www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 273 Saturday 18 to Friday 24 January

Transcripción

www.pvmcitypaper.com
Issue 273
Issue 273
Saturday 18 to Friday 24
January 2014
January 2014
2
Need to Know
manners to present the check before it is
requested, so when you’re ready to leave,
ask «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill
will be delivered to you.
MONEY EXCHANGE: Although
you may have to wait in line for a few
minutes, remember that the banks will
give you a higher rate of exchange than
the exchange booths (caja de cambio).
Better yet, if you have a «bank card»,
withdraw funds from your account back
home. Try to avoid exchanging money at
your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the
worst rates.
I
f you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region,
but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help.
Look at the map in this issue, you will note that PV (as the locals call
it) is on the west coast of Mexico, in the middle of the Bay of Banderas,
the largest bay in this country, that includes southern part of the state
of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south.
Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madre
mountains- the Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned
in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna came close on October 25, 2002,
but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 miles
north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian
Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.
AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers
POPULATION: Approx. 325,000
inhabitants
CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with
an average of 300 sunny days per year.
The temperature averages 28oC (82oF)
and the rainy season extends from late
June to early October.
allowed under certain circumstances
but fishing of any kind is prohibited.
Every year, the Bay receives the visit
of the humpback whales, dolphins and
manta rays in the winter. During the
summer, sea turtles, a protected species,
arrive to its shores to lay their eggs.
FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo
hosts a great variety of animal species
such as iguana, guacamaya, deer,
raccoon, etc.
ECONOMY: Local economy is
based mainly on tourism, construction
and to a lesser degree, on agriculture,
mainly tropical fruit such as mango,
papaya,
watermelon,
pineapple,
guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.
SANCTUARIES:
Bahía
de
Banderas encloses two Marine
National Parks - Los Arcos and the
Marieta Islands - where diving is
CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is
the legal currency in Mexico although
Canadian and American dollars are
widely accepted.
Index
BUSES: A system of urban buses
with different routes. Current fare is
$7.50 Pesos per ticket and passengers
must purchase a new ticket every time
they board another bus. There are no
“transfers”.
TAXIS: There are set rates within
defined zones of the town. Do not enter
a taxi without agreeing on the price with
the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a
hotel, you may want to check the rates
usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you
know which restaurant you want to go,
do not let the driver change your mind.
Many restaurateurs pay commissions to
taxi drivers and you may end up paying
more than you should, in a secondrate establishment! There are 2 kinds
of taxi cabs: those at the airport and
the maritime port are usually vans that
Issue 273
can only be boarded there. They have
pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs
are yellow cars that charge by the ride,
not by passenger. When you ask to go
downtown, many drivers let you off at
the beginning of the area, near Hidalgo
Park. However, your fare covers the
ENTIRE central area, so why walk 10 to
15 blocks to the main plaza, the Church
or the flea market? Pick up a free map,
and insist on your full value from the
driver! Note the number of your taxi in
case of any problem, or if you forget
something in the cab. Then your hotel or
travel rep can help you check it out or
lodge a complaint.
TIME ZONE: The entire State of
Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the
area of the State of Nayarit from Lo
de Marcos in the north to the Ameca
River, i.e.: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías,
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San
Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo
De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita,
San Blas, etc. are on Mountain Time,
i.e.: one hour behind PV time.
TELEPHONE CALLS: Always
check on the cost of long distance
calls from your hotel room. Some
establishments charge as much as U.S.
$7.00 per minute!
CELL PHONES: Most cellular
phones from the U.S. and Canada may
be programmed for local use, through
Telcel and IUSAcell, the local carriers.
To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322,
then the seven digit number of the
person you’re calling. Omit the prefix if
dialling a land line.
LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is
usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants
and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters,
maids, etc. depending on the service.
Some businesses and offices close from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or
later. In restaurants, it is considered poor
January 2014
WHAT TO DO: Even if your allinclusive hotel is everything you ever
dreamed of, you should experience at
least a little of all that Vallarta has to
offer - it is truly a condensed version of
all that is Mexican and existed before
«Planned Tourist Resorts», such as
Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, were
developed. Millions have been spent to
ensure that the original “small town”
flavor is maintained downtown, in the
Old Town and on the South Side.
DRINKING WATER: The false
belief that a Mexican vacation must
inevitably lead to an encounter with
Moctezuma’s revenge is just that:
false. For the 21st year in a row, Puerto
Vallarta’s water has been awarded
a certification of purity for human
consumption. It is one of only two
cities in Mexico that can boast of such
accomplishment. True, the quality of
the water tested at the purification plant
varies greatly from what comes out of
the tap at the other end. So do be careful.
On the other hand, most large hotels
have their own purification equipment
and most restaurants use purified water.
If you want to be doubly sure, you can
pick up purified bottled water just about
anywhere.
EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and
American tourists often fall in love with
one of the many stray dogs and cats in
Vallarta. Many would like to bring it
back with them, but believe that the laws
do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If
you would like to bring a cat or a dog
back home, call the local animal shelter
for more info: 293-3690.
LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good
beginning would be to take one of the City
Tours offered by the local tour agencies.
Before boarding, make sure you have a
map and take note of the places you want
to return to. Then venture off the beaten
path. Explore a little. Go farther than the
tour bus takes you. And don’t worry this is a safe place.
Sound Off
3
Dear Editor,
Your Comments
[email protected]
Dear Editor,
I am flying back to Canada on Saturday,
after a wonderful month in Puerto Vallarta and
10 days in Rincon de Guayabitos. I love both
places, I’ll be honest, I love Mexico.
But Puerto Vallarta is such a vibrant city with
something to offer everyone; great hotels and
restaurants, shopping, beaches, the Malecon,
the Saturday markets, and everywhere, there
is Music. Which brings me to tell you about
a performer you must see, if you don’t take
in any other show during your stay in Puerto
Vallarta this winter, please do yourself a huge
favour and go see Mikki Prost.
She is offering two entirely different shows
this season; “Shades of the Blues – Season
2” with the very talented Jarrett Lewis on
saxophone and “Remembering Patsy Side A
and Side B”.
These shows are all at the Boutique Theatre
on the corner of Basilio Badillo at Naranjo.
The Boutique is the perfect venue for Mikki’s
shows because there’s not one bad seat in the
house, every seat is like having a front row
seat.
You do not want to miss this entertaining
performer! Have fun!
Barbara Robin
Canada
Issue 273
I am the girl from Ontario, Canada, that
shared Dr. Miguel A. Saldana Salas, plastic
surgeon, with your readers and thank you to all
of you that emailed me about the great doctor.
This time I want to share a great dentist, well
two great dentists, at Just Smiles at 311 Basilio
Badillo, telephone: 223-0505 - Dr. Martin I.
Guillen Calderon & Dra. Guillermina Estrada
Gonzalez, (same phone number), website:
www.justsmiles.com.mx
This year, my husband and I have had work
done by both of these fine dentists and they
are excellent. If you are in need or want to
know more about what we have had done
please email me at [email protected]
Again, I like to share good things that we
have used and really enjoy the results.
As the winter goes on and I come across more
treasures, I will indeed share them with you.
I’d like to thank the Mirror for printing my
letters... so thank you!
Regards,
Judy Gerber
Dear Editor,
I love pizza, I mean I REALLY love pizza.
Wherever I live, I’m always on a quest to
find the best pizza in the area. After leaving
the US to live in PV 4 years ago, it got to
be a real challenge. Now I know that rating
pizza is very subjective. Everybody has their
own favorite type. I happen to crave hand
tossed, medium thick, saucy pizza with real
mozzarella that stretches off the pizza like a
long spaghetti noodle when you take a bite!
(I told you I LOVE pizza!)
January 2014
After eating a lot of OK, thin, crispy crust
pizza, I walked into Los Muertos Brewing
Company, 302 Lazaro Cardenas.
Now even though I love pizza (did I mention
that?) I’m not a big beer fan, so I didn’t figure
a place whose major focus was on Micro
Brews would have THE BEST PIZZA I’VE
EVER TASTED! (That’s right, not just the
best in PV!). They also have a great staff,
with friendly waiters & lots of TV’s to watch
the games that go so well with pizza & beer.
Their pizzas seem a little pricey at first glance
($160+), until you actually see one. They
easily feed 3! I’m in PIZZA HEAVEN!
Will Horton
Dear Editor,
I would like to start by telling you how
much we enjoy the Mirror. It is absolutely
wonderful. We know that you need the
revenue from advertisers to pay the costs.
We patronize your advertisers whenever
possible, and we tell them that we saw their
ad in the Mirror.
I have a question for you and possibly you
can help us. About 3 years ago we went to
San Sebastian and there was a festival. I have
been trying to find out about it as we would
like to go again this year.
Continued on Next Page
4
Sound Off
Continued Previous Page
Also, we understand that there is a festival in San Blas, and one in
Rincon De Guayabitos. Do you possibly know when these take place
and where we might be able to get more information? We do have
internet service in our hotel room.
Thank you.
Publisher / Editor:
Allyna Vineberg
[email protected]
Contributors:
Phil & Anne
Dear Phil & Anne,
Thank you so much for your support!
In San Sebastian del Oeste, there was a Film Festival in September
and a Cultural Festival in November. Most likely, the town will hold a
Festival Cultural de la Raicilla again this spring, but we do not have
that confirmed yet.
San Blas will hold its International Migratory Bird Festival Jan. 26th
to Feb. 2nd of this year.
The Sayulita Festival is scheduled for the 14th until the 19th of this month.
Bucerías will hold its religious festivities in honor of Our Lady of Peace
on the 16th to 24th, as well as a Street Festival from the 22nd to the 24th.
We cannot find any festivals in Rincón de Guayabitos, sorry.
I guess you’ll just have to address Dr. Google to see if you can find
more information there.
The Ed.
Anna Reisman
Joe Harrington
Harriet Murray
Giselle Belanger Krystal
Frost
Stan Gabruk
Ronnie Bravo
Tommy Clarkson
Luis Melgoza
Dr. Fabio Cupul
Gil Gevins
Dr. Jim Starr
Bill Kelly
Astrid Van Dam
Janie Albright Blank
Dale B. Hansen
Valerie Schaeffer
Office & Sales: 223-1128
Graphic Designer:
Leo Robby R.R.
Hola PV Mirror,
I took this photo from our condo in
Conchas Chinas. Do you think it is
a good one for one of your covers?
(hopefully, while we are visiting
through March 16).
My husband is suggesting the title,
“We highjacked a rainbow and crashed
into a pot of gold” (from the Bon Jovi
song “Who says you can’t go home?”)
Thank you for considering (my
children would be thrilled...
Patti Fenchuk
Webmaster:
PVMCITYPAPER.COM
Online Team
Cover Photo:
“We hijacked a rainbow and
crashed into a pot of gold”
by Patti Fenchuk
PV Mirror es una publicación semanal.
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en tramite. Prohibida la reproducción total o
parcial de su contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías
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Letters and articles become the property
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Note:
To Advertisers & Contributors
and those with public interest
announcements, the deadline
for publication is:
2:00 pm on Monday of the
week prior to publication.
Issue 273
January 2014
Within PV
5
Alex Daoud – revolutionizing
the beauty industry in Mexico
By Valerie Schaeffer
W
hen he arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,
he found a city with a diverse mix of Mexicans,
Canadians and Americans. However, he found
that they had an old style of beauty. Alex says, “I
took the challenge to change and update the style,
creating a perfect fit for lifestyle and age.”
To accomplish this goal, he uses his imagination
to envision his model before and after. The secret
is this: He takes a picture in his brain of the
client’s previous look. Then he closes his eyes for
a second to visualize how his client will look after
he finishes his work of art! The big surprise is
that all his clients receive the look of their dreams.
They have the best color, cut and style of their life!
They comment, “I’m so happy!” Some of them
even start to cry, saying that this is exactly their
wish! This also is Alex’ dream. His happiness is
complete when he observes how happy his clients
are with the new look he gave them.
What goes around comes around.
This is good karma. Alex feels very fortunate
that God gave him the gift to be an artist, creating
beauty. His talents have been shaped by education
and experience.
Issue 273
At an early age Alex worked with Queen Noor
of Jordan. In that time, Alex states, his soul was
printed with the blonde color, a royal, classy,
attractive color. From early on in his career, he
has been considered a blonde color specialist.
He knows what you need: medium blonde or
champagne, depending on your eyes, skin tone
and the shape of your face. The finished product
is his signature style!
He keeps on learning so that his clients have all
the benefits of a beautiful, up to date style. Last
September in Mexico City, Alex took a course
as a Master Colorist. The instructors came
from Canada, teaching the new 2014 Goldwell
collections and new techniques.
This season you can find Alex at the Farmers’
Market in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle on Sundays
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until April. There he will
cut your hair or thread your eyebrows and/or
upper lip. From the proceeds from the Farmers’
Market, 50% goes to the following children’s
charities: Corazon de Niñas, Casa Hogar
Maximilian, Kids with Cancer, and Pasitos de
Luz. Last season, Alex donated over $20,000.
pesos to these charities. He has always felt it is
important to give back to the community in which
you work and live, and that kids are important
because they are the next generation. He likes
to support women and children. Alexander
A Salon’s charity work also includes putting
together fashion shows for charities, partnering
with Deja New Consignment Clothing.
Alex has acclaim from all over Mexico
including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterey,
Cancun and Chihuahua. This is completely by
word of mouth from satisfied clients. They come
to experience the art of beauty.
If you want to look 15 years younger, come
see Alex Daoud, the Magic Man! You can be a
funky, spiky grandma! Beautiful fun blonde! It
is his privilege to receive everyone from all over
the world!
Visit him! He will create beauty just for you!
Alexander A Salon is located at Plaza Marina,
Loc. D25, Cell: (322) 169-8111.
January 2014
6
Within PV
Bougainvillea Festival 2014
return north in May and tourism slows
down dramatically, just compare the
average (Fahrenheit) temperatures to
see why it might be a better idea to
stay in P.V. through May!
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club
is deep into planning the annual
Festival de Bugambilia to be held
on May 9, 10 and 11, 2014. It is our
wish that the Bougainvillea Festival
continue to grow and develop into
a powerful economic and tourism
generator for Puerto Vallarta. This
can only be brought to life by a
committed group of forward-thinking
and generous citizens that believe in
the mission of the festival. Though
many part time Vallarta residents
Seattle: 64 to 46
Portland: 69 to 48
Vancouver: 61 to 46
Montreal: 66 to 50
Edmonton: 64 to 42
Chicago: 70 to 51
Puerto Vallarta: 85 to 70.
The Travel Channel says the best
time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between
April and June and the most hours of
sunshine – 12 hours, is in May.
You can see what we accomplished
in our first year by viewing our
Website: ww.bugambiliafestival.com.
Our events scheduled thus far for
this year are:
Issue 273
May 9 - Opening Parade with
Piñatas, Face Painting, Charros, a
Cocktail Party, and Floral Design
Competition on Friday night.
May 10 - Afternoon Tea and
Fancy Hat Competition at Oscar’s
Restaurant; Entertainment and a Chili
Eating Contest at Lazaro Cardenas
Park
May 11 - Brunch at Oscar’s
We will have tickets available
shortly for three of the main events.
Stay tuned and friend us on our
Facebook page: Vallarta Garden Club.
