El Ojo del Lago - January 2012 by El Ojo del Lago

Saw you in the Ojo

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Saw you in the Ojo

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 Shelley Edson 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 Managers Omar Medina Bruce Fraser 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

COVER STORY

Kay Thompson takes us on a tour of the butterfly sanctuary in Michoacan, one of the most wondrous sights in a country filled with wondrous sights.

8 Shutterstock Images

14 LAKE CHAPALA WRITER’S CONFERENCE Harriet Hart showcases Neil McKinnon—one of the most humorous writers to have ever graced the meetings of the Ajijic Writers’ Group. He will be one of the main speakers at the Writer’s Conference on January 25.

20 GERIATRIC MUSINGS Michael Cook’s final installment of his article “The Older Man,” whose first segment elicited a great deal of positive response.

22 PERSONAL HIGH JINKS Cameron Peters joins the fun with her contribution to our on-going series, “My Most Embarrassing Moment.”

24 POETRY An unknown poet’s marvelous contribution about Christmas Eve, Mexicostyle, was so good that we had to belatedly publish it.

40 RELIGION The late Gloria Marthai was too good a writer to let her work die with her—and so starting with this issue, we will rerun many of her earlier Ojo articles.

44 MEXICAN HISTORY Herbert Piekow revisits the life and times of Benito Juarez, one of Mexico’s greatest heroes—and reveals some relatively unknown facts about him.

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.

COVER STORY

PUBLISHER

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

COLUMNS THIS MONTH 6

Editor’s Page

Uncommon Sense

Bridge by Lake

Joyful Musings

Welcome to Mexico

Child of Month

Hearts at Work

New Lease on Life

Lakeside Living

Magnificent Mexico

Anyone Train Dog

Thunder on Right

The Poet’s Niche

Focus on Art

Front Row Center

Stay Healthy

LCS Newsletter

LAKESIDE LIVING

 DIRE C TOR Y 

46 MAGNIFICENT MEXICO

VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5

Saw you in the Ojo

Editor’s Page By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez The Biggest Little Man in M Mexico exico (Republished by Request)

he first time I met Norberto Mejia, he reminded me of the noble water-bearer in Rudyard’s Kipling’s immortal poem, Gunga Din. Hurried (and often faulty) typecasting of just about everyone I meet is one of my many mental aberrations; a carryover, I suppose, of the many years I spent in the motion picture industry. Yet as I came to know Norberto better, my initial notion deepened into absolute conviction. Today, there is no man whom I am prouder to call my friend. Ironically, our friendship was first forged when I tried to take advantage of him. Prior to that, I had seen him dozens of times, but never given him more than a few seconds of my (alleged) valuable time. Seriously handicapped people usually make me uneasy, stemming (I suppose) from my angry befuddlement over how incredibly unfair fate can sometimes be. On this particular afternoon, I was already pretty upset, having grown desperate in trying to find a bed and breakfast place for the last three puppies one of my dogs had so thoughtfully presented me with the previous Christmas; and by now, having run out of gullible gringo prospects, I was reduced to trolling through the native population. But still no luck. Then I spotted Norberto, sitting on his little skateboard-like platform outside a local market in Ajijic. I swiftly stammered out my offer: twenty dollars if he would take the three puppies off my weary hands. The money would buy enough dog food until he could find them a good home. I knew, of course, that this was a semi-rotten deal—for if he was unable to place the pups, their life-long maintenance cost would run far beyond my measly offer of compensation. I would try, however, to help him on a regular basis. To my surprise, Norberto readily agreed to these undernourished terms—on one condition: I would have to give him a lift to his home in Jocotepec, as he could not take the dogs (albeit safely boxed) with him on the bus. I quickly agreed to this, a small price to pay for the successful

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Norberto Mejia unloading of my unwanted cargo of canines. I was not especially delighted, however, having assumed that the short jaunt to Jocotepec would involve bitter reflections on life in general, and his own in particular. Norberto was obviously nearly destitute, and had a severe physical disability. Yet not once over the course of our trip did he voice anything but the sunniest of statements about everything and everybody, including himself. He even poked gentle fun at his own deformity. Listening to him, I thought, this guy doesn’t have much in the way of legs, but he sure has more than his share of moxie. The next pleasant surprise came when we reached his house. (I use the term “house” loosely, for it was scarcely more than a covered enclosure that sat squeezed between two other dwellings, themselves little more than brick hovels.) I had just gotten him down from my car and onto his tiny makeshift skateboard when it seemed half the neighborhood suddenly materialized. Kids came running toward us with those infectious smiles Mexican children seem to be born with, and in moments many adults joined their ranks. Everyone appeared greatly relieved that the crippled beggar had made it safely home. A hero returning home from a war could not have received a more heartfelt welcome. Struck by this emotional tableau, I quietly vowed to get to know Norberto Mejia. In the months that followed, I learned much about him, yet no more than things the people in his neighborhood apparently had known for years. You see, it’s like this . . .

•

My little friend is neither priest nor pastor—yet I doubt anyone who knows him has not experienced at least a slight twinge of spiritual awakening. He is not a psychiatrist—yet rarely have I understood myself better than after spending a half hour in his company. He is not a financial counselor— but the insignificant amounts of money I have given him have yielded an incredible return. He will never be a star of stage or screen—yet seldom have I encountered a more charismatic personality, or eyes that so artfully reflect the humanity inherent in every heart. He is no more than a few feet tall—yet never have I seen any man’s children look at their father with more pride and affection. He has never won a medal for bravery—yet to watch him attempt something so simple as getting on and off a car is to witness courage in its most sublime form. Finally, he is not a man with whom any of us would be eager to trade places— yet I have never met anyone who plays with more grace the lousy cards he was dealt. So the next time you see him at

Plaza Bugambillias, do yourself a favor and make his acquaintance. His warm smile and cheery manner will prove worth far more than whatever you care to press into his palm or drop into his styrofoam cup . An added bonus might come when you walk away thinking, as I invariably do, that life is a great gift that should not be squandered. I’ll close by paraphrasing the last line of Kipling’s unforgettable poem: You’re a better man than I, Norberto Mejia. Alejandro Grattan

Saw you in the Ojo

Our O ur T Tri ri p To To The The B Butterflies utterflies By Kay Thompson

Marj Bergeland and Kay Thompson

outed as one of the natural wonders of the world, the butterfly sanctuary hoacán in the mountains of Michoacán fe has long been on my life list. Finally this year, my husband and I signed up for a three day, two night trip to Morelia, the e capital of Michoacán. The p second day of the trip was a trip to the monarcass me sanctuary- the winter home utof millions of Monarch butterflies. These lovely creatures fly all the way from Canada and the US to spend the winter procreating. They also procreate on their trip north so the same butterfly never makes a round trip. Friends have been there and exclaimed over the wondrous sight of seeing millions of butterflies flitting around in the sun. This is for us. So off we go to Morelia with 19 others. Morelia is a 4.5 hour bus trip; at least it is that long on the bus we had which had major clutch and engine problems. Our driver wisely kept the speed down and he struggled with the gears the entire way, often stopping as the only way to get into first gear. The city of Morelia is a gorgeous colonial city that makes you feel as though you are in Spain. Wonderful plazas, courtyards, a cathedral, churches, schools, government buildings all built from 1547 on in stone and in the Spanish style. The town is lively, with many students and a sophisticated ambiance. We had a nice walking tour. The next day we were to meet at 8 a.m. for our trip to the butterflies. No one mentioned that it would be a 4 hour bus ride to the sanctuary. It was interminable. After two hours on the freeway, we spent two hours on minor roads with topes (speed bumps) every few yards. In Mexico anyone who would like traffic to slow in front of his property so he can try to sell a taco or a Coke, can build a tope on the road in front of his place. Hence,

