www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 375 Saturday 9 to Friday 15 January

Transcription

375
www.pvmcitypaper.com
Issue 375
Saturday 9 to Friday 15
January 2016
January 2016
2 375
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.
If you look at the maps on this page, you will note that PV (as the locals call
it) is on the west coast of Mexico, smack in the middle of the Bay of Banderas
- one of the largest bays in this country - which 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 mountainsthe Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific.
Hurricane Kenna did come close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched
down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 kms 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
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 2016
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
Your Comments
[email protected]
Dear Allyna,
Newspapers today may not be known for
their factual reporting, but Luis Melgoza in
his “Ask Luis” column in issue 374 of the PV
Mirror, has again hit it out of the park.
Luis’ reply to the reader’s question as to
why there are fewer local police in Puerto
Vallarta, and more State Police since last
week, is stunning. Persons who have not
red the answer to this question, owe it to
themselves to read the article, for they will
not likely to find this information or level of
reporting in any other news media.
Frank Norton
San Francisco CA USA
Dear Editor,
A comment on your response to Messrs.
Routliffe’s and Lane’s note in Issue 373: Lic.
Luis Mendoza commented a year ago that the
public beach is the strip of land between the
high-tide mark and 20 meters inland. At our
recent visit in December, 2015, the high-tide
mark at Playa Los Muertos had not changed
since our last visit a year ago. If part of the
beach had been washed away, the 20 meters
would just have moved higher up towards the
bars and hotels. We had the same experiences as last year
when we tried to find a place on the beach: it
isoccupied by the bars, restaurants and hotels,
who place their chairs and palapas first by the
high-tide line, even if they have plenty of space
further in. The beach club Sapphire had staff
out before 6 AM putting the chairs out. La
Bonita has signs declaring having “concession”
to the beach placed in the middle of the public
beach. Tropicana has palapas placed in the
public zone, and hotel staff attempted to
remove us from their beach to which they have
“concessions.” We requested to see what was
in the “concessions” but were not provided a
copy, but we were left alone on the beach. At this time there is no one enforcing the
ZOFEMAT, no Beach Police to assist us or
the people of PV. You will have to be aware
of your rights and argue about your space,
including requesting removal of unoccupied
chairs and umbrellas. Unfortunately numerous
persons mentioned that they would not return
to such an unfriendly vacation place.
Bengt and Lottie Eskilsson
Seattle, WA
Hi....
I am the girl from Ontario Canada that likes
sharing good stuff.
[If you have to be hospitalized) at the
Medasist Hospital you are in a private room
with air/ flat screen TV, and if you call
the nurse, the buzzer chimes, ya chimes!
Breakfast is so good so very, very good and
the staff is lovely.
If you want to email me it’s bjgerber@
rogers.com I will answer any questions but
not anything with money as that is not my
business. I have other good stuff too...
A wedding planner that is wonderful:
jfweddingsdesign.com She is wedding & events
design phone is 322 200 6600. She is wonderful
and you will be very happy with her work.
Next is Votre Salon, Tel.: 113-0252 or
[email protected] For the wedding
she did my eyes and loved them... did my hair
and loved it. If I could have her do my eyes
every day, I would. Next is an upholstery
shop where they do wonderful work tceria.
[email protected] tel. 222-5037, cell:
322 102-5068. Last year they attached
leather pockets onto my shawl. Great job.
Judy Gerber
Dear Editor,
We have been coming to PVR for many
years, and always read Mirror. We try to
patronize your advertisers, and let them know
we saw their ad in the Mirror.
I do not know if you are aware, but the
new Sunscape Resort (old Holiday Inn) is
charging for the Mirror.
Phil
Dear Phil,
Thanks for the heads up!
We spoke with the folks working the reception
desk at Sunscape. They were “shocked” that
anyone would charge for the Mirror and
assured me that it will not happen again.
The Ed.
Continued on Next Page
January 2016
375
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Sound Off
Continued letters to editor...
Dear Editor,
Publisher / Editor:
Please! This can’t last.
We bought a property in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. What I
deplore is the attitude of the people in the small masonry between the
Signature by Pinnacle and Residence. This building includes at least 12
dogs, barking continually. It is easy too see that those peoples have no
respect for animals, leaving them by themselves all day, outside on the
balcony, barking and screaming all day and all night, just to disturb the
people who come for vacations and relaxation.
They should know that animals are to take care of and love. If they are
not able to do so, then they shouldn’t have animals.
Saludos,
Jean-Noël Lemire
Dear Mr. Lemire,
Considering that the Puerto Vallarta Ordinance for the Responsible
Possession and Protection of Pets (“Reglamento de Tenencia Responsable
y Protección de Animales Domésticos de Puerto Vallarta”) is now in
effect, this situation should be reported to the animal protection police.
You have to call the regular emergency number 060 or 066 and they
will re-direct it to the patrol car in charge. Reports of abuse can be made
directly to the local Acopio. In order to assist in their investigation, you
need to provide precise directions to the location where the abuse is
occurring along with very specific details and, if possible, some evidence
to substantiate the abuse. If you can provide photos to document the
conditions it would be most helpful. Phone 293-3690 or email Dr.
Lupita Davalos, director of the Acopio, at [email protected]
The Ed.
Dear Editor,
Good morning.
I have been here a few weeks and concerned about the release
of all those sky lanterns. I see multiple lanterns going up into our
environment, nightly, only to watch them come down into our ocean.
If we are concerned about our environment, as many are, then we
need to ban these from usage. Sea life, in all its forms, is a treasure
we can’t afford to keep assaulting.
Could you please write an article about these to start to educate
those around us?
Much appreciated.
Terry Heiman
Seattle
Dear Terry,
Much has already been written about this topic, in the
local English-language publications and in Facebook posts.
Regulations would have to be passed into law at the highest levels
of governments to prohibit such actions but, unfortunately, I doubt
that the powers-that-be in this situation read any of those writings.
The Ed.
January 2016
Allyna Vineberg
[email protected]
Contributors:
Anna Reisman
Joe Harrington
Harriet Murray
Stan Gabruk
Krystal Frost
Giselle Belanger
Ronnie Bravo
Tommy Clarkson
Luis Melgoza
Gil Gevins
Catherine Beeghly
Jerry Rubin
Todd Ringness
Julie Bunker
Office & Sales: 223-1128
Graphic Designer:
Leo Robby R.R.
Webmaster:
PVMCITYPAPER.COM
Online Team
Cover Painting:
“How do I love thee,
Vallarta?” by Patti Fenchuk
PV Mirror es una publicación semanal.
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contenido en tramite. Prohibida la
reproducción total o parcial de su
contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin
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Letters & articles become the property of
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The articles in this publication are provided
for the purpose of entertainment and
information only. The PV Mirror City
Paper does not accept any responsibility or
liability for the content of the articles on
this site or reliance by any person on the
site’s contents. Any reliance placed on such
information is therefore strictly at such
person’s own risk.
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.
Within PV
375
5
Fiesta Blanca 2016
T
he Puerto Vallarta Garden Club (PVGC) is pleased to announce
their gala fundraiser, Fiesta Blanca, to be held on Tuesday, January
19, 2016 at Restaurante Oscar’s, Isla Rio Cuale.
Fiesta Blanca will start with live music, cocktails and tequila
tasting at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. A Silent Auction
will be held throughout the event and features many wonderful
items that you can bid on or purchase outright.
The Mission of PVGC is to “Beautify and protect the environment
through civic planting projects, and educational and horticultural
programs, for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors in Puerto
Vallarta”, while our Vision is to “Enhance the natural beauty of
Puerto Vallarta for the benefit of the community at large and to
stimulate business and tourism”.
Through the efforts of the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, hundreds
of primavera and amapas trees and bougainvillea have been
planted throughout the city.
The areas planted so far include:
Basilio Badillo, Insurgentes, I.L. Vallarta, Lazaro Cardenas,
Francisca Rodriguez (leading to the Pier) and Olas Altas Streets
in the Romantic Zone, Augustin Rodriguez and Encino, adjacent
to the flea market, Avenida Mexico downtown, and Los Mangos
Public Library on Francisco Villa.
Also, 20 new metal poles support the bougainvillea throughout
the Romantic Zone. The Parque Lazaro Cardenas now has 250
ever-blooming ixora on its periphery to augment the improvements
already made by the club in past years and a prototype garbage
container will be placed on Olas Altas.
Insurgentes, I.L. Vallarta, Basilio Badillo and Olas Altas,
etc., all have new plants, and the support and wiring around the
bougainvillea have been redone so the graceful cascading of the
bougainvillea branches atop a large trunk is encouraged.
The new small park at Rio Cuale by the last hanging bridge was
established and planted last spring. Francisca Rodriguez (“the Pier
street”) nominally under the aegis of the city, has been improved
by planting PVGC offered.
Please join us at Fiesta Blanca. All proceeds will help us to
continue to “Embellecer Vallarta” (beautify Vallarta).
NOTE: The Fiesta Blanca poster (above) was designed and
produced by international award winning photographer, Mike
Laking. His photoart, “Orquídeas Blancas” (White Orquids),
was chosen as the signature logo for the Fiesta Blanca and will
be available to bid on as part of the Silent Auction. “Orquídeas
Blancas” is presented in a limited edition of five, on 29” x 40”
stretched canvas and framed. Mike’s private gallery in Puerto
Vallarta is in his home, Casa Loretta, located in Old Town. You
can reach Mike through his website at www.mikelaking.mx or by
emailing him at [email protected]
January 2016
6 375
Superior
Tours
allarta
Within PV
World-class tango dancers now teaching
in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit !
TangoVallarta is thrilled to
announce that Miriam Gutiérrez and
Froyamel Corro, who enchanted us in
November with their exquisite dance
performances, are now Puerto Vallarta
residents, teaching tango classes
regularly in the Bay area. Miriam
and Froy represented Mexico in the
2015 Festival Mundial de Tango last
August in Buenos Aires, finishing as
first semi-finalists.
Mexico is home to dozens of tango
communities; Miriam is a native of
Mexico City and Froyamel is from
Morelia, Michoacan. They met at a
milonga (tango dance party) in the
capital two years ago, where their
“three-minute love affair”
began and blossomed …
from dance partners to
life partners. Since then
they have been teaching,
performing and traveling
together
whenever
possible, and now at last
are living together here
in Vallarta. Their dancing reflects
their love story, full of passion and
tenderness, playfulness and joy. “Learn to tango” may be an entry
on your bucket list; this dance offers
intimacy and connection, often lacking
in contemporary lives. And it is
accessible! Although tango seen on
television may involve extreme moves
and acrobatics, authentic tango is no
more strenuous than walking. Its basic
moves are natural, few and simple …
simple but not always easy, requiring
total communication with a partner. The essence of the tango is two
individuals becoming one, enveloped
in beautiful music. They may be total
strangers, differing in age, language
and life experience, moving together
in perfect harmony along with dozens
of other couples. This happens nightly
in cities all over the world; a traveler
can arrive in a new city, find a milonga
online and meet a compatible group of
dancers by evening. If you wish, you can pursue tango
beyond the dance to an entire culture,
with a history, literature and traditions
ranging from art to politics to sports.
Miriam and Froyamel’s classes
are held on an ongoing basis at J&B
Dancing Club from 8 p.m. to 9:30
p.m. on Wednesdays (2043 Fco.
Medina Ascencio, in the Hotel Zone).
Another series of classes is available
at the Octopus’ Garden in la Cruz
de Huanacaxtle (66 Calle Coral) on
Thursdays from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
TangoVallarta also hosts a free
weekly tango practice/party, “La
Practilonga”, at J&B Dancing Club, in
PV, on Fridays from 8 to 10 p.m. and
bi-monthly milongas (tango parties)
in Puerto Vallarta and in
La Cruz. No partner is
required for classes or
other tango events.
Please join us on the
dance floor!!
For questions or further
information, please contact
Barbara Garvey at 2228895 or email [email protected]
FaceBook: TangoVallarta
For more about tango, see Krystal
Frost’s perceptive article in this same
publication a few weeks ago: on p. 31
of issue 372, www.pvmcitypaper.com/
download/372.pdf
January 2016
Within PV
Announcing the 5th Annual MexPup Fundraiser!
- Enjoy delicious all you can eat Tacos Al Pastor - Win prices and listen to
wonderful LIVE performances - Support MexPup’s efforts to help the sick,
abandoned, and abused street dogs in and around Puerto Vallarta
MexPup has rescued over 600 sick, abused
and/or abandoned street dogs in Puerto Vallarta
since they began as an all-volunteer, MexicanCanadian group five years ago. A typical
MexPup rescue dog requires 2-3 months of
intensive veterinarian intervention, care in a
local foster home and hours of volunteer support,
before it can be flown to British Columbia by a
Guardian Angel. Once in Canada, the pup stays
with another foster family for one to two weeks
before it is adopted to an approved and loving
family. MexPup follows up with each of these
adopted pets to ensure they remain in a loving
and responsible home for the rest of their lives.
Sobriety Under
The Sun 2016
S
obriety Under The Sun is an AA
Convention with Al-Anon participation.
The environment, speakers and
workshops provide an opportunity for
fellowship and enriched recovery.
The response to the 2016 convention
– the 14th Annual - has been so great
that the event, scheduled for January
22nd to 24th, 2016, has been moved to the
more spacious, fabulous Westin Hotel in
Puerto Vallarta’s Marina.
For complete, detailed information,
please visit http://aapvconvention.com/
“MexPup charges an adoption fee to offset
expenses, but it’s the fundraising activities in
Canada and Puerto Vallarta that sustains our
all-volunteer group and allows us to make a
difference,” said Patty Marchak, Founder &
President of MexPup. MexPup will be hosting its 5th annual fundraiser
at the well-known Spanish school, The Spanish
Experience Center, 182 República de Chile in Col.
Cinco de Diciembre, PV.