January 2014
It is important for people to know
that the beautification of our city is
primarily an initiative of the Garden
Club and its supporters. Funding
for plantings and to pay the gardener
comes from private donations
and garden club dues. If you are
interested in being a sponsor for the
festival, donating or purchasing a tile,
please contact Kimberley Bennett,
Vice President of the Puerto Vallarta
Garden Club, at home: 221.6314 or
by Cell: (322) 728.9021. Her email
is [email protected]
Within PV
7
From the Saturday Market Co-0p…
By Bill Kelly
W
ow! It is so exciting to experience
the market in full force! Despite the weird
weather, with sun and showers co-mingling,
such a wide variety of enthusiastic,
energized people stream through the wide
doors into our palapa-covered and fancooled courtyard to see, smell, eat, touch
and take home our offerings. Bagels and
breads, organic produce, delicious desserts,
aromatic bags of coffee, handicrafts,
jewelry, clothing and eat-in or take home
foods, we manage in a manageable space
to offer it all. This week I would like to
illustrate the old adage ‘something old/
something new’ by offering some details
about a veteran and a freshman vendor. Right from the beginning days, I remember
“the soap guy” although Armando Serrato,
Proprietario at La Casa del Jabon, offers
so much more than that. A trained expert
and wonderful massage therapist, he
personally is quiet and self-effacing but
his products are wonderful and varied just a kaleidoscope of color and boutique
of aromas including soaps, shampoos
and fragrances all beautifully and artfully
packaged. I have never been able to get to
the market earlier than Armando for set-up,
nor stay late enough to witness the breakdown, but his extensive and elaborate
display is something to behold. Issue 273
I can’t do justice to it in words alone but
do visit his emporium to see, smell and
sample for yourself. [www.lacasadeljabon.
blogspot.mx or Facebook] Now for the new, the wonderfully
vivacious and talented Charlynn. She is a
relative newcomer to Vallarta. Charlynn
Robertson brought her ‘art gallery quality’
fused glass creations to our market this
season. Starting with large sheets of glass,
she cuts, designs, fuses and forms all kinds
of glass into items that have a multitude
of uses. Think food, jewelry, toiletries
and even more functional and artistic
possibilities for these beautiful pieces. Best of all for my mind and eye, they form
fantastic display pieces. These works are
created out of Charlynn’s home studio
here, using two kilns she brought with her
from Minnesota! And you thought your
packing and transporting was challenging! As you marvel at her magic, remember that
some of her designs take as many as 90+ cut
pieces of glass to make.
So please come, experience and enjoy
“The Little Market that Could” ...open 52
weeks a year from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. at 127
Pulpito in the Romantic Zone on the south
side of town.
January 2014
8
Within PV
IFC tours off to a great start in 2014
By Janie Albright Blank
T
he International Friendship
Club (IFC) has been offering
Home Tours to some of the most
beautiful homes in Vallarta for over
26 years. Last year a new tour to
the Botanical Gardens and Zoo was
added. Home Tours depart every
Tuesday and Wednesday and the
trip to the Botanical Gardens and
Zoo runs each Thursday. The tours
raise money to support the IFC
Cleft Palate Surgery Program here
in the Banderas Bay area. Right
now there are approximately 200
patients from newborn to age 18
who are being treated in the IFC
program.
Volunteer Conrad Kostelecky
works with the Home Tours and
says the IFC Home Tours for 20132014 are off to a great start. He
says, “Our November/December
tours were great! We even had
two separate guests who enjoyed
the tours so much that they each
went (separately) on four tours on
four consecutive weeks and they
also went on the Botanical
Gardens/Zoo tour the
opening week! Amazing
support for our club and
our charities. We’re off to
a great start in 2014 too.
Our first week, the tour
numbers were beyond our
expectations and we look
forward to touring more
beautiful homes every
Tuesday and Wednesday
through April 9th! Join us!”
The Botanical Gardens
and Zoo Tour is headed
up by long-time volunteer and
experienced tour guide, John
Lockington, who says, “Orchids
& Tigers & Bears, Oh My! Have
you ever been to a petting zoo at a
country fair, or smelled the roses
at a botanical garden? Imagine a
day trip where not only do you get
to pet real zoo animals but feed
them as well. Then travel on to the
award winning Botanical Gardens
of Puerto Vallarta for a private IFC
Issue 273
escorted tour and time to have lunch
in a fantastic hacienda restaurant on
your own.”
The Home Tours provide visitors
to the Banderas Bay area with an
opportunity they could not have on
their own. These beautiful homes
are not open to the public; rather
owners have been very kind and
generous in their support of the IFC
and its charitable mission, allowing
them to bring visitors for a specially
guided private tour.
The Botanical Gardens and Zoo,
while open to the public, can be
difficult to get to on your own.
The IFC provides a comfortable,
private, air-conditioned bus, guided
tours and the ability to see both
venues in one day. Both the Home
Tours and Botanical Gardens and
Zoo Tours offer those of you who
love to take photographs, whether
amateur or professional, a treasure
trove of great shots!
Rubén Montiel Márquez has
managed tour bus transportation for
the IFC for over 15 years. Rubén
will often go with the volunteer
IFC Home Tour Director to view
a prospective home to make sure
the bus can navigate the sometimes
difficult Vallarta terrain. Rubén
selects his drivers with care and
they are trained about the IFC.
Depending on the crowd that day,
Ruben can usually add a last minute
bus or van to accommodate the
January 2014
guests, however the IFC definitely
recommends buying your ticket in
advance or getting to the departure
site close to 9 am to make sure you
will have a seat.
Both tours by the IFC leave
from The Sea Monkey restaurant
in Vista del Sol on the beach
at the foot of Aquiles Serdan
in Old Town. The Home
Tours depart every Tuesday
and Wednesday at 10:30
am. They cost $450 pesos
per person. The Botanical
Gardens and Zoo tours depart
every Thursday at 10 am
and returns at 3 pm - $450
pesos for adults and $250
pesos for children 10 and
under. Admissions to both the
gardens and the zoo and airconditioned transportation are
included in the price. Tickets
for both tours are on sale using
pesos at the Sea Monkey starting at
9 am the day of the tour, or online
using a credit card or PayPal at
ifctoursforvallarta.com You may
also purchase tickets using pesos at
the IFC office between the hours of
9-4 Monday-Friday.
The Sea Monkey serves a great
breakfast right on the beach, so
buy your tour ticket then relax and
enjoy while you wait to depart.
IFC members receive a $50peso discount on their own ticket
if purchased at the IFC office or at
the Sea Monkey the day of the tour
with current membership card.
The IFC
The International Friendship
Club is a registered
charitable organization
in Mexico listed as Club
Internacional de la Amistad
de Puerto Vallarta A.C.
It is located at the northeast
corner of the Rio Cuale
Bridge above the HSBC Bank,
downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Phone: 222-5466. Website:
ifcvallarta.com Email:
[email protected]
The 7 Arts
9
Oscar and Alejandra Zamarripa open
Cocktails
6 to 10 pm
At Galleria Dante
Oscar Zamarripa
Galleria Dante
is located at
269 Basilio Badillo.
Alejandra Zamarripa
January 24 , 2014
January 24th, 2014
th
B
orn in Guadalajara in 1949, Oscar’s career as an artist started
some 45 years ago. He studied in the Fine Arts school at the U of G,
where he received the Luis Echeverreia medal for the best student
of sculpture. He is in a constant quest for perfection, working
up to 20 hours a day. Over
the years, his admirers
are in awe as his jumps
between media: bronze,
silver, resins, polymers,
metal, stainless steel,
wood, granite, alabaster,
onyx, petrified wood,
semi-precious
stones,
ceramic, found objects and
stained glass. We marvel
at his exquisite, elaborate
textures, elegant curves,
use of color. He is a master
of the ancient technique of
estofado, which involves
a special paint finish over
silver & gold lead that
has been applied to finely
chiseled wood used within
the Catholic church for
centuries.
Oscar always personalizes his “one of a kind”, two-sided
sculptures with his unique style of “magic realism”. Every
sculpture has a story, every story includes a time and place in the
memories of Oscar, past and present. To know Oscar is to love
him. He has joy in him, as do his sculptures. You rarely meet
anyone who is such a nice person, hard worker and so talented all
at the same time. The saying a photo is worth a thousand words,
well, a smile by Oscar works the same way. He is fondly referred
to by friends as “Mr. Happy.” “My work arises from my need to
share my soul with the viewer, through images of my childhood,
rescuing pre-Hispanic dances and rituals, keeping them alive in
time. The cultural roots of my people are recognizable in my
work. For me it is very important not to forget my childhood
experiences, so I have recorded them into my sculptures. They
are stories that I would like to share with others.”
Issue 273
B
orn in 1975 in Guadalajara Alejandra is one of two
daughters born to Rosa and Oscar Zamarripa. She was raised
in a family of artists. Her mother a dancer, her father a set
designer and long time sculptor and painter. Many of her
aunts and uncles are artistic, so she was raised surrounded
with artistic stimulation.
After graduating with a degree in Architecture, and working
for many years, she found herself drawn back to sculpting,
when faced with a lull between architectural projects. What
started as a moment of boredom and lack of work in her trade,
has fired up her passion and confidence in ceramics.
For this exhibit, Ale has prepared 47 high fired ceramic
sculptures - I call that passionate. She has a wonderful sense
of color and attention to detail. She also does this wonderful
story books that hang on the wall – ceramic figures in a
colored box that tell a story. Her first exhibit was in 1999
in Tlaquepaque, and the first one in Vallarta was in 2003 at
Galeria Uno, alongside her famous father.
This will be the 5th time she has exhibited in Vallarta. How
can one family have so much talent? This father / daughter
duo will not disappoint you.
Please show your support of this Master artist, in celebration
of his incredible career and that of his talented daughter.
January 2014
10
The 7 Arts
At the Palm Cabaret and Bar…
T
he Palm Cabaret and Bar is excited to announce the debut of popular celebrity impersonators Joe Posa
and Scott Townsend. With incredible voices and likenesses, Posa and Townsend impersonate celebrities
Joan Rivers, Cher, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and more …with uncanny precision.
Joe Posa, a member of both Actor’s Equity and the Screen Actors’ Guild, has performed in venues
in New York, clubs such as Don’t Tell Mama, Rose’s Turn, the Blue Angel, The Triad and The Supper
Club. He also performed his one-man show “Joe Posa Poses: the Man behind the Women” on board the
luxurious sailing ship “Wind Star”, sailing from Rome to Athens, and on the luxury yacht “Le Diamant”
through the Baltic Sea. He is perhaps best known for his impersonation of Joan Rivers, having appeared
with the comedy genius herself in Houston, Texas, as well as on CBS’s the “Morning Show”. He was
recently awarded an Honorary Degree in acting & drama from Woodcrest College in Monterey, CA.
As a member of Actors’ Equity, his credits include the International touring company of “West Side
Story”. Joe also appeared on “All My Children” as Erica Kane’s double alongside Susan Lucci.
Similarly, Scott Townsend (aka: Thirsty Burlington) is regarded as one of the finest celebrity impersonators
of the day. From his signature Cher, to Judy Garland, Scott takes his audience on an incredible ride of
music and comedy, morphing from legendary drag character Thirsty Burlington into the iconic celebrities.
Early on, Townsend discovered an instinctive ability to impersonate Cher, “Better than Cher does Cher”,
and in a career that now spans 20 years, has played to packed houses throughout the U.S.A. Townsend is
also the subject of a 2011 film “Thirsty” by Margo Pelletier and Lisa Thomas of Thin Edge Films.
The Palm is well-known for bringing top notch, cutting-edge entertainment to Vallarta. Inside you’ll
find an intimate, completely refurbished 90-seat cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting, creating
the ambiance of cabarets from days gone by. Shows are scheduled seven nights per week with two
different shows nightly through April 5, 2014. A full calendar of performances is available online at www.
thepalmpv.com The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at 508 Olas
Altas. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar. “Bay of Banderas - New Perspectives”
Gallery Opening at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Saturday, January 18
from 1:30 to 6
p.m., see views of the Bay of Banderas from
new perspectives and in a different light with enhancements through High Dynamic
Range and Infrared Technology.
From familiar Vallarta streets to remote
shores and hidden mountain towns, allow
th
Issue 273
the skills of an artist to challenge the way
you perceive the Vallarta Region.
Mansur Kiadeh has had a number of
exhibitions in Iran and the Unites States. In
Mexico, he has had solo exhibitions at the
Coastal University Center (CUC) campus
of the University of Guadalajara, the Puerto
Vallarta Naval Museum, and la Tranquila
Resort. His Cuba prints are currently on
display in galleries in Los Gatos and San
Francisco, CA.
Take a peak at some of Mansur’s work:
www.mansuimagworks.smugmug.com
The exhibit will remain at the Gardens until
the end of the month. The exhibit is free and
open to all, but admission to the Gardens is
$60. Pesos per person.
The Gardens are located just 30 minutes
south of town on Highway 200 (Carretera a
Barra de Navidad Km. 24). Tel.: 223-6182.
January 2014
The 7 Arts
11
Traditional & modern ceramic art Luis Manuel Morales Gamez
F
orty minutes from Morelia, Tzintzuntzan,
Michoacán, the Purhépecha kingdom, the town is
still rich in the fascination of ancient tradition and
its modern interpretation.
Tzintzuntzan, which translates from the Purhépecha
language to ‘the place of the hummingbird’.
Best known for its Purhépecha Noche de Muertos
(Night of the Dead) celebrations, Tzintzuntzan is
also an artisans’ center. Clay pots, straw decorations,
wood, and hand-embroidered textiles fill the
marketplace and shops. It is one of many Michoacán
towns sustaining a living tradition - pottery making.
Clay is abundant in the Michoacán hills and many
Purhépecha dedicate their lives to creating both
utilitarian and artistic pots. Tzintzuntzan’s traditional
glaze colors and designs are unmistakable.About 50
years ago, Miguel Morales popularized the town’s
dish sets, glazed in white and dark brown. Designs
on these two bowls include ordinary local sights: the
burro carries firewood, the fish from Lake Pátzcuaro.
America and Mexico, and in particular his own
Purhépecha culture, incorporating into his own work
ancient symbols found on the nearby pyramids.
Manuel’s pottery reflect his own world view,
which integrates past and present and expresses the
vitality, soul and spirit of his village.
Every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m.”
Luis Manuel Morales Gámez, native of
Tzintzuntzan, artist and master potter, has created
high-fired ceramics for 25 years. His family has
worked clay for five generations.
In 1982, Manuel Morales’ father received a
government subsidy which made it possible to
purchase an electric-powered wheel and the only
gas-fired kiln in the village. Under his father’s
tutelage, Manuel began to work in clay at the age of
eight. Later, he studied painting and graphic design
at the University of Michoacán in Morelia, where he
was influenced by the great Mexican painters Diego
Rivera, Siqueiros, Clemente Orozco, Tamayo, and
Picasso. He studied the ancient cultures of South
Issue 273
His greatest inspiration comes from the natural
world, in particular the lake where since childhood
he has watched the unchanging rituals of fishermen
as they set sail at dawn or under the full moon, in
expectation of their return with a full catch.
Few Mexican potters have achieved the level of
accomplishment that Morales enjoys. His work,
sold in a very few exclusive Mexican shops, is often
shipped to Europe and the U.S. for sale.
Some of his best pots have regularly won top
prizes at Mexican competitions.
The Morales family legacy continues, with
Manuel’s son and his three young daughters. Born
and raised in Tzintzuntzan, they have clay in their
blood and are already making pottery.
PV Santana is located at 186 Corona downtown.
