El Ojo del Mar - February 2011

Saw you in the Ojo

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

Saw you in the Ojo

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Richard Tingen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alejandro Grattan-Domínguez Tel: (01376) 765 3676, 765 2877 Fax: (01376) 765 3528 Associate Publisher David Tingen Graphic Design Roberto C. Rojas Jazmin Eliosa Special Events Editor Kay Davis Associate Editor Jim Tipton Contributing Editor Paul Jackson Contributing Editor Mark Sconce Drama Critic Michael Warren Art Critic Rob Mohr Staff Photographer Xill Fessenden Sales Manager Tania Medina (045) 33 1140 3570 ojodelago@gmail.com Office Secretary Iliana Oregel ADVERTISING OFFICE Av. Hidalgo # 223, Chapala Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm Sat. 9am - 1pm Tel. 01 (376) 765 2877, 765 3676 Fax 01 (376) 765 3528 Send all correspondence, subscriptions or advertising to: El Ojo del Lago http://www.chapala.com ojodellago@prodigy.net.mx Ave. Hidalgo 223 (or Apartado 279), 45900 Chapala, Jalisco Tels.: (376) 765 3676, Fax 765 3528 PRINTING: El Debate

Index...

FEATURE ARTICLES

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COVER STORY

Rick Rhoda writes about the amazing economic financial recovery that Mexico has made since the “lost decade” of the 1980s. Mexico, folks, is no longer a Third World country!

8 Cover by Jay Koppelman

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HUMAN INTEREST

Carol Bowman was in Israel not long ago and while visiting the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem was startled to meet a woman who had been a childhood friend of Anne Frank, a young women who name still evokes painful memories.

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HUMOR

Gail Nott thought that retiring to Mexico would keep her hidden from certain distant relatives back up in the US. But with Internet, no such luck.

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LOCAL COLOR

Catherine MacKenzie, a newcomer to Mexico, has penned a poem about the many wonderful things to see and feel in Ajiic, some of which have lost a bit of their luster to those of us who have been here for some time.

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PROFILE

Kay Davis profiles Shirley Applebaum, a Lady of the Theater, who has quickly made a stellar reputation here at Lakeside by directing such hits at the LLT as the recent, highly-successful Blithe Spirit.

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MEXICAN DELIGHTS

Ed Tasca ties together one of the biggest yearly events at Lakeside, the Northern Light Musical Festival, with the 2011 Pan American Games’ Festival Overture right here in Ajijic.

El Ojo del Lago aparece los primeros cinco días de cada mes. (Out over the first five days of each month) Certificado de Licitud de Título 3693 Certificado de Licitud de Contenido 3117.

Reserva al Título de Derechos de Autor 04-2007-111412131300-102 Control 14301. Permisos otorgados por la Secretaría de Gobernación (EXP. 1/432 “88”/5651 de 2 de junio de 1993) y SEP (Reserva 171.94 control 14301) del 15 de enero de 1994.

Distribución: Hidalgo 223 Chapala, Jalisco, México.

All contents are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of El Ojo del Lago. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or the Editor, nor are we responsible for the claims made by our advertisers. We welcome letters, which should include name, address and telephone number.

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COVER STORY

PUBLISHER

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

COLUMNS THIS MONTH 6 7 10 12 13 16 18 20 24 30 32 40 42 46 48 52 54 58 60 66 72

Editor’s Page Faith & Fables Bridge by the Lake Uncommon Sense Joyful Musings Thunder on Right Wondrous Wildlife This World of Ours Gringas & Guacamole Hearts at Work Welcome to Mexico Lakeside Living Magnificent Mexico Front Row Center Anita’s Animals Stay Healthy Viva Vida Loca Focus on Art Child of Month New Lease on Life LCS Newsletter

LAKESIDE LIVING

 DIRE C TOR Y 

40 MAGNIFICENT MEXICO

VOLUME 27 NUMBER 6

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Editor’s Page

By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez

An Astounding Man in an Astounding Century

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ost people know about T.E. Lawrence because of David Lean’s masterful movie, Lawrence of Arabia. What many may not know is that Lean could have made three movies about Lawrence and had plenty of material left over.

Briefly put: Lawrence was the illegitimate son of a British aristocrat. Enlisting in the British Army, he became the leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks in the First World War. Afterward, seeking anonymity, he re-enlisted in the army as a lowly private and later was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Along the way, Lawrence’s daring exploits in the desert brought him the respect and adulation of the British and the deep gratitude of the Arab world.

In time, the famous journalist Lowell Thomas would make him known to millions of people in every corner of the globe.

Lawrence had everything a handsome, charismatic military man should have—except height. He was only five foot four (something Lean would fix by casting the six-foot, two-inch Peter O’Toole in the movie). Lawrence was, however, far more than a brilliant tactician and fearless leader. He was also a great writer. His Seven Pillars of Wisdom, an account of the Arab Revolt, is regarded one of the best books ever written on the merciless art of war. Less known is the fact that he was a visionary diplomat, and was partially responsible for redrawing the map of the Middle East (including Iraq) after the First World War. Beyond that, he was a highly skilled archeologist, photographer and mapmaker—as well as a talented novelist and fine translator, whose version of Homer’s Odyssey is very highly regarded.

He was also an innovative engineer, his design of small boats laying the groundwork for the famous PT boats in World War II. Now comes the more mysterious part. In David Lean’s movie, the curve of Lawrence’s career steadily climbs until Lawrence is captured (incognito) by the Turks and held for a brief time; thereafter, the curve heads precipitously downward. By dramaturgical definition, whatever lies at that pivot point is the key to the drama.

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Wh W hen n tthe h fi he filllm m fi firs rrst rs st ca ccame mee o u iin ut n 1962, 19 962 2 When out that point was glossed over, somewhat hamstringing an otherwise monumental motion picture. Only 17 years later, when the movie was re-released, did previously deleted footage appear which went far to explain the inexplicable downward spiral.

Lawrence had been tortured and sodomized by the Turks—and to his great disgust and horror realized that he had enjoyed the experience. Before that (and not unlike many other famous men), he had believed most of his fawning publicity and must have felt himself a jaguar among jackals--though by this time, he also felt that he had compromised the Arab cause by hewing too closely to the British colonist mind-set.

Those twin realizations shattered his heroic self-image.

Thereafter, Lawrence became masochistic and self-destructive. When his memoir became a best-seller, he paid a soldier to whip him in atonement. Even his fatal “accident” might not have been an accident at all. He was known for racing his motorcycle at breakneck speeds that might have been survivable on a race track but were no match for a winding country road. Trying to avoid running into a flock of sheep, he did indeed break his neck.

More than 100 books have been written about Lawrence, including three published before his death—with many biographers grappling with an intriguing question: what is the ultimate price of heroism to the hero?

Alejandro Grattan

OF FAITH AND FABLES

By Bob Haynes bzhaynes@gmail.com bzhaynes@gmail.co m

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N ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE AFFECTS OUR ALTITUDE…LET THE BATTLE BEGIN! I read the following the other day and would like to share with you.

Eleanor Roosevelt wrote.... “You gain the strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Of course, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Brian Tracy, an expert in maintaining a positive attitude, once wrote: “We are all faced with four obstacles that tend to get in the way of our maintaining a Positive Mental Attitude. These obstacles are fear, worry, anger and doubt. When things are not working out as we expected, our immediate response is to become fearful and uneasy.”

I find that my circumstance today is exactly what Eleanor and Brian were talking about. Faced with the news of a new cancer tumor found in my last PET scan, I was once again at square one in confronting a new crossroads requiring some form of action or inaction.

So, things had not worked out as I had planned and my immediate response was fear that the entire fight that I had undergone had not been successful. However, I simply could not let myself spend time thinking of my efforts and my treatment as useless.

Therefore, I had to take charge of my “attitude” in order to elevate my “altitude” in terms of looking at the accomplishments resulting from my six-month ordeal. Those who have not experienced the trauma of chemotherapy and/or radiation and their effects will no doubt have difficulty understanding the depth of overcoming cancer as an adversary, but believe me when I say cancer is a formidable adversary.

As Brian Tracy wrote, “The only real antidote to fear, worry, anger and doubt is positive action toward the achievement of some worthwhile ideal.” His words reminded me that psychologists say that the key to dealing effectively with life is what they call the “cognitive control method” which says that you can really think about, and concentrate on, only one thing at a time, either positive or negative. In my case, the choice was clear. I had to decide to concentrate on the positives

of my circumstance and they are numerous. Doing so would allow me to rid myself of doubt.

So I looked at the fact that I was still here, I was breathing easier, that no cancer was presently active in my lungs, and that a massive tumor some four and a half inches in diameter had been reduced to zero. In fact, the only negative I received from chemo and radiation treatments was that one or more individual cancer cells were able to break away and find their way into my blood stream.

Other great positives included the fact that my columns are still being read and that I was getting positive responses from a number of readers that they had been helpful. Thus, I concluded, my work is not yet done.

I carry in my billfold a small card with the title “Principles of Attitudinal Healing.” As I glanced at this card today I found this quote: “Health is inner peace. Healing is letting go of fear.” So my response is “Let round two of this battle begin” because I will have an attitude of gratitude and a positive approach to overcome my fears and doubts.

In closing I’d like to once again use the conversation between “Pooh” and “Piglet” in order for us to totally understand A.A. Milne’s meaning. “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh!” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?” “Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.” Shalom!

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Mexico’s Leapfrog Into The 21st Century

By Richard Rhoda, PHD

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fter the fifty year “Mexican Miracle” of unprecedented economic growth and low inflation, the country struggled for a couple decades before leapfrogging into the 21st century as a relatively modern democracy with a stable economy. Plunging oil prices contributed to the “lost decade” of the 1980s evidenced by 500% peso devaluation, suspended debt payments, nationalized banks, and annual inflation over 100%.

The image of the Partido Revolucionario Insititucional (PRI), the hegemonic controlling political party, was seriously damaged by economic stagnation, its weak response to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake (which took up to 10,000 lives) and its blatant theft of the 1988 Presidential Election from PRI defector Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas.

To curb inflation in the early 1990’s President Salinas introduced strict price controls and borrowed heavily at high interest rates to support a fixed exchange rate. Mexico used up almost half its foreign exchange reserves buying pesos to prop up its currency.

The peso soon became severely overvalued. The January 1994 Zapatistas rebellion in Chiapas was brutally put down, infuriating many Mexicans and leading to giant protest demonstrations against PRI. Liberation Theology was gaining strength and blaming PRI for human rights abuses as well as the impoverishment of the Mexican people.

Many Mexicans believe that members of PRI were involved in the March 1994 assassination of PRI Presidential candidate, Donaldo Colosio. To improve PRI’s corrupt image, Salinas bypassed old-line PRI political hacks and selected a “clean” replacement Ernesto Zedillo, Colosio’s campaign manager, a Yale PhD technocrat with working class roots, who had never held elected office.

After teaching economics for a few years, Zedillo joined the Bank of Mexico where he quickly gained recognition as a rising star and staunch free trade advocate. In 1988 he joined the PRI administration as Minister of Planning and Budget; four years later he became Minister of Education. Zedillo had a reputation as a rather dull bureaucrat, but proved to be an effective campaigner. He easily won the August 1994 election.

Upon assuming office in December

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Former President Ernesto Zedillo 1994 Zedillo faced a severe economic crisis characterized by loss of investor confidence, a deep recession, hyperinflation and soaring interest rates. He floated the peso, which crashed to almost half its previous value; this alienated domestic and foreign investors.

The crisis was eased by a very controversial $48 billion bailout loan orchestrated behind closed doors by President Bill Clinton and Commerce Secretary Robert Rubin. Unable to gain Congressional approval, Clinton came up with $20 billion within his emergency authority and wrangled another $28 billion from the IMF and international bodies. The bailout required very onerous austerity measures - 50% income tax hike, reduced public spending, and privatizing some state-owned enterprises.

President Zedillo effectively implemented these reforms knowing they were the best for Mexico, though they seriously hurt his public popularity.

The bailout reforms succeeded; the economy stabilized and growth accelerated. Mexico repaid the bail-out loan before its due date.

In addition Zedillo signed free trade agreements with thirty-two countries, making Mexico a clear world leader in economic globalization. He also initiated several social reforms such as the very successful national ProgresaOportunidades poverty program.

Political reform and rooting out corruption were high priorities. Zedillo appointed an opposition PAN party Attorney General and instructed him to aggressively prosecute PRI corruption.

He replaced the entire Supreme Court which became another anti-corruption force. Zedillo also terminated the practice of using government agencies and revenues to support PRI priorities.

Zedillo initiated multiparty talks on political reform. He transferred power away from his own office, the

Presidency, and toward Mexico’s legislature, the judiciary and the 32 states.

He reformed the election process to increase transparency and to have voters, instead of the President, select PRI Presidential candidates and the Mayor of Mexico City. He also loosened the PRI government’s grip on the media opening the door to more objective political reporting.

The reforms brought dramatic change to national, state and local elections in July 1997. Opposition party candidates swept several state governorships and the important mayorship of Mexico City. PRI lost control of the Chamber of Deputies for the first time in over 65 years. In short, Zedillo’s reforms drove a powerful wedge between PRI and the Government of Mexico; the two were perceived as almost synonymous in preceding decades.

The Zedillo reforms contributed to the election of PAN’s Vicente Fox as President in July 2000. Finally, after 70 years of PRI hegemony1, Mexicans celebrated their real democracy. Presidents Fox and Calderon of PAN have not been able to continue Zedillo’s reform agenda because PAN does not control Congress, demonstrating Mexico’s real separation of governmental powers. The Zedillo Administration

reforms leapfrogged Mexico from an economically unstable, single party state to a relatively modern 21st century multiparty democracy2.

President Zedillo is distinguished from his predecessors by his integrity, vision, and for doing what was best for Mexico, not for himself, his cronies, or his political party. He was and is an inspiration to his country and the world.

We all owe him a great debt of gratitude for making Mexico a far better place. Ernesto Zedillo deserves to be a serious candidate for Secretary General of the United Nations3.

(Endnotes) 1 See chapter 12 of Geo-Mexico: the Geography and Dynamics of Modern Mexico, Richard Rhoda and Tony Burton, 2010, Ladysmith, B.C. Canada. http://geo-mexico.com. For sale in Ajijic, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.

2 A century earlier, the industrialization and modernization reforms of controversial dictator Porfirio Diaz leapfrogged Mexico into the 20th century.

3 After leaving office, Zedillo held a senior UN position, is Director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization and services on the Board of Directors for many multinational corporations.

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BRIDGE B RIDGE B BY Y THE THE LAKE LAKE

By Ken Masson

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he Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club in Riberas began a mentoring program in 2010 that has proven to be a very worthwhile initiative. On two Mondays each month the regular duplicate game is replaced by one where each partnership consists of one experienced player and one who is newer to the game.

While still competitive, the game is played at a more relaxed pace than usual and the mentors are encouraged to let their partners know after the hand is completed where they believe improvements could be made in their bidding, declarer play or defense. One strict rule, though, is that a mentor in one partnership should never give advice to a mentee in another, unless requested! Partnerships can be arranged in advance or individual players can go to the club and be assigned to an appropriate partner.

This month’s deal occurred at a mentoring game and the mentee (South) learned a lesson that most of us could benefit from: when playing a hand, keep your opponents guessing as long as possible as to your distribution and strength.

The bidding was short and sweet as North-South reached their optimum contract in three bids. East led the diamond 10 and declarer quickly went about his business, winning the ace in hand and returning to the dummy with the diamond king. South now called for a low heart and covered East’s 8 with the king which won the trick. Declarer next cashed the club king and played another club to dummy’s jack and East’s queen.

At this point East paused to re-

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flect on what he knew about South’s hand: declarer had shown up with the diamond ace, the club king, the heart king (and apparently the heart ace as there would have been little point in West holding up that card when the king had been played). The likelihood was that South had a weak holding in spades as he had not tried for slam so mentor East switched to a low spade.

The defense promptly cashed 3 spades to hold declarer to a total of 9 tricks and a top board for East-West as every other North-South made at least 10 tricks.

So where did declarer go wrong?

He started off correctly by winning the opening lead in hand with the ace to ensure the suit did not block (play the high card from the short side first).

Next he should have come to the club king and finessed dummy’s jack before touching the heart suit. This play would have fulfilled the same function but would have left the defense in the dark about the heart suit.

Now put yourself in East’s shoes when he won the club queen and had to decide what card to play next.

Wouldn’t the jack of hearts have been your choice?

The mentoring program is a great idea and the club executives deserve a round of applause for introducing it. I hope it will continue and that all the club’s experienced players support it to the hilt.

Questions or comments: email: masson.ken@ gmail.com Ken Masson

AB Busy usy T Time ime A At tT The he E End nd O Of fT The he Year Y ear F For or C Cruz ruz R Roja oja ((Red Red C Cross) ross)

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ecember 1, 2010 at Cruz Roja International Volunteers Chapala (CRIVC) General Meeting a New Board was elected. This New Board is made up of all Volunteers.

2011 CRIVC Board: President: Pancho Deriger, Vice President: Debbie Thompson, Treasurer: Raylene Williamson, Secretary: Suzanne Foster PR Director: Megan Tingen, Directors: Donna Shannon and Don Marie Fraser.

Appointees: Past President: Charlie Klestadt, LCS Table Coordinator: June Cooper, Donations Coordinator: (acting) Lori Burnworth New President Pancho Deriger stated even though it was planned in 2010, the first official function for the new board occurred January 1, 2011, The Mexican version of the Second Annual Polar Bear Swim in Lake Chapala.Thirteen brave souls and two dogs entered the water in front of the Beer Garden Restaurant on the Chapala Malecon at 1:00pm staying in the water for 20 minutes, even though there was ice floating around them. Each participant (including two dogs) had sponsors. By the size of the crowd that gathered on the Malecon a lot of sponsors came out to make sure that those that they sponsored went in and stayed in for duration. After the swim, the participants went up onto

The Beer Garden Patio to dry off and enjoy a hot drink.

At 2:00pm at this same location the three winning tickets were drawn from the Polar Bear Raffle that started in November 2010. Three lucky ticket purchasers split $35,000 pesos. These two events raised $208,000 pesos.

This relates to 2/3 of the cost to operate the Ambulances and Clinic for a Month at Lake Side.

Thank you for your support to Cruz Roja (Red Cross) the essential service operating here at Lakeside. “As always the life you save may be your own.�

Saw you in the Ojo 11

UUNCOMMON NCOMMON CCOMMON OMMON SSENSE ENSE

By Bill Frayer billfrayer@gmail.com Words and Violence Bill Frayer y

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am writing this column shortly after the mass murder in Tucson, Arizona which targeted the US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. By now everyone surely knows that former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin used crosshairs to identify a number of Democratic Members of the US Congress, including Ms. Giffords, on her “Sarah-PAC” website during the 2010 campaign. You must also know that last March, Palin invoked a firearms analogy when she addressed a Tea Party rally: “It’s not a time to retreat. It’s a time to reload.”

I do not believe that Ms. Palin focuses on the gun analogies because she literally wants people to shoot their political enemies. Yet, the use of this type of rhetoric does help create a climate of anger and polarization. And I think it can be argued that the incendiary words and images create a media environment which can have an effect on mentally ill individuals who might already be prone to violence.

In the aftermath of the shooting in Arizona, several commentators drew an interesting distinction between what is legal speech under the First Amendment of the US Constitution and what is appropriate political speech. In my opinion, this is an important distinction.

Of course, it’s not just speech which can incite people to violence, but our difficult social problems and specific government policies. Arizona, for example, has been experiencing a good deal of racial tension after the passage of a law requiring that police check the im-

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migration of all individuals stopped by the police for other violations. Ms. Giffords was a vocal opponent of that law.

We live in a society where violence is, unfortunately, relatively common. And the United States, in particular, provides ridiculously easy access to firearms. The mentally-ill perpetrator of the Arizona shooting reportedly was able to buy his Glock handgun easily at a gun dealer in Tucson.

I do not blame Sarah Palin for this shooting, but I do think we need to hold politicians and pundits responsible for their inflammatory rhetoric. The left and right wing in the United States are diametrically opposed to one another, a fact which plays out in the media every day. For their part, cable news and blogs highlight the hateful, controversial words of individuals who make a good living feeding this inferno of anger. Why, because it makes good copy and video which increases the viewership of cable news outlets and, thus, feeds their profits. The public loves to watch anger and violence on television and at the movies. This enthusiasm for conflict spills over into media stories about politics and public affairs.

But, of course, politics is not a sporting event. It is not a war. It is not entertainment. It is, or should be, a method for resolving differences in an organized, civil way. The debates about what laws to pass and what the proper role of government should be are very important and should be treated with the respect they deserve.

Is the media to blame? Yes, and so are we all. Perhaps this level of contentiousness is inevitable with our prolific electronic media and its constant need to produce profits. But something has to change. Do consumers need to demand a more civil debate and boycott the voices of intolerance and hate? Do media outlets need to filter and provide context for inflammatory rhetoric? Do politicians need to put ethics over political expediency by speaking with tolerance and not demonizing those with different points of view? Yes, yes, and yes! What will it take to make this happen?

“A poet’s hope: to be, like some valley cheese, local but prized everywhere.”

W. H. Auden

Joyful Musings

By Joy Birnbach Dunstan, MA, LPC, MAC The Gift of Friendship

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emember Valentine’s Day back in grade school? Everybody made everybody else a Valentine card; everyone received lots of Valentines.

As years passed and we grew older, Valentines became a special card or gift between romantic partners. Oh, how sweet it was to be special to someone else. And how sad we felt if there was no special someone in our life.

Here in Mexico, February 14 is more than a day for romantic partners; it’s also to honor our friends: El Dia del Amor y la Amistad. It’s a great time to show appreciation to all those we care about. And this way, there’s no need to feel left out if you don’t have a significant other. How many people are in your life who might really enjoy a little special something—a card, some flowers— any token that says you care?

The various people in our lives fall into many categories, and each has their own level of closeness and importance. Healthy relationships grow through each level to the next rather than jumping through all levels from the start. Let’s take a look at the four basic levels of relationships.

We all have superficial involvement with a wide variety of people.

These are the folks you run into during the normal routine of your days— your favorite vendor at tianguis, a co-worker where you volunteer, your housekeeper and gardener. Your interaction is casual and talk doesn’t run very deep or personal, yet every one of these people is vital in helping our world go ’round.

A little closer to us are our companions. These are those with whom we enjoy sharing common activities like going shopping, to the movies, or exploring someplace new. The activity is the primary purpose, and while you may enjoy the person’s company, the person is secondary to the activity and could be interchanged for another if he or she becomes unavailable. If the movie is no longer playing or there’s unexpected bad weather, the activity is likely to

be cancelled and you forego your time together for another day.

Deeper yet are true friendships with persons you feel safe enough to share intimate details of your life.

Friends are more important than whatever you do together. If there’s no good movie to watch, you have lunch together instead so you still have time to visit. The activity is secondary to the enjoyment of each other’s company and the mutual support you provide for each other.

A person is fortunate to have more than a very few of these deep true friends in their life.

Out of certain deep friendships can grow romantic love, that special bond between two people that is physical as well as emotional. If sexuality happens too early in a relationship, before the bond of friendship, no matter how special you may think it is, this is only superficial involvement. Healthy romantic relationships emerge out of a foundation of friendship, not hormones.

Problems erupt when these levels are plowed through too quickly.

Sharing your darkest secrets with someone you don’t know well is risky. Heed the wise words of George Washington: “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” It takes understanding, time, and trust to build a deep friendship with someone. It’s not something that develops overnight.

And while you’re passing out those Dia de Amistad remembrances, don’t forget to say a word of gratitude to the person who should be your best friend of all—yourself.

Friendship with oneself is important because without it one cannot be a good friend to anybody else.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Editor’s Note: Joy is a practicing psychotherapist in Riberas. She can be contacted at joy@dunstan.org or 765-4988

Saw you in the Ojo 13

Meeting Anne Frank’s Childhood Friend

By Carol L. Bowman

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ighty-two year old Hanneli Pick-Goslar introduced herself but her identity remained a mystery to the sixteen Overseas Adventure travelers seated in a small room at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel.

Mouths fell agape and ears perked up when she uttered her Hanneli Pick-Goslar, childhood friend of Anne Frank first sentence; “Anne Frank and I were childhood friends.” reflections of this living Holocaust surviA hush, a reverence, the power of vor. name recognition stunned the group The Frank family retreated to Amsteramid whispers, “Anne Frank- she knew dam in 1934, to escape the onset of JewAnne Frank.” As a teenager, Ms. Goslar ish repression in Germany. The Goslars, struggled for her own survival during feeling similar tension in Berlin, moved detention at Westerbork labor camp to Amsterdam that same year, but with and Bergen Belsen concentration camp, an ironic twist. yet her story has been blurred by the Hanneli’s father, Hans Goslar, worked shadow of Anne Frank for 60 + years. as Berlin’s Deputy Minister of Domestic I strived, with all my literary might, Affairs. After Adolph Hitler’s election as to view her friendship with Anne as secChancellor of Germany in 1933, Mr. Goondary, even though The Diary of Anne slar lost this high position. He accepted Frank remains forever, a chilling testiemployment in England and moved the monial. I refocused my attention on the family there, but then refused the terms

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of the job, which required work on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath. Mr. Goslar’s decision to move the family to Amsterdam changed their lives forever.