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

there were topes every fifty feet in s o m e stretches. And for each of wh which our bus had to come to a complete stop to ea ease over and to try, once again, to find first ge gear. After almost 4 ho hours we were going thro through a tiny scrappy litt little town and came tto a little hut on the left. Several men were standing around. One man was holding a rope that stretched across the road. A sign in English and hand-lettered said “Welcome Toll. Small car 40 pesos, big car 50 pesos.” If you paid the toll, the rope was lowered. We wondered what happened to the tolls collected. Ah, but that is thinking like an American. Better to just accept that the guys probably split the tolls at the end of the day. The area is very poor so they have to be creative to bring in revenue. On we went - always “Just ten more minutes.” We learned years ago that in Mexico ten minutes is probably an hour and it was. Finally we are at the sanctuary parking lot. No one is around so plenty of parking. Unfortunately, it is now cloudy and we have been told that the butterflies do not come out unless it is sunny. Well, it might clear up. Off we go. We climb a curving dusty little road that is lined with shacks selling souvenirs and food. Most of them are closed today. We reach the entrance and enter the turnstile with our group. We are the only folks around. Now it is raining! Although a few on our trip came prepared such as the two women from Montreal who whipped out raincoats, scarves, gloves, rain ponchos and umbrellas, most of us have just jackets on. My husband and I have on shirts and fleece vests. We begin the long climb up the mountain led by our local guide who smiles but speaks no English so we follow his hand direc-

tions which are always pointing up the mountain. It rains harder; we continue climbing but I get one half of a dirty trash bag from a young man who is helping our tour leader, Miguel, who is bringing up the rear. The trash bag is filthy but I use it as a tarp and the rain spills off of it and runs down my hands as we continue. My spouse has no rain protection and he has a short sleeved shirt. A few people are turning back but we’ve gone quite a way and I hate to give up knowing that then the clouds will clear and the beautiful butterflies will appear. So we continue past the turning back point. Now it is raining harder and . . . it is sleeting! This is cold! Soon the sleet gathers in piles and covers the rocks. It melts a little and it is just like the slippery snow I came to Mexico to avoid! Then comes the lightning and thunder. We wonder if this is safe. As we traverse a rather open meadow area and the thunder is crashing, I wonder if the lightning will seek out my tall husband. Our guide indicates we are close. My hands are numb; we are soaked; the rain and sleet continue as we pick our way around the slippery rocks. After about an hour and a half of

this misery we arrive at the butterfly area. It is too dark and rainy to see anything but we can make out big black clumps of things hanging from many of the tree branches. The butterflies! There are millions of them there; they are just resting all hanging together. They wisely do not go out in this kind of weather. One woman in our group is telling her husband she will never make him go on a trip again. We are all laughing. We take some pictures of the black clumps and pick our way back down the treacherous path. I haven’t been so miserable since a canoe trip in the boundary waters of Minnesota when it poured rain as we searched for a campsite. We stop at a little restaurant on the way down for quesadillas, rice and beans. Some people have bought sweaters and heavy scarves to help with the chill. If only they had rain ponchos for sale! Our group is now bonded by the experience and we brace for the four hour trip back to Morelia, soaking wet on a bus with no heat. Later, after our return to the hotel and hot showers, we went out to eat with new friends. As we lifted our wine glasses, our new friend John said, “Here’s to tourism!” Ah, yes, tourism.

Saw you in the Ojo

UUNCOMMON NCOMMON CCOMMON OMMON SSENSE EENNSE By Bill Frayer billfrayer@gmail.com Democracy in Crisis

am certain that many of you are familiar with Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.” We’ve all gotten a laugh out of that line, and probably nodded our heads and admitted, somewhat ruefully, that wise old Winston was correct. We may become frustrated with the endless debating, phony posturing, and seemingly permanent election cycles. Yet, we somehow stumble along, and our democratic republics seem to endure and sometimes thrive. I read in the paper this morning that the wise former Senate Majority Leader from Maine, George Mitchell, stated that divisive partisanship in Washington today is “the worst it’s ever been.” Most would agree that, whether it’s the worst ever, it has almost paralyzed the US government and made it almost incapable of making tough budget decisions. And it’s not limited to the United States; across Europe dissatisfaction with political leaders is rampant as governments struggle to hold the European Union together. In The Republic, Plato argued that democracy could not work because people would predictably vote for their own self interest, often in direct contrast with wise policies for the community as a whole. Plato advocated government by a group of “guardians” who would strip themselves of all property and live simply as the decision-makers of the state. They would presumably be able to make decisions for the good of the whole because they would have

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Bill Frayer no personal bias. We could argue that this system might not be practical, but he was accurate in identifying democracy’s basic flaw. For a democracy to work well, citizens must be well informed and willing to support policies which need to be made for the good of the state, even if it goes against their personal interests. I think the western democracies are in crisis at the moment. Many states have constructed, at the behest of its people, elaborate social support policies (medical insurance, unemployment insurance, housing support, student loans, pensions, etc.) which are no longer sustainable. Yet, the citizenry has grown accustomed to expecting the government to provide these benefits. They are, not surprisingly, unwilling to give up some of these benefits or even pay higher taxes to support them. The politicians, who face reelection, are little help. They are unwilling to support unpopular cuts and tax increases, so the problems continue to grow. Corporations, which finance virtually all political campaigns, make the situation worse by pressuring the politicians to vote in ways which support their self interests. In addition to this, young people are turning to more decentralized forms of organization, enhanced by the growth of the Internet. Across the Arab world, they have brought down long-standing dictatorships using Facebook and Twitter to organize. Wikileaks has revealed information that states have traditionally kept secret. Many young people across the globe are so frustrated with traditional politicians and corrupt politics that they have supported more decentralized, people-oriented anarchistic movements. We have seen this in the protests against the WTO and in the Occupy movements across the globe. This crisis has been brewing for a long time and has been accelerated by the world-wide economic crisis, but how will it be resolved? Will democratic institutions be able to adapt and solve problems again? Will citizens be able to trust their leaders to act in their best interest or will we continue to slide into an oligarchy controlled by wealthy corporations and billionaires?

BRIDGE B RIDGE B BY Y THE THE LAKE LAKE By Ken Masson

ridge literature is filled with the exploits of the “giants of the game” as they make seemingly impossible contracts through what appears to be magic to us lesser mortals. Occasionally, however, a technique will resonate with us and eventually we will get the opportunity to employ it at the bridge table. Such was the case with the illustrated hand where the declarer employed a rarely-used process to make a slam that at first glance appeared to be doomed. North opened the bidding with 1 spade and South responded 2 hearts which in their system was forcing to game. North now introduced his diamond suit at the three level whereupon South jumped to 4 hearts to show a very long suit and no interest in pursuing a slam. North, however had other ideas as he felt his 19 high-card- point hand was too powerful to rest in game so he bid 4 no trump, Roman Keycard Blackwood in which the trump King (hearts) is treated as a fifth ace, or keycard. South responded 5 spades which showed 2 keycards plus the queen of hearts. Without further ado, North bid the heart slam. West led the club 4 and when the dummy came down South saw that the slam was safe if he could hold his trump losers to one so he won the first trick in the dummy to play North’s lone heart to his king. West took the ace and switched to the spade queen which ran to South’s ace. When declarer now played the heart queen and West discarded the club 3 South’s chances appeared to be poor as East was now

known to hold the 10 and 8 of hearts and, with no heart in dummy, a traditional finesse could not be employed to pick up the enemy’s trumps. Then declarer remembered reading about a device called a trump coup which requires shortening the trumps in his hand to the same number as East. The trump coup generally refers to an endplay situation or layout of the cards between a declarer and one defender, whereby the finessable trump cards of a defender are trapped without a finesse. To arrive at the desired endgame, declarer needed to ruff three of dummy’s cards in his own hand so he played a spade to North’s king and ruffed a spade, then a club to dummy’s king followed by another spade ruff in hand and finally a diamond to dummy’s ace and a club ruff in hand. The end result was that North held the king, queen and 10 of diamonds, East had the 5 of diamonds and the 10 and 8 of hearts while South held the 4 of diamonds and the jack and 9 of hearts. All that remained was for South to travel to the dummy with his diamond and when he played another diamond East was sunk – his 10 and 8 of hearts were trapped by South’s jack and 9 – the slam had succeeded. While I normally like to identify the architect of good plays, modesty prevents me from naming the executor of this trump coup! Questions or comments: email: masson.ken@ gmail.com Ken Masson

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Letter to the Editor Dear Sir: Re “Of Myth And Reality” in the December issue. Fred Mittag’s article on “the top five myths propagated by Fox News” was interesting in that he quotes as his sources: The Washington Post; Guardian; U.S. News and World Report; ABC news, and others: Regarding the Washington Post. In the 1970s, according to Google, the Post was labeled “Pravda on the Potomac”. To further document its leftist leanings, On Oct. 17, 2008, The Post endorsed Barack Obama for President. Strange that he should list a British rag, The Guardian, as a source. Google states that: “The paper’s readership is generally on the mainstream left of British political opinion”. Again, Google describes U.S. News & World Report as follows: “In recent years, it has become particularly known for its ranking and annual reports on American colleges, graduate schools, and hospitals”. And his last source is listed as ABC News. If ever the mainstream media, with its liberal bias, could be personified, it would be ABC, which rarely

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

reports on anything remotely adverse to the liberal/progressive left. When commenting on the Occupy Wall Street movement, he states: “The movement is committed to nonviolent protests, having learned from Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King”. I guess he hasn’t heard of the rapes, murders, unsanitary conditions, and general undisciplined chaos that typifies this rabble. Talk about liberal spin, and at a time when most Democrats are beginning to hold this movement at arm’s length. Reality check time, Fred!! Al Trottier trottier_al@yahoo.com As to Fox’s “low ranking compared to better informed people who rely on other news sources”, Fox is consistently at the top of the ratings when compared to the other main stream media outlets.