Cell: (322) 172–7847. Email: [email protected]
January 2014
12
The 7 Arts
Tommy Koenig returns to PV
with “Baby Boom Baby”
The Tommy Koenig Show was
invited to The Santa Barbara Theatre
in Puerto Vallarta in 2009. It was here
that the idea for ‘Baby Boom Baby’
began. Tommy said, “For years I’d
wanted to do a show called ‘Baby
Boom Baby’, telling my personal
story and the story of my generation
through the rock and roll music that
related to other boomers like me.
Doing impressions and parodies of
all the rock musicians through the
different eras that I had been making
fun of in my act, together with some
originally written songs and some
things from my stand up comedy
would make a great show.”
Tommy returned to Puerto Vallarta
in 2010 for a successful month-long
debut run of ‘Baby Boom Baby’
which received wild acclaim at the
now closed Santa Barbara Theatre.
Now he’s back at the Boutique
Performing Arts Centre for a 3-day
run starting Wednesday, January 22.
Tickets are available at the Boutique
Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Monday thru Friday, or on Vallarta
Tickets website.
“Tommy Koenig is a one-man
Woodstock.” “Hits the heart as
well as the funny bone.”
Tommy Koenig has always been a
Rock ‘n Roll Comic as an opening act
for bands and singers in Rock venues
worldwide. He began opening for
Jazz and Cabaret greats like Lionel
Hampton, Damita Jo and James
Coco in clubs like The Copa Cabana
and The Playboy Club in NYC. He
was one of the few comics featured
on NBC’s ‘Don Kirschner’s Rock
Concert’, appearing with David
Bowie and Rick James.
He opened for Warren Zevon (who
called himself ‘The guy who has to
follow Tommy Koenig’), Alvin Lee,
PF Sloane at intimate rock venues
like The Bottom Line in NYC and
The Country Club in LA.
Issue 273
January 2014
Tommy toured in stadiums and
arenas with Bonnie Raitt, Dave
Mason, and Los Lobos, and in
auditoriums like The Santa Monica
Civic Center where he opened for
Joan Jett – and lived to tell of it!
He also toured rock theatres with
National Lampoon’s ‘If We’re Late,
Start Without Us’ and ‘Class of
’86’ (also a Showtime special). His
recording of his own rock and roll
LP album ‘The Real Story’ with 4
original songs and featuring guest
Larry Fast (inventor of The Moog
Synthesizer) became a hit on college
radio playlists. Stiff Records used
the talented comedian as their “goto comic” for promotion of new
groups by deejays, unbeknownst to
radio listeners and dance clubbers
worldwide.
Tommy co-wrote the single hit
song ‘Poppa Chubby’ for P-Funk/
Talking Heads Bernie Worrell on his
CD ‘Funk of Ages’. He starred in
several MTV music videos but most
notably as “Mary” in The Run DMC
official video “Mary, Mary”.
All this in addition to an active
TV and film career and constant
touring as a stand-up comic. Tommy
recently appeared in ‘The Onion
News Network’ on IFC, guest starred
on one of the last episodes of ABC’s
‘Boston Legal’, was featured in the
Mel Brooks movies, “Dracula: Dead
And Loving It” and ‘Robin Hood:
Men in Tights”.
“If you remember the Sixties, you
weren’t there” became a generational
slogan. Come and enjoy an evening
tribute to all that we missed!!
Performances January 22, 23 and 25th
at 7 p.m.
The Boutique is located at the
corner of Naranjo and Basilio Badillo
in the Romantic Zone on the south
side of town.
The 7 Arts
Cocktails
6 to 10 pm
13
Opening at Galleria Dante
Guillermo Brockmann
January 24 , 2014
th
Galleria Dante
is located at
269 Basilio Badillo.
Miguel Angel Martin del Campo
January 24th, 2014
M
G
uillermo Brockmann, better known as Pipo,
was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara.
He is the son of a Mexican architect and an
American painter. He received his BFA from the
Rhode Island School of design and his MFA from
Cranbrook Academy of Art. He lives in the Boca
de Tomatlan with his son, several cats, at least five
dogs, two horses, chickens, and a mule, at the edge
of the river surrounded by lush vegetation.
The pulse of this geography, and these living
things are captured in his paintings and sculpture.
Pipo’s paintings of faces, dogs, horses, trees,
landscapes and the human figure dance with color
on the two dimensional surface. With dabs and
knives full of impasto color, brushstrokes and
dribbles of loose paint, he builds layer upon layer of
information, developing and deleting, making bold
choices and finally exposing his image. In the end
we see surfaces with the same energy authenticity
and freshness that his sculptures command. Dogs
stretch themselves out across the canvases or look
at you with their heads cocked as if reacting to your
approach, monkey ear trees spread their abundant
branches, lush, heavy with foliage, cocky roosters
crow, and a human face speaks to you silently.
“Creating a piece is half of its life, the other half
lives in the eye of the beholder. You begin to
understand, it is not just about the painting, it is
about a point of view, where you stand in time and
how you see your world.”
Issue 273
iguel Angel Martin del Campo
was born in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco,
Mexico. He currently lives and works in
Guadalajara. He studied Fine Arts at the
Cabañas Cultural Instituto from 1992 to
1995, and specialized in wood and stone
carving courses in 1996.
During his studies at the Instituto
Cabañas, Miguel Angel studied
modeling, mold making and glazing tile
under teacher Antonio Ramirez Ruiz.
This period marks the beginning of his
fascination with color in sculpture.
Constant touring in the Mexican
states of Jalisco, Michoacan and Oaxaca
brought him closer to the magic of the
original artisan crafts of those areas and
the complexity of shapes, colors and
narrative told in each piece.
“To observe the craftsmanship of the
people, we reach deep down to uncover
their deepest feelings, their festivals,
their customs, their thoughts. Walter
Gropios summed it up in a phrase: There
does not exist a substantial difference
between craftsman and artist, the artist
is an inspired
craftsman. And I believe that it’s a
mix that never fully merges together.
Each of my works represents a knot in
the fabric that I forge day by day. For
that reason, I seek to make each of my
pieces unique, different from the rest.
Each creation is the result of the past,
present and future,” del Campo says.
In 1997, Miguel Angel traveled to
Florence, Italy, where he lived until
2007. For four years, he directed the
design area of a ceramic factory (cotto)
in the town of Strada in Chianti. For
three years, he was a professor of
sculpture at the ADA art academy, also
in Florence. During his stay in Italy, de
Campo participated in competitions, two
of which are awarded internationally.
January 2014
Over the years he participated in many
art exhibitions, both collectively and
individually. He founded the “Asociación
Cultural Arteria” in Florence.
Between 2006 and 2011, he developed
his work and participated in events in
Mexico, Italy, Colombia and the USA.
Miguel Angel is a great admirer and
lover of art nouveau, geometry, insects,
animals and plants in general.
He
admires and is influenced by artists such
as Alberto Giacometti, Giuliano Vangi,
Hundertwasser, Gustav Klimt, Oskar
Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, Salvador Dali
and Henri Matisse, among others.
In his words: “My work revolves mainly
around three elements: Metamorphosis,
Change and Movement. I am currently
developing a project called Mixed
Beings - a series of sculptures in which
the botanical world, animals, minerals,
insects, objects and the human being, are
intertwined. I define it as ‘mixed beings,’
but also as ‘beings of light’. Beings who
are born of light and follow the light (born
and reborn) - like plants’ tropism (total
or partial movement of organisms in
response to a stimulus) toward light – or
‘Rooster-Man’ - born as a man and reborn
as a cock.”
14
The 7 Arts
By Joe Harrington
Awards
T
his past week we had a couple of
awards events. Both demonstrate, in
my mind, why the big gun that gives
out the little Oscar is flawed.
The People’s Choice Awards (PCA)
is just that: the people who plunk
down money and pay get to vote. But
that’s not what I’m driving at. The
honors are broken down much more
fairly than at the Academy Awards.
That event has one award for best
picture which is why there have been
only a few westerns and comedies
that ever won. The PCA has the
following for best motion picture:
The people’s favorite movie; favorite
action movie; favorite comedy;
favorite drama movie; favorite family
movie; favorite horror movie and
favorite thriller movie.
To me that is an extremely fair way
of doing things as you are comparing
apples to apples instead of drama to
comedy.
The Golden Globe Awards
were also on this past week and,
even though the voting is done by
foreigners, it kind of follows some of
the Academy Awards format as far as
the awards themselves – it does have
two best picture awards.
Here’s what won each category in
the PCA: people’s favorite movie:
Iron Man III,
favorite action movie: Iron Man III,
favorite comedy: The Heat, favorite
drama movie: Gravity, favorite family
movie: Despicable Me II, favorite
horror movie: Carrie, favorite thriller
movie: Now You See Me.
Now a look at the Golden Globe
awards for best picture. As an
aside I thought the best zinger shot
was aimed at George Clooney and
said, “He’d rather fly endlessly out
in space and die rather than date a
woman his own age.” The list which
I break down as to source material –
three were based on books: 12 Years
Issue 273
a Slave; Philomena, and the Wolf of
Wall Street. Three more were based
on people’s lives: Captain Phillips,
Rush, and American Hustle. There
were two awards given with 12 Years
a Slave winning for best drama and
American Hustle for best comedy /
musical.
Compare the PCA
choices with the Golden
Globes. Astonishingly,
there is no match on
winners. Does the paying
public know something
foreign journalists don’t?
I think both groups know
more than the members
of the Academy. Look
at the setting for the
Golden Globes. A dinner
party, people socializing: having
fun, joking, eating, drinking. No
stodginess in sight. Although I did
notice the nod to the silver screen as
the movie actors were all up front and
the TV nominees in the back of the
bus. But this is a movie column so
I’ll stick with the Hollywood royalty.
Now think of the Oscars. Formal,
seating in a gigantic hall with all the
lesser lights getting nose bleeds at
the distant top of the highest balcony.
But at least they’re in the theater.
Most of the people associated with
documentaries are outside in a tent
getting their awards far from the
maddening crowd.
Which group do you think has
more fun? The President of the
Golden Globe group gave a great
speech that started with, “Mention
January 2014
my title and it’s a bathroom break for
the television audience.”
My favorite moment was when the
award for best supporting actress in
a series, movie series or television
movie, was announced. It was, from
Dancing on the Edge, the wonderful
Jacqueline Bisset.
Talk about
a person being overwhelmed by
emotion, she looked stunned when
her name was called. Made it to the
stage. Tried to speak several times
and failed – then totally ignored the
rising music signifying her time in
the sun was over as she thanked who
she felt like thanking. Well done.
Why do I have a little chip on my
shoulder when it comes to Oscar?
Because it does discount westerns
and comedies. I always liked that
the first person to call this overblown
affair to task was an Irishman. In 1935
Dudley Nichols boycotted the 8th
awards. He won for Best Writing for
his work on The Informer. He didn’t
show up because of a fight between
the Academy and the Writers’ Guild.
It was a long time before the next
person thumbed their nose – and that
was George C. Scott, up for Patton
in 1970. He stated, “I don’t want any
part of it, it’s a meat parade.”
Joe
is an internationally published
true crime writer and
documentary filmmaker.
Send comments or criticism
to JoeMovieMadness@Yahoo.
com. Artwork by Bob Crabb.
The 7 Arts
METAMORPHOSIS
Opening Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014
A cultural celebration of Vallarta brought
to you by ACT II Entertainment
featuring DANIEL PORTELA
If you like Rhythms of the Night
and Fandango, you’re going to love
METAMORPHOSIS!
Audiences will take a tour of the
uniqueness of Vallarta culture with
great music, dancing, Latin themes
and the Spanish drumbeat rhythms
of an ever-evolving city! Puerto
Vallarta’s rich culture, both Mexican
and expat, have come together in a
celebration of song and dance. Fastpaced, contrasting styles of music and
movement sensually highlight the
morphing of two cultures. Meta is
Vallarta and the people who live here.
Meta magic will happen with iconic
songs from the 70´s and 80´s, Latin
Pop, Broadway, Mexican regional
music, a Cuban flair and more.
To take the adventure further, step
beyond your dreams and, above all,
believe that our cast, the engine of our
concert will offer you a total sensory
experience.
Act II Entertainment offers its artists
and creators the necessary freedom to
imagine their most incredible dreams
and bring them to life!
Metamorphosis
is
directed
by Danny Minnini with sexy
choreography by Cuban native, Isben
Linares Leon. Vallarta audiences
recently enjoyed Isben’s dancing and
acting in Act II’s production of A
Chorus Line!
Don Pope and Rhonda Padmos
lead this show with the band that
has made them a household name
in Vallarta, Canada, and the USA.
Portela’s smooth moves and singing
charisma are highlighted by back up
singers, dancers, local percussionists
and all the theatrics you’ve come to
expect from Act II Entertainment!
For tickets and showtimes, please
visit:
www.actiientertainment.
com, or drop by our box office from
1 to 10 p.m daily! We’re located
on the corner of Basilio Badillo
and Insurgentes, just above Vaca
Argentina and Wing’s Army!
Issue 273
January 2014
15
16
The 7 Arts
This week at The Boutique
Performing Arts Centre
T
he exit polls on this week’s shows have been overwhelming.
“Teahouse is a show that keeps your mind hopping with its twists and
turns. The language is delicious,” says a couple from Winnipeg, Manitoba,
who are here for their second two-week Mexican holiday. Last year, they
saw “Auntie Mame” and were hooked on the quality of shows produced
at the Boutique. They are wanting next Januarys line-up so they can plan
their holidays around it!
If you missed “FOSSE ...and all that Dance!” mark it down for next
Friday. This show constantly receives a standing ovation. “Patsy Cline
Side A” returns for fans of the late mega star. Mikki has a voice that is
perfect for the tunes of the legendary songster.
Of course, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has the
only camel on stage in Mexico and is being performed Monday nights for
the next 6 weeks. Not often does a show portray a historical event with
passion, sensitivity and humour. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece is a
story of the ages performed by very talented local actors.
You simply can’t miss the best male voice of Vallarta! Accompanied by
his world class band, Alberto Mejia brings to life some of the most beautiful
songs, both in English and Spanish, in jazz, blues, tango and ranchero with
original arrangements written by well known musical director Luis Rascon.
This wonderful evening is complemented by special guests during the show,
making this one of the most exclusive shows this season.
“Alberto Mejia’s concert, produced by Aggie Unda represents a
turning point in the development, history and expectations of live music
performances in Puerto Vallarta” - Paco Ojeda (blog). Opening Sunday
night after Teahouse, Alberto’s concert will continue on select Sundays
throughout January, February and March at The Boutique.
A new show to the Boutique is “Baby Boom Baby” performed by
legendary Tommy Koenig. Tommy came up with the idea for this show
while performing at the old Santa Barbara Theatre. Taking the show
to New York, he has honed his performance and performed in front of
appreciative audiences throughout the US and abroad. Now he’s come to
the Boutique for an exclusive three day performance.
Here is what this week looks like:
Friday 17th - The Teahouse of the August Moon 7 p.m.
Saturday 18th - The Teahouse of the August Moon 7 p.m.
Sunday 19th - The Teahouse of the August Moon - Final performance – 4 p.m.
Sunday 19th - Alberto Mejia in Concert – 8 p.m.
Monday 20th - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Tuesday 21st - Patsy Side ‘A’ 7 p.m.
Wednesday 22nd - Baby Boom Baby Opening Night 7 p.m.
Thursday 23rd - Baby Boom Baby 7 p.m.
Friday 24th – FOSSE ...and all that Dance! 7 p.m.
Saturday 25th - Baby Boom Baby - Final performance 7 p.m.