Hanneli and Anne met in an Amsterdam grocery store, shopping with their mothers. Unable to speak Dutch, hearing familiar German provided relief for the girls. “The next day, the first day of kindergarten, when I saw Anne in my class, we just ran into each other’s arms and that was the beginning of our friendship,” Hanneli told the group.

“The Franks lived next door to us,” she continued. “I remember the birthday when Anne received her diary. She wrote in it all the time in school in between lessons. When someone would ask her what she was writing, she would say ‘It’s none of your business.’ My mother always called Anna a spicy little girl and said many times, ‘God knows everything, but Anna knows everything better.’”

In 1942, the Frank family disappeared, leaving word that they had moved to Switzerland. Hanneli, saddened that Anne left without saying good-bye, never knew that her friend was hiding in Amsterdam. No one knew.

Times worsened in Holland for Jews.

Hanneli remembered laws forbidding them to sit on park benches or to listen to the BBC on the radio. Nazis confiscated their bicycles.

Through German connections, Hanneli’s father obtained Paraguayan passports for the family, which along with Mr. Goslar’s past position, provided the family with a reprieve. However, in June, 1943, after Hanneli’s mother died during the still birth of her third child, the SS arrested Hanneli, now 14, her younger sister, father and grandparents.

At Westerbork Camp in Holland, the family’s status, foreign passports and inclusion on a list of Jews scheduled for transfer to Palestine, saved them from shaved heads, numbered forearm tattoos or confiscation of personal belongings. Hanneli revealed the family’s journey through the camp nightmares

but a rote, emotionally detached quality to her delivery seemed to insulate the opening of old wounds.

Considered “privileged Jews” by the Nazis, the Goslars endured less severe, but still horrific conditions, images she shared with the group. I recommend Hanneli’s book, Reflections of a Childhood Friend, Memories of Anne Frank by Alison Leslie Gold, for her first- hand, dramatic account.

In February, 1945, the Goslars were moved to a separate section of Bergen Belsen Concentration Camp called Alballalager. A barbed wire fence separated these Jews, potential trades for German prisoners of war, from the “unworthy” ones. Anyone initiating personal contact through the fence was shot.

When Hanneli learned that her childhood friend rotted on the other side, she risked her life to see Anne. She threw scraps of bread over the fence to Anne, ill and starving. This would be their final touch of friendship. Anne died from typhoid shortly after the brief reunion.

Three days before the Liberation, in an effort to eliminate evidence of the tragedy, all prisoners at Bergen Belsen were herded into boxcars headed for the gas chamber. When the train finally stopped, Allied soldiers mercifully announced Germany’s surrender. Of the two families, only Hanneli, her sister and Anne’s father, Otto, survived.

Before publishing Anne’s diary, Mr. Frank changed the names within to protect identities. Lies Goosens personified Hanneli. In real life, she immigrated to Palestine in 1947, received training as a pediatric nurse, married, had six children and has lived in Jerusalem ever since.

I asked how she felt about the publicity and recognition Anne Frank received.

“I’m happy that people hear about the Holocaust. I don’t care how. Through Anne, a lot of people learned what the Germans did to the Jewish people,” she said.

I will long remember Hanneli PickGoslar.

Saw you in the Ojo 15

By Paul Jackson paulconradjackson@gmail.com paulconradjackson@gmail.co m

Paul Jackson

I

t has now been five decades since Liberal Prime Minister Lester Pearson bribed or diplomatically bullied Canadian provinces to accept a universal health care system in which every resident is covered through the regular federal and provincial taxation.

No, it doesn’t include cosmetic surgery unless such surgery is needed due to a birth defect or industrial accident, yet it does cover both abortions and vasectomies, but neither does it cover dental care, eye care or prescription drugs unless an individual is 65 years of age. Actually, it has covered sex change operations when a psychiatrist has convinced a medical panel such a change is psychologially necessary, even for a prison inmate.

Now, did Pearson—the man President Lyndon Johnson once grabbed by the lapels and shouted a nasty profanity in his face—make any errors when he instituted universal health care and his successors, both Liberal and Conservative ‘enhanced’ it?

Well, yes, they did. I bring this up following last month’s column detailing Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean’s all-out support for Canada’s system, and my own individual positive experiences under it.

Nevertheless, here are some faults: Pearson promised the bulk of the costs would be borne by the federal government but over the years the

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

bulk of the costs has been downloaded to the provinces and now are beginning to take up almost 50% of provincial budgets, hamstringing the provinces to fund other needed non-medical services.

Pearson also basically outlawed private medicare which has resulted in wealthy Canadians who want to jump the line-up for elective surgery such as knee and hip replacements covered under the universal system in Canada, but with waiting lists of two years and more - going to the USA for these treatments. If we had allowed like Britain —a two-tier system, in which everyone has to pay for ‘government’ medicare but could also buy private insurance - the wealthy would spend their dollars in Canada rather than go south.

Initially, too, everyone had to pay monthly premiums directly to their provincial governments but those were eventually judged an unfair tax - a burden for anyone making low or average wages , but nothing to those making more than $100,000 a year, so those were phased out. Hence, people now think medicare is ‘free’ when it isn’t. The heavy tax system kills that idea. Also, initially, there were ‘deterrent user fee’ payments of $5 or $10 to discourage frivolous visits to doctors or hospital emergency rooms. Those were later abolished on the same unfair tax system basis, and in the first 18 months after being abolished visits to doctors and hospi-

tal emergency rooms jumped some 200%. Ailments previously considered menial were now seen as almost deadly serious.

Add to this, in an attempt to control skyrocketing health care costs the Liberal government of Prime Minister Jean Chretien restricted entrance to medical schools, so now Canada is short of roughly 17,000 doctors - on a population basis, that’s basically the equivalent of California being short of 17,000 doctors.

This said, so-called ‘death panels’ in Canada used as propaganda in the U.S. are just nonsense. But

if at 80 years-of-age you expect a heart or liver transplant, forget it.

Give it to the 28-year-old instead, a philosophy I agree with completely.

The errors noted above, and the disgrace of underpaid and overworked doctors and nurses apart, have a heart attack, an industrial accident, get cancer and you will get top-notch treatment overnight.

Bottom line: Even as a Conservative, I say heads-up to Howard Dean, and his assessment, “If you are going to get sick anywhere in North America, then get sick in Canada.” paulconradjackson@gmail.com

Saw you in the Ojo 17

Wondrous Wildlife

By Vern and Lori Gieger

wildlifemexico@wildtravellers.org 765-4916

Team Work

A

s we start off the New Year we would like to thank everyone who has supported us in our wildlife protection events this past year. We are fortunate to have many wonderful volunteers. We would like to welcome a long time friend with a huge heart filled with love and compassion for all animals, Gudrun Jones, to our Board; and thank her for accepting the dogs we have rescued from life threatening situations.

Some special thanks go out to Jeanne Chaussee for being an animal advocate helping spread the word to protect all animals. Lic. Alvaro Becerra, who perhaps is better known for helping lakeside residents with immigration and various legal issues, also has a big soft spot for animals. He has worked with us for the protection of wildlife for several years. Alvaro has assisted several lakeside residents with the required paper work to bring their exotic pets into Mexico safely and legally. Alvaro can be found at LCS on Fridays 11:00 am -2:00pm, or via email alvaro100@ yahoo.com he will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also better known for their other duties our local fire dept. often assists with wildlife and sometimes domestic animal rescues. They are environmentallyconscious and all too familiar with the

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

devastation a fire leaves behind.

Fires and regulations—in urban and residential areas the burning of rubbish and garden debris is prohibited. In rural areas, burning permits are required and must be monitored, as any fire can quickly get out of hand, especially this time of year as vegetation dries out and the winds pick up. Many baby animals are killed, especially baby birds, who are unable to escape the smoke and/or flames.

Working together and planning ahead—often times we don’t consider or want to think about, what would happen to our pets if we suddenly passed away. Everyone should have provisions in place. After the sudden death of a friend, we decided we needed to protect our beloved pets.

For us our New Years resolution was to do just that. Like many Lakesiders, we have more than one dog or cat that a friend would adopt. It is a comfort for us to know that our domestic pets will be lovingly cared for by Gudrun Jones / The Lakeside spay and neuter/ Ranch Adoption Center. It is reassuring to know they are in our post life plan. It is also important to remember that your pets need food, shelter and veterinarian care. Therefore, making financial contributions is equally important and the responsible thing to do. As we well know our eight dogs go through a considerable amount of money; fortunately they don’t ask to borrow the car or require a college education.

Everyone can help protect and preserve our environment and its inhabitants, whether it is preventing a child from killing a snake or from shooting at birds with a slingshot, or rescuing an animal in need of help; it may not change the world, but it will certainly change that animal’s world.

For those who enjoy walking, take a trash bag along, and pick up some trash. We all make a difference, what kind of difference we make is up to us; perhaps by living more simply, all creatures may simply live.

Saw you in the Ojo 19

THIS WORLD of OURS

By Bob Harwood bharwoodb@hotmail.com

America’s Day Of Reckoning

T

ea Party successes brought a new libertarian voice on stage but also reflected anger toward the partisan paralysis in Washington. Obama’s approval rating has since improved as he gave medium-term priority to growth over deficit reduction bartering extending Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest in return for retaining middle-income cuts, extending unemployment insurance benefits, and reducing the Social Security payroll tax by 2%. These stimuli together with those Health Care Reforms effective January 1 will increase household incomes and stimulate private investment immediately.

But more significant longer term was the Debt Commission’s bipartisan report making it clear that America has only postponed its day of reckoning on its unsustainable debt. Massive tax increases and massive spending cuts must be made to achieve smaller, more effective government.

They proposed raising the gasoline tax 15 cents per gallon, a three-year freeze on federal and Congressional salaries, cutting congressional and White House budgets by 15%, and much more. Quite separately the Don’t ask, Don’t tell policy in military service was finally repealed.

All aspects of the American Dream are threatened. With 40,000,000 people living in poverty, America must become more centrist, more egalitarian. Astronomic, open-ended, even legally anonymous, campaign financing is obscene. Rich tax complainers might ponder the ethos of Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and the many billionaires who have agreed to give at least half their wealth to charity. With so many industrial union jobs lost, women are increasingly the primary wage earners. Are privileged middle class unionists becoming obsolete in both domestic and globalized, societies?

Reducing the cost of government will entail huge cuts in the ranks of public sector jobs.

A rampant credit ethos must

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

be rethought, financial regulation strengthened. The dream of suburban homes with two or more vehicles per driveway, already dimmed by mortgage foreclosures, must give way to higher density urbanization and public transit as in Europe where gasoline prices are two to three times America’s. Britain’s bipartisan government has already come to grips with huge cost reductions impacting all. Public health care in Europe yields better longevity than America’s private system and at lower cost. Beyond the current crisis the fact that world population is aging at an alarming rate has huge ramifications. Fewer workers will be supporting more retirees, retirements will be deferred, health care costs will move inexorably higher. America’s prison population has quadrupled since 1980 with draconian sentences for minor offences. America’s defense spending at a whopping 19% of the federal budget is 40% of the world’s military expenditures.

An assumption that America’s way is somehow superior must yield to objective assessment of what others achieve. America can no longer be the world’s policeman, must move to more collaborative international strategies. Congressional approval of the “Start” nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia was a good start in that direction. And nowhere is international collaboration more important than on Climate Change, the issue of our time as we are reminded daily with unprecedented floods, wildfires, droughts and storms dominating the news.

America’s position must accept: (1) fair measurement of each country’s emissions must be on a per capita, not per country, basis to allow for vast differences in population and (2) it is the developed nations that have historic responsibility for pushing our planet to the brink in Bob Harwood the first place.

Saw you in the Ojo 21

PEPITO ASKS: DID YOU KNOW...?

—That — That o our ur w website ebsite w www.chapala. ww.chapala. c om iiss currently currently rreceiving eceivin ng m ore tthan han com more i million ill i hit per month! th! six hits n o ur —That all the ads and articles iin our te! magazine also appear on our website! n c olor a ll —That our magazine is now all iin color all nnovation h as b een the time, and the response to this innovation has been terrific!

—That the Ojo has the largest Classified Section of any English-language publication in the entire state of Jalisco—and it’s FREE! —That our magazine’s enormously popular Web Board is the best way to find out what Lakesiders are thinking, saying and doing! The Board now has 8,000 members signed up and has recorded more than 75,000 posts!

—That the Ojo has many of the best writers and photographers in the entire country of Mexico, many of whom have won awards in Canada and the United States!

—That the magazine was founded more than 25 years ago and has repeatedly won the “Best Lakeside Publication” conducted by El Mejor de Los Mejores.

—That the Ojo prints many more copies each month han n and delivers them to more placess tthan de! any other publication at Lakeside! taff —That our Editorial and Sales S Staff is totally bilingual and anxious to er help our Advertisers in whatever st way possible to achieve the best possible results!

Just thought you’d like to know. Gracias!

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

Saw you in the Ojo 23

G RINGAS & G UACAMOLE GRINGAS GUACAMOLE

By Gail Nott

Families

T

hanks to the information highway, I recently made contact with family members I haven’t heard from in thirtyfive years. When you have sixteen aunts and uncles, twenty-four cousins and God knows how many first cousins, it is mind boggling that I was able to remain hidden for so long.

When the first E-mail arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to have been found. I was looking forward to learning about college graduations, home purchases, births and juicy gossip. Perhaps it is a generational thing, but I was unprepared for the news I received. “Uncle Joe has hemorrhoids, Preparation H just isn’t working.” “Aunt Mildred’s Foley catheter keeps falling out, duct tape won’t hold it.” “Bert and Agnes had to move their trailer; the power company said they could not hang clothes on the tower.” “Pappy is in the county jail, says he never had a drivers license and he’d be damned if he’d license his hunting dogs!” This was too much information!

Operating under the misconception that the family wanted a rational response to these quandaries, I responded, “A rubber donut might help Uncle Joe; a waistband of elastic might hold the catheter; a length of rope from the trailer to the tower would hold clothes; and the family

could chip in and buy Pappy’s dog licenses.”

Much too quickly, I received the next E-mail. “Uncle Joe tried sitting on a donut but they keep flattening out. We tried Uncle Fred’s suspenders but they keep breaking loose and hitting Aunt Mildred in the face. Bert is recovering real well from the electrical burns; we think it was from the wire he strung from the trailer to the tower. Family decided to leave Pappy in jail but sold the dogs.”

Ex-patriots try to be helpful to each other. Having a computer in a small Mexican village is the same as having the only swimming pool in town. The cheapskates show up at my house to have me send E-mails to their families. “Kids, dad’s scorpion bite wasn’t too bad, he’ll be off the respirator soon. Helen thanks for the tip about Viagra, blood pressure is good, sex is great. No, I will not send you money for an airplane ticket to Paris till you get off welfare!” I understand international telephone calls are expensive but they still send telegrams don’t they?

I don’t have much hope that the frequency of E-mails from my family will diminish. My plan is to confuse the hell out of them by moving back to the U.S. and let them try to find me again.

SPRING FLING BALL! Niños Incapacitados del Lago invites you to its Spring Fling Ball on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta.

Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Delicious buffet dinner, exciting live silent auctions and dancing to Noé & The Classics.

Tickets are $450 pesos per person. They go on sale at LCS on February 7 until February 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tables for 10 can be reserved, or you can join an open table. Jane Hainsworth at 766-1937,

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

hainswja@gmail.com or Kari Higgins at 766-3651, karihiggins@laguna. com.mx Dress is Formal to Smart Casual.

Niños Incapacitados is an all-volunteer organization that helps low-income Mexican families pay for ongoing and/or major medical expenses for their children with disabling or lifethreatening illnesses.

Saw you in the Ojo 25

FEMALE NOMADS & FRIENDS: Tales of Breaking Free and Breaking Bread Around the World

By Mel Goldberg

B

y Rita Golden Gelman (paperback, Random House/ Three Rivers Press Original, June 2010), this book celebrates traveling around the world, connecting with people from different cultures, and eating the foods of other countries. Gelman includes essays by forty-one writers who celebrate connections they have made with people and have discovered universal similarities exist beneath unique differences.

The book is divided into five sections: Connecting, Mixed Messages, Language, Passion, and Food, the last of which includes recipes like Greek vegetarian dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Mexican chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chiles topped with a white cream sauce with walnuts), and Thai ho mok (fish coconut custard).

These tales remind readers of what they seek in their own live’s journeys: meaningful connections with people they meet and joy in finding new friends in unexpected places. Sometime Mexico resident Kelly Hayes-Raitt, who has contributed three essays to the anthology, is a non-credentialed reporter who has covered stories live from Baghdad and Falluja via satellite phone to National Public Radio and Los Angeles’ KNBC-TV. Two of her reports relate incidents that occurred during her trips to Iraq.

“Tongue-Tied” is an award-winning essay that will also be included in The Best Women’s Travel Writing 2011 (to be published by Travelers Tales in March 2011). It tells the story of Nebras, a beg-

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

gar girl whom Kelly first met in 2003, five weeks before the US-led invasion, and found again on a subsequent trip in July, 2003. They shared ice cream and friendship as the war raged.

Published in the El Ojo del Lago with the publisher’s credit inadvertently omitted, the essay recently earned Honorable Mention in a San Francisco literary contest and was named “Editor’s Choice” by the publishers of Traveler’s Tales books. Another essay, “Tower of Babel,” recounts Kelly’s meeting in Babylon with the family of her translator, a forty-four-year-old Iraqi woman who lives in Dallas with her Japanese husband.

Although even the richest of families spends three-quarters of its income on food, the family honors her by setting out a large feast with platters of vegetables and chicken over steaming beds of rice. While sharing a meal with these warm Iraqis, Kelly is struck by the fact that 1,400 years have passed since the prophet Mohammed walked in

this area. She tells her readers that in spite of hardships, the Iraqis are generous, resilient, and joyous. Kelly discovers later that her translator’s mother and brother both died as a result of the invasion.

The third essay, “The Trip That Changed My Life,” relates her experiences escorting nine American teenagers to India to meet nine Indian teenagers to create a musical reflecting shared dreams of world peace.

All proceeds of this book, go to support vocational scholarships for Indian slum children. These essays and others relating her experiences will be

included in her forthcoming journalistic memoir, Living Large in Limbo: How I Found Myself Among the World’s Forgotten, which details her work with Iraqi and Palestinian refugees.

The reading flows easily, like meeting someone for the first time and sitting down to listen to her stories.

Although her adventures are not anyone’s ordinary travel choices and her experiences are not in the comfort level of most people, they make the reader cognizant of the good fortune of people who reside in the United States and the life they take for granted.

Saw you in the Ojo 27

Niños de Chapala y Ajijic

By Doug Friend

On Christmas Eve, 1999, Mariela Lopez Marquez received surprising news from her doctor. She was pregnant, and already five months into her pregnancy. A short four weeks later, Juan Paul was born.

At three months premature, Paul’s vision was severely underdeveloped when he was born. Paul has had three different surgeries to try to improve his vision. At present, Paul can only see what to you or I would look like shadows. His doctors have told his parents and him that further surgeries will not help improve his vision. Paul gets eye infections quite frequently, and has to apply expensive medication every day.

Paul’s mother is devoted to her son, and to seeing him get a quality education. Paul is in grade 6, and attends the Instituto del Niños Ciegos (School for the Blind) in Guadalajara. Mariela takes the bus with Paul five days per week, traveling from their home in downtown Ajijic. Paul’s school cost is $500 Pesos per month, but they have also the added cost of taking the bus (city bus as well as the bus in and out of Guadalajara), food while in the city, and the usual expenses for uniforms & books. With Mariela taking care of her son, the family survives on the one income his father Javier earns as a laborer.

In researching this article, I have come to learn two things. The first is that Paul is an extraordinary young man! He is a very warm and affectionate, always quick with a hug. He is also very determined, and not one to let his disability get in his way. He loves to play soccer, excels in school (GPA of 8.7), and is passionate about music, especially percussion. You’ll always find Paul at the “Drum, Dance, Tap your Feet” gatherings held at the Ajijic Amphitheater on the Malecon.

The second is that with Paul’s disability, his added costs for school, transportation and medicine, and his family surviving on

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

only one income, Paul and his family so desperately needs a sponsor. Well, we have the perfect one! I’m the drummer for a band called ANIKAN, and ANIKAN works with NCA to put together fundraising concert/dinner events each year. All the members of the band are thrilled that we’re able to help Paul, and look forward to seeing him continue to excel!

You too can find someone special like Paul for sponsorship.

Sponsoring a child costs so little, and the reward of knowing you are helping to change a life is simply priceless!

At the present time there are over 80 deserving children awaiting sponsorship. The cost to sponsor a child is $85.00 USD per year for a child in Primaria (Elementary); $150.00 USD for Secondaria (Junior High); $360.00 USD for Preparatoria (High School); $1,200.00 USD for Universidad (University).

There is an optional fee of $120.00 USD as an “Extra Help” package.

You can also help by visiting our Thrift Shop. We gladly accept donations, will come and pick up larger items, and take consignments. Our inventory is always changing, but we always have interesting clothing and household items available. The thrift shop is located in Riberas del Pilar, 95B on the Carretera.

To learn more about NCA, our upcoming events, and children that are looking for sponsorship, please visit www.lakesideninos. org.

Saw you in the Ojo 29

Hearts at Work A Column by James Tipton (Re-printed by Request) “…it is still a beautiful world.”

A

t a recent party, one of our devoted El Ojo readers told me she had saved the column I wrote several years ago about the once popular inspirational piece “Desiderata.” She suggested I print it again, because she thought it spoke so directly to the expatriate community here at Lakeside, and so….

Max Ehrmann, a Terre Haute, Indiana lawyer and poet, penned the memorable “Desiderata” in the 1920s-although when it was “discovered” in the 1960s it was mistakenly attributed to “St. Paul’s Church, Baltimore A.D. 1692” (the rector at St. Paul’s was not amused, dealing, he says, with the confusion “40 times a week for 15 years”).

Max Ehrmann recorded in his diary that he had wanted to leave as part

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

of his legacy “a humble gift—a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.” Leonard Nimoy, in character as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock, recorded it on Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy (1968).

Les Crane’s spoken-word recording of Desiderata reached #8 on Billboard Magazine charts in 1971. Welsh actor Richard Burton, who certainly had one of the finest voices of the 20th century, read Desiderata on his two-cassette, A Richard Burton Anthology of Classic Poetry (1978). The piece, so popular in the 60s and 70s, was even parodied in

a National Lampoon version called “Deteriorata” (1972).

Television audiences have heard “Desiderata” recited by Johnny Cash and Joan Crawford, and it even fell softly from those sultry lips of a longago fantasy of mine, Ali McGraw. It has appeared in magazines like Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, and New Woman. Artistic renditions hang in homes, offices, clinics, schools, courts, and even prisons. Some of us here at Lakeside have owned it in the past and some perhaps still have it with us here in Mexico (where, incidentally, several Spanish versions exist as well).

Its simple wisdom has served as a guide to millions.

Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your own soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

During his life Max Ehrmann remained largely unknown as a writer.

Then decades after his death, “Desiderata” became extremely popular… but by mistake attributed to another source. Although I loaned away the collection I had of some of his other work, I do have the final two stanzas from his poem, “A Prayer,” lines that some Lakesiders might resonate with: Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time’s olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evening’s twilight find me gentle still.

Saw you in the Ojo 31

By Victoria Schmidt Parking in Mexico

N

owhere have I witnessed the type of parking I’ve seen in Mexico on a daily

basis.

An old village near where I live has extremely narrow streets, streets that were narrow when two burrows passed each other 400 years ago. Now these same streets allow parking on both sides and maintain two-way traffic. In order to drive down the street, we must pull in our side mirrors, pray there is no oncoming traffic and hope that there is a spot to pull over if there is. Wouldn’t it be easier just to park on one side of the street and then make the street a oneway street?

And speaking of one-ways, it is often hard to tell which streets are oneways. Well in the good old US of A, the cars park facing the same direction and everyone knows which way to go. But not in Mexico! Here cars are parked both directions on a one-way. No visual clues here!

The other day I saw a “smart car” parked, nose to the sidewalk, between two parallel-parked cars. Another parking malady is double parking. People double-park while the driver just runs into a store or they simply park in the middle of the street and wait for someone in the shop. Some just stop and engage in a conversation with a pedestrian on the street. I’ve sat behind drivers engaged in conversations that seemed longer than a politician’s speech.

Some parking lots are filled with

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

those individuals who will find you a spot to park and then want to wash your car. OK, I do like that at some places, but I don’t like being hounded by these car washers. I told one man “No, Gracias.”

