ISSUE 227 SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 2 Calendar

Index

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Sound Off 3

Dear Editor, Maravillosa! I just had an amazing facial with Ali Hernandez! She is absolutely wonderful, very upbeat and clearly enjoys helping each client with their individual needs. Not only that, she really knows skin care and is always searching out innovative ideas. I highly recommend giving her a try After the second course, a wonderful surprise… (reasonable prices too!) Robin had arranged for a half hour of entertainment She’s at 5 de Febrero #319 right by the Rio Cuale and, much to our pleasure, we had a chance to hear and you can easily get an appointment by calling some of the great songs that Mikki Proust will 224-9633. perform in her salute to Patsy Cline on March 5th at the Boutique Theater. We sang along with Mikki’s Barb Willard great renditions of all the classics. Then back to the dining room for an excellent Dear Editor and Vallarta people, dinner with the evening ending with dessert and Mexican coffees. It was a very intimate dining Run, don’t walk to Act II Entertainment’s latest experience in a beautiful location with surprises at production... “SORDID LIVES”. every turn. This is a new business venture for Robin It will keep you laughing from beginning to end and we all urge you to set up your special event at and you will be amazed at the skill and talent of the Casa del Angel. Robin can be reached at 222-4469 actors, musicians and the direction. A great black or at casadelangelpv.com. You and your guests will comedy... trailer trash has never been so much fun! love every minute. At the Palm on Olas Altas 322 200 9461

Larry Leebens and Sharon Fuller Derald Long

Dear Editor, Dear Editor,

A group of friends joined us for a memorable On January 25th, the Biblioteca Los Mangos Public Valentine’s Day at a very unique event: The eight Library held its 13th Annual Subasta (Art Auction) of us had dinner, which was catered by Robin which is its largest fundraiser. Although there were Spencer, at her beautiful B and B, Casa del Angel, less people present this year than previous years overlooking the city from the hills of Amapas. We and we netted about half of last year’s proceeds, watched the sunset on her terrace while munching many bargains were found and the event was still a on amazing appetizers. Then, Robin escorted us wonderful success, raising almost $140,000. Pesos. into the dining room for a delicious grilled Caesar We would like to thank all the donors for their salad. generosity in giving artwork, jewelry and certificates for meals, hotel stays and many other items and services. A special thank you to El Arrayan, Trio, Archie’s Wok, Barcelona Tapas and Café des Artistes that supplied such excellent food. A further thank you to the Library staff and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

Carl Johnson Treasurer Biblioteca Los Mangos Please go to next page for continuation...

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 4 Sound Off

Continued from previous page... Online Directory makes shopping Dear Editor, in Puerto Vallarta easy Publisher / Editor: The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Allyna Vineberg [email protected] the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens formally recognized each other as “Sister- Contributors: City Gardens” and began collaborative Puerto Vallarta offers a great shopping experience with merchandise from all over Mexico, a country noted Anna Reisman projects to the mutual benefit of their Joe Harrington organizations and communities. We are for unique handcrafted items and artworks, as well as Harriet Murray holding a raffle (tickets only 250 pesos) locally made jewelry, clothing, crafts and food products. Stan Gabruk for a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic The easy way to find exactly the specialty shop you Krystal Frost Garden (http://www.sbbg.org/ one of want in Puerto Vallarta is to sit down at your computer, Giselle Belanger the most beautiful garden in America), open a browser, and visit the online Vallarta Shopping Ronnie Bravo Gil Gevins including 4 days & 3 nights in Hotel “El Directory, the only complete shoppers guide for Puerto Tommy Clarkson Encanto” by “Orient Express”, round Vallarta at http://vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot. Gretchen De Witt trip airfares from P.V. for 2, private after- com Elizabeth Ensor hour tour of the Gardens, followed by Here you will find the best and most unique specialty Robert Stuart Thomson a Private dinner at the S.B. Botanical stores, sorted by categories such as art galleries, craft Laura Galezunas Gardens hosted by Executive director, galleries, boutiques for women and men, jewelry stores, Ana Luz Velazquez Stephen Windhager. beauty shops and spas, leather goods, specialty foods, Janie Albright Blank The Puerto Vallarta Botanical gardens Mike Altman natural products, drug and nutrition stores, folk art, Wanda St. Hilaire has extended a similar raffle to the Huichol art, books, interior design, sportswear and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and its equipment, photo studios, florists, ice cream, glassware, Office: 223-1128 community. ceramics, consignment shops, music stores, wines and Tickets are ONLY 250.00 Pesos each! liquors, and more. Graphic Designer: (400 hundred will be sold; 1 chance in These shops are located all over the Centro Historico, Leo Robby R. R. four hundred! All profit to the Gardens) or downtown area; the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, or 3 for 600 pesos. On March 29, 2013, a or Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone); the north side Webmaster: raffle ticket WINNER will be announced PVMCITYPAPER Online Team at the Gardens! Valued at approximately of town, including the hotel zone, the Marina and $20,000. Pesos. shopping malls; as well as in Fluvial, Nuevo Vallarta Cover photo We understand you might not be and Bucerías. Many visitors miss these specialty stores “Looking South” present which is why Michael or Ray can that offer personalized service and attention if they only by Anna Reisman represent for you that evening. If you are walk the Malecon, since our city has grown so much and PV Mirror es una publicación semanal. not interested for yourself, maybe for a the locations are scattered all over town. Certificados de licitud de título y friend, an employee, or just because it is The idea behind the Vallarta Shopping Directory is contenido en tramite. Prohibida la reproducción total o parcial de su a great cause! Beautification of Puerto to promote local merchants and help you find unique contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin Vallarta, the Gardens, environment products and personalized service in places you might previa autorización por escrito del editor. awareness, school programs, bird not ordinarily find. Each shop in this directory has a festival, and much more… and off course, description of their products, a photo of their store or the FIRST “Bugambilias Festival” in merchandise, contact information, a link to their website, May 2013! For more details, please go to and the hours they are open. If they close certain months www.vbgardens.org/raffle or work by appointment only, this is noted. It goes without saying, all these New shops are opening every week with lots of activities, enhancement and programs, different types of merchandise. The Vallarta Shopping cost money! Your support is greatly Directory website is kept up to date and modified every appreciated. If you would like to be 6 months, so you won’t be looking for places that have involved in the Botanical Gardens, its closed or moved. So enjoy your shopping while helping committees, any of the festivals by our local stores and keeping Puerto Vallarta’s reputation volunteering, sponsoring or just helping with a little finance, please visit www. as the ‘Heart of Culture, Shopping, Dining and Fun on VBGardens.org Mexico’s West Coast’ alive. Thank you very much for your If you’d like for your business to be included in the consideration, Vallarta Shopping Directory, please email webart@ prodigy.net.mx for more information. Ray & Michael

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Within PV 5

IFC presents Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery for St. Patrick’s Day

by JANIE ALBRIGHT BLANK

St. Patrick’s Day is always a day for the “wearing of the green” and a time to do something fun with friends. The International Friendship Club (IFC) has just the thing for the “Irish” in you this year. They are producing a Murder From the Saturday Market Co-op… Mystery Dinner Theater at Nacho Daddy’s on Basilio Badillo. The theme will be an Irish wake and you get to decide who-dun-it! The play is called “Wake Me When Every Saturday brings us new and whatever dressings you request. I’m Dead” and stars six IFC members as the cast. There visitors (and happy customers!) We For a burger-lover, it is ambrosia! will be a prize for the person who guesses the murderer. are very proud of the Saturday Market Alejandro began his burger days in Dinner will include a hearty salad, your choice of entree Co-op and are so pleased when we see Los Cabos several years ago where (Corned beef and cabbage, Irish Stew, or Vegetarian pesto familiar faces AND new faces! It has he received rave reviews. After become sort of a “gathering spot” for a spaghetti) and dessert. participating at the market with the good catch-up with friends after a full FabFabricFellows (which he still Dinner, show, Irish music and ‘tween the acts fun and week. does!), he decided to give the burger- entertainment for only 450 pesos, which includes tip. This week’s “featured vendor” is biz a whirl on Saturdays and are we Now isn’t that the Luck of the Irish?! Alejandro Ramirez. Though Alejandro ever glad that he did! Nearly all of the Don’t miss out on an event that is sure to sell out! You is part of the FabFabricFellows, we vendors are now hooked and we all look can get your tickets in advance at the IFC Clubhouse believe his true calling is his cooking! forward to our Saturday fix. Remember using pesos or online using your credit card or Paypal at And cook he does each and every to ask for extra napkins, because you ifcvallarta.com. Look under “Special Events”. As always, Saturday as he creates his famous will need them. Or you could always IFC proceeds go the IFC Cleft Palate Program and other “A-Burgers”! These are not your every dash over to the FabFabricFellows table educational and community services in Puerto Vallarta. day, run-of-the-mill burgers. These and purchase an apron! By mentioning are FAB-ulous burgers. Available in this article, Alejandro will offer you The International Friendship Club is a registered chicken or beef, they are gigantic. the special price of two burgers for 80 charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Grilled right at the market, the pesos. (Regular price is 50 pesos each). Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. secret is in his sauce (which he will We all love the A-burgers and we know It is located at the northeast corner of the Rio Cuale not share!) The burger is served on a you will too! Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto nice fresh bun, topped with cheese (if As we always say, please visit us at Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, 48300. Phone: 222-5466. you like), a grilled pineapple slice, the the Saturday Market Co-op …and come Website: ifcvallarta.com. Email: [email protected] secret sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles hungry!

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 6 Within PV

ABC Festival in Bucerías!

The ABC Festival is a major charity event you will NOT want to miss! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 2nd, 2 to 6 p.m., at the Explanada Corona, the arena opposite Colegio Bucerias & the Miguel Aleman school on Estaciones, in Bucerías. All net proceeds go to the Children’s Library “Biblioteca Rey Nayar”. This will be “school sports day meets village fair” - with extra top- pings! 40 VW Classic Beetles on display, plus other classic cars, Harley Davidson motorbikes, and some caballeros with the original horsepower! Live music by The Gecko Band (sponsored by the Luna Lounge). There will be games for the kids: sack race; 3-legged race; egg & spoon race … and a chance for the adults to join in too! Raffles; bouncy castle and other games thanks to The Shamrock Pub. A competition for the kids to find a mascot a) for the library and b) for our Amigos anti-litter campaign. Lots of cheap food from local vendors, bargains from the artisans (we’re helping the local economy!) - and of course, enjoy a drink or three! Posters will direct you from the highway, but it’s easy to find: turn inland at the traffic lights by the Famar Restaurant = Estaciones, and fol- low the signs. Ample parking if you have a car, if not, a special shuttle service will operate from the shade of the big Huanacaxtle tree at the highway end of Estaciones. Entry: 10 pesos for adults, kids to bring a mascot drawing. Come and join us - you’ll be glad you did!

