourage you to consider it here. Interestingly, there must be Greek God of the Seas, and the Nereids were special mermaid/ 120 days between donations in Mexico while in Canada it is only 75. sea nymphs also of Greek Mythology. This is just one of the Beverley White sculptures I talk about during the Free Malecon Sculpture Tours that start next to the Hotel Rosita every Tuesday morning at 9:30. In addition, the new Free Sunset Malecon Sculpture Tours start at Galeria Pacifico every Thursday evening at 6:00 and head south to the new Demetro Galeria next to Lazaro Cardenas Park. Thank you for your continued support of the arts in Puerto Vallarta. Gary Thompson Owner/Director Galeria Pacifico Dear Gary, The compliment goes to Bob McCuaig who took the beautiful photo. We all thank you for the delightful and informative tours you offer our visitors. Keep up the great work! The Ed.

DEAR EDITOR, I was wondering why the Airlines are not carrying the Mexican Tourists cards to give out to everyone who is flying into Mexico. One would think it would help to speed things up going through Customs. I have two friends who both fly down to Mexico weekly and they said the Mexican Government has not been able to supply them, so they advised me to go on line and register that way. Have you heard anything about this?? Thanks if you can clarify this.

Marie 5 (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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(PVBS) - The Puerto Vallarta / Banderas Shores condominium complex has announced that the three remaining unsold condo units will be raffled off to three lucky winners this Thursday, December 28th, at the Marina Thursday Night Market on the Marina Malecon. PV/BS representative, Jose Pablo “Lengua Bifida” Bautista Gonzalez describes the units as follows: #1 – a 2-bedroom, 3 bath condo with a 550 sq ft living room/dining room combination, a complete kitchen plus a spectacular view of the bay and the sunsets. #2 – a 3-bedroom, 4 bath grand condo with a 900 sq ft living room/dining room combination, a complete kitchen and a spectacular view of the bay and the sunsets. #3 – a 4-bedroom, 6 bath penthouse with a 1,200 sq ft living room/dining room combination, a complete gourmet kitchen including an 8 burner Viking stove, dual ovens, dual microwaves, a 28 cu ft Amana refrigerator and a matching 28 cu ft Amana freezer, and of course, a spectacular top floor view of the entire bay and the sunsets that only Puerto Vallarta can provide. Raffle tickets will be available at the Puerto Vallarta / Banderas Shores condominium (PV/BS Condo) booth at the Marina Thursday Night Market from opening time at 6 p.m. until 9:45 p.m. Raffle tickets will cost 100 pesos and are limited to ten (10) tickets per person. Lucky winners need not be present at the drawing which will be held promptly at 9:55 p.m. If the lucky winners are present, they will be treated to a champagne toast, courtesy of PV/BS Condo complex. Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will pay the winner’s HOA and maintenance fees for the first two years of ownership. Winners must be able to sign ownership papers and take possession within 3 days of winning. Winning owners will have the pleasure of seeing the New Year’s fireworks with friends and family from their new condos this coming Sunday evening. 6

A roaring success this year

Jerry Lafferty They were preceded by a children’s mariachi band, who entertained guests for the 3rd consecutive year. Toys for Tots fundraisers this past 0064 for details on where and when lead sponsor of Toys for Tots since Toys for Tots is organized annually weekend were incredibly successful, to join in. inception 18 years ago. We applaud by the local Navy League Council, with attendance up nearly 50% The charity golf tournament was them! led this year by Carol Smith of for both the golf tournament on held for the 18th consecutive year The following night, the Marriott Carol’s Boutique fame. The Navy Saturday, December 9 and the gala at Club Corp’s Weiskopf course CasaMagna Resort and Spa in League has been assisted each of dinner dance on Sunday, December at Vista Vallarta. We had a near the Marina hosted, also for the the past 18 years by 2 very generous 10. We now plan to deliver in capacity field of 115 golfers, men 18th consecutive year, a fun-filled partners, Club Corp and Marriott. excess of 5,000 toys and smiles, and women, of widely varying skill dinner/dance in their spacious Joining them this year were long- to needy kids in the Banderas Bay levels. Prizes were awarded to Best ballroom. Matching the generosity time supporters Coldwell Banker area on Three Kings Day in early Team, Worst Team, and everything of ClubCorp, the Marriott picked Real Estate, Patron Tequila, Honda January. The public is encouraged to in between. It was great fun for a up the total tab for a gourmet dinner and many others. What a great credit participate with us in what is a joyful great cause. Club Corp provided prepared by their award-winning they are to our community. highlight of the holiday season. their beautiful course free of charge, chef, plus wine and other beverages Stay tuned for plans for the Please call the Navy League’s Carol and also generously threw in a for over 200 guests. A great dance distribution of toys in early January, Smith at 044-322-137-4902 or delicious Mexican luncheon at the band was provided by Coldwell after schools reconvene following Dorothy Piontkowski at 322-209- Awards ceremony. They’ve been a Banker Real Estate. the Christmas holidays. (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Map) on Central number (See location

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Paco Ojeda Fourth Generation HIV provide the necessary infrastructure The newsletter will be made Rapid Tests to implement the PrEP program. available through email by SETAC, Puerto Vallarta’s Education and subscription via SETAC’s HIV/AIDS Community Awareness website, www.setac.com.mx Center (www.setac.com.mx) Programs Last but not least, due to the announced the outcome of Red SETAC will resounding success of the freshman Ribbon Gala, their most recent launch a series of edition of the Red Ribbon Gala, it fundraising event that took place lectures, screenings was announced that 2018’s event at Casa Karma Boutique Resort and activities will take place December 1, 2018. this past December 7. The event designed to provide “We welcome all the community to was produced by Mexico Event the public at large subscribe to our newsletter and follow Design and LOve Producciones with a friendly us through our website and Facebook y Eventos, who successfully space to share their page in order to receive news from convened renowned chefs, along health and sexuality- SETAC on a timely fashion.” with local and international related concerns, SETAC is located at Aldanaca performers. “We are deeply including film and 178, corner of Viena, in Colonia grateful with Casa Karma owner, debate evenings, Versalles. For more information, Georgia Darehshori, for opening her Beginning on January, 2018, Q&A sessions with physicians and please call 224-1974, send an email doors to us, and for all the support SETAC will offer the new, fourth other specialists (including Dr. to [email protected], visit we received from the community,” generation HIV rapid tests, which can Renteria) and other events, which will their website, www.setac.com.mx, commented Paco Arjona, Executive detect the virus in two-to-three weeks be promoted through a new bilingual or follow them on Facebook at www. Director. “Thanks to the generous after infection. monthly newsletter. facebook.com/pg/SETACtucentro participation of our guests, as well Doctor’s Office as that of all the people that donated and Medical Equipment time, service and goods to the event, Along with the recently announced we were able to raise $210,158.78 pre-exposure prophylaxis program pesos.” (PrEP) for people who do not have The monies raised by SETAC HIV but are at substantial risk of will be used to both launch and getting it, SETAC will hire Dr. continue several pivotal projects for Javier Mauricio Renteria Salazar, the organization, whose mission is a Guadalajara University general to reduce HIV and other sexually practitioner and surgeon. Dr. Renteria transmitted infections in Jalisco’s will supervise and implement the coastal region and Banderas Bay, PrEP program in SETAC beginning through education and behavior January. Funds raised at the Red modification that encourages Ribbon Galla will allow SETAC to responsible sexual health decisions. furnish a doctor’s office in order to (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Map) on Central number (See location

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John Warren

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” said JFK at his inauguration as President of the United States in January 1961 and, at this time of year when we often think of giving gifts of time or money to family and friends, it’s worth thinking about what you can do for other people. A little thought and imagination can spread love, just by helping others. Many people in Puerto Vallarta open their hearts and their wallets to support charities such as, Pasitos that IFC does in this community. Pat considers that de Luz, Corazón de Niña and Casa Maximo Cornejo, she is a goodwill ambassador for Mexico and loves which in turn help the children of this city by providing answering the many questions that people have about love, a home, food, education and medical help. living here. During their travels around Mexico Pat The International Friendship Club (IFC) supports and her husband bought many items of Mexican these and about twenty similar organizations, as well folk-art such as woodcarvings, textiles, ceramics and as its own cleft palate surgical program and its dental masks and she enjoys discussing these with visitors. outreach program, by raising money through the “Casa Bendix” is used by the Home Tours about once operation of its Home Tours. The tours are very well a month for an hour or so. received by new and returning clients, as evidenced by Although IFC has wonderful support from our the reviews on Trip Advisor which award “Excellent” homeowners, we always appreciate any new homes in 94% of reviews and “Very Good” in 4%. that can be added to our inventory. If you, or someone But none of this would be possible without the you know, is willing to open your home to the IFC generosity of the homeowners who open their doors to Home Tour for just an hour or two once a month the Home Tour visitors and their hearts to those children please contact Ann Boughn at aboughn@yahoo. of Vallarta who benefit so much from their kindness. com It would be a wonderful way to give back to the Who are they? Why do they do it? Read on… community, especially at this time of year. Jean-Daniel Kermelly told me “The reason why I If you would like to take a Home Tour, see some open Villa Bahia to the International Friendship Club great homes and meet some fascinating and very is because I believe it is important for everyone to give generous people, please book a tour at www. back to the community. We are very fortunate to call toursforvallarta.com Puerto Vallarta home. Many people and organizations Another way to help a Mexican in Puerto Vallarta in need our help so I like to help different charitable the next couple of weeks is simply to tell them about causes. The Home Tours have been very popular for the Free English Classes that will start on Tuesday, many years. People like to discover different type of January 9th. This year, Etta Jacobs has thirty teachers architecture and interior décor. Villa Bahia provides a volunteering to teach English to Mexicans at the IFC Mexican contemporary architecture with a transitional Clubhouse. The students need to register between 4 décor to accentuate the Mexican artworks throughout and 5:30 p.m. on January 9th , at which time they will the villa. Every year I open my doors to IFC. I’m very be assessed for their ability to speak English and then happy to help the community through them.” allocated to a teacher who will be responsible for a Lionel Cunningham and Garin Bakel own two small group of students at that level. Classes start homes in Puerto Vallarta (Casa Owaissa and Casa de la two days later on Thursday 11th and continue every Hoja). Not only do these gentlemen open their homes Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 5:30 for ten weeks. to the tours but also, when the medical team comes to The address of the clubhouse is Edificio Parian del PV to operate on our cleft palate kids, their homes are Puente #13, Calle Libertad, corner of Miramar, used as accommodation by the surgeons and nurses. “upstairs, above HSBC bank”. Please remember that What a great contribution they make to others! learning English in this town, where the only industry Pat Bendix mentioned that she and her husband is tourism, is a very important determinant in the size

(See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location first started opening their two-bedroom home to the of a Mexican’s paycheque. Anyone you help in this 30 Home Tours in 1998 and have always appreciated all way will love you forever! 9

Gregg Sutton

Get out your party hats, put on your dancing shoes and mark the date on your calendar: Friday, December 29, the fifth South Side Shuffle of the season. The Shuffle, now in its eighth year, is put on twice or three times a month by a group of twenty businesses centered on the 200 and 300 blocks of Basilio Badillo, in the heart of the Romantic Zone. The party goes from six to ten pm, and is an event locals and visitors alike look forward to with great anticipation. The participating businesses (art galleries, shops, restaurants, clubs and theaters) all serve complimentary beverages. Whether you want to meet our local artists, or do some serious shopping, or listen to some great music, or just walk around Vallarta’s favorite neighborhood soaking up the festive atmosphere, the Shuffle is a wonderful way to spend your Friday night. The majority of the participating businesses are located on the 200 and 300 blocks of Basilio Badillo. But there are also some great places to stop on nearby Constitution Street. In fact, the organizers have made sure that this experience is a “compact” one. All twenty participants are located in a short two block stretch, so no matter how “happy” you get with all your complimentary drinks, you can still visit every location with ease. The Shuffle has so much to offer. One of the main attractions is shopping. By chance, many of Vallarta’s finest shops and galleries are located on the principle block of the party. Fine art, jewelry and Mexican crafts of the very best quality can be found in abundance, not to mention some great food and fabulous entertainment. All the businesses on this magical stretch of Basilio Badillo and Constitución streets have something special to offer. For the opportunity to ogle, mingle, tipple and even purchase some really wonderful art, it is an event not to be missed. The Southside Shuffle really is a must. You’ll have a ton of fun.