Joyful Musings By Joy Birnbach Dunstan, MA, LPC, MAC Strengthening the Ties that Bind

t’s a new year and a good time to bring new intimacy back into an old relationship. There are many couples who have celebrated lengthy years of marriage, yet there are far fewer who share true intimacy. Managing to live together in the same house or even share the same bed for decades doesn’t necessarily imply that the partners have an intimate relationship. What is intimacy anyway? The dictionary defines intimacy as ”a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.” It can include both emotional and physical intimacy, but most of all it is about deeply connecting and sharing ourselves with another in an atmosphere of trust and safety. The word expresses its own meaning if we think of it as into-me-see. Emotional intimacy means opening up and allowing another to know our true self, our innermost feelings and deepest thoughts, and in return embracing and accepting the other as they do the same. It is the sense of acceptance and caring that creates the safety to do this. In healthy developing relationships, true sexual intimacy follows emotional intimacy as an atmosphere of love and trust grows between the partners. Developing intimacy takes time. Both parties must invest time and energy in making the relationship a priority. It helps to have common interests and enjoy similar activities, but most important is sharing similar values. If only one of you enjoys bowling for instance, s/ he can go bowl with other friends, but relationships don’t work very well if you don’t both share core values about what matters most in life. Good communication is vital. Not just talking, but talking about the important stuff. Sure it’s necessary to talk about who’s going to pay the electric bill or get the car fixed. And it’s easy to pass on the latest news about what’s going on around town. In an intimate relationship, it’s also important to share your feelings openly and honestly. Take time to notice and let your beloved know what s/he does that you admire or appreciate. Words of appreciation go a long way to helping your sweetie feel special.

Remember that you can only change yourself, and consciously focus on being your best self every day. When you’re bothered by something about your partner, know how to bring up issues without criticizing or blaming. Much better to say, “I felt hurt when you didn’t ask me about that” than to put your partner on the defense by saying, “Why didn’t you ask me first?” Don’t forget that listening is every bit as important as talking. Being a good listener is one of the best ways to demonstrate your love and caring for your partner. Keep your relationship fun. Don’t get so bogged down in the everyday routines that you forget how to play and have a good time with each other. Surprise your partner with a gift for no reason or an unexpected getaway, even for just a few hours. Keep the romance alive with a just-because bouquet of flowers or a weekly date night. The glue that truly binds a satisfying committed relationship is an intimate friendship. Practicing these simple ideas will create a peaceful and relaxing environment in which intimacy can flourish. Nietzsche was wise when he said, “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” Strengthen the bonds of friendship and intimacy with your beloved this new year. Editor’s Note: Joy is a practicing psychotherapist in Riberas. She can be contacted at joy@dunstan.org or 7654988. Check out her new website: http:// joydunstan.weebly

Saw you in the Ojo 13

LEARNING TO BE FUNNY By Harriet Hart

an you teach someone to be funny? Local humorist Neil McKinnon says he’s going to prove it this January by offering a workshop at the 8th Annual Lake Chapala Writers Conference titled: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Laptop.” Neil has been amusing local writers for years by reading his latest pieces at the Ajijic Writer’s Group that meets twice monthly at La Nueva Posada. Over the years I have heard him test out his novel chapters and short stories on this group of his peers; I can’t recall a time when he failed to get us laughing out loud. His success must have something to do with his habit of testing his material out on his best critic, his wife Judy. “If she laughs, I’m happy.” Neil’s workshop will include the following topics: • What is humor/How to generate funny ideas/What makes something funny/Writing humor/What do we mean by a sense of humor/Writing for a specific audience/Devices and finally do’s and don’ts about writing a humorous short story or novel. Neil believes that everyone has a sense of humour and that these differ by culture, age, gender and era. In other words, Americans and Canadians find different jokes amusing, the old and young don’t laugh at the same things, men and women don’t either and what was funny in the 1950s may not be so funny today. Neil says writing humour is a natural for him: “I find it very difficult to keep humour out of my serious writing.” Even an obituary can be the occasion for something funny. “It’s how I see the world,”

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Neil McKinnon

he confides. When he does a “straight” piece of writing, he writes as he pleases and then edits out the “inappropriate” humour. In 2006 Neil’s novel Tuckahoe Slidebottle was published in Canada and immediately nominated for the prestigious Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. He didn’t win but he did make the short list. His new novel, Feasting on Passion Mountain: Tales from the World’s Greatest Lover is currently being considered by several literary agents. Members of the Ajijic Writers’ Group who heard the chapter about the lady who unfortunately was hit on the head at a bingo game and ever after shouted “Bingo” when she achieved an orgasm…will be first in line to buy the novel. Neil McKinnon is the first local author to be asked to give a half day session at the Lake Chapala Writers Conference. In addition to his success as a writer, Neil has given many readings and presentations. His promotion of Tuckahoe Slidebottle took him to over 50 venues in Canada and Mexico, including the Puerto Vallarta Writer’s Conference. The 8th Annual Lake Chapala Writer’s Conference will be held January 25th to 27th at the Real De Chapala Hotel in Ajijic. Interested authors who want to inject a little humour into their writing (and their lives) can register at Diane Pearl’s Gallery on Colon in Ajijic or by contacting Kay Davis at kdavis987@gmail.com

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By Victoria Schmidt Mysteries of Mexico

any things mystify me about Mexico. I’m not talking about the Maya, the Native Indian population, pyramids or canyons. Marketing in the larger stores in Mexico mystifies me. I was shopping while a Dolly Parton song was piped in over the speaker system. Attempting to buy a notebook computer I stood in the midst of the electronics department. Every single TV in sight was plugged in and playing a program. Not the same program. That would be too – coordinated. There’s a movie on one TV, a music video on another, and many others were playing an animated cartoon. The device I’m interested in is open for display with a price tag. Is it turned on? No. Plugged in? No. Are there any signs that tell me more about it? Well, yes, but it was woefully incomplete. But a nice employee goes and gets the power cord and boots it up so we can inspect it and see what kind of programs are preloaded. When the decision is made to purchase the device, I’m instructed to take a small piece of paper with the product code on it to the cash register and pay for it. I do this. I then take my receipt to the electronic department, where they look at the receipt and dispatch a clerk to outer Mongolia returning about 10 minutes later with the notebook. She instructs me to take it to the security guard, who makes a note on his clipboard. Can I leave? Nope. I’m then instructed to walk across the entire store to a service counter. The service counter is a hub of various activities, with only one clerk. She’s exchanging light bulbs, and other products being returned, and storing bags for shoppers. Taking customers in no apparent order, I watched and waited my turn. She seemed confused when I ask for my warranty. I watch as she is interrupted by the telephone, cus-

tomers, and clerks and I wait. Thirty-five minutes, two clerks and a manager later, I’m walking out of the store with a stamp on the back of my receipt…and a promise they will email my warranty at some future date when they figure out why their repeated attempts to get their computer to print it out have failed. It mystifies me that they can take something as simple as making a purchase, and have it take over an hour and a half. Other things mystify me. I’d really like to know where my Telecable bill is. Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don’t. Where I volunteer…we haven’t received the bill since May. But the service will get turned off the day after the bill was due. In our new home, I always get the CFE bill…in our old house… I never saw one. Where are those bills going? These are important matters, because whenever I go to do something official, or semi-official…I need to supply a copy of my utility bill. Need to open a bank account? Bring in your passport, visa,…and your utility bill. Would someone please explain to me why a copy of a utility bill in my landlord’s name proves where I live? The love of paper is a prerequisite of dealing with the Mexican government. I’ve learned to carry copies of all sorts of documents with me whenever I interact with an official department of the government, because I know that they will ask for a copy of my ID, passport, visa, lease, utility bill…sometimes birth and marriage certificates, usually a tiny photo and lots of pesos. And whenever I think I’ve got everything I need… I find out the government has just changed their requirements. Victoria Schmidt