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Within PV 7

Local volunteer makes a difference in paradise

Will Horton (left) serves up hope with CompassioNet Impact volunteers Sue & Richard Ridout.

Will Horton has an enviable job. He gets to happening in where Horton refers to as the “flip spend several days a week spending your money side” of PV. If everything lines up, the charity then to make a real difference in our community. asks, “How can our people and money help you “My money,” you ask? Well, if you’ve ever with what you’re already doing?” And it seems to sipped a mocha latte, listened to smooth jazz, be working. learned some Spanish, savored a roasted chicken, Through these partnerships, CompassioNet visited the Saturday Market Co-op, exercised in Impact has served thousands of hot food items, a Zumba class, or done anything at the Paradise mostly to hungry children in the outlying areas of Community Center, then yes, he’s spending your town. money! The profits from all these events and If you would like to help, you can give of your activities (and many, many more) go directly time or your money to this worthy charity. It’s to CompassioNet Impact (www.4compassion. easy if you simply choose to support a Paradise org) which then passes it along to Mr. Horton Stage show or any event at Paradise Community to manage for serving the under-served in the Center. Puerto Vallarta area. Cash or credit card donations are also accepted Every Wednesday and Friday, Will loads his anytime, with tax-deductible receipts for Canadians Dodge minivan with other volunteers (you can and Americans; visit www.4compassion.org to sign up at Paradise Community Center, or at make an online donation that is sure to make a Paradise Church on Sundays) and heads to Ley real difference. Every little bit helps, especially or Sam’s Club to buy enough food to cook and during the low season when rent and other feed up to 150 hungry kids! For many, it may be expenses remain the same, but overall income is the only hot meal they get that week. significantly lower. Right now, PCC is looking for On these community outreaches, Will is 30 “low season supporters” with monthly pledges; plugging into an after-school English language if you or someone you know can help, contact class hosted by Pastor Louis Miguel, and taught Ric Lehman, director of the Paradise Community by two volunteer teachers from Washington Center at (322) 133-7263. State. Pastor Miguel is currently planting a If you’d rather donate your valuable time, just Christian church and community center in a drop by the PCC at 127 Pulpito in the Romantic neighbourhood near the city dump, loosely Zone. The PCC is normally open 9 a.m. to 4 referred to as “Salatrillo.” p.m. Tues. to Sat., as well as Sunday mornings. Will explained that CompassioNet Impact Check out the official PCC Calendar at www. rarely creates new projects. Instead, the charity ParadiseCommunityCenter.com for a full listing identifies and appraises projects already of shows, classes, workshops and more!

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 8 Within PV

animals that need rescuing and/or fostering, animals for adoption and requests from people who would like About the pets... to adopt. For local animal info & photographs on Facebook, please view: “Angelicat”, “AyudaMutt”, Centro by GRETCHEN DeWITT de Acopio Animl pv (note: there is no “a” in the “animal”); “Cuidando sus Huellitas”, “Paraiso Felino”, “PV Nine puppies were born to dog. Found on the streets by Maria Animal”, “PVDog News”, plus www. “Tigrita,” the small brindle dog who Stokholm covered in mange and filled mexpup.com; www.PurrProject.com; was left pregnant at a local construction with parasites, he will fly to his new spcapv.blogspot.com site. All are being fostered by Neil home in Denmark after spending 3 Sterilizations: La Cruz de Professional photographer Danilo Sechan & Matt Messner, and all will weeks recovering at a vet’s clinic. Huanacaxtle, Nay. Total: 56. Yelapa, Rottigni will donate $100 to PEACE be sterilized in 6 more weeks, available María needs a used kennel to transport Jal. Total: 34, plus 1 pregnancy clinics for every $600 all-day shoot, for adoption. If interested, please Pedro to Denmark. If you can donate, terminated for a dog with 13 fetuses. weather permitting, of one’s home contact: [email protected] please contact her at stukkystokholm@ Las Juntas, Nay. Total: 80! (40 photos for a condo and 70 for a I receive many e-mails every week hotmail.com Carolyn Songin of “Yelapa house). Photos will be delivered on from people who see homeless cats and At the “Adoptathon” at the former Connexion” distributed flyers and a high resolution CD. If interested, dogs that need help, many of which are city hall on February 16: 3 cats from arranged for local restaurants to provide please contact him through www. pregnant. Mass sterilization programs AngeliCAT; 6 cats and 3 dogs from 3 meals/day to the 4 PEACE mobile DaniloRottigni.com; The VIP Vallarta are critical in order to avoid the future the Acopio, the local pound. Two clinic team members. Thank you to: Important People - www.vipvallarta. suffering of animals. Please contribute beautiful 12-month old Lab com; Homes Living & Travel - to the “”Ayuda a los Animales” mix brothers, and a small, www.homesliving.com program of PEACE to help us continue beautiful 2-year old female Colina Free Spay & Neuter this important work. Cost to PEACE Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Clinic: 491 V. Carranza (opposite for these free clinics is approximately Hairless dog) are still Colin Meats, ½ block down from El $2,268 per surgery week. To donate: looking for a forever home. Brujo), 044 (322) 104-6609. Open www.peacemexico.org PEACE has If interested, please call the Sundays from 9-2. tax-free status in the U.S., Mexico and Acopio - 293-3690. PEACE clinic information: To Canada. www.facebook.com/Peace. Need rescuing: The cats volunteer or for specific directions: Mexico on the Isla Cuale. The dogs [email protected] Addresses Adoptions: “Pedro,” a small & cats on the streets. The and directions are usually not brown & white spotted one-year old dogs & cats at the Centro de confirmed until Tuesday evening Acopio. The pound is open before scheduled clinic for that Mon. to Sat. from 8-2. Tel: week. No food or water after 293-3690. For photos & information: Cafe Eclipse, Glorias, Barracuda, midnight before bringing pets to clinic. PV Animal page of FB as well as the Cafe Bahia, Shambhala, Oasis by the Minimum age for sterilization for cats Acopio’s page - http://www.facebook. River, Liana’s Passion Flower. Thank and dogs is eight weeks. Animals are com/centro.animl?ref=ts&fref=ts you to Hotel Lagunita for donating treated for ticks, fleas, parasites and There are several blogspots and web palapas to the PEACE team and thank mange. Please arrive early. Our limit sites with photographs & descriptions you to the volunteers who gave their is 25 animals a day. First come, first of dogs & cats, lost and/or found, donated their time trapping feral cats serve. If lost en route, call: Lalo - and helping at the clinic. Thank you 044 322 141 103 Times: 9 AM-2 PM to Dr. Pamela for sharing her Yelapa Wednesday-Friday and 9 AM-12 N on clinic and to the water taxi captains for Saturday. bringing our team to Yelapa and back Schedule for PEACE free spay/ to Vallarta without charge. This was neuter clinics: Feb. 20 to 23 – Ixtapa, a great community effort and PEACE Feb. 27 to Mar. 2 – Mojoneras, March hopes to be able to return to beautiful 6 to 9 – Progreso, 13 to 16 - Lienzo Yelapa. Charro, 20 to 23 - Cultural Center on Donations: 1,300 pesos from the Isla Cuale. Lucy’s CuCu Cabana, which is selling In PEACE and bliss, the popular “Provecho” discount cards. They are priced at 300 pesos, 200 go [email protected] to Democrats Abroad, 100 to PEACE www.peacemexico.org clinics - instead of to Lucy. $500 pesos www.gretchen-peace-and-pv.blogspot.com and $20 USD - from clients of Sea Monkey restaurant. SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Beyond PV 9

That’s where Gates and his foundation could come in. With his help CIMMYT, which is known for World’s richest men aid charging farmers as little as possible, could pick up some of the older traits ‘green revolution’ center for low prices. “Some of these traits are getting near the end of their patent life or are available from multiple entities, so that there’s even some competition TEXCOCO, Mexico (AP) — The genetic modification by selective there,” Gates noted. research center largely responsible planting and breeding, he noted that Lumpkin said farmers may be for launching the “green revolution” CIMMYT hasn’t shipped any true scared by the legal risks of GM crops, of the 1960s that dramatically raised GM seeds yet, and acknowledged that noting “you can have a law suit of a crop yields is getting support from some countries might have concerns. million dollars” for unauthorized use the world’s richest men to develop “We want to facilitate the movement of patented crops. genetically-modified seeds to help of those (genetic) traits to the countries “So CIMMYT is primarily focusing farmers in the developing world grow of the developing world that request on getting tried and true GMO traits more grain in the face of a changing them, that want them,” Lumpkin said. that are widely used around the climatic conditions and increased “Nothing is being pushed, nothing is world and bring them to the poor demand. being forced, and CIMMYT will not farmers of the developing world, so Microsoft founder Bill Gates and profit.” that the women of the developing Mexican telecom magnate Carlos Slim Gates noted there are “legitimate world don’t have to spend the entire donated a total of $25 million to build issues, but solvable issues” around cropping system pulling weeds in a new cluster of biotechnology labs wider GM crop use, and that solutions the field ... when there is such a at the International Maize and Wheat could include distributing GM crops simple modification used by all of the Improvement Center in Mexico. that are patented but require no royalty farmers in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, The facilities include hothouses payments. South Africa.” “Why can’t these poor “with high-efficiency air particle farmers have these same traits that filters and a water treatment plant have been used for 15 years in the to prevent pollen and genetically developed world?” he asked. modified material from escaping Still national sensitivities in to the outdoors,” according to Mexico, where the CIMMYT a statement by the billionaires’ was founded in 1963, are still foundations. strong. Mexico is the birthplace of Both of the philanthropists corn, and concern that GM crops were on hand for Wednesday’s might displace or contaminate “We are doing some research here inauguration of the new labs at genetically-valuable native strains with wheat, which is not such a the research center, known as have so far held up large-scale sensitive issue in Mexico,” he said. CIMMYT, located just east of planting of GM corn in Mexico, Lumpkin warned that the world Mexico City. even as the country has been could face a recurrence of the kind It was yet another coming of forced to import about half of its of crisis that CIMMYT was able age moment for GM crops, because That alone would be a big change in basic grain consumption. to stave off 50 years ago, this time the nonprofit CIMMYT has become the spread of GM crops, which up to “Under the guise of philanthropy, brought about by new plant diseases, known over the last 50 years for now have been largely controlled by a what they are doing is promoting the climate change, water shortages and providing low-cost, improved seeds few big biotechnology and agricultural use of transgenetic crops, with rhetoric increasing consumption of grain- through hybridization efforts, using companies that charge steep rates for about ending hunger in the world,” intensive foods, like meat. its vast stockpiles of native corn and GM seed and sue any farmer who said Aleira Lara, of Greenpeace “On one hand, there is rapidly wheat genes from across the world uses, even accidentally, their patented Mexico. “Those things are myths.” increasing demand ... on the other to cross-breed the best attributes, like GM traits, like pest resistance. “These (GM) seeds are not any hand, conditions for producing this drought-resistance. CIMMYT, with its ties to farm kind of magic wand for increasing food are deteriorating rapidly,” he But increasingly, genetic splicing is agencies throughout the world, could production, and they bring new said. joining the older technique of cross- be a conduit to deliver GM benefits problems to the countryside,” like Without new research avenues, he pollination as “one of the tools in the to the developing world, which has developing resistance among pests warned, “we have all of the ingredients toolbox,” said CIMMYT Director largely been locked out of them. and weeds, Lara said. for a new global food crisis.” Thomas Lumpkin. GM traits could be developed by the Lumpkin noted that CIMMYT is (Source: Mark Stevenson - www.bigstory. While Lumpkin claimed that even center and donated, or they could be already doing some GM corn research ap.org – Photo: Eduardo Verdugo) hybridization represents a sort of bought cheaply. in Africa, but not in Mexico.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 10 The 7 Arts