When I returned there he was washing my windows. Now, I don’t speak a lot of Spanish, but I do know that the word NO is the same in both languages. The man may not have understood my scolding, but I think it was pretty clear he wasn’t getting a peso out of me.

Parking off the busy paved roads is always a challenge. As soon as one leaves the paved road, there is usually a “slight” dip of at least 3-5 feet, followed by other ruts and holes that the landowners never seem to repair. And if luck holds true and there is an available parking space next to the building, when we return, we’ll be parked in by two cars and a truck with no drivers in sight.

At our doctor’s office, not only does the receptionist know every patient’s name, but also what kind of car they drive. That’s because in a building with no less than 12 offices, there are exactly four parking places. So people park each other in, park on the sidewalk, and anywhere else they can create a place.

It is not uncommon to be interrupted in the middle of an exam and be asked to move our car.

We live near a beautiful Malecon that becomes a complete carnival on Sunday’s. Since we live on a private street, no one can access the street, but it doesn’t stop them from parking blocking the street.

One crafty car wash guy commandeered the four-car parking lot at the office next door to us. He’d block off the lot and wouldn’t allow anyone to park there unless they allowed him to wash their car and buy him a beer.

Illegal parking rarely seems to be dealt with in Mexico, and I always wonder why? Just think of how much the cities could earn by enforcing illegal parking.

Maybe even enough to create new parking areas.

Victoria Schmidt

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The Start Of An Ajijic Day

By Catherine A. MacKenzie

In Ajijic, the Mexican day starts off with a loud bang Shots of unwelcome firecrackers before the rising sun Noisy vehicles driving by, metal on metal making a clang Some eye-opening signs that another new day has begun.

The shining sun beaming through the windows’ glass Roosters crowing their incessant “cock-a-doodle-dooooo” Cars blaring foreign music, loud-speakers selling gas Above it all the omniscient sky, a clear bright blue.

Men on horses, clomping down the street, raising dust Women out with brooms and water, controlling the dirt Cleaning their storefronts and homes, an energy so robust Other women hanging laundry on rooftops, many a shirt.

The bustle of the people, their footsteps on the ground Seem happy as they go to work or starting their busy day Easily walking on uneven cobblestones, rough and round Sharing their merry greetings as they pass on their way.

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The many sad dogs, their mournful wails in the night Now lay docile, sleeping on steps, others roaming wild Depositing brown droppings, such an unpleasant sight But though some may be orphans, most are ever so mild.

The children, not a care, walking to classes at school Dressed alike in uniforms, so neat and tidy and clean They are happy to go, seem to follow the Golden Rule Parents raised them well, with manners, even the teen.

The intermittent peelings of the church bells ringing So pure and loud, inviting, seemingly right on cue The constant chirping of the many hidden birds singing Amid loud echoing bangs of more popping rockets, too.

The many varied smells abound in the busy dusty street Happy Mexicans out cooking in huge vats of dark grease Don’t know what it is, don’t want to know - some sort of meat?

Only a few peddlers around, selling items piece by piece.

We Gringos prepare for the start of another blessed day With errands to run, people to meet, and many places to go The merry maid arrives, our mess to clean up in her own way Then the gardener comes, to water and help our flowers grow.

The warmth of the new-found day seems as inevitable as death This weather so perfect, so calm, the breeze a gentle kiss Living in a wondrous place, this Eden, we must catch our breath Before we know it we’ll be gone, this sacred place we’ll miss.

But we’ll be back again next season, to this our second home And although some live here forever and it’s where they stay Others have different sights to see, many more places to roam Seems everyone’s going about the day in their own unique way.

Saw you in the Ojo 35

AMERICA: AMERICA: No N o Longer Longer a Kinder, Kinder,, Gentler Gentle er Nation Nation

By Roderick MacDonald

“

I

t would be so nice if something made sense for a change.”

—Alice in Wonderland Last month this same space was dedicated to the implications of hate speech in our society. Who could have foreseen the recent events in Tucson that would ignite such fierce debate on this issue? In case you happen to be one of only a dozen or so people on the planet who missed it, let me recount.

One night in January, an entire nation went to bed and awoke to find that during the night America like Alice had tumbled head first down the rabbit hole. In the immediate aftermath of this madness the world as we knew it stopped making any sense.

Perhaps what is even more frightening is that there appears to be little hope for America of finding its way back.

The mass killing in Arizona by a deranged gunman is nothing new.

This type of public declaration by the mental defectives and the disenfranchised among us has become almost commonplace. However, this case is arguably different. The victims included a young, attractive and intelligent US Congresswoman whose life is forever changed, a respected US Federal Court Judge and a nine-year-old girl newly elected to her student council and doomed to suffer the ultimate civics lesson. (Not surprisingly, the same crazies from the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church that were the subject of my last article announced their intention to demonstrate at her funeral, but backed off in the face of

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overwhelming public outrage.)

Never in recent history, including the events of 9/11, has such a mindless tragedy focused the raw glare of the spotlight on the consequences of hate speech in our society, the vitriolic political rhetoric dividing the country, and the desperate need for some form of gun control.

Are all of these issues linked? You better believe it.

In the immediate aftermath of this bloodbath, appeals for sanity emanated from some unexpected sources, included among them the Sheriff of Pima County who co-led the investigation into the shooting and a shooting victim who helped subdue the gunman. Their message was abundantly clear: Something is seriously wrong with America and the country needs to tone down the vitriolic rhetoric and do some real “soul-searching.”

Sound reasonable? Not by a long shot, according to the political wags of all stripes who were dispatched to the nearest microphone to argue that there was absolutely no correlation between the current climate of hate in the country and the twenty bodies littering the Safeway parking lot. Yeah, right.

It is impossible to listen to some of these arguments and not be disgusted, or at least seriously disheartened. Political commentators and party hitmen lamely pointed the finger of blame at each other and in every direction but

the obvious one. However, this time the 800 pound gorilla lurking at the end of their collective noses will not be ignored.

How is it possible that a young man with a history of mental problems that scared the hell out of his professors and classmates, forced his departure from school and his rejection by the army, be allowed to legally purchase a nine-millimeter semi- automatic pistol just a couple of months before using that same weapon to wreak such wanton destruction?

To the obvious disgust of CNN’s David Gergen, probably the most respected and rational political commentator on television, one Tea Party official tried to dish up the argument that the gun laws were actually irrelevant to this particular slaughter and that the blame rested entirely with the public’s inability to detect and report early warning signs that might have predicted the outcome. There may be a grain of truth to that, but you still can’t dig the hole without a shovel.

The great irony is that despite billions of dollars spent each year in efforts to protect US citizens from terrorism, these measures are largely futile in preventing such random acts of violence and mayhem. There is only one answer. Get rid of the guns, no matter how long it takes. The Second Amendment was drafted back in 1791, a much different time in American history. Unfortunately, this amounts to blasphemy in many parts of the US, especially Arizona. In a most astonishing departure from reason, one so-called gun law expert interviewed opined that if all the victims had been armed they could have returned fire. I assume that he meant to include the three victims in their seventies and the nineyear-old.

The most thoughtful comment on this state of affairs came from comedian and talk show host Bill Maher, who mused that under the Republican concept of small government an unbalanced individual could not get health

care but could still buy a gun. True, but this malaise extends far beyond partisan party politics.

For ten years now, longer than any of the previous conflicts America has been involved in, this deeply divided country has been fighting wars on two fronts and regularly rotating tens of thousands of its young men and women home from the violence of the battlefield. Since 9/11, police and border agents have of necessity become more vigilant and many would argue, much more authoritarian. The Department of Homeland Security has invested more authority in its watchdogs, but this change has chilled relations and created a climate of suspicion that is being visited on all of us who represent the 99.9 per cent of the population that pose no threat at all.

We may be forced to accept all of this as inevitable, but the inescapable truth is that the culture of America has changed dramatically, and not for the better.

Sadly, the voices of reason and moderation are becoming more fearful, and with good reason. Civil discourse is rapidly being replaced by extremism, unchecked vitriol, suspicion and bigotry in a community already plagued by a disproportionate amount of handguns and a propensity for violence.

In short, America has become a dangerous place to live.

The challenge facing lawmakers now is just how to begin to turn this situation around. How does one go about “toning down the rhetoric” when public platforms for the intolerant among us are so plentiful? One thing seems pretty clear: Some kind of thoughtful revolution in public opinion is far overdue.

In his acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, former President George H. W. Bush made his much-publicized appeal for “a kinder, gentler nation.”

Sorry Alice, that hope now lays buried with the victims in Tucson.

Saw you in the Ojo 37

DIVORCE D IVORCE –T Thoughts, houghts, Facts Facts and and Statistics Statis stic cs

By David Harper

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pproximately half of all marriages in the USA will end in divorce before the couple’s 20th anniversary. So is the glass half full? Some Catholic countries were slow in legalizing divorce. In Argentina, it only became legal in 1987 and the first divorce filing ever in Chile was in 2004. A lesser-known statistic is that as divorce was legalized the mortality rate for married women improved.

Religion affects divorce statistics all over the world, often in surprising ways. The Church of England was created when the Pope would not sanction a divorce for King Henry VIII. “My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn’t.”

Statistics show that stronger the religion, and religious upbringing, the fewer the divorces, be it among Christians or Muslims. Statistics vary but, for example, divorce isn’t increasing in South Asia compared to Central Asia. The reason is that Hindu’s (mostly South Asia) believe that marriage is a religious sacrament as opposed to Muslims (non Arab Central Asia) who see it as a contractual relationship. A great number of odd statistics have been obtained but one that could be significant is missing. That is the ratio of divorces in relationship to the number of lawyers available per capita.

“Why is divorce so expensive? Because it’s worth it.”

Joking aside, statistically speaking, most people coming out of a divorce feel one of two things, a) They gave up too much, or b) They didn’t get enough. But the lawyers were paid in full no matter what the result and lawyers in the USA specializing in divorce become quite wealthy in the process.

So it is likely that countries with a high ratio of lawyers to population will have higher divorce ratios.

According to UK Government statistics in 2003: 69% of divorces were at the woman’s behest. Similar statistics occur throughout the world, in other words more than two thirds of all divorces are initiated by women.

To quote one lady, “I’d rather get half of everything now, than put up with this **** (expletive deleted) for another 20 years.”

According to a 1985 study the

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top reasons why American women say they got divorced –Communication problems – 69.7%, Unhappiness – 59.9%, Incompatibility – 56.4%, Emotional abuse – 55.4%, Financial problems – 32.9%, Sexual problems 32.1%, Husband’s alcohol abuse – 30.0%, Spousal infidelity – 25.2%, Physical abuse – 21.7%.

How many women claimed ‘all of the above’ is not known. Similar statistics for men showed lesser percentages in all categories and considerably less for emotional abuse, where only 24.7%, gave it as a reason.

There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics – Disraeli In her paper “Till violence do us part” Rita Thaemert claimed that her studies found that 80% of wives suing for divorce cited that they had been physically abused by their husbands.

Rather different than the 21.7% in the 1985 study and also from a British report stating that one in three marriages ending in divorce involve domestic violence.

However, in the Hope Grows Eternal department: 70% of divorced persons re-marry, usually to someone else. Unfortunately two thirds of second marriages also end in divorce.

In this entire matter the only statistic that is perfectly accurate is this: “Marriage is the number one cause of divorce. Statistically, 100% of all divorces started with marriage!”

Before contemplating taking this life-changing step please read these pieces of positive advice on marriage from two of America’s best regarded philosophers: “I’m a big opponent of divorce.

Why leave the nut you got for the one you don’t know” – Loretta Lynn – married at 13 and stayed married to the same man until his death 48 years later.

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with some rain” – Dolly Parton – married at 20 and still married to the same man (44 years).

Saw you in the Ojo 39

Phone: (376) 766-4774 or 765-3676 to leave messages Email: kdavis987@gmail.com PAST EVENTS: December 20 was the holiday and end of year meeting for the Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA). But it was also an opportunity to acknowledge Donna Carnall with a Lifetime Membership.

First, the meeting presentations were botanas/appetizers and Libations. First place winners were Sally Myers for Christmas Caviar and Howard Feldstein for his Christmas December winners: Sally Myers, Eggnog. Second and third place for botanas were Rick Rick Feldman, Pat Carroll Feldman for Feta Cheese Tart and Pat Carroll for Tortilla Espanola. Second and third for libations were Patrick Winn for Pineapple Eggnog and Donna Carnall for Navidad Sangria.

At the January 17 CASA meeting, first place went to Susan Bzoza for Lingenberry Brisket (Beef Main Dish) and to Donna Carnall for Warm German Potato Salad (Complementary Side Dish). Pat Carroll won second for Beef Wellington. Wayne Palfrey won 3rd for Chipolte Mashed Potatoes alongside Sally Myers for Sassy Potatoes.

For anyone interested in joining, call Mary Ann Waite, 2011 President of CASA, 766 – January winners: Lifetime 1436 or email mawaite7815@yahoo.com and Member Donna Carnall and visit CASA’s website at http://222.casaajijic.org.

January 1 Polar Bear Swim for the benSusan Bzoza efit of Cruz Roja Mexico: for some of us, New Year’s Day is when we let the holidays wind down while the men watch football and the ladies chat and fix nibbles. But for some bold individuals, there is the challenge of a Polar Bear Swim. They seem to have had a good time, didn’t they?

Cruz Roja Polar Bear Swim EVENTS TO COME: February 10 the “Roaring Twenties Gala” for the benefit of the Lakeside School for the Deaf and Children with Special Needs will be held at the beautiful Villa Encantada Eventos in Chapala. Ladies, get out your flapper dresses and men, your most formal wear. This year’s dinner-dance features a theme of jazz age booze, broads, “bad guys” and fun. Catering will be by Providencia from Guadalajara, entertainment by Sol and Luna who perform at Roberto’s Restaurant regularly. Drive to the front door for Valet parking. Tickets are $750 pesos, and you can arrange tables of 10.

For further information, contact Paula or Fran at 766 – 4443 or paulafran13@gmail. com.

The purpose of this non-profit organization is to assure professional education for deaf children, to teach them sign language, to speak, do sculpture, carpentry and arts.

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The school provides all types of hearing aids to improve their quality of life.

February 10 the Russian State Ballet will present the Gala along with the most beautiful suite from Swan Lake.

Performance will be at the Auditorium in La Floresta.

Presently on a second tour throughout Mexico, Russian State Ballet Mari El brings the famous classical ballet piece featuring the greatest soloists of a School for the Deaf “Roaring Twenties” Gala new generation of Russian ballet. The choreographer is Konstantin Ivanov, Artist Emeritus of Russia and former Bolshoi Ballet soloist. This is the first time the Lake Chapala area will be able to see classical ballet of such extraordinary quality.

Russian State Ballet Mari El is part of Opera and Ballet Theater Sapaev of more than 45 years. In leading roles are winners of important international awards: Olga Chelpanova, Konstantin Korotkov, Egor Motouzov, Kyrill Parshin and Koike Saori.

These young dancers are coming out of the greatest schools of Choreographic Art in Moscow, Perm and Kazan and are able to face the most difficult masterpieces of clasand modern ballet, such Swan Lake by the Russian State Ballet sical as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Don Quixote and La Bayadera by L. Minkus, Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella by Prokofiev, Spartacus and Triumph of Rome by A. Khatchaturian.

Every year they tour the world.

This is an event you should not miss, a magical night. Tickets are $500 pesos and are available at Tony’s Restaurant next to Super Lake, Salvador’s, Dianne Pearl Colecciones at Colon #1 and Ocampo, and at the Auditorium in La Floresta.

February 13, 12 – 3 p.m., has been scheduled for a unique “Souper Sunday” fundraising event in the LCS Gardens. For $100 pesos you can enjoy a selection of soups and breads, and you keep the bowl, perhaps an antique. Also available will be a cash bar, cash dessert table and an art show. Proceeds will benefit Rotary’s community projects. Tickets are available at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Colon #1 at the corner of Ocampo; law offices of Henri Loridans, Carretera Oriente #58-A; or Upscale Resale, Riberas. For additional information, call Anita Hocker at 766 – 2410 or email ganitahocker@gmail.com.

Rotary Club of Ajijic is one of the few English speaking Rotary Clubs in Mexico, serving the community since 2002. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.rotaryajijic.com or stop at the Rotary table at LCS on Mondays, 10 – 12.

February 15, 3 – 6 p.m. will be the opening for a display of paintings by Isidro Xilotl and Francisco Gonzales. The show will run from February 15 – 28 at El Dorado, located on the Libramiento in San Antonio. The opening will be in the lobby of the high rise, parking available. Come see the art; see the views too.

On March 3 at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta, Niños Incapacitados del Lago will hold their Spring Fling Ball. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m.

There will be a delicious buffet dinner, exciting live and silent auctions plus dancing to the irresistible Noé & The Classics. Tickets are $450 pesos, available at LCS Feb 7 – Feb 26, 10:30 – 12:30 daily. Tables of 10 can be reserved or you can join an open table. Please contact Jane Hainsworth at 766 – 1937, hainswja@gmail.com or Kari Higgins at 766 – 3651, karihiggins@laguna.com.mx. Dress is formal to smart casual. Niños Incapacitados is an all-volunteer organization that helps low-income Mexican families Senior with a puppy bundle of love

Continued on page 44

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

Saw you in the Ojo 41

is clear; to discover the most auspicious days, not only for births, but for more easily controllable endeavors such as getting married, planting crops or starting journeys.

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very MesoAmerican child born on a particular day of the sacred calendar was automatically named “Thirteen Death”. A day earlier he would have been “Twelve Serpent” or later “One Deer.” With only 260 possible names available, he would also bear an individual name like “Eight Deer-Tiger Claw.”

Birthdays automatically determined fates as well and, though it seems that parents sometimes tried to fool the gods by renaming the child to avoid a particularly ominous future, those fates were inevitable. Special deities, benevolent or malign, influenced the fortunes of each named day as well as each thirteen day tercena and twenty day “month” but other factors, such as seasons and directions, also affected the future. Many of the lavishly painted pre-conquest “books” were divinatory and, possibly, diagnostic tools.

Extremely complex and little understood, their overall purpose

Cipactli (Caiman) Worshipped as a creator god, the caiman’s scaly ridges represented their mountainous world rising from the surrounding sea.

He is often shown as a spiny tree trunk identified as the cieba. Xochipilli, god of feasting, dancing, games, young maize and regeneration presided over this day.

Ehecatl (Wind) Moving but unseen, Ehecatl was worshipped as the breath or spirit that resided in all moving, hence living, things. Aptly enough, this day belonged to Quetzalcoatl, the wind god and cult hero who created the world, humans and maize.

Calli (House) One would think of “house” as representing comfort and safety.

However, though the association is obscure, Calli symbolized night, darkness and that fearsome nocturnal predator, the jaguar.

Te p e y o l l o t l ( H e a r t o f t h e Mountain) was this day’s god.

Cuetzpallin (Lizard) T h i s birthday s h o u l d have meant a happy future. The lizard was associated with maize

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and abundance and the day god was Huehuecoyotl (Old Coyote) who was patron of the dance, music and carnality.

Unfortunately, the tercena was ruled by Itzlacoliuque, god of stone, cold and castigation.

Coati (Serpent) Ubiquitous in Mesomerican iconography and mythology, the serpent was the symbol of rebirth and transformation. He was also associated with lightning and his long body was regarded as a conduit for water. Aptly enough, Chalchiuhtlicue, goddess of running water, presided over this day.

Miquiztli (Death) Life and death were regarded merely as complementary aspects of existence.

Deceased ancestors were often consulted with food and flower offerings and, while they could intercede with the gods for mercy, they could also punish. The day’s ruler was Tecciztecatl, goddess of the moon.

Mazatl (Deer) Although Quetzalcoatl was supposedly born of a deer miraculously changed into a woman, the animal possessed more economic than religious signifigance. Deerskins were used as wrappings for sacred bundles and provided parchment for screen fold books. This day was controlled by Tlaloc, rain and storm god.

Tochtli (Rabbit) A s rabbit-inthe-moon

Tochtli often dominated the night sky but it was his association with the numerous gods of pulque that caused a drunken orgy to be called “The Night of the 400 Rabbits.”

Aptly enough, his patroness was Mayahuetl, goddess of maguey.

Atl (Water) As the quintessential life-giver, water had many deities. Rain seems to have been the domain of gods and ground water of goddesses. “Pure” water was necessary in rites consecration of fields and infant baptism.

Contrarily, the dominating deity was Xiuhtecuhtli, god of fire.

Itzcuintli (Dog) Dogs were raised primarily for food but they also served to guide their masters on the hazardous journey through the underworld and their small skeletons are frequently found in tombs. Not surprisingly, Mictantlecuhtli, god of the underworld, ruled the day.

Ozomatli (Monkey) This birthday promised good luck and happiness. Legend says

that, when the world of the Second Sun was destroyed, all the people became monkeys.

They are associated with writing, music, dancing and licentiousness and, another good omen, Xochipilli, Prince of Flowers was day god.

talons, that led the wandering Azteca to found their capital at Tenochtitlan, an event commemorated by the Mexican flag. Fittingly, war god Tezcatlipoca as Red Smoking Mirror ruled the day.

Malinalli(Grass) Except as a symbol for all growing things, grass seems to have little religious significance.

It does, however, seem to promise a good fortune. Patecatl, god of pulque, is the day’s ruler and Xochipilli and Cinteotl, gods of the young maize, control the tercena.

Cozcacuahtli (Vulture) The King vulture, one of the largest of birds, was worshipped everywhere. As principal avian deity of Mayan mythology, his identifying glyph can be read as either “vulture” or “lord”.

Itzapapalotl (Obsidian Butterfly), a fearsome goddess, represented as a skeleton with jaguar claws and stone bladed wings, presided.

Acatl (Reed) The Maya word Ben, meaning green maize, better indicates the importance of this day. Corn was everywhere the staple food and, as such, was watched over by the entire pantheon.

War god, Tezcatlipoca-Ixquimilli (Smoking Mirror with Bandaged Eyes) was guardian of Acatl.

Ocelotl (Jaguar) Feared and revered throughout MesoAmerica, the jaguar symbolized power and gods, priests, warriors and kings often assumed his guise or wore his pelt to bolster their own influence.

Tlazoleotl, earth goddess and filth eater, held sway over his day and Quetzalcoatl ruled the tercena.

Cuauhtli (Eagle) Eagles, especially the Harpy eagle, also represented power and inspired prowess in battle.

It was a Golden eagle, sitting on a cactus with a serpent in his

Ollin (Movement) Movement was life itself and, as such, was worshipped. This symbol, however, also represented the earth and earth movements in the form of frequent earthquakes that inspired terror and orgies of propitiation throughout these lands. Xolotl, dog god and twin brother to Quetzalcoatl ruled the day.

Tecpatl (Flint) Citlalicue (Star Skirt) gave birth to flint and hurled it to earth, creating the 1600 gods of rain and lightning. Flint was worshipped as the giver of fire and its use for knives made it a symbol of human sacrifice.

Chalchiuhtotlin (Jade Turkey) was the day god.

Quiahuitl (Rain) Rain was universally worshipped, but while essential to life and usually benevolent, it could also be destructive.

High winds, lightning strikes, hail, flooding, or prolonged dampness leading to plant disease could be disastrous and rain gods required propitiation and sacrifice.

Ironically, the god of this day was Tonatiuh, the sun god.

Xochitl (Flower) Symbolizing beauty, pleasure, arts and crafts, flowers made acceptable offerings to all the gods, especially Quetzalcoatl, who abhorred human sacrifice. There were also numerous flower gods, including Xochiquetzal (FlowerQuetzal Feather), the young goddess who was, quite appropriately, patroness of the day.

Saw you in the Ojo 43

pay for ongoing and/or major medical expenses for their children with disabling or lifethreatening illnesses.

March 17 is the next special event for Lakeside Friends of the Animals who are hosting a St. Pat’s for Pets Party. LFA throws great parties, so be sure to consider attending this one for the animals and for yourself. More details in the March column.

Mulitple Events: The American Legion post #7 schedule for February: Sundays, 12 – 3 p.m. Legion grill burgers Feb 4, 8 – 1 p.m. – Yard Sale Feb 6, 5 p.m. – Super Bowl Sunday Feb 12, 4 p.m. – Valentine Dinner & Dance; cocktails at 4, dinner at 5 (no tickets the day of the event; buy early) Feb 24, 3 p.m. – Lone Star Club (CountryWestern music) For information, call 765 – 2259 or www.

Happy Valentine’s Day americanlegionchapalapost7.org Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Bus Trips for Feb– love never grows old! ruary are scheduled for: Note – buses leave from the lights at the entrance to La Floresta.

Feb 3 to Galeria – leaves 9 a.m., leaves Galeria 4 p.m., cost $150 pesos; this trip offers high end shopping and great restaurants.

Feb 16 to Tonala – leaves 9, leaves Tonala 3:30 p.m., cost $150 pesos; offers lots of Mexican handicrafts.