So don’t forget to put it on your calendar: Friday, December 29th, from 6 to 10 p.m. 10 Vallarta Malecon in violation of environmental protection standards

(PVBS) - The Federal Commission for Environmental Protection (Comisión Federal para la Protección del Medio Ambiente) [CFPMA] has completed a two-year study of the Puerto Vallarta Malecon, which extends from the vicinity of the Hotel Rosita to the vicinity to the Restaurant La Palapa, a distance of 2.43 kilometers. According to CFPMA spokesperson Maria Consuela Ortega Rodriguez, the Puerto Vallarta Malecon is in violation of Federal Environment Protection Standards and must be completely removed. In its 6,746-page report to the Chamber of Deputies, Barb Bremner VTA Vallarta Travel Advisor, Rocco the lower house of the Mexican Congress, the CFPMA sited Troyani, Mac Event, Producciones no less than 1,212 environmental problems and concerns. The The ‘Illumination’ dinner, show Estrellas, all the volunteers and conclusion of the report highly recommends that the entire and art auction held at Casa Karma of course, the amazingly kind and Malecon be removed and its entire length, a distance of 2.43 on December 8th was a huge success, generous Georgia Darehshori of Casa Km, be returned to an unencumbered sandy beach, for a distance raising much-needed funds for Pasitos Karma. Most of all we thank our of 20 meters (65 feet) inland from the high tide level. de Luz, a day care facility for disabled patrons who attended the event and The Chamber of Deputies (Mexican Senate) is expected to issue children from low income families in made it the success that exceeded our a Congressional edict demanding that the removal of the Malecon Puerto Vallarta. expectations. We were sold out with be accomplished within ninety (90) days. Businesses that have a Oh, what a night! From the moment 143 people in attendance. presence in this environmental sensitive area with tables, chairs, the art was on display and the tables And the results, WOW! Our umbrellas, palapas, etc., will be ordered to remove them and were set, Casa Karma was alive. The current total is $293,500. pesos raised restore the beach to its pristine sandy condition by the same date. elegance, the food, the entertainment, by everyone involved with a few This portion of the order will affect businesses from the vicinity of the art, and the people - it was an anticipated final donations taking it the Hotel Rosita to Boca de Tomatlan, a distance of approximately evening to remember! At the silent to $300,000. pesos! A million thanks 22.8 Km. auction, 58 of 70 Stan Olthuis from the children of Pasitos de Luz! Representatives of the Chamber of Deputies will be meeting paintings were snapped up by happy with affected businesses in the Vallarta Presidencia (city hall) buyers. Everyone came out a winner Located in El Pitillal, Pasitos de Luz on Thursday, December 28, from 9 AM to 4 PM to receive their in the most magical evening. is a marvelous day care facility for requests for a delay of the Chamber’s Congressional edict. Delays We can’t begin to thank all of our children with special needs. This non- may be granted on a case by case basis. sponsors - a three-course dinner profit organization provides children The final Congressional edict is expected to be issued during by Barrio Bistro, Tintoque, and De with various handicaps with a caring the first week of January 2018. Businesses failing to comply Cantaro served at tables by Memo and loving environment, along with with this edict will be heavily fined and could face confiscation Wulff and staff, welcome drink from treatment for individual rehabilitation, of property and any and revocation of all licenses related to the ARRE raicilla, art by Stan Olthuis, nutritional meals, physical stimulation operation of the business, according to Maria Consuela Ortega entertainment by Paul Fracassi and all and therapy. For more information, Rodriguez, the spokesperson for the CFPMA. of our background supporters PVPrint, visit PasitosDeLuz.org 11

Love God. Love People. Period. Paradise Church of Puerto Vallarta invites the community to join us PEACE is an organization covering the Bay of Banderas, dedicated Sunday, December 24th for to improving the quality of the lives of our favorite furry friends. Christmas Eve Services. Their main activity is spaying and neutering. So far this year they have spayed almost 5,000 cats and dogs! This activity has been Love God. Love People. Period. Paradise Church of Puerto th carried out via free mobile clinics all around the Bay. In addition, Vallarta invites the community to join us Sunday, December 24 PEACE provides weekly educational presentations in schools, towns for Christmas Eve Services. and neighborhoods where the mobile clinics take place. There will be two downtown services: th Every PEACE shopping bag that you purchase pays for the spaying Sunday, December 24 at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at ACT II - Main or neutering of one animal. Also, they’re great bags, so please visit Stage, 330 Insurgentes (above Wings Army), corner of Basilio Badillo. the following locations, where for $200. Pesos you can buy a terrific Casual services will include worship through Christmas music, bag and do something great for your community: Scripture readings, and our annual tradition – the lighting of candles. Services will last approximately 45 minutes. On the SOUTH SIDE: The Marina service on Sunday, December 24th at 10 a.m. will be Lucy’s CuCu Cabaña, 295 Basilio Badillo held at the Westin Resort & Spa in Marina Vallarta. Galleria Dante, 269 Basilio Badillo Visit us at: www.paradisechurchpv.org and Paradise Church Coleccion La Bohemia, 335 Constitucion Puerto Vallarta on Facebook. Cork & Bottle at Los Mercados, 265 Aquiles Serdan DOWNTOWN Choco Museo, 128 Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez Galeria Uno, 561 Morelos Macaria, 129 J.Ortiz de Dominguez MARINA VALLARTA Charly’s Sport Fishing &Tours, Local 8B Puesta del Sol CABO CORRIENTES Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens (gift shop). BUCERIAS Salon Divas, 51 Melchor Ocampo LA CRUZ de HUANACAXTLE La Cruz Inn, (in the Plaza) You can find more information atpeaceanimals.org (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

32 11 12

Like in the U.S. and Canada, Christmas in Mexico is a time for celebration, sharing food with family and friends, and giving presents. But while families north of this border wait for Santa Claus on Christmas Day, Mexican families celebrate a much longer, almost month-long holiday period that has an intense religious focus, unique foods and celebrations that show both their indigenous and Spanish heritage. La Novena and Las Posadas Very soon after the twelve days of the “Guadalupana” The tradition of posadas in Mexico is believed to have pilgrimages to the Virgin of Guadalupe end, Mexicans begun in the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish begin the twelve days of Christmas, and with them begin monks whose mission was to preach the Gospel. In the “posadas”. The celebrations officially kick off with ancient times, someone’s death was remembered a few the Novena – the nine days leading up to Christmas, days prior to their day of birth - thus the novenaria or based on the nine days Joseph and Mary took to get novena - the 9-day period leading up to Christmas and from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The highlight of the time the date of birth of Christ. With time, celebrations left is Las Posadas, the processions that reenact Joseph and the churches and convents to go out onto the streets in a Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. mixture of the profane and the religious. Literally translated, posada means an “inn”, like the The popular tradition is to offer a place for pilgrims ones where Mary and Joseph sought lodging on the - complete with chants and prayers - along a symbolic Holy Night. In actual fact, it has come to mean a series route or journey. The pilgrims (i.e.: friends and of visits to the “inn” of friends and neighbors, within neighbors) go from house to house, asking for shelter. the challenge of vanquishing capital sins as expressed Traditionally, they are turned away several times. The in the beating and subsequent breaking of piñatas. final house, which will have a large nativity scene in front, will tell them they can stay in the manger. Once the voyagers (or pilgrims) are let in and welcomed, they proceed to the breaking of the piñatas - that used to be in the shape of four-pointed stars - thus symbolically breaking the vicious circle of capital sins. Posadas also help to bring people together and closer, so that all may know that a helping hand is always present in any Christian place. The Mexican tradition of asking for and offering “lodging” has spread to Spain and other parts of Europe as well as of the United States where there are many Hispanics. In Puerto Vallarta, December 23rd is the day when the major posada takes place. It is a beautiful procession to behold, starting in Old Vallarta (the South Side) and ending at the Church near the main square. There is a traditional “jamaica” (pronounced ha-my-kah) punch, made with the seeds and petals of hibiscus plants and a little alcohol. There are piñatas everywhere and children are given sweets in traditional shapes. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, a traditional midnight mass is said in the Church of our Lady of Guadalupe. The foods eaten during these parties vary from region to region, but an assortment of tamales is common, including sweet tamales. Many people make buñuelos, homemade fritters like donuts, churros, and chocolate caliente, or Mexican hot chocolate. Often, there’ll be nine different houses hosting a party, one each night of (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location the novena. And that’s before Christmas Day even hits! 6 Continued on page 14 13 BEYOND PV 14

La Noche Buena Christmas Eve, la Noche Buena, is traditionally more important than Christmas Day itself. It’s accompanied by fireworks, the ringing of church bells and the blowing of whistles. People go to mass, then head home for an extravagant feast.

The 28th of December is El Día de los Santos Inocentes, similar in spirit to April Fools’ Day. On this day, people play inocentadas (pranks or practical jokes) on friends Since the food varies by region, in the and relatives, making jokes hoping that the victim Yucatan, you might find cochinito pibil, a believes the false thing. When people get caught, the stewed pork dish, while in other regions you joker says: “Inocente, inocente!” (“Innocent, innocent!”). might find roasted turkey or pig, regional mole Newspapers, magazines (including this one) and other sauce over turkey or greens, tamales, chiles media are in on the joke as well, reporting false news for rellenos, and menudo, a pork and hominy the people to figure out. soup. To drink, spiced cider is served as well The origin of the celebration of the Día de los Santos as rompope, a Mexican hot milk drink similar Inocentes goes back over two thousand years when to eggnog. Some families also make chimayo King Herod, upon the counsel of his kingdom’s wise

(See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location cocktails, which is cold apple cider spiked with astrologers, found out that a new King of the Jews had Tequila, crème de cassis and fresh lime over ice. 19 just been born in Bethlehem - as prophesized by tradition. The Legend of the Poinsettia Consequently, Herod issued orders that all babies under Pepita was a poor Mexican girl who had no the age of two were to be slain and ever since then, the gift to present to the Christ Child at Christmas date is known as “la degollación de los santos inocentes” Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the (the slitting of the innocent saints’ throats). chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was Although the reference is to a most bloody event, the Day filled with sadness rather than joy. “I am sure, of the Innocents has turned into a festive tradition in Mexico Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given and no one really knows its origin or how it became so. It in love, will be acceptable in His eyes,” said is known that the order of the Bethlehemites established Pedro consolingly. in Mexico in 1673 had been celebrating the day ever since Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by December 28th, 1703. But when that order disappeared the roadside and gathered a handful of common in 1820, the commemoration ceased to be related to King weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Herod’s actions and became what it is today. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt As a precautionary measure, so as not to fall prey to the more saddened and embarrassed than ever by pranks played on them by friends and relatives, people the humbleness of her offering. She fought back are reminded not to lend anything to anyone on that day: a tear as she entered the small village chapel. money, jewelry, books or any other object as they may be As she approached the altar, she remembered played for “innocents”. The joke consists in the person Pedro’s kind words: “Even the most humble falling for the prank, lending something of his, and the gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His item is not returned. eyes.” She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay Part of the tradition consists in the person who has the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene. been played for a fool, i.e. the “innocent”, receiving a Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into little basket of sweets accompanied by a note saying: blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw “inocente palomita que te dejaste engañar, sabiendo them were certain that they had witnessed a que en este día nada se debe prestar?” (Innocent little Christmas miracle right before their eyes. dove who let itself be fooled, knowing full well that you From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or should never lend anything to anyone on this day.) Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed Other acts considered “inocentadas” are those by which each year during the Christmas season. Today, false news is spread in a convincing manner and the fun the common name for this plant is the poinsettia. is derived from those people who would believe them. 15

Media Luna is a popular band on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m.. played by just two actors with forty- originating from San Miguel de Special Guests include Paco Ojeda, two costume changes, it’s a wild, fun Allende, that fuses Flamenco, Rumba, Shawn Pelofsky, Opera Soprano ride to smalltown Tuna, TX, chock-full Rock and Huapango. They write their Vanessa Amaro, Tracy Parks and of hilarious comedy. This time directed own songs and cover traditional music Alain Perreault. The audience will be by the award-winning Karen Baker. from Mexico and around the world. invited to ‘sing-a-long’ to their favorite Jazz/blues singer Hannah Brady Their high-energy stage presence, holiday music, presented in both will perform on Fridays from 7-9 coupled with the diverse artistic English and Spanish. Bohemia Viva p.m. in the piano bar. New to Incanto, influences of its members, creates a presents their show, Kaleidoscope, on Hannah is an accomplished dancer rich blend of musical flavors. They Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.. Luis Lujan and vocalist from New York. She has play on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. in the will also present a solo show with all a notable entertainment resume and a piano bar. original music entitled, ‘And now… very impressive vocal range. She will Renowned concert pianist and I fly’, on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.. be accompanied by Adel on piano. composer David Troy Francis Soprano Vanessa Amaro will present Jean-Guy Comeau plays piano on will present ‘Elves in the Piano’ her own show, ‘Heavenly Hits’ Mondays and Thursdays 5-7 p.m.. - A Christmas Concert for one accompanied on piano by Jean-Guy Joby Hernandez sings and plays performance only on Tuesday, Comeau on Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. guitar on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. Best known for Join the New Year’s Eve Celebration on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.. Stolie plays his performances of contemporary - Dinner & Show at Incanto starting ‘Acoustic Tuesdays’ for Happy Hour at American music, David now lives in at 5 p.m. with Dennis Crow on piano. 5 p.m.. Latcho & Andrea: The Blond Puerto Vallarta. He is an esteemed Two dinner seatings (7 & 8:15 p.m.) Gypsies play select Tuesdays at 7 p.m. concert pianist and recording artist, as with entertainment by The Red in the cabaret theater. Tongo plays well as a respected accompanist. Suitcases band starting at 7:30 p.m.. Latin/Cuban rhythms on his handmade Stand-up comedienne Shawn Vallarta showman Dwight Blake will instruments on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.. Pelofsky returns with her hilarious perform at 10 p.m. in the main theater, The Red Suitcases band plays on show ‘Making America Funny Again’. featuring 70s & 80s Disco, followed Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.. Open Mic is Fresh off the new indie TV comedy by an after party and celebratory toast on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. co-hosted by series ‘This is Meg’, and a headliner at midnight. Pre-paid reservations are Tracy Parks and Beverly Fairfax. ‘The at L.A.’s world-famous Comedy Store, requested. Visit Buy Tickets Now on Joanie Show’ starring Joan Houston Shawn’s career continues to soar from Incanto’s website. with Bob Bruneau plays on Fridays stand-up to movies and television. Her Hit stage comedy Buyer & Cellar at 5 p.m.. Singer/guitarist Gabriel signature ‘Stretch it out’ tagline (and is now playing to great reviews for a Reyes plays on Fridays at 9 p.m. and the title of a soon to be released one- limited run through Dec. 28. Starring Saturdays at 10 p.m.. Loteria with Pearl hour comedy special), hilarious social César Bravo and directed by Alain and Bev will be held on Saturday, Dec. commentary, and spot-on comedic Perreault, it’s an outrageous comedy 16 at 4 p.m.. Pearl’s Gurlz Drag Revue timing are always an audience favorite. about an underemployed actor who goes plays on select Saturdays at 9:30 p.m.. Dec. 20-25 9:30 p.m. to work in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu, Sing-a-long with pianist Dennis Crow Paco Ojeda on Music presents Calif., basement. “Hilarious! Beyond playing standards and showtunes on Desert Island Bossa Nova on Friday, brilliant. This show will go down like Sundays at 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Another in his 1960s. These events are always very butta!” — Entertainment Weekly. 10 p.m.. The ‘MexiCanada’ band plays popular music lecture series featuring entertaining and informative. ‘Greater Tuna’, starring Ron Spencer on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. in the piano the Brazilian groove that took the ‘A Very Bohemia Viva Christmas’ and Tracy Parks, plays through mid- bar, with Salsa dancing/lessons with world by storm during the 1950s and variety show will play one night only January. With over twenty characters Francisco Ledezma starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.IncantoVallarta.com with no online fees. Box Office hours are 9am to 11:30 p.m. daily. Casual dining is always available with Salvatore playing piano mornings starting at 10am. Happy Hour 2-6 p.m. daily. Contact General Manager Gilberto Figueroa for group and special (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location event bookings at [email protected]. Incanto is located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale). Call 322 223 9756 for reservations. 17 16