EntreAmigos 5th Annual Children’s Art Festival & Auction

Get ready for another spectacular fundraiser for Entreamigos in San Pancho! The Fifth Annual Children’s Art Festival and Auction will be held in San Pancho on Saturday, March 2nd at 6 p.m. This year, the focus is on object art, created by children and well-known artists from the region and the world. Object art is just that - objects like chairs and lamps decorated by the artists and children. Entreamigos is known for hosting outrageously creative benefit events like “Circo de los Niños” in 2011 and “El Arte de la Lotería” in 2012, and this one will be no different. Everything about the evening will celebrate the theme “Gracias a la Vida” (“Thanks to Life”), honoring the values children learn every day in our community center. There will be live music, dancing, artists, taking turns to entertain in what has become one of the largest, most inventive and fun charity events of the year! Friday, March 1st will kick off the fundraiser with a cocktail hour where live and silent auction spectacular items will be displayed. All guests on Friday night are invited to join our town’s delightful Art Walk to see the children’s circus parade and art display on the streets of San Pancho. Entreamigos is located in San Francisco, Nayarit (a.k.a. San Pancho), a beautiful beach community located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta and just past the popular surf town of Sayulita. Entreamigos expects more than 400 people from all over the Bay of Banderas area to attend the Benefit Gala and is encouraging people to stay in town for the weekend. They have teamed up with local hotels and guest houses to offer great rates for visitors that decide to stay in San Pancho for a few nights. Tickets are 250 pesos (300 pesos the night of the event). Tickets include entrance to the event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Entreamigos is a 501(c)3 non-profit community education center that operates out of an impressive sustainably designed 16,000sq foot facility in San Pancho. The organization works to build bridges between cultures and community by creating educational opportunities for children and families. The center operates a library and sports complex, supports 70 children in a scholarship program and is known for the variety and diversity of their free educational programs. Please visit their website at www.entreamigos.org.mx, contact entreamigos at [email protected], or call (311) 258-4377.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH The 7 Arts 11

“Sordid Lives”

by ELIZABETH ENSOR Act II Entertainment founding partner

“The higher the hair, the closer to God!” Act II Entertainment proudly presents “Sordid Lives”, a black comedy about white trash, by the renowned playwright, Del Shores. Vallarta director, Danny Minnini has expertly directed this local cast to bring another hit show to The Palm Cabaret. A colorful family from small town Winters, TX, must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch during a clandestine meeting in a seedy motel room with her much younger, married neighbor. The woman’s family must deal with their own demons while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral. The honor is mine to work with such a talented local cast! Daniel Gomez Portela, Patti Hirsch, Mary Amelotte, Polly Stevens, David Restivo, Jamie Coates, Richard Hersley, Joan Houston, Ron Spencer, Stephanie Bratnick and Lee Bright will have you dissolving into gales of laughter and perhaps a tear or two! Rounding out the cast is the great music of Rhonda Padmos and Don Pope! “Ain’t It A Bitch Sortin’ Out Those Sordid Lives!” Tickets are available at Salud Vallarta (two doors south of The Palm), www.palmpv.com, or at the box office after 4 o’clock on performance dates. Also, go ahead and get your tickets for Del Shores’ one man show while you’re at it! Del is hysterically funny and as the playwright of Sordid Lives and several others, he is sure to bring some great new stories in Naked, Sordid, Reality. See you at The Palm!

From Bob H. on TripAdvisor: “I went to see the opening for “Sordid Lives” last night and it was terrific!!!!!! It was funny, sad and kept you interested all the way through. The cast is perfect in their parts and keeps the story going; I was surprised at how professional they were. Danny Minnini did an excellent job of directing the play. There are many funny scenes that will make you laugh until your side hurts. It is scheduled to be playing 3 times a week through March 22, 2013. If you are looking for a different and fun evening, go with some friends and enjoy!!! The bar opens at 6:30 p.m. and the play starts at 7:00. There are comfortable sofas and lounge chairs to relax in.”

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 12 The 7 Arts

Arkin (Argo), Robert de Niro (Silver Lining), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (The Master), Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln), and Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained.) Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams (The Master), Sally Field (Lincoln), by JOE HARRINGTON Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Helen Hunt (The Session), and Jackie Weaver (Silver Lining.) There could only be five directors Academy Awards 2013 nominated so the rest pretty much got stiffed. The ones that made it are Stephen Spielberg (Lincoln), Another year has fled by and applicable to Spike Lee. A new sport and on the other end of the scale My Michael Haneke (Amour), Benh the ultimate in Tinsel Town’s has been growing over the years and Man Godfrey and Sunset Blvd got Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild), demonstration of self love is once that is to hold a party on the big night skunked. Silver Lining Playbook is Ang Lee (Life of Pi), and David O. again upon us. First a tidbit on the and pass out ballots. Everyone picks so quirky it just may slide in past all Russell (Silver Lining Playbook.) lighter side. Spike Lee is not only their favorites and places a bet. Or those heavy weights surrounding it As I started this column talking a famous man he is a very talented you can do what I do and every time which makes me thing of another little about Spike Lee I might as well do director. In December he twittered, a winner is picked that is not the one I strange movie about a dysfunctional the bookends thing and finish with “American Slavery is not a Sergio wanted I scream at the television, “Are family that did just that: Little Miss him. During a press conference a Leone spaghetti western. It was a you out of your cotton picking mind?” Sunshine. couple of years ago Tyler Perry, a holocaust.” He went on to explain Whoops, I guess I accidentally just Argo has won in the SAG and DGA, very good black director, said, “Spike that the movie was disrespectful to slurred some of Spike Lee’s ancestors. but if it wins this Sunday it will not can go straight to hell! You can print his ancestors and vowed not to see I’m Irish and when I watch movies be the only film to win whose director that. I am sick of him talking about it. This reminded me of a scene demonstrating the plight of my was not nominated. The last time that me, I am sick of him saying, ‘this is a from the great movie Inherit the Wind ancestors with things like, “No Irish happened was 1989 with Driving Miss coon, this is a buffoon.’ I am sick of (1960), starring Spencer Tracy and need apply,” I just thank God that Daisy. him talking about black people going Frederick March. This flick was we’ve come a long way since those Next, the Best Actor Nominees: to see movies. This is what he said: based on the famous Monkey Trial days. Bradley Cooper (Silver Lining), ‘you vote by what you see,’ as if black where a school teacher was arrested Here is a list of the major Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), Hugh people don’t know what they want to for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory nominations: Best Picture: Argo, Jackman (Les Misérables), Joaquin see.” of evolution. Frederick March is Amour, Le Misérables, Zero Dark Phoenix (The Master), and Denzel Seems to me that using a slur sworn in as an expert on the bible. Thirty, Django Unchained, Lincoln, Washington (Flight). Best Actress: like the word ‘coon’ is being pretty Tracy asks, “Have you read Darwin’s The Life of Pi, Beasts of the Southern Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark disrespectful to your own ancestry. book?” The answer, “No and I never Wild, and Silver Lining Playbook. Thirty), Jennifer Lawrence (Silver will.” To which Spencer thunders, That last movie joins a very rare group: Lining Playbook), Emmanuelle Joe is an internationally published “Then how in God’s creation can Its actors and actresses are nominated Riva (Amour), Quvenzhane Wallis author and documentary filmmaker. you dismiss something you’ve never for all four Best Acting. No movie (Beasts of the Southern Wild), and You can send him comments or read?” Substitute the word “read” has swept this category. A Streetcar Naomi Watts (The Impossible.) criticism at JoeMovieMadness@ with “seen” and the question is Named Desire and Network won three Best Supporting Actor: Alan Yahoo.com. Artwork by Bob Crabb.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH The 7 Arts 13 One night only: Jacobo & Maria Angeles at Colectika

Please join us on Wednesday, the fine art because of the amazing detail 27th of February to see Jacobo and in their painting. On Wednesday, Maria Angeles from San Martin the 27th of February, for one night Tilcajete, Oaxaca, demonstrate their only, Jacobo and Maria will be in wood carving as well as how they Colectika to demonstrate why they make the natural paints that they use are two of the most collected artists to decorate their amazing carvings. today in Mexico. Please don’t miss Colectika Ancestral Contemporary this opportunity to meet this amazing Art Gallery is a new space that we couple. have created that we hope will make Coleckita Ancestral Contemporary you look at some very old traditions Art Gallery is located at 858 in a whole new way. Some Mexican Guadalupe Sanchez & Allende, open folk artists have recently transformed Monday to Saturday 12-8 p.m., tel.: their work from simple primitive 222-2302. [email protected] pieces to fine art that is collected by Museums and Institutions the world over. We feature alibrije woodcarvings and paintings by Julia Fuentes, wool rugs by Jacobo Mendoza, paper mache sculptures by Ricardo Linares, and Mario Saulo Moreno, paintings and ceramics from Demetrio Aguilar, and ceramics from the workshop of Alfonso Castillo. Today there are literally thousands of Huichol artists, however very few have been able to create a distinguishable style that separates their work from the rest of the market. Today Huichol like Luis Castro, Neikame Carrillo, Santos Bautista and Florencio Lopez are definitely separating the art from the crafts. The most collected artists we work with however are Jacobo Angeles and his wife Maria del Carmen Mendoza. Manuel Jimenez may well be considered the founder of the wood carving tradition in Oaxaca but it was Jacobo and Maria who took the primitive carvings and turned them into what can only be considered