On the above two trips, call June at 766 – 4939 for more information.

Feb 22 to Mezcala – leaves 9 a.m., Mescala Island, an area full of history on the

View from Mezcala Island fort where Mexicans fought off Spaniards struggle for Mexican Independence, cost $250 pesos includes bus and boat trip to the island (and back). Lunch is extra. Your tour guide is Mezcala historian Señor Exciquio Santiago C. For further information, call Susannah at 766 – 3757.

The Lake Chapala Society Singles Group have planned through March: Feb 10..... 5 p.m. Dinner at Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá Mar 3..... 5 p.m. Mixer at Garden Restaurant on Colon Mar 10.... 5 p.m. Dinner at La Vita Bella (Racquet Club) Mar 24.... 9 a.m. Guadalajara / Tlaquepaque with lunch On February 10, the Singles Group will carpool out to San Juan Cosalá for a 5 p.m. mixer, followed by dinner at Viva Mexico, one of the best known Mexican restaurants lakeside. Updates on activities can be found on the LCS Singles Mix ‘n Match website (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lcs_mixandmatch) and polls will be posted for members to indicate interest. Contacts for info: Patricia Doran: inajijicpat@yahoo.com, Special Events Director, LCS Singles Bill Wolff: wswolff2003@yahoo.com, Singles Group Committee Lakeside Little Theatre news: The fifth show of Season 46 of the Lakeside Little Theatre is Richard Adler & Jerry Ross’ The Pajama Game. Peggy Lord Chilton directs this Pajama Game

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fast-paced musical about a labor strike, a pajama factory and the smoochy shenanigans that ensue. Music is directed by Richard & Eleanor Stromberg, and dancing is choreographed by Alexis Hoff. Performances run February 26 – March 8, 2011. Tickets go on sale starting February 24 from 10 – 12 every day (except Sunday) and again one hour prior to show time during the run of the play. This show will sell out, so get your tickets early.

If you would like to volunteer behind the scenes, the LLT is always looking for people to train in lighting, sound, wardrobe, props, make-up, stage managing and other positions. Contact Don Chaloner at 766 – 1975 or email at 77dondo@gmail.com.

MAS MUSICA (Music Appreciation Society) performances will be at the Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta.

Feb. 15 – Bob Milne, Ragtime and Jazz piano virtuoso and historian, is sure to hold the audience spellbound. MAS MUSICA is always happy to welcome new volunteers to help with ticket sales, hospitality and other concert related duties. Please contact Beverly at 765 – 6409, bjely49@hotmail.com. Also, refer to web site MASajijic.com.

Open Circle meets at the back patio of the Lake Chapala Society each Sunday morning at 10:15 for mini-sandwiches and coffee Bob Milne, Ragtime and Jazz pianist followed by a speaker who talks on the topic of the day. No products are sold, and no religion is touted.

Feb. 6 Ann Lewis At the January 16 Open Circle, Todd Stong drew an audience of 500 to hear about the infrastructure of communities around Lake Chapala. Test results are encouraging, e.g. mercury levels are equivalent to USA can of tuna, 1/3 acceptable limits. With 60% of the world’s fish supply now farmed, aquaculture offers a potential for 11,000 jobs for villagers. He commends government for the 100 treatment plants along the Lerma River and the lake – bacterial levels are 1/4 the limit set for recreational use, heavy metals at 1/3 the limit. Mexico’s largest lake is safe and stable. Testing and infrastructure plans in municipios continue with expanded fish farming, sewage treatment, water purification, etc. Clearly, they are committed to assuring the future of our communities and our lake. Mexico is preparing for tomorrow’s needs today. Thank you, Todd, for keeping us informed.

VIVA! LA MUSICA Bus trips to the ‘Live from the Met’ Opera series at Teatro Diana: Feb 26 – Iphigene en Tauride (Gluck) at noon, bus at 10:30 a.m.

Mar 19 – Lucio di Lammermoor (Donizetti) at 11 a.m., bus at 9:30 Apr 9 – Le Comte Orcy (Rossini) at noon, bus leaves at 10:30 a.m.

Apr 23 – Capriccio (R. Strauss) at noon, bus leaves at 10:30 a.m.

Apr 30 – Il Trovatore (Verdi) at noon, bus leaves at 10:30 a.m.

May 14 – Die Walkure (Wagner) at 11 a.m., bus leaves at 9:30 a.m.

Contact Marshall Krantz at 766 – 2834. Tickets cost $300 pesos for members, $350 pesos for non-members. For the January 8 opera, arrange tickets ASAP. The New VIVA Concert Series proposed addresses concerns of driving after dark; start times are aimed for 4 p.m. The preliminary line-up at the Auditorium: Mar 10 – 6 p.m.

Cuban latino music and dance Sep Ensemble “Vocal Contrapuntal” Oct Piano four hands: Guillermo Salvador, Rosalinda Preciado Nov Dolores Moreno, soprano with harp Ticket prices for the Concert Series are $1100 pesos (members), $1250 (non-members). Single tickets are $250 pesos (members), $300 pesos (non-members).

Auditorium improvements: A non-profit organization Pro Auditorio del Lago de Chapala, AC has been formed to raise two million pesos from the community. The total cost will be six million pesos with 1/3 from the state of Jalisco and 1/3 from the federal government. Construction is scheduled for next summer – volunteers are needed to assist in the planning of the fundraising drive. For further details, contact Rosemary Keeling at 766 – 1801.

Following the tragic death of Allan Turnipseed, Viva has lost their graphic designer.

Allan graciously did all the artwork without charge for years, kindly donating his time and talent to help Viva as well as other worthy causes. He will be remembered fondly and with respect. No one can ever replace what Allan contributed, but if you know of someone who could pick up where he left off, please contact Rosemary Keeling at 766 – 1801.

Saw you in the Ojo 45

FRONT ROW CENTER

By Michael Warren The Lakeside Little Theatre – A Historical Note

D

ue to the timing of the plays and the submission requirements of El Ojo del Lago, my review of the January play Tribute will appear in March.

Then we will be back on track for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, here are some notes on the history and current set-up of the Lakeside Little Theatre. I hope you find these notes useful and interesting.

Lakeside boasts the oldest English-speaking theater in Mexico. Back in 1965, people interested in the theater got together and said “Gee, let’s put on a show!” They started out in the Chula Vista clubhouse, with an original production of “The Saddlebag Saloon” written and directed by the first president Betty Kuzell.

Then, a few years later, some alumni from the famous Pasadena Playhouse in California retired to this area, and set to work gathering funds for a permanent theatrical home. The current building – the Lakeside Little Theatre – opened in 1986 with a production of “Don’t Drink The Water” directed by Rocky Karns. It’s a splendid place that seats 112 people, a theater that any community group in any country would be proud to have.

Currently there are six shows every winter season. Each show has nine performances, mostly evenings at 7.30 pm except for two Sunday matinee shows with curtain time at 3 pm.

Frequently, a musical show requires one or two extra performances, due

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to popular demand. Season tickets (currently 900 pesos) are reserved seats for all six shows, which run from October through April. A season ticket also includes membership of the LLT, and allows you to attend the Kick-Off party at the beginning of the season.

But be sure to arrive on time – if you turn up late, your seat may be sold by the theater just before curtain time.

The LLT does not want empty seats!

Usually the six shows for each season are a mixture of different genres of play – comedy, farce, murder mystery, drama and there is always one musical. In the drama category, the occasional serious play is included to stimulate the mind – in my opinion this does not happen sufficiently often. Here is my vote for the best shows in each category over the past ten years, the “Snoop Awards”: Best comedy: Blithe Spirit Best farce: Caught In the Net Best murder mystery: The Hollow Best drama: Doubt Best musical: Cabaret Just one person’s opinion! See you next month.

Michael Warren

Saw you in the Ojo 47

Anita’s Animals

By Jackie Kellum

Anita Strehlow

W

ith the start of this new year, Anita’s Animals is still taking care of late arrivals from the 2010 prolonged and very high puppy and kitten season. Several arrived motherless requiring foster care.

The majority arrived young, having been tossed away, in need of nourishment, loving care and protection until a home is found. The notion of spaying and neutering still has not been grasped as well as it should be. Possibly there is a lack of formal educational programs addressing respect for animals, the benefits of spaying-neutering, and adequate resources to accomplish this humane approach to controlling cat/ dog over-population.

I believe there are two options: we can sit back and say “what a terrible thing!”, or, like building a house, one brick at a time, we can do individual education, and support organizations/individuals that promote and help pay for spaying and neutering. We each choose the attitude and methodology we believe in to deal with this problem of preventable over-breeding.

Each cat or dog arrives with a story, some coming with visible scars or wounds. Most times that past history is only known to that individual creature. However, they are very forgiving about the previous unpleasant experiences they have had with humans. A somewhat young black male Dobe-mix arrived at Anita’s a very short time ago. He had been living on his own on the streets of a small town on the lake.

A kind Mexican woman noticed him near where she lived several days in a row. She started feeding him. He

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appeared gentle but worried at first when he was approached, which quickly vanished. Although she has only a small “house” with no yard, she tried to help him by taking him in, hoping that he could become part of her family. The small dog that she had for years had other thoughts, as it would attack this Dobe boy. Being the kind fellow that he is, he would just walk away and not even defend himself or his food.

This woman had heard about Anita from some people in her town. She called Anita, and with the help of some friends who had a truck, she arrived with the dog.

Someone at sometime tried to cut his tail, and did a terrible job. Fortunately, they did not try to crop his ears. He is not the handsomest of dogs, but he is certainly one of the sweetest you will ever meet. A volunteer has taken him out on walks, and although he’s not had any previous experiences with a leash, he has done pretty well. He mainly craves human attention and affection. At this writing he is still available for adoption.

The previous designer & owner of Anita’s Animals domain name and website has graciously transferred ownership of the domain name to Anita herself. The new website is under construction, and a new PayPal account is being created with money going directly to Anita. Until then, donations that you might want to make can be accomplished by giving it to Anita herself when she is at the Wednesday Ajjijc tianguis , or at her animal sanctuary in San Juan Cosala [outside the Raquet club] or, write a check to: Anita Strehlow, [NOT Anita’s Animals], and send it to: Anita Strehlow, 5802 Bob Bullock C1 #328C – 267A, Laredo TX 78041.

Cats and dogs do go to Heaven, but let’s not send them there before their time. Thank you all for your much appreciated help and support.

Watch Your Step!

NEWS The perfect storm is brewing…

The perfect storm - a storm that results in the worst possible devastating damage; the result of more than one storm hitting the same area at the same time.

Economists are saying that the “perfect economic storm” is brewing…brewing right now…under our very noses. Those who are invested in the middle of this growing maelstrom without a financial life raft are in trouble.

A presentation at the Nueva Posada Hotel recently outlined how no less than four global economic storms…four world-wide economic issues…were creating the dark storm clouds over our global economy. The guest speaker outlined some steps that might be taken by individuals to prevent personal financial disaster… to play on words…a financial “sinking”.

The reaction from those in attendance was surprise and genuine concern that so many major problems were developing all at once. Many left the presentation determined to make changes to their portfolios and to put their financial affairs in order.

“No less than four global economic storms are brewing” These economic problems are world-wide, long-term (next 10-20 years) and potentially disastrous for snowbird and retiree investment portfolios.

For example, it is hard not to be aware of the huge debt crisis that is being developed by nations around the world in response to the global financial meltdown of 2007-08.

The dollars being thrown as lifelines to banking institutions, corporations and nations in trouble has pulled the global financial industry back from the abyss.

It coincidentally served to ease consumer stress in the investment markets too. That in turn resulted in the unexpected recovery in stock

values throughout the latter part of 2009.

Unfortunately, that stock market recovery has served to mask the developing serious problem of massive global debt. The market recovery of 2009-10 could easily be the eye of the storm with the worse yet to come. When will the other shoe drop?

“The risk of a bond crisis is real…”

 Real estate values in Mexico: Are they in trouble?

Should you sell, buy or rent?  Canadian Non-Residency Is it risky?  Filing Canadian Tax Returns: What are the advantages?

Should you repatriate?  Gold. Is it a good or bad investment?  Income streams from savings. How can you protect them?  What caused the 2007-08 crash and will it be repeated?

 What are the mistakes investors are making?

If you would like to be notified of the dates, times and locations as soon as they are established, please send your email request to info@TioCorpinc.com or contact TioCorp Inc. at 376-766-4828 Private consultations are available upon request.

There isn’t any questioning the fact that the unprecedented debt buildup cannot continue. The risk of a bond crisis in Europe and North America is real and it is significant.

Europe is said to have about 2 years to fix its debt problems; the USA has perhaps 3-5 years.

In spite of action being taken by some countries to bring their debt under control, cracks in the armour are already starting to appear, the scariest being the recent drop in value for USA treasuries. If other countries don’t buy USA-issued bonds, how will the USA finance its mounting debt? Would they be forced to default on their (bond) debt?

In a worst case scenario, China and Japan might refuse to keep buying US treasuries, which would force the US to raise interest rates to make their bonds more attractive to buyers, but that could destroy market recovery and spark inflation.

Raising US bond interest rates would also make the US dollar more attractive, something the US does not want right now. With a weaker dollar, US products are cheaper around the world and the US global deficit is reduced. Raising interest rates would upset that advantage. Quite frankly, the world is in a mess and stock market values don’t account for the seriousness of the situation.

The risk is real.

For folks who snowbird or who are expats living in Mexico, the risk of a severe bond crisis leads to a number of questions about what to do and where to turn. To help you make decisions and take the necessary steps to protect yourself should the worst case scenario come to pass, TioCorp and Canadians in Mexico will offer a series of presentations throughout 2011.

Saw you in the Ojo 49

SHIRLEY APPLEBAUM —Director at LLT

By Kay Davis

A

t Lakeside Little Theater, during 2010 Shirley Applebaum directed Blithe Spirit, a comedic production that featured Dianna Rowland as the “spirit” and Katie B. Goode in the role of “the good wife” distressed by visits from the ghost of her husband’s first wife.

This play offered opportunities for Shirley’s talents with set design and color – black and white with silver in a contemporary upscale home layout with touches of lavender to represent the ghostly presence. The touches of lavender increased within the room as the story unfolded because the ghost was hanging around. It was subtle and effective. Shirley’s cast selection is something she is also proud of. She instinctively knew her choice of actors would provide what the script called for, and they did.

“How many years have you worked in theater?” I asked.

“Over 40 – well, from 1954. Now, there have been breaks,”she warned me, life events: marriage and children, moving from Akron, Ohio to other locations ending in Houston, Texas, but all in all, 56 years of experience, many in theater. Clearly, those “life events” didn’t keep Shirley at home for long.

Her time on and behind the stage could be added to years of childhood performances for family or community. With blonde curls, she was the image of Shirley Temple. The dance lessons, however, ended at age 15 and piano lessons stopped at 13.

As Shirley talked, I listened with amazement at all the aspects of theater with which she has worked “...except lights,” she said. Roles in such shows as Witness for the Prosecution, Guys & Dolls, Gypsy, Eleanor of Aquitaine and others demonstrate her versatility. She also did choreography in many shows, probably as many as she directed.

In Gypsy, Shirley played the lead “stripper.” Her first husband had

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been a LLatin b i d dance iinstructor b before entering the corporate world, and he taught her many dance steps for the stage. Pajama Game is one show Shirley directed in Dayton, Ohio, in the early ‘60s. Clearly, her experience made her a welcome addition to the LLT. In Akron and Columbus, Ohio, Shirley found support from the Jewish community for having done children’s theater and other related volunteer work. That fits – her father had helped to rescue 500 Jews in Poland just prior to the Nazi takeover. He helped them escape by boat.

When she arrived in Houston, Shirley started performing at a small theater, leaving after five years during which the well-renowned and respected Alley Theater began to develop into the success it is today.

I looked at photos of an attractive young woman with a gorgeous figure and billows of dark hair. In some, she was dressed in dance clothes, but most photos were of her in costumes from various roles.

There were also shots of the entire cast, some of whom became famous.

Far from the world of theater, Shirley studied pre-med courses and majored in psychology. She spent the early ‘80s as a psychotherapist, helping abused women.

Then later, separated from her first husband, Shirley hosted a cocktail party. As guests arrived, she noticed a gentleman in a burgundy striped shirt and gray slacks.

It was Valentine’s Day 1987. Two years later, on Valentine’s Day, of course, she and Sandy Appelbaum married.

Sandy had a Montessori School and he conducted seminars on classroom management. During a

break from the school, they took their first trip to Mexico. They had planned retirement in the Baja area around Rosarito Beach. But in 2004 their research on Mexico led them to Lake Chapala where they are now happily retired. Not that either of them stays quietly in the background for long.

Shirley is back into theater. Behind the scenes of Blithe Spirit, Sandy helped build part of the set she wanted and he designed the special effects, for example, making the curtains blow when the ghost entered because she was vis-

ible only to the husband (and the audience). He also wired doors to blow open, made figures fall when the ghost knocked them over and made books fly off the shelf.

Having visited their home, I recognized Shirley’s good taste.

She had carried her style to the set design because it was appropriate and because Shirley knows how to decorate. Didn’t I tell you? She has also done interior design projects as a commercial endeavor.

I anticipate the next play she directs with appreciation for her well- integrated talents.

Letter to the Editor

D

ear Sir, RE: EDITOR’S PAGE, JANUARY, 2011, I find it commendable that M.A. Porter has asked the ‘animal people’ to make peace and work together. Like a Mahatma Ghandi who would have had the people of India forget their religious and ideological differences, and live in peace. He misjudged and was assasinated. So at the risk of being beastly, I ask M.A. Porter – How? If Ghandi didn’t get it right, how does the writer propose the animal managers and volunteer be emulating the dogs?

Being familiar with many Mexican cities, I find it heartening to see so few homeless dogs and cats on the streets of Ajijic. I therefore share in M.A. Porter’s wish to give praise, where praise is due. Mexico has a huge population of unwanted dogs and feral cats. The easy solution is to poison, electrocute or any number of other ways to do away with them. But does it solve the problem? The answer every time is, no. The only proven and humane method to control cat and dog populations is ongoing spaying and neutering programs.

So, imagining a purely hypothetical situation where the “kills” and the “no kills” are working together at the refuge. The manager asks, “Who is on duty this week? Ah, Matilda, we are a tad over-crowded, don’t you think?

We need to ‘humanely euthanize’ about six so don’t feed them. What about that filthy terrier mix and the half-blind Labrador we found on the street ten days ago? Better get it done soon though, because next month the ‘no kills’ are on.” I have yet

to understand how the Matildas of this world can make such choices and be able to eat and sleep again.

Yes, there are cases where euthanizing is the only option. It would be cruel not to do so. But here I must refer to Ghandi, who said, “Man has no power to create life. He therefore does not have the right to destroy it”.

I believe he means wantonly destroying life. There are some who cannot abide an animal unless it is well-bred, well-fed, squeaky clean and preferably on a leash. Anything else should be ‘taken away’. Out of sight, out of mind. But the animals are there, each one with its personality and a will to survive. Being there is not their fault, and thanks to those who do take responsibility, they have a chance at life. We do not have the right to take that away from it, even if it seems to be the easy way out.

So asking the ‘rights’ (or is it ‘wrongs’?) to “swallow hard and euthanize an unwanted dog” is like asking a vegetarian to sit down to three steak meals a day. It just does not go down. While it is at all possible, and in this affluent Ajijic of ours I am sure it can be, give the creatures who share the planet with us a chance. Or as Ghandi tells us, “ A country and a civilization can be judged by how it treats its animals.”

Yours truly, Lucille van Straaten

Saw you in the Ojo 51

STAY HEALTHY!

By J. Manuel Cordova, M. D.t mdjmcordova1204@yahoo.com mdjmcordova1204@yahoo.co m www.mdjmcordova.com www.mdjmcordova.co m 376-766-2777 Medicines, Compounds--Laws and the Truth Part II.

I

n my previous article, (December 2010) I tried to give an overview of “counter drugs“ and nutritional supplements. Some experimental and preliminary reports require a follow- up of testing protocols before final marketing approval. Today, medicine claims are based on proven results.

It is important to mention here the battle involving Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and the compounding industry, and the prescriptions prepared by local pharmacies. For those interested in catching up on the shenanigans between Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and the FDA over the past few years, I recommend reading Joe Pizzorno’s “Integrative Medicine” in A Clinician’s Journal.

Bioidentical hormones are purported to have the exact molecular structure as endogenous hormones made in the human body, and in theory produce the same physiological responses. Upwards of two million women in the US use such hormones on a daily basis for relief of symptoms associated with menopause and preimenopause.

Companies involved in the manufacture and sale of compounded hormones claim such compounds are safer and more efficacious than synthetic prescription hormones sold by

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drug companies. Synthetic hormones do not have the same chemical structure as endogenous hormones, and may elicit different responses in the human body.

Such potential variation has been indicated, though without definitive proof, in the increased incidence of diseases reported in the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which linked the synthetic hormones Premarin® and Prempro® to elevated risk of stroke, breast cancer, heart attacks and circulatory disease.

The growing industrial and legislative battle over synthetic vs compounded hormones culminated in an October 2005 citizen’s petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed by Madison, NJ-based Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and health-care products companies. Wyeth requested the FDA to designate compounded bioidentical hormones as a “new drug” subject to all FDA restrictions and requirements regarding the manufacture and sale of new drugs.

A public, political, and medical maelstrom soon followed.

To be continued (Note : Dr. Córdova resides and has his practice full time in the Lakeside area. He is now the President of Lakeside Medical College.

For more information, call 376766-2777, mdjmcordova1204@ yahoo.com) Dr. Cordova

Saw you in the Ojo 53

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

Saw you in the Ojo 55

MARTIAL LAW IN HOUSTON

By Fred Mittag

T

he War Department established Camp Logan 14 miles from Houston in 1917. The Army brought in 645 soldiers of the Third Battalion of the black 24th United States Infantry. The 24th had a distinguished history. They had been Indian fighters (called “buffalo soldiers”), fought the Spanish in Cuba, and had fought Pancho Villa in northern Mexico. They also had the lowest desertion rate in the entire Army.

The Greek goddesses Discord and Rumor were never more active than they were at noon on the 23rd of August in 1917. Discord sent two Houston police officers storming into the home of a black woman after firing a warning shot outside. They dragged her, partially clad, into the street. She was screaming and asking why she was being arrested and a crowd gathered. A black soldier stepped forward to ask what was going on, and the two policemen beat him with the butts of their pistols and then placed him under arrest. They later claimed the black soldier had tried to interfere with the arrest of a publicly drunk black female.

Later that afternoon, an Army MP, Charles Baltimore, went to the Houston police station to try to gain his release.

The result of the MP’s effort was that he himself was beaten. He ran and the police fired at Baltimore three times as they chased him into an unoccupied

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building where he was arrested.

Discord had done her work well and now it was time for Rumor to take control. Rumor rushed the news to Camp Logan that Baltimore had been shot to death by the police. Baltimore was a model soldier, so his black comrades thought that if he could be killed by the police, then none of them was safe from abuse.

The white officers at Camp Logan were oblivious to the seething rage among their black troops. Before nightfall, most of them had left the camp for social engagements. City officials had promised to investigate the beatings and assumed that was enough.

But the soldiers believed the beatings would not be investigated and decided to take matters into their own hands. Major Kneeland S. Snow, the battalion commander at Camp Logan, initially discounted the news of impending trouble. Around 8:00 p.m. he heard convincing evidence and ordered the first sergeants to collect all rifles. During this process, Rumor busied herself by having a soldier scream “A white mob is approaching the camp.” Black soldiers rushed into the supply tents, grabbed rifles, and began firing wildly into the direction of the supposed mob. The remaining white officers found it impossible to restore order. About 150 men marched for Houston, with Sergeant Vida Henry acting as their leader.

A contingent of police and armed local residents met the soldiers on the outskirts of the city. The black soldiers killed 15 whites, including five policemen and seriously wounded 11 others.

Four black soldiers died. They mistook one of their officers, Captain Joseph Mattes, for a police officer and killed him, bringing the dead to 20. When Sgt. Henry realized they had killed their captain, he advised the men to slip back into camp in the darkness and then he shot himself in the head, bringing the toll to 21.

The authorities put Houston under martial law. The Army rushed the Third Battalion out of Houston on a train to

New Mexico. The black 24th Infantry, of which the Third Battalion was a part, was transferred from Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio to the Philippines.

En route to Columbus, New Mexico, seven black mutineers agreed to testify against the others in exchange for clemency. The Houston Chronicle did not mince words: “Their lenient treatment has led negro soldiers to believe that the government is in sympathy with their arrogance and impudence toward white people. A court martial ... and a firing squad will settle the matter once and for all.�

The Army held three separate

courts-martial at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. The military tribunals indicted 118 enlisted men for participating in the riot, and found 110 guilty. Of those, 19 were hanged and 63 received life at hard labor in federal prison, with the rest receiving lesser sentences. This remains the biggest court-martial in U.S. history. Among those hanged was Charles Baltimore, the one who had otherwise been considered a model soldier.