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Letter to the Editor

ear Sir: The (unattributed) article on page 38 of your December edition of your fine magazine (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congressional Reformâ&#x20AC;?) is little more than a lightly edited version of one or more misleading and largely erroneous e-mails that have been circulation for nearly a decade. That you chose to print this without even a cursory effort to fact-check the basis of claims in the article does your readers a great disservice. As a retired federal employee who is quite familiar with benefits offered to federal employees, I can attest to the fact that benefits available to Congress are nearly identical to those available to all other federal employees. (Somewhat different benefits are offered to members of the Foreign Service and certain other agencies based on the unique requirements of their service.) For starters, since the retirement reform of 1984, members of Congress and federal employees have been required to contribute to Social Security just like nearly all other Americans. (Currently certain state pension programs and the Federal Civil Service Retirement System prior to 1984 are/were exempt from SSA contributions.) As for health insurance, members of Congress are given the same menu of

options available to all other Federal employees and, like other Federal employees, they are required to pay a percentage of the premiums (the amount dependent of the coverage provided by these PRIVATE plans). (Certain agencies have insurance programs that are open only to employees and retirees of that agency.) Rather than go on, I suggest anyone interested in the facts (rather than polemics) refer to Snopes.com or other fact-checking sites that debunk the claims made by the article in question. For example, on Congressional pensions see: http://www. snopes.com/politics/socialsecurity/pensions.asp and http://www.snopes.com/ politics/medical/28thamendment.asp Regarding health insurance benefits for Congress see: http://www.factcheck. org/2009/08/health-care-for-membersof-congress/ Steve Moore Ajijic. Jalisco Our Editor Replies: We ran the article after receiving similar material from some five or six different readers, who were prompted, we believe, by the all-time level of contempt that millions of Americans harbor toward the U.S. Congress. We should have gone to the authoritative sources you mention.

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CHILD

of the month

By Rich Petersen María Isabel Tolentino Peralta

his bright-eyed little girl is three and a half-yearold María Isabel Tolentino Peralta. María Isabel lives in San Juan Cosalá with her parents and three siblings, one sister and two brothers. She is the youngest of the four children. Mom, María Guadalupe, is a housewife and Dad, Eladio, works at the big Abastos Market in Guadalajara loading trucks and delivering produce around the city. About one year ago, María Isabel’s mother noticed that the child was having trouble keeping her balance when walking and had to hold onto objects in the room in order not to fall. This balance problem followed on the heels of a fever of two weeks’ duration, even though the fever was then back to normal. Subsequently, the child suffered six days of vomiting, also finally brought under control, but the imbalance problem continued. When seen by neurologists at the Hospital Civil in Guadalajara, the symptoms were recognized as possibly being the result of a tumor in the brain, so an MRI was performed which unfortunately did show a tumor in the posterior cranial fossa. (Fossae are large depressions we have in our cranial cavity that house very important aspects of the brain, e.g., the cerebellum, the pons and the medulla.) A biopsy of the tumor was performed and it was found to be malignant. A drainage valve was then placed in her skull to release fluid pressure, and María Isabel was begun on chemotherapy. She goes to the hospital one week each month for her chemo. Four more months of therapy are being advised by the doctors, at the end of which another MRI will be performed. If the tumor has disappeared she will of course be off of chemotherapy. If the tumor has shrunk in size, then the doctors will operate to remove what remains. If there has been no change in the size of the tumor, the chemotherapy will be continued another four months. Niños Incapacitados has been assisting the family with the cost of

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transportation to and from the hospital as well as any tests not covered by the family’s Seguro Popular. This is a type of family insurance instituted in the country a few years’ ago, but which does not always have the funding to pay for all types of tests and medications. We are of course hoping for the best and that at the end of the next four months the tumor will have disappeared. I wish you could meet this little girl in person. For being so young and having such a difficult diagnosis, María Isabel is as alert and talkative as you would expect any three-year-old to be. Her grasp of words is amazing, and she will answer you right back when you ask a question. She still has difficulty walking without assistance, but there is no doubt that her cognitive faculties are not impaired. She loved being brought to our meeting in a “big red car” and charmed all of us with her smile and bright eyes. If you would like to meet other children being helped by Niños Incapacitados, please attend our regular monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month in one of the meeting rooms at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta. Coffee and cookies at 10:00, meeting at 10:30. Bring a friend. You will learn how you can volunteer in many different ways and how your monetary support helps so much to assist needy families whose children suffer from a chronic and/or debilitating illness or condition. Thank you again to all of you who are part of our “Sustaining Niños” pledge program. As with any charity here at Lakeside, we couldn’t do what we do without your support. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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THE OLDER MAN—Ten Years On By Michael Cook (Continued from last month)

ell, the Ferrari’s gone and now it’s just me and a failing memory. Names of film stars and authors keep me awake, as I go through the alphabet trying to recall. It’s a lot more difficult than counting sheep. And when I wake I feel in a catatonic state until my morning Joe. Then almost campus mentis I am ready and capable of making momentous decisions as to whether my silver stubble needs attention and the wisps of baby hair need to be wetted to my scalp. My khaki trousers resemble my wrinkles as I pick them up off the bedroom floor and say does it matter? I am going nowhere. As I look at Guinness, my black lab, wagging her tail, she gives me unconditional love. And that I have no answer for but to give what I should

have done when I was a young man. I am on my second cup and my pills line up like soldiers waiting to defend this aging body against the ravages of time. Aspirin, blood pressure and cholesterol meds mixed with vitamins and cod liver oil in a breakfast of survival. Guinness sits near, quiet and patient knowing her old man will eventually get his act together. Knowing that I have a responsibility for my dog’s well being and happiness gives me great joy even if the

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conversations are one way. We love each other but I know she loves me more. “Are you ready”? We seem to have this routine that even I can remember. Third tree is a pee then a stifled growl at Mrs. Lomax’s boxer, another sniff and a pee. Were walking now side by side after the initial excitement until we come to an intersection. Guinness wants to pull me left towards Mrs. Anderson’s house. She’s in love with Reece a Pekinese. I like Mrs. Anderson and it would be an excuse to be in her company. We seem to get along fine and have lots in common and josh a lot, but my courage seems missing when it comes to asking her out for dinner. It’s been on the tip of my lips for two years but it always seems as though I have a mouth full of marbles. “Well Guinness I think you have decided for me you know, I think sometimes you can read my mind.” Our cup of tea was delightful as usual; almost Victorian in the politeness was our conversation. I tried to bring the question I had wanted to ask for months. My tummy was like a roller coaster but I eventually blustered my question out. “Why don’t we go out to dinner sometime, maybe not if you’re too busy, but in the future or.” “I would love to go out with you for dinner. Well that’s settled then George” “Swell, okay. That’s good.” Well I’ll be off now.” “When, George?” There was a full term pregnancy pause, as George’s mind processed this mind boggling equation. “How about not this Saturday but next.” “George! A lot can happen in 10 days. Were not spring chickens, you know? I would not want to die thinking I missed out on a free dinner.” “Well, you know the old adage, there’s no such thing as a free.” “Now you don’t go having any of those saucy thoughts, I’m way too long in the tooth to entertain such foolishness.” I looked at Alice with a cheeky little smile and his eyebrows rose. “Like you said, Alice, a lot can change in 10 days.” Walking home you would have thought I had just conquered Everest. A spring in my step my chest puffed out, it felt great to be younger than what I am. It was crazy but when I got home I made a To Do list. Iron my best pants and shirt, have my wisps of hair cut, tidy the living room and change the sheets. I was a new man and I liked it.