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 14 The 7 Arts

territory). The chorus was dazzling: but overall they struck a balance finesse of attack and the widest of between Piave’s memorable poetry dynamic ranges. The sheer power (shadowing Victoria Hugo in “Le “Rigoletto” at the Met… of their numbers suggested the Roi s’Amuse”) and the need to and watching it in Vallarta. horrific power of men who stop at adapt words to the new historical nothing to enable their leader to setting. A brilliant production. How good is that? satisfy his lust. Underneath the Such a respite, I thought, from charm and glamour of the music, the boom boom music along the by ROBERT STUART THOMSON the political scenario recalls Hitler Malecon. Puerto Vallarta is greatly enriched by these simulcasts. I did a head count and This production by Michael York City some 20 years thought it came to about 500 Mayer sets one’s mind coursing ago. Mayer’s version people, most on the upper along many trails. It is not set at the outclassed Sellars’ by far. side of 70 and with that je Ducal Court in Renaissance Mantua Using lots of 1960-ish slang ne sais quoi that suggests but in 1960s Las Vegas. The sex- and fashion, a pole for some people who are familiar with obsessed Duke is supposed to bring pole dancing (this seemed opera. Thanks to simulcast, to mind Frank Sinatra, and he does. a bit anachronistic). Lots of one can hear the applause Once I made this connection I neon (which was used, to no level at the Met itself and found that many questions popped great effect, to conjure up it was very enthusiastic, into my mind: Did Old Blue Eyes the storm scene in the last almost clamorous. I am actually take out contracts on act) this version of “Rigoletto” set or the Argentinean generals of the from Victoria, B.C., and used to people? Were there lots of Mafia IMO a new standard for opera in early 1980’s. audiences who actually clap – types partying with the Rat Pack? the field of creative anachronism. I was dreading things when in Act loudly- at simulcast showings. Is Rigoletto supposed to suggest The acting and singing were, One I saw all the neon and many Not this Vallarta crowd, though. Don Rickles? Is Marullo patterned overall, satisfying (at times, other iconic symbols of the 60’s Sophisticated New Yorkers for on Dean Martin or some other exceptional). The Duke looked (bouffant hair for the ladies, hair the most part, I think. Vallarta is pack member? Whatever! One the part of a degenerate. He had a brilliantined back for the men, etc.) becoming richer culturally every of the great strengths of Mayer’s bright, flexible tenor, albeit wobbly but it all worked so well. This was year. May it continue to grow! And production is that it makes Rigoletto at the top from time to time. (I found a production of great imagination let’s have more recorded opera: a feel very close and connected to us. I excused it on the grounds that he and ingenuity and the jump from Covent Garden simulcast? The time barrier dissolves and we was snorting coke.) Gilda’s “Caro 1550 (give or take) to 1960 did not P.S.: Sooner or later I look know, up close and personal what Nome” had exceptional finesse and distract me; strangely, it even help forward to offering a course on Victor Hugo (“Le Roi s’amuse”) discrete bravura and certain gestures me to understand certain happenings Italian opera in Vallarta. and Verdi were getting at. It was of hers were in the best tradition of better, e.g. why the Duke is so not a totally new take on using a imaginative method acting, but it upset when he discovers that Gilda Robert Stuart Thomson is the modern scene because the Austrian was Rigoletto’s powerful baritone has been abducted. Why Rigoletto author of “Italian for the Opera” director, Peter Sellars, set did a (such an amazing range, intruding participates in Gilda’s abduction. (1992) and “Operatic Italian” version of “Rigoletto” set in New surprisingly into tenor and bass The subtitles took a lot of liberties (2009) www.godwinbooks.com

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH The 7 Arts 15 Garland Drama Debuts on Paradise Stage

She was born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922. Just 16 years later, she vaulted into superstardom via the motion picture role of a lifetime playing a naive Kansas girl caught up in a Technicolor misadventure. She later teamed up with Mickey Rooney to create a string of “backyard musicals” for MGM, and quickly became a fixture in the Andy Hardy series of films. Ms. Gumm married Vincente Minnelli in 1945, and their daughter Liza was born the next year. Her biggest career achievement as an adult actress was a musical remake of A Star is Born in 1954. TIME magazine rated this performance by Ms. Gumm as “just about the greatest one-woman show in modern movie history.” And she picked up the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical, but was snubbed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and lost the Oscar to Grace Kelly. At 39 years of age, she was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement in the motion picture industry, and to this day, holds the distinction of the youngest recipient of this prestigious prize. In 1997, she was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Two years later, the American Film Institute ranked her among the ten greatest female stars in the history of American cinema. We all know Frances by her stage name, Judy Garland. And despite her phenomenal commercial success, Garland’s personal life was filled with despair and tragedy. It all tragically ended with an accidental drug overdose at the age of 47. Here in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, March 2nd, you’ll get a chance to witness the dramatic performance of BACKSTAGE with Judy: A Play Based on the True Life Story of Judy Garland, live on the Paradise Stage. This riveting play stars Christy Ann Beguesse as Judy, with Don MacLachlan as Edward, and takes place in Ms. Garland’s Dallas, Texas, dressing room in March of 1969. BACKSTAGE is described as an intimate visit with Judy in her dressing room as she prepares for her final concert. The play reveals secrets about her life in Hollywood that will shock you, make you laugh, and touch your heart. Directed by David Lloyd Austin, BACKSTAGE with Judy hits the Paradise Stage for four repeat performances in March: the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. Just to be clear, there are no vocal performances during this professional dramatic presentation. Tickets for BACKSTAGE with Judy are only $200 pesos and can be purchased in advance at the PCC Box Office at 127 Pulpito in the Romantic Zone (open Tues. to Sat. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or online at www.ParadiseStage.com. VIP Reserved seating upgrades are available, and include 2 free drinks and more comfortable stage-front seating with your admission, for only $350 pesos. Performances are at 8 p.m., preceded by the new Paradise Food Court & Cantina offering a nice variety of food and beverages for purchase starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. ParadiseCommunityCenter.com or call (322) 133-7263.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 16 Map

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Map 17

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 18 The 7 Arts

Real people. Real situations. Real funny!

by MIKE ALTMAN involved in community theater in Connecticut, Minnesota and Mexico. Patrice White, who introduced Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre to Puerto Vallarta several years A few days ago, I was privileged to attend ago, has appeared in Fosse - All That Dance, Steel a rehearsal of No Name Production’s most Magnolias, Stop The World I Want To Get Off, recent offering, The Long Weekend, which opens Vaudeville Vallarta, and others. Thursday, February 28th for a limited engagement Ross Shapiro enjoyed dual roles as the Priest at the Boutique Theatre. I was astonished by the and the Caller in Boutique Theatre’s The Bingo ease with which the cast brought the story to life Queen and also portrayed Brophy in Arsenic and with credibility and authenticity. In no time at all, Old Lace. I forgot I was watching actors and got caught up Edoardo Rocha, who recently made his in the hilarity! Real characters directorial debut with David in believable situations are the Mamet’s highly charged play, key elements for good comedy, Oleanna, a few months ago, and The Long Weekend combines believes the process of directing such realism with creative a comedy or a drama is identical. direction and the comedic timing In both cases, you are dealing of an excellent cast to complete with real people who have real the recipe! problems, emotions, issues, fears Written by Canadian playwright and challenges. Norm Foster, The Long Although the idiosyncrasies/ Weekend relates what happens personality traits of the characters when real people get themselves in a comedic work may be more involved in real situations. It’s defined and exaggerated, the all real funny! Laughter abounds individuals are nonetheless when the husbands of two long-time gal pals multi-dimensional human beings. The actual begrudgingly consent to spend a weekend together circumstances within The Long Weekend, if at the more successful couple’s country home. The portrayed by less quirky characters, would feel guys don’t like each other, the girls are envious of more tragic. But the comedic genre allows for one to each other and nobody is on the up and up – just see the situation from a different perspective. The like real life! It’s a recipe for disaster. There’s just predicaments and reactions of these four wonderful enough sex, just enough smart talk, just enough characters elicits laughter because the audience, unexpected plot twists to keep you engaged and on some level, identifies with them. Through his amused. comedies, Norm Foster provides us with a unique The four-person cast includes: Michael Gibney, view point from which we see some of life’s ironies best known locally for his lead roles in Best Little and absurdities. From the audience member’s safe Whorehouse in Texas and Oleanna. Michael has vantage point -when not personally immersed in also lent his talents to the International Theater the chaos- the lunacy is amusing. Festival, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Key West NOTE: Audience members of the opening Playhouse in Florida, HB Studios in NYC, San night of The Long Weekend are invited to attend Miguel Allende Theatre and the La Salle Music a post-production wine reception, compliments Theater in Philadelphia, among others. of No Name Productions. Norma Schuh, who has portrayed diverse Tickets at $250 pesos can be purchased online characters from Mae West and M’Lynn (Steel through the Boutique Theatre Box Office: www. Magnolias) to Blanche (Street Car Named boutiquetheatre.ca or in person at: Paradise Desire) and Sister Robert Ann (Nunsense), is the Encounters, 134 Rodolfo Gomez, Miralo Gallery, founder of the women’s chorale ensembles the 236-A Iturbide, NV Bookstore, 216 Basilio Badillo, QuesaDivas and EnchiLadies. She has written and Saturday Co-op Market, Paradise Community produced several original shows, including Blast Center (SATURDAYS ONLY), and at the Boutique from the Past and Sassy Sixties, and has been Theatre (One hour before the performance).

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH The 7 Arts 19

He immediately started networking to find other media professionals living in the area, who wanted 420estudio to work at a very high level and 420estudio was born. “Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas by LAURA GELEZUNAS is the ultimate location, because it is paradise defined,” says Pedro. “There is consistently great weather plus an incredible mix of different terrains When you have a collection of the best like mountains, ocean, beach, farms, jungle and people, expect great things to happen. The recent tourist sections, all this combines to create a very compilation of talent at the new production house, desirable location for video and photo shoots.” 420estudio may open Banderas Bay even further This is a great way to promote the area as a tourist for film and photo location shoots. They will also destination world wide, too. enhance all video efforts originating in the area. The company also has rental equipment and “I wanted to gather the most talented producers, facilities to support foreign companies when they videographers, photographers, sound technicians, are shooting photos, movies, documentaries, TV animation artists and other talents to create a shows or commercials. 420estudio has complete consortium,” says Pedro Agüera, director of cross production services. 420estudio, “Many of us want to live in the Puerto Their premiere video, The History of the New Vallarta area while continuing to work within our Pier, will be released soon. At the end of February, craft.” There is a great deal of talent in the area they are off to Sonora to continue an ongoing and he feels that many companies think they have series of documentaries for SAGARPA, Mexico’s to look outside the city to find highly qualified Secretary of Agriculture, about HLB, a plague that talent, even though there are many professionals is attacking citrus trees. living and working in Puerto Vallarta. For more information check out their website, Pedro has spent over 30 years in television and http://420estudio.com video production and hails from Mexico City. Some of his accolades include 19 seasons of Fear Factor / Mexico shot in Argentina, Big Brother / 420estudio Mexico, Tropical Heat / Canadian TV series and member years of work at Televisa in various capacities. who has Members of 420estudio have over 70 years of the motor- combined experience in the industry. powered He first visited Puerto Vallarta over 20 years ago hand glider and lived here for awhile, but had to move back took this to Mexico City for work. Just over one year ago, he decided to move back permanently. “I have photo with a young children and Mexico City was not a great helmet cam environment for raising them,” says Pedro, “We strapped on love the beach, water sports and this is a great his head. place to raise a family.”