Tickets available at the Boutique Box Office Monday thru Friday,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and one hour before shows, as well as online at
www.theboutiquepv.com or VallartaTickets.com
Issue 273
January 2014
The 7 Arts
17
This Week: Live on the Paradise Stage
T
his Wednesday, The Paradise Stage
at Paradise Community Center presents
well-known recording artists Latcho
and Andrea, also known as the Blonde
Gypsies. On Friday, the Banderas Bay
Jazz Allstars invite you to be part of the
excitement of a live recording. On Saturday,
the encore performance of BeDazzled
Broadway will continue.
First, the Blonde Gypsies: Just back from
a European tour and headed to the Pacific
Northwest for another tour in June, we
are so excited to have Latcho and Andrea
performing Gypsy Rumba and Flamenco
Guitar on the Paradise Stage.
Their music blends influences from
around the world and back through time: the
mysterious and passionate sounds of Gypsy
Flamenco. To trace their origins, you have
to go back some 30 years to El Sacromonte,
the gypsy quarter of Granada, Spain, where
Latcho lived and learned to play Spanish
guitar from the masters of flamenco. With his
band, Latcho played with Antonico Reyes, a
member of the Gypsy Kings family and other
notable musicians of the time in Europe.
Latcho met Andrea, (a flamenco dancer
and guitarist) while they were both touring
Europe with a Wild West show. Later they
travelled and performed with a circus. Pure
gypsy life! In 1996, Lacho & Andrea
decided to leave Europe and relocate in
Puerto Vallarta when lifelong friend Lobo,
(of Willie and Lobo fame) touted the area as
paradise.
Theirs is world class entertainment, a wild
untamed Gypsy style that has been compared
to The Gypsy Kings, Ottmar Liebert, Jesse
Cook, and Manitas De Plata, among others.
Latcho & Andrea, when in this area,
perform in upscale restaurants and private
events in the towns along the north shore.
These beloved and gifted artists perform
Issue 273
exclusively in Puerto Vallarta on the Paradise
Stage at Paradise Community Center, (127
Pulpito). The concert is this Wednesday, January
22nd at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food
and beverages for purchase.
This is one concert you don’t want to miss!!
Then on Friday at 8 p.m., last year’s run-away
sensation, The Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars, return
for the season; this time recording their concert
live on the Paradise Stage. The musicians have
been working on some new material, mixing
it up a bit this season, although they include
some of the old favorites that people have come
to associate with the band. The world class
musicians include Chas Eller on keyboards,
Bryan Savage on alto sax and flute, Steve York
on bass guitar and Lázaro Poey on drums.
Individually, these players have had successful
careers in the U.S., Cuba and the United Kingdom.
Now that these successful musicians are in the
greater PV area, they have united to create a
tight in-control sound, bouncing off each other.
Chas formed famed jazz group Kilimanjaro and
individually they have performed with wellknown ensembles and at jazz festivals.
Their repertoire runs the course of jazz, blues
and funk styles. The members are so outstanding
that each is given his time in the spotlight, but
The Allstars highlight Bryan Savage on sax and
flute. Bryan has played with Al Stewart, Nitty
Gritty Dirt Band, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and
John Denver. He has also opened for Bonnie
Raitt, Mick Fleetwood, Santana, Glen Frey, Eddie
Money, Journey, Chuck Mangione and others.
And there is more!
The early season
hit, BeDazzled Broadway, returns for encore
performances on Saturday nights through
February 15. Featuring a professional cast
of favorite Vallarta entertainers, this dazzling
production showcases best loved numbers from
Broadway hits like Les Miserables, Phantom of
the Opera, Wicked, ABBA and South Pacific.
January 2014
The stellar cast of actors/singers have played
to rave reviews in many Vallarta shows.
Credits include Kathy Overly in (Mama
Mia and This Thing Called Love). Gaye
and Todd Ringness (Dolly Would If Kenny
Could). Sharon Baughman- White and
David White (Moments to Remember and
This Thing Called Love.) Elvis Martinez
(recently featured at the Christmas Concert
for the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus).
Produced and directed by Sharon
Baughman-White, Bedazzled Broadway
vibrates with a fast pace, unique audio
visual effects, creative staging, and colorful
costumes. As a member of The Sound of
Music’s original Austrian cast, Sharon leads
a special 50-year anniversary tribute.
Program highlights include award
winning classics like“ Don’t Cry For Me
Argentina” (Evita), ”With One Look”
(Sunset Blvd), “I’m Not That Girl “
(Wicked), , “Music of the Night” (Phantom),
“Stars” (Les Miserable), and Oscar winning
“I Dreamed a Dream” (Les Miserables).
All shows start at 8 p.m. and, being good
neighbors, end by 10 p.m. General seating
is only 200 pesos. Reserved and VIP seats
also available for purchase. Tickets can be
purchased at the Paradise Community Center
Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
or online at ParadiseCommunityCenter.com
Come early for dinner and drinks and
socializing with other Puerto Vallarta music
lovers. A bonus benefit of attending shows on
the Paradise Stage is that all net profits from
ticket, food and drinks benefit CompassioNet
Impact Mexico. CompassioNet currently
serves approximately 500 hot meals
each week to children living in underresourced neighborhoods.
For more
information: www.4compassion.org or cell:
(322) 133-7263.
18
Good Bites
4 Annual “Every Tuesday Night”
Film Series
th
3rd Annual Taste of La Cruz
Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad
January 21 - 7:00 pm
In Honor of Martin Luther King Day
The
“42” - In 1946, Jackie Robinson is
a Negro League baseball player who
never takes racism lying down when
he is selected to break the unspoken
color line as the first modern African
American Major League player.
As Jackie struggles against his
nature to endure abuse without
complaint, he finds allies and hope
where he least expects it. Strong cast
and story. Director: Brian Helgeland,
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison
Ford, Nicole Beharie - 128 minutes.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and all films
begin at 7:00 p.m.
Advance tickets are available for a
donation of 60 pesos at the Paradise
Community Center. The PCC box
office hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 2
p.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays. Tickets
can also be purchased at the door for
70 pesos. We invite moviegoers to
come early to enjoy ordering from the
food vendors at the center. Food is
available starting at 6:00 p.m.
The Paradise Community Center is
located at 127 Pulpito, directly across
from Coco’s Kitchen. For further
information, please contact Tobe
Jensen at
[email protected] or David and Judy at
[email protected]
Issue 273
3rd Annual TASTE
OF LA CRUZ will be held
on Saturday January 18th,
from 3:00 until 7:00 PM
at the Malecón and Xiriki
Amphitheater of the Marina
Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz
de Huanacaxtle. This year’s
poster model is the Queen
of La Cruz (la Reina de las
Fiestas Patronales de La
Cruz), Edna Cornejo Ovalle.
The yearly expo/fair features
premiere area businesses,
services and restaurants in
a beautiful outdoor venue
with the entire Banderas
Bay and Puerto Vallarta as
the backdrop. In addition,
local artisans and craftsmen
will offer unique regional
January 2014
art, clothing and food. Live
music in the Marina’s Xiriki
Amphitheater will feature
Luna Rumba, Crazy Bitches,
Latcho & Andrea and the
Banderas Bay Jazz All Stars.
The last two events have
been phenomenal successes
attracting thousands of visitors
to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and
the Marina Riviera Nayarit
from throughout the Bahía de
Banderas / Riviera Nayarit
as well as Tepic, San Blas,
Guadalajara, Mexico DF,
Leon, San Miguel, Guanajuato
and Queretaro.
Visitors will enjoy the
festival atmosphere, delicious
food and drink and the variety
of intriguing businesses and
entrepreneurs in such an
impressive venue, all the while
grooving to the music.
For out-of-towners, this is
a date to target for your visit
to the area. Coordination with
several area hotels is in the
works with dedicated shuttles
to and from the event.
Any questions, inquiries
or pre-registration requests
can be directed to landon@
tasteoflacruz.com or you may
call 322 116-4731.
Beyond PV
19
Destination of the week: Tonala
Superior
Tours
allarta
By Astrid Van Dam
Dear Astrid,
I am buying a condo in
Vallarta and want to put
some nice, but economical
decoration in it, as I am
planning to rent it out.
My friends say I have to go
to Guadalajara to buy it, but
nobody knows exactly where,
so where do I go?
Ellen
Vancouver (and soon PV!)
Hola Ellen!
Congratulations on your new condo
in Vallarta! Yes, everything is cheaper
in Guadalajara indeed, however in
this case you might be better off in
Tonala. Tonala is a city that in the
last years is completely surrounded
by Guadalajara, so many people think
it’s a part of GDL, however officially
it’s not the same place. Since ancient
times, Tonala has been an important
place for handicrafts. Years before
the Spanish arrived, the “Tonaltecas”
already made pottery, until the day
of today one of their most produced
items.
The name of the city comes from
the word Tonallan, which means “The
place of the Sunrise”.
In Tonala you will find hundreds of
little stores with tons of decoration
stuff for your house: glasses, plates,
paintings, pottery, vases, lamps,
baskets, talavera, you name it, they
have it. Most stores produce they
things they sell, few resell.
Market day
Tonala became more and more
famous due to their markets; every
Sunday and Thursday the place
undergoes a giant metamorphosis; as
soon as the sun comes up, vendors
are getting their stuff together and
organize a HUGE market. Along the
main street, on the side streets and
the main parking lot, thousands of
vendors appear with the most beautiful
stuff, for the most amazing prices.
Paintings that you see in Vallarta for
800-900 pesos, you will find in Tonala
for 100, or 150 at the most. Baskets
that sell here for 500-600 pesos, you
will be able to find there for maybe
one third of the price.
Issue 273
People from all over Mexico drive
to Tonala for market days, some to
buy lots of things to resell in their own
villages.
Furniture
In addition to the smaller decorative
items, Tonala is a good place to buy
your furniture as well. In this case,
I recommend you to go any day but
market day, as many furniture stores
are difficult to see due to the market
right in front of their stores. Be aware
that basically all stores are little stores,
you will not find a mall with big
furniture or so. Most of them work
with a catalog, and you order from a
book. Usually the better stores will
ship the furniture for a very reasonable
price to Vallarta. You can also bring
pictures or catalogs yourself, and
they make the furniture just the way
you want it. I bought my dinner table
January 2014
there with 8 chairs, and shipping to
Vallarta was only 800 pesos! You
only need a bit of patience for the
delivery, but it will all be ok, and well
worth it. Make sure though that you
receive an official receipt, with the
right address and phone number of the
manufacturer, so that you can always
contact him for any doubts. You are
more than welcome to join me on a
Tonala Shopping Experience, we go
every Sunday!
Astrid Van Dam
Every week, Mexico expert Astrid
Van Dam writes about different
destinations in Mexico. Astrid is a
Federally-licensed guide for tours
in the whole country (!) who has
guided hundreds of trips in Mexico,
Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.
For any travel advice in Mexico, or
if you have any questions about a
specific destination in Mexico, just ask
her! Feel free to send her an email to:
[email protected]
Your question -and her responsemight be published in one of the
next issues of the Mirror.
20
Issue 273
Map
January 2014
Map
Issue 273
21
January 2014
22
Beyond PV
Famed jazz vocalist Armi Grano to perform Benefit Concert for Families at the Dump at the
Vallarta Yacht Club
Armi Grano at the Vallarta Yacht Club
Put a big check mark on Monday,
February 3 , in your calendars to
attend a benefit dinner show featuring
vocalist Armi Grano at the Vallarta
Yacht Club. Ms. Grano will donate
her personal fee to the Families at
the Dump on behalf of the VYC. As
a cancer survivor, Armi works hard
to give back to the community. She
is often involved in fund raising
events such as the B. C. Children’s
Hospital Telethon, Basics for
Babies, CIBC Run for the Cure and
United Way Campaign. Part of this
philanthropic focus was manifested
in Armi being featured in the “Look
Good Feel Better” magazine of the
CCTFA, which came out with issues
of Chatelaine, Canadian Living and
Flare magazines.
Armi is one of the finest jazz
vocalists on the contemporary jazz
music scene today.
rd
With five albums recorded, she is
enjoying CD sales and airplay all
over Canada, USA, Mexico, England
and Asia and is able to captivate
audiences all over the world by
singing in more than 6 different
languages. Her influences include
Ella Fitzgerald, Sara Vaughn, Astrud
Gilberto and Anita O’Day, which
developed her own blend of music
featuring an exciting mix of Latin,
pop, swing and jazz influences.
Armi has appeared in numerous
local and international musical
events such as the Dragon Boat
Festival, Pacific National Exhibition
and the Vancouver International Jazz
Festival. She is the owner of the
Encore restaurant and jazz lounge in
Bucerias.
Since this is a benefit for the Families
at the Dump, this dinner show will
be open to all in the community.
Reservations will be open to Vallarta
Yacht Club members starting on
January 15th and to the general public
starting on January 22nd.
The evening’s menu will be Cream
of Corn Soup, Bacon Wrapped
Chicken Breast and Apple Strudel.
The world’s 8 Best Places to retire in 2014
I
f you could retire anywhere in
the world, where would you go? As
we find ourselves at the beginning of
a brand new year, that’s a question
worth asking. The very good news
is that we are living in a time when
it’s not only possible, but easier
than ever to launch the retirement
adventure of your fondest day
dreams almost anywhere on earth
that appeals to you.
Specifically, here are the best,
most comfortable, affordable,
convenient and rewarding spots
worldwide for retirement in 2014.
Which one is calling your name?
1. Coronado, Panama
2. Languedoc, France
3. Ambergris Caye, Belize
4. Cuenca, Ecuador
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Monthly budget: $2,000,
Monthly rent: $700.
Mexico is a big place with a bad
reputation. The reputation isn’t
altogether undeserved, as drug cartels
do control parts of this country, but
not all of it. And some of the most
appealing regions for both living and
investing sit outside the war zones.
Mexico offers two long coasts,
mountain towns and colonial cities,
plus Mayan ruins, jungle, rain forest,
rivers and lakes. It’s also the most
accessible “overseas” haven from the
United States. You could drive back
and forth if you wanted.
Issue 273
For all these reasons, Mexico
is home to the biggest established
populations of American expats in the
world, making it a great choice if you
seek adventure with the comforts of
home. Mexico is no longer a supercheap option, but it is my top pick for
enjoying a luxury coastal lifestyle on
a budget in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto
Vallarta is more expensive than other
places where you might consider
living or retiring overseas, but in
Puerto Vallarta that’s not the point.
This isn’t developing-world living.
This stretch of Mexico’s Pacific
coastline has already been developed
to a high level.
Life here can be not only comfortable,
but easy and fully appointed, with
January 2014
A vegetarian entrée is available
(must be requested when you make
your reservation). The cost for the
dinner show will be $350 pesos.
The Vallarta Yacht Club is located
adjacent to Paradise Village Resort
and Marina in Nuevo Vallarta (near
the boat ramp). For reservations
please contact Rudy or Daniel at
the club. The phone number is 322
297–2222. Seating will be limited
to 120 people so please make your
reservations early
world-class golf courses, marinas,
restaurants and shopping. This is a
lifestyle that is available only on a
limited basis worldwide, and is truly
(not metaphorically) comparable to
the best you could enjoy in southern
California if you could afford it.
Here you can afford it even on an
average budget.
7. Granada, Nicaragua
8. Medellin, Colombia
Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of
the Live and Invest Overseas publishing
group. With more than 28 years
experience covering this beat, Kathleen
reports daily on current opportunities for
living, retiring and investing overseas in
her free e-letter. Her newest book, “How
To Buy Real Estate Overseas”, published
by Wiley & Sons, is the culmination of
decades of personal experience living
and investing around the world.