Guinness kept looking at me, you know, that movement of the head from side to side. The one that says, Who is this stupid bastard? Well, the days got longer but the date became closer and I was revving up like my Indian motorcycle (well more a pop-pop-chugger trying to fire on all cylinders). And when the day arrived, it felt like I was going to the graduation dance for those who don’t think they are past their “sell by” date. “Well Guinness, what do you think, do I pass muster? Come on now be truthful. Clarke Gable, Larry Olivier, Trevor Howard. You could at least wag your tail! Thanks for the vote of confidence.” “Darn it, Guinness, don’t you dare eat that button.” Too late. So I untied my tie and lowered it to cover my exposed belly button. “You know, Guinness, I didn’t know turning back the hands of time could be so stressful.” Driving to Alice’s, my mind was focused, I tell you I was razor sharp, that was until I remembered that I had left my wallet on the night stand. Suddenly my Volkswagen Beetle turned into that Ferrari I always wanted. The topes did nothing for my hemorrhoids and prostate, but I made it with seconds to spare. I was flushed and hot, I felt I was experiencing the change. Alice looked a picture of elegance whereas I look a disheveled mess. Looking me up and down like drill sergeant on parade, she grimaced “Didn’t your mother teach you how to dress?” My belly button was winking at her. After that wonderful first impression I made, the dinner at Tango’s was splendid; we talked and laughed and reminisced. And we even had a soft shoe shuffle at the malecon to a mariachi band until we became the center of attention for a tornado of bobo flies. The chance of an evening kiss had gone, yet I did feel the warmth of a woman as we danced if only for a little while. Walking Alice to her door was my one last chance to steal a kiss but my timidity was getting the better of me. Yet it was Alice who took my hand, as we spooned in companionship till we fell asleep. Knowing there was warmth when I rolled over and not the coolness of the sheet made me feel alive. And in the morning Alice smiled and said, “A lot can happen in 10 days at our age.”

Chocolate Lovers and/or Chocoholics of the World, Unite! By Iris Slocombe mbe

sn’t it time for orr you to stop p sneaking candy bars in a closet or bathroom? Join your peers and be-come a founding member of COT COTWU. OTTWU W . Read our manifesto and suggested guidelines sted d gu g id delines for best personal reward. Chocolate Choc occol o o atte is good for you, like most things, hing gs,, but utt best in moderation. Sensible doctors agree eeee chocolate is positively good for you, as part of a wellbalanced diet. See below (Yummier than red wine!). Milk chocolate increases a child’s sense of contentment and happiness, as a temporary fix only. Admittably, red wine is preferable to chocolate if you are serving/ordering steak Diane! Caution: chocolate may become very addictive at an extremely early age. Drinking hot chocolate at night helps you sleep more soundly. Remember, chocolate was reserved for Mexican aristocrats only, not peons. They also considered it a mild aphrodisiac...Hmm. Best results are achieved if you purchase your supplies daily at a store a little way from your home, so you have to walk frequently. Take your dog and buy him/her a treat as well, not chocolate, of course. Be thankful you are not your pet for which chocolate is NOT good. Refuse to be intimidated by the disapproval of others who do not know or care what they are missing. Instead, invite them to join you as associate members of COTWU. Winning Suggestions: Throw a ‘death by chocolate’ covered dish party. Request each guest to prepare his/her favorite ‘indulgence’. No absolution is required, nor will be granted.

B Bett Be ett tter er yet, invite guests Better w to wear ‘grubbies’ and he help you prepare your o own complex entree. R Remember fingerllicking guests will u use lots of paper towels and kleenex. to TTwo such parties a ye year will establish your reputation as a yo COTWU hostssuperb up ess/host. Avoid all salty snacks which are positively bad for you. Always make a list when going shopping for your daily personal needs and/ or when planning a party. Label plastic boxes for each weekday, to carry to the office just one treat for yourself, so you won’t feel you have to feed everyone. Hide your purchases from children, a high shelf is good. Be careful when climbing up yourself. Practice removing only one day’s supply at a time. Very bitter chocolate is considered an important indicator of superior intelligence, even though like wit, it is an acquired taste. Keep a separate fondue pot for preparing chocolate fondues. The flavor will not taste as good if the pot is used for preparing cheese and other savory dipping sauces. Some may disagree. Use superior quality chunk chocolate such as can be purchased at Whole Foods groceries. COTWU anticipates the approval and sponsorship of superior European chocolates such as Suchard, and Godiva. British firms such as Cadbury, and Rowntree if still in business. Global firms such as Mars and Hershey. We anticipate Harrod’s of London as sponsors, that they will add “Home of COTWU” to their shopping bags.

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MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT By Cameron Peters

ven a first year associate at a fancy law firm gets a long weekend off once in a while. At last here was my chance to be IN the OUTdoors rather than IN my office longing for the OUTdoors. I was young. I was fit. I was ready! So I packed my pickup, got my two best girlfriends (canine) into the front seat, slid Patsy Cline into the CD player and headed for Utah. I found a great campsite with a clear, shallow stream, a gnarled old cottonwood and enough tamarisks to give us privacy. Turned out we didn’t need the privacy – we didn’t see another soul or even a sign of one. I always felt safer sleeping secured inside the camper shell with the girls, but this spot seemed so secluded and serene that I left the windows and tailgate open. The next morning dawned a tad warmer than I would have liked, but with the stream nearby I knew we could all splash around to cool off. A hike seemed like a good idea to all of us so I grabbed my daypack and off we went using the stream as our trail. Clear warm water, sandy streambed, no one anywhere in sight. As the sun rose a bit higher and the day warmed even more, it seemed like such a natural thing to do to take off all my clothes and stuff them in my pack. I’d never dared to hike naked, but then I’d never before been in a place so private. The sun fairies caressed me all over, the water nymphs tickled my toes and the elf-breezes got into places – well, never mind. My reveries ended abruptly when I looked up and noticed something moving. So OK, my distance vision isn’t the very best. It took me awhile,

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too long a while, to make out that a man and a woman were walking straight toward me. AND they saw me. What could I do? There were no bushes to dive into or boulders to sneak behind. It was way too late to haul my clothes out of my pack. What would classy Katherine Hepburn do in my place? She’d be very cool and with perfect aplomb, just keep on walking. So I did, but I just couldn’t look those folks in the eye. I’m no Kate and I’m not that cool. When the couple was about three feet away, the man said “Hello, Cameron.” Then I had to look up and straight into the eyes of the C.E.O of one of my law firm’s biggest clients. Postscript: Mickey turned out to be one cool dude. The following week he had a meeting with the lawyers (including me). He sat across the table from me (all dressed up in my lawyer duds) and he didn’t say a word about our little encounter. That is until our eyes met and a little smile crept across his lips and then a sheepish grin emerged on mine and then he chuckled and I guffawed and pretty soon we were convulsed with laughter until the tears ran down our cheeks. Post-Postscript: No, the lawyers didn’t fire me. Instead, they elected to make me a partner.

MANGO BEAUTY—R.I.P. By M.A. Porter

ow can I tell you all that I am so very sorry? Two days ago, I tried to tell you how I felt, but it all came out as rationalizing. “Your fruit has been wormy for 15 years because no one tended you, and now they’ve burrowed into your trunk, which is horribly misshapen. You are sick and it would take years to heal you,” I explained. “The tree doctor examined you and said, ‘best to cut it down’ so it’s not really my decision. Please forgive me.” The truth blew through your boughs and it suggested that, while gnarled and wormy you may be, you provide a home for the birds and the tree creatures. I went to bed sick with a heavy guilt, as if I had been judged as the murderer of innocents. So early yesterday morning, I sat underneath you and offered another reason for your impending demise. “Your heavy fruit is ruinous to the roof of the house that we’re remodeling. See the tiles? Every time you plop your tons of infested fruit on top, it smashes them. And, we want to build a master bedroom right where you stand, so you are in the way.” Your branches way up high waved me off, as if to say, get out of here, you selfish, immoral bitch, and leave me to ponder my death. I didn’t sleep much last night because I knew they were coming around nine – the brawny men with chainsaws. I arose at seven and visited you again, and you just stood there, dripping with nighttime rain, the last tears you’ll ever cry, and they mingled with my own. Then I went inside to make my coffee, which tastes like the hot dirt of hell. The men have now come, eager and happy to have jobs, much like the construction workers who will soon come to perform the renovation. They’re all so excited! Their boss told me that when it’s all done, we’ll have a fantastic place, something that will build the property’s value,