The Palm Cabaret has been a She is a singer, comedian and host. Paige Turner arrives on January stage and immediately enthralled the whirlwind of activity over the past few No holds will be barred. This 1st and couldn’t be more excited audience into near non-stop laughter. weeks. The variety of entertainment performance could go anywhere, all about it. ‘Showbiz Spitfire’ Paige She knows her trade and is not new has never covered such a wide in hilarity. Marti is a top professional Turner displayed her professionalism, to the theatrical business. She is spectrum, ranging from Opera to and one can see this fact readily. revealing the time spent in cabarets, pleasant and witty. Country to Comedy. The Palm prides Amy Armstrong is Livin’ La Diva many on the road, during tours. She Gypsy Rumba returns January itself on its diverse entertainment, Loca with Nate Buccieri. Also, Piel fashions herself as the beautiful ‘Barbie 7 at 9:30 p.m. with their popular and is surely to come up with a few Canela is with Amy. Nate is the Doll’, so attractive and desirable, but Latin, Flamenco, Gypsy and World surprises during the current season. resident pianist for The Palm and not too smart. But it is evident Ms. Music show. This tight 5-piece band, We just experienced a week of uses his flair to involve the crowd and Turner is a brilliant entertainer. consists of Eugenia Prieto on Violin, SuperStar Ty Hernon. His voice is so excite them. The second set of shows, Joe Posa and Tony Tripoli join Alberto Ramirez on Guitar, Alex clear and full. We were so fortunate featuring Eduardo Leon and Fernando us on December 29. Joe has Gomez on Percussion, Cheko Ruiz to host a person of his caliber; Gonzalez, brings a Latin rhythm and performed in stage productions, on vocals/guitar and Emmanuel de la singing country, jazz, blues, swing sound to Amy’s voice, even playing films and television, then launching Rosa on bass guitar. and even treated us to a Christmas and singing some Spanish tunes. his career as one of the top character The show is nothing less than tune or two. Audiences rose to their Both nights are particularly unique impersonators. He met Joan Rivers spectacular, and it is not unusual to feet in request for an encore - which and pleasing to the ears and eyes. and told her “I am doing you in my find audience members dancing in Ty gratefully obliged. Nate’s solo shows will continue show just down the street, but of their seats or standing up. Branden & James will be returning on January 14. These are solo shows course I always do you respectfully”. New Year’s Eve shows - at 7 p.m. and on December 28. This is truly an enabling the attendees to absorb his Joan replied, “you can do me 9:30 p.m. featuring Amy Armstrong, unbelievable performance with both talents and pizazz. He smoothly disrespectfully”. Other characters may Nate Buccieri, Branden & James and taking turns on the piano, James on tickles the ivories, accenting his appear too. Come and be surprised. Paige Turner. Usher in 2018 with cello and Branden singing with a vocals. Sometimes it appears as if he Varla Jean Merman which music! What talents will be on stage? fantastic voice. Word going through were attacking the instrument - almost opens January 6 boasts that Ernest Expect the unexpected. You will not the audience was that this show must one with his piano. Or is he a wild Borgnine is her father and Ethel be disappointed. Tickets are going fast not be missed. The duo brings a taste man absorbed in this work and sound? Merman her mother… She came on for this event, so don’t hesitate. of classical to the pop genre with The Palm Cabaret has always familiar chords then they take off in been a place where audiences a wildly different direction. They are and entertainers feel comfortable. that special. Their new show, “You Boasting 18 years in Puerto Vallarta, Had Me At Cello” takes the boys on it’s easy to see why The Palm Cabaret a personal journey as they guide you and Bar is a favorite. through the story of how they met. As 2017 comes to a close, The Marti Gould Cummings arrives on Palm Cabaret wants to wish everyone December 22 and will be performing a Happy and Healthy New Year and on Christmas day. She is the headliner we look forward to entertaining you of “Shade: Queens of NYC”. in 2018.

For tickets and show times, please stop by with Alex at the box office at The Palm Cabaret located at 508 Olas Altas in the Map) on Central number (See location Romantic Zone on the south side of town. www.thepalmcabaret.com Email: [email protected] Tel.: 222-0200. 9 17

Catherine Caldera beautiful music. Mikki researches, “Nature: Puerto Vallarta’s Greatest Publicity Director writes, and performs her own one- Asset.” woman shows, and is known for her February 6: Kathleen Naomi Need some last-minute holiday warm rapport with her audiences. Atkins and Todd Atkins - New gift-giving ideas? Share the gift of Mikki enjoys staying after her owners, XocoDiva Chocolates. tickets to live theater, and create shows, to talk with Patsy fans, and “Chocolates: A Valentine’s Day memories that last longer than take photos together. Shows are at Love Story.” fruitcake. 6 p.m. Tuesdays, January 2 to 23. Through Dec. 31, The Boutique Elvis Presley once said, “Gospel About The Boutique Dinner Theatre Dinner Theatre offers Season music is the purest thing on earth.” The theater is located upstairs Passes, for the elf who’s been extra- On January 7, a gospel inspirational at Nacho Daddy, 287 Basilio Badillo, nice all year. You get 10 tickets, good show will feature two top award- in the Zona Romantica district of for any Boutique presentation, with winning Elvis tribute artists, Rob Puerto Vallarta. Theater and concert- a Boutique T-shirt and coffee mug Knight and Jaedyn Pilon. Jaedyn lovers can also enjoy dinner an hour thrown in for good measure. All is just 15 years old, and is rapidly before each show. Choose from available on our website: btpv.org gaining notoriety. This one-time- Fillet Mignon, Chicken Cordon Open Mic Nights are planned only show will be a 4 p.m. Matinee, Bleu (with potato and vegetables), the last Tuesdays of each month, at and guests from overseas are or a vegetarian Chile Relleno (with 6 p.m., Dec. 26, through March 27. already securing their tickets. The rice and beans). The delicious meals Admission is just 50 pesos, free for performance features the beautiful include a salad and dessert. anyone performing. music Elvis was drawn to as a child, Follow The Boutique Dinner Thomas Carroll, a retired teacher and turned to during the trials and Theatre on Facebook. For tickets, go from Sacramento, California, plays tribulations in his life. to www.btpv.org two roles in “Into the Woods (Lite). His portrayal as the wolf TED Talk Tuesdays bring who devoured Red Riding Hood›s together people who love learning, granny is a bit lecherous, but with local experts in a variety of charming and funny. He also plays fields and pursuits. Talks are from Cinderella’s prince, and engages the 9 to 11 a.m., every other Tuesday, audience in the bittersweet, tongue- through the season. On January 9, in-cheek duet, “Agony.” Ralph Michael Lindner will share ways to Hyman directs this tale of witches, keep our minds sharp. He is a CEO, curses, wolves and redemption. The Palliative Care Nurse, and Classical show opens December 28, and the Musician. “Dementia, You’re Not show runs the following three weeks the Boss of Me!” is his topic. - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays January 23: Petr Myska - at 6 p.m., closing January 13. Photographer, Biologist, Author. Mauricio Andrade brings you New Year’s Eve Magic, with a special Dec. 31 show at 6 p.m. The illusionist and magician is back to entertain with his unique blend of interactive fun. His sleight- of-hand surprises leave everyone mesmerized. “Forever Patsy Cline,” a favorite long-running show, will return Tuesday nights in the new year. Tribute artist Mikki Prost pays homage to the country music legend, (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location sharing stories about the singer’s 10 life, as well as recreating her 18

Act II Entertainment is now #6 of 166 things to do on Tripadvisor. We thank each and every one of you who have helped keep us open and now ON TOP!

Act II Entertainment is ready for the holidays with three huge opening nights. Some Enchanted Evening, the return of Christine Deaver with an all new 80’s show, and for the first time, the incredible internet sensation, Steve Grand. What better gift than the gift of Live Entertainment!

our everyday lives. This stunning collection of this duo’s compositions places four of PV’s best singers. Relive all your favorite songs from the best musicals of all time.

Opening Night – December 26 - Party 6:30 / Show 7:30 p.m. December 28, 30 - 7:30 p.m. January 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 - 7:30 p.m.

Starring Openly Gay Artist, Steve Grand, Overnight Internet Sensation! Opening Night - December 28th - A Musical Revue of the composers Rodgers Party 8 p.m. / SHOW 9:30 p.m. & Hammerstein, set in a special Christmas time Stage-play/Musical Opening Night – Monday, December 22 – In 2013, Grand uploaded a music video to PARTY 6 / SHOW 7 p.m. (Main Stage) YouTube for his song, “All American Boy.” It December 22, 25, 29 – 7 p.m. immediately went viral, and within 8 days, he January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – 7 p.m. had over 1,000,000 views! It tells the story of unrequited love between a young man and his The talent that will be on our stage on Dec. heterosexual male friend. “All American Boy” 22nd will be like no other night in the history If Puerto Vallarta had a yearly awards took the internet by storm when it was released. of Act II Entertainment Stages. Starring ceremony, Christine Deaver would win “Best As a result, this openly gay artist was lauded as renowned Soprano Vanessa Amaro from the Female Cabaret Show,” and we would create a a trailblazer in the entertainment world and he national conservatory of music, Alfonso López special award for her as “THE MOST LOVED!!” has had appearances on Good Morning America, a classically trained musician/singer with a Rarely does a performer come along that CNN, Larry King Now, and other national outlets Masters in music, Hal Bonta, and Kami Desilets, captures the hearts of 100% of their audience, where he has used his platform to advocate for two veteran stage actors with hundreds of but Christine Deaver is the exception! She is Human Rights and LGBT Equality. Broadway musicals on their resumes. Directed sly, devious, clever and wildly funny, but then In his debut show at Act II, Steve will be by Alfonso López. she glides into a strong heart-felt luscious ballad sharing his incredible story, interspersed with More so than any composer and lyricist who and shows us another side of her capabilities. his favorite songs from “All American Boy,” have written for the stage, the songs of Rodgers This year, Christine brings us a all new show some popular covers, and new songs from his & Hammerstein have become an integral part of featuring all our favorite 80’s songs. upcoming album. 19

Friday, December 22 “The Eric Clapton Show,” … Selling out houses every week. featuring Cesar Medina – 5 p.m. A Musical Comedy Science Fiction Stage Play Eli Estrada – Encore Lounge (No cover) – 5 p.m. (OPENING NIGHT) - “Some Enchanted Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – 7 p.m. Evening” A Musical Review of the music of (See separate page) Rodgers & Hammerstein, set in a special Christmas time Stage-play/Musical – 7 p.m. “The Linda Ronstadt Show,” starring Brittany Kingery – 7:30 p.m. “Bosom Buddies,” featuring TV’s RuPaul Drag Race Stars, Darienne Lake & Mrs. Kasha Davis – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 23 Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. “Rocky Horror Show” – 7 p.m. “Motown and Beyond,” starring Diana Villamonte – 7:30 p.m. “Drag 101,” starring Delighted Tobehere – 9:30 p.m. Stories, gossip, comedy and live singing, featuring the fabulous Delighted Tobehere Sunday, December 24 December 21, 23 – 9:30 p.m. Yara Di Leo – Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a Christmas story – 7 p.m. Delighted Tobehere will leave nothing to the “Legends of the 50’s and 60’s,” starring Paul Fracassi – 7:30 p.m. imagination as she reveals ALL of drag’s best- “Bosom Buddies,” featuring TV’s RuPaul kept secrets! She’ll pull from her more than Drag Race Stars, Darienne Lake & Mrs. 16 years of experience to give you a behind- Kasha Davis – 9:30 p.m. the-scenes look at the world of drag! Personal Monday, December 25 stories, gossip, pro tips, how to’s, audience “The Eric Clapton Show,” participation, side-splitting comedy, and yes… starring Cesar Medina – 5 p.m. 100% live singing entertainment! The judge’s Emperatriz – Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. “Some Enchanted Evening,” A Musical Review Live singing, stories, and side-splitting comedy, loved her on America’s Got Talent, Pam Ann of Rodgers & Hammerstein, set in a special featuring drag diva, Mama Tits thinks she’s hilarious, and you loved her last Christmas time Stage Play/Musical – 7 p.m. Every Monday & Wednesday Nights – 9:30 p.m. season… so, she’s back! Get your tickets “Little Miss Sunshine,” today! You’ll be “delighted” you did! starring Brittany Kingery – 7:30 p.m. In this all-new drag show, “Big and Loud,” “I attended Delighted Tobehere’s performance “Big and Loud,” starring Mama Tits – 9:30 p.m. Mama Tits is guaranteed to take you on a in Puerto Vallarta tonight and I was indeed Tuesday, December 26 wild journey, complete with incredible live delighted! Funny, poignant, engaging--the “Us Two,” starring Noemi Plascencia & Daniel Celis – 5 p.m. singing, hilarious stories, and side-splitting audience members had a blast. I learned a lot Emperatriz – Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. comedy! This year, Mama Tits has turned things too! What a great singer and stage actor he is!” - “Rocky Horror Show” – 7 p.m. up a notch, too, by adding live accompaniment! Daniel D, Trip Advisor 12/3/17 (OPENING NIGHT) “It’s Like, Totally 80’s,” starring Mama Tits is one of the top drag divas of Puerto Christine Deaver – PARTY 6:30 / SHOW 7:30 p.m. Vallarta and Seattle, with sold-out shows almost “Bosom Buddies,” featuring TV’s RuPaul Drag Race Stars, Darienne Lake & Mrs. every night. She is known for her buttery smooth Kasha Davis – 9:30 p.m. voice and soulful blues sound. Her shows have become a notorious “destination,” forever Wednesday, December 27 An evening of Eric Clapton music, Eli Estrada – Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. changing drag cabaret entertainment! featuring Cesar Medina “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a Christmas story – 7 p.m. “MamaTits is probably the best [drag queen] Shows every Monday and Friday Evenings – 5 p.m. “Walk Like a Man” starring Paul Fracassi – 7:30 p.m. I’ve seen to date. She’s funny, entertaining, and “Big and Loud,” featuring Mama Tits – 9:30 p.m. had an authentic uplifting positive self-affirming Local musical sensation, César Medina Thursday, December 28 message.” (TripAdvisor) presents the music of one of his favorite musical “Us Two,” starring Noemi Plascencia & “What an awesome venue to really see some legends, Eric Clapton! An experienced and Daniel Celis – 5 p.m. good cabaret theater and this entertainer was the talented musician himself, César has performed Emperatriz - Encore Lounge (No cover) – 6 p.m. ticket. Hilarious good time comedy and singing alongside many Vallarta celebrities, including “Rocky Horror Show” – 7 p.m. Brittany Kingery and Elvis Morales. César “Is Like, Totally 80’s,” starring Christine with a message. “Live your truth”. Can’t wait Deaver – 7:30 p.m. to return for more shows.” - BrandonM, Trip takes on one of the world’s finest guitarists in (OPENING NIGHT) “All American Boy,” Advisor 12/4/17 this Eric Clapton show and he KILLS it with his starring Steve Grand – 9:30 p.m. incredible guitar-playing! 20