(Source: news.yahoo.com US News by Kathleen Peddicord)
Vallarta Voices
By Anna Reisman
H
ave I told you recently how
blessed I feel?
I celebrated the anniversary of my
39th birthday this past Sunday at the
incredibly lush, colorful and beautiful
Botanical Gardens, surrounded by my
long-time colleagues at the Mirror
(and the other paper before that),
my friends and my family. It was an
afternoon I will not forget anytime
soon. Can I use the word magical
without sounding too much over the
top? That’s what it felt like. It is a
magical place to start with, but when
you add a whole lot of love, it’s just…
amazing!
Thank you, Bob
Price, for hosting
such a special event
for me, and thank
your staff for the wonderful food and
superb service.
On the way home, I noticed that they
still haven’t changed the “population”
sign along that highway, still a little
over 203,400… as it’s been for the
last 5 years or so, despite the fact that
we’re well over 350,000 as of the last
census. Ni modo. But… One number
that has increased is that of new
potholes along that road, so recently
resurfaced.
Issue 273
23
I can’t forget to thank the dozens of
you who have posted such lovely, kind
wishes on my Facebook page. You
make it all worthwhile!
Last Thursday (the actual day of my
birth), my friends and I were having
lunch at Salud and so was one of PV’s
major stars, Kim Kuzma. Well, this
young lady -dressed in her gym outfit
of short shorts and a tank top- came
over to our table and started belting out
“Happy Birthday!” as if she were on
stage. Everyone turned around while I
turned the color of the tomatoes on my
plate… We love you, Kim!
We also love Sol Rosen. He put on
one incredible show at The Palm last
week. If you get a chance, and you
love the “Rat Pack”’s songs, do make a
point of seeing his performance! He’ll
be back on Feb. 8, 15, 21 and March
January 2014
1st. You’ll reminisce …and laugh
yourself silly at Sol’s antics. You can
peruse the entire fabulous schedule at
The Palm at www.thepalmpv.com
So many venues, so many great
shows, so little time… Did you know
that you can check out all upcoming
events by simply logging on to www.
vallartatickets.com or VallartaTickets.
com on Facebook? Well, you can.
Are you all getting ready to welcome
friends and family and house guests?
I am. Starting next week, so many
of mine are coming down to warm
their bones… Can’t blame them. I
wouldn’t have wanted to be NOTB
(North Of The Border) during that
“Polar Vortex”!
Hasta la próxima vez, I wish you a
most serendipitous week.
[email protected]
24
Health Matters
The Recovery of Self
By Giselle Belanger
RN, LCSW
“Self” is broadly defined as the
essential qualities that make a person
distinct from all others. (wikipedia)
Jungian psychology describes “self
“as the center of the total personality
- including consciousness, the
unconscious, and the ego. Therefore,
the self is who we really are beneath
all of the layers of protection and
facades.
We use the word “self” to describe
many things about ourselves; traits,
qualities, and behaviors. Consider the
following: self-esteem, self-image,
self-worth, self-respect, self-identity,
self-motivated, self-disciplined, selfdestructive, self-sabotaging, selfconfidant, self-assured.
What positively and negatively
impacts these and what do they depend
on to be healthy? For example, your
self-worth may depend on your job,
your co-workers reaction to you, or
how much your boss values you. Your
self-image is often based on what
society has dictated to us regarding
our weight, our hair color or style, and
whether we are attractive or not.
Development of self
The development of self is very
real and begins in infancy. Therefore,
everything that happens to us or is
done to us, every positive and negative
response throughout our childhood
and adolescence determines who we
become.
Our perception of ourselves has
been dictated by our parents’ and the
outside world’s reaction to us and how
we interpreted and assimilated it (their
reaction) into our being. Of course our
“self” can be damaged and/or repaired
in adulthood as well. How damaged
or healthy is your “self”?
Imagine what happens when life
events and circumstances are much
more drastic. When your childhood
and adolescence may have included
abuse, sexual molestation, unsafe
violent homes, drunk fathers, neglect,
overwhelmed emotionally unavailable
mothers, your development of a healthy
self was greatly altered and damaged,
deprived and undernourished.
As an adolescent you may have
already started responding to this by
turning to alcohol and drugs to escape.
As an adult, you may be well on
your way into a life long battle with
addiction or you may be the victim of
domestic violence.
Childhood abuse
What happens to you after you’ve
been abused, neglected, or abandoned,
in our childhood? Who is that adult
that survived a childhood sexual
abuse? What fears, anxieties, anger,
or beliefs still linger? What unresolved
issues do you still have to work
through? How do you determine who
you are or who you could have been
if this hadn’t happened? How has it
affected you negatively or positively?
Are you more resilient, more
promiscuous, more ambivalent, less
cautious, less trusting, more practical,
more independent, less capable of
commitment and intimacy?
Addiction
Who is the person after you are no
longer escaping on drugs and alcohol?
What is your personality like without
the effect of alcohol or drugs? How
shy are you, how calm, how irritated?
How confident, how outgoing, how
fun, how loving, how interested, how
motivated, are you in your sobriety?
Has sobriety left you wondering who
you are, what you really want, what
you are actually capable of, what you
believe in? Do you know who you are
without drugs and alcohol?
Rape
Who is the woman after a rape? After
she’s been so violently and brutally
attacked, had her life threatened,
maybe been impregnated, infected or
permanently physically injured? How
does she find a way to enjoy sexual
relations again? How does she walk
the streets or go out alone? When can
she stop looking over her shoulder and
living in constant fear?
Domestic violence
Who is the woman after she’s been
verbally abused, insulted and criticized
and made to feel unworthy, stripped of
her self-respect and self-esteem? Who
is she after she’s been horrendously
controlled becoming isolated from
family and friends, being told how much
money she can spend and how long an
errand should take? What is the damage
to her self-confidence once she’s become
financially dependent? How much fear,
anger and hatred does it take to free
Issue 273
January 2014
herself from a situation? How does she
find herself after that? Where does she
even begin to rebuild her life?
Self-discovery
The answer to all of these questions
is in the process of rediscovering
and redefining the “self”. It is vital
to recover the “self” in order to
heal. It requires courage to explore
and discover who you really are
underneath all of the emotional scars,
painful memories, false beliefs, and
years of trying to be who and what
everyone else expected. Depending
on the severity, it is often necessary
to remove yourself, temporarily or
permanently, from the environment or
relationship (marriage, relationship,
family role, job) which caused you to
lose your “self”, in order to see clearly,
be uninhibited, uninfluenced, and free
to do the work.
Self-empowerment
Self-empowerment is a key
component to recovering your “self”.
You must begin to feel and believe
that change is possible and that
you can make it happen. You must
realize that contrary to what you
have believed for many years, some
things are in your control. Begin by
identifying what is in your control
(and continue to reassess that because
it changes) and then begin making
those changes. You must also realize
that even though you’ve been a victim
of other people and/or drugs and
alcohol having control over you, that
you are no longer going to tolerate it
and that there are ways out. You must
realize that as an adult, you are safe
from childhood abuse and trauma.
And finally, you must accept that you
deserve to be healthier and happier
and that it is in your power to make
that happen!
Giselle Belanger
RN, LCSW (psychotherapist)
is available for appointments
in person, by phone, or by
skype webcam. Contact info:
[email protected]
Mex cell: 044 (322) 138-9552
or US cell: (312) 914-5203.
Health Matters
The Spinal Column
By Dr. Jim Starr
Chiropractor
Alkalize or Die…
Unfortunately,
Pasteur’s
confusion of disease with its
symptoms has come down through
the generations as scientific law.
To this day, conventional medicine
operates under this central
misconception, often identifying a
pattern of symptoms and labeling
them as a disease, without any
consideration of the underlying
cause of the symptoms. And if the
underlying cause isn’t considered,
it can’t be addressed.
Symptoms may be masked with
drugs, but that won’t eradicate
them. And it doesn’t deal with the
accompany deterioration of the
rest of the body, or, of course, do
anything about the acids underlying
it all.
The truth is symptoms are just
indications that you are overly
acidic. Symptoms are caused by
acidic food and lifestyle choices.
The so-called disease is a general,
underlying condition of acidity.
If germs are involved, they are
themselves just symptoms of
that underlying acidic condition.
Remember that germs come from
within our cells and that germs
invading from outside the body
can only contribute to a state of
imbalance and stimulate secondary
symptoms. What most people call
disease really is just a collection of
these secondary symptoms. Germs
are really just the expression of
the underlying so-called disease
condition
(over-acidity
and
then
evolutionary
microform
overgrowth). In the same way that
a fired bullet does the damage, not
the smoke from a fired gun, it is the
acid that kills, not the associated
germs.
Over the last century or so,
mainstream science has wrongly
told the public that they have
identified the precise cause
or causes of some so-called
disease. An example would be
the relationship of smoking and
lung cancer or obesity and heart
Issue 273
25
problems. And yet, for many other
serious so-called diseases, they
admit they are still baffled and they
need more research - and more of
our money for that research. It is
important that if you want to be
responsible for your own body and
the future of your own health, you
must start from the premise that
acid is the immediate cause of all
the symptoms that are bothering
you.
You may know the joke about the
inebriated fellow looking for his
keys under the street lamp. He said
he dropped his keys up the block,
but he was looking in this spot
because that’s where the street light
was. It’s the same with medical
research. They are doing almost
NO research where the problem is
and where the solution lies ...at the
intersection of nutrition and blood.
Instead, they are looking at
symptoms because that’s where the
research money from the medical
machine and the pharmaceutical
companies is focused.
The
pharmaceutical companies support
research that brings them more
labels, products and profits... not
research that’s actually going to
find the keys. Actually finding
the keys would put them out of
business!
So it is in this sense that I say
“there is only one ‘disease.’”
And that one disease is acidosis.
Thus, the thousand plus names
January 2014
for so-called diseases are simply a
compendium of symptoms. These
symptoms are the body’s creative
and intelligent ways of keeping
acid focused on some less vital area
of the body ...and not the critically
delicate balance of the blood. If all
of this acid were to get directly to
the blood, you WOULD BE DEAD
in just days or even hours.
The ONLY solution is to alkalize
and energize the body!
Call Bio-Spa and Chiropractic
Center and Naturopath Zoli
Hargitai here can do a Live
Bloodcell Analysis. We also have
Alkaline Water, bring your bottle;
the first two weeks your Alkaline,
Ionized, Electron-rich, Oxygenated
Water is on us, it is FREE. Or we
have the water Alkalizer Machine
here for sale.
Dr. Jim Starr
Is part of the Integrated
Medical Group along with
Naturopathic and Medical
Doctors at Bio-Spa and
Chiropractic Center.
Plaza Marina, Local B-10. Call
221-1607 for your appointment.
26
Health Matters
Body & Sol
By Krystal Frost
Painful Knees???
I
t seems many of my new patients
are coming in with a pain, swelling and
bad knees history. Many of them have
already gone through the arthroscopic
knee surgery recommended by the
specialists, only to come away no
better for the wear and tear to the
whole body that surgery puts one
through. This puzzled me, so I went
digging for the newest information…
here it is:
Trimming damaged tissue through
arthroscopic knee surgery does not
relieve pain and swelling in arthritic
knees any better than simply flushing
loose debris from the joint, according
to new research.
The findings are based on three
randomized studies, one of which
found the treatments produced similar
results in pain and physical function
after two years.
The other two studies produced
low-quality evidence, according to
researchers. Potential side effects of
arthroscopic surgery include a risk of
infection and blood clots. Further, the
surgery does not stop the progression
of osteoarthritis, and symptoms
are likely to return over time.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease
that affects your hands, hips, shoulders
and knees, especially in older people.
The condition causes joint cartilage to
break down, and loose bits of tissue
can then cause pain, swelling and poor
joint function.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is often
unnecessary. It works no better than a
placebo surgery, and the proof of this
was published in one of the most wellrespected medical journals on the planet.
Despite this monumental finding,
and numerous studies like the one
Issue 273
above, 650,000 people in the U.S.
undergo arthroscopic knee surgery
every year. And at a cost of about
$6,000 per procedure, that adds up
to over $3 billion every year spent
on a sometimes needless and nonbeneficial surgery. It has become a
very popular surgery at the expense
of the patient.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Often, what prompts people to
undergo arthroscopic surgery is
osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint
disease in which the cartilage that
covers the ends of the bones in your
joints deteriorates, causing bone to rub
against bone, and leading to pain and
loss of movement.
This is the most common form of
arthritis in the U.S., and usually occurs
in the older age group. It is more
frequent in women than in men. The
disease results from structural changes
in the articular cartilage in the joints,
usually those that are weight-bearing
such as your spine and knees.
Potential contributing factors to this
condition include: Obesity, Nutritional
deficiencies such as natural minerals
and salts, Continuous physical stress,
Glandular insufficiency, Shortage of
hydrochloric acid, Lack of exercise
Natural options for
treating osteoarthritis
What really healed their bodies
were their own minds, diet change and
moderate exercise.
January 2014
This is amazing testimony
to the power your brain has at
inducing healing changes in your
body.
Remember that whatever
you focus your conscious attention
on in the real world will typically
be achieved.
Inflaming thoughts
cause inflamed joints. And, to help
with the structural issues that can
contribute to osteoarthritis, here are
my recommendations:
- Get plenty of omega-3 fats by
taking a high-quality krill oil and chia
seeds
- Get moving with an exercise
program, but don’t overdue it.
- Eat a healthier diet eliminating
inflammatory foods, such as sugar,
tomatoes, eggplants, salt, and
ALCOHOL IN ANY FORM.
- Rely on safer anti-inflammatory
alternatives such as arnica liniment,
there are some very good brands at the
VSN Health Food store near Rizo’s
- Acupuncture for pain and swelling.
Well, there you have it. Painful
joints, especially the knees can be
quite a set back when it gets to the
point that the pain stops your from
walking - which is the number 1
exercise.
Still… Think twice before going
under the knife, there are alternatives.
Krystal Frost
Is a long time resident of Puerto
Vallarta. Graduate of University
of Guadalajara, and specialized
in cosmetic acupuncture at
Bastyr University in Washington
State. She is the owner of Body
& Sol for over 15 years where
she practices traditional Chinese
medicine, acupuncture, massage
therapy, yoga, meditation and
nutritional counseling. She has
created healing programs for
individuals, retreats and spas.
Questions and comments
may be directed to
[email protected]
Health Matters
Introducing… Pasos Adelante
P
asos Adelante is a locally
owned center, which provides
services for children and adults
with a variety of neurological,
learning and behavior problems.
We help people see the light and
realize their potential whatever
that may be. Maintaining close
communication with the medical
and
educational
community
facilitates balanced and integrative
therapeutic interventions.
We specialize in language,
cognitive, emotional, academic
and behavioral programs designed
to improve independence, problem
solving and self-esteem.
Adults experiencing associated
complications from Parkinson’s,
stroke, traumatic brain injury,
dementia and Alzheimer’s may
benefit
from
neurocognitive
rehabilitation and family support
and education.
WE also provide a wide range of
scientifically proven educational
and intervention programs for
children
presenting
learning
and attention problems, autism
spectrum, behavior and discipline
management.
Pasos Adelante is also very
involved in improving the
level and quality of educational
programs throughout Mexico
and Latin America.