and he just can’t wait to get started. “But first,” he said, “this damned tree must come down.” So, damned you shall be. I can now see the top of you from where I sit. Your leafy limbs are gone and you have become a giant, inverted spear, its boney point where my head ought to be impaled. I shout, “My father always told me that a tree in the wrong place is a weed!” The chainsaws maw and click like a war machine while loud ‘thuds’ hit the earth with pieces of you. The men yelp and laugh, a near-miss. Thank goodness they’re wearing hard hats because you’re doing your best to win the one-sided combat. I am stuck up here in my office, writing this long and pointless goodbye – I cannot leave the house because my neighbors have lined the street to watch the carnage of the wood chipper. I have before pleaded my case to them and they’ve all said through understanding smiles, “Oh, esta bien, Señora, la propiedad es tuya,” but I have not smiled in return. I have grimaced through my explanatory pain, which has not been fearsome enough in my heart to deny the avaricious nature of a gringa in Mexico with some ready cash, in need of a little more space. My husband has reassured me that there will be more trees planted after the construction, perhaps ones more beautiful than you, but it soothes me not for you were lovely and I destroyed you. He says if it will make me feel better, we’ll find a place down by the lake to plant some trees – an honest exchange of our spoiledrotten need to cut you down, your tree-soul perhaps to be absorbed into new arboreal infants somewhere more convenient. These words are paltry ointments for my festering soul this horrible, horrible day. I will never do something like this again in my entire life, that’s for certain.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas, MEXICAN STYLE! By An Anonymous Contributor

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the casa, Not a creature was stirring. Caramba! Que pasa? Los niños were tucked away en su cama, Some in long underwear, some en pijama. They hung up their stockings con mucho cuidado In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado To bring all the children, both buenos y malos, A nice batch of dulces y otros regalos. Outside in the yard there arose such a grito That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito. I ran to the window and looked out afuera And who in the world do you think that it era? Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero Came dashing along like a crazy bombero. And pulling his sleigh instead of venados Were eight little burros approaching volados. I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre: “Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Beto, Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!” Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho He flew to the top of our very own techo. With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea. Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala, He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos, For none of the niños had been very malos. Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento. And I heard him exclaim and this is verdad, “Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!” (Ed. Note: This came in too late for our December issue, but we think it’s too good for our readers to miss. Thanks to Mark Sconce for sending it to us.)

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Hearts at Work A Column by James Tipton

“On Loving-Kindness”

yya Khema, born to Jewish parents in Germany, as a teenager fled in 1938 to Scotland with two-hundred other children to escape the impending Nazi nightmare. Two years later she joined her parents in Shanghai (where her father died in a Japanese prisonerof-war camp). After the war she raised a family and studied and taught meditation. In 1979 she was ordained a Buddhist nun (in Sri Lanka) and became highly regarded for her efforts to introduce others—particularly women—to Buddhism. She coordinated the first International Conference of Buddhist Nuns in the history of Buddhism (the Dalai Lama was the keynote speaker) and she was the first Buddhist nun ever to address the United Nations. Ayya Khema authored twenty-five books on Buddhism and meditation. I have been influenced by one of those books, Being Nobody Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path (1987). With a New Year already knocking at our door it is time to “clean house.” Khema tells us that “our internal household is not in order” and that “Our external household can never run smoothly if our internal household doesn’t do so.” We allow uninvited guests—like restlessness, worry, doubt, shame, fear—into our inner household. “Being hospitable we let them all in. Then we find they have smashed the furniture, stolen the silver and broken the windows. But instead of closing the door and not letting them in again, the next day they are right back. This is our inner household, besieged by enemies. They create havoc inside so that we lack peace and harmony and wonder why.” Buddha said it is like a young man and a young woman who dress up very elegantly to go out into the street, only to realize that they each have a carcass of a dead animal hanging around their necks. They must run back inside to clean themselves up, to get rid of those carcasses. There are various methods to “clean ourselves up.” One is this: when an unwholesome thought arises immediately replace it with a wholesome thought. Another is meditation and

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study...commitment to a spiritual path. Still another “is to associate with wise and mature people, in addition to having noble friends and noble conversation.” There is no “rock-bottom security inside oneself” until “the emotions are brought under control.” Central to Buddha’s teachings is his “Discourse on Loving-Kindness.” Of course we need to make special efforts to offer “loving-kindness” to “those people that are troublesome for us and those who don’t comply with our wishes or our expectations.” Here are the first few lines (as presented by Ayya Khema) of Buddha’s “Discourse on Loving-Kindness,” which sets forth what we must do to become “skilled in wholesomeness” and to gain “the state of peacefulness”. Copy them and carry them with you. Tape them to a mirror. Leave them beside your bed to look at when you first wake up. What should be done by one who’s skilled in wholesomeness To gain the state of peacefulness is this: One must be able, upright, straight and not proud, Easy to speak to, mild and well content, Easily satisfied and not caught up In too much bustle, and frugal in one’s ways, With senses calmed, intelligent, not bold, Not being covetous when with other folk, Abstaining from the ways that wise ones blame, And this the thought that one should always hold: ‘May all beings live happily and safe And may their hearts rejoice within themselves….’ Have a Happy and Wholesome New Year! Jim Tipton

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AN INSPRING TRUE STORY Courtesy of Nancy Hagen

n interesting fact that many are unaware of is the historic events that surrounded a Jewish chaplain on Iwo Jima, where, of 70,000 American Marines, 1,500 were Jewish. Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, assigned to the Fifth Marine Division, was the first Jewish chaplain the Marine Corps ever appointed. Rabbi Gittelsohn was in the thick of the fray, ministering to Marines of all faiths in the combat zone. His tireless efforts to comfort the wounded and encourage the fearful won him three service ribbons. When the fighting was over, Rabbi Gittelsohn was asked to deliver the memorial sermon at a combined religious service dedicating the Marine Cemetery. Unfortunately, racial and religious prejudice led to problems with the ceremony. What happened next immortalized Rabbi Gittelsohn and his sermon forever. It was Division Chaplain Warren Cuthriell, a Protestant minister, who originally asked Rabbi Gittelsohn to deliver the memorial sermon. Cuthriel wanted all the fallen Marines (black and white, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish) honored in a single, nondenominational ceremony. However, according to Rabbi Gittelsohn’s autobiography, the majority of Christian chaplains objected to having a rabbi preach over predominantly Christian graves. To his credit, Cuthriell refused to alter his plans. Gittelsohn, on the other hand, wanted to save his friend Cuthriell further embarrassment and so decided it was best not to deliver his sermon. Instead, three separate religious services were held. At the Jewish service, to a congregation of

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70 or so who attended, Rabbi Gittelsohn delivered the powerful eulogy he originally wrote for the combined service: Here lie men who loved America because their ancestors, generations ago, helped in her founding. And other men who loved her with equal passion because they themselves, or their own fathers, escaped from oppression to her blessed shores. Here lie officers and men, Negroes and Whites, rich men and poor, together. Here are Protestants, Catholics, and Jews together. Here no man prefers another because of his faith or despises him because of his color. Here there are no quotas of how many from each group are admitted or allowed. Among these men there is no discrimination. No prejudices. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy! Whosoever of us lifts his hand in hate against a brother, or who thinks himself superior to those who happen to be in the minority, makes of this ceremony and the bloody sacrifice it commemorates, an empty, hollow mockery. To this then, as our solemn sacred duty, do we, the living, now dedicate ourselves: To the right of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, of White men and Negroes alike, to enjoy the democracy for which all of them have here paid the price. We here solemnly swear this shall not be in vain. Out of this, and from

the suffering and sorrow of those who mourn this, will come, we promise, the birth of a new freedom for the sons of men everywhere. Among Gittelsohn’s listeners were three Protestant chaplains so incensed by the prejudice voiced by their colleagues that they boycotted their own service to attend Gittelsohn’s. One of them borrowed the manuscript and, unknown to Gittelsohn, circulated several thousand copies to his regiment. Some Marines enclosed the copies in letters to their families. An avalanche of coverage resulted. Time magazine published excerpts, which wire services spread even further. The entire sermon was inserted into the Congressional Record, the Army released the eulogy for shortwave broadcast to American troops throughout the world and radio commentator Robert St. John read it on his program and on many succeeding Memorial Days. In 1995, in his last major public appearance before his death, Gittelsohn reread a portion of the eulogy at the 50th commemoration ceremony at the Iwo Jima statue in Washington, D.C. In his autobiography, Gittelsohn reflected, “I have often wondered whether anyone would ever have heard of my Iwo Jima sermon had it not been for the bigoted attempt to ban it.”