The former Camp Logan is now Houston’s Memorial Park, with fine homes, wooded areas, and jogging trails.

Saw you in the Ojo 57

Focus on Art

By Rob Mohr robmohr@gmail.com

Isidro Xilotl (El Chivo), The Artist and the Man

H

idden in the dark interior of the artist Isidro Xilonzóchitl lays the pain, guilt, suffering, and rage that consumed him when in 1995 an outof-control truck crashed into his car and took the life of his oldest son.

“I went crazy – wanted to strike out!

Everything changed.”

Prior to the accident, Isidro had been a part time artist earning his primary living making plastic models and crafting furniture. Afterwards, with the help of family and friends, he found reason to live by dedicating his life to painting full time as a tribute to his son nicknamed “Rojo” (for red socks his grandmother had knitted for him as a

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baby). Rojo became the symbolic color for both his rage and passion.

One friend, Zacora, whose husband had died earlier in an accident, showed deep compassion for his suffering and anger and advised him, “If you want to kill someone, kill them on the canvas.”

For the next fifteen years, each painting became a cry for Rojo. Isidro’s rage and guilt were spilled out across each new canvas creating emotional works of unique artistic clarity with the power to reveal and re-form human life.

Isidro’s December 2010 exhibition “Rojo,” at the Centro Culutral in Ajijic,

marked the completion of the artistic journey dedicated to his son. During the opening, Rosana Sapins, his childhood painting teacher, read her poem called “Rojo.”

(Within Isidro’s paintings) “The walls, the moons, the contours, the silhouettes, the nipples, the navels, even the shoes have become the “Red” of rage, of protest, but also of love and vital pain which make up the mask humans wear.

Isidro pulls the mask away, reveals the skin underneath, our real face, the intent that moves us - the internal pleasure.”

This remarkable woman had advised him years earlier, “If you want to paint, you must fill yourself with understandings of life, humanity, and the natural world.” Isidro has remained committed to this task, and to the consuming work of giving new life to his lost son through his paintings.

A keen critic of contemporary painting and the history of art, (his academic training was at the University of Guadalajara), he has a special love for the explosion of great art in New York

City in the 1960s. “I was enriched by exposure to the emotion filled works of painters like Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). Pollock’s works imparted artistic license to incorporate my unquenched passion in my paintings.”

With the independence of a Frida Kahlo, and a visual poetry equal to Francisco Toledo (1940) and Rufino Tamayo (1889-1991), Isidro paintings defy any classification. His Mexican gestalt brings into being a new reality given form and life by his passion and touches of surrealism, magic realism, and symbolism, laid over broad fields of color evocative of the works of Mark Rothko (1903-1970).

In his well-composed symbolic painting, ‘Alcohólicos anémicos’ (*photo) the blue and red color field becomes the ground and sky where three surreal figures (two women and a man of confused sexuality) perform an intoxicated dance given emotional life by the flowing hair of the women and the gestures and posturing of the three figures. A spiritual presence moves across the canvas.

Artists of Isidro’s statue are a gift to humanity and enrich our understanding of who we are. Don’t miss his upcoming exhibition, Feb.15-28, 12 to 5PM daily. The opening on Tuesday, February 15 from 3 to 6PM (food and drinks) features paintings by Isidro and Francisco Gonzales in the lobby of El Dorado, libramento Chapala-Ajijic, #98.

(Isidro’s paintings are for sale in the Centro de Arte y Cultura, Constitucion 16, Ajijic, and the Restaurant Viva Mexico, San Juan Rob Mohr Cosalá.)

Saw you in the Ojo 59

CHILD

of the month

By Rich Petersen Osvaldo Padilla Contreras

T

his beautiful smile belongs to Osvaldo Padilla Contreras, now 15 years of age. I wrote about Osvaldo three years ago and thought you might want to read a little update on him.

Yo Osvaldo lives with his mother, Yolanda, and older brother, Juan Luis, age 18. Osvaldo’s father left the family shortly after he was born and Yolanda has had to be both Mom and Dad to both her sons.

Osvaldo was born perfectly normal but at the age of three months, he aspirated some of his formula and went into respiratory failure. At the Hospital Civil, he was put on a respirator and recovered consciousness, but so much time had passed without oxygen to his brain that he was in a vegetative state, and the medical staff was not optimistic about his chances for survival. To make matters worse, Osvaldo then suffered three more respiratory failures and then three cardiac arrests; each time he was resuscitated but had to be hospitalized for six months while the doctors monitored him.

With each of these episodes, the little boy’s chances of survival grew more slim. Then he began to have convulsions so surgery was recommended even though there was only a 50-50 chance of recovery. Miracles do seem to happen, however, and following the surgery Osvaldo had no more convulsions and was able to be discharged home, albeit with a diagnosis of cerebral paralysis and with the added complication that his muscles would not relax normally.

His mother says his arms and legs were “straight as a board.”

As you can see from the photo taken at the last monthly meeting of Niños Incapacitados, Osvaldo is

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

confined confined to a wheelchair wheelchair. From the outset, his mother began therapy for the boy, first at DIF, then with a private therapist, and currently at the Teletón Foundation of Mexico in Guadalajara. Several years ago one of the therapists at Teletón heard of a new use for the drug Botox, not for cosmetic enhancement but rather, in cases such as Osvaldo’s, to help relax the muscles.

This is when Yolanda first came to Niños Incapacitados for help with the cost of this injection, which was at that time still rather “experimental.” It was decided to take a chance with this new therapy and Osvaldo was given the Botox injection. Again, he responded positively. His muscles became much more relaxed and supple, and while he still has little muscle control, he is able to wave and gesture.

In spite of all his problems, Osvaldo is one of the happiest children around. He smiles almost constantly, loves to interact with his family, and enjoys visiting his neighbors and watching TV. It seems that being around people is what pleases him most. Mom says he loves to listen to music and to try to sing along, but only happy music. He doesn’t like sad songs or “romantic” ones. He is an avid Chivas fan and loves to watch their soccer matches on television.

With the love and care of his family, Osvaldo has overcome many obstacles in his short life, and Niños Incapacitados is happy to be able to help. His therapy ses-

sions are ongoing, and his mother states he has made wonderful progress in the past few years. This was evident at the meeting when he was given a new football cap and exclaimed loudly and flashed his wonderful smile.

Niños Incapacitados meets the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 in one of the meeting rooms of the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta. Please join us—and bring a friend—to learn more about what we do and to meet other children we are assisting. Also, see our website at www.programaninos.

org. Again, a big thank-you to all who have joined our “Sustaining Niños” Pledge Program. We are at 50% of our goal of one million pesos. More information on how you can contribute can be found on our website.

Remember—March 3 is the date of our annual major fundraiser, this year a “Spring Fling” with dinner and dancing, at the Hotel Real de Chapala. Dress up! Put on your dancing shoes! And come help us celebrate another year of helping chronically ill children at Lakeside.

Saw you in the Ojo 61

By Antonio Passarello

T

raffic on the Guadalajara highway was crawling when Richard turned off toward Ocotlan and he felt his tension evaporate as he accelerated down the two-lane road. From time to time a heavily loaded truck slowed his pace until oncoming traffic cleared long enough for him to pass, but he held out hope of reaching San Miguel de Allende before nightfall. Three years retired from a Stateside college professorship, he’d jumped at the invitation to give a series of lectures to a group of American expats there.

Long before he saw the tope, he saw a lone figure in the middle of the road that grew into a man seated in a wheelchair astride the center stripe.

Slowing to a crawl at the crossroad, he rolled down his window and dropped a few coins into the outstretched cup. The young cripple’s face was expressionless and his dark eyes unreadable. Not a word was exchanged. As the road continued to unfold, Richard wondered if the young beggar had been born with his affliction or had been a victim of injury. Had he no family to care for him?

When he returned by the same route dusk had already faded and the intersection was empty, but by his second lecture the young man was there again and Richard dropped coins into his cup. If the wheelchair-

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bound figure remembered him, there was no sign of recognition.

Richard got a late start on the way to his third lecture and daylight was fast fading as he approached the crossroad. He deposited his coins and as he pulled away looked into his rearview mirror for a last glimpse of the seated figure. His mouth dropped open in surprise as the young man stood and ably wheeled the chair off the road.

“Sonofabitch,” he thought to himself, feeling himself turned instantly from Good Samaritan to unwitting dupe.

There was plenty of daylight left as he returned home, but the intersection was empty. Richard slowed to crawl over the tope, his eyes searching the hamlet for the wheelchair sitter. As he pulled away, the reflected glint of sunlight tugged at the corner of his eye and he saw half-hidden in the roadside ditch a wheelchair’s twisted frame.

His last lecture approaching, Richard’s initial elation was giving way to highway fatigue. Nearing the crossroad for the last time, he saw a figure astride the highway center line. The man was standing, a crutch tucked under one arm and a leg missing from above the knee. As he crept toward the tope he recognized the young man’s face, now sadly drawn and seemingly aged by some ten years. The pain in the dark eyes peering into Richard’s open window was broken by the flash of recognition.

They were quickly downcast as if in shame.

Richard hesitated before spilling the contents of his pocket onto the front seat. Passing over the loose change, he picked out a fifty-peso note and stuffed it into the cup.

“Muchas gracias, Senor,” spoke the young man for the very first time.

“God will reward you,” he continued in Spanish as Richard pulled slowly away. It struck him that the young man could only believe his own parting words without as surely believing that the God he had so brazenly flaunted had finally exacted penance.

Saw you in the Ojo 63

Northern Lights Foreshadows Pan American Games

By Ed Tasca

T

he opening of the 2011 Pan American Games is still several months away.

But excitement is building for the event all over Mexico. I won’t be going because I always get lost driving around Guadalajara (I still can’t find Costco).

If, like me, you won’t be attending, there’s a spectacular opportunity to experience a live performance of the 2011 Pan American Games’ grand musical signature, its Festival Overture, right here in Ajijic, and months before its actual premiere.

Scotiabank’s Northern Lights Music Festival, now in its 9th season, will be presenting the games’ overture at its February production, inviting ticketholders to enjoy in advance what every attendee at the Pan American Games will experience at the games’ rousing outset, throughout its competitions and at its dramatic climax.

The overture is the creation of one of Canada’s most accomplished composers, Gary Kulesha, composer and advisor to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and professor of composition and performance at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. Gary was commissioned to create an upbeat, classical work to inspire personal-best athleticism from the participants and fire up fan-approval

64

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

from the grandstands.

How does one accomplish this?

“Make sure you’re too busy to do it,” Gary told me. (I’m paraphrasing, of course.) The impressive truth is that given his workload and busy schedule, he had only 30 days to complete the piece. “Time-pressure can summon the muse with great urgency and purpose and sometimes one can produce spectacular results.” Gary explained. “Like any work of art, for all the creative invention behind it, it is mostly a lot of tough, physical labor.”

A guy from Canada? Was he a fitting choice? A most fitting choice, as the work will attest. Gary’s most important influences he informed me have been Mexican composers, namely the much beloved Mexican violinist and composer Sylvestre Revueltas, and the legendary founder of the Mexican Symphony Orchestra, Carlos Chavez. If you feel Latin bravado in Gary’s use of the orchestral brass and his rousing machismo rhythms, you will understand why.

But there’s much more to this year’s Scotiabank Northern Lights Music Festival. In addition to Gary Kulesha’s Pan American Games Overture, the Festival will feature many past favorites and some pleasant surprises. Susan Hoeppner is back with her golden flute, the dynamic Alvin

Tung returns with what has been acclaimed by the press and public alike as “A miracle in guitar playing.” There will also be some break-out performances from a new, young string quartet fresh from the Julliard School.

And of course, the resounding opulence of sizzling jazz concerts will return in their full color. Another of the Festival’s favorites, Drew Jurecka, will lead an entirely different band this year bringing a huge splash of innovation and originality. Another highlight will be one of Canada´s brightest young vocal stars, Jill Barber.

All this wrapped up as always with the Festival’s Chamber Orchestra for opening and closing nights’ performances. And finally, if these aren´t enough reasons to grab a seat, Mark Skazinetsky, a prominent guest on CBC Radio and in recital halls throughout Canada and a student of the great Glenn Gould, will conduct Beethoven´s 7th symphony. If you’re not yet a patron, the aristocratic thing to do is to become one this year. Who doesn’t love a royal?

If being aristocratic doesn’t move you, remember Plato said, “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” He meant the sublime sensations that music

evokes can launch you off into the spiritual, the transcendent. (And you can’t argue with Plato, unless of course you’re Socrates). So sin a little, then raise yourself up on the wings of fine music.

Finally, what’s more down to earth is the mission of the Scotiabank Northern Lights Music Festival.

It extends well beyond the auditorium seats. Through its donations and sponsors, the Festival supports education of young Mexican musicians.

Students from all over Mexico will be housed and given musical lessons every day, supervised during their practice sessions by virtuoso musicians from the world over. At the end of the training and lessons, the Festival will be providing scholarships for its most outstanding students.

The Concert Schedule for the 2011 Season at the Auditorio (a stone’s throw east of Toritos) begins on February 19 and continues through February 21st , 23rd, 25th and 26th.

Closing Night is on March 1. Tickets go on sale on February 1 at the Lake Chapala Society and at Charter Club Tours at Plaza Montaña. To find out more about these concerts please visit www.scotiabanknorthernlightsmusicfestival.com

Saw you in the Ojo 65

A NEW LEASE— LEASE—on Life!

By Judit Rajhathy, B.A., RNCP, D.Ac. Against the Grain rain ra ain

“

L

et food be thy medicine ood d” (H (Hippo poand medicine be thy fo food” (Hippocrates) If you suffer from any of the following disorders, your breakfast cereal or that slice of toast may be making you sick! Often for weight loss, it is recommended that people eliminate wheat products - pastas, breads, desserts - anything baked. Now there appears to be a strong connection between the ingestion of gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye barley, spelt, kamut - and chronic disease such as:

•

•

•

• •

66

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

autoimmune problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s dis-

•

ease, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, liver disease mental problems such as chronic depression, attention deficit disorder and other mood related disorders Intestinal issues such as diverticulitis, gas and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and/or constipation, ulcerative colitis upper respiratory problems such as ear problems, sinusitis, asthma, “allergies” chronic fatigue and just never ‘feeling good’ skin conditions such as chronic

psoriasis and eczema * osteoporosis, anemia “Celiac disease is not just a disease of the gut,” says Shelley Case, R.D. and author or Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide. “It’s a multisymptom disease with serious implications. In fact, two American Clinicians, James Braly and Ron Hoggan, who wrote a book called Dangerous Grains, claim that no fewer than 192 chronic disorders are linked with gluten intolerance.

Michelle Pietzak, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California claims “It takes most adults about 12 years to get a definitive diagnosis.” The other sad part about not being diagnosed earlier is that various nutritional deficiencies begin to develop fairly early on since the inability to digest gluten interferes with the absorption of certain nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, the lack of which in itself paves the way to chronic disease.

To avoid gluten one also needs to avoid processed foods since glutenous grains such as wheat are often used as fillers, binders and substitutions. Foods such as flavored po-

tato chips, imitation crab, beer, soy burgers, cold cuts, salad dressings, etc have to be eliminated. The good part of this type of lifestyle other than eliminating a host of health symptoms is that the diet would then be more focused on basic foods such as fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

So then what substitutes can one eat safely without provoking symptoms of gluten related disease? Corn products such as popcorn, tortillas, tostadas, cornmeal; rice products; breads, cereals, crackers and pasta made of corn, rice, potato, soy, arrowroot, tapioca and flax.

Apart from a small bowel biopsy, avoiding glutenous grains for a few weeks and seeing the body’s response is a good way to see if chronic conditions improve. Coupled with a super exercise program and the right diet, life can be full of vim and vigor once again. On that note sure hope to see you at the gym!

Judit Rajhathy is the owner of Change of Pace Fitness Center downtown Ajijic can can be reached at 766-5800.

Judit Rajhathy

Saw you in the Ojo 67

ALLAN TURNIPSEED 1948—2011

A

llan was born in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada, then moved with his family to Dallas, Texas where he grew up. Allan attended the University of Texas in Arlington, where he acquired two degrees; one in Art, the other in Graphic Design. He had a graphic design business in Dallas for 35 years.

At the age of 21 he met his life partner, Bob Tennison. During their 42 years together, they traveled throughout Mexico and fell in love with the country, people and culture. After visiting Ajijic, about 30 years ago, they decided to return to live. Their dream came true in 2004 when they retired and moved to Mexico full time, to live in El Parque, then to upper Riberas into a house designed by Allan.

Allan was involved in designing promotions for many of the Lakeside charity organizations and events: Northern Lights, Viva La Musica, Los Cantantes and, recently, the new logo for the Niños Incapacitados. Ev-

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

ery year he devoted many long hours to the Regalorama Bazaar sponsored by his church, St. Andrews, for which he was Senior Warden on the Vestry.

Allan’s pride and joy was his vintage Jaguar, on which he had spent the last two years restoring to its original condition. To his friends, the car was known as “Mother England.”

His brilliant smile and marvelous creativity will be greatly missed by his many friends, and by our community in general.

(Submitted by Allen McGill)

THE BEAT GOES ON

By Michael Cook

I

t’s only a letter, yet for Carmen it’s a ticking clock whose spring has nearly unwound. Let’s listen for a few seconds tic tock, tock, tock, tic.

It does not matter that she’s at the top of the list, for only death will give her new life. But time is running out so the experts say, but unlike a clock they cannot be precise, maybe a month or maybe less. This does not help, but increases the stress. And speech that once did freely flow is now jailed by a shortness of breath.

O what letter, a blood so rare To match a heart, a gift to share For will it be or not to be An escape from degenerative Cardiomyopathy Let this story now unfold.

Johnny didn’t know when he woke that fateful day, he was going to die. He was young of heart and in love for the very first time with a sophomore student called Beth. His 67 Mustang now took second place. It was Beth who made his heart now race and not the purring of a straight six at the traffic lights, wanting to leave 2,000 miles of burning rubber on the black top. His friends all thought he was on borrowed time. Yet 90 mile per hour for Johnny was no crime. It was all down to the adrenaline pumping through the cylinders of his heart. It was all about the rush, the power throbbing under the hood.

That’s how Johnny imagined making love.

He had a lot to learn.

It was around 4 o’clock when he arrived on campus to pick Beth up. Her cherry red lips opened to meld in a gift of wax upon his lips.

Man Johnny was raring to go.

“What say we take route 24 and open this baby up and make her come alive?”

“Cool let’s go.”

The sinewy precarious horse hair threads holding the sword of Damocles above his head were snapping at every corner as the center lines merged into one and the trees became a wall of bark.

Johnny saw the deer in passing as he hurtled through the windshield, bouncing like a skimming stone off the gravel road. A meteor shower of glass turned the beauty of Beth’s face into a crater of

pitted pools of red, her seat belt being her saving grace.

A concave skull fracture let the blood run free Eyes a blur it was hard to see.

Johnny was bleeding out And death was coming there was no doubt His heart was straining to pump more blood But it just spilled and spilled right out.

“I’m cold, so cold, where are my toes and finger tips.

I cannot feel if I bite my lips Beth where are you? I need for you to hold my hand My life is slipping like grains of sand I want to see her before I die My eyes are closed, last breath, a sigh.

Let now his heart pick up the pen and write the final chapter then.

Only God knows where I am My muscles feel so relaxed Am I in a spiritual conscious state?

What’s that noise?

Sounds just like a circular saw Johnny’s chest was parted just like a sliding door I have never seen the light before Umm what’s going on?

I feel warm hands now cradle me And lift me gentle like a baby From light to dark, a cool box do I lay Covered in ice I have no say To whose chest I live and rest this day I hear rotor blades as I bounce about Easy guys I want to shout Once more I see the light and rest I cannot see the open chest Yet I feel uneasy, it doesn’t seem right What if I’m rejected because the body puts up a fight?

Gently I am lowered into my new life Just glue and sutures, no more surgeons’ knife My mother’s womb that bore this life I now give back myself a son once more A mother’s son the beat goes on.

Saw you in the Ojo 69

AA- Meets daily at 10:00 am. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm. Marcos Castellanos 51-A. 766-5961. Meets every Wednesday 8 am for breakfast at La Nueva Posada.

ACÁ- Teaches youths, families sustainable agriculture, Joco and Jaltepec. Meet 14th of month. For more Information 387 763-1568.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES- Saturday 2:00 pm 16 Sept #34, Unit 6, 766-4882 No charge. Ongoing.

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 904 WING- from September to April we meet the 2nd Thursday 2pm at La Nueva Posada. Contact Don Slimman 765-4141.

AJIJIC QUILT GUILD - Meets second Tuesday monthly at 12 noon. Guests & New Members Welcome. ajijicguild@gmail.com AJIJIC SCRABBLE CLUB- Tuesdays and Thursdays noon-3 pm at LCS Ken Gosh Pavilion. Dan Stark 766-0411.

AJIJIC WRITERS’ GROUP- Meets 1st and 3rd Fridays at 10 am. New Posada. Coffee. Meeting followed by lunch at the New Posada.

AXIXIC MASONIC LODGE #31- Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 5:00 pm. Contact the secretary at 763-5346 for details.

AL-ANON- Step study, Monday 4:30 pm, Lake Chapala Society, 16 de Septiembre & Marcos Castellanos Ajijic, Rear Gate. Contact (376)7665975 AL-ANON- Sat. 10 am, Club 12, Marcos Castellanos 51-A, Ajijic Contact (376) 766-5975.

AMERICAN LEGION OF CHAPALA POST- #7 General Membership meets 11 am 2nd Thursday. Tel: 765-2259.

AMIGOS INTERNACIONALES- Every Wednesday 6 to 8 pm, Nueva Posada; informal friendly group meet to make new friends.

AMIGOS DEL LAGO A.C.- Working to improve the ecology. See www.amigosdelago.org or contact us at info@amigosdelago.org.

AMITIES FRANCOPHONES- Meets every 3rd Saturday at 1 pm contact: Roland and Camille at 766-0149. rvanhoudt@prodigy.net.mx.

ANIMAL SHELTER- Provide shelter and new homes for dogs and cats. Tel: 765-5514.

ANITA’S ANIMALS- Free loving dogs and cats. call (01 387) 761-0500. www.anitasanimals.com.

ASA- Ajijic Society of the Arts. Meets every 1st Monday of the month at Nueva Posada, 10 am.

ARDAT- (Ajijic Rotary Dog Assisted Therapy), therapy dog visits and education to prevent animal abuse. Juliananna Rose (376) 766-5025.

BRIDGE AT OLD POSADA- Monday 1:15 check in. Mary Andrews 766-2489.

BRITISH SOCIETY- Lunch meeting the 1st Saturday of each month, 1pm at Manix Rest. 765-4786, chapalainn@prodigy.net.mx.

CARD & DOMINO CLUB- Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. Call for times. We will teach; make friends! Tel. 766-4253, Cell: (045) 33-1295-6485.

CANADIAN CLUB OF LAKE CHAPALA- Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September through April. Social hour: 3:00 pm, program 4:00 pm. Visit www.canadianclubmx.com.

CASA DE ANCIANOS- Provides support for elderly citizens, 765-2497.

CENTRO DE DESARROLLO AJIJIC- Provides family planning and reproductive health education. 766-1679.

CHILI COOK OFF- Providing a carnival for residents raising charitable funds, 763-5038.

DAR- (Guadalajara)- Daughters of the American Revolution, meets monthly Sep. through June. Cell:333-897-0660 or Tel: (376) 766-2284.

DAR- (At Lakeside)- THOMAS PAINE CHAPTER meets every 3 Wednesday at 12:30 noon, September thru June. Tel: 766-2981 or 762-0834.

EASTERN STAR ESTRELLA DEL LAGO CHAPTER #10- 1st Wed. at 1:00 pm at Hotel Monte Carlo. 766-3785, www.oesestrelladellago.org.

E.R.I.C.- Provides support for the construction and renovation of educational buildings. 766-2866.

DEMOCRATS- Meets 2nd Thursday 4pm at La Nueva Posada FRIENDS OF VILLA INFANTIL (FOVI)- Provides financial support for children: www.friendsofvillainfantil.org. Contact Lisa Le: (387) 761-0002 or email : lisale888@gmail.com GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS- GA Meeting held every Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 PM in the Doctor’s office at the Lake Chapala Society - Charlie K. at cell: 331-445-2136.

GARDEN CLUB- Meets the 3rd. Wednesday 11 am for lunch at La Nueva Posada.

GARDEN GUILD- promoting the interest in the development of local gardens with an accent on the exotic species available in central Mexico.

GERMAN MEETING- 2nd Thursday, 1:00 pm. La Nueva Posada. Call Thea 765-2442 or Werner 763-5446.

GOLDEN STRINGS OF LAKE CHAPALA, A.C.- Rehearsals at auditorio de la Floresta. Tuesday & Friday, 3-6 pm.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS- Every Saturday at 8:30 am at La Nueva Posada.