If you love the feeling of “I Shot the Sheriff,” in 2015 and the Horizon Award in 2015. “Tears in Heaven,” and “Sunshine of Your “Such a great show! We love her voice, her Love,” as well as Clapton’s other songs, this songs and her musicians are great too. We is the perfect blend… songs that you love are (with a special tribute to Roy Orbison) have seen her show multiple times last year and improvised with the fresh sound of classic blues! An evening of music from the legends of this year we will too. Go see her, you won’t the 50’s and 60’s, featuring Canadian Idol be disappointed. Dilly, Dilly!” - Lindgum, Finalist, Paul Fracassi TripAdvisor 11/15/17 Performing every Sunday – 7:30 p.m. “We saw amazing posters outside of Act (See separate page in this issue) II Red Room for an award-winning vocalist and decided this would be our date night for vacation! We are SO glad we did!!! Brittany is everything they acclaim. She and her band blew us away with their blend of original and cover music (all of our favorites). I couldn’t believe what we saw!” - Trip Advisor

A musical tribute to the timeless music of Linda Ronstadt, featuring Brittany Kingery Shows every Friday evening – 7:30 p.m. CLOSING NIGHT DEC. 27th Presented as a live, 1940’s radio broadcast Do you remember these songs? Blue Bayou… Just 2 shows left! You’re No Good… Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me… Just December 24, 27 – 7 p.m. (Main Stage) One Look… Alison… Heatwave… It’s So Easy… Desperado?!? Every Friday evening, the lovely An evening of original and cover songs, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most well- featuring Troprock Award-Winner, Brittany Kingery Brittany Kingery will present her sensational show, known and heartwarming Christmas stories Shows every Monday evening – 7:30 p.m. “The Linda Ronstadt Show,” a tribute to the timeless ever! It is the story of an angel that is sent music of the living legend, Linda Ronstadt! from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated Brittany Kingery, the “Darling of Vallarta” “We went to Act 2 to see Brittany Kingery’s businessman by showing him what life would (and chart-topping, award-winning vocalist tribute to Linda Ronstadt. It was excellent. have been like if he had never existed. Act II will extraordinaire) brings her sweet, soaring voice Brittany is not only a great vocalist (one of the bring this beloved American holiday classic back and all-live band to Act II every Monday evening best I have seen in a long time), but she was to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast! Featuring at 7:30 p.m. Originally from Washington state, entertaining and had a solid band backing her some of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite actors, It’s now residing in Vallarta, Brittany is in her up!” - Trip Advisor a Wonderful Life’s original twist, clever use of THIRD season at ACT II. She is a four-time “Such a great show! We love her voice, her props, entertaining voices and a love story that award-winning vocalist who has followed her songs and her musicians are great too. We have you want to see over and over again, creates a dreams. She is a five-time Troprock Music seen her show multiple times last year and this fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a Award winner, winning Female Vocalist of the year we will too. Go see her, you won’t be classic story of love and redemption. Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Song of the Year disappointed.” - Trip Advisor (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Map) on Central number (See location

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she was described as “powerful, charming, “This duo is an absolute must to see... high beautiful, stunning, polished, mesmerizing and energy, intimate, sensual... all that is needed stunning.” She blew the audience away with her to make their show incredibly enjoyable... it The biggest hit of the Season huge vocals and passionate interpretations, and is a show you can see over and over without A musical tribute to the great leading ladies of she grabbed the audience and never let go. ever tiring of it... they’ve put everything they Motown, featuring Diana Villamonte “A Star is Born! Diana Villamonte puts on have into it... not to be missed...” - Robert D, Shows Every Saturday evening – 7:30 p.m. one of the best shows we have ever seen in TripAdvisor 11/10/2017 (Saturday December 30th - 5 p.m.) Puerto Vallarta. Her voice, song selection, and “2017 is going to be a great season! We have stage presence as she nails each and every artist seen Us Two and Rocky Horror. Both are must-see are brilliant and mesmerizing. She definitely shows. There will be other opening shows. Be sure ranks among the great talents that have blessed to add this venue to your vacation in PV. If you the expanding entertainment venues in Puerto live here, it is the perfect spot to meet up with your Vallarta!” - Trip Advisor friends.” - PamofOak, TripAdvisor 11/15/17 “Stunning is the Word. It sums up what Diana “Smash Hit of our town! This is a must, must does onstage to her onlookers. Word has been see!” - Gary Beck of Beck’s Best circulating that she was a fine singer, a new force and how intensely talented this young lady is, but Stunning is the best way to describe this evening at The Red Room Cabaret.” - Gary A. Beck The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, featuring Canadian Idol Finalist, Paul Fracassi Performing every Wednesday – 7:30 p.m. (See separate page in this issue) Remastered arrangements of classic favorites, featuring Daniel Celis and Noemi Plascencia and their live band. 5 stars TripAdvisor – “You have got to December 19, 21 – 7:30 p.m. experience this amazing young singers show! December 26, 28 – 5 p.m. What a voice! When she sings “I Who Have Nothing” it will rip your heart out. From Dianna Us Two takes its place as the number one Act II Entertainment Stages complex Ross to Whitney Houston you will be on your musical group in Puerto Vallarta, with a hugely is located upstairs at 300 Insurgentes feet cheering. Don’t miss her!” - chris B successful show twice every week! Puerto (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes) The amazing Diana Villamonte presents Vallarta has fallen in love with this smashing in the Romantic Zone on the south side “Motown and Beyond!” a musical tribute to the duo with the soft, and harmonious of town. Tel 222-1512. Tickets can be great ladies of Motown and Beyond, such as vocals. As soon as they open their mouths, purchased at www.act2pv.com box Diana Ross, Shirley Bassey, Whitney Houston, audiences are mesmerized. Daniel and Noemi office open daily at 10 a.m., and there Anita Ward, Etta James, Nina Simone, Aretha sing remastered arrangements of classic favorites, is a second box office across the street Franklin and Donna Summer! from bands such as Mamas and Papas, Abba, from Garbo’s on Pulpito Street. This young lady is one of the most talented Beatles, Journey, Cat Stevens, Culture Club, Air For more information or to buy tickets, people that has ever crossed our stage! After a Supply, and many more. People are raving about go to www.act2pv.com sold-out preview of her show this past summer, the absolute unique beauty of their sound. (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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A painter’s interest in pre-Hispanic Argentina, Costa Rica, Spain and Italy. pigments has led him on a path of It was in the latter country that Martínez rediscovery and international outreach. participated in an exhibit in September Alejandro Martínez Hernández, 46, with five other artists from Oaxaca. The began using the natural dye carmine almost Firenze Il Bisonte Foundation, an art 10 years ago, encouraging a resurgence center that specializes in printmaking, in interest in the pigment and the insect took note of his work and invited him to from which it is obtained, cochineal give a workshop. (Dactylopius coccus). Martínez will be going back to Italy in Cochineal carmine used to be the November, taking his cochineal pigments second most valuable export from colonial and teaching young artists about their use. Mexico, second only to silver. But the The fall art courses will be a continuation growth in popularity of commercial of Martínez’s rediscovery of cochineal. synthetic red dyes in modern times meant In Oaxaca, he leads a collective and a drastic drop in demand for the natural workshop known as El Espacio de product. However, its harvest in Oaxaca, where Martínez can now produce the bright shades Sabina, where he teaches courses on the use of it feeds on the moisture and nutrients of nopal of red that made cochineal a pricey product the natural dye. cactus, has continued. in the past, along with equally vibrant violets The space also serves as a gallery, where his A native of the state, Martínez not only and pinks, shades of orange and even of grey, work can be bought. “I like it that those who rediscovered the dye and began using it in his through the use of solvents. buy my work can also watch the process, and art but he tried incorporating various additives, Martínez’s cochineal creations have earned understand why I paint with what I paint,” he through which he has been able to develop 15 him recognition in Mexico and abroad, told the newspaper El Universal. different tones. reaching exhibition spaces in the United States, (Sources: mexiconesdaily.com, El Universal) (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Map) on Central number (See location

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Paul Fracassi, one of Act II’s It’s a real treat to have him back for most popular and talented artists, the winter.” - Bob Hirsh returns to Act II for his fourth “Oh what a night “was the consecutive year, after a record- perfect ending to another stellar breaking season last winter! His performance by Paul Fracassi. Oh very popular shows, Legends, what a show ....giving, at its best. Walk Like a Man and 20th Century Paul and Camilla gave their all and Crooners, sold more tickets than then some in this very high energy any other performer in Vallarta production. The audience was history! Paul is the consummate on top of the world thoroughly engaged and the evening th performer. He bounds onto the stage in his 4 season culminated in many enthusiastic fans and effortlessly reaches soaring performing in joining Paul and Camilla on stage, high notes that send chills and thrills The Red Room driven by the fervor of the moment throughout his audience. He has at Act II Stages ....of course I was among them. added new excitement to his shows All the proceeds from the house with backup singers and Vegas-style seats as well as generous donations costumes that truly complement his throughout the evening went toward engaging delivery. brightening the holidays through This “Jersey Kid” from Toronto, purchasing gifts for children and Canada, managed to create a big women in the shelter. I keep saying fuss up in Canada as a finalist in how proud I am to be part of such “Canadian Idol.” Shortly thereafter, a giving community... tonight he created a “big fuss” in Puerto was just another such example. Vallarta, too, as we fell in love Not only did Paul donate every with this wonderful, new singing single peso to the cause, but also sensation! Legends of the 50’s and a very generous audience member 60’s is a stunning tribute to some of matched everything. “Oh what a his favorite singers, including Elvis, night indeed”! I urge everyone to Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Davy see this.” - Georgia Darehshori Jones, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, “Paul Fracassi did his show at The Roy Orbison and more. You will Red Room Cabaret … New songs, definitely find yourself singing along original songs that he has written and swaying in your seat to this followed by Roy Orbison tribute. A great evening. Act II Stages and some of the best voice I have memorable music! High energy performer, good value nailed it with Paul!” heard from Paul Fracassi, ever. He And… with a change in schedule for the entertainment and venue…” 5 Stars – TripAdvisor – “Paul was totally in his element showing to start the New Year, Paul will - Lawrence N, TripAdvisor 12/4/17 Fracassi deserves special attention. the showmanship that he offers add a brand new show, a tribute to “Last year we were told to go His show Walk Like A Man takes every show. BUT tonight was even the music of the Bee Gees, Stayin’ to see Paul Fracassi... We were you to an era of never to be forgotten more special because this lovely, Alive! Watch this space. thoroughly entertained from start to “golden oldies” was good, but Paul caring man, gave every peso of his Paul’s shows sell out quickly, so finish. He not only has a fabulous hits the notes even better! He has us evening to the Banderas Women’s it’s a good idea to get your tickets voice, but also has an uncanny dancing in our seats. His next show Shelter… People were dancing on now. Read what people are saying ability to draw the entire audience The Crooners is a must for us... stage and the whole The Red Room about him… in... my only complaint is that it the American Songbook of great Cabaret was rocking and singing didn’t last longer!” - TripAdvisor classics. The Red Room cabaret and clapping… Paul Fracassi is an “Paul Fracassi does an amazing 5 Stars – TripAdvisor – “Attended setting takes you nearly on stage Entertainer’s Entertainer, his music performance of Frankie Valli. His this show last night and I must say and has a great sound system. With came from the heart and he showed voice is spectacular and he has the it was like slipping back to the early two fabulous background singers it so brightly tonight. Enough from dance moves down pat. A great show. 60’s. Paul has an air about the way it’s a memorable evening for the me, go see his 2 shows weekly, Have always enjoyed the entertainment he comes across on stage. He is 60’s show.” “20th Century Crooners” and “Walk at Act II. Great staff, excellent venue funny, has a great voice & really 5 Stars – TripAdvisor – “Saw Paul Like a Man”, both at 7:30 at The and a wonderful night out.” - MacInk, brings the Four Seasons to life. He Fracassi last night at Act II Stages, Red Room Cabaret . “Oh What A TripAdvisor 12/5/17 also has another show 20th Century he sang better than ever. If you’re in Night! – David Wilhoit “Fun evening of music in a Crooners on Sunday night & we PV, you should not miss any of his (See Act II pages in this issue comfortable small theatre/cabaret will attend it also. Paul is a “must shows each week. He is as close to for location, schedule, Frankie Valli as anyone I’ve seen!