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 20 Good Bites

Among the appetizers we can mention the Polenta, Coco’s Kitchen the baked Panela, Avocado Rolls with Tamarind Sauce, Beef Carpaccio, Jicama tacos, fried or stuffed by ANA LUZ VELAZQUEZ Calamari – among so many others. All the entrées are exquisite: the Green Red Snapper, the Chicken Ayotli, the Shrimp al Rojo, al Coco or with Raicilla… If you enjoy dining al fresco, green exuberant vegetation surrounds the guests who decide to enjoy their meal in the garden patio for a relaxing, intimate experience. Prices are as reasonable as in any beach resort, ranging between 100 and 250 pesos. In addition, on Mondays you can go Greek! Coco offers an excellent dinner of typically Greek dishes such as Dolmadakis, Horiatiki, Kieftiko, Tzatziki and Hummus, among others. And the evening is embellished even more with popular Greek music. You can choose from two options: One includes the Lemon Soup or the Greek Salad, with Souvlaki or Mussaka, and Baklava for $199. Pesos, or the Roast Lamb and Avgolemono, Baklava or Key Lime Pie for $269. pesos. Coco’s Kitchen, a first class restaurant for cuisine, Wednesdays are Cuban Nights, to dance in the service and ambience. patio to the sounds of the Cuban Citara duo while Just one block from Los Muertos beach you will you enjoy the specials for $220. Pesos. The delicious find this culinary place for all those who enjoy pork is baked in citrus and accompanied with rice their food with that homemade touch, with a good and beans, the famous combination known as Moors relationship between the quality, the price …and the & Christians. You can also order some delicious charm. plantain empanadas, or Ropa Vieja, among other Owner Coco Iñiguez is proud of the high standards dishes typical of Cuba. of the service she offers and of the top quality, fresh We also should not forget to mention Thursdays. ingredients she uses in her dishes. That’s when your dinners are enhanced by the soft, The menu is made up of her own creations, romantic music of El y Ella, a duo whose musical homemade type, all characterized by inventiveness talents you will not soon forget! and authenticity, all served in the simply elegant and All in all, Coco’s Kitchen is a great place to have discreet setting that has earned her well-deserved breakfast (another whole succulent story, too long to fame. tell here), lunch or dinner, quietly, with or without Meat, seafood, salads, desserts and a bar fully your favorite pet, at a reasonable price. In case you’re stocked with quality wines and liquor combine to still not familiar with it, it is located at 122 Pulpito, leave guests with the feeling of a magical evening. across the street from the Paradise Community The portions are generous and some of the Center. Tel.: 223-0373. presentations will surely surprise you…

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Vallarta Voices 21

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like (I want to believe that it’s because it at first, but by the time it was all all these places are having a good said and done, my face hurt from season.) They did get their shawarma by ANNA REISMAN laughing, so I guess I did like it. “fix” at Pita Loca, and their rib “fix” Funny, funny lines! at Archie’s Wok. We’re all going to On Sunday morning, we went D’z Route 66 for another rib “fix”, to Lindo Mar for brunch. I really and we’re still looking forward to wanted to take my friends to “Taste” Vitea’s February Shrimp & Mojitos This past week has been quite But even then, I realized up in the jungle of the Callejon de la Festival. the week at our house. Once the that whoever was in Igualdad – which I really like, but About the new immigration rules paper had been “put to bed” charge of those sub- they all opted for a beach setting and that were discussed at the recent -in a manner of speaking- we titles was doing a a typically Mexican buffet. At least I presentation by Kelly Trainor, the went out looking for a place pathetic job of it. got to take a nice photo there. I hope U.S. Consular Agent for PV, we to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I did some you like it. did receive two files explaining the We decided on “Sapori di research and I had a whole bunch of new whole thing, but there’s no way for Sicilia”, the little Italian contacted the proper adventures planned for these dear us to publish them in their entirety. restaurant that opened this folks in Mexico City friends of mine, but it was not to be. I suggest you write to Pamela season in Plaza Romy (I. L. to offer my services The Ocean Grill was fully booked Thompson at Vallarta & Fco. Madero), and (in the hope of all week, as were Ocean Friendly’s [email protected] what a super decision that was! making some $$$ too whale watching tours, and even my ask her to send you the files by email. If you haven’t sampled their while getting to see all dentist’s clinic was fully booked, so Or, check out www.inm.gob.mx/ authentic Sicilian cuisine yet, I those shows and movies they couldn’t even get their annual index.php/page/pagina_principal/ recommend you do so ‘cause it’s ahead of everyone else). teeth cleaning done this time around en.html It’s in English. just so good. The young owner and Turned out that they were ...though they did get to spend a great Gotta go. Have a great week. his lovely wife had a restaurant in hiring recent graduates to do those day fishing with Master Baiter’s. Hasta luego! [email protected] Sicily that was awarded two Michelin translations, youngsters they could stars! And the chefs from there are pay the minimum wages. The result here now to delight you with their was obvious. But the Met? You’d creations. think they’d spring for a little more If you’ve missed “Love …and in order to get decent translations. Insanity” at the Boutique Theatre last I mean, really, would anyone say week, you missed a truly wonderful, “I’m revving my engine” in the 16th delightful performance by those century? Doesn’t matter that the veteran actor / singers, Dana and entire story line was transposed to Mark Zeller. He with that superb Las Vegas in the 60s. That’s not what baritone and her with her hilarious the Duke character sang! acting out of the songs she chose… Sometimes, when I watch an All in all, a most enjoyable evening English movie with Spanish sub-titles (that ended with a standing ovation on a DVD, I miss bits and pieces of it by the full house). I look forward to just ‘cause I’m still laughing at their their offerings –whatever they may translation of the last exchange – that be- next season. It’s just too bad that had nothing to do with the original, we have to wait until then to be so and changed the whole meaning of well entertained. the scene. On Saturday, we went to see Oh well. Ni modo. Verdi’s Rigoletto at Teatro Vallarta. And I guess I might as well forget Again, an excellent performance, about waiting for the town fathers and a wonderful transmission – as to change that silly sign on the they’ve all been. southbound highway too - the one What I don’t understand is the that was installed years ago, that says sub-titles. Many, many years ago, that Puerto Vallarta still has 203,342 when I first moved down here, I inhabitants, despite the fact that that used to watch as many TV programs number has increased by over 50% as I could, that were in English over the years… with Spanish sub-titles, in order to We went to see “Sordid Lives” at improve my knowledge of the latter. The Palm.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 22 Vallarta Voices

Watching stunning sunsets of Nature … varying hues sink into the sea, being There’s something truly decadent hypnotized by the lull of crashing and wildly delightful about living in Dreaming in Mexican waves, and evenings of stargazing are sunshine and tropical nature in the basic pleasures that clear the monkey middle of winter when you’re from A lazy cat napping on the sofa in the galería mind of extraneous noise. the frigid prairies. No matter how long Life is a banquet with A stray dog approaching, head down, tail swaying in an anticipated touch I’ve lived in it, I never acclimatize to meandering mariachis and sand snow and ice. The rooster that knows not the hands of the clock sculptors, cultural events and street As we begin to bundle up in coats, The unexpected play of dolphins breaking the skin of the sea concerts, fireworks and artisans. The boots, scarves, and gloves, the humid This is the melody of Mexican life senses are fed a constant flow of storms have disappeared and the -Wanda St.Hilaire/Of Love, Life and Journeys sensual stimuli. sun blooms in Vallarta with fresh temperatures and the beginning of a Simplicity … long, blue-sky season. It begins in September. I love Have you ever tried to simplify Walking ocean side day by day is, Calgary in the fall, but ever your life in the rat race of a typical without a doubt, grounding food for since a stupendous one-month North American city? I’ve downsized the soul. Spotting a whale glide past September sojourn to Oaxaca, and simplified and still, I find life too with intermittent blows or catching a Mexico, five years ago, as soon “messy.” pair of playful dolphins brings a burst as the Labor Day weekend ends, Life in Vallarta feels sublimely of indescribable joy. I begin to yearn. simple and uncomplicated with Does life get any better than when Deeply yearn. neighborhood markets, small indie your virtual office is a friendly I chose Oaxaca for a writing shops, walking for exercise (instead outdoor café overlooking the ocean vacation because of the rich of packing up, layering up, and under a cloudless sky? history, the cuisine, the culture warming up the car to go to a gym in Mexico is not a masculine and indigenous diversity. My -20!), and a light schedule open for taskmaster who motivates with first day was an entrance into spontaneity. heavy-handed willpower. She is a holiday dreamscape and the feminine. She gently inspires. She following month, each day delivered Mexico, for now, is a free country Real life … coaxes you to smile, to dance, to a gift, like a little package tied in a - the way we once were. I can enjoy In all of my adulthood, I’ve never laugh, to play, to create, and to love. bright bow. a drink in a park there without being spent the quality of time with my Now, well into the harsh grey of an But aside from my fall dreams of arrested and I can park a car without mum as I did when we both spent Albertan winter, I pine. Each day as I colonial, old world Mexico, when worrying about bi-law nincompoops. winter in Vallarta two years ago–­ awaken, I send a fervent wish that I winter envelops my life like a grey I could even park a donkey on my she with her partner and me in the once again make it back to the place blanket, I begin to plot, fantasize doorstep! beautiful hilltop Casa Maraya. Two where my heart sings a contented about, and visualize my beloved amigas, we flogged my books at the lullaby. Vallarta. Slow living … Sunday market in La Cruz together, BIO Mexican life is a vast collection It always amazes me that wandering tested out tasty food at new cafés and of small things that make life worth about Vallarta can bring all kinds restaurants and hopped rickety-rack Calgary author Wanda St.Hilaire living. What you value most is what of delicious detours. There is not a buses to San Sebastian and Rincon de has a penchant and passion for all makes life rich and beautiful. Mexico, lot of rushing or overfilled agendas Guayabitos. things Latin and believes life is too for me, embodies a sumptuous feast and rather a lot of impromptu Whether you have a lot or a little, short not to do what you love, where of what I hold dear. happenstances. you can always find something of you love. She spends time writing in Rather than sprinting through days, value to do in Vallarta. Just walking Mexico for inspiration and to escape Freedom … weeks and months, life is a slow the Malecón at night is an event. the frozen landscapes of Alberta. Some visitors to Mexico find the tapestry of small, unexpected and In Mexico, children play with Her first travel memoir, The Cuban lack of structure too disorienting unplanned pleasures woven together. sticks in the sand, content without Chronicles, is an honest, raw, and because of what they are used to. I an iPhone / iPod / iPad or big screen sometimes humorous account of find it liberating. We don’t realize the Sensual living … TV. Families gather to celebrate the pleasures and perils of a single, constant stress we live under north of While we rummage through the everything, traditions are upheld in untamed woman wandering Cuba the border because we’re too busy to aisles at Safeway trying to find a piece loud, living color, and long lunches alone and unchaperoned. www. consider the implications and we’ve of fruit that doesn’t taste like plastic, are spent with friends. There is a sense wandasthilaire.com Books to Incite essentially mal-adapted to it. the harvest is abundant with heaps of of community and it’s a place where Impassioned Odysseys Through Life Example: we have multitudes of sweet mangoes, plump papayas and waiters and café owners remember www.lifebyheart.wandasthilaire.com cameras to catch us speeding and we ruby-red watermelons in the outdoor you after one visit. Sometimes you If You’re Not Living on the Edge, can be fined if we put lipstick on at a markets of Mexico. Fresh salsas and wanna go where everybody knows You’re Taking Up Too Much Space! red light or eat a sandwich in our cars. juices and handmade food abound your name. Every week we lose a bit of liberty. everywhere.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Nature’s World 23