The date is Wednesday, January 20th from 6:30 to
10 p.m. The event will feature tasty roasted spicy
pork tacos “Tacos al Pastor”, a delicious vegetarian
option for anyone who wants it, entertainment, an
instant raffle and a silent auction. The $250 pesos
entry fee includes all you can eat tacos plus the live
entertainment provided by Vania Guzmán, Lorena
Peril & Ray Jon, Chris Kenny. A cash beverage
and dessert bar will also be available with all
proceeds going to MexPup, so that this committed
group of volunteers can continue to help the street
dogs of Mexico.
To purchase tickets please contact and visit El
Arrayán Restaurant, Cassandra Shaw Jewelry,
Cork & Bottle and the Spanish Experience Center. A limited number of tickets for $300 pesos each,
will be available early at the door.
About Mexpup
MexPup helps people help dogs. This is a
nonprofit dog rescue group whose primary goal is
to help the homeless dog population in the area of
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
MexPup helps their community via rescue,
sterilization, education and adoption in PV and
promotes animal welfare around the world through
www.mexpup.com This all-volunteer group is
made up of citizens of Mexico, the United States
& Canada, who all collaborate in a process that
takes a homeless dog from the streets of Mexico,
to a foster home in PV for recovery and spay/
neuter, to a Guardian Angel volunteer who
transports the MexPup from Vallarta’s airport to an
airport in Canada or the US, to a MexPup foster
home in Canada, and finally to the no-longerhomeless MexPup’s new forever family. For more
information about how you can help or become a
volunteer or www.mexpup.com or visit their fan
page on FaceBook.
January 2016
375
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Within PV
By
I
t’s funny to me how it easy it is to
slip into a mindset of limited thinking.
Last week, I was reminded of this
once again with the New Year’s Eve
celebrations. My beautiful wife Sandra Gaye
and I were invited to spend the last
evening of 2015 with our visiting
niece Amy and Stephen and their
three precious little ones. They
were staying at the Sunscape
Resort (formerly the Holiday Inn at
the north end of the Hotel Zone.) We
had visited that property many years
ago when my grandmother and my
mother came down for a very special
visit together, so it was extra nice to
be returning again.
From the 15th floor of their building,
we had a front row parallel view of
the red rockets bursting in the air
directly in front of us, AND most
of the Bay with its impressive ring
of New Year’s Eve fireworks (this
remains truly one of my most favorite
Vallarta spectacles!) It was a VERY
special way to kiss 2015 goodbye to
embrace all that 2016 will bring.
It was the journey home from
the party that jolted me out of my
preconceived limited thinking of our
Todd Ringness
little town by the Bay. Two words:
Holy Guacamole! We decided to walk
back to the Romantic Zone, given the
early morning hour, the long-gone
buses, and the scarcity of cabs.
The nearly 90-minute 5-kilometre
trek south took us through downtown
and past all the revellers who for
some reason were ALL heading
north after ringing in the new year
on the Malecon. “Where are they all
going?” I wondered more than enough
times. Thousands and thousands of
all sorts of people in various states
of celebration, and most of whom
seemed to be visiting tourists from
around Mexico. In all my years in Vallarta, I have
never experienced anything like it. It
was electric. Sure, I agree the impact
was enhanced due to the “spawning”
effect of going against the flow of
traffic. But for me, this experience
helped me to accept that Puerto
Vallarta has lost her innocence. She
has met her destiny and taken her
place as a thriving town with a very
BIG and very attractive persona. So
maybe I should leave the south side a
little more often?
My new favorite treat is the paleta
de caramelo y leche, from the Dolphy
ice cream shops (we visit the one
across from one of our favorite, Los
Muertos Brewing Company on
Cardenas.) At only $19 pesos, it
comes in a wrapper and is frozen
solid. If you enjoy delicious caramel,
this fudgesicle-like bar is for you too.
Be sure to get LOTS of napkins if you
intend to enjoy it outdoors.
We recently had a hankering for a
good burger, so we returned to Derby
City Burger on Olas Altas after a
friend reminded us about how good
they were. We had to wait for a table,
which is usually a good sign. The
instant I saw the photo of the fried
egg on the house burger, my decision
was made. Gaye went with the blue
cheese burger and sweet potato fries. At around $100 pesos for each
plate, we were not disappointed. The
beef was not overly seasoned, but the
burgers were cooked perfectly for us...
a touch of pink in the middle to ensure
juiciness! Friendly fast service, and
a wonderful people watching place.
We also enjoyed reminiscing about
Ed Hutmacher and the old Santa
Barbara Theater (the first of its kind
in the area) that was just across the
street so many years ago.
Some very sad news with mixed
emotions this past week, when
we learned that my 93-year old
grandmother “Nan” finally and
peacefully crossed over while at
her care home in Kelowna, British
Columbia. I adored my Nan my
whole life, and she lived a very full
and active life with lots of love,
January 2016
smiles, and laughter. I shared many
things with her, including a love
of playing cards. And Gaye and I
enjoyed a wonderful season of about
three years where we played and
laughed together nearly every week. We were SO blessed to be able
to travel and participate in the
celebration of Nan’s life this week.
I am indeed delighted that she is
“Chicken-Dancing” with her Savior
and reunited with my grandfather,
and I truly look forward to singing
“You Are My Sunshine” when we are
one day together again.
With the change of schedule
and traveling this week, we had to
delay the debut of my new weekly
show, Vallarta Tonight. We plan to
launch this new talk / variety show
at the Boutique Dinner Theatre on
Monday, January 18th at 6 p.m.
Look for more details at www.
VallartaTonight.com
For me, it’s a new year with new
resolve to celebrate life, love, and
those we hold close. And it’s high
time for some serious UNLIMITED
thinking. I pray the same for you,
with blessings upon you!
Todd Ringness
Todd Ringness along with his wife Sandra
Gaye are the founders of Vallarta Tickets,
a Canadian online ticketing agency serving
the Banderas Bay region and beyond. You
can usually see this man about town, or
you can email: [email protected]
Within PV
A great option to achieve your
New Year’s resolution
H
ello, readers of the PV Mirror. I am back again. I always take my
vacation during December holidays because attendance at gyms and
studios drops like leaves during autumn.
So the very famous “Guadalupe-Reyes” marathon is now over. If you
are not familiar with this, let me explain it you: it’s a season of gatherings
& eats starting on December 12th (the day Mexicans dedicate to the Virgin
of Guadalupe). After that we have the “convivios”, “posadas”, Christmas
Eve dinner, “recalentado”, New Year’s Eve dinner and it’s “recalentado”
(reheated) too and finishes with the “Rosca de Reyes” on January 6th.
So now you can imagine how people gain some weight during these
holidays in Mexico and now you will see how packed gyms and studios
are during January. One of the most popular resolution for the New Year is
dropping some (or lots of) pounds. Sadly, many people fail in this attempt because they want to lose all this
“extra baggage” in less than a week. Have you experienced feeling so sore
that you feel pain when you sit down? If so, it’s normal that you would not
be excited or motivated to go back to the gym again. So that’s the key point
to make changes in your body (and your life): Doing an activity that keeps
you motivated and minimizing the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
Therefore, my suggestion (obviously) is to give Zumba® a chance to
change your life. Join my classes at Casa Karma on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. and you will understand why Zumba® is making
everybody become happier and fitter. After every Zumba® class, you will feel euphoric & looking forward
to do it again. Your body will produce endorphins during the entire class
because of the physical activity, the music and smiling during the class. It’s
a rush of joy that takes depression out of your body.
And what about the DOMS? Don’t worry. They are very manageable.
Maybe the next day you might experience that you have muscles in your
body that you were not using in your daily activities. But you will be
willing to wiggle and shake them back again.
Testimonial: “I just went to Zumba® for the first time and it was SO
much fun! I can’t dance so I was nervous, but it was easier than I thought.”
- Barbara G. Elmira, NY
My name is Efren Munoz, Zumba® Instructor,
and #YoSoyFelizBailando (I am happy dancing).
January 2016
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Within PV
A word from the President of the SPCA
I
t was a good year with 264 dogs
rescued this year and 244 adopted. We also rescued 48 cats and adopted
27 but have had many challenges
with disease in our cat population. One of the most positive events of the
year was the purchase of the entire 2
acre lot where the sanctuary is located. The land has been cleared and fencing
is in progress. It will be a great space
for many of the dogs to roam freely
during the day and, therefore, offer
them a lot of relief from stress.
We again would like to thank our
vet Ana and those dedicated staff
members for making such a difference
in the health and well-being of the
animals. It is their love and care that
enables these abandoned and abused
animals to recover both physically
and emotionally. The recovery of dogs such as Nina,
who came to us totally paralyzed
earlier this year, is due to their efforts. Nina suffered neurological damage
from some unknown cause. It was
through the efforts of the vet and staff
in the quarantine area that she was
encouraged to try to move first her
head and then slowly the rest of her
body. The staff gave her massages
and exercise every 30 minutes during
the day until her muscles grew strong
and the connections in her brain were
reestablished. Now Nina is walking. We know that without the dedicated
and caring vet and staff, and her own
great will, brave Nina would not have
accomplished this incredible feat.
We also grow in our knowledge
of both behavior and medical issues
with the animals. This year we again
were privileged to have the animal
behaviorist Steve Dale from Chicago
visit who shared with us and our
trainer his extensive knowledge of
animal behavior. Steve was deeply
touched by the compassion he saw
shown for the animals when he
first visited the sanctuary last year
and he shares our story with his
extensive following in his syndicated
newspaper column and radio show.
The organization continues to grow
stronger every year as more dedicated
volunteers join our efforts. There are
always challenges and setbacks but
together we meet them head on and
learn from them. We would like to announce
that Bruce and Carole Thom along
with the help of Robin McCaffry of
Edmonton have taken over and are
now running the Alberta branch of
our sister organization in Canada,
PVCA Animal Rescue. The animals
going there are lucky to have such
dedicated and loving people to look
out for their welfare. None of us could
do this work alone. It is the support
January 2016
of the entire organization that enables
us to continue our work of saving
and bringing relief to the suffering of
these animals. Thank you to the many
that donate both financial support and
donations of supplies.
Thank you to our volunteers including
foster homes, volunteers that visit the
sanctuary, tour volunteers, those that
do home checks, transport animals to
Canada and transport kennels back to
us, transport coordination and those
that meet animals at the airport and get
them to their homes, crate coordinators,
those that write our ads and post them,
write the newsletter and much, much
more. There are so many of you I do
not want to risk leaving a name out but
do know we truly appreciate each and
every one of you and honor your love
and compassion that compels you to
do this work. Together we are the SPCA and
together we will continue to create
miracles!
Janice Chatterton, President
SPCA de Puerto Vallarta
Within PV
Hold the date for the 5th Annual Riverfest!
Where: El Rio BBQ, 245
Felipe Angeles, Col. Paso Ancho
- Access using the R04 bus
When: Saturday, 5th of March,
2016, 12 noon to 7 p.m. - Gates
open at 11:30 a.m.
What: Benefit for Pasitos de
Luz and the event of the year! Live
music (~7 bands to be announced
in January), exhibits, food, silent
auctions, 50/50s and more!
Admission: Gate donation for
entry - $80 pesos OR advance
VIP patron tickets available
now - VIP is a great deal and
helps the Pasitos kids so much!
Please consider supporting these
beautiful children by purchasing
a $750-peso VIP patron ticket
which entitles you to:
- Welcome margarita or beer
- Early-bird parking
(until lot is full)
- Reserved Seating Area
- Snacks and appetizers
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Buffet 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. featuring
El Rio BBQ and Barcelona Tapas
(one time through)
NEW THIS YEAR: Buy
“Reserved Sponsor / Host
Tables”. As a Sponsor or Host
get your name or business
printed on a notice, reserving
the table. You will receive a
VIP patron reserved table for a
group of 8 at a special reduced
rate of $5250. That’s one free
ticket! As a sponsor, you will be
providing much need support for
Pasitos de Luz and will receive
8 VIP patron tickets with all
benefits for a fabulous day to
distribute as you wish!
Available NOW: VIP Patron
tickets and reserved sponsor
tables are available at the
Pasitos de Luz table at the Old
Town Farmer’s Market on
January 9th, 23rd and 30th or by
emailing Barb at condo211@
yahoo.ca Limited numbers will
be available so get yours soon!
Proceeds: All proceeds go
to Pasitos de Luz - an amazing
organization with very minimal
resources that provides FREE
care and therapy to children with
acute physical and psychological
illnesses. Your support enables
us to offer love, support and
rehabilitation to the special
children of Puerto Vallarta and its
surrounding areas. For example,
in the first ten months of 2015,
your contributions helped us to
provide needed nutrition and
a large number of important
services including 3362 physical
therapy sessions, 1022 multiple
early stimulation sessions, 550
occupational therapy sessions,
162 hydrotherapy sessions and
61 electrotherapy sessions.
Last year we had over 500
people that paid $80 pesos gate
entry and 125 VIP patrons attend
this not-to-be-missed event!
Past attendee comments:
“easily one of the top events in
Puerto Vallarta”, “the music was
fantastic”, “love the location and
everything about the event from
the music and the food to the
vendors and the fun”. “I wouldn’t
miss it - already looking forward
to the next one!”
January 2016
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Beyond PV
At the Vallarta Yacht Club…
Gorilla helps circus
adapt to animals ban
V
allarta Yacht Club is pleased to announce they are sponsoring
the following events which will be held at the Club located in
Nuevo Vallarta at 1-20 Paseo de los Cocoteros. Vallarta Cup races to be held on the weekends of 9th, 16th, 23rd
and 30th. At 6 p.m. on Saturday evenings, there will be live music
and a special dinner at a cost of $165.00 pesos payable at the door.
9th - Rhythm Roosters - Beer and Burgers; 16th - Sayulita Blues
Band - Beer and Tempura Fish; 23rd - Reggae Band -Beer and Pasta;
30th - Jimmy Buffet recorded music - Beer and Fried Chicken.