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A Musical Comedy Fiction Horror Stage Play Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – 7 p.m.

“The Most successful show in our 5 seasons” - Danny Mininni “This is my third time, coming again next week” - Katie, PV Resident. “The best show yet in PV. Great cast and show! - Doug Thiel, Sr., Puerto Vallarta Rocky Horror Picture show is Playing at the Act II Entertainment complex. Get your tickets now at www.act2pv.com Act II’s newest stage play, “The Rocky Horror Show,” is now playing In a first rate performance worthy of Broadway, lead Gabe to packed audiences and rave reviews! This ultra-campy cult classic has Arciniega was obviously born to play the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. taken Vallarta by storm and is a humorous tribute to the science fiction Act II is a beautiful venue .. go enjoy a cocktail or two in the bar and horror B movies of the late 1940s through the early 1970’s! before the show and you’ll meet some of the nicest people in town. It tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm And after the show you exit onto Basilio Badillo, the main street of and finding themselves at the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr. the Romantic Zone, with any number of bars/restaurants to enjoy.” - Frank N. Furter. Jack, PV resident “Rocky Horror Show” is hilarious, gripping and haunting, all at the “What a fun and zany production of the Rocky Horror Show! same time. Many in the audiences have come clad in their favorite Loads of laughs with great singing, acting, dancing, costumes, and cult “Rocky” garb, and everyone loves the audience participation of a superb Frank-N-Furter. If you are familiar with this cult classic shout-outs and props! This incredible show is directed by the amazing movie, this is a must see!” - DeanMcIntyre, TripAdvisor 12/3/17 and talented Alfonso López, with choreography by Kami Desilets. “We live in the area, and this was the first show we had seen at Act This is a “must see” event in Puerto Vallarta! After you have seen it II. It was AMAZING! The whole experience was excellent - easy once, you will talk about it for the rest of your life! online ticket purchase, great seats, great drinks and service, and most Vallarta has fallen in love with the “Rocky Horror Show”…. Again! importantly a world-class production of our favorite musical of all time! The actors were fabulous - great performers and singers; the More great reviews thise week… costumes and stages were very well done; the whole experience was “a Night Out” we will remember for a long time! We loved that 5 stars TripAdvisor - “Attended the live theater production of The the whole cast was in the lobby after curtain call to say hi and take Rocky Horror Show and it didn’t disappoint. The cast is talented and photos, and there was a beautiful cabaret-style piano bar on the other well directed. Audience participation is encouraged and makes for side of the theater to enjoy a drink after. a very fun time. 2 complaints that can be easily resolved: premium We will be back to see this performance again, as well as others at seats were purchased (first 5 rows) but those seats were already filled Act II!!” - AndreaV, TripAdvisor 12/3/17 due to the seating process and drink servers can be an obstruction “So much fun! Gabe Arciniega was born to play Frankenfurter! and distraction during the performance. Despite these two issues, we The energy was fantastic! Go see this show!” - Thomas Carroll, highly recommend.” - 4everjung, Placerville, California Puerto Vallarta 5 stars TripAdvisor - “Act II is known for having some of the best “Small, intimate, theater experience. I did not know what to entertainment in town. As an expat living here for the past three expect, but was beyond surprised and happy at the quality of the years I’ve seen quite a few entertaining shows here. I can honestly performers ...especially Gabe Arciniega as Dr. Frank N. Furter, Maria say this show is OUTSTANDING! Rose as Magenta and Kami Desilets as Columbia. Gabe gave life to the character. We all make comparisons to the iconic Tim Curry performance in the film version of the musical, but I was so happy to see an actor go all out owning the sweet transvestite role. I gave him a big, sweaty hug as I exited the theater. The show is playing through December, so if you find yourself in PV before the show closes, please do yourself and favor and go see it.” - David GO1, TripAdvisor 12/4/17 “More than Awesome. Alfonso López does it again. Another hit show and a cast of wonders.” - David Wilhoit, Puerto Vallarta “It was such fun! Congratulations Danny and all the cast onstage and back. Also loved the theatre revamp (especially the new

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fund managers were getting away with financial murder. Now it appears there is not one thing in this 1,000-page bill that changes any Joe Harrington of those shenanigans, but what did creep in is a boon for those who hold a real estate LLC that will vastly impact people like Trump and his tax obligation – or should I write MOVIES: This is a great movie – in this movie than in any of the three diminishing tax obligation. And yet worthy of being up there with the best prequels, but the film is hell bent on he still states with a straight face that of this franchise. It may be me, but presenting its good things in the worst he will get killed economically over the one thing I felt was off were the possible light.” this tax reform. space battles. Maybe becoming jaded Very rare for the audience to be That LLC stands for limited liability that they all seem the same. But the more critical than the critics, they are corporation. It means most of those ground battles in this? Sensational. usually more forgiving, but this is – millions of people loosing their health involved are not involved if a law suit The one at the end was spectacular. after all – the holy grail of franchises. insurance? The politicians who have happens. Back to Citizens United and Creative, funny in places, visually This movie is certainly worth the this signature of Obama’s reign its corporations are people. My wife stunning. I was floored by the white price of admission and this type flick couldn’t get rid of the thing with a and I are people – if all corporations ground, not snow, rather more like views better on a gigantic screen than repeal and replace so now are gutting are people doesn’t that mean all a thin covering of salt, that when a small one. its funding to make sure it will fail. people are corporations? Makes as touched explodes into crimson. MADNESS: Writing this on Then wait for POTUS to claim that much sense as the Supreme Court’s Mark Hamill does a good job, Sunday, by the time you read this the he knew Obama Care would fail all ruling. Why can’t us people have Carrie Fischer, God rest her soul, tax bill will or not will have passed. along and had predicted same. This something like an LLC marriage? does a great one. Across the board This bill was cobbled together last would be like me having a neighbor If the mate screws up, why should the young talent was up to the old Friday late and the final draft is 1,000 with an annoying dog who barked my assets get threatened? Because talent. The music was more of the pages long. So much for simplifying all the time. I tell the neighbor the people and corporations are not the same that rolls through all eight of the tax code. And also, so much dog looks sick. But it doesn’t die same, no matter how five of nine this franchise’s films. This received for letting anyone have the time to and keeps on barking. So I shoot the black-robed top-of-the-heap judges a 93% on the Rotten Tomatoes Meter carefully review that wad of legal tax animal and claim, “See, I was right, I rule otherwise. from top critics and a mysterious attorney mumble jumbo – no, gotta knew it was going to die.” 55% from the paying audience. hurry up a vote. I have no idea on The way this tax bill is written, it One example from a paying writing this to make my deadline appears to be front loaded so most audience member – V.R. wrote: “In whether the thing passed or not – but people will actually see a bit next The Last Jedi, movie magic has been would bet beer to peanuts that it did year. But then, for most of us, it will Joe Harrington replaced by hocus pocus. Or perhaps pass = 51 to 49. start evaporating like it was written in even mumbo jumbo – never has the One of the interesting points in invisible ink – at least the part involving Is an internationally published author and documentary film director. He can be this is getting rid of the mandate real people – the corporations’ part is eastern-western pop psychology of reached with suggestions or criticisms at the franchise rung so low.” What the for The Affordable Care Act. What chiseled in granite. [email protected]. heck, one more: Tim B. wrote: “More does that have to do with jobs and During the campaign, over and Artwork by Bob Crabb. good things than bad things happen tax deductions or anything besides over, Trump proclaimed that hedge (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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salary), drawing and painting all the while, as a function of his being. Still undecided as to what to do, Efren was offered a grant to study art at a small college in Maryland. He made the most of the opportunity. More than anything he learned there, he was enriched by seeing in person, great works he had only admired in books. One year later, he returned to Ajijic and took up his brush. proudly presents: Leaving the hardships of the days when he peddled his work himself, Efren is now sought after by galleries across North America. A prodigious painter in all media: watercolor, pastel and acrylic, but oil is his preferred medium. Efren participated in the famous Neil James art program in Ajijic. He studied with various artists: Antonio Cardenas; International Friday, December 29th painter, B.R. Kline; watercolorist. Luis Eduardo Gonzalez; sculptor Kent Clark and Cocktails 6 to 10 p.m. etching master, Juan Navarro. Efren’s paintings depict the things he Efren Gonzalez resides in Ajijic (his sees in everyday life – the colorful people birth place) with his family, in a home and landscape of his beloved Mexico. He he built entirely from the sale of his is equally well known as a muralist having paintings. For years he struggled with completed his first intricate mural in the the dream of living and supporting his 90’s and since then many more in his family from his art; a dream he realized beloved Ajijic. Efren will be painting in every day, brick by brick. Born on June the gallery several days before his show, so 1, 1972, this 45-year-old, impassioned, please come meet this talented young man. local talent, stands out even in the Since his show at Galleria Dante last pantheon of Lakeside greats. His December, Efren has had a busy year. He paintings are intensely alive, full of started 2017 by giving painting classes color, meaning and insights into Mexico. in Ajijic, Manzanillo, Melaque, and La “Art started with a pencil,” Efren says, Manzanilla. He created & installed a “almost as soon as I could hold it,” and ceramic mural in Coyoacán in Mexico despite a few short detours, the journey City. Then he exhibited in Houston and to becoming a “working” artist began Austin. He traveIed to Petaluma, CA, to early. Efren grew up in Ajijic, winning take oil classes from Camille Przewodek. local and regional drawing competitions He was invited to give watercolor classes to as early as primary school. Although he a small group in Portugal on a month-long preferred art to math and chemistry in trip around the country. He just returned high school, he still didn’t know that one in early December from Chicago where he day it would be his career. Sometimes, exhibited at the UNAM campus, Chicago. he still lacks confidence, he admits. After his exhibit here, he has a programmed After high school, Efren started out exhibition in La Manzanilla and will finish studying Architecture and then Plastic his season with an exhibition in Austin, Arts, but shortly found that he hadn’t TX. He is also negotiating to work with the patience for either. What career a gallery in Toronto and an exhibition at would suit him best? He had worked in UNAM Ottawa, Canada. Come meet this restaurants, factories, and as a translator, talented artist on Friday, December 29th! but only to gain his daily bread (his Cocktails 6 to 10 p.m. (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Come meet Marc at Galleria Dante, 269 Basilio Badillo. Or check out our web site at www.galleriadante.com 22 29

Friday, December 29th, at Galeria Contempo

FAVELA paints with so much joy, poetry coastal beings. Here, there is no room for although an initial revision of his thematic and and beauty, it gives one a sense of complete intermediate sensations. Like his palette of formal approach might suggest he is. I have amazement, along with his very subtle sense colors -primary colors without blending or mentioned that Favela’s work has no hidden of humor. shades or transparencies- Favela’s canvases message. However, there is a discourse that Women dancing in immense ballrooms; pay tribute to that fresh outlook which helps can be read between the lines. It is captivating sailors in an improbable musical; musicians us reconcile ourselves with our existence. It is how he shows us his inner convictions in who carouse rather than suffer the adversities his vision, and he transmits it with contagious such an indirect form: mischievous, playful of their trade; young men of innocent beauty; delight. and even naughty. There is a kind of benign young women of natural lasciviousness; But make no mistake. The colors may be subversiveness to it all. beloved objects; furniture, plants, trees, the primary, the discourse basic and the outlook When we evaluate the paintings, one by one embracing landscape and the ever-present fresh - in fact, these paintings come close to or as a group, we discover a true idiosyncrasy fauna. Always the dogs; noble and sleepy re-creating the innocence of the idyll, the and a unique, very personal character. This in control of the situation, of any situation. pastoral poem or the still unsullied Garden of painter detests complexity and that is what Dogs who are eye-witnesses, companions, Eden. But Abelardo Favela is not innocent, defines his work, from the composition to complements to human life, pharaohs in their the thematic content: the circumstances of realm of overstuffed beds and imperial thrones. the characters, both animal and human, the Dogs who come and go; dogs who stay or women and their surroundings, their figures… leave, but never cease to be the measure of our He is an artist who has an inner innocence, passage through the world. his paintings are big, open luminous work, They are all scenes of joy, plain and simple, with an imperceptible unity building one with lighthearted and carefree, full of charm and self the other. –confidence: joie de vivre in its purest form. They have no nationality, one does not worry These elements – with all their substance and about their geographic origin, the women significance – are the essence of ABELARDO could be Scandinavian “manolas”; the nudes FAVELA’S paintings. reflect liberty and delirious lightness. A vital, congenial atmosphere emanates Abelardo Favela is a man of natural wisdom, from every piece. There is neither turmoil nor and with no need to cite Flaubert, he proceeds distress here, nor any terrible hidden message. in that same spirit and communicates his Not even the slight melancholy of Gauguin’s wisdom to us with great passion.

The artist will be present at Galeria Contempo for his opening reception on Friday the 29th of December from 6 to 10 p.m.