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A NEW LEASE LEASE— —on Life! By Judit Rajhathy, B.A., RNCP, D.Ac. Lifeguard Your Vision—Naturally!

ataract surgery and various treatments for macular degeneration and glaucoma are topics of concern in a senior community. Age-related Macular Degeneration is a disease of the retina and is the leading cause of legal blindness for those 65 years and older. Approximately 9.1 million Americans suffer from this (Macular Degeneration Association) debilitating disease. Glaucoma is caused by gradually increasing intraocular pressure where there is a slow loss of peripheral and central vision resulting in blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness and affects approximately seven million people in North America. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms range from eye pain, discomfort, blurred vision, a frequent need to change prescriptions, impaired dark adaptation and sometimes seeing halos around lights. Often there are no symptoms and diagnosis is made through a routine eye exam. Conventional treatment includes eye drops, oral medications and/or laser surgery to keep the fluid from draining. Integrative Medicine Explanation of Degenerative Eye Disease Recently I conducted an interview in Canada about vision health with a well known Integrative Medicine specialist, Dr. Zoltan Rona, whose explanation is this: The retina and lens of the eye are continuously exposed to oxygen and light radiation. This creates free radicals that can damage the retina leading to macular degeneration. The lens can also be attacked by these free radicals creating a cataract. In normal circumstances the body uses substances called antioxidants to protect itself from free radical damage. Unfortunately, as one ages, there are less and less of these antioxidants produced by the body and, unless one can obtain these antioxidants from the diet or nutritional supplements, eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye disorders develop (Vision Supremacy Naturally). Vision Health Diet

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Dr. Rona encourages his patients to eat more legumes due to the high content of sulphur which he claims has a cleansing effect and pushes fresh fruits and vegetables, berries being highly important for their high content of anthocyanidins and cherries because they provide carotenes, flavonoids, vitamins E and C. Green veggies such as spinach, kale and collard greens are important due to their carotenoid - lutein and zeaxanthin - content. Carotenoids offer antioxidant protection for the retinal cells. (Vision Supremacy Naturally, Dr. Z. Rona). Of course you could take green supplements such as algae, spirulina, wheatgrass and chlorella as well. Avoiding caffeine is essential as it reduces retinal blood flow. Supplements A good vision supplement would include lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, C, E, zinc, grape seed extract, bioflavanoids, bilberry, eyebright and other supportive nutrients. Even some traditional opticians and ophthalmologists are recommending natural supplements with these ingredients because they make a huge difference, often reversing eye conditions. Aerobic Exercise Aerobic exercise is crucial for glaucoma patients because it has been shown to reduce mean intraocular pressure by 4.6 mm when compared to sedentary patients. All the more reason to get those sneakers on and shake your booty! (Ed. Note: Judit Rajhathy is the author of the Canadian best seller Free to Fly: a journey toward wellness and can be reached at juditrajhathy.com or 765-455.) Judit Rajhathy

Answers To Exam Questions

he following questions were set in last year’s GCSE examination in Swindon, Wiltshire, U.K. These are genuine answers (from 16-year-olds) and they WILL breed. Q. Name the four seasons. A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists. Q. How is dew formed? A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire. Q. What causes the tides in the oceans? A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight. Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on? A. If you are buying a house they will

insist that you are well-endowed. Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections? A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election. Q. What are steroids? A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs. Q. What happens to your body as you age? A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental. Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery Q. Name a major disease associated

with cigarettes. A. Premature death. Q. What is artificial insemination? A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow. Q. How can you delay milk turning sour? A. Keep it in the cow. Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorized (e.g. the abdomen)? A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I, O and U. Q. What is the fibula? A. A small lie. Q. What does ‘varicose’ mean? A. Nearby Q. What is the most common form of birth control? A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium. Q. Give the meaning of the term ‘Caesarean section.’ A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome. Q. What is a seizure? A. A Roman Emperor. Q. What is a terminal illness? A. When you are sick at the airport. Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?

A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas. Q. Use the word ‘judicious’ in a sentence to show you understand its meaning. A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face. Q. What does the word ‘benign’ mean? A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight. Q. What is a turbine? A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head.

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OLD FRIENDS By Bonnie L. Phillips otterwomanwrites@yahoo.com

usan had difficulty breathing when she reached the hilltop and saw her old friend standing alone amongst dead brush and a stumpstrewn moonscape. Sunlight glinted off the crooked metal plaque erected next to the tree. Early this morning, like every other morning when Susan hiked with her walking stick in hand, and unlike every other morning, knowing it would be her last day at the assistedliving apartment, she took a cab to the nature reserve and spent two hours hiking through brambles and Scotch Broom. She knew it was time. It had been years since Susan’s

health had allowed her to visit the tree she’d saved by living in the onehundred-plus-year-old Douglas fir canopy. She approached the old one, touched its limbs and felt its weak life-energy. The old woman cleared her throat. “They’ll be coming, you know,” Susan said to the ancient tree. She groaned when she shifted her arthritic hips and leaned against it. Pine needles fell around her. She shielded her eyes and looked up between the red-needled branches that reached out like the hands of a drowning person asking for help; they outnumbered the healthy limbs.

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“Yes, it will be soon,” replied the last of the old growth trees in his deep raspy voice. “But we have lived beyond our expectations and during a time when people got involved. Some protested, others called their politicians, or, as you did, put their lives on the line for what they believed in. Nature mattered back then. The forests got a reprieve. I educated school children and reminded older generations of a time when the land was green and lush. And you were honored by many. Now our story is obsolete. We are forgotten. It was difficult being the last of my kind. I had to watch the chain saws kill off my family, one by one.” The old woman moved slowly to a small patch of green grass growing between the tree’s roots. Then she sat with care. She laid her head against the rough textured bark, looked up through the branches and smiled. “I seem to remember your not being all that enthusiastic when I first climbed up into your canopy,” Susan said with a chuckle. “And when I brought up platforms, supplies, and tents I felt the tension in your limbs. We ended up being a great team but if I remember correctly, in the beginning, you were not a willing partner.”

The tree made a shushing sound with its branches. “True. I thought you’d come to chop me down with strange new tools.” They laughed. Susan chewed on a grass stem. “What was it forty, or was it fifty five years ago? I can’t remember. What I do remember is how much I learned from you during the 400 days we lived with one another, and kept the logging companies from culling you and the rest of the forest. Remember the spotted owl family that lived above my tent? You seemed quite amused when I got shat upon—and the squirrel that stole my food? The birds that lost their fear of me? How I treasured the view of the forested mountains and valleys from your uppermost branches.” The tree sighed. “So long ago,” the woman murmured. There was a long pause as both the old woman and the old tree shared peaceful silence. “You know, at age 82, I ‘m the last of the tree sitters.” “Your tenacity and dedication impressed me,” the tree said. And I learned that some humans were trustworthy.” The ancient tree extended one of its lower branches toward Susan. She saw the bright orange tie, with writing on it, wrapped around the tree’s girth—its death sentence—scheduled for the following day. Susan felt old and tired. Tears trickled down the wrinkled contours of her parchment paper-thin skin. “We out lived a lot of those greedy bastards, though,” she said. “That we did, dear friend. I may cheat them out of my chain saw death, yet. My sap has dried up, my limbs tremble and I can barely stand.” A sharp crack echoed throughout the barren valley and was followed by the top twenty feet of the tree crashing to the ground. Smaller limbs cracked, snapped and followed the larger limb to the ground next to a dried up stream bed that once escorted wild salmon to their breeding grounds. Susan rose, walked over to the fallen sections of the tree and saw how diseased the old one was. It was time. In the golden glow of sunset Susan curled up next to the tree, laid her head upon the natural cradle where the lowest branch connected with the heart of the tree and inhaled pine scented needles. Dusk enclosed the two friends. The old woman closed her eyes, exhaled and heard the long dying sigh of her friend.