IRISH- Meet 2nd Monday 4pm for lunch at La Nueva Posada.

JUNIOR LEAGUE DE GUADALAJARA A.C.- Av. San Francisco #3332. ligagdl2@prodigy.net.mx, Guadalajara, Jal. Tel. (33) 3121-0887.

LAKE CHAPALA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB- Meets every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 1:15 p.m.. www.chapalabridge.com.

LAKE CHAPALA GARDEN CLUB- Gardening at Lakeside with garden tours and meeting 3rd Wed of every month at Nueva Posada for noon lunch and program. Contact sandy_feldmann@yahoo.com.

LAKE CHAPALA GREEN GROUP- Sustainable living for a better tomorrow. Meets first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Lake Chapala Society, 3:00. Everyone is welcome. www.lakechapalagreengroup.com.

LAKE CHAPALA SHRINE CLUB.- Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm in the Nueva Posada. Perry King at (376) 763-5126.

LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY - LCS- 16 de Sep. # 16-A Ajijic, Open Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. www.lakechapalasociety.org. 766-1140.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY AWARDS- We benefit all the community by honoring lakeside’s most talented. 766-3232.

LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS- Board meets 3rd Thursday at 2:15 every month. info@lakesideanimalfriends.org.

LAKESIDE LAUGHTER CLUB- Meets every Wed. from 9 am - 9:40 beginning September 29. For information call Charlene 766-0884.

LAKESIDE LITTLE THEATRE A.C.- Balanced theatrical entertainment, English-speaking, 765-5942.

LAKESIDE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF- The 4th of each month. Nueva Posada 10:30 am. Call 766-2280, www.lakesideschoolforthedeaf.org.

LAKESIDE WILDLIFE RESCUE & REHABILITATION- Rescue & rehabilitation of wild animals. 765-4916.

LAKE SPAY AND NEUTER CENTR A.C.- Provides shelter and helps curtail the over-population of animals. 766-3813.

LCS EDUCATION CENTER- Provides classes in language and other topics for both Anglo and Mexican community. 766-0499.

LCS STUDENT AID FUND- Provides financial support to area students to enroll in university, vocational and high school program. 766-0716.

LINK- Assisting foreign community. Desk at Lake Chapala Society-Monday, 10 am-noon.

LITTLE BLUE SCHOOLHOUSE- Provides financial assistance for students at school for disabled children in Chapala 766-1552.

LOS NINOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC, AC Providing educational scholarships to Lakeside children 376-765-7032, www.lakesideninos.org.

LOVE IN ACTION- Shelter for abused and abandoned children. For volunteers and donations. Anabel Frutos 765-7409, cell: 331-351 7826.

MAS- Music Appreciation Society. Concerts from fall to spring. Classical music and dance concerts. For info call Beverly Denton, 765-6409.

MISION SAN PABLO- Helping 60 orphaned children ages 2-14 yrs, Bonnie Shrall - Bonnie@shrall.com #766-0009. www.misionsanpablo.org.

NAVY LEAGUE, LAKE CHAPALA COUNCIL- Meets the third Saturday for lunch at 1 pm, Manix Rest. 766 4750 or 766-1848.

NEEDLE PUSHERS- Sew dresses, knit or chet sweaters for local kids. Every Tues. 10 am at LCS. Call Gay at 766-2902.

NIÑOS Y JOVENES CARAVAN- Delivers foodstuffs and used clothing to orphanage in San Juan. Call Reuben Varela, 01-387-761-0828.

OPEN CIRCLE- Fostering body, mind & spirit, every Sunday at the LCS from 10 am to 12 noon. 765-3402 or frankdburton@yahoo.com.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS- Every Tuesday & Friday 12 pm at Marcos Castellanos 51-A, in Upper Ajijic. Tel: 766-2575 or 766-1626.

PROGRAMA PRO NIÑOS INCAPACITADOS DEL LAGO AC.- Assisting Lakeside disabled children www.programaninos.org , 763-5010.

PASOS MILAGROSOS (MIRACULOUS STEPS.)- Helping Handicapped Children Through the Magic of Horses. Saturdays 8-2. www. pasosmilagrosos.com.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS- Meets 1st Wednesday at 2:00 pm at the Sala LCS. New members welcome.

ROTARY CLUB OF AJIJIC- Meets every Tuesday at 1:00 pm at Hotel Real de Chapala. Contact at 766-3302. www.rotaryajijic.com.

SCIENCE OF MIND STUDY GROUP- Discussion group every Tuesday at 10 AM Lake Chapala Center for Spiritual Living at Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic; contact Rev. Tim at 766-0920 or tim@revdoctim.com.

THE GENEALOGY FORUM- Meets monthly on the fourth Monday in the Sala at LCS, from 2:00 to 3:45.

UVA - University/Vocational Assistance (Little Chapel by the Lake a.c.)- Sue Torres, 766-2932 or Lynn Hanson 766-2660.

VIVA LA MUSICA - Bus trips to the symphony, summer concert series, call Rosemay Keeling 766-1801. www.ajijicviva.org.

VOLLEYBALL IN CHAPALA- At Cristiania park Tues., Thurs., Sat. mornings at 10, 333-502-1264.

VOLUNTEER HEALTH RESOURCE GROUP- Meeting last Saturday of each month at LCS in sala, 10:30.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE CRUZ ROJA- Sponsors fund raising events and provides administrative and support services to the Delegation.

(NOTE: If there is any change in the above, please advise us so that corrections may be made. Call: 765-2877)

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

All Saints Lutheran Church Worship Service 11:00 am 4600 Avenida Tepeyac, Guad.

Tel. (01 333) 121-6741.

Abundant Life Assembly of God Carr. 140 next to Mail Boxes etc, Tel: 766-5615.

Center For Spiritual Living Celebration Service, 5pm Fridays, Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic. 766-9020 or tim@revdoctim.com.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Services in English and Spanish, 10 am, Riberas del Pilar Bishop Wyvell Tel. (376) 765-7067, Bishop’s residence (376) 766-1532.

Church of the Holy Spirit Services Sun. 10 am, Albaro Obregon #119, Chapala Tel. (376) 765-4210.

Grace Baptist Church 5th Sun. Evening service 6 pm, Pedro Buzeta No. 970, Guad. Tel. (013) 641-1685.

Lake Chapala Baptist Church Mid-week service, 9:30 am, worship service, 10:45 am. Santa Margarita #147, Riberas del Pilar, Tel. (376) 765-2925, 765-3329. www.lakechapalabaptist.com.

7th Day Adventist meet at Camino Real #84 in La Floresta, 9:30 am, Potluck follows, Tel: 766-5708 Little Chapel by the Lake Sun. services 11 am, Chula Vista,. Jal, Tel. (376) 763-1551.

Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation Santa Margarita 113, Riberas del Pilar, Tel: 765-6968. For information and service times, please call Pres. Elliot Gould. contact us@lakechapalajews.com. Web site: www. lakechapalajews.com.

Lakeside Fellowship Sun. worship 11 am, Javier Mina #49 Ajijic, Tel. (376) 766-0795.

Lakeside Presbyterian Church Worship-Sunday 10 am; Bible StudyFriday 10 am; Hidalgo 231A, Carr.

Chapala/Joco; Riberas del Pilar Tel. Pastor Ross Arnold at 376-7661238, or Norm Pifer at 376-766-0616 Website at www.chapalalakesidepresbyterian.org Saint Andrew´s Anglican Church Calle San. Lucas 19, Riberas del Pilar, Sunday 2 services, 9 am & 11 am. www. standrewsriberas.com San Andres Catholic Church Services 9:00 am. Ajijic, 766-0922.

St. John’s Catholic Church Between Av. Vallarta & Av. Lazaro Cardenas, Guad.

Sun. 11am. (013) 121-8131.

The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center behind Mateos in Riberas del Pilar (Santa Margarita 113). For additional information call Steve at 766-5507 or email: trudycrippen@gmail.com. Check out our website at www.lcuuf.org.

The Ojo Crossword

ACROSS 1 National emblem 6 Wait 10 Adventure story 14 Small bunch of flowers 15 Times 16 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries 17 Softness 18 Purloin 19 Hope 20 What you are called 21 Northern Ireland 23 River (Spanish) 24 Niche 26 Rabbit’s holiday 28 Cried 31 Ammunition 32 Hoary 33 Waist beeping objects 36 Disadvantage 40 Crucifix 42 Choose 43 That hurts!

44 Café 45 Influenced 48 Day of the wk.

49 Smile 51 Noxious vapor 53 Make up 56 Small fruit seeds 57 Average work performance 58 Criminal 61 Biblical “you” 65 Aegis 67 Retired persons association (abbr.)

68 Bump 69 Brief letter 70 Trigger 71 Dye 72 Pack 73 Spy 74 Out of style

11 Separate 12 “I dream of ___” 13 Performer 21 U.S. Department of Agriculture 22 Ewe’s mate 25 Spiritedness 27 Fly alone 28 Part of a sentence 29 Healing plant 30 Teen hero 31 Chichi 34 Mantua 35 Government agency 37 Not ins 38 Water film 39 Popular stadium 41 Makes a hole 45 Locate 46 Native ruler in Asia 47 Sink 50 Radioactivity unit 52 Respiratory disorder 53 Golf tournaments 54 Bundle of twigs 55 ____-Lay, chip brand 56 Boisterous 59 Long fish 60 Firm grasp 62 Down towns 63 Flightless birds 64 Fencing sword 66 Fashion 68 Gratuity mark

DOWN 1 Sports channel 2 Capital of Western Samoa 3 Weight unit 4 One-dimensional 5 Self 6 Disney character 7 Colored part of eye 8 Loony 9 Loves 10 Plant

Saw you in the Ojo 71

The

LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY

News

February 2011

CAN NON-LCS MEMBERS ATTEND LCS PROGRAMS? Context: Some LCS members have expressed concern that non-members attend LCS programs without contributing to the cost of running LCS. The LCS Program Committee decided to revisit this issue and, in December 2010, it visited most LCS programs and asked a number of questions.

Program Committee findings: 1. Of those attending our programs only a very small number are non-members.

2. Program participants, both members and non-members, agreed that participants should be members. They also felt that there should be a short-term LCS membership category to facilitate this.

3. Most program participants felt that adherence to this policy should be on the honor system. That is, if people are made aware of the policy, then there should be no need to force people to prove that they are indeed members.

It is now LCS policy that: 1. LCS programs are intended for the use of its members. This includes, for example, both the Thursday film series and the LCS learning seminars.

2. Some of our services continue to be open to the community as a whole and are not exclusively for members.

These include, for example, our information desk, the coffee shop, and health programs such as blood pressure testing, hearing testing, and post-life planning.

3. There should be flexibility in interpreting this policy and it should be dealt with, at least for the time being, on an honor system basis.

4. The current Associate Membership category provides for short-term membership and should be adequate.

(This category allows people to become members for a month for a fee of 100 pesos.)

5. Our communication—through signage and announcements at individual programs—should make this policy clear.

Fred Harland LCS Vice-President Management Committee Chairperson Program Committee Member

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK There is no question that 2010 was a successful year for LCS: from important infrastructure upgrades, a budget surplus, significant program changes, an integrated database, a new constitution and a 9% increase in membership from the previous year! This is all good news. With the new constitution comes new responsibilities. As a result, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been rescheduled to occur during the high season, mid-March. This year it is scheduled for Thursday, March 10.

The AGM includes elections to expand the size of the board from the current seven to a minimum of nine and a maximum of thirteen. Vice President, Treasurer and up to six Directors at Large will be up for election. The Nominations Committee, chaired by Nancy Creevan, is actively seeking candidates for these two-year terms. If you are interested in a Board position leave a note for the Nominations Committee in the service office; it will be placed in their mail box.

We continue to explore new ideas; social networking has become a buzz that we plan to explore and we welcome all input from our creative members!

LCS will be closed on Monday, 2/7/11, for La Dia de la Constitucion.

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

INTRODUCTORY SPANISH (Note: Change in days from Thursdays to Tuesdays) TUESDAYS - LCS Gazebo Time 12 - 1:30 First to Fourth Tuesday of the month Beginning March, 2011 Cost: 150 pesos - Sign up in LCS office PLEASE NOTE: There are no Intro classes during the months of April, August and December.

SPANISH CLASSES BEGIN FEBRUARY 28 The LCS Spanish Program will begin it’s second term of 2011 on February 28. Registration is ongoing at the LCS office on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. One of the coordinators will be at LCS from 10 a.m. to noon every day of the week of February 21 to handle registration and questions.

Classes To Be Offered and Schedule: Warren Hardy Level One - Monday/Thursday 10:45 - 12:15 and Tuesday/Friday 12:45 - 2:15 Warren Hardy Level Two A - Monday/Thursday 9 - 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday/Friday 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Warren Hardy Level Two B - Monday/Thursday 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. and Tuesday/Friday 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Warren Hardy Level Three A - Tuesday/Friday 10:45 - 12:15 Warren Hardy Level Three B - Monday/Thursday 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Conversation - Friday 10 a.m. - 12 noon All Warren Hardy classes cost 600 pesos for the seven week session.

Conversation costs 400 pesos.

SINGLES MIX & MATCH GROUP TWO FEBRUARY EVENTS: FEBRUARY 3 - MIXER AT MANIX - from 5 to 7 PM at Manix Restaurant on Ocampo. Music, free botanas and a cash bar will be available, and as at past mixers, all in attendance are invited to stay on for dinner after the mixer.

FEBRUARY 10 - carpool out to San Juan Cosala for a 5 PM MIXER followed by DINNER at VIVA MEXICO IN SAN JUAN COSALA, one of the best known Mexican restaurants in the lakeside area.

Updates on all activities can be found on the LCS Singles Mix n’ Match website, (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lcs mixandmatch) and polls will be posted for members to indicate interest.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The US Consulate General would like to inform all American citizens that there will be a New Payment Process for services rendered at the American Legion in Chapala and The Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic. As of March 2011, fee payment must be made in US Dollar travelers checks.

For security purposes, the US Consulate General Guadalajara will be requiring all applicants to pay with travelers checks. The participant banks mentioned below offer this service free of charge. This new service will eliminate the need for applicants to bring large sums of cash to service locations in the Lake Chapala region.

Participating Banks as of January 5, 2011 BBVA BANCOMER – AJIJIC BBVA BANCOMER – CHAPALA BANAMEX – CHAPALA For more information regarding this new payment process please contact: acsgdl@state.gov, or visit us online at http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov, or http://www.facebook.com/USCGGuadalajara DATE: The first Wednesday of every month

CASI NUEVO - Your Thrift Shop of Choice The Casi Nuevo Thrift Shop is chock-a-block full of bargainpriced, interesting items. The profits from the Thrift Shop benefit the LCS Community Education Program, the Lakeside School for the Deaf, and Have Hammers Will Travel. The Thrift Shop is open Monday thru Saturday from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM and is staffed by volunteers.

LOCATION & TIME: American Legion in Chapala from 9:00 - 9:45 AM The Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic (LCS) from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM FEES: Passport Renewal: $110 USD Notary Services: $50 USD (per notary seal)

LOL For Health!

The Thrift Shop is always looking for additional volunteers and contributions of household goods, appliances, luggage, paintings, Saturday, February 19th - 2:30 pm - a program about the Health tools, books, kitchen supplies, canned food, jewelry and clothing. Benefits of Laughter.

If you have similar items that you wish to donate, please place them in the Thrift Shop Drop Box on the LCS grounds or take them to the Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop is located in Riberas Del Pilar on the Carretera at Hidalgo #95, across from 7-Eleven.

TRANSFER your old VHS to DVD A service offered in the Video Library ONLY 50 pesos each!

Come learn the Physical, Mental, and Relational benefits of laughter as well as the history of laughing and how to laugh, including laughter exercises. Semi-professional Laughter and Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee, Mandy Pifer, will lead the program.

A sign up sheet will be posted a couple of weeks beforehand.

Joining me will be Charlene Schultz of the “Laughing Club of Chapala,” who will be leading a 25 minute session of Laughter Yoga.

For more information, email Mandy at Mandy.Pifer@yahoo.com.

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FEBRUARY EVENTS LIBRARIES Book & Video M - SAT 10-2 Talking Book TH 10-1 MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE Blood Pressure M+F 10-12 Cruz Roja Sales Table M – F 9:45-1:15 Cruz Roja Monthly Meeting 1st W 1:30-4 Hearing Aids M & 2nd + 4th SAT 11-3:00 Sign-up IMSS M+T 10-1 NYLife/Seguros Monterrey Insurance T+TH 11-2 Optometrist TH 9-5:30 Sign-up Skin Cancer 2nd + 4th W 10-12 Sign –up TioCorp Bupa & Plan Seguros M 10:45-12:45

The next Seminar--Tues. February 1 at Noon, will be chaired by Bill Frayer. It features (via a TED internet podcast) Hans Rosling.

Rosling uses his cool data software to show how countries are pulling themselves out of poverty, comparing households of varying income levels worldwide. He ends his lecture with an amazing surprise.

The next LCS Learning Seminar on Tuesday February 8 at Noon in the Sala, will be chaired by Fred Harland. The speaker (via a TED internet podcast) will be primatologist, Robert Sapolsky discussing “The Uniqueness of Humans.” In this fascinating lecture, Sapolsky shows in what ways we are similar to and in what ways we are different from other intelligent species.

INFORMATION Becerra Immigration F 10-1 Information Desk M-SAT 10-2 LINK M 10-12 Loridan Legal T 10-12 Los Niño’s de Chapala /Ajijic F 10-1:30 US Consulate 1st W 10:30-12:30 Sign up 10 AM

The next LCS Learning Seminar, hosted by Bill Frayer, will be on Tuesday, February 15 at Noon, in the Sala. The speaker (via a TED internet podcast) will be Sam Harris. Questions of good and evil and right and wrong are commonly thought unanswerable by science, but Sam Harris argues that science can -- and should -- be an authority on moral issues, shaping human values and setting out what constitutes a good life.

LESSONS Children’s Art SAT 9:00-12 Country Line Dancing T+TH 10-11:30,Show LCS card Exercise M+W+F 9-10 Have Hammers Workshop T 10-12, TH 3-5 Intermediate Hatha Yoga T+TH+SAT 2-3:30 Spanish Conversation Club M 10-12, No Registration Yoga Basics M 10-11

The next LCS Learning Seminar, hosted by Fred Harland, will be on Tuesday, Feb 22 at Noon, in the Sala. The speaker (via a TED internet podcast) will be Matt Ridley discussing “When ideas have sex.” Ridley argues that the enormous advances in human society have come through the combining, or recombining, that is, the sex of ideas.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AA Lakeside M+TH 4-6 AA Women TH 10:30-12 AL-Anon/Al-aTeen M 4:30-5:30 Beginner’s Camera W 12-1 Bridge for Fun T 1:30-4:30 Computer Windows Club F 10:30-11:45 Creative Writer’s Group M 2-4 (Closed group) Creative Writer’s Group W 2-4 (Closed group) Digital Camera Club W 10:30-12 Dimitar’s Art Thru Ages TH 12-2 Discussion Group W 12-1:30 Everyday Mindfulness M 10:30-12 Film Aficionados 2nd+ 4th+ Last TH 2-4:30 Film Seminars M 2-5 Gamblers Anonymous W 11:30-1:30 Genealogy Last M 2-4 Great Books 1st + 3rd TH 2-4 (Closed group) Great Books 1st & 3rd F 2-4 Open to members Green Group 1st T 3-4:30 Green Transition in Action 2nd M 11-1:30 Laughter Program SAT 2:30-4 Lakeside Friends of Animals 1st TH 2:15-4 Learning Seminars T 12-2 Mac OS 1st M 12-1:30 Mac User 3rd W 3-4:30 Mah Jonng F 10-2:30 Masonic Lodge #31 2nd + 4th W 4:30-8, 4th T 3-4:30 Needle Pushers T 10-12 Open Circle SUN 10:00-12:15 Scrabble M+F 12-2 Singles Mix & Match 1st W 5-8 Tournament Scrabble T 12-3 TICKET SALES M-F 10-12:30

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

HCG - THE HCG WEIGHT LOSS PROTOCOL For several years I searched for a truly effective weight loss and MAINTENANCE method. Typical diets have a long term success rate of 5 %. The HCG protocol has a lifetime success rate of 60 - 70%. This method resets the hypothalamus while producing a weight loss of 1/2 to 2 pounds daily. We now have a 6 month track record of 50 people using this protocol here in Ajijic.

Dionne Hearne received a BA in Special Education in 1980 and was a severe needs teacher and administrator in Colorado for 20 years. She became interested in the field of mind-body-spirit healing and went on to complete a Ph.D in Clinical Nutrition in 1996. She has given lectures and taught classes on natural health topics in North, Central and South America, Cuba, Europe and Australia for more than 20 years.

Her passion is finding successful solutions to prevent and resolve the health problems we all face as we age.

CONSIDERATION: PLEASE CURB YOUR DOGS!!

Many of you who visit LCS with your dogs have them on leashes that allow the dog to wander afield. While this is enjoyable for the dog, we have members with vision and agility problems. This means that a leash across the sidewalk causes a danger of tripping and falling. This is especially true when the owner’s attention is directed toward reading the bulletin board. Dogs, being curious creatures, wander across the walkway to sniff and search. Please be considerate of others and keep your dogs on a short leash. while your attention is diverted.

A second great books discussion group has been formed and there may be room for one or two more people. You have to be a member of LCS to participate.

If you are interested, please come to the next meeting on Feb. 4 at 2 pm in the Sala.

FILM AFICIONADOS Films and discussion on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the Sala at 2 pm THERE WILL BE TWO FILMS THIS MONTH ON THE BIG SCREEN Film Aficionado showings in February at 2 pm in the Sala: Feb. 10 - WINTER’S BONE (2010) The Grand Jury Prize winner at the Sundance Festival is set deep in the Ozarks. Ree Dolly goes on the trail of her drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the family’s safety. Academy Award winning material in this one.

Feb. 24 - LONELY HEARTS (1982) This 1982 Award winner from Australia is a romantic comedy with two wonderful performances that will win your applause and your hearts.

For LCS members to get on the Film Aficionado email list and to receive notices and reviews of upcoming showings, email: mak1939@gmail.com.

Greens Transition in Action will be presenting the DVD: Feb. 14 - “The Agro Rebel: Permaculture in the Salzburg Alps” Synopsis: Sepp Holzer, an Austrian farmer and forester, practices “permaculture,” a different kind of farming on his mountain property. With this certain form of organic-agriculture, he is both very convincing and successful. Contrary to all conventional rules and despite annual average temperatures of 4.5°C and an altitude of between 900m-1400m, he cultivates cherries, apples, mushrooms, kiwis, lemons, pumpkins, potatoes and zucchinis. He also started big permaculture projects in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.

LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY 16 de Septiembre #16-A, Ajijic, Jalisco LCS Main Office: 766-1140 Office, Information and other services open Monday – Friday, 10 to 2 and Saturday 10 to 2. Grounds are open until 5

LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Howard Feldstein Vice-President - Fred Harland Secretary - Lynn Bishop Sr. Director 1 - Tod Jonson Sr. Director 2 - Paula Haarvei Sr. Director 3 - Sharon Smith LCS Education Director - Mary Alice Sargent Executive Director - Terry Vidal ◊ THE LCS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY. ◊ DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS THE 17TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION. ◊ NEWSLETTER EDITORS - BRIDGET DARBY & MARGARET JOHNSTONE NEWS ITEMS CAN BE EMAILED TO: BRIDGET98USA@YAHOO.COM AND MARGARET_JOHNSTONE@HOTMAIL.COM NOTE: THE EDITORIAL STAFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO COMPLETE EDITING PRIVILEGES. ARTICLES AND/OR CALENDAR EVENTS WILL BE INCLUDED ACCORDING TO TIME, SPACE AVAILABILITY AND EDITORIAL DECISION ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION.