(See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Galeria Contempo is located at 252 Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone. Phone: 223-1925 www.Galeriacontempo.com 23 30

This past week’s been a whirlwind – fundraisers, live theater, a tear-jerking opera Anna Reisman from the Royal Opera House in London, England, traffic to drive any so-called normal person nuts, and so on and so forth… Record held by Germany. I say that because I know that it should be the the organizers categorically refused to publish season to be jolly, but unless or promote anything in English. Anyway, that’s you’re indoors, it’s not so just my opinion. Now they’re looking at some easy. Actually, the bedlam on the city’s streets time in February. is understandable if we consider the fact that Did you all celebrate the Winter Solstice on many drivers never took a driving test prior Thursday, December 21st? It was the day with to acquiring their permits. And bus drivers the least amount of possible daylight hours and slaughtered so the animals did not need to be continue to stop in the middle of intersections to the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. fed through the winter, and wine and beer made let off tourists and their luggage, causing rather From now on, the days will grow longer and the previously had finally fermented.” Eeeuwww! irritating gridlocks. Oh well, doesn’t help to nights shorter. Definitely cause for celebration, For astrologers, the 21st also marks the complain, so I’ll stop here. don’t you think? But why was the winter solstice beginning of Capricorn’s turn to lead the zodiac. So they postponed that whole Coffee Fest a big deal for the folks who built Stonehenge? So, as a Capricorn, I wish everyone a most Merry event. They claimed they did that because Here’s what Teresa Wilson of the American Christmas, and a wonderfully serendipitous of the that fell on the 17th. Personally, I Astronomical Society explained: “While the week, filled with joyous experiences and don’t think that they could have gotten 10,000 summer solstice draws a larger crowd, the discoveries, good health and lots of love. Until people to drink coffee at the same time on the winter solstice may have been more important next time, may your Mirror always reflect a Malecon in order to break the Guinness World to the ancient builders. At this time, cattle were happy, healthy you! [email protected] (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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Cindy Alpenia

Louise Yim It was mid-December, 1986, about a month after opening Archie’s Wok, when Simultaneously, I struggled, the request came in to prepare a table for carrying my perrita, Chihuahua six for Hollywood director John Huston Paulina, while grasping a and his family. Angelica, Tony, Danny, heavy load of 4 dozen plump Allegra and Danny’s mother Zoe had come south to join him for his last holiday mandarins contained in a black season in Playa Caletas and Puerto garbage bag which I had bought Vallarta, before his return to the United for Friday night’s Posada! States. The family was collaborating on On a hot and sunny Thursday what was to be his final film, The Dead, afternoon, from the Baca market, from the James Joyce story, with his son this señora for whom a long Tony writing the screenplay, and daughter Angelica cast in the leading walk with doggie and parcels female role. This would be an epiphany for their family. usually poses little challenge, It was an unusually cold night in Puerto Vallarta, uncomfortable for had no choice but to take a taxi John, who had been suffering from a medley of pulmonary discomforts. back to the condo. As per usual, As the family took their places at the table, a chilling, fierce Dublin wind I chose the front seat beside the suddenly whipped in through the back window. Like silent dervishes, driver. (Just not up for the back Thus began a very pleasant the family spun around the table to protect their father. They shrouded seat, to be a chauffeured Miss and respectful conversation John in a tablecloth. We tied tablecloths to the grillwork to cover the Daisy!) between the cab driver and me. back window, which could not be closed in those days. We served them The driver was rather taken The rest of the ride was hot toddies, hot and sour soup… everything hot. aback as I entered the door with amicable and lively as have been A solemn sense of the impermanence of shared family life, and of life Paulina tucked under my arm, my previous taxi experiences at all, settled in on the family table. The moment was transcendent. along with the huge bundle with drivers with whom I enjoy And then it was over. In an unexpected move from another table, which I placed on the floor chit chatting. Mr. Gary, Sergio’s 3rd grade schoolteacher, swooped in like a chattering between my feet. Suspiciously, I have found PV taxi drivers parrot, overly excited to finally meet his idol, John Huston. John was the baffled driver inquired, to be knowledgeable, articulate, professionally accommodating, but if looks were deadly weapons, the “Señora, what you got?” objective and courteous. A cab rest of his family would have committed mortal crime against Mr. Gary Mistakenly, I thought he was ride and conversation with the in the blink of an eye. Archie, with professional restraint, smoothly referring to cute little Paulina driver is another of the many ushered him back to his table, from which he continued to eavesdrop on rolled in a ball on my lap. routes and resources to learn the Huston family affairs. I proceeded to share about a culture and its people. Even in our small restaurant, on a cold and windy night, in the still everything he probably didn’t Taxi or hoof it; so many relatively unknown Puerto Vallarta of the 1980’s, there was no privacy for want to know about Paulina, wonderful and delightful the famous. I bow to the memory of John Huston, eloquent and gracious. including her recent trip to the experiences abound in PV! vet, her ear infection, luxating That’s what I love about patellas, medical treatments. living here. In a taxi or walking Perhaps, what the Señor really the streets, each day sparks a wanted to know was the nature human interaction, most often of the contents in the suspicious with strangers, accompanied by black garbage bag. an exchange of smiles, simple He never did indicate what he greetings, a giggle/a laugh, or may have suspected. Though a full-fledged conversation in curious as to what his conjecture one’s choice, Spanish, English might be, I hesitated to ask. I or Spanglish! did, however, reach into the Definitely, human experience bag and offer the gentleman a at its finest! mandarin. Map) on Central number (See location 12 32

Zona Romantica’s newest dining experience

The rich traditions of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Chef Andreas Fischer uses his classical Zone were further enhanced in November, 2017 European culinary training and interest in when Azafran Restaurant & Bar opened its doors unique local ingredients to provide new twists at the corner of Olas Altas and Rodolfo Gomez. on old favorites. Trained at some of the finest Azafran offers the 3 necessary elements for a great establishments in Germany and Switzerland, dining experience: Wonderful food, marvelous Chef Andreas has called Puerto Vallarta home service and a memorable setting. since 2016. He’s designed the menu to simplify sharing of appetizers and main courses, thus making it easy to try more of the amazing dishes. In addition to the regular menu, there is a Chef’s Special featuring two courses for $290. Pesos or 3 courses for $390. Pesos. Quality and value have never tasted better! Gerwin Rutten, Azafran’s Manager, has been a frequent visitor to Puerto Vallarta and, as of 2017, now calls this home. Having owned and operated a “Relais & Chateau’ hotel and restaurant in France for over 10 years, his commitment to service excellence is unmatched. Proficient in a number of languages, Gerwin will ensure that your Azafran experience is comfortable and satisfying. The restaurant features an outdoor wrap-around terrace that’s perfect for al fresco dining and people watching. If you prefer an air-conditioned indoor experience, Azafran can accommodate your desire. Reserve your table as soon as possible for our holiday dinners featuring live music. Christmas dinner will be available December 24 and 25 and be offered as 3, 4 or 5 courses. Both the Christmas menus and our New Year’s Eve dinner menu can be found at www.azafran.com Reservations are available on line at our website or by calling 223-2060. Azafran is open 7 nights a week with service from 6 to 11 p.m.

(See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Come join us for a truly memorable dining experience! 33 33

“Do they have to be married to each “Free Taco Permit,” he said. “Four other?” I asked. million pesos. We only accept cash. “What do you mean?” “Next!” Meanwhile, I’ll have two quesadillas Gil Gevins My next customer was a young and a coke.” man who looked almost normal. “I’m Fortunately, I had hired “security” getting married,” he told me, “and I for the event, a pair of actual gorillas. want to give one of your books to all my “Mumbo!” I yelled. “Jumbo! Throw By the time you read this, the book Alberta, Canada. He was holding a wedding guests. So I need forty books.” this bum out!” signing party will be over. For better copy of the PV Mirror in his hand. “Fan-tastic!” I said, grabbing forty The gorillas, wearing cowboy hats, or worse. The night before the event “How many books would you like books and putting them on the desk. sporting tiny handguns and riding I had the worst nightmare. Ordinarily, me to sign?” I asked hopefully. “Could you sign each one to a to the rescue on a horse, rolled the I don’t pay much attention to my “Oh, I can’t really afford a book,” different person?” he asked. inspector up into a ball and “bowled” dreams, but this one was so horrific it he said. “I was wondering, since this “Of course! That’s what a book him out the door. sent me rushing to Dr. Mendoza for a is a signing, if you could sign this signing is all about. What’s the first “Next!” “Hi!” a man holding six dosage adjustment. newspaper for me.” person’s name?” copies of the PV Mirror said. “I’m The problem at the book signing was “You want me to sign a newspaper?” “Dave. After that, please write, ‘I your number one fan!” not a lack of attendees. There were, “Yes, I always read your column. know we may have had our differences “Are you related to Kathy Bates?” in fact, too many people. They kept Right under your name, please. in the past. And I know you wanted “I never miss a column!” he cramming themselves into my wife’s And could you make your signature to marry Nancy yourself. And I didn’t declared. “That’s nice. Would you small shop like Tokyo commuters legible? Some writers have the worst particularly appreciate you posting those like to buy a book?” at rush-hour. Before long, everyone handwriting.” photos on Instagram of me with all those “No, I don’t read books, but I would was frozen in place: Retail Gridlock: For a moment, all I could do was prostitutes at my bachelor party. But I like you to sign these newspapers. Right wall-to-wall humanity. People were stare in disbelief. Then I said, “Of feel that, if we both make an…’” under your byline, if you don’t mind.” growing faint from lack of oxygen. course. That’s why I spent four years “Stop!” I cried. “What’s wrong?” “Gee, I’m so sorry,” I said. “This is I took a peek out the window. A writing this book, so I could give you a “Do you want me to write this much a book signing. The free newspaper dozen people were standing on the free autograph on a free newspaper, so in every book I sign?” signing isn’t until tomorrow.” sidewalk frantically waving twenty- as to eliminate the necessity of placing “Yes. You see, this marriage has “Oh, no problem,” the man said. dollar bills at me. Meanwhile, inside your hand in painful proximity to your created a lot of controversy. My new “Will it be here, too?” the store, I was being accosted by one wallet.” mother-in law, for example? Well, “Naturally. Just come by any time person after another who did not speak The man, somewhat confused, she’s a nice woman, but we’ve had a after midnight. Next!” English! I asked one man, a Señor handed me the paper, and I signed few issues in the past, like her claim Mendoza, what he was doing at an it. Naturally, he had to inspect the that I got her pregnant, and I’d…” “Next!” English language book signing. signature for neatness. “You signed Gil Gevins “Where are the free tacos?” he replied. this…” he gasped. “You signed it, Finally, I sold several books without Is the author of four hilarious books Marilyn Monroe!” incident. Things were picking up. “Like they said in the newspaper.” (with a fifth one coming soon), including A line of people with money in their “What newspaper?” I demanded. “I know. I couldn’t remember how his cult-classic, PUERTO VALLARTA ON “The Bus Driver’s Monthly,” he to spell Liza Minelli. Next!” hands had formed at the desk. 49 BRAIN CELLS A DAY. Signed copies of replied. My next customer actually wanted Then a city inspector showed up and all Gil’s books are available at LUCY’S CUCU The newspaper must have had quite to buy a book. I nearly had a stroke. asked me for my permit. CABAÑA, located at 295 Basilio Badillo, the circulation, because at this point “Could you inscribe it to my brother?” “What permit?” or as E-Books on Amazon. the only people inside the shop who he asked. His name is Kolten.” could speak (or read) English were “Of course,” I replied. “Is that with myself and my wife. So I did the only a C or a K?” thing I could. I stood up and shouted “You don’t know how to spell Kolten? in Spanish, “There are no free tacos And you call yourself a writer?” here! They made a mistake! The free “Sorry. So, I guess it’s with a C?” tacos are across the street at…” “No, you moron, it’s with a K!” The entire store emptied instantly, My next customer was a woman a tidal wave of humanity, taking out from Alabama. “Does this book have pedestrians, churro vendors, burros any sex in it?” she wanted to know. and utility poles. The vacuum thus “That depends,” I said. “Are you created was filled instantly by all for sex, or against it?” the people on the sidewalk (many “Against!” she said. “Unless it’s of whom spoke English) who came consecutive sex between a married rushing inside. The first person to man and woman for the purposes of Map) on Central number (See location approach my desk was a man from procrastination.” 18 34

In situations of family violence, Our feelings may return or become often times the perpetrator of abuse stronger and more difficult to manage. and violence tend to escalate during the We may feel extremely sad, and holidays creating a tense sometimes struggle to enjoy the holidays, or Giselle Bellanger RN, LCSW dangerous family environment. we may believe that we shouldn’t Needless to say, the holiday celebration be joyful or celebrating without that is ruined and the family is in chaos and person in our lives. crisis once again. The abuse cycle is The circumstances of their death How is everyone doing now that the It can be so annoying to become the often followed by profuse apologies, usually trigger certain emotions which holiday season is upon us? little brother again or the one everyone his pleading for forgiveness and his we relive, such as anger and frustration I imagine that there are a variety picks on or blames for everything. wife struggling to give him another at the disease that killed them and the of ways the upcoming holidays are Of course, this becomes even more opportunity or decide whether she has medicine that didn’t save them, or the impacting each of you. Some may be complicated when spouses and had enough. person who caused the tragic accident, spending it away from family either children are brought into the mix. Now In these cases, the holidays or at them for their refusal to stop by choice or circumstance, and some watch the family dynamics change! represent turmoil and uncertainty drinking or drugging or their refusal to may be enthusiastically preparing to The holidays can be very difficult and are anything but happy. Not only change bad habits in order to improve a celebrate and gather together with and challenging. They can trigger is the immediate family (spouse and chronic health condition. We may feel family and/or friends, while others are old memories, provoke painful children) greatly affected, so is the powerless that we couldn’t save them, dreading it, thinking of ways to avoid emotions that are often very difficult extended family (in-laws) and family or maybe guilty because we didn’t see it, wishing it would just go away. or impossible to manage, and of origin (parents and siblings). They them often enough or say “I love you” No matter what, we all have holiday sometimes lead to crises. This is have to decide to go ahead with the often enough. memories, some more pleasant than particularly true for individuals and gathering or avoid you at all costs. Some of you may be suffering others, and experiences filled with families who are unstable, volatile, in Should they just exclude you but an impending loss. You may be traditions that we can’t wait to pass on chaos, arguing, separated, or grieving. include your spouse and children? letting go of a loved one now. Your or that we hope to never repeat. Families struggling and suffering with Should they hope everything will holidays are certainly not the same Family gatherings addiction, abuse and violence, divorce, calm down and be alright? Should and you know you will never be the No matter if we are looking forward or death are particularly stricken and they pretend like nothing happened? same again either. The person who to it or not, getting together with family impacted around the holidays. Is there something they can do, if so is dying also knows that this is their for the holidays automatically throws …Turmoil and uncertainty what? What boundaries and limits are last holiday or large family gathering. us into old familiar roles and family Addiction is a very powerful they going to set? They know they will never have any dynamics. Some of us are more aware disease that takes complete control Divorce, especially in the first of this again and can only be grateful than others that this is happening and over a person’s life and consequently year or two is challenging because for the times they did share with can manage it somewhat, while others grossly impacts the lives of the people everyone is struggling to adapt to new family and friends. They know they are blindsided every time or they know close to them; their spouse, children, situations, which demand compromise are leaving everyone behind. They are it’s coming and just prepare for the parents, or friends. The destruction and flexibility. The original family keenly aware of all their children or worst, knowing there’s no way to stop is widespread. Problems seem to unit is lost. The children, no matter grandchildren’s upcoming events that it. Others might rather enjoy it because become exacerbated around the how old or young, are forced to they will never attend. This holiday it works for them; it’s comfortable and holidays; an actively using addict may accept that things are not the same. probably means more to them than it still gets the results they like and are increase their alcohol/drug use and an They usually have to split their ever before. Everything, including used to. Your siblings may not agree addict in sobriety and recovery may time between their parents and their time, has become so precious. and may feel like “here we go again”. be at high risk for relapsing. respective extended families. One I wish you all peace and thing is for sure; it will never be the tranquility, joy and laughter, and same. Some children adapt and some may you be surrounded by love rebel. Some are struggling to get to from family and friends. Happy know and accept their parent’s new Thanksgiving! partner and possible step-siblings. There is usually a great deal of confusion, resentment, not feeling considered or important, and possibly some rejection and abandonment. When we suffer a loss (death), Giselle Belanger the holidays are filled with powerful RN, LCSW (psychotherapist) is available memories. We feel the emptiness all for appointments in person, by phone, over again; it becomes very apparent or by skype webcam. Contact info: that the person is no longer with us. [email protected] Mex cell: We grieve again. 044 (322) 138-9552 or US cell: (312) 914-5203 35