On Wednesday, January 13th, Kassiano and Julia will be returning
to the Club for the first of two performances. Hors-d’oeuvres will
be served at 6:30 p.m. Showtime at 7 p.m. Pre-paid admission
only. Members $350.00 pesos; Guests $490.00 Pesos. Please
contact Rudy or Danny for tickets at the Club or call 322-297-2222.
This is a show that should not be missed. F
or a 127-year-old Mexico Citybased circus, the crisis brought
on by a ban on the use of animals
meant opportunity — and a onetonne gorilla in the tent.
Under a federal law that went into
effect last July, at least 2,000 circus
animals were put out to pasture in
Mexico, including eight that were
owned by Circo Atayde Hermanos.
The ban was a controversial one
for circus owners, some of whom
have claimed it was no more
than a political ploy by the Green
Ecologist Party, which promoted
the legislation.
But Circo Atayde, which saw a
60% decline in revenues after it
retired its animals in September
2014, decided to adapt.
“We had to adapt and devise
the means to continue attracting
people,” said Celeste Atayde, one
of the circus’s owners.
It adopted some new initiatives,
but the biggest was Truxon, a
9-meter tall gorilla that weighs a
tonne but violates no law: Truxon
is a robot.
He’s actually more than that for
the circus. “For us, he is another
artist,” said Atayde.
January 2016
“We realized we had to bring in
new attractions, so we brought in
an animal, but an electronic one”
and things are going well.
Truxon has eyes that blink and a
mouth and hands that move. All its
movements appear to be those of a
real gorilla, said the circus owner.
The robot is the creation of four
brothers — Rubén, Nelson, Moisés
and Eduardo Peralvar, who invested
US $50,000 in constructing it.
They would only say that its
computer-driven,
electronic
brain directs gesticulations and
movements that are powered by
more than 50 pneumatic pistons.
The rest they prefer to keep secret,
as with any circus magic.
Showtime for Truxon is the finale,
coming after the jugglers, acrobats,
trapeze artists and clowns, entering
the big top in the midst of thick
artificial smog. After a recent show,
12-year-old Ingrid Hernández said
seeing Truxon beat his chest was
“very impressive, very cool.”
Axel, 9, was of the same mind.
“It’s really cool. I liked it because
he picked people up and it looked
like he was eating them.”
(Source: mexiconewsdaily.com - Milenio)
The 7 Arts
January 2016
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The 7 Arts
A music tribute to Kim Kuzma & Acustico II, and Luna Rumba
is on fire with more shows and a CD Release Party at The Palm
T
audience members will be able to get up and
dance to the music of Luna Rumba during the
show! Both shows are very likely to sell-out,
so best to reserve early.
he Kim Kuzma Songbook will be
presented by Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine
Editor Paco Ojeda as the next installment in
his Music Tribute Series featuring Kim Kuzma
and her Acústico II CD. And popular LIVE
band Luna Rumba continues to heat things up
with three shows this month and a new CD
Release Party and VIP event.
The Kim Kuzma Songbook
Most people know Kim Kuzma, the popular
Canadian vocalist, through her many years
of performing in Puerto Vallarta and her
ongoing live Acústico show that is currently
playing all season at The Palm. Gypsy/Latin
guitars, tight percussions, exciting mashups and
an extraordinary rhythm section come together
to provide some of the best live entertainment
available throughout the Banderas Bay area. In
this one-time presentation on Saturday, January
16 at 4 p.m., Paco Ojeda puts his trademark
irreverent style to good use, exploring the
repertoire Kim has performed throughout the
years, paying special attention to the music in
Acústico II, her latest CD. By taking a closer look
at the songs and composers she has chosen for
the project, we will attain a deeper appreciation
for the music, and the performer as well.
“Paco Ojeda is a remarkable, intelligent and
irreverent host, who stealthily educates us on
his themed topic under the guise of sophisticated
and often hilarious entertainment.” — John
Amodeo, Cabaret Scenes Magazine
The Kim Kuzma Songbook will be presented
one time only. Online tickets may be purchased
at the link below. Watch for more from Paco
Ojeda in the coming months. The next
installment will be a music tribute to the 70’s hit
movie ‘Grease’ with Special Guest Performers
Kim Kuzma, Miss Conception and more on
February 27. More information coming soon.
These events were a big hit with audiences last
season and continue to gain in popularity. They
often sell out, so reserve early.
Luna Rumba
Luna Rumba is a world music group, featuring
Cheko Ruiz on vocals and guitar, George “Geo”
Uhrich on violin, mandolin, flamenco and
electric guitars, Alex Gonzalez on percussion, and
Luis Rascon on electric and acoustic bass, cello and
vocals. A tapestry of Latin Fusion, Gypsy Flamenco,
Arabic Melodies, Cuban Rhythms, Celtic Riffs and
Latin Jazz, their shows are a celebration of musical
fusion, human diversity and creativity. Luna
Rumba’s popularity in the Banderas Bay area has
soared since their founding only a few short years
ago and continues this season at The Palm with
packed houses and standing ovations. Their next
show will be on Friday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.
“They are so hot, you will need a fire
extinguisher.” - Gary R. Beck
Following the success of their first CD, that won
three international awards, including Best Latin
CD at the Independent Music Awards, Luna Rumba
has put together a new collection of original songs
and covers, giving their fans the most requested
songs in a new CD from their live performances.
Their new CD ‘LIVE’ is a great collector’s item
too, featuring the amazing artwork of local artist
Francine Peters on the cover, depicting the street
scene in front of The Palm, where some of the
recordings were made.
In addition to their Jan. 8th show, Luna Rumba
will appear at the Saturday market on Jan. 9th,
beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the main stage at the
west end of Lazaro Cárdenas Park. They will play
a mini-concert of some selections from their new
CD. A special CD Release Party and two shows
will be held on January 22nd at 7 & 9:30 p.m.
The 7 o’clock performance will be in their usual
concert format, and the 9:30 show will be a special
VIP performance (with limited seating) of the
songs from the new CD, and a dance party where
January 2016
Now playing at The Palm
Renowned
vocalist
and
celebrity
impersonator Steven Brinberg starring in his
critically acclaimed show ‘Simply Barbra
& Friends’ is now playing through Jan.18.
Steven’s uncanny ability to look, talk and sing
LIVE, just like Barbra Streisand, as well as
impersonating some of her celebrity friends,
has delighted audiences all over the world.
Amy Armstrong pairs with Bohemia Viva in their
popular music and comedy show ‘Spanglish’
now playing through Jan. 29. Amy’s powerful
vocals blended with the sensuous harmonies of
Luis and Andrea, plus a healthy dose of hilarious
comedy, make this show a must-see! Vallarta’s
Argentinean sweethearts also continue with their
own show, featuring sizzling Latin rhythms and
acoustic harmonies. They will welcome Andrea’s
younger brother, accomplished Argentinean
guitarist Oscar Castellano, to join them for a
few performances beginning Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Latcho & Andrea; The Blond Gypsies return
Jan.19 & 29 at 7 p.m. with their authentic and
romantic Gypsy Rumba and Flamenco guitars.
Latcho & Andrea play all season at The Palm,
please see calendar.
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
days per week with two different shows nightly
through April, 2015. The Palm also offers
matinées at 4 p.m. on selected shows.
The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided
for smokers), located at 508 Olas Altas, in the
Romantic Zone. Tickets may be purchased
online 24 hours a day, and at The Palm’s box
office open at 10 a.m. daily (222-0200). A full
calendar of performances, information and
online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV.
com You can also find the Palm on Facebook at
The Palm Cabaret and Bar.
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Start your 2016 with popular dinner-and-show offerings
New year explodes with entertainment at Boutique
Check out the upcoming shows at The Boutique
By
Catherine Beeghly
Dinner Theater, Vallarta’s only dinner theater,
upstairs at Nacho Daddy’s, 287 Basilio Badillo. written by Ira Levin, was popularized by the 1982
movie, starring Michael Caine, Christopher Reeves,
and Dyan Cannon.
Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15 - “The
Buddy Holly Commemoration Show” performs
twice only, featuring local musicians in this original,
rock and roll tribute. John Reil, Sheila Johnson,
Kevon Bradford, and Steve Tenney make up the
band.
Friday, Jan. 8 - Admission is free to see and
hear the “Pianomaniacs”, a dueling pianos-style
show, presented by a dynamic father-daughter duo.
“It’s an interactive, sing-along all-request show,
featuring favorites from rock and roll, jazz, and pop,”
said Danny Beal. “You’re going to ask yourself,
‘How do they know all these songs?” He and his
daughter, Rahel Beal, hail from Idaho, sharing songs
she said, “that we’ve been playing together all my
life. People want to sing along and hear their favorite
songs, which can be requested for special occasions
like birthdays and anniversaries, spontaneous roasts.” Saturday, Jan. 16 - One-of-a-kind blues man Tim
Williams takes the stage for one night only.
Jan. 28-30 and Feb. 4-6 - An original reader’s
theater presentation of a new work, “The Widows of
Pancho Villa” makes its international stage debut.
RosAngelica Moreno, a Mexican historian and
writer, put this show together to explore the myths
and truths behind Pancho Villa, whom she calls “the
most misunderstood character in our history.”
- The Boutique is delighted to bring you a series
of shows from Rob Knight, the internationally
popular Elvis Presley tribute artist. Rob Knight is
a Pacific Northwest Champion Elvis Tribute Artist.
His shows are scheduled Wednesdays through April
27.
Sunday, Jan. 10 - “Elvis Our Way” is your
chance to see two award-winning Elvis tribute artists
in one night, “Taking Care of Business in Memory of
Elvis”. Rob Knight shares the stage for two shows
only with Dino Macris, known in the Elvis tribute
artist world as “The Velvet Voice.” The Inspirational/
Gospel show will take the stage at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 - Auditions for a comedy about
life and love are scheduled at 10 a.m. at the theater.
Director Ralph Hyman is looking for actors for “The
Last Romance”. Men auditioning will be asked to
sing a part of a song a capella. * “Elvis: The Concert Years” plays Wednesdays
at 7:30 p.m.
* “Elvis Inspirational Gospel Tribute” will put
you in a spiritual, musical mood, Sunday, Jan. 17.
Tuesday, Jan. 12 - On Tuesdays, the star and creator
of her own tribute shows, Mikki Prost, performs.
“Forever Patsy Cline” is the popular original show,
in its fifth season delighting audiences. You can
also catch her newest production, “Where The Boys
Are: A Tribute to Connie Francis,” on subsequent
Tuesdays. * Sweethearts will want to add to their calendars,
the special Valentine’s Day Elvis Show - when else
but Feb. 14?
Quality dinners will be served at 5 p.m., with the
shows at 6 p.m. - except on Wednesdays when no
dinner is served and the show is at 7:30 p.m.
Diners can choose a steak, chicken, or vegetarian
meal - or, order from the Nacho Daddy “Mex-Tex”style menu. Tickets can be ordered for dinner and a
show, or the show only, at www.vallartatickets.com
You can always find out more from The Boutique
Dinner Theatre and Nacho Daddy’s on Facebook.
Thursday, Jan. 14 to Saturday, Jan. 23 The intriguing thriller, “Deathtrap”, opens. It
will be shown at 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays, Jan. 14-16, for a special 200-peso matinée
price. “Deathtrap” continues the following weekend
at 6 p.m. Jan. 21-23, with the optional dinner served
at 5 p.m. The director is Karrie Sebryk, M.A.,
artistic director of the Boutique Theatre. The play,
January 2016
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The 7 Arts
Act II Entertainment
the biggest entertainment venue in the bay offering the very best in entertainment!
IN THE RED ROOM CABARET
Tony Nominee - Charles Busch A Divine Evening with Charles Busch
Opens to sold out shows Closing night Jan. 8 at 9:30
With Tom Judson at the piano
Charles Busch, the two-time
Manhattan
Cabaret
Award
winner, Tony nominee, star and
writer of ¨Die Mommy Die¨ ¨Beach
Blanket Babylon¨ and “The Divine
Sister” (opened in the Mainstage Jan.
7), the drag legend, brings to The Red
Room Cabaret an eclectic program of
songs both contemporary and from the
past. New York Times critic Stephen
Holden wrote, “He has the gift of comic
gab like few other entertainers. Innately
funny, endearing and acutely intelligent,
he also has claws. For an audience, the
possibility of being scratched, although
remote, lends his humor a bracing
edge.” Accompanied by his dashing
longtime musical director, Tom Judson,
Charles combines hilarious personal
reminiscence, character sketches and
superb storytelling through song into
one glittering and glamorous evening
in cabaret.
Levi Kreis - Tony Award Winner An Evening with Levi Kreis
Jan. 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 at 7:30
and Jan. 10 and 12 at 9:30
Levi opens to sold out house
and best reviews of the season
I have been to numerous shows this
season. All have been outstanding.
We are blessed to have this venue here
in PV. Levi Kreis opening night was
absolutely hands down one of the best
shows I have attended, anywhere! His
songs are heartfelt and emotional and
he leads you on his personal journey
with wit and grace. This is a must see
show. - TripAdvisor
Levi Kreis is an actor and recording
artist from Oliver Springs, TN. He
first came to national recognition in
2004 as a singer/songwriter appearing
on NBC’s The Apprentice. He has
released six albums to date with music
featured on the Season 2 finale of The
Vampire Diaries, Sons of Anarchy, The
Apprentice, Mob Wives, So You Think
You Can Dance, Days Of Our Lives,
Young & The Restless, and several
independent films. As an actor, Levi
first appeared as Roger in the national
tour of Rent, quickly moving to film
with a leading role in the award
winning independent film Don’t Let
Go. He then appeared as Matthew
McConaughey’s brother in Bill
Paxton’s directorial debut Frailty. His
recent stage success has garnered a
2010 Tony Award, an Outer Critics
Circle Award, and a Drama League
nomination for originating the role
of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s
Million Dollar Quartet. Other stage
credits include Broadway’s 2014
four-time Tony-nominated musical
revival Violet, One Red Flower,
and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. This fall, Levi
is shooting the films “The Divide”
with Perry King and “A Very Sordid
Wedding”, the sequel to Del Shores
cult classic “Sordid Lives”.