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LCS News

February 2011 LCS HEALTHCARE FAIR 22-24 February 2011

* = Sign-up @ LCS Services Office, or Lake Pharmacy-Chapala, or Lake Med Center-Ajijic $ = Cost 22 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 10-1 Blood Pressure 10-1 CARE Lab MEN: Cholesterol & PSA *$ 850 pesos 10-1 Diabetic Testing High carbohydrate breakfast TWO HOURS BEFORE (pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, fruit and juice) 10-1 Shots: Pneumonia Booster for life *$ 400 pesos Typhoid-prevents salmonella typhi *$ 450 pesos Flu *$ 300 pesos Other shots available, inquire at shot station $ Hepatitis A&B, Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster 12-1 Lecture: Prostate Cancer

by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez Rivera 10-1 Vendors 23 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 10-1 Blood Pressure 10-1 CARE Lab WOMEN: Cholesterol & CA 125 *$ 850 pesos 10-1 Diabetic Testing High carbohydrate breakfast TWO HOURS BEFORE (pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, fruit and juice) 10-1 Shots: Pneumonia Booster for life *$ 400 pesos Typhoid-prevents salmonella typhi *$ 450 pesos Flu *$ 300 pesos Other shots available, inquire at shot station $ Hepatitis A&B, Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster 10-12 Skin Cancer Screening *$ (if procedure done) 10:30 Lecture: New Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

by Dr: Luis Virgen 10-1:00 Vendors 24 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 10-1 Blood Pressure 10-1 Shots: Pneumonia Booster for life *$ 400 pesos Typhoid-prevents salmonella typhi *$ 450 pesos Flu *$ 300 pesos Other shots available, inquire at shot station $ Hepatitis A&B, Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster 10-1 Vendors

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El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

Talking Book Room Neil James Patio Back Lawn

Back Lawn

Gazebo Neil James Patio

Talking Book Room Neil James Patio Back Lawn

Back Lawn

Clinic & Insurance Gazebo Neil James Patio

Neil James Veranda Back Lawn

Neil James Patio

LCS News

February 2011

LIBRARY NEWS Many thanks to our Library patrons who happened to be waiting to check out books when a glitch or some retraining popped up in our new software. We appreciate your patience and understanding for no migration of new software is ever perfect, be it at IBM or Facebook.

We also offer our warmest appreciation to our Library volunteers who stuck in there with us and have accepted the change – especially those for whom computer software is challenging. Our ultimate goal is to make use of the Library as easy and simple as possible for both patrons and volunteers.

Our hearts are full of gratitude these days, so even more thanks to new LCS member Dr. Barbara Wilson and long-term member Dixie Vaughns for bringing new books back to us from the U.S. – even while flying. Their generosity is especially meaningful because U.S. airlines are adding all kinds of fees and complications; therefore, they are helping us avoid the shipping costs of importing new titles into Mexico. The new books they are bringing us this month will appear on the “New Arrivals” shelves within the next few weeks – just as fast as we can process them.

Speaking of new arrivals, as we obtain them, new titles are continuously being added to the collection. Only those books published since 2000 are put on the “New Arrivals” shelves, so periodically check your favorite author or particular section for additions published prior to this decade that you’d like to read. A part of our efforts are to flesh out popular author collections and to enrich our “classics” collection - even if they are older books.

Last, but not least, our deepest appreciation to our patrons who have donated books to the Library. You are the life-blood that continues to enrich our collection. Each and every book you donate has meaning; if not placed directly into the collection, it replaces books at the end of their lives or their sale provides funds for new titles. Books that don’t fit any of these criteria are offered for sale in the Reading Room, or go on to the Casi Nuevo Thrift Shop, or to the Library’s book sales which ultimately replenish the collection or support our charitable efforts to the Mexican community. Keep ‘em coming!

Many of you have asked – the next Library book sale will be at the Chili Cook-Off, February 18 - 20. We plan to offer a couple of tables of fiction – ‘cause that’s what our patrons read most. As usual, they will be priced at 5 or 10 pesos. So come out for some good food – and good reads to last until it gets warmer.

COURIERS NEEDED THE BOOK AND VIDEO LIBRARIES ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS TO BRING NEW TITLES FROM NORTH OF THE BORDER. CONTACT BRENDA DAWSON IF YOU CAN BRING BOOKS AT: BRENDADAWSON13@ HOTMAIL.COM OR TOM KEANE FOR VIDEOS AT: KEANHOMBRE@PRODIGY.NET.MX

POST LIFE PLEASE come in and sign your post life Documents. We have a backlog of unsigned originals. You know who you are if you have filled in a post life form in the last 6 months...

THANKS!

THANK YOU, AND SAFE TRAVELS!

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Service

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

www.tel.chapala.com

DIRECTORY * ADVERTISING

Tel: 766-5493 - CASA DEL SOL Tel: 766-0050 - CASA TRES LEONES Cell: (045) 331-350-6764

- EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 765-3676

* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 766-5961

Pag: 76

* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP - ANIMAL CARE Tel: 766-3062 - DEE’S PET CARE Tel: 762-1646 - FURRY FRIENDS Tel: 765-5431 - PET SHOP - SALUD ANIMAL Tel: 766-1009

Pag: 69 Pag: 72 Pag: 73 Pag: 69 Pag: 74

* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS - ART-SHOW - CATHY CHALVIGNAC Tel: 766-1153 - DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES Tel: 766-5683 - EL PALOMAR Tel: 01 (33) 3635-5247 - ENGLISH GREETING CARDS - MEXICAN ART & DECO Tel: 766-5508 - SOL MEXICANO Tel: 766-0734 - STUDIO 18 Tel: 766-3745 - THE AJIJIC ART HOUSE Tel: 765-5097

Pag: 35 Pag: 53 Pag: 27 Pag: 77 Pag: 36 Pag: 61 Pag: 22

Pag: 53 Pag: 10 Pag: 19

* BEER & LIQUOR STORES - BETO’S WINE & LIQUOR Tel: 766-5420, Cell (045) 333-507-3024 - MODELORAMA Tel: 766-2678, 765-2055

Pag: 11 Pag: 58

* BLINDS AND CURTAINS - HUNTER DOUGLAS Tel: 766-0026

Pag: 25

Pag: 16 Pag: 03 Pag: 32, 74 Pag: 27 Pag: 54

* CEILING FANS - VENTILADORES DEL OCCIDENTE Tel/Fax: (33) 3631-6619, 3634-9982

Pag: 06

* CHURCHES - LAKE CHAPALA BAPTIST CHURCH Tel: 765-2925 Pag: 36, 72

* CLEANING SERVICE

- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Tel: 766 - 4973, Cell: (045) 33-3157- 6536 Pag: 64

- PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING Tel: 765-4507 Pag: 62

* AUTOMOTIVE

* COMMUNICATIONS Pag: 46 Pag: 15

Pag: 21 Pag: 25

Pag: 11 Pag: 76 Pag: 55

Pag: 23

- BRENDA’S BAKERY BOUTIQUE Tel: 765-2987

Pag: 31

* BEAUTY - AFRODITA Tel: 766-6187 - ELIA NAVARRO GOMEZ Tel. 766-2323 - JAMES DON SALON Tel: (387) 763-1933 - MARY KAY Tel: 765-7654 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000

* BED & BREAKFAST - CASA DE LAS FLORES

Pag: 36 Pag: 63 Pag: 57

- ARCHITECT-SCULPTOR GERARDO ROMERO Tel: 33-1466-9248 Pag: 73 - CABO DO MUNDO- INTERIOR DESIGN Tel: 766-0026 Pag: 25 - CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING Tel: 766-3626 Pag: 11 - FMC Tel: 766-3596 Pag: 22 - HOME SERVICES Tel: 766-1569 Pag: 69 - TEKNOVENTANAS Tel: 01-800-581-0957 Pag: 66 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Tel: 765-2224 Cell. (045) 331-135-0763 Pag: 74

- AJIJIC DENTAL Tel: 766-3682 - C.D. MARÍA LUISA LUIS VILLA Tel/Fax: 766-2428 - C.D. SANDRA ANAYA MORA Tel: 765-3502, 765-5444

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

- CANADIANS IN MEXICO Tel: 766-4828 Pag: 49 - LAKESIDE FINANCIAL ADVISOR DAVID LESNICK CFP CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Fax: 001(623) 327-1277 Pag: 09 - LAKESIDE MORTGAGE CONSULTANTS Tel: 766-2914 Pag: 77

* FITNESS CENTER Pag: 32, 56 Pag: 51 Pag: 31

- CRISANTEMO ROJO Tel: 766-4030

Pag: 17

- FUMIGA Tel: 762-0078, (045) 33-1155-7059 - FUMI-TECH Tel: 766-1946, Cell. (045) 333-369-3737

Pag: 57 Pag: 75

- ARDEN MEXICO Tel: 765-3540 - ARTE AMANECER Tel: 765-2090 - TEMPUR Tel: (52) 333-629-5919, 333-629-5961 - VIGOLARI Tel: 765-5649

Pag: 41 Pag: 59 Pag: 45 Pag: 39

* HOTELS / SUITES - ADOBE WALLS INN Tel: 766-1296 - CASA HUMBOLDT Tel: 01-55-5568-0871 - COCONUTS BY THE SEA Cell: 315.100.8899 - HOTEL AJIJIC Tel: 766-0383 - HOTEL CIELO ROJO Tel: 311-258-4155 - HOTEL DOLPHIN COVE INN Tel: 314-334-1515 - HOTEL LA CASONA Tel: 01-800-700-8877 - HOTEL LA ESTANCIA Tel: 766-0717 - ISLA DORADO Tel. 01-800-777-6060 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, Fax: 766-2049 - LOS CROTOS Tel: 764-0067 - MIS AMORES Tels: 766-4640, 4641, 4642 - PALMA REAL Tel: 01-800-777-1515 - QUINTA DON JOSE Tel: 01-800-700-2223 - VILLA BORDEAUX Tel. (01-387) 761-0494

Pag: 27 Pag: 24 Pag: 22 Pag: 45 Pag: 38 Pag: 16 Pag: 57 Pag: 20 Pag: 61 Pag: 03 Pag: 65 Pag: 62 Pag: 48 Pag: 26 Pag: 28

* INSURANCE

Pag: 12

Pag: 15

- FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440 Pag: 82

Pag: 19 Pag: 17

* HOME APPLIANCES - ELECTROVENTA

- ELEMENTS Tel: 766-5826 - HOME DESIGN Tel: 765-5649

Pag: 23 Pag: 39

LEGAL SERVICES - MAGO’S OFFICE Tel: 765-3640

Pag: 09

* LIGHTING & DECORATION Pag: 69

* MALL / PLAZA Pag: 83

* MEAT/POULTRY/CHEESE - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069

* HEALTH

- LAKESIDE HEARING SERVICES Cell. (045) 33-1511-4088

* INTERIOR DESIGN

- CENTRO LAGUNA Tel: 01 (33) 3560-2670

* HARDWARE STORES

- LIFE LEADER MINERALS - KARIN J. MILES Cell: (045) 333-481-8307 - VIDACELL Cell: (045) 33-1335-2660 - WEIGHTWATCHERS Tel: 01-800-710-3378

- EDGAR CEDEÑO - MEXICO PROTECT Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982 Pag: 34 - LLOYD Tel: 766-0152, 766-3508 Pag: 23 - TIOCORP INSURANCE Tel: 766-3974 Pag: 07, 56, 71, 77

- LIGHTING & DESIGN CENTER Tel. 766-3506

* GARDENING

Pag: 12

Pag: 34

* MEDICAL SERVICES

Pag: 58

- BERNARDO LANCASTER JONES MD Tel: (33) 3813-2090 Pag: 46 - DERMATOLOGIST Tel: 766-1198, 765-2400 Pag: 59 - DERMIKA Dermatologic Center Dra. Monica Ramos Tel: 766-2500 Pag: 22 - DRA. MARTHA R. BALLESTEROS FRANCO Cell: (045) 333-408-0951 Pag: 17 - HOSPITAL ANGELES DEL CARMEN Tel: (01) 3813-0042 Pag: 08 - INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST & GERIATRICS Dr. J. Manuel Cordova

Pag: 28 Pag: 63

* HEARING AIDS

* DENTISTS

Pag: 77 Pag: 37

Pag: 08

Pag: 62

- L & R WATER GARDENS Tel: 766-4386

* CONSTRUCTION

Pag: 27

* BAKERY

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Pag: 16

* COMPUTING SERVICES - CAFE INTERNET AJIJIC Tel: 766-3626 - COMPUTERLAND Tel. 765-7595 - NEW WORLD TECHNOLOGY Tel. 766-4343

Pag: 20

* FURNITURE

Pag: 72

* BANK INVESTMENT - ACTINVER Tel. 766-3110 - INTERCAM Tel: 766-5978 - MULTIVA Tel: 766-2499 -O&A Tel: 766-4481

- MAILBOXES, ETC. Tel: 766-0647, Fax: 766-0775 761-0363, Fax: 761-0364

Pag: 18

* FUMIGATION/PESTS

* AUTOMATIC DOORS

- GRUPO OLMESA Cell: (045) 33-3806-9231 - LINEA PROFESIONAL Tel. 766-2555, Fax. 766-0066 - RON YOUNG-MECHANIC Tel: 765-6387

Pag: 18, 48

* FLOWER SHOP

Pag: 37 Pag: 33, 68

766-1760 765-4444 766-5555

Pag: 10

* FINANCIAL SERVICES

- CHANGE OF PACE Tel: 766-5800 - FITWELL Cell: (045) 331-149-7271 - SENIOR ONLINE FITNESS Cell: (045) 333-458-1980

066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615

Tel: 765-2222 Pag: 45

* ELEVATORS - CUSTOM MADE HOME ELEVATORS Cell: (045) 33-1234-5867

* BOUTIQUE / CLOTHING STORES - ARATI Tel: 766-0130 - CUGINIS OPUS BOUTIQUE Tel/Fax: 766-1790 - FIAGA BOUTIQUE Tel: 766-1816 - LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 766-5131 - LEATHER GALLERY Tel: 766-2845

- DENTAL EXPRESS Cell: (045) 331-121-6518 - DRA. ANGELICA ALDANA LEMA DDS Tel. 765-5364 - DR. ALBERTO DON OLIVERA Tels: 765-4838, 765-4805 - DR. FRANCISCO CONTRERAS Tel: 765-5757 - DR. HECTOR HARO, DDS. Tel: 765-3193, 765-6974

EMERGENCY HOTLINE AMBULANCE - CRUZ ROJA FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE Ajijic Chapala La Floresta

Pag: 73

Tel: 766-2777 - ISILAB Tel: 766-1164 - PINTO OPTICAS Tel: 765-7793 - RED CROSS Tel: 765-2308 - SURGERY HOST Tel: 766-3145

Pag: 16 Pag: 38 Pag: 14

Pag: 47

* MOVERS - BALDERAS Tel: 01 (33) 3810-4859 - LAKE CHAPALA MOVING Tel: 766-5008 - SEYMI Tel: 01 (33) 3603-0000, 3603-0256 - STROM- WHITE MOVERS Tel: 766-4049

Pag: 07 Pag: 14 Pag: 52 Pag: 15

* MUSIC/THEATRE - RUSSIAN STATE BALLET Pag: 63 - SCOTIABANK NORTHERN LIGHTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Pag: 29 - THE NAKED STAGE READER’S THEATRE Tel: 765-2530 Pag: 47

* NURSERY - VIVERO AZUCENA Tel: 766-4289

Pag: 61

* PARKING - CHAPALA PARKING Tel: 763-5333

Pag: 52

Tel: 766-5124 Pag: 75 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 766-1660 Pag: 24 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 766-5429 Pag: 46 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 765-2407 Pag: 64 - GEORGETTE RICHMOND Tel: 766-2129, 766-2077 Pag: 11 - HACIENDA LA CANACINTA Tel: 766-4971 Pag: 59 - JEFF HERD Cell: (045) 33 1546-0228 Pag: 34 - JUAN PABLO GIOVANNINI Tel: 766-1569 Pag: 36 - LA MANZANILLA-ocean front condominiums Tel: 315-351-5015 Pag: 32 - LLOYD REAL ESTATE AJIJIC Tel: 766-3508 Pag: 23 - MANZANILLO REAL ESTATE Tel: (314) 120-3878 Pag: 45 - MEXICO PROPERTY RESOURCES Tel: (315) 351-7489 Pag: 67 - MICHEL BUREAU Cell. (045) 333-129-3322, Home: (376) 765-2973 Pag: 61 - MONTAÑO REALTY Tel: 766-1134 Pag: 34 - MYRON’S MEXICO Cell: 33-1065-7688 Pag: 54 - PETER ST. JOHN Tel: 765-3676 Pag: 32 - RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925 Pag: 47 - TIERRA ALTA Tel: 766-6065 Pag: 53 - TONI COMBS Cell: 333-946-5909 Pag: 51

* PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

- JUSTUS HAUSER Tel: 763-5333, Fax: 763-5335 Emergencies: 01 (33) 3441-8223 Pag: 05 - NEWCOMERS ILSE HOFFMANN Cell: 33-3157-2541, Ilse40@megared.net.mx www.mexicoadventure.com/chapala/guadalajara.htm Tel: 01 (33) 3647-3912

- COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, movile: (045) 33-1175-9632 Pag: 68 - FOR RENT Tel: 33-3813 3413 Pag: 76 - HACIENDA LA CANACINTA Tel: 766-4971 Pag: 59 - ROMA Tel: 766-3163 Pag: 12 - SANTANA RENTALS Cell: 315-104-3283, Pag: 76

* PHARMACIES - FARMACIA CRISTINA Tel: 766-1501 - FARMACIA EXPRESS II - FARMACIA MASKARAS Tel/Fax: 765-5827 - FARMACIA MORELOS Tel: 765-4002 - FARMACIA UNICA Tel: 766-0523

Pag: 73 Pag: 11 Pag: 75 Pag: 76

* REPAIRS/ MAINTENANCE - TV REPAIR SERVICIO BELTRÁN Tel: 765-3949 - WATCH & CLOCKS Tel: 765 5190, Cell: (045) 33-1331-9226

Pag: 74

- RISTORANTE DI AURORA Tel. 766-4013, Cell. (044) 33 1265 7900 - SIMPLY THAI Tel: 766-5665 - SUBWAY - TABARKA Tel: 766-1588 - TOMAS Tel: 765-3897 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069 - TRATTORIA DI AXIXIC Tel: 766-3796

Pag: 65 Pag: 22 Pag: 82 Pag: 52 Pag: 47 Pag: 12 Pag: 54

* RETIREMENT/REST/NURSING HOMES - LA CASA NOSTRA Tel: 765-4187, Fax: 765-5815

Pag: 06

* SATELLITES/ T.V. - AJIJIC ELECTRONICS S.A. DE C.V. Tel/Fax: 766-1117, 766-3371 - SERVICIO BELTRÁN Tel: 765-3949, 766-4586

Tel: 766-5131 - GOLDEN AGE Tel: 766-3989 - RESPIRO SPA Tel: (045) 33-3157-7790 - TOTAL BODY CARE Tel: 766-3379 - VILLA BORDEAUX Tel. (01-387) 761-0494

Pag: 27 Pag: 63 Pag: 34 Pag: 19 Pag: 28

* THERAPISTS - PROFESSIONAL REHABILITATION Tel: 766-5563

Pag: 17

* TOURS - CHARTER CLUB TOURS Tel: 766-1777

Pag: 09, 13

* TREE SERVICE Pag: 19 Pag: 74

* SELF STORAGE - SELF STORAGE-BODEGAS CHAPALA Tel: 766-0661, Tel/Fax: 766-1045 Pag: 31

- CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Tel: 762-0602

Pag: 75

* WATER - IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Tel. (33) 3135 3645 - TECNO AQUA Tel: 766-3730, 766-3731

Pag: 46 Pag: 26

* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS - EL BAZAR DE LOS NIÑOS Tel: 765-3147 Pag: 28 - LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY Tel: 766-1140 Pag: 72-77 - LAKESIDE SPAY & NEUTER CENTER, A.C. Tel: 766-3813 - NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC Tel: 765-7032 Pag: 28 - PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE Tel: 765-3355 Pag: 30

* SOLAR ENERGY - E2 ENERGIAS Tel: (33) 3673-5499 - ESUN Tel: 766-2319

Pag: 65 Pag: 60

* SPA / MASSAGE - CHARLIE’S MASSAGE Cell: (045) 331-044-4834 - HYDROPOOL Tel: 766-4030 - LA BELLA VIDA

Pag: 60 Pag: 17

SAW YOUIN T HE OJO

Pag: 74

Pag: 20

* POOL MAINTENANCE - EQUIPMENT AND POOL MAINTENANCE Tel: 766-1617 Pag: 35 - HOME SERVICES Tel: 766-1569 Pag: 50 - TECNO AQUA Tel: 766-3730, 766-3731 Pag: 26

* REAL ESTATE - 1ST CHOICE HOMES LAKESIDE Tel: 765-2484 Pag: 55 - AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS Tel: 766-2836 Pag: 10 - AJIJIC REAL ESTATE Tel: 766-2077, Fax: 766-2331 Pag: 03, 31 - ALL IN ONE REAL ESTATE SERVICE Tel: 766-1161 Pag: 05 - AMBAR Tel: 766-4300 Pag: 33 - BEV. & JEAN COFELL Home Tel. 766-5332 Office Tel. 765-3676 Pag: 50 - COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, 766-3369 Fax: 766-2124, Tels: 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528 Pag: 84 - CHULA VISTA NORTE Tel: 766-2177 Cell: (045) 33-3841-8867 Pag: 37 - CHRISTY HERD Cell: (045) 331-444-6394 Pag: 34 - DOTTIE SLAIMAN Tel: 765-2326 Pag: 29 - EL DORADO Tel: 766-0040 Pag: 02 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: (387) 763-1974 Pag: 64 - FOR SALE BY OWNER

* RESTAURANTS/CAFES/CLUBS - AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 766-2458 Pag: 18 - ALFREDO’S CALIFORNIA Tel: 765-2245 Pag: 74 - CASA DEL WAFFLE Tel: 766-1946 Pag: 03 - CHILI BANG BAR Tel: 766-1919 Pag: 25 - COFFEE & BAGELS Tel: 766-0664 Pag: 15 - DAVID’S CAFE Tel: 766-2341 Pag: 72 - DRAGON ROJO Pag: 75 - EL ESCONDITE Tel: 333-161-7918 Pag: 46 - EL JARDIN DE NINETTE Tel. 766-4905 Pag: 30 - GO LE CLUB Cell: (045) 33-3502-6555 Pag: 35 - JOLANDAS Tel: 315-351-5449 Pag: 62 - LA BODEGA DE AJIJIC Tel: 766-1002 Pag: 77 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, 766-2049 Pag: 03 - “LA TAVERNA” DEI QUATTRO MORI Tel: 766 2848 Pag: 26 - LAURA’S KITCHEN Pag: 62 - LOS TELARES Tel: 766-0428 Pag: 53 - MANIX Tel: 766-0061 Pag: 31, 67 - MOM´S DELI & RESTAURANT Tel: 765-5719 Pag: 14 - NUMBER FOUR Tel: 766-1360 Pag: 23 - PANINO Tel: 766-3822 Pag: 13

The Ojo Crossword

Saw you in the Ojo 79

CARS FOR SALE: 1993 Mercury Villager, 7 passenger van, automa c, A/C blows cold, 154,000 miles. cloth interior, clean, one owner, U.S. plated $4395 U.S. (376) 763-5367 FOR SALE: 2005 Cherokee Laredo, excelent condi on. California plates, pink slip, truly nice! one owner, engine and all in a-1 shape! silver/gray cloth interior. Impeccable!. 12,000 USD. Contact Mary García FOR SALE: 2002 ford mustang,6cyl/3.8 engine, excellent condi on, recent mileage tune up, new shocks, rebuilt AC, new ba ery. belts & hoses. 120,000 hwy miles. S.D. plates. $4,900 USD. Cell (045)331-194-4783 FOR SALE: 1989 Suburban with trailer hitch, automa c transmission. New motor 39,000.00 Km. New exhaust system, 4 new res. Min. of 16 other parts were exchanged.

Mexican plated. Well maintained. $35,000.00 pesos. Cell. 331 446 -1709 FOR SALE: 1994 VW sedan 1600 i/Bug Collectors item. Like new. Silver colour, 32000 original km., nted glass, fuel injected, fully reclining velour seats, chrome bumpers, 2 chrome mirrors, alarm system. US 5000.00.

Cell. 331 446 1709 FOR SALE: Good condi on 17’ motorhome.

Sleeps 6. Kitchen, Bathroom, air condi oned, heater. Don’t build casita for guest, this one has it all. $2,000 USD. found.cyberspace@ gmail.com FOR SALE: New leather upholstery and so top. Has 2 tops, hard and so . Euro cover.

Manuals. This is a classic. $7500.00US. Call: Carol-Joan Daniel at (376) 765-2598 FOR SALE: Mercedes Roadster Conver ble.

Two tops—hard and so . Manuals. $9000.00 US. Call: Carol-Joan Daniel FOR SALE : Priced to Sell. This car was driven down from US in July of 2010. It has been legalized in Mexico. 2x2 5.2 liter engine. $95,000 pesos. Contact: Donnie Glover FOR SALE: 2005 Ford Taurus, runs good, needs some body work, $54,000 pesos or USD Call John (376)765-6613 FOR SALE: trailer 4x8 u lity trailer Ont Canada plated. With full spare re. Only used once to Ship stuff here. Real nice and new.

Fully enclosed. Lock included. $22,000 pesos.

Call Mike at 765-7494.

FOR SALE: 1992 Isuzu Rodeo, US plated, v/6, 5 speed. $1200 USD or OBO. Call: 331218-9649 FOR SALE: 1991 4 Cyl. Ford Escord Hatchback. Mexico Plated and runs great, no rust, body needs repair of dents, 14,000 pesos.