As alluded to earlier, the Date in salads or ground with dried fish Planting Roots in Mexico Palm is dioecious - separate male as a condiment for bread. Even the and female plants - but as the norm, tapped sap can be converted into palm by TOMMY CLARKSON only the females bear fruit. While the sugar molasses (called jaggery or gur) texts state that it takes between four to to make molasses or - heaven forbid - seven years before such should come alcoholic beverages. A case in point to fruition (no pun intended), we had as regards the latter is the fact that Medjool Date Palm fruit only two years after they sprouted in North Africa the tapped palm sap Phoenix dactylifera, from seeds! (known as lagbi), if left unattended for In yet another of those “Well, duh!” (Also called Mujhoolah) not all that many hours – depending statements, beyond its many practical upon the temperature - becomes a Subfamily: Coryphoideae edible uses, increasingly, as a result of libation. The plethora of uses of this Tribe: Phoeniceae it striking appearance, it is being used amazing palm is astounding …I’ll for landscaping. drink to that! Upon the yellowing and drying up Highly tolerant of salt and drought, of this palm’s 20 to 30 - sometimes six it loves direct sun, can grow in a From when first seeing this meters long - pinnate, blue-grey-green wide variety of well-drained soils magnificent palm during my three fronds, they can be cut, near the trunk but, generally, fruits at less than its “adventures” with the mass media in such a manner so as to present a optimum in the tropics/subtropics. traveling throughout Iraq (circa 2005 beautiful diamond shaped pattern. A Though a desert plant, ours thrive – – 2009) it has been a favorite. In friend from Florida (a locale in which and are growing outrageously fast – fact, the six females and two males, the Medjools now thrive) many years as a result of regular, deep watering, presently flourishing in our gardens ago, told me that the way to remember fertilizing, and attention given them are the “children” of date palms this palm’s name was to look at the by Jose and me. (But, in a closing procured by Saddam Hussein. He – strikingly attractive trunk and think warning, beware of the lethal, very The fructose-based Medjool dates of the Islamic Sunni sect – had them of it closely cut frond bases as “my sharp, spikes on their pinnate frond are, for all intents and purposes, the transported from Basrah, in the Shia jewels”. stems!) undisputed best! Popping them open region of Southern Iraq, to be planted Now for some culinary date trivia: into one’s mouth is like a shot around his palaces in the Baghdad of delicious honey butter! The young date leaves can be cooked In Manzanillo, visit Ola Brisa Gardens, area, well over two decades ago. and eaten as a vegetable as can its Tommy and Patty’s verdant, multi- While only six years old - having Thoory (low moisture/high sugar). bud or heart, though its removal kills terraced tropical paradise nestled on a hill grown them from seeds - these beauties The type of fruit depends on its the palm. Finely ground seeds can overlooking the magnificent vista of Santiago are already ten meters tall in their glucose, fructose and sucrose content. be mixed with flour to make bread. Bay. Leisurely meander its curved, paved palm life youth. However – perhaps Sadly, all varieties of the date palm are Ground date seeds can be used as path, experiencing, first hand, a delicious striving to emulate me - one male is subject to terminal lethal yellowing – a coffee supplement and even the array of palms, plants and flowers from all already 248 centimeters around at the a problem with which we must deal in flowers of the date palm are edible. over the world. Or, e-mail questions to him base of his trunk! Vertically, when these environs. The buds of the flowers can be used at [email protected] fully grown, they should exceed twenty-five meters. Thought to have originated in the northern Africa and Persian Gulf area, the delicious, yellow, red to rich dark brown-orange, date fruit (drupe) of this palm has been a Middle Eastern staple food for thousands of years. And, there is archaeological evidence of this plant’s cultivation in Arabia in 6,000 BC. While this week’s column focuses on the Medjool, family wise – of the hundreds of distinctly different varieties, with cultivars into the thousands - there are three main From last year, Patty and Dulio, groups. These are: the soft (high stand below a male Medjool Date moisture/low sugar) - Barhee, Two somewhat bent and twisted “doubles”, Be it the striking trunk or the Palm on our Transition Terrace. Halawy, Khadrawy, Medjool; semi- which on all counts makes them the exception beautifully balanced crown top, the Considering it was but a seed not dry (low moisture/high sugar), Dayri, rather than the norm, growing in the Medjool is a stately, majestic palm. much than five years before, that’s Deglet Noor, Zahidi/Zahedi; and dry, International Zone in Baghdad. (These are the “parents” of ours.) pretty significant growth! SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 24 Nature’s World

2nd Annual Vallarta Bird Festival March 7-10, 2013

Whether you are a hard core These tours encompass a wide birder who realizes “Audubon” variety of areas and birds, a privately referrers to John James Audubon, owned wildlife sanctuary, scenic the French-American ornithologist, rural roads high in the mountains naturalist, and painter who was with tropical dry forest and notable for his studies to document ranchlands, little-known mangrove all types of American birds, or you ecosystem in Nuevo Vallarta, just like to watch our feathered the protected wildlife reserve in friends and think “Audubon” is a Puerto Vallarta and the hunt to see German highway, you are sure to the protected magnificent Military enjoy the second annual Puerto Macaw. And for those that would Vallarta Bird Festival. like to learn to photograph these This year’s festival will be beautiful birds, there is a bird from March 7-10 presented by photography workshop. Birds you the Vallarta Bird Conservancy may see include the San Blas Jay, promoting conservation, education Masked Tityra, Russet-crowned and awareness of tropical and Motmot, Black-vented Oriole, migratory birds in the Puerto Nutting’s Flycatcher, Grey-crowned Vallarta, Banderas Bay and Cabo Woodpecker, Mexican Hermit, Corrientes areas of Jalisco, Mexico, Elegant Quail, Rufous-necked for the benefit of locals and visitors Wood-Rail, and the Boat-billed from around the world. Hosted by Heron to name only a few. the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. 4 These tours are sure to please days of guided tours, presentations, every level of birder. and lectures for a wonderful Also at the Vallarta Botanical opportunity to view, learn and enjoy Gardens will be a registration the wonderful birds in the Puerto table, festival merchandise sales, Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes area. photo exhibit, displays and birding Greg R. Homel , the keynote merchandise and children’s speaker and guide, is an ornithologist, activities. award-winning international nature Space is limited on all tours photojournalist, documentary film so please register early for your producer, and lecturer. Greg along tours. Go online and sign up now, with other professional international and be sure to mark your calendars guides and Alex Martinez, Carlos for this great event. For more Bonilla, Neil Gerlowski, William information, please visit our website Tractenberg, Luis Morales, Sandra at www.vallartabirdfestival.org Gallo-Corona, Paul Hart, Stephen To contact Vallarta Bird Shunk, and Dr. Tiberio Monterrubio Festival Organizers: will be leading tours and/or giving puertovallartabirdfestival@gmail. lectures. com, or Pat Morrow at morrowpat@ Tours include Vallarta Botanical gmail.com Tels: +52 (322) 269-0209 Gardens, Rancho Primavera, Bioto or 269-0257, William Trachtenberg Road, Provincia Road, Laguna del at US phone (484) 821-3736. Quelele, El Salado, and El Jorullo searching for the Military Macaw.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Health Matters 25

Immune system: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Body & Sol Indigestion: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals by KRYSTAL FROST Longevity: Tea made with honey and cinnamon [email protected] powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. Cinnamon and Honey! It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100-year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old. (Do we really My friend Chelli sent me this, and I am passing want to do the chores we did when we were 20?) it on… Sore throat: On the onset, take one tablespoon of Drug companies won’t like this one getting around. honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours Facts on honey and cinnamon: It is found that a mix until throat is without symptoms. of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey Weight loss: in the morning one half hour before is produced in most of the countries of the world. breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night Scientists of today also note honey as very effective before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it without side effects, which is also a plus. Today’s reduces the weight of even the most obese person. science says that even though honey is sweet, when it Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not the fat to accumulate in the body even though the harm even diabetic patients. person may eat a high calorie diet. (Too good to be Heart diseases: Make a paste of honey and true!) cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and Cancer: Recent research in Japan and Australia jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart and bones have been cured successfully. Patients attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily studies show you could be kept miles away from the take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of next attack cinnamon powder three times a day for one month. Arthritis: take one cup of hot water with two Fatigue: Recent studies have shown that the sugar tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of content of honey is more helpful rather than being cinnamon powder. This is said to be a miracle worker detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens in Europe. who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts Bladder infections: two tablespoons of cinnamon are more alert and flexible. powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of Hearing loss: Daily morning and night honey lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores the bladder. hearing. Cholesterol: Two tablespoons of honey and three Remember when we were kids? We had toast with teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces real butter, honey and cinnamon sprinkled on it! of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 Krystal Frost is a long time resident of Puerto percent within two hours Vallarta. Graduate of University of Guadalajara, Colds: Those suffering from common or severe and specialized in cosmetic acupuncture at Bastyr colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey University in Washington State. She is the owner of with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. Body & Sol for over 15 years where she practices This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too! (We use this therapy, yoga, meditation and nutritional counseling. in our home during the cough and cold season in P.V.) She has created healing programs for individuals, Upset stomach: Honey taken with cinnamon retreats and spas. Questions and comments may be powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear directed to [email protected] stomach ulcers from its root. SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 26 Health Matters