Sundays & Wednesdays at 9:30 Opening Jan. 13th
Dueling Drag Divas is a live
singing (absolutely no lip sync), full
octane, back to back comic celebrity
impersonation show. Emmy Award
winner Chi Chi Rones and NY Times
acclaimed impressionist Joanna are
proud to be returning to the Red Room.
Come see them duke it out onstage as
Dueling Tina Turners, Adele vs. Amy
Winehouse, battling Judy Garlands,
Kris Jenner vs. Caitlyn Jenner, Streisand
vs. Midler, bombastic Bette Davis,
Karen Carpenter vs. Mama Cass, The
Witches of Wicked and Frozen, Liza
Minelli, Madonna, Cher, Ursula from
The Little Mermaid! Joanna and Chi
Chi Rones perform their shows all over
the world to sold-out houses!
Sutton Lee Seymour The Way-Off Broad!
continues to perform to packed
houses and rave reviews!
¨This show has raised the bar
for entertainment in PV¨
Every Monday and Saturday 9:30
5 Star Trip Advisor review: “OMG!!
What a great show at Act II Stages!! By
the end of the two-hour show, we were
so sad to see it end. I had laughed and
laughed... Sutton has made his way
into my heart.... forever. I am a fan for
Dueling Drag Divas
return home to Act II
January 2016
life and will see his show again and
again!!” - Marsha Ward Ross
“Sutton Lee Seymour: The Way Off
Broad!” is a comedic celebration of
Broadway, Hollywood, and Disney
starring the live singing Gown Clown
of New York City! Pounding the
pavement and clawing her way to the
top, Sutton Lee Seymour will stop at
nothing until she has achieved world
domination. Sutton Lee Seymore is
the Queen of The NYC Cabaret stages
now brings her award winning talent
to The Red Room.
Sutton Lee Seymour, the manic love
child of Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera,
Agnes Moorehead, Ethel Merman and
countless golden aged divas who has
become the toast of the NYC drag /
cabaret community, and in demand
entertainer, and now an international
headliner.” - New World Stages NYC
Paul Fracassi
Legends of the 50s and 60s Sundays at 7:30 and Walk Like
A Man - Wednesdays at 7:30
“Paul Fracassi - Walk Like A
Man” - This young man is one of the
most talented singers I have EVER
SEEN ... Can`t Wait to see this show
Again!! This kid going to be a STAR!!
- TripAdvisor
“Paul Fracassi Sings” - He sounds
just like Frankie Valli. If you get a
chance to see him don’t miss it... TripAdvisor “Run, don’t walk!” Totally a
star. He stunned his audience, I am
unofficially adopting Paul Fracassi to
be my grandson. - Evy Pixley 5
STARS - TripAdvisor
Every Wednesday Paul Fracassi “Canadian Idol” will curl his lip and
flip his collar once again to relive the
50’s and 60’s through the Music of
Elvis, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra,
Davy Jones, Buddy Holly, Bobby
Darin and more!! The 7 Arts
Sundays are fundays when Paul
brings you the show that made him
a household name in PV, “Walk Like
a Man”. Backed by the fabulous
Paulettes and incorporating the look,
instrumentation, and harmonies of the
original Four Seasons, this show will
bring back memories and songs like
Sherry Baby, Walk Like a Man, Dawn,
Rag Doll and Can’t Take My Eyes Off
Of You with ease and the nostalgic flair
of those years gone by.
3-Time 2015 Horizon Tropic Rock
Award Winner Brittney Kingery
Every Monday at 7:30
“Brittany Kingery tropical rock
singer” 5 Star Review – Trip Advisor
“What a show!!” 5 Star Review –
Trip Advisor
Brittney Kingery is the one show
NOT to miss, never before has
Vallarta seen a talent like Brittney
with her sold out houses it’s no wonder
that this three time Horizon Tropic
Rock award winner has taken Vallarta
by storm selling as many Award
winning CD´s as Tickets. Her music
is addicting and you will find yourself
singing her songs long after the show
has ended. ¨Brittney Kingery is truly
a star¨ Brittney and her band have a
chemistry and together they are a
Vallarta hit you will see for many
years to come. Lorena Peril and Ray Jon Star
in Married and Looking
break all time attendance records
for The Red Room
Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:30
“Lorena Peril - Best Show in PV” 5 Star Review – Trip Advisor: “Wow!
Lorena Peril is simply the best show
in PV. She has a magnificent voice and
can sing a wide range of songs, along
with her talented husband Ray.”
“Energy and versatility make for a
super show” - 5 Star Review – Trip
Advisor: “Lorena Peril and Ray Jon
are a perfect fit for live music lovers
of Vallarta... The energy they bring to
the room sustains throughout... I’ll
buy tickets for anything you two
put together. Just keep playing and
making us all happy...”
Latina Las Vegas headliner Lorena
Peril has been entertaining audiences
on the Las Vegas Strip since 2005. She
headlined as the Lead Singer in Anita
Mann’s hit production “FANTASY” at
the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Lorena
has played to 40,000-seat arenas as
Sandy in the concert version of Grease
all over Europe and has quickly become
the darling of Vallarta.
IN THE MAINSTAGE AT
ACT II ENTERTAINMENT
The Voice of Vallarta - Season 3 Every Sunday at 8 p.m. –
Jan. 10 is Disco Week
This year the competition has been
out of control and filled with drama. This week is Disco week BUT,
before the singing begins, producers
Danny Mininni and Alfonso Lopez
375
17
will bring something down on the
competitors that is sure to bring high
drama to the stage. Hosted once again
by Juan Pablo Hernandez who turns
SPANGLISH into an art form! This
year taking the judges chairs are: Act II
Musical director and VOV producer,
Head judge Alfonso Lopez, Vallarta
showman Edgar Sanchez and weekly
guest judges. The Voice of Vallarta
will run every Sunday till the big
closing night March 20th. The Divine SisterStarring Sutton Lee Seymour
¨Vallarta has a Broadway
star in Sutton Lee Seymore¨
Written by Charles Busch Jan. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21,
22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 7 p.m.
The Divine Sister is an outrageous
comic homage to nearly every
Hollywood film involving nuns… The
Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St.
Mary’s, The Singing Nun, and Agnes of
God. The Divine Sister tells the story
of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother
Superior who is determined to build a
new school for her Pittsburgh convent.
Along the way, she has to deal with a
young postulant who is experiencing
“visions,” sexual hysteria among her
nuns, a sensitive schoolboy in need of
mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting
from the Mother House in Berlin, and
a former suitor intent on luring her
away from her vows. This madcap trip
through Hollywood religiosity evokes
the wildly comic but affectionately
observed theatrical style of the creator
Charles Busch of Die, Mommie, Die!
and Psycho Beach Party. Staring
New York actor Sutton Lee Seymour
and directed by 47-year stage veteran
Allen McMullen and Produced by Act
II Entertainment productions
Mamas and the Papas,
California Dreamin’ - The Show
Jan 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20,
25, 27 at 7 p.m.
California Dreamin’ is the music of
the Mamas and the Papas, presented
LIVE, in the songs and the characters
of the 4 singers, with revealing personal
monologues. This is a musical time
machine back to when the folk era turns
on and the psychedelic 60s pop hits
and acid hits shaped a generation. The
show includes solo hits from Michelle
and Cass Elliot with revealing details of
their personal lives. The vocal harmony
is provided by Jenny Allen, Stephanie
Wright Watts and Joseph Dane. Vocal
director and additional vocalist Rhonda
Podmos with Don and Rhonda band
members Don Pope, Jesus Estrada and
Roberto falcon so take a trip and do
some California Dreamin’.
Coming this month...
Hedda Lettuce Big Queen Small Throne
The 6-time Drag Queen
of the Year Winner
Opening Night Party
Jan. 19 at 8 p.m.m
Jan. 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29 at 9:30
with one show Jan. 30 at 7:30
The Kinsey Sicks Electile Dysfunction 2016:
Hard Choices, Firm Positions
Jan. 26, 28, 30 and Feb. 2, 4, 6, 10,
11, 13 and 16 at 9:30 World Premiere!
Act II Entertainment STAGES complex is located on the 2nd floor at 300 Insurgentes
(corner of Basilio Badillo) in the Romantic Zone on the south side of town. Tel.: 222-1512.
Tickets can be purchased at www.vallartatickets.com or go to www.actiientertainment.com for show details.
Box office open daily at 11 a.m., with a 2nd box office location across the street from Garbo’s on Pulpito street.
January 2016
18 375
The 7 Arts
A Lott of Puerto Vallarta
International Gallery on the Marina:
Totally unlike any other!
By
Jerry Rubin
T
he International Gallery across
from Dock B on Marina Vallarta
opened in 2009 with only one goal:
keep it interesting and make it
unique. Owner Brian Lott has done
that and oh so very much more.
Every single item in the shop is not
only exclusive to the International
Gallery but has to meet the goal of
having a, “Wow, isn’t that special!”
effect on the customers... and
mission accomplished.
Let’s begin to prove the above
starting with the gallery’s oneof-a-kind authentic African stone
sculptures. Brian sources out the
most talented Shona tribe stone
carvers in Zimbabwe, and proudly
displays their magnificent works in
the gallery. Truly museum quality
artistic masterworks available
nowhere else in North America.
Staying with the African theme,
how about the authentic woven
basket created by the people of
the Zulu tribe? They are so tightly
woven that they will even hold
water (but who would want them
to?) Extremely labor intensive,
some of the largest baskets take an
incredible 9 months to make!
Brian Lott
The International Gallery is
particularly proud to import copper
and brass tableware and jewelry
from one of South Africa’s few
unionized factories. This factory,
Copper Craft Africa, has won
multiple awards for employing
the
handicapped,
supporting
AIDS programs, and hiring the
disadvantaged.
Keeping it short, but worth a long
look, are the African handmade
Batik wall hangings, the banana
leaf wall art, the 60-year old hand
carved African masks, and the 70year old cast bronze warrior statues.
Actually, there are many more
unmentioned African treasures
waiting to be discovered in the
International Gallery on the Marina.
I can’t go any further without
mentioning the brilliant jewelry
designed by Bridged Lott. Under
the brand Zebra and Company,
this talented designer has created
an enormous range of magnificent
charms, bracelets, earring, and
necklaces which are all 100%
compatible with Pandora, Chamilia,
Biagi, and the rest... at one-third the
price!
Looking to relax even more?
Adult coloring books are in BIG
TIME, and Bridged Lott’s best
selling opus “Eclectic Images for
Creative Relaxation” is available in
the gallery as well.
Now, time for the author of this
piece to immodestly sing his own
praises. My name is Jerry Rubin
and I am an artist with works
hanging in galleries in Canada, the
USA, and Mexico. My paintings
have been reviewed as: “A colorful
and vibrant breath of fresh air”... “A
huge and creative departure from
the typical gallery world of rocks,
trees, and sunsets”... “Paintings
that are fun and make you smile
every time”.
The gallery is also pleased to show
the works of talented local artists
such as the well-renowned Baldi,
the very talented Dieter, landscapes
by Patricia, and eclectic paintings
from Brian’s wife, Bridged.
Being a Canadian, I am completely
pumped to leave winter behind for
4 months as this gallery’s “Artist in
Residence”. Please check out my
works at www.jerryrubin-artwork.com
Gallery:
www.galeriainternationalpv.com
January 2016
A quiz about Brian Lott, owner
of the International Gallery
1. Brian Lott is often referred to as:
a. The Mayor of the Marina
b. The Most Interesting
Man in the World (with apologies
to the Dos Equis guy)
c. Mr. Bean’s long lost
illegitimate brother
d. Mexico’s Master mimic
(watch out behind you)
e. all of the above
2. Brian has amazing stories to tell
about his personal encounter with:
a. Mick Jagger
b. Robin Williams
c. Richard Branson
d. Ernie Els
e. all of the above
3. Brian has lived extensively in:
a. England and Canada
b. South Africa and Australia
c. China and Japan
d. Portugal and Mexico
e. all of the above
4. Which of these careers were
majority parts of Brian’s life:
a. pub owner
b. butcher
c. sailor in the British Navy
d. caterer to Nelson Mandella
e. all of the above
5. In which of these cities has
Brian had a home:
a. Hong Kong
b. Yokohama
c. London, England
d. Vancouver, BC
e. all of the above
6. Brian has done which of these:
a. bungee jumped off the bridge
over the Zambezi River Gorge
b. spear fished in scuba
gear off the coast of Fiji
c. rescued a suicidal cruise ship
passenger off Gibraltar
d. jumped out of a helicopter into a
swimming pool in Johannesburg
7. Reasons to drop by The International
Gallery-Galeria Internacional:
a. Brian Lott
b. B. P. Lott
c. Mr. Lott
d. Mr. Personality
e. all of the above
Score 100% if you selected
“e. all of the above” every time.
The 7 Arts
January 2016
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Map
January 2016
Map
January 2016
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The 7 Arts
Brewster Brockmann exhibit continues at Galeria Pacifico
Galeria Pacifico will continue
through January with the exhibition
by Brewster Brockmann that was
inaugurated to large crowds on
December 30th and January 6th.
This immensely talented artist has
gathered over sixty pieces from
his production of the last three
years. They range from sculptures
from four inches to over four feet
in length and include
paintings from 19 by
22 inches to 4 by 6
feet.
Some
of
the
sculptures have a
feeling from preColumbian
and
African
cultures.