Call 331-218-9649

COMPUTERS FOR SALE: Laptop Specs: Intel Atom N280 Processor 1.66 GHz, FSB: 667MHz, 1GB RAM, 40 GB SSD Drive, Linux, supports Win XP, 6 hours of ba ery life, 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen, display, Webcam, 2,500 pesos.

Call 331-363-5580 FOR SALE: Video Ipod (30 GB) for 1500 pesos, comes with USB cable, black protector glove. I’ve also got ipod accessories for sale as well. 2 ipod cases, extra ba ery pack, car charger, clear plas c protector sheets, Call.

331-363-5580 FOR SALE: Linksys Wireless-G 2.4GHz Broadband Router with 4 port switch. $90US 376-763-5367 FOR SALE: 2008 HP Compaq Presario with Windows Vista Ul mate (English). 19” Monitor built in Speakers. Roxio EMC 10 and other extras. $5,800.00 pesos. Contact: Rafael Terracino FOR SALE: 15” Macbook Pro - MAC OS X. 4

80

GB 1067MHz. $1,700.00 US. Call 387-761-1028 or e mail. This laptop is in perfect condi on. rjschoen@juno.com FOR SALE: Color Printer. Good working condi on. Included one color cartridge and two black cartridges. $700pesos.

FOR SALE: Nextel cell phone no longer use Nextel. Model color is brown with designs on it. $300 pesos. Contact: Frank Raimo FOR SALE: Color Printer, Fax, Scanner, Copies and photo capture. Manual online.

Estate item. In excellent condi on. Extra print cart. $750pesos. Call: 765-5858 FOR SALE: Color Printer, Scanner, Copier.

Mul -func on color printer, scanner and copier. Includes new, unopened cartridges. In good working order, except one printer head needs replacing. Original cost $2,400 pesos.

Please email arjay333@gmail.com or phone 766-3103.

FOR SALE: Apple iMac G3/400 - 1GB ram, 10 GB hard drive, CD/DVD ROM drive, phone modem, built-in microphone and stereo speakers, 2 USB ports and 2 Firewire ports.

Includes apple keyboard and mouse. OSX 10.4 opera ng system. Contact: Michael McGrath FOR SALE: CD disk burner, good condi on, with disk and manual $50USD, Call: John Whiley 765-3824 FOR SALE: 200 Wa s digital AM/FM Receiver, brand new, s ll in Box, with remote control. Bought by mistake in the States last month. 80 USD. Call: Ingrid Hill at 766-5779 FOR SALE: Magicjack, call unlimited to the United States and Canada. Price 60.00 includes one full year of service, renewal for the next year is only 19.95 for as long as you own the magicjack. Call: (376)765-2326

GENERAL MERCHANDISE FOR SALE: 28’ Wilderness Camper Trailer 1995,VGC, Refrigerator, A/C, Furnace, Gas Lines, & Hot Water Heater Newly Serviced.

New Surge Protector, resealed roof. Includes spare re and many accessories needed for camping and towing. Contact: Sue Hurst FOR SALE: two auto roof racks, good condi on. The first one is a Thule, hard-shell, gargo box, for 1500 pesos. The other is a Thule, open roof carrier, black steel tubing, gu er type, 1500 pesos. Contact: Dennis James WANTED: Motorized treadmill. Any size motorized treadmill needed for rehab efffort.

Contact: Mar n Wolf FOR SALE: brand new FIRE engine RED three wheeler electric scooter it is a package including electric li to put in your vehicle and two ramps this is ideal for the person who cannot get around easily. Call Suzi at 766 4456 or email ssnnkenn7@aol.com FOR SALE: 4 pairs of brand new ladies size 8/10 jeans $12.00 never worn s ll with the labels on. Call Suzi at 766 4456 or email ssnnkenn7@aol.com FOR SALE: White baby crib / toddler bed in great condi on for sale for $2000 pesos. There are 3 different se ngs for this bed. Includes all instruc ons for assembling, in English/Spanish/ French . Call: 331-363-5580 FOR SALE: Samsung microwave. Medium size. 350 pesos. Call: (376) 766 4738 FOR SALE: This is just the LMB for a dish to get Dish Network. 3 years old. $500p. Call: (376) 765-4590 FOR SALE: Yamaha acous c guitar model FDO1. 6 string acous c about 3 years old with gig bag and video. 1800 pesos. Call: 766-4105 FOR SALE: TV console Brand new, never used Royce TV console in dark brown wood, 62” W x 21” D x 28 1/2 “ H. Flat panel TV mount, $2,600 call for more informa on. Call:

El Ojo del Lago / February 2011

(376)766 5686 FOR SALE: Sony 32” television NOT flat panel - 32” with built in stand. Stand has glass shelf built in. Excellent condi on, excellent picture. $3,000 pesos. Must see to appreciate call or email 766 5686 WANTED: new or used DISH satellite receiver (HD preferred); also, need opera ng manual in English for 52”Sharp TV model # LCC5277UN Call: (376) 766-0489 FOR SALE: Big Tex Trailer purchased and used to bring kayaks to Mexico-2005 from Texas to Chapala. 700.00 USD. Call: (376) 7652703 WANTED: Hotub or Jacuzzi for outdoor use. New or used in good condi on. Contact: Laurie FOR SALE: Star Choice oval dish 75E, new in box, fresh from Canada, large HD dish needed for all weather recep on at lakeside. 350 USD. Call: (376) 766 5173 WANTED: used gas cylinder, the tall one delivered locally by the trucks. Call: (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Pocket translator 2 1/2” x 3 1/2” w/ large LCD screen. Fits right in a shirt pocket. Over 200,000 words and phrases in 6 languages including Spanish. A great aid in learning Spanish. Call: (387) 761-1028 FOR SALE: Just plug the MagicJack into your computer then your phone into the MagicJack and make unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada for free. Come try out mine if you wish. The price includes 1 year of calls. $50.00 US Call: (387) 761-1028 FOR SALE: Garden RR Track/Switches.

Numerous unused Bachmann G scale track both curved and straight as well as manual switches and elevated bridges. Priced by piece or in en rety. habach @prodigy.net.mx FOR SALE: Stove. Mabe, Drop-In, White, Termo-control (not a thermostat), 4 burners plus a long middle burner (comal), 2 oven racks, (apprx. in inches): H-28; W-31; D-24, Price: 1,500 pesos. Call: (376) 766-3885 FOR SALE: Star Choice Receiver for sale, used only 2 hours. Call: 76-80354 FOR SALE: Large GE Spacemaker MICROWAVE. White. From the US. $100.00 USD/1200.00 Pesos Call: 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Mass AquaPlus Water So ener, Model SF28 the household water so ener integrates controls with almost zero maintenance and easy opera on used 1 month. Original cost 8400 pesos, asking 7000 pesos. Contact 766-2513 WANTED: wanted to buy gas barbeque in good condi on. Contact: Jack Ross FOR SALE: Two single beds. Wood base with quality ma ress, never used, Cost: base $750 ma ress $3800 Yours for $2,200. Call Earla 766-1071 FOR SALE: Dark Brown Leather Recliner, brand new condi on, from ARDEN 2 years ago $7500 pesos. Yours for $5000, Call Earla 7661071 FOR SALE: Whirlpool 6 burner oven with broiler, 3000 pesos without glass top, is less than 2 years old. If glass top wanted, add 2000 pesos. The oven is in new condi on. Call: 766 4266 FOR SALE: Nikon 35mm professional auto wind camera excellent condi on with carry case. $2900 pesos OBO. Call (045)331-1944783 FOR SALE: Perfect condi on Sony camcorder with case, charger, extra ba eries and TV hook up to view videos. $3900 pesos OBO. cell (045)331-194-4783 FOR SALE: Set of 4 cast iron sizzle plates

with 2 handles wooden and 4 serving dishes. $750p for the whole set. 2 are used, 2 new.

Sold new $32USD each. h p://www.google. co...ved=0CCUQ9QEwAg. Call: (376)765-4590 FOR SALE: NIKKEN Ma ress Pad King Size Magnet in pad for improved circula on. $250USD. Contact: Dionne Hearne FOR SALE: Ping RH golf irons, steel sha .3 to PW. $1200 pesos. Call: (376) 763-5305 FOR SALE: Sco s 20 inch Classic Reel Mower. $600 pesos. Call: (376) 763-5305 FOR SALE: 21 inch yardman push mower with catcher. $1200 pesos. Call: (376) 7635305 FOR SALE: Semi-nuevo 6 burner io mabe parilla. $3000 pesos. Call: (376) 763-5305 WANTED: I’m looking for someone to ride up to the US with via Texas and if possible all the way to Ohio or close to it. I’m an experienced driver with US license. Contact: Fabienne Rapaz FOR SALE: Bar Frig 27 inches high, 20 inches wide. $450 pesos Great for beer and pop! Call: 766 4023 FOR SALE: Black hard-shell violin case with blue velvet lining—good condi on. $200 pesos. Black nylon padded carrying case w/ handle for keyboard (outside pocket w/zip), approx 20” x 46”. New. $150 pesos. Call Kathy at 331-312-2337.

FOR SALE: Steel door, unused, with anchors. Very heavy double steel, two locks with keys. Ready to install. Measure 42 inches by 82 inches. Price $4000.00 pesos. Call:. 331 446 1709 FOR SALE: Motorola STAR CHOICE RECEIVERS model numbers DSR205 and DSR305. Price is for each. $100.00 USD/1250.00Pesos. Call: (376) 765-2598 WANTED: Someone to share Star Choice (Shaw) programming. Must have satellite dish and receiver. I currently spend $57 U.S./mo., would like to share the cost. Call 766-3025 & we can discuss program packages.

FOR SALE: Pentax PZ10 35mm film camera.

In excellent condi on. Standard lens. also includes a Pentax 1.4-200mm lens. Includes manual. $2000 pesos. Call: 765-5858 FOR SALE: Rarely used king size pillow top ma ress with sheet set and king sized bed spread. Must pick up no delivery. $2900 Pesos.

Call: (376)763 5184 WANTED: Condo/Apartment sized refrigerator/frost-free freezer needed. Size needs to be 24” wide by 62” high. Please contact Cricket at 376-766-2681 or email cricketchapman1@gmail.com FOR SALE: Large pain ngs 18”x26” 80 ps eq. Each. 2 smaller “13”x10” 30 ps eq. Each.

Priced individually. 80 pesos & 30 pesos. Call: (376) 765-7280 FOR SALE: 3 Colorful Cushions. SIZE: 12’ X 12”. Center: Embroidered mul colored. Very gently used. $100 pesos for all 3. Call: (376) 765-7280 FOR SALE: New very a rac ve eye catching led mirror, 34”x 26” $280 pesos or eq. please call: 376-765-7280 FOR SALE: OCCASIONAL CHAIRS 2—Naughahyde tan upholstery; 1—wine colored vinyl upholstery. Price is for each or best offer. $100.00 USD/1200.00Pesos each. Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: New Bookshelf Speakers. 1900 pesos/pair. Great pair of bookshelf speakers to add to exis ng system, i.e. stereo, home theatre, etc. h p:// nyurl.com/27btm6q for picture. Contact: A T FOR SALE: NEW TOILET SEATS. Almond

color. Oval shape. $9 USD/112 pesos each.

Please call or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com phone: (376)765-2598 FOR SALE: Mexican Po ery Table Lamp.

Base is vase shape. Shade is po ery too with decora ve cutouts through which the light shines. Terraco a color. $15 USD/190 pesos. Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: 12 Assorted Landline Telephones. Used $5 USD; New $7 USD Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@ gmail.com FOR SALE: Assorted Voltage Regulators: 600wa (1) $10.US; 1200 wa (2) $15 US; 1500 wa (1) $20. Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: WALL LANTERNS AND WALL LAMPS. Assorted for indoors, outdoor, closets, etc. Black and white. From America. $7 USD/80 pesos each. Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: 3 Piece Living Room or Veranda Set. Mexican made, Victorian style. Upholstered in burnt orange. Sofa, loveseat, occasional chair. $200 USD/$2500 pesos Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Many CHILDREN’S BOOKS in English including classic and contemporary authors. Price is for each Hardback $1.00/ So back $.75 U. Please call (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Woven wall TAPESTRIES from Europe. Approximate size: 24” x 36” Lined. One ver cal and one horizontal. Mo f of one is a s ll life and the other is floral. $25 Call: (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Room Air Purifiers with HEPA filter, carbon filter, UV bulb. Breathe pure, clean air! 1 on stand $750. pesos. 1 without stand $625. pesos. Call Cathy 766-6157 cell: 333 391-8305 FOR SALE: ANSWERING MACHINE. Phone Mate 3700. Set up guide in English or Spanish.

With manuals and cords. $15 USD/190 pesos.

Call: (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@ gmail.com FOR SALE: Wrought Iron Drapery Rod. TOTAL LENGTH 76”. Purchased from Arden’s but wrong size. Was $ 45 US. Is heavy duty rod & looks very classy! REDUCED TO $38 US or equiv. Please call for further info (376) 7657280 FOR SALE: Paper Cu er. Wood pla orm.

Cuts paper up to 8” square. Heavy duty. Great for cu ng up scratch paper or use in cra projects. $10 USD/125 pesos. Call: (376) 7652598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Universal VCR/DVD WALL MOUNT. $20 USD/$250 pesos. Call: (376) 7652598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Story & Clark upright piano.

Serial number: 216107. Made between 1949-1956. In good condi on. Padded bench included. Located in Chapala. Please call Chad to see it. 387-761-0057 or cell # is 331-5736752 FOR SALE: 2006 Scooter, runs well, taken well care of. A few small defects, speed doesn’t work. Looks great. 150cc, 2006, top speed 90100kph. Fills up with 25 pesos and you only need to fill tank 1 or 2 mes a week. $8,000 pesos. Contact: Spencer McMullen FOR SALE: Assorted GAMES: Magne c backgammon, chess, checker set $5.00USD; Trivial Pursuit $5.00USD; Bandu wood stacking game $5.00USD; Brass Tic Tac Toe $2.00USD; Wood chess set $5.00USD; Bocce ball lawn bowling $10.00USD; Table top oversized checker set with cloth board $5.00USD. Call: (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail. com FOR SALE: MEGAMAX Boiler/waterheater/ calentador. 76 liters, price $500 pesos. Contact: Paulus Heeren FOR SALE: Single Bicycle rear hatch. $350 pesos. Call: 765-3796 FOR SALE: Yakima car roof rack-gu er type-plus yakima kayak parts. $1200 pesos.

Adolf 765-3796 FOR SALE: Professional elip cal Life Fitness machine. New $4200 USD. Complete with cover, manual and heart monitoring devices.

$4000 pesos. Call -765-3796 Price includes transporta on -Chapala area FOR SALE: MIRRORED DISCO BALL with 3 lights mounted on steel arms. Electric. Rotates.

Great for your party area. Call: (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Casio portable electric keyboard (CT360)w/adjustable stand + hard case lightly used, excellent condi on, $2500 pesos. Call Lee Borden @ 331-439-7918 WANTED: Mailbox Partner, Third party to share our Sol Y Luna mailbox. One year contract required. Your share $106 pesos per year or approx. $90 pesos per month. Call Dale 766-3207.

FOR SALE: Two complete sets of used Golf Clubs with bags and extra pu ers. $125 USD each set. Call Perry King 763-5126.

FOR SALE: Floor model metal FOUNTAIN (green/black color). Mo f is a child under an umbrella. 2 bowls hold water which trickles over the edge. Water splashes down from 3 frog mouths and off the child’s umbrella on the top level. Needs a pump which I can provide new for another $10 USD/$125 pesos. Please telephone or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Jewelry Cabinet which stands on the floor. Medium oak. 5 drawers and two side cabinets which open for necklaces.

Top has stand up mirror and places for two photographs. Unique piece. Please Call: (376) 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: 42” round black wrought IRON PATIO TABLE and 4 chairs. With plate glass top. $175 USD/$2185pesos. Please telephone or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Panasonic FAX machine KX FHD3337 with caller ID and copier. Barely used.

30 USD/375 pesos. Please telephone or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Sharp UX-300 FAX barely used. $25.00 Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com WANTED: Regular size Refrigerator with Freezer compartment in working order to donate to the Lakeside School for the Deaf. We will pick up. Call: 766-4510 FOR SALE: 5 piece set of Ra an Veranda Furniture upholstered in a blue print. Includes glass topped coffee table one 3 person sofa, love seat and 2 occasional chairs. $300 USD. Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: COMPUTER DESK made from solid Mexican pine and stained cherry. Two piece L shaped. Pull out keyboard drawer.

Total 6 drawers. Plate glass cut to fit top in two pieces. $600 USD. Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: JUST REDUCED! Hotpoint gas white full size STOVE and oven. Lightly used.

You will be responsible for disassembling and removal.$360 USD. Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: An que Mexican wood Folding Screen. Distressed blue and green stain on the vine carving. This screen was made from a pair of old Mexican doors. $100 USD. Please telephone 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@ gmail.com FOR SALE: HOT TUB—holds up to 8 persons.

Teal blue color. Complete with padded cover, chemicals, steps, accessories. JUST REDUCED: $2000 USD. Please call 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: Teaching by Principals: An Interac ve Approach to Language Pedagogy (3rd edit) H.Douglas Brown -- $200 pesos.

Linguis c Perspec ves on Language & Educa on (1st edit) Anita Barry -- $250 pesos.

Learning Teaching: The Essen al Guide to English Language Teaching (2nd edit) Jim Scrivener -- $150 pesos. All bought from Amazon this fall. Like new condi on. All 3 for $500 pesos. Contact: Jan Turner FOR SALE: Door wooden medicine cabinet with mirrors on front and 3 shelves. A rac ve addi on to your bathroom. 30 inches by 30 inches by 6 inches deep, $900 pesos. Call: 7664105 FOR SALE: Danby Countertop Dishwasher, holds full 4 place se ngs, hooks to faucet.5 cycles, white with stainless steel interior &

spray arm. Low power consump on! NEW in box, $2800 pesos. Contact: Sherry Hudson FOR SALE: BAR JUST REDUCED TO $3000.00US OR BEST OFFER. Handcra ed from old Mexican wood. Iron accents. With lights and 3 stools with backs and leather seats. Call 765-2598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com FOR SALE: SanSon stainless steel commercial ICE MAKER. Lightly used. With UV light and filter. You must disconnect and remove, $1800 USD. Please telephone 7652598 or reply to ccalfapietra@gmail.com WANTED: Looking for a shop vac in excellent condi on about 6 horsepower.

Willing to pay reasonable price. Contact: Rubi Diamond WANTED: Looking for 6000 wa generator and portable oil/electric heater. Contact: Rubi Diamond WANTED: Looking for 52” Flat Screen T.V. with high defini on. Will pay reasonable price.

Contact: Rubi Diamond FOR SALE: Tinaco: Black vessel by ROBLAST 250 Liter. Has spout for dispensing of water.

Bought 1 year ago, $580 pesos. Contact: Yolanda Mc Gaughey FOR SALE: Child’s Barbie bicycle with training wheels for 3-5 year old. Pink paint is somewhat faded but decals remain bright. $200 pesos Call: (376) 765-2601 FOR SALE: Evenflo child’s car seat. Good condi on, $500 pesos. Call: (376) 765-2601 FOR SALE: Several cookbooks, including hardcover Barefoot Contessa At Home and Barefoot Contessa Par es! $35 pesos each.

So cover Rachel Ray’s 30 Minute Meals 2. $25 pesos. So cover Rick Bayless Salsas That Cook. $20 pesos. Also books featuring fish, Asian, French, shrimp, lowfat, etc. $10-$25 pesos each. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Two louvered wood doors, 81” high, 22” wide with talavera handles, $100 each. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: New in bag Surefit loveseat slipcover. Sage green and gold textured stripe pa ern, $250. Phone only please (376) 7652601.

FOR SALE: 19” Magnavox color TV with remote. Works well, $1000. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Serta double bed. Ma ress, boxspring and metal base on wheels. Lightly used, $1000 pesos. Phone only please (376) 765-2601 FOR SALE: Several wrought iron rus c chandelier light fixtures with four glass globes in choice of amber or green glass, $400 pesos each. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Large rus c wood trunk with curved top (like for pirate treasure), $600 pesos. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Rus c Mexican cabinet. Two shelves with amber glass doors and carved wooden owls, drop-down desktop and three drawers below. Measures 72” high, 35-1/2” wide, 18” deep. $1,500 pesos. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Rus c Mexican bookshelf with drawers. dark wood. Three shelves on top with four drawers below. Measures 72” high, 34” wide, 16” deep, $1000 pesos. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Rus c Mexican bar cabinet.

Dark wood. Measures 35” wide, 34” high, 171/2: deep, $500pesos. Phone only please (376) 765-2601.

FOR SALE: Dark wood rus c Mexican dining table. Rectangular, comfortably seats eight. Measures 85” long, 38” wide, 29” high.

Tabletop surface is 1-1/2” thick dark wood, $1700 pesos. Phone only please (376) 7652601 FOR SALE: SONY STR-DE335 Home Theater Stereo Receiver plus Bose Acous mass 5 speakers and stands, $300 USD, more info Contact: Michael McGrath FOR SALE: 4 person portable hutub, $22,950 pesos or UDS Call John (376)7656613 WANTED: need a used cargo trailer size 6-10 or 6-12 foot. Contact: Vince Gravel FOR SALE: Mexican queensized ma ress and base $1,200 pesos Very Firm. Call: 766-

4474 FOR SALE: White Wooden Desk. $500 pesos 4’x3’aprx. Orig Computer Desk Lockable draw. Needs paint. Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Glass top Bar Counter $1500pesos/$120usd. Thick Glass inlay top white 2x2 wooden frame two lower shelves 6’x2’2”approx. Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Stainless Steel Top Prep Table.

Great work bench, $2000 pesos/$160USD. Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Tan foldout couch, $2,000 pesos/$160 USD. Solid corduroy like fabric.

Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Sony camcorder in excellent condi on with spare cartridge and manual. $85. Call: 765-3824 FOR SALE: Dining table very solid “Rus co” made in beau ful Mexican style with six chairs (2 with side arms supports) catalog price new: 16,000 pesos for 7,000 pesos or best offer. Call: (387) 76 1-0190 FOR SALE: Kiss my Tears Away by William Schrader Fall of a Sparrow by Richard Vath North Star Pilgrim by Ed Vlahov all like new in excellent condi on.$100 pesos. Call: (387) 76 1-0190 FOR SALE: Large (4 ) stained glass pool table light, new condi on, $1500 pesos. Call Lee Borden @ 331-439-7918 FOR SALE: Hitachi amplifier/recorder lot of bells + whistles old but works well, $600 pesos.

Call Lee Borden @ 331-439-7918 WANTED: Looking for a used pa o umbrella table and umbrella with weighted base. Don’t need chairs. Call: 765-6382.

FOR SALE: Gorrilla Brand2 ea. - Steel storage racks, can be converted to work benches. Each one measures 18” X 48” X 72” and has 5 shelves. $85 US. Call: (376) 7663212 FOR SALE: 1 ea. - 6’ long X 30” wide folding table. $65 US. 3 ea. - 8’ long X 30” wide folding tables $ 85 US each. Call: (376) 766-3212 FOR SALE: 3 ea. Queensize Aero beds. $35 US Call: (376) 766-3212 FOR SALE: 2 - Natural Plywood cabinets for display and storage. Bo om half has three separate compartments for storage with doors, and top half has three display shelves. Great condi on. $100 USd each. Call 766-3212.

FOR SALE: Double Steam and Espresso Outputs. Restaurant Quality. Excellent condi on. Mod Cafe 2M120/2 see www. lapavoni.com/model.asp?id=313, ours has double steamers and comes with la Pavoni Coffee Grinder. $34,700 pesos/$2,800 USD. Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: 16 Cu.Ft Glass door freezer Excellent condi on Restaurant Quality $9,000 pesos. See www.tor-rey-refrigera on.com/ freezers/index.htm for specs. Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Pimsleur spanish audio casse es, 16 double sided tapes, learn spanish with the pimsleur method. Nego able but asking 800 pesos. Contact: Diane Ward FOR SALE: LG DVD player and recorder, plays dvd, cd’s, USB, MP3, WMA, JPEG files, connects to digital camcorders, records TV programs, manual in English/Spanish, nearly new. Asking 750 pesos. Contact: Diane Ward

COLLECTABLES FOR SALE: Garden City Po ery San Jose 10” high crock 9” circum. Can be used for plants or decor. Has ordinal trademark with #2 on side. Google: Garden City Po ery, San Jose, CA. Contact: Frances McLaren FOR SALE: Two Cathy Chalvignac pain ngs.

Large $1000. Small $350. Beau ful fine art by famous ar st. See cathychalvignac.com.

Serious inquires only please. Contact: Rubi FOR SALE: Sweets book indexed catalog and building construc on Dated 1906. $500 pesos. Contact: Frank Raimo FOR SALE: I have hundreds of duplicates of 19th and 20th century Mexican stamps, both new and used, for sale. (Also lots of Peru and Chile). Call: James Tipton at 765-7689.

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