Treatment 1: Eliminate the causes (Lyme disease, mycoplasma, heavy metals, chemicals, root canals, mercury Jake Ames MD, HMD amalgam dental fillings, etc) 2: Cure any food allergies An autoimmune disease is a and molds can change the outside 3: EDTA and DMPS chelation condition arising from an abnormal of your cells, so your cells look 4: Low dose corticosteroids if need immune response to cells, tissues, foreign to your immune system. 5: Aspirin or Non-steroidal anti- and organs in the body. There Then the immune system thinks inflammatory drugs are over 81 types of autoimmune it’s doing its job in eradicating the 6: High Dose IV Vitamin C diseases. Almost any body part can foreign invader. 7: Ozone therapy be involved. Common symptoms Environmental triggers or insults 8: Dr. Kwasniewski’s ketogenic diet include low-grade fever, myalgia, are the other causes of autoimmune 9: 100% elimination of gluten arthralgia, fatigue, and rashes. diseases. This may be mercury, He needs a thorough list of the 10: Episodic urine fasting These symptoms may wax and vaccines, infectious organisms (Lyme patient’s complaints. according to Armstrong (Book: wane. Autoimmune diseases disease, Mycoplasma), chemicals, Blood tests should include a The Water of Life) usually happen after age 20, with viruses, root canal teeth, etc. complete chemistry panel including 11: Colon Hydrotherapy few exceptions, such as Juvenile Some common diseases the lipid panel, complete blood 12: FAR IR Sauna Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is that are generally considered count (CBC), urinalysis, ESR, 13: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) thought to be caused by an infection autoimmune include celiac disease, fibrinogen, CRP-HS, complete 14: Emotional Release Therapies from the tick that causes Lyme diabetes mellitus type 1, Graves’ thyroid hormone panel, thyroid disease. disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autoantibodies, and an antinuclear Around 50 million people in the inflammatory bowel disease, antibody test (ANA) with reflex United States are affected by an multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, (reflex is when the lab checks autoimmune disease. Women are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus for specific tests for the common more commonly affected than men. erythematosus, and alopecia areata. autoimmune diseases). Zoli Autoimmune diseases are among Physicians should ask the patient Hargitai, Etiology the leading causes of death among if they have or ever had mercury owner / founder of There are many causes of women in the United States in all amalgam dental fillings and root The Holistic autoimmune diseases, but your age groups up to 65 years. canals. The physician should Bio Spa genetics plays a part if you will get examine the patient’s teeth and gums. an autoimmune disease. The human Diagnosis The physician needs to zero in The Holistic Bio Spa leukocyte antigen (HLA) system Diagnosing autoimmune diseases which further tests to order if the Is located in Plaza Marina, Local B-10. or complex is a gene complex can be difficult. The physician reflex is negative, but there is still Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. located on chromosome 6 which is must take a detailed life history up a positive ANA. He needs to find to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. involved in autoimmune diseases. to present time. He should ask if which organ(s) are affected and Tel: 221-1607. Mercury, other heavy metals, there is a family history of thyroid know which autoimmune disease www.holisticbiospa.com chemicals, some, bacteria, viruses, disease and autoimmune diseases. affects that organ. Email: [email protected]

Eye exam and lens tting by specialists Contact lenses and Large collection of modern European frames We are your best option in quality and prices! Francisco I. Madero #396 (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location EXPRESS SERVICE (Corner of Aguacate) 15 Tel. (322) 223 2995 [email protected] 36

for good mental health. Self- acceptance involves self- understanding, a realistic, albeit Krystal Frost subjective, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Self- acceptance does not mean that you accept what you are and do nothing to change and improve. It does However, the good thing is, while not mean accepting your fate and walking to the Lincoln Center alone, life as it is. Becoming aware and in one of those perfect spring days in acknowledging your behavior, habits Manhattan, I was hit with a Cupid’s and your personality, and not being arrow and fell in love with myself, afraid to look at yourself as you are, is It happened that yesterday during a experiencing fulfillment, pure joy and an important step to self-acceptance. conversation with a close girlfriend, satisfaction with my own company, When you accept yourself as you are, she recalled a fond memory and me, myself and I. Ever since that you put yourself in a better position epiphany that went something like moment, my own company has been Mindfulness is a non-judgmental, to begin improving yourself. You can this. my best company and has brought receptive state of mind in which be sure there are life coaches, yoga “I had called my estranged me enormous relief in difficult times individuals observe their thoughts teachers, classes, workshops and all husband, who was living with his and situations.” and feelings as they are, without matter of information on how to… assistant, (for whom he had left That got me thinking... then, did a trying to suppress or deny them. All lead to (it seems) me) to invite him to a concert at the little Googgling on the subject, and a Self-esteem: In sociology and Self-Love, which has often been Lincoln Center in NYC. He would bunch of words popped up like: psychology, self-esteem reflects a seen as a moral flaw, akin to vanity call back and would try to get away Self-compassion is person’s overall subjective emotional and selfishness. However, in the from the other woman (new ball extending compassion to one’s self evaluation of his or her own worth. It last 50 years or so, the definition and chain)… He never called back. in instances of perceived inadequacy, is a judgment of oneself as well as an has changed thanks to modern failure, or general suffering. attitude toward the self. Possessing philosophers such as Erich Fromm There’s a bunch of information little self-regard can lead people to proposing that loving oneself is about self compassion, and even a become depressed, to fall short of different from being arrogant, scale of where one falls in the self- their potential, or to tolerate abusive conceited or egocentric, meaning compassion department, classes, situations and relationships. Too instead caring about oneself, and workshops, homework… wow... the much self-esteem, on the other hand, taking responsibility for oneself. list goes on. results in an off-putting sense of Fromm goes on to propose a re- Mindfulness: Self-compassion entitlement and an inability to learn evaluation of self-love in a positive requires taking a balanced approach from failures. sense, arguing that in order to be to one’s negative emotions so that Again, there’s tons of information able to truly love another person, a feelings are neither suppressed nor on how to handle self esteem, classes. person needs first to love oneself, in exaggerated. Negative thoughts Life coaches, workshops (yikes!) the way of respecting oneself, and and emotions are observed with Self-acceptance is an individual’s knowing oneself (e.g. being realistic openness, so that they are held in satisfaction or happiness with oneself, and honest about one’s strengths and mindful awareness. and is thought to be necessary weaknesses). Thats what they say… Psychology Today, Google... Wikipedia... I say, hey, I can take myself only so much... then I gotta go to a fantasy futuristic movie and hold hands with a loved one while eating forbidden foods… we call that being human.

Krystal Frost For questions and comments - Cell: 322 116-9645, Email: [email protected] 37

meeting, the owners can appoint their given a judicial and administrative power  own administrator. The meeting in of attorney to act for the owners.See that which the administrator is appointed the administrator fulfills his duties. Harriet Murray should be notarized. This gives the Meet with the administrator a administrator an official, legal identity minimum of once a month to receive a to perform his/her duties. A power of report on the status of the condominium. attorney is given to the administrator. Verify the accounting records. An administrator can be an individual Revise the maintenance fees and the or a corporation. Some of the duties reserve funds. Assist the administrator To protect condominium owners, the the floor plans of the individual units of the administrator are to: in assuring that all homeowners fulfill revised Civil Code of Jalisco provides and area in meters, the percentages of 1.- Abide by the resolutions taken their obligations. a comprehensive description of what individual units in relation to the whole, by the owners at their annual ordinary Report in the annual general meeting condominium ownerships means, and and the amount of common area in and extra-ordinary meetings. of all the business that has been done how owners can protect their interests. meters and the percentage of common 2.- Follow and enforce the resolutions during the prior year. To also report at In my experience, a number of buyers area owned by each unit. In some cases of the administrative committee. this meeting on the general and financial do not take the time to learn the ins and parking spaces are deeded. When the 3.- Manage the daily operations of conditions of the building.Authorize outs of this body of law. It is to the building is finished, a certificate of the building and to authorize expenses any agreements to allow a third party owner’s benefit to be knowledgeable completion is issued. The city requires for maintenance and administration. the use of the common areas. in the rules and regulations. This a warranty from the builder that he will 4.- Collect dues and fees approved Authorize, when appropriate, the specific code protects the interests finish the building. This requirement by the association, and to keep a administrator to issue specific powers of the condominium ownership as a of a warranty has the builder sign a record of all income and expenses. of attorney to other individuals whole. It is a mistake to assume that promissory note to the city. 5.- Keep the minutes of all the who will further represent the the rules and laws for condominiums Most of us know that the condo meetings. condominium. These people may in the States are the same as in Mexico. regime also sets out the rules and 6.- Provide financial reporting to be attorneys or accountants or Let’s go through some basics of regulations for the owners to abide by. the owners who request it times after other professional representing the the condominium civil code. The The owners may amend the rules and every quarter. condominium as a group. code defines a condo-minium regime regulations, if they are not in conflict These reports include not only income legally and imposes responsibilities with the civil code, as long as the and expenses, but accounts receivable. This article is based upon legal and limitations of ownership. prescribed procedures for changing Accounts receivable include opinions, current practices and my Each condominium unit represents are followed. The rights of the owners the list of owners who are personal experiences in the Puerto a percentage of the total individual to use the common areas, within the behind in their dues and fees. Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I ownership as well as a percentage of described purposes, is as essential The report should also give the cash recommend that each potential buyer the undivided common areas. as the owners’ rights to enjoy their balance available. The executive or seller of Mexican real estate conduct The developer has to establish private area. The most fundamental board, or the administrative committee his own due diligence and review. a condo regime legally and obtain responsibility of the individual owner is comprised of owners or residents authorization from the city. The is to pay his maintenance fees. who serve with the permission of the public document, which becomes The condominium will have an owners. The members must be current the condominium regime that setting administrator appointed in the original in their maintenance fees. This board Harriet Murray out the rules and regulations for the regime, who can serve for a period have the responsibility to: Can be contacted at owners, includes: a description of the of one year, or when the owners hold Represent the homeowners in all [email protected] buildings, the project specifications, their first annual meeting. At this matters of common interest. They are 38

EMERGENCY Phone Numbers PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVIERA NAYARIT

Emergency Line: 911

178-8999 / Emergency: 911

178-8800 / Emergency: 222-1527

297.7224 39

Airline Directory

AEROTRON 226-8440 AIR CANADA 01 800 719-2827 AIR TRANSAT 01 800 900-1431 ALASKA 01 800 252-7522 AMERICAN 01 800 904-6000 CONTINENTAL See United Sunday Church Services DELTA 01 800 266-0046 FRONTIER 01 800 432-1359 INTERJET 01 800 011-2345 SUN COUNTRY 01 800 924-6184 UNITED 01 800 864-8331 US AIRWAYS 01 800 428-4322 AEROMEXICO 01 800 021-4000 SOUTHWEST 01 800 435 9792 WESTJET 01 800 514 7288 VOLARIS 01 551 102-8000