B r o c k m a n n
developed a taste for
the former as a young
boy accompanying
an uncle in search
of artifacts and the
latter while a college
exchange student in
Kenya. Some of the
sculptures and paintings feature
animals from Africa such as
elephants and rhinos, while others
focus on local animals such as
jaguars, crocodiles and sea turtles,
these latter three appearing as
“stack paintings” of multiple
versions of the same animal.
Brewster has a Master of Fine
Arts degree from the prestigious
Cranbrook Academy near Detroit,
Michigan, where he was also a
teaching assistant. Afterwards he
was awarded a fellowship with
the Art in Industry program of
the Kohler Corporation, and two
of the sculptures produced there
January 2016
were acquired for the permanent
collection of Kohler Museum of
Modern Art.
Three years ago, one of
the largest art museums in
Guadalajara, El Ex-Convento
del Carmen, staged a major
exhibition
of
Brockmann’s
art. Brewster’s work has been
collected throughout the United
States, Canada and Mexico, and
he has shown in galleries in New
York and Miami.
The 7 Arts
Galería Caballito de Mar
Unique Mexican ceramics, jewelry & textiles
G
alería Caballito de Mar is privileged to participate in the twenty-year
tradition of Wednesday night ArtWalk comprised of 11 galleries located in
Centro Historico. Each gallery presents a variety of artistic achievements
by Mexican artists as well as works of art by international painters and
sculptors. Exceptional antique and vintage jewelry by distinguished
silversmiths from Mexíco’s “golden age of jewelry,” contemporary jewelry by
exceptionally talented sculptors and designers, and work by important ceramic
and textile artists can be found at Caballito de Mar. Every piece of work,
whether jewelry, textiles or pottery, is one-of-a-kind and is personally selected
by the gallery owners.
Galería Caballito de Mar is the only jewelry establishment in Puerto Vallarta
to be cited by Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide 2015. The gallery offers an
incomparable collection of Mexican jewelry made
from 1910 through the 1980s. Each rare piece of
jewelry from that era has a unique history that has
been researched and authenticated. New pieces
by Mexican jewelry artists are made of copper,
bronze or silver. The galería is also committed
to sustaining Mexican folk art, especially work
by Great Masters of Mexíco who have been
designated as the best folk artists in the country
and by younger award-winning ceramic artists who
follow in the footsteps of the Masters. Notable
ceramic pieces on display include black clay from
Oaxaca, burnished clay from Michoacán and
Jalisco, and other ceramic work from the states of
Guanajuato, Puebla, Chiapas and Guerrero. Each
ceramic piece is a unique work of art that involves
many generations of tradition, inspiration and
creativity, and considerable time.
The gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday, 11-5, ArtWalk Wednesday
from 4-10 and from 11 to 3 on Saturdays. The
address is 162 Calle Aldama in downtown Puerto
Vallarta. Additional information can be obtained
by phoning the gallery at 322.113.0363.
Aldama No. 174 Centro
2nd Floor / Piso
Tel.: (322) 222 1982
Fax: (322) 222 5502
www.galeriapacifico.com
galeriapacifi[email protected]
January 2016
375 23
The 7 Arts
24 375
By
Joe Harrington
Acidic Comments and
a Mission Statement
This past week the only new
releases were an animated Alvin and
the Chipmunks and Concussion.
Animated movies in Puerto Vallarta
are never in English. I refuse to see
the movie Concussion as I have
watched football over the past half
century become increasingly more
and more violent. You don’t have
to be a neurologist to know that
slamming into another person’s
head while using you own helmet
as a battering ram cannot be good
for the person on the receiving end.
But I have to write about
something. Every few years I
devote a column to readers and
their comments – both pro and
con. I always start with Teresa of
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. She was
one of the first to email me and has
continued to do so for ten years –
usually every other month or so.
Almost universally she starts off
with, “Harrington, you’re an idiot.”
Then goes into very terse reasons
why she thinks so.
I was the owner/operator of a bar
and restaurant in San Francisco’s
Financial District for thirty years
and learned firsthand that people are
very quick on the trigger to fire off
negative remarks and very reluctant
to say something complimentary.
I have found it no different with
the responses I receive about this
column. And, to be honest, it is
usually far easier to bang out a
column involving a movie I didn’t
like rather than one I did.
What follows are a few from
over the years that are examples of
readers’ thoughts.
Dan, from rural Mississippi,
hated that I liked Oh Brother,
Where Art Thou? He wrote, “This
movie is an insult to any of us folks
who live in this fine State. Not all
of us are gopher eating, uneducated
hicks. I know that Ethan Coen and
his brother Joel Coen plagiarized
this plot from Homer’s Odyssey,
which I have read.” My hat is off
to Dan, I tried to read that epic
when I was at the University of
San Francisco and gave up. Only
thing harder to try to wade through
was James Joyce’s Finnegan’s
Wake. But I think Dan misses
the point, the Coen brothers, who
seem incapable of making a bad
movie, wrote something that is not
only entertaining, but hilariously
funny. And I am overjoyed that in
a few months their next movie will
be released called Julius Caesar
starring their over and over go-to
guy, George Clooney.
Next up Jerry, who lives in Ann
Arbor. He wrote about Quartet,
“Are you nuts? You liked this
movie?
Like watching paint
dry. Boring, boring, boring.” I
can assume certain things from
this comment: Jerry does not
like English actors, does not like
classical music and hates Gilbert
and Sullivan. He probably doesn’t
like Richard Dreyfus either,
the man who had this flick as his
directorial debut.
One more negative for good luck.
T.J., of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
said about my rave review of the
movie The 33: “How could you
praise this movie? Thirty-three
miners stuck below ground for
months with nothing to do with
the results of their eventual rescue
aware to anyone who followed the
story was boring beyond words.”
Apparently, T.J was not completely
at a loss beyond words as he managed
a few barbs aimed my way.
I do get nice emails occasionally.
This came from Julia Katherine
of San Francisco and was written
about one of my first columns a
decade ago. She said, ‘I think
you’re wonderful and look forward
to reading every one of your future
columns.” Now for some brutal
honesty: she’s my mother and
passed away shortly thereafter,
God rest her loving soul.
January 2016
Part of this column is called
“Mission Statement” so time to
pay that off. My position is that
a viewer has to give a movie its
premise and the movie can be
faulted if it loses the logic of that
premise. For instance: In Peter Pan
we learn an orphan boy can fly. No
problem. But, if when in the huge
fight with Captain Hook our hero
suddenly develops the attributes of
Superman, then the movie cheated.
When I see something ridiculous in
its lack of logic, I let rip.
Hopefully, next week I will move
on to reviewing a new release like
Revenant.
Joe Harrington
Is an internationally published true crime
writer and documentary filmmaker.
Send comments or criticism to
[email protected]
Artwork by Bob Crabb.
The 7 Arts
January 2016
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Good Bites
Been there…
Chez Elena - “...a privileged
location, with an interesting history...
international cuisine... pastas and
salads... Mexican specialties from
Veracruz and the Yucatan... excellent
service, prices accessible to all... the
patio setting with all its gardens, unique
rooftop bar/terrace with unsurpassable
view, an unforgettable event.”
romantic... The sound of the waves,
subtle lights, discreet and efficient
service, fabulous menu and quality of
every dish therein... Fully stocked bar
for that special, refreshing drink in the
middle of the day...”
D’z Route 66 – “…without
doubt the most fun place… totally
renovated… soda bar, photos of the
50’s, 45 rpm records, memorabilia
…and the best music – especially if
you’re a Baby Boomer… familiar
items like burgers (humungous),
hot dogs & pizzas, chicken wings &
strips, finger-lickin’ good ribs, Philly
Cheese Steak & traditional Club
sandwiches, Root Beer floats, shakes,
banana splits, sundaes, etc… Even
passers-by stop to listen and sing
along to the music!”
Coco’s Kitchen – “… enchanting,
romantic atmosphere, welcoming, calm
and relaxing no matter where you sit…
some of the best breakfast / brunches
in town… eclectic and appealing
dinner menu… dishes to pamper the
palates of the most discerning diners...
succulent homemade desserts, and the
espresso is perfect too.”
El
Arrayan
–
“Authentic
traditional Mexican cuisine, voted
Best of its class 4 years in a row...
true, inimitable delights to sight and
taste… spacious, welcoming and
charming Hacienda patio style …
cool, casual atmosphere … attentive,
friendly service promoting the use of
regionally-produced ingredients…”
Coco Tropical - “Right on the
beach... Great for serious, first rate
people watching ...and for dancing
to Kosmas’ music at night, very
Frankies Restaurant – “The best
Italian we’ve had here… Very popular
small restaurant in the Romantic
zone... such great food… The service
is great… portions are generous…
Fettuccini Alfredo was one of the
best ever as was the rigatoni with red
sauce and mushrooms.”
Hacienda Alemana Frankfurt “A beautiful open-air garden setting...
portions are huge... the Apfelstrudel
rated an “A”... authentic good and
hearty German fare at reasonable prices
in an unexpectedly delightful little
tropical oasis of peace and serenity.”
Hacienda San Angel - “…
breathtakingly beautiful, a visual
treat… the 180o view is absolutely
spectacular… The menu is not
extensive, but every item has
obviously been selected with great
care. Service is superb, attentive and
subdued, the atmosphere is elegant,
yet comfortable, making the guests
feel as if they are dining in a wealthy,
close friend’s hacienda of yesteryear.”
Kaiser Maximilian – “A pioneer
in the Olas Altas area, a well-defined
January 2016
identity … a favorite among lovers of
fine dining, specializing in contemporary
Austrian cuisine … quality ingredients
matched by excellent, amiable service
… casual, elegant ambience … a
consistent participant in PV’s annual
Gourmet Festival.”
Trio – “Rich woods, frescoes
reminiscent of Tuscany and trompe
l’oeil details, comfortable upholstered
chairs, crisp white tablecloths and
napkins, glistening tableware, and the
most mouth-watering aromas wafting
by as the courteous, efficient wait staff
comes in carrying one succulent dish
after another… The Mediterranean fare
and décor of this Five Star Diamond
Award winner stand alone in Vallarta.”
ViteA Oceanfront Bistro –
“… superb worldwide reputation
… always full, some of the best
people watching in town, with an
unobstructed view of the bay beyond
… lovely, European-style, elegant yet
bistro-like … portions are generous,
service is truly irreproachable; the
bar is fully stocked, the desserts are
decadent, and the coffees superb.
The panoramic view of the Bay of
Banderas is breathtakingly beautiful,
and the prices are always reasonable.”
Vallarta Voices
By
H
Anna Reisman
appy New Year, dear readers! I hope your
holidays were fabulous, wherever you were,
and that you are getting ready to face the next
twelve months plus one day in an honest attempt
at trying to stick to your resolutions. Yes, 2016
is a leap year. I just read that astrologers believe
people born on February 29 have unusual
talents, such as the ability to paint, like Picasso,
and that people born on February 29 are called
“leaplings” or “leapers”. Also, Christopher
Columbus purportedly used the lunar
eclipse of February 29th, 1504, to his
advantage during his final trip to the
West Indies. After several months of
being stranded with his crew on the
island of Jamaica, relations with the
indigenous population broke down and
they refused to continue helping with
food and provisions. Knowing a lunar
eclipse was due, Columbus consulted
his almanac and then gathered the
native chiefs on the 29th. He told
them that God was to punish them
by painting the moon red. During
the eclipse, he said that God would
withdraw the punishment if they
starting co-operating again. The panicked chiefs
agreed and the moon began emerging from its
shadow. How’s that for trivia?
Five years ago, the traditional New Year’s Eve
fireworks were cancelled by the outgoing mayor.
On New Year’s Eve 2009 in Puerto Vallarta,
countless hundreds of revelers had gathered
along the Malecon, at expensive restaurants
and on friends’ terraces up on the hillsides like my friends and I - waiting for the annual
30-40-minute display of fireworks. They never
happened. At the time, I wondered how the
outgoing mayor spent New Year’s Eve. Were
he and his cronies gloating over their stash of
ill-gotten gains …or hiding?
At midnight, the town’s newly-elected mayor,
Salvador Gonzalez, took his oath of office and
began his 3-year administration. This very
young man had inherited a debt calculated at
over $700 Million Pesos, a disgruntled staff who
hadn’t even received the Christmas bonuses they
were promised, and myriad creditors banging at
the door of the City Treasurer – who had been
hiding from the press for the last few weeks. As
it turned out, that young man only added to the
city’s debt, over $500 Million Pesos.
Residents finally voted that party out, after
nine years of abuse and corruption, and for the
last four years, the “Movimiento Ciudadano”
(Citizens’ Movement) party has been trying to
clean up the mess they left behind.
All this to get to this latest New Year’s Eve
fireworks. Most people loved them, and I was
happy to read that, all over Facebook. However,
many long-time residents, including yours truly,
confessed to being disappointed. ‘Tis true that
they went on for a full half-hour, but the really
spectacular stuff was only shot the last three
minutes. Many I know went to bed
after the first quarter hour.
I wish I could write all sorts of
positive things, especially at the start
of a New Year, but most of the news in
the local papers is …negative. I wish
it weren’t.
I may just decide to put my head in
the sand and do like an ostrich. I need
to concentrate on good things and be
grateful for them - the good health my
family and I have been blessed with,
my good friends, the abundance of
good entertainment we have in this
town, all the beautiful humpback
whales that aren’t affected by local
politics, and the natural beauty that surrounds us
who live here year ‘round.
On New Year’s Eve, my friends and I went to
Coco’s Kitchen for dinner, and what a wonderful
dinner it was! Afterwards, as usual, we all went
up to my terrace to wait for the show to begin.
Good food and good friends definitely help to
make everything appear better. And then there’s
chocolate...