couple, setting mutual goals that you Beck says that “The emotion that work on together. It should not be a fuels this kind of relationship isn’t power struggle to see who can control love; it’s desperation”. It can feel What is a Healthy the other or “make” the other do what romantic at first, but doesn’t work Relationship? they want or believe is right. (Woititz, over time. Therefore, you must feel Janet: Struggle For Intimacy, Health confident that you can live without that Communications Inc,1985, pg: 21). person and that your life will go on. by GISELLE BELANGER 2) “My love for you will definitely RN, LCSW Intimacy change” Life is full of change and “Intimacy” indicates closeness, people are always changing, so of depth, trust. It exists in a relationship course, a relationship must change when you can be yourself; express over time as well. Love should feel You know you are in a healthy Do they want your help? Do your emotions, your ideas, your different as a couple moves through relationship when you can be yourself they even agree with what you are desires. With intimacy there is the stages of a relationship. Beck and you accept your partner as he envisioning? If somebody isn’t “validation, understanding, and a says, “A love that is allowed to adapt is. You do not try to change them or developing into their potential, sense of being valued intellectually, to new circumstances is virtually mold them into who you think they demonstrating that they are achieving emotionally, and physically.” (Woititz, indestructible”. She compares should be or who you need them to their goals and growing as a person, pg: 22) You need to know it is safe to love to water, explaining that “like be. You don’t have that right and it is if they just keep promising to change let down your guard and reveal your running water, changing love finds very controlling. The fact is, you don’t or to do something and nothing is true self. Upon doing so, you cannot its way past obstacles” whereas, know who they should be either. Each different, then you are in love with then fear or be at risk for shaming, “freezing it in place makes it fragile, person must determine their life path their potential, not who they are now. humiliation, retaliation, or other rigid, and all too likely to shatter”. or the process that they need to take in In a healthy relationship, you accept hurtful consequences. You must feel 3) “You are not everything I need”. order to discover who they are, what your partner unconditionally and you protected, valued, cherished, and So many couples believe that their they want, and how they want to live. feel accepted unconditionally as well. cared for. With intimacy, there is a partner should be everything to them; If you are with a partner that either is That doesn’t mean that everything sense of security; in who you are their confidant, their best friend, the trying to change you or who you are about them is perfect. Of course, as a person and in the relationship. one to go do everything with. They trying to change, then you are not in a there are things in their personality Neither of you fear or doubt or wonder believe that something is wrong healthy relationship. or behavior that could or should be about the other’s commitment to the if their partner has other interests, So much potential… improved, but you begin by accepting relationship. It is mutual. separate groups of friends, etc. Beck Be very careful not to invest your them. Some things are significant and We are “one” …not A healthy says, “it’s like trying to get a full range time and energy into a partner you are not going to change or the person relationship does not mean you have of vitamins by eating only ice cream”. think has “so much potential”. Your is unwilling to change, so then you so much in common or think and feel She explains that “each becomes investment is on the future while both may have to accept that you are the same about everything. “You and exhausted by the effort to be all things ignoring or minimizing the present. not meant for each other. I are not one” no matter what society to the other and neither can develop What is your partner like now? What Janet Woititz explains in her book, or certain religions have taught you. fully as an individual”. is the relationship like now? Do you “Struggle for Intimacy”, that “you That isn’t even a healthy goal let alone 4) “I won’t always hold you close” and your partner have the same goals have to be able to grow and feel possible. It is ridiculous. Martha Beck, Always holding someone close can for the relationship? Are you hoping encouraged to grow” and you should be PhD says, “If you’re living by the be very suffocating. The tighter you to change them or help them fulfill encouraging the same for your partner. ‘We are one’ ideal it’s high time you hold on to someone, the more they their potential? You must also grow together as a found out how terrific love for two can will struggle to get away and be free. be”. She encourages you to “follow Think of a toddler, who will wiggle your heart in a direction your partner and jiggle to get out of your grasp and wouldn’t go” and to “dare to explore if he has to, he will begin got cry or your differences.” How true! (Beck, scream until you let go. Your partner Martha, Ph.D. “How to Know It’s will do the same. Instead, you must Real Love”, Oprah, March 15, 2002) allow each other the freedom to make Beck also lists 4 other statements their own choices, to make mistakes, describing a healthy relationship or to fall and get up again, and then be real love, even though they seem there for them. contrary to what most of us grow up believing. Giselle Belanger, RN, LCSW 1) “I can live without you, no (psychotherapist) is available for problem” Even though so many love appointments in person, by phone, or by songs and messages in movies is that skype webcam. Contact info: Mex cell: 044 we can’t live without that person, the (322) 138-9552 or US cell: (312) 914-5203 opposite must be true in order to have NEW e-mail: [email protected] a healthy relationship.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Fish Tales 27

will give you a nice fight on light tackle. Heavy poles and line for 130-lb Yellowfin Tuna these fish ruin the adventure and you can just muscle them in easily. off Corbeteña Make sure your Charter Company in upside down season has light tackle before renting or the fishing could be less than Written by STAN GABRUK of Master Baiter´s Sportfishing and Tackle sportsman-like. For now, tourists can experience summer species on winter days. The fishing is great and now Everyone coming by to see my the market conditions for new location will get a CITY or fishing companies is less than JUNGLE TOUR at our cost favorable for business. But for ($100 mn)! So I expect to see ellowfin Tuna at Y the consumer the prices are you all at my shop soon! Master Corbeteña, it’s February and I’m remaining down even with ever- Baiter’s is still the only real writing about Yellowfin Tuna growing fuel cost. The budget fishing company in Marina running 130 lbs. at Corbetaña? minded 4-hour fishing trips for Vallarta with its own exclusive Warm currents continue from Skip Jack Tuna off Yelapa is not boats that are reliable, fast, with Japan to the west coast cutting exactly world record fishing, but English-speaking, fish-catching off the cold water we are used it is fishing and smaller people professionals! Questions on any to getting at this time of the like kids will get their share subject: feel free to ask at my email: year. Now we’re seeing species of smiles and memories. Also [email protected] we should not really be seeing don’t forget, if you’re a single Web page: www.MasterBaiters. at our world famous fishing fisherman, we have options for com.mx or call me directly locally grounds. Yellowfin Tuna are you through Mike’s Fishing. at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if not the only species out there Sailfish about a mile off the Fishing parties are $175 USD per roaming: 011 52 1 322 779 75 71 that will surprise you, amigos. The island, Snapper, Jack Crevalle, person for 8 hours and includes (this is my cell phone directly until season is now upside down and Sierra Mackerel, all running in lunch and sodas, BYOB. the shop phone is working). You from here out, who knows what’s the 30-lb range are like fishing Until next time, don’t forget to kiss can come be a ¨Fan¨ on Facebook going to happen. Cookie cutter insurance. Blue water, calm seas, your fish and remember: at Master here: http://www.facebook.com/ fishing reports, not here, amigo. abundant bait, no reason to risk Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “We pages/Master-Baiters-Sportfishing- Ok, one more time: 130-lb longer day trips when the fishing Won’t Jerk You Around”! Tackle/88817121325 Facebook Yellowfin Tuna are circling “The is outstanding in so close. Now 28 Master Baiter’s has changed Fans get special perks you won’t Rock” and they’re taking bait in miles may not seem so close, but locations in Marina Vallarta find in my reports. what is highly unusual for February. makes a full day seem kinda short. and are now near Victors Café The trade name Master Baiter’s Warm water temperatures of 75 For now this is the place to be and Tecuba. Look for me at the least ® Sportfishing and Tackle is degrees are keeping Striped Marlin you may come across Pompano and traveled end of Marina Vallarta and protected under trade mark law and of 250 lbs., Dorado in the 35 to milk fish, stay tuned. I will be there in my new place! is the sole property of Stan Gabruk. 50-lb range, even Wahoo are still Punta Mita is alive and doing taking baits. Cubera Snappers to well. Dorado around the buoys, 55 lbs., Sailfish as well. They’re Sailfish off the point and Striped all taking live bait, so Google eyes Marlin about ten miles off the point are worth their weight in tortillas! makes the beach pangas in the area Drop your lines just west of The well worth a 4-hour trip. Just make Rock and start there. El Banco is a sure these boats are equipped with carbon copy of what Corbeteña is lures and live bait. For now, this doing, but Striped Marlin are more area is a no-brainer, but the Islands abundant at The Bank. are performing better so if coming The Marieta Islands have not from Vallarta proper, Punta Mita is been disappointing at all, amigos. less desirable. Rooster Fish at 35 lbs. have Inside the bay is fish city. Nothing returned to the area and Dorado 25 huge, but if you want plenty of lbs. and up are more abundant as action the Jack Crevalle are filling well. So there is plenty of action to the order. Running 35 to 50 lbs. if be had in an 8-hour trip. lucky, these fish are demons and