We are
dedicated to improving reading
comprehension, math reasoning
and written expression. Many of
the products and programs have
been developed by the staff and
in collaboration with American
publishers. All educational and
therapeutic programs are available
in both Spanish and English.
The goals of the educational
programs and materials are to
develop competent, independent,
productive and thinking future
citizens of the world. Maureen
Priestley is the director and has
over 35 years of experience in
educational and medical settings
in Mexico and the United States.
Pasos Adelante began in 1986 in
Guadalajara and in 2010 began
to offer their services in Puerto
Vallarta. They are located in the
Plaza Marina, Locals C10 and
C11. They can be reached at 2240161 or via their web page: www.
pasosadelantepv.com
Maureen “Mimi” Priestley,
Ed.S., Director of Pasos Adelante,
has been working in the field
of
neuropsychology,
special
and bilingual education for the
past 35 years. She has been an
invited speaker for national and
international conferences in 16
countries.
She has 22 books
published in English and Spanish
dealing with language development,
critical thinking and assessment.
She has just coordinated a major
project for Latin America for early
assessment of development.
Maureen is dedicated to
improving
the
educational
and psychological services for
children and adults throughout
the Americas. She is currently
living in Puerto Vallarta where
she attends patients and provides
training programs at the national
and international level.
Editor’s Note: Many patients
don’t realize that we have services
for adults and children with very
specialized neurological problems.
We can provide assistance even
when the families are still in the
hospital. When someone suffers a
stroke or head injury - everything
changes and many people are
not prepared to deal with the
consequences.
Issue 273
January 2014
27
28
Legal Matters
Ask Luis
By Luis Melgoza
Dear Luis: What is the process to get an IVA refund when a tourist is leaving
Mexico?
Dear Ernest: This is the official information as provided by Mexico’s SAT
(tax authority):
Foreigners visiting Mexico on a tourist visa can obtain the refund of Value Added
Tax (IVA) paid on the acquisition of merchandise purchased from commercial
establishments in Mexico, whenever the following requirements are met:
- That you leave by air or sea.
- That you have facturas for your purchases (NOTE: request facturas
with the special foreign buyer tax ID (RFC): XEXX-010101-000).
- That the purchased merchandise actually leaves the country.
- That your minimum purchase is of 1,200.00 MXN per establishment.
- That purchases have been made in establishments that participate in
the “Program of tax refund for foreign tourists” (NOTE: for participating
businesses in PV, go to http://www.yvesam.com/nva_imagen/index.
php?option=com_phocagallery&view=categories&Itemid=54 —there aren’t
any spaces between “http” and Itemid=54—, scroll down that page to find
merchants in Puerto Vallarta).
- That each purchase was paid with electronic means (credit, debit or services
cards issued abroad by foreign financial institutions) or, if paid with cash, that
the amount paid is less than 3,000.00 MXN.
The refund is made only through authorized licensees, a 35% fee applies.
In order to receive a refund, the tourist must:
1.- Request a factura for the purchase, and an application form to request
the tax refund, from the participating seller (the tax refund request form is also
available at the tax refund service centers).
2.- When you leave, go to one of the tax refund service centers located in
ports and airports.
3.- Present the merchandise for which the IVA tax refund is requested, to
verify that it is leaving the country
4.- Any merchandise with a factura exceeding 5,000.00 MXN (including
tax) will be physically verified; other merchandise may be also verified, at the
discretion of the service center staff. 5.- Once the merchandise has been validated and the documentation has
been approved, any applicable refund will be processed and credited within
40 days (NOTE: 35% of the amount of any refund owed you will be deducted
by the licensee in payment for their service).
The amount of the refund is paid in Mexican pesos and the reimbursement is
made electronically to the same means of payment used for the original purchase
—50% of the amount of your refund may be reimbursed in cash not to exceed
10,000.00 MXN. In this case, the remainder will be deposited electronically.
Please note that, by Law, your refund must be issued within 40 days of your
departure. Yvesam, the licensee for Puerto Vallarta indicates that they usually
issue refunds —minus their 35% fee— within 10 days.
At this time, this IVA tax refund service is offered in Mexico City,
Guadalajara, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del
Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Majahual, Progreso and Ensenada.
Among others, the following products and services are not subject to tax
reimbursement:
- Food, beverages, transportation and services
(hotels, restaurants, Internet, taxicabs, airplane tickets, etc.)
- Groceries and food products
- Books
- Medication
- Opened bottles of alcoholic beverages
- Goods purchased over the Internet or shipped/sent by courier
Dear Luis: Is it possible for anyone staying in Mexico for 5 or 6 months to
obtain the discount bus pass for seniors? If so, where would we obtain it? We
are snow birds.
Dear Donna: As long as you are over 60 and either a Temporary or
Permanent Resident or a Mexican citizen, you may obtain the free federal
INAPAM membership card at the DIF Casa de Día, regardless of how much
time you spend in Mexico any given year. Tourists may qualify for this card —
according to PV’s DIF, but not to INAPAM— after residents’ demand is met.
Jalisco and PV offer a second card for seniors, independent from
INAPAM’s, but subject to the same requirements and good for local discounts
on transportation and other services and goods: The Plan Venerable Card.
The DIF’s Casa de Día is at Milenio #143, Col. La Aurora (somewhat behind
Walmart and Sam’s Club, not at the DIF’s main local office in the Old Regional
Hospital) Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 3, and bring with you
original and copies of your passport (all pages), birth certificate, Immigration
or FMM card and proof of address (utility bill or any financial statement
showing your address in Mexico) and 2 “tamaño infantil” photographs.
When INAPAM card applications are available, currently unavailable
locally, 20 to 30 turns are given out each day, you may need to return several
times until you get a turn to apply. The possibility of opening a local INAPAM
office is being considered.
The Plan Venerable Card is currently available.
For additional information, call (322) 114-3946.
Send me your questions to [email protected], I am not able to answer each
message privately due to the volume of mail I receive. Should you need personal
attention, please call me at (322) 164-4049 to schedule a private consultation.
Luis Melgoza
Is a former PRI (Mexico’s ruling party) Head Counsel and Legal Adviser to the Mexican
Congress. Although retired from the legal profession, he is a highly respected consultant
for both the foreign and Mexican communities in Puerto Vallarta. Luis’ PVGeeks are the
premiere commercial and residential computer and networks solutions experts in Puerto
Vallarta. For computer or network issues, you can reach Luis at [email protected]
Issue 273
January 2014
Real Estate
Vallarta Getaways features charming
Mexican-style casas in Old Town / Centro
By Saskia Claudine Geul
T
wo weeks ago, we wrote about
some of the “hidden treasures”
Vallarta Getaways has to offer. I am
going to stay with this theme now,
to introduce you to two exceptional,
large,
traditional
“MEXICAN
CASAS”, ideal for family gatherings
and reunions, corporate events and
of course unforgettable, romantic weddings.
As in any city in the world, the
intrigue of what might be hidden
behind a large wooden door is
irresistible. How many times do
we walk past that door and wonder
what it conceals, until the day we
happen to be passing and find it
open! Well, in the case of Casa
Corona, your imagination would
not be disappointed. On a tiny,
one-way street, just two blocks
from the Malecon, nestled between
two adjacent houses, this particular
wooden door leads through a
roofed entryway to a narrow path
that gently winds its way between
steep banks and tumbling ferns and
greenery before opening onto a
terrace with Casa Corona towering
above. It’s a portal between two
worlds - the bustling street below
and the green lush tranquillity of
gardens with the imposing beauty of
the house. You immediately notice
the Jacuzzi perched high above you
and the water gently cascading into
the pool below. Sprawling terraces
and patios on multiple levels, a
vast roof terrace with infinite views
and a multitude of hidden spaces
and interconnecting, lush, tropical
gardens create the irresistible urge to
explore further. On doing so, you find
a luxurious 6-bedroom home, full
of the intrigues of a dilapidated old
property that has been lovingly and
painstakingly restored. The photo
book in the lounge tells the story
of the 2-year process, of the fleet
of local craftsmen who transformed
Casa Corona with their hand-painted
tiles, hand-carved woodwork and
custom made leather and iron
furniture, wrought iron staircases
and ornate, canopied bed frames.
But the most extraordinary thing of
all is the impossibility that this 4,400
sq. ft. of paradise could possibly
be so completely hidden behind
that wooden door in the very heart
of downtown Vallarta! Furnished
and equipped to the very highest
of standards, with charming little
details of great beauty and interest
everywhere you look, Casa Corona
is without doubt set to become part
of the architectural history of Puerto
Vallarta.
Further south, in a short cobbled
street that comes to an abrupt end
in the hillsides of lofty Alta Vista
Issue 273
29
(which means high view), is another
wooden door. When you pass
through this door, you don’t know
where to look first! Ahead of you
is an unusual Y-shaped pool, inlaid
with sea horses and fed by a row of
statuesque lion fountains. Looking
across the pool, your eyes are drawn
to a large and elegant living waterfall,
surrounded by myriad beautiful, lush
potted plants and to your right, a
breathtaking view of Vallarta way
below you and the entire bay beyond
it. The adjacent properties frame
this view like a photo and give it a
surreal and intimate feeling, as if the
view is yours alone. Casa Coco, a
captivatingly charming, 4-bedroom
home, lies to your left, and beyond it
we catch a glimpse of a cosy outdoor
bar, too perfect for words for sharing
fun times with family and friends.
The terrain here is steep, so exploring
the house we find many different
levels and terraces, each with its own
character, and homely touches, such
as a little bookcase tucked away in a
corner and a comfortable sofa or two
– creating perfect and alluring spaces
to retreat to with a book or iPad in
the late afternoon shade.
January 2014
Casa Coco has the strong feeling
of a place that is loved, from the
perfection of the furnishings and
décor to the immaculate and perfectly
maintained state. then again, maybe
that feeling comes from the fact that
everyone who stays at Casa Coco
enjoys it so much – a quick glance
at the guest book is all you need to
confirm that there is something about
this home that generates the perfect
setting for spending special times
with special people, not the least
of which is Carmen’s wonderful
cooking which gets a mention in
every entry!
We hope to be welcoming you
soon to one of these very special
homes away from home.
Thank you.
For more information on either
property, Email me, Saskia, at Info@
vallarta-getaways.com or drop by
the office in Plaza Romy, Loc. #13,
located at 228 Ignacio Vallarta ( right
next door to Superior Tours Travel
Agency). Open Mon –Fri from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m.
30
Real Estate
VIEWPOINT
By Harriet Murray
How did condos and homes do in 2013?
W
e discussed last week that the
most active areas for sales in 2013
were also the areas strong in 2012.
The difference for condominiums
was the reduction in sales volume in
2013, as much absorption was done
the year previous: almost exclusively
in new construction projects.
Active areas were downtown or
south the Rio Cuale, the South Shore,
and La Cruz de Huancaxtle. These
three markets for condos was very
strong in 2012 and still led the rest of
the areas in 2013, but with a definite
low from previous highs the year
before. The train driving us was new
condos in 2012 and 2013.
Houses are the hope for the future.
Instead of decreases in active areas,
there were increases in units sold to
raise sales volume.
Bucerías had a 27% raise in number
of homes sold and an increase in
overall sales volume, but the average
sales price went from $152,682. to
$132, 350. Francisco Villa East ended
with an increase in house prices from
an average from $168,430. to
$232,300. Francisco Villa West
saw a decrease in sales volume
and the average sales price
went down a bit to $168,769.
Francisco Villa has main areas
for home buying by white collar
and emerging middle class
workers and foreign retirees.
La Cruz was a winner with a
326% increase in sales of homes
and the average sales price went
from $345,000. to $817,944.
Nuevo Vallarta West increased
sales volume and went to $388,333.
for the average sales price.
Punta Mita demonstrated is was
alive over the previous year and sold
three homes for a total of $5,125,000.
The South Shore reported
over $11,640,000. in sales and
increased average sales price to over
$1,000,000. The total number of sales
reported was 8 homes.
The Market Summary from Flex
AMPI MLS reports 12 consecutive
months.
Issue 273
This report is for December, 2013:
Homes: Sold to list ratio dipped
a lot in April but ended at a sales
price of 85% of asking price. Days
on market ended at 9 months, down
from the beginning of 2013. Price
Volume was $320,000,000. in Dec.
2013, down from January 2013.
The number of condominium
listings increased in December
from the start of 213, ending at
construction is the star, as it has been
for the two past years, we are going to
have a large volume of used or older
condos for sale with no takers.
The saying is “you don’t lose a
market, your buyer changes”. Our
market now has buyers who want
new construction of condominiums
and buyers looking for special values
in high-end homes in select areas,
including the south side and middle
of the Bay.
The convenience of
location and access, as
well as the prices of
homes, makes either side
of Francisco viable. The
Marina has been silent.
Marina Vallarta West has
activity. Our active areas
are telling us right now
what our buyers want.
Information for this
article has been provided
by AMPI Flex MLS. All
numers are quoted in U.S.
Dollars.
800 units. Median sales price was
down to $175,000. DOM (days on
market) ended near 10 months. Price
volume moved up from the year’s
start of $240,000,000. to end 2013
with $320,000,000. Absorption in
December 2013 was 4.5 years based
on the increased volume.
We are beginning the year 2014
with hope in some markets for home
prices to continue to help reduce
inventory. Condo inventories are
now up to big levels. If new condo
This article is based upon legal
opinions, current practices and my
personal experiences. I recommend
that each potential buyer or seller
of real estate conduct his own due
diligence and review.
January 2014
Harriet Murray
Can be contacted at
[email protected]
Gil Gevins’ Page
FREUDIAN SLIPPAGE
By Gil Gevins
www.gilgevins.com
E
very year my suegra (mother-inlaw) comes to visit us on her birthday.
And every year we give her an elaborate
party featuring fireworks and live
music. This year my wife and her mom
had set their hearts on a funky four
piece Norteño band. Unfortunately, the
band proved to be more elusive than
Glenn Beck’s frontal cortex. In only
five days the group had been fired from
four different restaurants. Finally, we
learned that they had got a regular gig,
as the house band at some obscure joint
an hour outside town.
“You have to go and talk to them,”
Lucy said.
“I thought we had an agreement,” I
complained. “You organize the party,
and I pay for it. Division of whatever.”
“Yes,” she said, “but this is a
special case.” And then she went on
to explain that her mom’s beloved
Norteño group was the house band for
a raunchy Rancho - no place for a pair
of respectable women, so…
“So,” I said, unable to believe
my ears, “you want me to go to a
whorehouse?”
“To contract the band,” my wife said.
“Not to contract anything else,” my
very Catholic mother-in-law added,
shooting me a meaningful look.
The Rancho was located in the
geophysical center of nowhere, and not
easy to find. Most of the men I asked
for directions laughed or winked lewdly
at me. One, who was a bit soused,
actually gyrated his hips and made
puckering motions with his mouth.
Eventually, when I did in fact locate
the establishment (a study in crumbling
cement), criminally loud canned music
was blaring from all its windows, but
the band was nowhere to be found.
The first floor looked exactly like
a large rustic cantina, which in fact
it was - the more notorious business
was conducted upstairs. Behind the
makeshift bar there stood a plump
pretty woman displaying several
soccer fields of cleavage.
“Buenas tardes,” I said.
“Buenas tardes,” she smiled
lasciviously back.
“I’m looking for four men who…”
“If you’re looking for men,” she cut
me off, “you’re in the wrong place.
Now, if you want four women, that’s
another story.”
“No, no, no! I want the house band,
a quartet that plays Norteño music.”
The barmaid shook her head sadly.