I hope your holidays were excellent in every
way and that this New Year will bring us only
good tidings. Happy Birthday to all my fellow
Capricorns, my friend Jamie Coates of Aroma
Café, art lover and reviewer Ruben Cham, and so
many others. I miss my friend Wayne McLeod a
lot at this time; his birthday was the day before
mine, like Ruben’s. To everyone, I wish a
truly enjoyable week, and may all our Mirrors
(regardless of our zodiacal sign) reflect happy,
healthy folk! Hasta luego. [email protected]
January 2016
375 27
“The Nutcracker”
ballet at Teatro Vallarta
Teatro Vallarta’s first presentation of
the year will be “The Nutcracker” by
Tchaikovsky.
This ballet in two acts (2 hrs 15 min) is
The Royal Ballet’s classic production loosely based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
It opens with the Christmas festivities of
little Clara and her family and progresses
through a sequence of dreams and enchantments that take Clara on her magical journey
to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the
Sweets. Peter Wright’s enchanting production with its wondrously growing Christmas
tree and a rousing battle between the villainous Mouse King and an army of toy soldiers,
mines the colour of Tchaikovsky’s score,
retaining exquisite surviving fragments of
the original Ivanov choreography, including
the beautiful pas de deux for the Sugar Plum
Fairy and her Cavalier.
The performances will be transmitted at
12 noon on Saturday, January 16th and
again on Monday, January 18th at 6 p.m.
The next presentation in January is for all opera lovers: Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci.
Two operas sung in Italian, running time:
c.3 hours (including 1 intermission).
Those will be transmitted at 12 noon
on Saturday, January 30th with English
subtitles and again at 6 p.m. on Monday,
February 1st, with Spanish subtitles.
Teatro Vallarta is located at 184 Uruguay downtown. Tickets at $250. Pesos
are on sale at the wicket at Teatro Vallarta,
the Ticketmaster center in Liverpool and
via Ticketmaster.com.mx Info: 222-4525
and 222-4475.
28 375
Gil Gevins’ Page
Service with a snarl
By
O
Gil Gevins
nce a year, in an act of extreme
sado-masochism, I visit my local bank
in order to pay the annual trust fee on
some property I own. This, the paying
of the fee, would be a relatively simple
procedure, if only…
Señor Garcia was sitting at his desk
talking on the phone when I arrived.
No one was waiting to speak with him,
which was wonderful news. Señor
Garcia was not the most lightning quick
bank executive on the block, and waiting
for him to deal with just one customer
could take longer than a telethon.
Garcia waved me to a seat as he
continued to talk on the phone. I could
only hear one side, of course, but bank
business did not appear to be the topic
of conversation.
“Yes, it’s my favorite, too!” Garcia
chuckled into the phone. “Have you
seen that Lusty Lola doing her… oh,
my God! I thought I’d have a heart
attack… I know, if only she’d jump off
the screen and into my lap… you’re
right: what a pair of papayas!”
“Sr. Garcia,” I asked, “are you
speaking metaphorically, or are you
really wasting the bank’s time talking
about fruit?”
The
overweight
pencil-pusher
threw me an irritated look, and then
proceeded to blab for another fifteen
minutes, while I sat staring fixedly at
his nose, attempting to will him off
of the telephone. My glaring, and his
growing discomfort, were part of our
annual ritual. We were like two birds
at mating time who, after going through
their dance, decide that the avian world
would be a better place if they remained
celibate for one more year.
Finally putting down the receiver, after
whispering the name of a website (www.
yeahbabyyeah.com), into the receiver,
Señor Garcia turned to me and said with
a forced smile, “Good morning. And
how can I help you today?”
Garcia knew exactly how he
could help me. We’d been going
through this torture for fourteen
years. Nonetheless, I said, “It’s really
strange, Sr. Garcia, but I woke up this
morning with an uncontrollable urge
to come down here and pay my trust
fee. Dr. Mendoza says it’s all my
mother’s fault.”
“Do you have your contract
number?” he asked, eying me warily.
“Sure do,” I said, handing him last
year’s receipt.
This piece of paper seemed to
disconcert the unfocused functionary.
He studied it carefully, turning it this way
and that, squinting, frowning. “Where
did you get this?” he finally demanded.
“You gave it to me,” I replied. “Last
year.”
“Are you certain?”
“And the year before that. And the
year before that. Would you like to
see them?”
By way of reply, Garcia turned to
address a man who was working on
a thermostat located a few meters
down the wall. Apparently, the
air conditioning had ‘gone postal’,
refusing to turn itself off. The bank
was so cold, icicles were forming
on the exchange rate. Dressed for
the hot humid weather outside, my
body began to enter the first stages of
hypothermic shock.
“Do you think it’s a short circuit?”
Garcia asked the repairman.
“The thermostat was made in
China,” the repairman replied.
“That explains it,” Señor Garcia
said. “This bank is so cheap they
wouldn’t spend the money for a good
thermostat, one made here in Mexico.”
“They don’t make thermostats in
Mexico.”
“Sure they do,” Garcia disagreed.
“Excuse me!” I said.
Garcia and the repairman turned to
regard me with looks of wonder, as if I
were a space alien in a Hawaiian shirt,
and not a client of the bank. “Sorry
to interrupt this inspiring dialogue, but
I’m about to freeze to death.”
“Hey,” the repairman said, “your
Spanish is good. Where did you learn it?”
“Watching I Love Lucy. Listen, I have
an appointment next week, and I’d like
to get this fee paid so I can get on with
my life. Assuming I live that long.”
“You must have had a good teacher,”
Garcia remarked. “Which school did
you attend?”
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled
out a thick wad of pesos, placing them
squarely on Garcia’s desk.
“What are you doing?” Garcia
exclaimed. You don’t pay me, you
pay the teller.”
“I know that, Señor Garcia. But this
is a bribe,” I said in a loud voice, “to
induce you to do your job. For, as you
know, before I can pay the teller, you
have to call Guadalajara, find out how
much the bank is going to screw me
for this year, and then put that highly
January 2016
classified information onto a napkin.”
“Damn,” the repairman said,
“except for your gringo accent, your
Spanish is better than mine!”
“I never asked you for a bribe!”
Garcia snarled.
“No, and you never called
Guadalajara, either,” I said, watching
my breath condense into clouds of
frozen vapor.
Garcia picked up the phone. The
business portion of the call only took
a minute, but Garcia was incapable
of simply asking a simple question.
First, he had to inquire about the
weather “up there”. Then, he had to
make several comments about the
weather “down here”.
“If that wasn’t enough, Señor
Garcia,” I said, pulling more cash out
of my pocket, “here’s another bribe.”
“Excuse me,” Garcia said into the
phone. “Will you please stop using that
word! This is a bank, not a, not a…”
“Police station?” I offered helpfully.
“All right, Señor Garcia, what if I buy
you a car? Would that…”
“I need a trust fee,” Garcia said
into the phone. “Here’s the contract
number. Quickly. Please!”
Meanwhile, the air conditioner
repairman turned to me and asked,
“Do you also speak English?”
“Of course; it’s my native tongue.”
“Well then,” he said, aiming his eyes
at Garcia, “could you tell me, what is
the English word for idiota?”
“There’s lots of words,” I replied,
“but jerk would probably be the most
appropriate.”
“D-dgerk?” he attempted to say.
“Close enough. You think I could
borrow your sweater? Before I lose
consciousness? I’ve never been this
cold. Even my nipples are numb.”
Gil Gevins
Is the author of four hilarious books,
including the classic, PUERTO VALLARTA
ON 49 BRAIN CELLS A DAY, and the sidesplitting novel, SLIME AND PUNISHMENT.
Signed copies of all Gil’s books are available
at his wife’s wonderful shop, LUCY’S CUCU
CABAÑA, located at 295 Basilio Badillo.
Health Matters
375 29
Want a new improved you?
By
Julie Bunker
Zoli Hargitai, owner /
founder of the Holistic Bio Spa
I
t’s that time of year again when we
think about improving ourselves. I’m
no exception. Each New Year brings
with it the hope of a “New (improved)
Me”. Perhaps for some, it’s dropping
those extra 10 to 20 pounds that snuck
up on you. For others, to quit smoking
once and for all.
We all have our own personal
dreams of regenerating, rejuvenating,
of drinking less alcohol, of drinking
more water… And, of course,
exercising. Sound familiar? For me,
following through with goals can be a
struggle. Honestly, even though I set
admirable goals for myself, I could
never seem to muster up the necessary
will power to stick with it.
In my case it was all about acquiring
the habit of eating healthy food
consistently, and also getting out into
nature more… to move more and sit
less (those recurrent desk jobs!) I
knew I needed guidance to pull it off
but didn’t know where to go, so each
“new year” I seriously felt like a loser
when I found myself failing to reach
my goals and, consequently, repeating
my same old not-so-great patterns
over and over again.
Last summer, I went to see Zoli
Hargitai, owner / founder of the
Holistic Bio Spa here in Puerto
Vallarta. Zoli, who is a Holistic
Naturopath, is giving me the guidance
I need! After an initial diagnostic
SCIO Biofeedback session, he
recommended his treatment package
called “Purge toxins - detox & renew
your body”. I wasn’t sick, and told
him so. “But I am lacking energy”, I
said. He told me, “We don’t just treat
illness. We partner with you to restore
vibrant health to your whole mind
and body… believing in the natural
regenerative properties of our bodies.”
Could this finally be a solution for
me? Was “More energy” finally on the
horizon? He said the detox treatments
and nutritional supplements would
take care of my digestive problems
I mentioned in last week’s article,
and would also give me energy.
Would “Purging toxins” truly give me
enough energy consistently to prepare
the healthy foods my body craved?
Would I have the energy to spend
more time outdoors… when only 2
years ago I did not have the energy to
even go out socially after my day at
work? I would head straight home and
hit the sofa face down feeling literally
exhausted… a total lack of energy.
Zoli explained that instead of
numbing my energy deficiency
symptoms
with
traditional
pharmaceuticals, his approach to
alternative medical treatments would
help us find the root cause of my low
energy levels. So with Zoli at the
helm, and after my SCIO Biofeedback
session, I learned that my body was,
indeed, literally full of toxins that
were in fact zapping my energy.
(Actually, that was good news to me
because I seriously thought I might be
depressed!) Zoli was shocked that I’d
lived my entire life without cleaning
out my body – ever! Great example
of “you don’t know what you don’t
know”. He proceeded to customize
a treatment plan that fit my unique
needs based on my SCIO Biofeedback
results as well as our talks.
My Zoli-prescribed “purge toxins”
treatment plan included several
ionic foot detoxes with the infrared
belt / mind-fit therapy, and some
nebulizer therapies with antioxidant
and energy building amino acids
(energy building!!)…just to mention
a couple. And yes, I’m so proud of
myself for having not 1, not 2, but
3 colonic hydrotherapies with their
state-of-the-art technology. Colonic
cleansings? Really? Me? But by
this time I’d gained a good amount of
trust in Zoli, and after a bit of initial
reluctance, I can personally attest to
the fact that colonic hydrotherapy
“feels… sooooo… good!!” After my
3 cleansings, I waited about 2 months
and then had a colonoscopy.
January 2016
Turns out that there were no more
polyps as were found in my prior
colonoscopy. I was “clean as a
whistle”! Keep in mind I was also
eating healthy foods with lots of greens
– because I finally had the energy to
spend the time to prepare them on a
consistent basis. Talk about win-win!
Zoli has several treatment packages
he offers at the Holistic Bio Spa, i.e.:
Build true wellness (Rejuvenate
and replenish the immune system),
Discover vibrancy (healing chronic
pain and sports therapies) …and
several others. And I mustn’t close
before mentioning Zoli’s latest
package called Get your glow on
(beauty and anti-aging). I will be
trying his Radio frequency and PRP
treatments. I’ve tried Botox twice in
the last 10 years and though the results
are pleasing, each time I left thinking
“What am I doing – injecting known
toxins into my face?” Don’t get me
wrong – I’m all for looking younger.
And lucky for me, the Holistic Bio
Spa offers safe ways of smoothing out
the wrinkles without Botox or fillers.
So once again I’m game to try Radio
frequency and PRP… the natural way,
with Zoli. (I’ll let you know how it
works out!)
The Holistic Bio Spa is located
in Plaza Marina, Local B-10. Open
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tel:
221-1607. www.holisticbiospa.com
Email: [email protected]
Health Matters
30 375
Resentments are toxic
By
H
Giselle Belanger
ow many of you walk around
holding onto resentments? How
many months or years have you been
carrying that extra baggage? Do
you realize that those resentments
are only hurting you? How many
of you have heard the quote that
“resentment is like drinking poison
and hoping the other person dies”?
Resentments are an accumulation
of unmet expectations.
Our
expectations of other people and of
specific outcomes of life events, set
us up for great disappointment and
pain. We suffer needlessly because
we fail to accept “what is”. We
begin to resent them and that builds
up. Holding onto resentment is very
unhealthy. It also makes it very
difficult to have healthy relationships
with people when resentments linger.
Resentment
leads
to
anger.
Resentment is unresolved anger,
which is the real issue. Anger is an
emotional response to situations in
which we feel threatened, treated
unfairly or violated. Many of us think
that other people or circumstances
“make” us angry. We incorrectly
believe that external factors cause our
feelings, which is not true. Instead,
“we” determine our feelings and how
RN, LCSW
we are going to respond to them.
Our beliefs are responsible for how
we feel. If we believe that someone
should treat us a certain way and they
don’t, then they have disappointed
us; not met our expectations,
and we begin to resent them.
Resentment keeps us stuck at that point
of pain. We learn to attach to the pain
and become comfortable living in it.
Blaming others enables us to hold
onto resentment and to avoid having
to change ourselves. It lets us operate
from a morally superior position, in
which we do not accept responsibility
for our part (role). Instead of holding
ourselves accountable, it enables a
victim attitude and approach to life.
Reclaim your power...