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 28 Gil Gevins’ Page

she’d been doing the work of three First I went to the coffee machine, other people (who had either called located next to the photocopy machine, in sick, or else didn’t exist). But and spent several minutes standing in Our Lady of the DMV somehow, she always kept her smile. front of it, like a moron, looking for Joan of Archives reviewed my the slot into which to insert the coins. documents, pronounced them in order “There’s no slot,” my old friend and asked for my receipt of payment. the helpful photocopier finally told by GIL GEVINS “Don’t I do that next?” I asked. me. “You give the money to me. The www.gilgevins.com “No, you pay first.” machine used to have a slot, but they “On your official website, it said to took it out.” do this first, and pay second.” “A health hazard?” I asked. The young woman regarded me “What?” with a pained expression. Next, I visited the other vending Many years ago I wrote a story where a large sign said, “…always How could anyone, her look said, machine (some distance away) and, about how I obtained my Mexican include one copy with your original.” be dumb enough to believe what they without incident, purchased a bag of driver’s license. It was entitled, You’re The line was short and manned by read on our website? Then she gave chile-flavored potato chips, by far the Better Off Walking. That ordeal should a pretty young woman with a beatific me a blue plastic square with the most nutritious item available. Then I have prepared me for the bureaucratic smile. Soon it was my turn, which number “36” on it, and steered me to returned to my area just as they called maelstrom into which I had to plunge was when the young lady in question Window Five. Once I’d paid there, “26”. Only ten to go. in order to renew that license several abruptly abandoned her post. For forty I was encouraged to return to this Finally…finally, she finished with years later. But it didn’t. Nothing minutes. general area and wait for my number “35”. At which point, naturally, she could have. Except, possibly, scaling Not totally unprepared, I’d bought to be called. got up and went to another window K-2 in a G-string. Or shopping at Wal- along something to read: Silence of Window Five was on the other where she proceeded to operate the Mart on Black Friday. the Lambs. I’d read it before, but now side of the vast room. As I made my photo machine! First I went online and found the I was seeing it in a whole new light. approach to the window, someone was Fifteen minutes later, on the verge official government site where they’d (Three hours later, still bouncing kind enough to explain to me about of a “failsafe” moment, I approached encrypted my instructions, including from line to line, the prospect of the “sitting- down-line”, a roped-off the counter and asked her if someone, the steps to follow in numerical order. following in Dr. Lecter’s footsteps area containing twenty rows of chairs. anyone, would be taking numbers Step One: Drive twenty minutes out would begin to take on a certain The last occupied chair was the end of again sometime soon. of town to the House of Pain, where strange appeal.) the line. “Yes,” she said serenely, “in fifteen you can pay your fees and penalties all As the line behind me grew I sat down and said to my neighbor, minutes.” under one inconvenient roof. longer than an anaconda’s colon, I “Oh my God, how long is this going Fifteen minutes later she reappeared Step Two: Attempt to find a non- commenced to shiver. It was the air to take?” (she really did have a fantastic smile- existent parking place. conditioning—they’d turned it up “This is fast,” he said reassuringly. -a real asset in that job), took my Step Three: Enter the building and higher than Lindsay Lohan. “Half hour, max.” documents, did some typing and said make photocopies of your documents. Then my replaced knee began to Once three people had paid, our they would be calling me shortly to When I handed the fellow manning complain from standing so long. What entire group got off its collective butt take my picture—the last step! the photocopier my two documents, I needed to do was go outside and sit and moved up, en masse, to occupy A minute later, it was my turn. But he informed me emphatically that they in the sun for a while. But then I’d the empty chairs. It took me eleven as I approached the window, the gal did not need to be copied. I made him lose my place in line. musical chairs moves to reach the taking the pictures got up, moved do it anyway. The saintly young woman finally coveted first row. over one window and began taking Step Four: Go to the line specially returned to her window. She hadn’t Eventually, I made my payment numbers! dedicated to receiving documents, been goofing off, by the way; rather, and trekked back to the area where I turned to the fellow standing they called the numbers. I was so behind me and said, “Do you think cold by then, I had icicles forming on there is any way they could make this my elbows. Also, I was hungry. And system any less efficient.” thirsty. I yearned for the contents of “Maybe,” he said, “but it’d be a lot some vending machines I’d noticed of work.” earlier. But I couldn’t forsake my area until I’d clarified my numerical status. Gil Gevins is the author of four In my absence they’d crawled all side-splittingly funny books, including the way up two numbers, to “24”. I his latest and greatest, SLIME AND sat down and shivered for six minutes, PUNISHMENT. Signed copies of Gil’s timing how long it took to service books are available at LUCY’S CUCU one person. Six minutes times twelve CABAÑA, located at 295 Basilio people equaled 72 minutes. Even in Badillo. Or as e-books from AMAZON Mexico, I thought, that should be KINDLE. Pick up a copy, or two. enough time to deal with two vending You’ll laugh yourself silly! machines. SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Real Estate 29

immigration reform to the top of the At the same time, Mexican- political agenda, according to the Americans now make up more than commission which is co-chaired by 10 percent of the U.S. population and former Mexican President Ernesto 7 percent of its electorate. Zedillo and former U.S. Trade The challenges posed by public Representative Carla Hills. insecurity, organized crime, and drug by: HARRIET MURRAY “Prospects are better than they have trafficking and abuse “may be the most been in decades for a sensible reform harrowing test” for both governments, of U.S. immigration policy – which according to the Wilson report, which recommended they should jointly review “Who Do We Trust?’’ Washington’s policies toward illicit drugs and “The fundamental of trust International Scholar has firearms, whose export is sometimes overlooked and also released a report, which to Mexico has fuelled the underestimated, but trust or the lack is influenced by the strong violence there. of it, is always there. Trust is the one performance of the Mexican The Wilson report thing that changes everything, and it is economy and the apparent recommends that Peña a hard-edged economic driver.” * willingness of long-resistant Nieto follow through In order for a real estate market to Republicans in Congress to on campaign pledges to recover, a number of events have to make key compromises on create an elite federal occur. To achieve success, certain immigration reform. http:// police force which could fundamentals need to exist, or there www.wilsoncenter.org/ sharply reduce the role will be no synergy or momentum. program/mexico-institute of Mexico’s military in There needs to be trust between The Wilson Center the anti-crime campaign, Mexico and our main customer base, report is optimistic about and Obama should Canada and the United States. How the current opportunity for more should produce significant economic allocate significantly more resources do we create and sustain trust? positive dialogue between the US and gains for both nations while easing to prevention and treatment programs Distrust has to first be addressed Mexico, compared to the policies of a long-standing source of bilateral that help reduce demand for illicit within our individual countries before the Calderon administration, when tension and mistrust,” the report drugs. we can trust each other. Issues which the primary focus was on security, concluded. create distrust are economic, social, violence and death. The authors The Obama administration’s This article is based upon legal and cultural. At this moment, there is of the report believe now there is willingness to discuss alternative opinions, current practices and my optimism and hope that mistrust can a real opportunity to reframe the approaches to the “war on drugs”, both personal experiences. I recommend be addressed and resolved. relationship, and to begin with the within the U.S. and Latin America, are that each potential buyer or seller Mexican President Enrique economic issues. to consider legalizing the production, of real estate conduct his own due Peña Nieto and U.S. President Peña Nieto’s proposed reforms of sale and use of marijuana. diligence and review. Barack Obama have the next Mexico’s energy sector could result With the signing of the North four years to address some of the in the exploitation of its huge deposits American Free Trade Agreement Harriet Murray can be contacted at most difficult and longstanding of shale gas. Energy discoveries can (NAFTA) in 1992, bilateral trade [email protected] bilateral challenges between their elevate Mexico’s status to major oil has expanded by some 500 percent, * “The Speed of Trust,” - Stephen M. R. Covey countries. http://www.thedialogue. producer, and put North America making Mexico Washington’s third org/PublicationFiles/IAD9042_ closer to energy independence. largest trading partner. USMexicoReportEnglishFinal.pdf The impact of the Spanish-speaking The Mexico Institute of the American citizens’ vote in the U.S. Woodrow Wilson Center for November elections propelled

Solution to crossword on page 31 Solution to Sudoku on page 31

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH 30 Hi-Tech

are equally unsecure. Of the list of Staying away from dictionary words compromised passwords, the usual is a must. An effective (and hard to suspects surfaced: “Password”, crack) password is one that is not a the site’s name, abc123 and of word at all. A great start is to use the course first names. Let’s get a little first letter of each word of a phrase imaginative people. Try some capital you can easily remember. An example letters/number combos or include would be “Puerto Vallarta is the most a “#” number sign, a “$” or other beautiful place” so the password could nontraditional character!! It’s your be “PVitmbp”. Make sure there is a info...and your personal info that’s at capital letter, a number and even throw risk. in a symbol like # or @ or $. Change Of course if you’re going to make and strengthen your passwords today! PASSWORDS A month later, security analysis stronger passwords, you’re going to Now with most of us having so firm Imperva has analyzed the most need to write them down and keep in much online “assets”, it’s also a common passwords, and the results a safe place. It doesn’t do any good to good idea to include these assets in In going over the topics for articles are depressing, to say the least. make the password stronger and then your will and final wishes. Leaving I’ve done, there’s one topic that By far, the most popular password lock yourself out of that account too! loved ones to sort out your online life stands out as very important and is on the site was “123456,” apparently Just last week, I had 3 clients who such as email, PayPal, online stocks worth repeating periodically-secure satisfying a minimum character limit had their online email hacked by or banking account passwords is a passwords. Like backing up you data, on the site’s password restrictions, spammers. Some were Gmail and mountainous task. I’ll keep shouting both topics from the but doing little for security. A full some were Hotmail, but all online Keeping a will up to date with top of the palapas until everyone gets 290,731 users used this password, far passwords are vulnerable. The changing passwords is difficult I it. more than the runner-up, the slightly spammers used those email accounts realize, but you may want to start Let’s be honest, passwords are less complex “12345, which attracted to send advertising to all the contacts sharing with those benefactors, your annoying. These days, we need a 79,078 uses. in the account...DAILY! online log-ins and passwords. Having password or PIN everywhere. We For years, security experts have been Don’t get your friends mad at you to petition access to your Ameritrade have so many that we can’t keep track arguing that users need to use more or worse - get yourself locked out of account, with documentation of your of them all. We forget to update them; complex passwords, especially as you own accounts if they change the demise, will not be simple for your and when we do, it’s difficult to come the computing power and algorithms password on you. Some of my clients loved ones. up with effective ones that we can behind brute-force password crackers also couldn’t remember their secret That’s all my time for now. See you still remember, so we procrastinate become ever more sophisticated. But questions they originally setup with again next week... until then, changing them for months, even years. 30 percent of the hacked retail website the online email account. So doing Remember, only safe Internet! Do you use the same or similar users picked a password less than six a simple password reset was not passwords for several different characters in length, and 40 percent possible. Ron can be found at CANMEX important sites? If you don’t, pat used only lowercase letters. One client simply cannot get back Computers. Sales, Repairs, yourself on the back; if you do, you’re Cyber criminals use sophisticated into her account, and YEARS of Networking, Wi-Fi, Hardware not alone—one recent survey found tools that can rapidly decipher correspondence are presently at the upgrades, Graphic Design, Data that half of people online use the same passwords. mercy of the Email gods. Another had Recovery, House-calls available. password for all the sites they visit. Avoid creating passwords using years of emails deleted and hundreds www.RonnieBravo.com Cellular In July, a very famous retail website dictionary words (regular words of contacts disappear. Make sure 044-322-157-0688 or just email to was hacked, and a list of usernames in all languages are vulnerable). you update or change your account [email protected] and passwords was exposed to the Words spelled backwards, common security questions and have them Web, in plain text. misspellings, and abbreviations written down somewhere as well.

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH Brain Teasers 31

The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle

Solution to Crossword on Page 29 SUDOKU! 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 29

SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH SATURDAY 23, FEBRUARY ISSUE 227 | 2013 FRIDAY 1, MARCH