“What a waste; a good looking guy like
you and…”
“I want to hire the band to play at a
party,” I interrupted. “At my house.”
“Oh,” she said brightly, “I see. What
kind of party?”
“A birthday party.”
“Ooh, I love a good birthday party.
Do you need someone to jump out of
the cake? I’m available.”
“I don’t think I could afford a cake
that large. But it’s not that kind of
party. It’s for my…” “I have lots of
experience,” she insisted.
“Give me a shot of tequila, please,”
I said, hoping she’d become more
cooperative if I ordered something.
“Coming up, guapo.”
“So, what time does the band get
here?”
“Oh, I love your accent,” she cooed.
“It gets me so hot and…”
“Spare me, please,” I said in English.
“Right now?” she asked eagerly.
I couldn’t wait to get home so I could
repeat all this to my wife, but I had to
make one last stab at the band. Putting
a hundred-peso bill on the bar, I said,
“All I want is…”
“I don’t care what you want,” she
said indignantly. “You won’t get it
here with a measly hundred pesos.”
At that moment the band stumbled
providentially in the door, falling into
seats at a large round table in the back.
Wasting no time, I walked over and
Issue 273
31
offered to buy them a round of drinks.
No one demurred.
Once we’d finished our shots, I asked
them about their fee.
“Our normal rate is two thousand
pesos an hour,” the dusty accordion
player said, naming an outrageous price.
“Let’s be serious,” I suggested. “If
you want…”
“Next Saturday, did you say?” the
guitar player broke in. “We have a
compromiso. Can’t make it.”
“No, that’s the following Saturday,
you idiot,” the accordion player said.
“No, the idiot’s right,” the drummer
said. “Which idiot?” the bass player
demanded.
“Hey, who you calling an idiot?”
“Por favor! Por favor!” I shouted.
After a while everyone settled down
and we came to an understanding: four
hours at $800 pesos an hour, plus all
the food they could eat.
Naturally, as I was leaving, the
problematic guitar player had to say,
“We’ll need to check out that other
engagement first. We’ll call you.”
My wife, her mother and I returned
from a late dinner just two days before
the party to find the message light
blinking on the answering machine. “That must be the band!” my suegra
said breathlessly.
There were two messages. The first
featured the voices of several men, and
was punctuated by bursts of loud music
and the sounds of glass breaking in the
background.
“Hello? Hello? He says he’s not
there,” a voice said.
“How can he not be there if he’s
telling you he’s not there?” a second
voice demanded.
January 2014
“How should I know? He doesn’t
answer me; he just tells me he’s not
there, and something about a tone.”
“You nitwit. It’s a machine.”
“What’s a machine?”
“It’s a machine that’s talking to you.”
“A machine is talking to me?”
“Yes!”
“So what do I tell it?”
“What do you mean?”
“The machine talks to me, I’m
supposed to talk back, right?”
At this point there was some confused
shouting, and then the line went dead.
The second message was from the
bar maid. “Ay, Beto, that voice, it
drives me wild! I’m not busy tonight,
and I know what you want, so…”
The force with which I smashed the
delete button was so great it sent the
machine spinning off the desk.
“Who was that?” my suegra
demanded.
“Oh, just a barmaid I met at that
whorehouse your daughter sent me to.
Apparently, she licked my accent.”
“She licked your what?” my wife
squealed.
“I think,” my mother-in-law said
sternly, “the two of you need to see a
priest.”
Gil Gevins
Is the author of four hilarious
books, including, PUERTO
VALLARTA ON 49 BRAIN
CELLS A DAY, and SLIME AND
PUNISHMENT. Signed copies of
all Gil’s books are available at
LUCY’S CUCU CABAÑA, located
at 295 Basilio Badillo, or as
E-Books on Amazon Kindle.
32
Fish Tales
Dorado and Sailfish off Punta Mita,
Striped Marlin moving in gradually
By Stan Gabruk
Owner of Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle
W
ell it looks like winter fishing
is right on time, we presently have
outstanding fishing in our Bay of
Banderas. As the Black and Blue
Marlin are turning into a thing of the
past until next summer, Striped Marlin
are moving in. Dorado are still 12
miles off the point of Punta Mita and
of course, you’ll find Sailfish in this
area as well. For the guy looking for
action, we have plenty, so sit back and
enjoy the read.
This week as we expect come this
time of the year, we’re seeing water
temperatures dip yet again to the
77-degree F mark. Warmer water can
still be found inside the bay, soon a
thing of the past. For now we’re just
happy we have fish for the seasonal
tourist. Jack Crevalle, our ¨Bread and
Butter¨ fish species around the bay,
are doing their job being abundant and
hungry! Jacks can be found anywhere
from the surf line to El Banco and
back. Those looking for inexpensive
trips can rest assured that a 4 to 6-hour
trip in the bay will produce armburning action.
The best and most reliable location
this week is once again 12 miles or so
off the point of Punta Mita.
You’ll need a bit of a longer day eight hours, but the Sailfish are still
fair sized. Dorado, known for being
kinda picky when it comes to water
conditions, are still off the point. Don’t
try and figure this all out, just get out
there before you’ll be wishing you had.
The Marieta Islands are less than
spectacular, still there are nice sized
Bonito to 35 lbs., Snappers to 25 lbs.,
Jack Crevalle to 40 lbs. and an outside
chance at Rooster fish in the 35-lb
range. Just remember, Rooster fish
come and go like the wind. For the
moment, the area off El Moro to the
west is one of the few places you have
a shot at these demon fish. Another is
off Sayulita’s Anclote Reef or, with a
little luck, off the Marieta Islands. I
know, this sounds kinda soft for me,
Issue 273
but in transition periods anything can
happen or change without warning.
The deep water locations of
Corbeteña and El Banco are still on
the ¨dead¨ side, things probably won’t
change much in these areas until late
June. Still, if you’re out that way,
the Cubera Snapper are all over 60
lbs., but you’ll most likely be jigging
for these. Striped Marlin around 200
lbs. are being boated about fifteen
miles north of El Banco. Not exactly
abundant as yet, soon we’ll see a twoweek period when they’ll be here,
then gone. So keep your ears on for
any news of their arrival. If not, stay
tuned, I’ll fill you in.
For now, as mentioned earlier, a
good 4 to 6 hours will get you and
your family their fill of fishing and
you most likely will see Humpback
whales are you’re trolling around the
bay. Around the Yelapa area, there
are tons of smaller Skip Jack Tuna in
the 30 to 40-lb range. Jack Crevalle
of course in all size ranges, Snapper
around the structure or rocks, along
with smaller Grouper. Don’t forget
about the river mouths for Snook,
with white meat they’re great tasting
and ignored by most except the locals.
For the record: The bite is midday, so
getting out there too early will not do
you any favors. Live bait is working
well, but so are lures. Zuckers of
green at 5 to 6 inches in length are
what you’ll want to use.
At this time of the year, we start to
hear about Monster Yellowfin Tuna
being caught off the Tres Marias
Islands, or Prison Islands as known
by many. One thing that gets under
my skin is knowing there are fishing
companies that are raping one of the
few fisheries we have in the area for
Yellowfin Tuna breeding.
January 2014
These breeding grounds are a fragile
and sensitive part of the breeding
process. If we boat the breeders,
where are the future Yellowfin Tuna
going to come from? And yes, there
are laws governing these actions by
a few, but when nobody enforces
the existing laws... For those who
arrive looking to boat a world class
fish like a monster Yellowfin Tuna, I
understand. But at what cost? You’re
lining the pockets of those who would
ruin or deplete the species for future
generations, for short-term monetary
gain. To me, these people are no better
than ¨Whalers¨ or those cutting fins off
the Turtles for Turtle Soup. So when
you read the post by those heading to
the Tres Mariad Islands to catch off
season Monster Yellowfin Tuna, just
remember, they’re poachers, every
single one of them. Enough said for
now, but never forgotten…
Until next time, don’t forget to kiss
your fish and remember: at Master
Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “We
Won’t Jerk You Around!”
Master Baiter’s has changed
locations in Marina Vallarta and
are now near Victors Café Tecuba.
Look for me at the least traveled end
of Marina Vallarta and I will be there
in my new place. Email your questions
to me at: CatchFish@MasterBaiters.
com.mx
Web page:
www.
MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local Phone
at: (044) 322 779 75 71 or if roaming:
011 52 1 322 779 75 71 (this is my cell
phone directly until the shop phone
is working. Facebook: http://www.
facebook.com/pages/Master-BaitersSportfishing-Tackle/88817121325
The trade name Master Baiter’s ®
Sportfishing and Tackle is protected
under trade mark law and is the sole
property of Stan Gabruk.
Hi-Tech
Your Digital Life… Back It Up !
That
mantra has been told to
computer users since the invention
of the keyboard. This topic deserves
repeating periodically because it really
is heartbreaking when I have tell a
client that his/her hard drive is beyond
recoverable and precious photos are
lost for good. Avoid a crisis if your
system crashes - BACK UP YOUR
DATA!
In the early days of computers, you
options would have been a tape-drive
backup or 5.25” floppy disks. Well
those methods of backups are long
gone for the home computer user.
3.25” diskettes were the backup of
choice for many years, but they too
have disappeared. Here in Vallarta,
the diskettes never lasted long with the
humidity. New computers don’t even
have an “A” drive anyone, but can still
be installed as an option.
Welcome to the new millennium
of computing and with it, much
more reliable and astounding size
capabilities. For several years now,
many of us have started to back-up
on CDs and also now on DVD’s. It’s
a standard in all but the new “ultra”
laptops which are lightweight and no
CD/DVD drive anymore. Even still,
the long term reliability of using CDs
and DVD’s for backups has flaws.
Mostly due to care and handling of the
discs. Even I’m guilty of not storing
CDs correctly. I used to buy a 25 or 50
stack of discs and had a habit of storing
the backups in another old spindle
from these discs.
Turns out, storing discs stacked
on top of each over time, can cause
damage. Best to store CDs and DVDs
in individual jewel boxes and keep
them stored on their spine. They need
to be kept as cool as possible (always a
chore for us here in paradise) and away
from direct sunlight.
So what other options are there then?
Obviously the external hard drive is
your best bet for almost unlimited
storage. I now use a 500GB external
hard drive in conjunction with a solid
back-up program. You can get all sizes
to fit your need/budget. A 500GB
external hard drive starts at 85US and
can go up from there. NO EXCUSES!
Acronis True Image backup allows
me to schedule weekly “incremental”
backups. Incremental backups are
basically “smart” backups.
Issue 273
33
The program only adds files changed
or added to your folders since the last
backup. This cuts down on time and
storage space by not doing a full back
up every week! If you’re looking for a
productive New Years’ resolution, get
a good external hard drive and start
a backup schedule. It’s so easy now.
There is no excuse!!
I frequently get asked about what
my recommendation is for “on-line
backups”. As your only backup source,
my recommendation is NO online
backup. Every company that takes your
money and promises 1000% secure
data storage has a clause in their user
agreement, that the company cannot be
held responsible for lost data. Hmm...
Isn’t that the whole idea??? Assurance
that nothing can happen to my data?
I’ve heard too many horror stories with
online backup companies. Only use
online backup if you also have another
physical backup as well.
Here’s a free and simple backup for
documents and one of a kind photos.
Send it in an email to yourself. If you
have Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail, you
have more than enough free storage
for all your important documents and
photos. I’ve got a document in my
Hotmail that I’ve been checking on
since 1995... and sure enough...it’s still
safely there!! The beauty is with these
online emails, you can also access that
important document from anywhere in
the world.
Well, anyone who knows me, knows
my favorite item the past couple of
years, is the USB flash memory. Also
known as thumb drive, memory stick
and various forms of those words. I
remember buying my first memory
January 2014
stick about 10 years ago. It was a
whopping 128MB, but even still
equaled about 95 diskettes!
Well, fast forward to 2014 and I now
have various memory sticks, in various
sizes. I have a couple of 32GB memory
sticks and a 500GB external hard drive
to handle my precious data. To put this
into perspective, a 4GB hard drive used
to run Windows 98 and all you could
load up no problem.
Well, for me the 32GB memory stick
takes the place of about 40 DVDs with
tech programs, etc., that I used to lug
around. But even still with videos
and digital camera photos, you can
fill an 32GB memory stick fairly fast.
It never ceases to amaze me that no
matter how much “free space” they
throw at us, we always manage to find
a way to fill it up.
Luckily, prices of flash memory have
fallen nicely. 3 years ago an 16GB
memory stick ran about $60US... now
just $15US. There’s no excuse anymore,
not to back up your irreplaceable photos
or important documents.
That’s all my time for now. See you
again next week... until then,
Remember: only safe Internet!
Ron
Can be found at CANMEX
Computers. Sales, Repairs,
Networking, Wi-Fi,
Hardware upgrades, Graphic
Design, Data Recovery,
House-calls available. www.
RonnieBravo.com Cellular
044-322-157-0688 or just
email to [email protected]
34
Calendar / Directories
Solution to crossword on page 39
Solution to Sudoku on page 39
Issue 273
January 2014
Nature’s World
35
From the Vallarta Botanical Gardens…
Feliz Año Dear Friends of the Gardens!
The start of each year is a time associated
with new beginnings and a chance to start
again towards our goals and vision of a
better future. Last year at about this time, we
shared some sad news about a crime against
nature by local poachers. But we also took
action along with fellow nature lovers and
are now celebrating an incredible animal
rescue success which we invite you to read
about … “Wildlife Rescue Triumph – The
birds are back!”
The other success we are
happy to share is reaching
the full matching gift offer of
$100,000. USD for the 2013
phase of the capital campaign
for the Vallarta Conservatory
of Mexican Orchids and now
have a total of $200,000. USD
(approximately 2.5 million
pesos) to complete Phase I of
the conservatory construction.
Another $50,000 in matching
funds has now been extended
until the end of April 2014 and
we are again reaching out to
the generosity of our Vallarta
community to contribute as
we work towards the next
milestone of this fundraiser which will
bring us close to the total project goal of 4.4
million pesos (about $350,000. USD).
We know that the addition of this iconic
structure stocked with the best examples of
Mexico’s native orchids will place us in a
higher tier as a garden destination. That in
turn will promote increased livelihoods to
many of the tourism providers in our region,
who will benefit from increased travel to
Vallarta as a garden tourism destination.
If you have any questions about making
a contribution, we’re just a phone call
away +52 (322) 223 6182. To make
your contribution online, please go to
(preferably) our Conservatory Campaign
Page at www.vbgardens.org Our printable
orchid conservatory brochure also includes
instructions on how to donate by check, by
Issue 273
direct deposit, or via stock or IRA distributions.
Without the direct government funding that
many of the other “TOP 10 Gardens in North
America Worth Traveling For” receive, we
thank our members and donors for allowing us
to continue our mission, “to create Mexico’s
foremost botanical garden for the discovery,
study, propagation, conservation and display
of native and exotic plants for the enjoyment
of Puerto Vallarta’s residents and our visitors.”
We also share the vision of the American Public
Gardens Association to create “a world where
public gardens are indispensable”. As a living
classroom and tourism generator for our region,
the Vallarta Conservatory of Mexican Orchids
will create a legacy for the future.
To those of you in Puerto Vallarta, please come
up to the mountains and visit us soon; to those of
you in other places, we’re well worth the travel!
With the best of wishes for your health and
towards your resolutions for 2014,
Bob Price, Curator and Founder
Wildlife Rescue Triumph —
The birds are back!