Don’t be the victim
What would happen if you let go of
resentments? Why are you afraid to
let go of them? Most of the time the
answer lies in not feeling validated
for your pain. You may believe that
if the other person would recognize
what they’ve done to hurt you,
you’d feel better, or you would feel
more satisfied if you could hurt them
back and make them suffer the way
you’ve suffered. Can you imagine
the freedom that you would feel not
obsessing about the things you resent
and not waiting for the other person
to recognize their role or need them to
apologize? Imagine the freedom of
letting it all go and moving forward
in life free of the emotional baggage.
Choose to Let Go
It is a conscious choice to decide to
let go; it requires intention. Letting
go of the anger and the resentments
that fester is extremely liberating, not
to mention very good for your health.
Emotions live inside of us, stored in
every cell of the body until we let
them go. They cause damage and
lead to disease.
We must also let go of expectations
and stop setting ourselves up for
disappointment every time someone
or life lets us down. Letting go
of outcome is a huge life lesson!
Learning to remain open to whatever
comes your way is much more
satisfying and liberating. Imagine all
the energy and time you would save if
you stopped trying to manipulate and
control outcome.
Acceptance
Permitting the process and
learning the lessons and gaining
the insights along the way is only
possible when you remain open to
receive them, instead of obsessing
on the disappointment of unmet
expectations. If you can learn to
accept that “things happen the way
they are supposed to” you can then
let go of disappointment. You can
accept that the lessons are to teach
you and help you grow. Look for the
messages and insights.
Often, times this concept makes
many people angry because they feel
hurt and very afraid. Fear of what
will happen next or feeling out of
control, creates anger and resentment
and the cycle continues. This is a
choice. Choose to let go, accept,
learn, and grow! Acceptance is key
to a happy life!
Important note: Acceptance doesn’t
mean that you accept the person’s
unacceptable, inappropriate, harmful
behavior. It does not mean that you
January 2016
are condoning their behavior. It
means you are letting go of resenting
it and moving on. That also requires
setting boundaries that protect you
from further harm.
Need to forgive
Forgiveness is very misunderstood,
which is why so many people say
they “will never forgive” a certain
person for what they did, or they say a
certain action is “unforgivable”. FYI:
Forgiveness does not have anything to
do with the other person recognizing
they’ve done something wrong or
saying they are sorry. It is the final
step in your personal healing process.
After you’ve let go of the anger and the
resentment, you learn to forgive. It’s
where you find peace and happiness.
Resentment is the opposite of
forgiveness; they cannot co-exist. If
you think you have forgiven and still
find yourself feeling resentful, then
you are not done. You have more
work to do; dig deeper and find what
is still lingering.
Concluding note: I have heard many
people criticize the victims they see
on talk shows (Oprah, for example),
stating they have forgiven their rapist
or the murderer of their daughter, and
say it’s ridiculous and impossible. It
is extremely challenging and there are
many emotions to process to get to that
point, but it is not impossible, and in
fact is the only way for them to heal and
move on. It takes tremendous courage
to let go and forgive. Forgiveness
does not exonerate the perpetrator,
forgiveness liberates the victim!
“Forgiving
doesn’t
make
you weak; it sets you free.”
Nelson Mandela quote: “As I walked
out the door toward the gate that
would lead to my freedom, I knew if I
didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred
behind, I’d still be in prison”
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
By
Krystal Frost
Local and organic: Still your best choice
S
eems so, especially if you’ve
ever seen the film, Food Inc. This
documentary from 2008 seems pretty
scary when it’s all put together and
the audience has to swallow it in 90
minutes. If you haven’t seen it yet,
you may want to do so as it’s now
on YouTube: https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=EKqdL7A_aUI
The film points out -with
overwhelming evidence- what spurs
these huge corporate food giants on,
which apparently has nothing to do
with providing wholesome foods
to Americans and the world. I say
Americans, because the film was
focused on those living in the U.S. We
do have more options here in Mexico.
It is still less expensive to buy veggies
and fruits than to eat a burger and
fries, not so it seems in the U.S.
Not only that, it has been resolved
that local is fresher (duhhh) and
organics contain…
- Organic fruit and vegetables
contain up to 40% more antioxidants
- Organic produce had higher
levels of beneficial minerals like iron
and zinc
- Milk from organic herds contained
up to 90% more antioxidants
Many food industry experts (I
guess you can’t trust these guys
anyway) continue to state that there is
little difference between organic and
conventionally raised produce.
Have you seen these guys? Most
of them are about 50 lbs. overweight,
and ex-experts and wizards from huge
corporations like MONSANTO…
Those are the same guys making
the food and drug laws in the U.S. I
wonder what THEY eat for dinner?
Food grown in healthier soil, with
natural fertilizers and no chemicals,
simply has to be more nutritious.
It is common sense and common
knowledge, though knowledge is
greatly suppressed in the U.S. and
beyond about any of these things.
Speaking of knowledge... Have
you seen the food labels? They
are getting more ambiguous all the
time. Just try and find out where that
organic baby spinach comes from the
next time you are in the cold room at
Costco.
Do they ever mention what that
plastic box was gassed with before
packing that pretty produce? No,
of course not, but you will note that
the produce turns to mush after 24
hours of being exposed to air. Please
note that product packaging is not
regulated. So, you know how THEY
are... (anything goes for the Profit
King). How about a little preservative
gas cocktail in that Brazilian packed
organic spinach to keep it lively
and fresh for the month they are in
transportation. Really. From Brazil,
to the U.S., then Mexico?? Plus a
little radiation helps to keep the mold
off those lovely apples and pears for
at least a month.
certification process to legally call
them so. Certification costs anywhere
from $3000.00 USD and up... that’s
a bundle of pesos! The lengthy and
costly certification serves to push up
the cost and price of organics.
It happens that we have been in
the organic food business from the
get go here in Mexico, I can tell you:
Certification means very little. We find
growers that wave their certification
like a flag and meanwhile receive
produce from all over and stamp
certified organic on everything, not
knowing - or caring - how the product
has been handled or produced.
The Bottom line?
Stick to eating food that comes
from your community, in the most
natural form possible. Eat meats,
vegetables, fruits, cheeses, sprouts,
herbs and more that come from a
local source.
Know your supplier. Organic
certification does not mean much
except a higher price tag.
Even if you prefer to purchase
organic imports, the mandatory
gassing at the border deletes any
positive properties.
If you want to get the freshest,
tasty, nutrient-rich foods available,
you simply must seek out real sources
close to home. When I say “real
sources” I’m referring to farmers,
local markets, and communitysupported agriculture programs.
Know also that many small farmers
raise their foods according to organic
standards, yet are unable to afford the
January 2016
375
31
Consider sustainability and the
amount of energy it takes to get a
veggie or meat product from another
country to P.V.
Ok. Ok...
Now go and enjoy your Sunday
dinner... We are having the family
over for barbeque, local beef, salsa
and veggies from the garden and
tortillas, of course.
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 20 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. For questions
and comments - Cell: 322 116-9645,
Email: [email protected]
32 375
Legal Matters
and maintenance. We like the apartment, the
location, etc. and would like to remain here. Our current contract says we will vacate the
property, without the necessity of a court resolution,
once the contract expires, if an extension is not
agreed to because it is being agreed to expressly. If
I am reading your column correctly, the law states
that the contract is automatically extended for an
additional year without any changes unless both
parties agree to any modifications to the original
contract. In that case, even if we do not sign a new
contract, do the terms and conditions of the old one
continue?
Ask Luis
By
Luis Melgoza
Dear Luis: On issue #373, you mention that
the tenant has the responsibility for minor low
cost repairs and maintenance. Is there a guideline
for what constitutes low cost? To me repairs or
maintenance costing less than $250 pesos would
be low cost and anything above that would be the
owner’s responsibility. However, the owner of the
unit we are renting is of a different mind.
We signed an almost expired 1-year lease for a
furnished apartment with several small appliances
plus 1 TV, fridge, stove, washer, dryer and 3 mini
split AC units. It never occurred to me to test
each appliance or open and close all of the blinds,
cupboards and doors. When we moved in, some
appliances did not work, blinds had holes in them
and were very dirty, paint was flaking and there
were holes in the walls along with many burned out
light bulbs among other problems. Within a short
time the toaster and microwave broke down and
were replaced by the owner with used appliances
which do not work well. Most but not all problems
have been resolved. The owner’s daughter told
me in November that her father was not willing to
invest any more money in the apartment.
At the time I looked at the apartment it was with
the Property Manager, however, when we moved
in we were told to contact the owner’s daughter
for any and all problems. We did not hear from
the Property Manager again until recently when
she came by wanting me to sign the new lease
continuing our rental for another year. I advised
I would need time to read the lease first. The new
lease contains a new clause specifying the tenant
is responsible for all minor repairs including
plumbing (we have had problems with toilets and
taps), doors, windows, stove, water heater (the
thermostat on it had to be replaced), electricity
(the electric panel had to be replaced 3 months
after we moved in), furniture etc. and that we are
responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the
3 mini split AC units every 6 months. It further
states if we do not do this AC maintenance and the
AC breaks down we are responsible for repairing
or replacing it. (To avoid problems we did have
the AC maintenance done at a cost of $400 pesos
for each unit even though we only ever use the AC
in the master bedroom.) We have also paid for
numerous minor repairs ourselves.
The Property Manager told me that if any of the
appliances (small or large) breaks down we will
need to repair or replace them. I pointed out we
rented a furnished fully equipped apartment so that
we did not have to worry about these things. I fully
accept replacing light bulbs, paint touch-up and
similar or if damage or breakage is due to misuse
we must pay for it. When I asked she told me a 2
or 3 month tenant would not be expected to pay for
repairs or replacement
of things. When I asked
what the reason was for
expecting us to do so,
her comment was that
the breakdown would be
because of regular use
so we would have to pay
for it.
I am not prepared to
sign the new lease with
this added clause and in
fact I would like the new
lease to put a monetary
value on minor repairs
January 2016
Dear Reader: Your landlord and her/his property
manager are just trying to take advantage of you.
The owner is invariably responsible for fixing or
replacing any and all appliances, as well as anything
other appurtenances included with the rental unit, if
the breakdown results from normal wear and tear;
except if you agree to different contractual terms.
Of course, you are under absolutely no obligation
to agree to any terms different than those in your
original contract.
The tenant is responsible for the replacement of
light bulbs, duplicate keys and similar expenses,
and to restore any damages caused by his/her
negligence or abuse. The rest of the maintenance
of a rental unit and its appurtenances correspond
to the owner, unless otherwise specified in the
contract.
It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain all
those appurtenances in good working order.
The lease clause stating that you must vacate
once the contract expires is not enforceable if you
want to stay under the exact same terms of your
current contract.
If it were me, and as long I hadn’t been two months
or longer in arrears, I would simply tell the owner,
his daughter and/or the property manager that s/he
can duplicate the current contract reflecting the new
dates in the new one, or I’d go without a contract
for the following year, and the one after that... ad
infinitum. They have no recourse.
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 is the premiere wireless high-speed
Internet provider in Puerto Vallarta. For Internet service,
you can reach Luis at: [email protected]
Real Estate
VIEWPOINT
By
Harriet Murray
[email protected]
A reader sent this report from the website www.numbeo.com This
comparison is for life style while renting. You can use the monthly rental
payment as a guide for a mortgage payment, depending on the down payment.
Cost of living comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles, CA
You would need around USD $5,170.35$ (89,730.89 Pesos) in Los Angeles,
CA to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 31,000.
Pesos in Puerto Vallarta (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation
uses our Consumer Prices Including Rent Index to compare cost of living.
This assumes net earnings (after income tax).
January 2016
375 33
34 375
Calendar / Directories
January 2016
Calendar / Directories
375 35
International Friendship Club
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
Airline Directory
AEROTRON
226-8440
AIR CANADA 01 800 719-2827
AIR TRANSAT 01 800 900-1431
ALASKA
01 800 252-7522
AMERICAN
01 800 904-6000
CONTINENTAL
See United
DELTA 01 800 266-0046
FRONTIER
01 800 432-1359
INTERJET
01 800 011-2345
SUN COUNTRY 01 800 924-6184
UNITED
01 800 864-8331
US AIRWAYS 01 800 428-4322
AEROMEXICO 01 800 021-4000
SOUTHWEST 01 800 435 9792
MONDAY
Bridge Lessons - (Starting
Dec. 14) 9 a.m. free to members.
Guests $50 pesos.
Spanish Lessons - Intermediate
1, Intermediate 2, Advanced,
Tourist Spanish.
Go to IFCvallarta.com activities
calendar for class times & details.
TUESDAY
Tourist Spanish.
Home Tours depart Sea Monkey
at 10:30. See ad in this issue
for details.
WEDNESDAY
Home Tours depart Sea Monkey
at 10:30. See ad in this issue
for details.
THURSDAY
Tourist Spanish.
FRIDAY
Social Bridge - 2 to 5 p.m.
Free for members.
Guests $50 pesos.
Social Hour - 5 to 6 p.m.
SATURDAY
Mindful Meditation - 9:15
to 10:15 with Dan Grippo.
Free-will donation to the IFC.
Dharma Yoga - 10:30-11:15
a.m. No prior training necessary.
Chairs provided or bring a mat.
Voluntary donation of $50 pesos
minimum requested.
Solution to Sudoku on page 39
The IFC (International
Friendship Club) is located on
Insurgentes above the HSBC
by the northbound bridge
January 2016
Solution to crossword on page 39
Fish Tales
36 375
Fishing spreads out, warm water
to California, Jacks take over the Bay
By
As
Stan Gabruk
we all welcome the New
Year we see our World Class Fishing
Grounds move into ¨neutral¨ for lack
of a better description. Normally at
this time of the year we see water
temperatures drop sharply forcing
our Billfish, Dorado and Yellowfin
Tuna out of the area without as much
as a ¨Good Bye¨. This year things
are going to be a little different.