Solution to crossword on page 43 Solution to Sudoku on page 43 (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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State Drives read and write data like performance, for your most- much faster than standard hard, but used files. Hybrid drives tend to cost they can also access the data much slightly more than traditional hard more quickly as well. drives, but still far less than solid- Another huge SSD advantage is state drives. durability. Because they have no One concern with Solid State Hard moving parts, solid-state drives aren’t drives is that when SSDs fail, they susceptible to damage or degraded tend to do so without warning. Hard performance from vibrations or drives, however, will usually start to movement. Drop a computer show signs of failure by throwing a I’ve gotten quite a few emails to 2017 and 500GB, 750GB, 1TB containing a traditional hard drive, S.M.A.R.T. error or other warnings at the past months of clients looking (1000GB) and even 2GB hard drives and you have a very real chance of you before giving up the ghost. In my at buying their next laptop. One are the norm in new computers. The corrupting your data. But a solid- experience, SSDs simply die without question that keeps coming up is technology is mature, reliable, and state drive won’t skip a beat. waving many (if any) red flags. But “should I look for a solid-state hard relatively inexpensive compared with Solid-state drives aren’t without its that’s where traditional good back-up drive (SSD) or a regular hard drive. other storage options. own disadvantages, though. For one, practices come into play - as always. Now in the past, choosing the best Now the recent rise in popularity of SSDs are still much more expensive Traditional hard drives are best computer storage option required solid-state drives and hybrid drives than hard drives in terms of cost per suited to users who need large merely selecting the highest capacity (which mix standard hard drives with gigabyte. Good, solid state drives run amounts of storage and aren’t as hard drive you could afford. If only solid-state memory) that power users about $1.00 per gigabyte, whereas concerned about achieving blazing life were still so simple these days! and gamers want, have significantly traditional hard drives cost only a system performance. If you’re an Hard drives have been the default changed the storage landscape, fraction of that per gigabyte. Solid- everyday PC user who sticks mostly storage component in desktops creating a maze of confusing options state drives don’t offer anything near to email, Web browsing, and basic and laptops for decades now. As a for the everyday user. the capacity of traditional hard drives, document editing, a standard hard result, the term “hard drive” is now On some levels, solid-state drives either. The most common SSDs have drive should suit you fine. the common name for all storage are similar to regular hard drives. capacities of about 128GB, 256GB That’s all my time for now. See you hardware - the digital equivalent of They usually connect to a system and 512GB. again next week... until then, remember: “Q-Tip” or “Band-Aid.” the same and they store files just Now another option if your wallet only safe Internet! If you’d like to Although modern hard drives as any other drive does. SSDs, can’t stretch to go solid state, is the download this article or previous ones, are far more advanced and higher- however, have done away with the Hybrid hard drive. Hybrid hard drives you can do so at www.RonnieBravo. performing than their counterparts moving magnetic platters and read/ blend traditional hard drive capacity com and click on “articles”. from 15 years ago, on many levels write heads of standard hard drives with a small amount of flash memory. their basic underlying technology in favor of flash memory (the same This gives you more Solid State Drive remains unchanged. Hard drives technology in USB flash drives), so speed by placing traditional rotating consist of quickly rotating magnetic no mechanical parts or magnetic parts platters and a small amount of high- Ronnie Bravo platters paired with read/write heads are involved. speed flash memory on a single drive. can be found at CANMEX Computers. that travel over the platters’ surfaces By avoiding the mechanics of Hybrid hard drives monitor the data www.RonnieBravo.com Sales, Repairs, to read or write the data. moving parts, solid-state drives being read from the hard drive, and Data Recovery, Networking, Wi-Fi, hardware Back when Windows 98 was the deliver much better performances. store the most frequently accessed upgrades, Graphic Design, House-calls rage, a 20 or 40 GB hard drive was They’re the fastest storage option file to the high-speed flash memory available. Cellular 044-322-157-0688 cutting edge. Now fast forward available today. Not only can Solid side, resulting in Solid State Drive or just email to [email protected] (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location

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coming in with a Bucket list fish. El Banco is seeing fish as well, but with Corbeteña running hot, not Stan Gabruk many are using the extra fuel just to (Owner of Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle) find no improvement on conditions. If targeting Marlin, this is the best place to try as the numbers are greater in this area for the moment. The eight hour trips taking you to El Moro / The Marieta Islands / Punta Mita point have been producing nicely. Dorado in the 30- lb range, Sailfish in the 90-lb range, Wahoo are in the area and taking baits, but catching them is not easy and they’re not a schooling species, they taste great, and you’ll be lucky for sure. Striped Marlin to 250 lbs. With Blue Marlin over 300 lbs. in the area you can essentially catch Mackerel running 15 lbs. and tasty. the same species at Corbeteña, save Snapper are around the bait balls money and if all fails, come back and in between the Bottle Nose As we inch our way closer interested as we move into the last into the bay and hit the “freaks” Dolphin feeding on the abundant and closer to the winter season, stretch of high season for fishing. hanging around La Cruz marina. Krill Squids and Shrimp. Maybe the holidays are upon us. Many Corbeteña has been improving with With Sardines in the bay you’d even some Yellowfin Footballs holiday travelers hope to catch a Sailfish, Blue Marlin in the 250 to have a Rooster fish expectation, around Yelapa. Four hours will do bucket list fish during this time 350-lb range, Yellowfin Football but you’ll be disappointed. We had the “trick”, but six hours give you of the year. Most of the time, we Tuna are in the 40-lb range as well. some larger Roosters last week, this some time to find them. can provide this list item, but this Now they’re looking at all sorts week they’re much smaller. Throw For three weeks now, the bite has year is different. We’re seeing of bait, so they may look at your in Jack Crevalle at 25 lbs., Bonito remained after 10 a.m. so getting cold currents continue, but they’re presentation, then move on. This to 35 lbs. and maybe even some up and hitting it too early may work coming up from the south, not will drive you crazy. But they’ll 30-lb Snapper and you’ll have a fun against your cause, especially if north. We’re also seeing these cold take baits as well, so it just depends day for sure. you’re heading out for four hours. currents in a swirling pattern, that on what your target species comes Inside the bay is still and always You could be back before the bite means we have warm water species across first. Dorado are still in the will be great - we normally see happens! Water temperatures and cold water species all sharing area, but they’re moving around. smaller fish there. Recently, well remain surprisingly high at 78 to 80 the same neighborhood. With all Where they were yesterday is not for some time now actually, we’ve degrees we move closer to winter the “crowding”, there is still plenty going to be where they are today. seen Sailfish around La Cruz, with the swirling currents. of bait in the bay. Now this is Fish move, they’re funny that way. Dorado around Los Arcos to 25 Until next week, don´t forget to normally a positive, but when there Make sure you give yourself the lbs., Needle fish to 30 lbs., Sierra kiss Your Fish! is so much bait that they don’t give time and a boat that will use fuel, your bait a look, this can be a bit which means not bargain boats. of a problem. The upside, we have Many times, bargain boats will not lots of fish to choose from! Those tell you there are fish off a bit in with a little luck will be going home the distance as it would cost them with memories of a lifetime! money, impacting their bottom line. Amazingly, water temperatures You on the other hand “thought” are still in the 80-degree range, you paid to go fishing and you did. dipping just a tad lower at times. So make sure you ask the correct What this means is that we have question along with “how much”! perfect conditions for warm water Some boats come in with fish, species like Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado some don’t, it can all come down to and others. We also have enough fuel usage. With blue water, plenty bait in the area to keep the “locals” of bait, you’re about a 70% shot at 42

to two inches (5.08 cm) long, downy and have an acuminate (tapered to a point) tip. All the Hypoestes phyllostachya have common needs: Tommy Clarkson good, regular watering, situated in fertile, well-draining soil and a preference for morning sun to medium filtered light. If in a sunnier border plant.” He’s not a major site, they will require more water but advocate of their flower spikes will reward you with more compact however, stating, “While attractive growth. They should be planted eight Hypoestes phyllostachya enough, [they] rob the plants of vigor inches to a foot (30.48 cm) apart or, if potted, each placed in a six-inch Family: Acanthaceae and should be removed as they form.” (Sorta’ sounds like Delilah’s tonsorial (15.24 cm) pot. Also known as: Freckle-Face To have the most attractive, bushiest or Flamingo Plant approach to curbing Samson’s strength, huh?) These Polka-Dot specimens, I’d encourage that you Plants are from Madagascar where, pinch back young plants and cut the One of my favorite botanical as perennial herbaceous shrubs, their canes back on the more mature ones wordsmiths is Nellie Neal. stems get woody as they age and, in to prevent them from getting leggy. Appropriately, in Tropical Plants, she this native habitat, can get up to three Scale, whitefly, and aphids might says of the Hypoestes phyllostachya feet (91.44 cm) in height. drop by as unwelcome guests so be that “Like designer shoes, the small However, this species is rather prepared to treat them accordingly. plants draw the eye down instantly highly hybridized to produce a The Polka-Dot Plant likes a general The color combinations on the leaves purpose plant fertilizer every month and keep the focus squarely on the variety of colors and variants of leaf of these present themselves in a fully or so. If you do so, you will be feet. Each leaf is flecked, mottled, spotting. These - pictured here - are frenzied, flash of freckled fun! and painted . . . as if its colors had of the Persuasion Series having a bit rewarded with leaves - again in Nellie been applied [by] a spin art toy.” Of smaller leaves and are renowned for Neal’s words - that “are daggers that a bit broader scope, in speaking about their magenta, pink and white spots. pop out in pairs from compact stems the entirety of the Hypoestes genus, The color combinations on the leaves to form mounds of impressionistic Kirsten Albrecht Llamas simply of these present themselves in a fully color near ground level.” states in Tropical Flowering Plants, frenzied, flash of freckled fun! I The more adventuresome may wish “The brightly marked foliage is picked up from Gardening Know to propagate them by seed, softwood festive any time of the year.” How, on-line, that “The Splash Series cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe For a little gender balance, I comes in a host of colors with a cuttings in summer. In spite of being feel compelled to add some astute, green base leaf and mottled splashes an annual, the Polka-Dot Plant is one male comments, such as Hiram of color in pink, white, rose or red. of the more cheerful, colorful small Nerdblinger who exuded how they There is also a Confetti Series with foliage plants around. Plant and enjoy! were “really swell” while his sixth proper spotting shaped dots that are a Nellie Neal says, “Each leaf is grade graduation classmate, pal bit more sparsely scattered than those flecked, mottled, and painted.... and lifetime whittling companion of the Splash Series.” To top off the as if... applied [by] a spin art toy.” Seth Schnitzlbahm said they were dazzle of the leaves’ bright color “right purdy!” (With an eye to “fair combinations are those small blue/ and balanced” reporting of facts, I lavender and white flower spikes Tommy Clarkson probably should admit that I might ultimately emerging in bright clusters In Manzanillo, visit Ola Brisa Gardens, have made some of that last part up.) amid those unique leaves. To trim Tommy and Patty’s verdant, multi-terraced In fact, Robert Lee Riffle - the them or not, I leave up to you; but, tropical paradise nestled on a hill overlooking durned near ultimate botanical man - I tend to do so as I feel they shorten the magnificent vista of Santiago Bay. described this genus of around “forty the plant’s life. Though, also be Leisurely meander its curved, paved path, species of herbaceous perennials aware that after flowering, the Polka- experiencing, first hand, a delicious array and shrubs [from] South Africa, Dot Plant will, most likely, become of palms, plants and flowers from all over the world. Or e-mail questions to him at Madagascar, and Southeast Asia [as dormant or die anyway. [email protected] For back issues of having] variegated leaves and [as These colorful plants are an “Roots”, gardening tips, tropical plant book or being] beautiful in beds with small evergreen sub-shrub that will Kirsten Albrecht Llamas, very to schedule a tropical garden lunch, please ferns and other tropical contrasting ultimately grow to an approximate correctly observed that “The visit www.olabrisagardens.com foliage plants like Begonia or height of about one foot (30.48 cm) brightly marked foliage is festive https://www.facebook.com/ Impatiens and [making] a wonderful with ovate leaves. These leaves are up any time of the year.” olabrisagardens?ref=hl 43

32. Wife, in slang 34. Moor plant 35. Bobble Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 69. See 58-Across 36. Tummy muscles 1. What buoys do on the 14 15 16 70. Suffix with auction 37. Wish to take back water 17 18 19 39. Military list, quickly 4. Wail Down 40. Property transferor 8. 60-Across play 20 21 22 23 1. Sandwich introduced 41. Org. for Lt. Columbo 14. Wrath 24 25 26 27 28 29 in 1968 2. 42. Mid-sixth-century year 15. Singer India.___ 30 31 32 Maker of Tater Tots 3. Hilaire who wrote 45. The Scourge of God 16. Item obviated by 33 34 35 36 37 38 cable TV "The Bad Child's Book 47. Stonelike abrasive 39 40 41 of Beasts" 17. Hair goop 48. Pile up 42 43 4. "___, humbug!" 18. 60-Across play 49. Roller Derby entrant 44 45 46 47 48 49 5. Neighborhoods 20. Drink with vitamin D 52. Prefix with center 6. One rectangle measure 22. Courtoom figures: Abbr. 50 51 52 53 54 55 53. Big name in grills 7. Caused 23. "Shame!" 56 57 58 59 54. "___ big deal" 8. Joke or choke 24. 60-Across play 60 61 62 63 64 55. Lascivious looks 9. Angry, as an argument 27. With 39-Across, a 65 66 67 57. In ___ (lined up) 60-Across play 10. Eyes, poetically 60. Snookums 68 69 70 30. Chocolate source 11. Ornamental plant 61. Ike's W.W. II command with fernlike foliage 31. Thinks the cutest 62. Critically important 50. "It ___" (reply to 60. Playwright who died 12. Menlo Park inits. thing in the world "Who's there?") on May 23, 1906 63. Bill ___, TV's 13. Camera type, familiarly 33. Seriously 51. 60-Across play 64. N.Y.C. subway Science Guy 38. Jump 19. Tempe sch. 56. Gangster's gun 65. "Lawrence of Solution to Crossword 21. Casual gathering 39. See 27-Across 58. With 69-Across, Arabia" star on Page 39 42. 45 or 78 baseball great with 2,165 66. Broadway's Prof. 'iggins 25. Plunder 43. Weapons supply career runs 67. Stick in a parlor 26. Attended as an observer 44. Attack 59. Urban athlete's 68. Home of 60-Across 28. Try, as a case 46. Dads locale, in brief 29. Mind reading, for short

Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle.

The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each row, column and group of squares enclosed by the bold lines (also called a box). Each box must contain each number only once, starting with various digits given in some cells (the “givens”). Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience. It is recommended as therapy because some studies have suggested they might improve memory, attention and problem solving while staving off mental decline and perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Solution to Sudoku on Page 39 5 1 (See location number on Central Map) (See location number on Central Map) 3 1 (See location number on Central Map) (See location number on Central Map)