Almost one year ago, poachers cut down an
enormous pine tree in a forest near the Vallarta
Botanical Gardens that was home to several
January 2014
families of Military Macaws — by far the
largest and most colorful parrot in our region.
The motivation was most obviously to steal
away the young chicks to sell as pets on the
black market.
Although the adults were all believed to
have escaped the assault, they would not
likely have a chance to breed again without
the right conditions for making new nests.
Old hollow pine trees, their nest sites of
choice, are now scarce and the ideal ones are
already claimed by other birds. A
team of concerned nature lovers got
together to give these birds a second
chance. This team, which included
volunteers from the Vallarta
Botanical Gardens and Vallarta
Adventures got together and
“resurrected” parts of the hollow,
fallen tree high up in nearby pines
to serve as giant birdhouses for the
displaced macaws.
The macaws have now been
photographed as having returned
to their nests and volunteers with
the project have clearly heard new
young chicks chirping from their
lofty nests. Should poachers be kept
from returning, these hatchlings
should take flight sometime this
coming March. Volunteers are coordinating
vigilance efforts with the landowner where
the nests are to deter poachers from returning.
The forests around Puerto Vallarta are a place
where even a few dedicated people can make
a great difference in protecting wildlife
including endangered emblematic species
such as the majestic Military Macaw. Mexican
environmental authorities are applauding this
citizen action and are in support of this noble
work. For more information on how you can
get involved in projects such as this, please
write to [email protected]
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are located
30 minutes south of town, on Carretera a
Barra Navidad at km 24, just past Las Juntas
y Los Veranos. Telephone (322) 223-6182.
Open from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
36
Nature’s World
Responsible Whale Watching is Easy
By Keith May
Executive Director
Deep Blue Conservancy
In the Eye of A Whale, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Copyright © 2013 Oscar Frey / www.OceanFriendly.com All International Rights Reserved
M
any of you have undoubtedly
been doing some whale watching
from the shore. It’s great to kick
back on the beach or your terrace and
watch the whales as they acrobatically
maneuver around the bay. But, have
you ever wondered about the world
of the Humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae) and how it uses its
environment as a key to its success as
a species? The best way to gain this
understanding is to experience their
environment up close and personal
with a qualified tour guide and whale
researcher.
Here we are at the height of the
whale watching season and there is
no better time than mid-January to
early-February to head out on to the
water to share a brief glimpse into
their world as a responsible guest
and astonished visitor! It is at this
time of the year that you’ll have the
opportunity to see the most variety of
whale behaviors — courting, mating
and mother Humpbacks with their
newly born calves.
As we enter into the world of the
Humpback whale, it is important
that we not only open our hearts to
enjoy their majesty and grandeur but
that we also visit their world with the
smallest possible footprint. These
animals are massive and we must
give them the room that they need
to ensure that their natural behaviors
are not disturbed and that nothing
happens to injure a whale, change its
behavior or to never do anything that
might separate a calf from its mother.
As visitors to the world of the
Humpback whale, we are all charged
with the responsibility of embracing
our time with them in a respectful way.
By exercising the power of knowledge
we can make informed decisions
about choosing an authorized tour
operator when visiting with the
whales. It is important to always
choose a tour company that has been
given authorized permission from the
federal government to conduct whale
watching activities. Anyone is free to
visit with the whales.
Issue 273
But by choosing an authorized
company you are sending a message
that you understand the delicate
balance of their world and the need to
protect it. The simplest way to know
if your tour operator is authorized
is to look for the official whale
watching flag flying from their boat’s
mast. This indicates that they have
received federal permission for whale
watching in the area of Banderas
Bay. The best way to choose your
company is to check with friends
and check TripAdvisor reviews. In
addition to looking at companies that
are authorized, honest reviews and
suggestions from friends will certainly
lead you in the right direction. In my
personal opinion, smaller boats are
better for whale watching and it has
been my observation after 20 years
of whale watching and research that
they seem less intimidated by boats
smaller than themselves. Again, we
are attempting to create the smallest
possible footprint while we are with
them.
Last week I had the pleasure to once
again observe a four-year old whale
that we refer to as Accordion. When
Accordion was just several days old
he was struck by a boat here in the
bay. There was a moment when we
all wondered if he could survive his
injuries and he certainly seemed to
struggle in the beginning. Thankfully
he had a strong, experienced and
capable mother that was able to
protect him and bring him back from
the edge of the abyss. She cared for
him, trained him and prepared him
for his first northern migration back
to the feeding grounds. As he left
that March, four years ago, we still
wondered if he was strong enough to
survive. The good news is that he did survive
and has been seen every year here in
Banderas Bay. He is very healthy and
very strong. I was blessed enough to
have spent this brief time with him last
week. I observed him with a group
of three larger males. Even though he
won’t be sexually mature for another
7 or 8 years, he was frolicking with
the adult males and mimicking their
January 2014
breeding behaviors to the best of his
abilities.
Whales are survivors; they been
around for 35 million years and have
endured everything. What could
have resulted in a death may have
made this whale more determined
than ever to survive. And survive he
did. I am certain that he will grow
to be a strong dominate whale with
many years of breeding success in his
future. But to avoid such accidents, we are
all responsible during time we are
spending on the water with them. I
urge you to do your homework and
choose a tour operator with passion
and love for the whales and one that has
been authorized by the government of
Mexico to conduct whale watching
tours on the bay. If the company you
choose is conducting research during
your tours that’s even a better choice!
If you have any questions about
respectful and responsible whale
watching, you can contact us at
[email protected]
We are more than happy to provide
you with any information about the
whales and whale watching that we
have at our disposal.
Happy whale watching and looking
forward to seeing more of you out on
the water this season!
If you’d like to learn more about
responsible whale watching or would
like to venture out on the bay to see
these magnificent creatures please
visit us at Deep Blue Conservancy
(www.DeepBlueConservancy.org)
Deep Blue Conservancy is a
501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All
donations benefiting our research are
tax deductible, very much appreciated
and always benefit Humpback whale
research in and around Banderas Bay.
Nature’s World
37
Celestial Messengers
By Dr. Fabio Cupul
H
uman beings, especially the city dwellers
variety, are only used to looking up to the sky when
they need certain favors from the Creator. The rest of
the time, they only look at the heavens when a little
plane is flying some publicity or other, when they
are disturbed by the deafening noise of an airplane,
when enjoying the spectacle of a glorious sunset or
the colorful fireworks displays, or in case of some
astronomical event that has been highly publicized
by the media.
Nevertheless, despite the fact that our attention
is fixed on the earth most of the time, there
are daily phenomena in the sky that inform us
on its condition or “state of mind”. But even
though we constantly receive those “celestial
messages”, we are so absorbed in our
ephemeral lives that we seldom pay attention
to those marvels that surround us.
One of the methods the sky uses to
communicate with us is by means of its
visible interlocutors: the clouds. These
elements, so characteristic and common to the
atmosphere, respond to the changes in their
environmental conditions with a wide range
of different forms. Thus their shapes and
design tell us much about what is happening
at that particular moment in the sky, or what is about
to happen. They are like a kind of proclaimer of
celestial news: they tell us what is happening and
what is about to happen.
One of the first people who tried to decipher
the celestial messages was the Greek philosopher
Theophrastus of Eresus (372-287 B.C.) In his
scientific treatises, he demonstrated how the
presence of a particular type of cloud could be
a trustworthy indicator of future environmental
conditions. But it was British chemist Luke Howard
(1772-1864) who systemized the study of clouds.
His discoveries caused a great revolution in the
scientific concepts of the times, so much so that
German poet-scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1832) dedicated four poems on nature to him
in his work entitled “Cloud Forms According to
Howard” (1807).
In his classification system, still in use today,
Howard established three characteristic types of
clouds: 1) cirrus (curls), clouds in the shape of curls
Issue 273
that appear in the upper levels of the atmosphere;
2) cumulus (group), bulging or dome-shaped clouds
that grow upwards from a horizontal base, and 3)
stratus (layer), low clouds in the shape of a long
narrow layers, parallel to the horizon. There is also
a fourth type, nimbus (bright, shining cloud), the
typical rainstorm cloud.
There are variations of those four basic types of
clouds, which is why their classification includes
genus, species and even varieties (like in the
classification of living beings). We can identify
more than a hundred distinct shapes, but even so,
what exactly is a cloud? A cloud can be defined as
the condensed form of atmospheric humidity made
up of small droplets of water or minute ice crystals.
Clouds represent a transitional, though vital step, in
the water cycle. This cycle includes the evaporation
of humidity from the surface of the earth, its
transportation to the upper levels of the atmosphere,
the condensation of water vapor into cloud masses
and the final return of the water to the earth in the
form of rain or snow.
Clouds have not always been simply inspiration
for scientists. Ever since ancient times, they have
been featured in the legends and myths of various
cultures around the world. For the Tehuelches, a
native group of Patagonia, their race (the Chónek
= men) was created by Elal, a god-hero born of a
captive cloud and a cruel giant named Nóshtex. Elal
was their guide, their protector, who taught them all
they knew. On the other hand, various passages in
the Bible speak of Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews,
January 2014
as having a strong preference for manifesting
Himself in the shape of clouds.
It is a common fact that when we feel overwhelmed
by life’s little tribulations, we invariably turn
our eyes to the sky in search of divine counsel.
Curiously enough, researchers in psychology have
discovered that this behavior of looking up to the sky
can indeed reduce stress levels in people, especially
in children. This occurs not as a result of a miracle,
but rather because the act of looking for the shape of
an animal or other thing among the clouds can turn
into an excellent method of relaxation therapy.
So every time that you are overcome with
stress, don’t hesitate to look for help from those
extraordinary celestial messengers – the clouds.
Dr. Fabio G. Cupul Magaña
Was born in Mexicali, in the northern part of
Baja California. His university studies have
qualified him in the fields of oceanography,
biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics.
He took part in the very first studies of El
Salado Estuary in Vallarta and is the founder
of the Cipactli Reptile sanctuary located a little
north of Puerto Vallarta.
The Doctor is a Permanent Member of
SOMEDICYT, the prestigious Mexican
Society for the Dissemination of Science
and Techniques. He has been professor and
researcher at the Coastal University Center
(CUC) of the University of Guadalajara since
1992. Dr. Cupul has published six scientific
research books in Mexico and Cuba, on
crocodiles, venomous plants and animals,
and natural history in general. Today he is
doing research on the diversity of centipedes in
Mexico. Email: [email protected]
38
Nature’s World
Planting Roots
in Mexico
By Tommy Clarkson
Silk Floss Tree
Chorisia speciosa
Family: Bombacaceae
Also known as:
Floss Silk Tree
Native to northern Argentina and
southern Brazil, some consider this
fast growing, spiny trunked tree to
be one of the world’s most beautiful.
Its gorgeous, somewhat orchid or lily
appearing, pink, purple or rose flowers
are certainly worthy of such acclaim!
And, as regards the tree’s overall
appearance – unlike some of us – the
older it gets the more magnificent it
becomes.
Primarily used for ornamental
purposes, they are often planted as
featured specimens in gardens, parks,
public areas, as street/highway trees or
in botanical gardens such as ours!
These trees got their Latin name
for Ludwig Choris who, as an artist
in 1816, sailed with Russian Captain
Otto von Kotzebue around-the-world.
Its common name is derived from the
soft “silk” that surrounds its avocadosized seed pods. Those large showy
pale flowers, with five frilly petals
and a cream to yellow center, are
followed by somewhat large, inedible,
fruit capsules that split open to release
those fingers of white flossy fibrous
hairs.
This kapok-like “silk” can be used to
stuff pillows, mattresses, upholstery,
softballs and life preservers – in this
latter capacity supporting thirty times
its own weight in water. (Obviously,
it is closely related to the South
American Kapok Tree.) However,
unlike cotton, this material cannot be
spun into thread.
Growing to between ten to twenty
meters (roughly 30-60 feet) in height,
its unique trunk sports numerous
wicked looking, stout spines. In
deference to them, I call ours “My tree
hugger special!”
(At some point in time, I came across
a reference to this tree being called the
“Mayan Tree of Paradise”. This name
came about in that this ancient culture,
from what is now Southern Mexico
and Central America, purportedly
believed that while heaven was toward
the top of this tree it was a difficult
journey to reach it. But in that I am
unable to presently substantiate this
apocryphal bit of hearsay you’ll have
to take it all with a grain of salt and
indulgence!)
However, these short, fat “spikes”
which thwart any eagerness we
might have entertained to shimmy
up the Chorisia speciosa have some
further practical functions. Besides
holding us at bay, they – near the base,
protruding an inch or more - also store
water for dry times.
Young Silk Floss Trees have lovely
green trunks which allow the tree to
continue to photosynthesize when its
leaves have fallen. As the tree ages,
the trunk will turn gray. At that time,
it is common for some of the lower
defense spikes to go away.
Fertilize and water every so often
the first few years. Once established,
this undemanding tree - while taking
up quite a bit of space (perhaps thirty
feet, or more, across, in maturity)
– can “go it pretty much alone”. It
needs only substantive amounts of
sun and well-draining soil. Initially, it
can grow rapidly but then slows down
considerably as it ages.
Deciduous part of the year, after its
- up to six inches in diameter - flowers
Issue 273
This is how our Silk Floss Tree will
look when it’s all grown up, we hope.
The trunk of the Silk Floss Tree
does not invite climbers!
Its large showy pale flowers,
with five frilly petals are a
delight to behold.
commence to open, its leaves leave
. . . that is to say, they drop off with
(which, in our otherwise completely
evergreen, tropical garden) its stark,
naked, barren braches looking quite
out of place!
January 2014
Once established, it is pest resistive
and drought tolerant but might form
large surface roots at its trunk’s base –
a factor to keep in mind when planting
near sidewalks, pathways and patios.
It well resists storm breakage and
creates little litter problems . . . well,
after the seed pods are picked up!
The nectar of its stunning flora
attracts insects such as monarch
butterflies. As to those inedible fruits,
they look similar to large greencolored avocados with the texture of a
juicy cucumber.
Its soft, light, and flexible wood is
used for packaging, canoe construction
and in the making of paper and ropes.
The oil from its seeds can be used as
edible vegetable oil or for industrial
applications.
Should you choose to grow one,
ensure that you prune it so that
only one central trunk develops. It
will become less vigorous towards
its middle age. This will allow its
lateral limbs to develop into a more
spreading form. These branches will
hold a palmately compound leaf with
six to eight leaflets, seven and a half to
twelve and a half centimeters (three to
five inches) long.
The Silk Floss Tree is like a friend
of mine who, once past his barbed,
defensive exterior, is a wonderful,
enjoyable character!
Tommy Clarkson
In Manzanillo, visit Ola Brisa
Gardens, Tommy and Patty’s
verdant, multi-terraced tropical
paradise nestled on a hill
overlooking the magnificent vista of
Santiago Bay. Leisurely meander
its curved, paved path, experiencing,
first hand, a delicious array of palms,
plants and flowers from all over the
world. Or, e-mail questions to him at
[email protected]
For back issues of “Roots”, gardening
tips, tropical plant book reviews
and videos of numerous, highly
unique eco/adventure/nature tours,
as well as memorable “Ultimate
Experiences” such a Tropical Garden
Brunches and Spa Services, please
visit www.olabrisagardens.com
48.
by Ed
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66. End of the quip
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Taproom
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The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle
SUDOKU!
Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle.
T
and perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Solution to Sudoku on Page 34
Issue 273
January 2014
Issue 273
January 2014

www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 273 Saturday 18 to Friday 24 January

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