With water temperatures still at the
80-degree mark, we find we still
have a fair amount of Marlin and
Dorado cruising the area. We won’t
complain about these conditions, the
only thing is, this normal cold water
conditions act as a barrier keeping
fish from ¨wandering¨ north. This is
not the case at the moment. So what
does this mean? Well, these ¨fish¨
move and they move erratically. For
now, they’re moving up the coast
and out to sea. Basically our fishing
grounds are ¨spreading out¨ and we
can’t do a thing to stop it. The good
news is we still have great fishing.
The active word being ¨fishing¨.
Lately I’ve heard people say things
like ¨Fishing is not catching.¨ Well,
friends, when it comes to fishing, you
take the good with the bad. Fishing
is fishing and we do all we can to
(Owner of Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle)
coax these finicky finned creatures
to take a bait. But first they have to
be there to coax. So it’s wide open
out there, the more time you give
yourself the better you’ll find the
¨fishing¨. For the jaded, the fishing
is not automatic. For the tourist,
you’d be better off taking a series of
days fishing or not go at all. It’s a
risk sport, amigos, Fishing is Fishing
and Fishing is never perfect. Having
said that, give yourself some time,
you’ll catch fish.
Corbeteña is still the place to be.
Located 35 miles out of Puerto Vallarta,
the ¨Rock¨ has seen most of the larger
Bottle Nose Dolphin (Flipper) move
out and this means you can actually get
a bait to a potential hook-up candidate.
With Marlin to 600 lbs., Sailfish at
tournament winning size of over 100
lbs. and Dorado in the 35 to 60-lb
range, this is about as good as it gets.
You may ask about Yellowfin Tuna,
nothing, not even footballs. There
are still Wahoo in the 60-lb range,
but again a non-schooling species is
hard to target. Do you feel lucky? El
Banco, nobody but nobody has hit
this normally producing area. For
now it’s best to keep your attention
focused on Corbeteña.
Your second best fishing bet is the
point of Punta Mita. Ever since
the long liners bugged out, the area
has been producing well. I wouldn’t
say it exploded, but six to ten miles
off the point there are Blue Marlin
taking baits if they see it. With
high visibility blue water, seeing a
bait is not an issue. What has been
surprising is the lack of bait and we
still have fish in the area. So lures
have been filling the gap nicely. For
those with a full array of colors, the
ones you’ll want to start with are
the green and yellow combinations,
Dorado mimics. Blue with silver
spots is also a great second choice
and of course anything with purple in
it will also be a good place to begin.
Boats with limited equipment will
find catching fish almost impossible.
Make sure you have plenty of live
bait in the morning to make sure you
give yourself the best opportunity to
boat something impressive.
The Marieta Islands are less than
disappointing and have been all
summer. I can’t tell you what the deal
is there, but it’s not happening. With
their fill of Bonito to 35 lbs., Jack
Crevalls to 50 lbs., Skip Jack Tunas,
Sierra Mackerel to 25 lbs. (good size
for Sierras), Needle Fish, a mix of
other reef fish and maybe, maybe, a
Sailfish. I can’t recommend this area
since you can get the same species
inside the bay.
January 2016
Which brings us to inside the bay.
Billions of Jack Crevalle around
the Nuevo Vallarta area in the 35lb range are great arm burners, but
not great tasting, always a downside.
My national friends can make them
palatable, but don’t try it yourself.
Bonito to 35 lbs., Needle fish to 40 lbs.
and possible larger. False Marlin are
the nick name of these fish and while
weird looking, they are good eating
and a fun fight. Skip Jack Tuna, with
some luck they’re still boating Sailfish
around the La Cruz Area and off the
rocks of Los Arcos and Dorado, yes,
Dorado in the bay. Short day trips can
pay off nicely and not hurt the wallet
too badly! All sort of action in the bay,
on a budget it’s a great option.
The bite is moving a little later in
the morning now so be where you want
to fish by 8 o’clock in the a.m. Lures
are working very well with sparse bait,
use Green with Yellow, Blue with silver
dots or lures with purple combinations,
petroleros are a good start. You’ll need
a full array of colors with bait not so
abundant. Remember this when renting
a charter boat. Shared boats for 8
hours targeting Dorado has been very
popular! Just fire me an email so I know
when you’ll be here and we’ll do the
rest. The Downtown Store on Basilio
Badillo and Insurgentes is open for
High Season. Call Chris (manager) at
(044) 322 112-9558 for fishing, tours
or T-shirts, amigo. I am still in Marina
Vallarta so take your pick. YeeHa!
Until next time, don’t forget to
¨Kiss Your Fish¨. . .
Master Baiter’s is located in
Marina Vallarta between docks
A and B on the boardwalk. Email
your questions to me at: CatchFish@
MasterBaiters.com.mx
Web
page:
www.MasterBaiters.com.
mx Local Phone at: (044) 322 7797571 or if roaming: 011 521 322
779-7571 cell phone direct. Come
like me on 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
Tech News Round-up…
F
irst up, I’d like to add an
important point that I forgot to
mention at the end of the last topic
of last week’s article. The topic
was why it’s important to keep your
online Email recovery info current
(contact phone number and alternate
email address). It’s not just to get
you back into your email account if
your password gets hacked, but also is
often required when you log into your
email account for the first time from
an “unknown” device.
This “two step” login is common
now with Hotmail, Yahoo and
sometimes Gmail, to prevent
unauthorized access to your email
account. You may need your contact
info to be current if you need to log
into your account from a friend’s
computer, a cyber café or even when
you try to login to your email for the
first time after buying a new computer.
So better safe than sorry, take 5
minutes and go into the settings
of your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail
account and check that the phone
number and alternate email address
you have registered, is current and
correct. A few minutes of your time
now, can avoid hours of stress later.
On a related item, often when an
unknown device has attempted to or
even logged into your email account
for the first time, an email gets sent to
alert you of this activity.
Well, Microsoft has taken that a
level higher. Microsoft announced this
past week that they will now advise
clients if it suspects that a government
organization is attempting to hack
into your account!!
I would have thought that this would
fall into the regular alerts issued when
hacking attempts have taken place.
But for them to basically feel the
need to create a whole new category
of hacking alerts - state sponsored, is
unnerving to say the least.
So don’t worry… if Kim Jong-un,
Vladimir Putin, or even Uncle Sam
try to get into your top secret emails,
Microsoft will let now let you know.
Now on to another topic that I
get asked about fairly regularly downloading TV shows and movies
from torrents.
Well, my official standard “cover
my butt answer” is that downloading
music, TV episodes and movies from
non-authorized distribution is still
illegal.
Having said that, we don’t hear
much from TV networks, movie
studios and producers, screaming
about online piracy like we did 5 years
ago. They seem to be realizing that
there’s very little they can actually do
about it and after all it shows interest
in their shows or movies!
Some of the producers of TV shows
even wear being top pirated shows as
a badge of honor. “Game of Thrones”
was the top pirated show in 2015 and
what is surprising is that in an age
where there are so many easy and
legal streaming options, piracy of
the show isn’t slowing down and it’s
actually skyrocketing.
Despite piracy climbing, Netflix
(easily the largest legal service) had a
good 2015. In July, the company said
it had 41 million paying subscribers
in the US, up from the 35 million
a year ago. Many TV networks
have also made TV episodes free to
stream online, by just logging in with
your cable company account info to
validate your paid for it somewhere,
but “piracy” is still climbing year
after year.
In 2015, “Game of Thrones” was
illegally downloaded over 14 million
times per episode while “official”
viewing numbers were 8 million
viewers per episode. Other top
pirated TV shows in 2015 were: The
Walking Dead (7 million per episode)
and The Big Bang Theory (4.5 million
per episode). On the movie side, the
most pirated movies of 2015 were:
Interstellar (47 million), Fast &
Furious 7 (45 million), Jurassic World
January 2016
375
37
(37 million) and even 50 Shades of
Grey (32 million).
After Napster and other piracy
sources where shut down, many
predicted the end of piracy - but it’s
evident, it was anything but the end.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see in the
future, some sort of incorporation
of these unauthorized download
numbers, worked into the mainstream
viewing number counts. But for
now… it is still “illegal” to download
and watch this way.
Today, most producers have
resigned themselves to understand
that piracy can’t be killed, and
that the best way to convert illegal
downloaders to paying customers is
just to make sure they fine tune their
own streaming services to be easy to
use and as cheap as possible.
That’s all my time for now. If
you’d like to download this article
or previous ones, you can do so at
www.RonnieBravo.com and click
on “articles”. See you again next
week... until then, remember: only
safe Internet!
Ronnie Bravo
Ron can be found at CANMEX Computers.
Sales, Repairs, Data Recovery,
Networking, Wi-Fi, Hardware upgrades,
Graphic Design, House-calls available.
www.RonnieBravo.com
Cellular 044-322-157-0688 or just
email to [email protected]
Nature’s World
38 375
Planting Roots
in Mexico
By
Tommy Clarkson
Pineapples
Ananas comosus
Family: Bromeliaceae
T
oday the most popular of tropical
fruits, the pineapple, is a symbol of
hospitality and of being welcomed to
one’s home!
Growing a pineapple (or several)
is easy. In fact, in various stages of
maturation, we’ve several thriving
around our gardens.
They’re
attractive and provide sweet edible
delights that you won’t get from
chewing on a Tumbleweed (Russian
Thistle). (But, I remember from my
youth that the small sprouts of this
latter named weed is actually good
eating! However, I digress and that’s
an altogether different story. If you
come visit us, I’ll tell you all about
that “rolling vegetable of the plains”!)
But, returning to our subject plant,
first some trivia. Going back as far as
1398, the English word pineapple had
been used to describe the reproductive
organs of conifer trees - what we call
pine cones. Because of this tropical
fruit’s similarity in appearance to
them – when European explorers
came upon the plant initially – in its
native area of Paraguay and southern
Brazil - they called the fruit (and
plant) pineapples. During his second
voyage to “this side of the pond”
in 1493, Columbus was introduced
to the pineapple on the Island of
Guadeloupe.
So enthralled was
he with them that he returned with
several as gifts for the Spanish Royal
family and the Spanish court.
The pineapple is an “herbaceous”
(one whose leaves and stems – at the
end of its growing season – die down
to the ground) “perennial” plant (lives
more than two years). They can grow
to anywhere between 3-½ to 5 feet
(1 – 1½ meters) tall. Surrounding
its thick stem grow thirty or more
sharply pointed, trough-shaped
leaves ranging from 1.3 to 3 feet (30
to 100 centimeters) long.
Where might one plant them? Well,
they are equally easy to grow (with
lots of sun) inside in a pot or outside,
either in a pot or in the ground.
Its unique looking fruit is actually
100-200 tiny, individual, berry-like
fruitlets that are helically-arranged,
producing what appears to us to be
but a single. Interestingly, they are
arranged in two interlocking helices,
eight in one direction, thirteen in the
other, each being a Fibonacci number
(sequences that appear naturally in
biological settings and which are also
used in financial market analysis and
in computer algorithms!)
Pineapples contain the enzyme
bromelain that breaks down protein.
(This is why fresh pineapple can’t
be used in gelatin desserts and
makes a good natural tenderizer for
meat.) As a result, eating pineapple
might, slightly, reduce our ability
to coagulate blood.
Thus, raw
pineapples shouldn’t be consumed by
those with hemophilia or those with
kidney or liver disease.
However, this enzyme reduces
the risk of coronary heart disease
as it inhibits clot formation and
breaks down the plaque build up
in the arteries. It also reduces pain,
swellings, rheumatoid arthritis, joint
inflammations, serves as a digestive
enzyme, heals gastric ulcers and acts
as an appetite suppressant. It aids
the absorption of drugs and enhances
the access of various antibiotics.
And also it helps clear bronchial
Look close for some
unexpected beauty.
Yep. Pineapples are - quite
possibly - the ultimate bromeliad!
“St. Michael”, “Kona Sugarloaf”,
“Natal Queen”, “Pernambuco” and
“Variegated” that is a variety where
both the skin and the flesh are an
“albino” white and sweet as honey.
Here, we also have three varieties
of the dwarf pineapples. The favorite
of which, for most visitors, seems
to be the Miniature Pink (Ananas
nanus).
(Ánanas Princeís the
commercial name of the ornamental
dwarf produced by the Brazilian
company Qflores.) Beyond their
attractiveness atop plants in the
garden they can also be incorporated
into flower arrangements or even as
exotic drink stirrers!
While subject to a variety of
diseases, the most serious is wilt
disease resulting from mealybugs.
So keep an eye out for these pesky
critters on the surface of pineapples
or inside the closed blossom cups.
When choosing a pineapple, pick
one that seems heavy for its size. To
test for ripeness, pull at one of the
bottom leaves. If it comes out easily,
it is ripe. And if growing them, don’t
pick them while they are still green.
How can you plant your own? It’s
ridiculously easy. The internet has
many sites that will show you how in
plain and simple detail … or simply
e-mail me at either olabrisa@gmail.
com or [email protected]!
Tommy Clarkson
Isn’t nature amazing?
conditions and provides relief in
sinusitis and headache! Some pretty
good peripheral aspects to eating
them, huh?
There are numerous varieties of
pineapples including “Red Spanish”,
“Queen”,
“Hilo”,
“Golden”,
“Smooth Cayenne”, “Cherimoya”,
January 2016
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
https://www.facebook.com/
olabrisagardens?ref=hl
Brain Teasers
375 39
The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle
by Myles Callum / Will Shortz ©New York Times
Solution to Crossword
on Page 35
SUDOKU!
Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle.
The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each row,
column and group of squares enclosed by the bold lines (also called a box). Each
box must contain each number only once, starting with various digits given in some
cells (the “givens”). Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of
each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience.
It is recommended as therapy because some studies have suggested they might
improve memory, attention and problem solving while staving off mental decline
and perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Solution to Sudoku on Page 35
January 2016
375
January 2016

www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 375 Saturday 9 to Friday 15 January

Transcription

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