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IF A GIANT RETAILER RAN THE BANKS... By Ed Tasca

espite the current economic downturn, banks, it appears, are flush with profits, even Mexican banks. Largely, this has been accomplished in several ways, efficiency of operation, creating new markets and sucking in surprised passersby with the fastest-opening automatic doors. The problem with bank efficiency is that the efficiency is almost always applied to the bank’s advantage, not the customer’s. But what if banks followed the utopian mission of efficiency aimed at a better customer experience, in the fashion of the customer-friendly retail model? Especially during the holiday season. First, instead of the formidable mazy gauntlet one runs to get to the teller, there would be a name-andphoto-tagged greeter at the door. Sven, for example. Sven would introduce himself with a glad-to-be-of-service smile and usher you up to a teller through the twists and turns of cordon, so you don’t get lost and have to crawl under it, where you could bang your head into a steel pylon. Second, you won’t see one hopelessly overworked teller and the string of “Next Window” signs at empty wickets that point you to another “Next Window” sign and then to another, until you are outside at the wicket of Sol’s Pawn Shop (where you actually have a better chance of getting Christmas funding, to say nothing of the cheap gift guitars for mom and dad). Third, there’d be an aisle for “Re-

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

turns.” If you find after a month that your mortgage doesn’t “fit,” you may return it for one of the following (all of which have the same monetary value): $100 in penny stocks, $200 in penny stocks, $300 in penny stocks. Fourth, in the Christmas spirit and given the current tough economic times, there would also be an aisle featuring flirty young women dressed in skimpy, questionable Santa outfits handing out emergency loans of $25 from the bank’s unclaimed assets accounts. You would qualify on nothing more than your pledge: “I’ll pay it back. Cross my heart and hope to die.” However, the loans would come with a guarantee from the bank that your elderly mother won’t be going home but will be treated humanely until the loan is repaid. Fifth, there would be bright, handwritten posters indicating the day’s “Specials”: Line of Credit - 1.25% lower interest. Today Only. Aisle 2.” Or, “Interest Madness On all Savings all week long. Aisle 4.” There might even be an “Express Lane for deposits of $100,000 or more. No waiting.” (Nobody likes standing in a queue for twenty minutes hugging a satchel loaded with $100,000, especially if it’s a bank executive with his Christmas bonus.) Sixth, Sven (Remember him? He’s

the amicable fellow who met you at the door. Well he’s back and eager to give his job meaning and substance. He would be able to hail the manager at the first sign that you might be experiencing teller complications. This availability would replace the current system of the manager claiming “my door is always open,” but only to readily demonstrate that he isn’t in. The manager would be at your side in a gush, while Sven is off greeting another customer. Seventh, you’ll find a centrally located TV program demonstrating bank products and services: • How to use traveler’s checks for pirate ransom. • What to do when stopped by a third world traffic cop and you don’t have the right change. • How to get 0% car loans if you agree to chauffer bank executives. • Financial plans that cover a full lifetime of financial needs from your student loans to preparing your bankruptcy declaration. • How to write a will that reduces estate taxes and the risk of grandpa being pistol whipped by an aggrieved cousin. • How to use the bank’s Personal Budgeting Service for three months and get a comprehensive list of lo-

cal foreclosures. Finally, for retired people, there would be guaranteed reverse mortgages: You sign over your home to the bank and the bank provides you with a tax-free income for life, based on your choice of the returns on Southeast Asian pork belly futures, or the rise in the interest rate of indexed Bermudian callable bonds, or, if you don’t understand what that all means, on whatever the bank thinks would be enough for you to live comfortably in canned tuna and tortillas. And there would be plenty of parking.

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Tenacatita Bay By An Anonymous Contributor

Sunrise A final star winks out : old lady moon drives by, sad and alone hunched in her 1989 white Cadillac : she’s off to rest all day in the chateau her second husband left her. Black trees become dark green then lighter green – the whitewash of the sky is thinned with golden paint : the bay is an opal mirror where Daddy-o sun can see his bearded face. Down in the village a tireless rooster welcomes the dawn, over and over : I wake, still drunk with last night’s wine, I live each day, over and over, and the green sunrise, and the long silence. ********* Sunset: Earth turns her back raises a lazy dark green shoulder eclipses herself : it’s time to return to that distant murmuring source of old and long-forgotten dreams. Over the bay there drifts a silent haze, a skiff returns in the old day’s light painting a single silver line towards the land: almost without hope, almost without motion. I see the world turning and turning each day re-lived in endless whirl: and tell my lonely soul, go down to find Eurydice – hoping and hoping for that long slow journey home.

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

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How Federally Funded Condoms Ruined My Life By J. C. Kottler

residential candidate Rick Santorum claims that federal support for contraception is “...a license to do things in a sexual realm.” In other words, he‘s against the Feds handing out free condoms. Many critics call him a fool and a prude, but my personal experience shows he is right. Federally funded condoms have ruined my life and the lives of many others. My tragedy is the basis of “The Condom Principle,” which proves that government trying to help people actually hurts them. I used to be a dull, but happy guy. Back in the 60’s, I was a small town, Southern sheriff. I had a beautiful wife and family. My job was mainly talking to people, there was almost no crime, and I got along just great with my deputy, Barney, who was also my best and dearest friend. Yes, the name of the town was Mayberry, the town Andy Griffith based his show on. But it had an unhappy ending in real life. The Feds supported a Planned Parenthood Center in our town, and they started handing out condoms on demand. Like it was no worse to use these bags of sin than to use tea bags. Well, I investigated their premises, but there was nothing I could do legally to close the place. As I left, their leader handed me a couple of condoms, saying, “On the house.” I put them in my pocket and forgot about them. While doing the laundry, my wife found the condoms. She accused me of being unfaithful, and that was the beginning of the end of our marriage.

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I got so angry that, in revenge, I really did cheat on my wife. I found that I liked it. Then it got to be an addiction. I even joined a group sex club, the biggest surprise of which was that Floyd, the barber, was also a member. One night he even showed up with my ex-wife. The sight of them together drove me crazy. She never was that acrobatic with me. I supplemented my Sheriff ‘s salary with bribes from local moon shiners. Later I became a member of the local drug cartel. When you join a criminal organization, they own you. If they tell you to kill your best friend, you do it or die. They ordered me to kill my old buddy, Barney. He had followed the same corrupt path that I had, starting with government condoms and ending with him becoming leader of a rival criminal gang. I invited him to go fishing with me. Now he sleeps with the fishes. My tragic story proves “The Condom Principle,” the theory that government programs diabolically corrupt our citizenry. Just as condoms encourage illicit sex, Medicare and social security encourage sloth. Toy safety regulations lead to soft and gullible children, and seatbelt laws encourage sloppy driving. We must end all Federal aid, in general, to everything. The government should not save flood and hurricane victims. This encourages citizens to not prepare for disasters. If people do not have health insurance, the governments should let them die. In case you think my views are out of the Republican mainstream, remember the Presidential debate audience wildly applauding to “Let them die.” I am now in the “Big House,” the Mississippi State Penitentiary, awaiting my execution in the morning. I have begged the Governor to stop the execution and give me a full pardon. Big government is responsible for most of the ills of our society and ultimately responsible for Barney‘s death, not me. After all, it was the condoms made me do it.

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First Communion By Gloria Marthai

s seen from the high, curving highway, the village seems a quaint, appealing place where women launder in the lake and kids splash and skip stones. Mosaic fields are orderly. Changing crop colors and textures please the eye. But seen from within, the view is dim. It is a poor farming community with broken down cobbled streets so rutted that even Coca Cola trucks barely make it. The gray cement-block building that serves as a church has neither resident priest nor belfry. The bell that calls the faithful and tolls the dead hangs from a tree laced with red bougainvillea vines. But today the village seems like

heaven to two young girls, and for good reason. Lolita, 9, and Rosita, 10, finally will make their first communion. Their brothers, working in the States, have kept their promise to send money. Giggles, laughter and chatter rock the adobe home today as the girls, with rolled up hair, take turns bathing in a galvanized tub. Ranchero music filters in from down the street and makes one want to dance. Lacy finery fit for princesses is laid out neatly in the bedroom. Three tiny tots in tattered dresses sit in mute awe on one of the rough beds, mesmerized by all that’s going on. Lolita and Rosita revel in the focus which is all theirs today as the family fusses over them. An older sister ap-

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plies liner and shadow to their longlashed eyes. Lolita blinks coquettishly and puckers her full lips. Their jet black hair is brushed and pulled until it gleams like obsidian, then combed and sprayed until it is just so. The girls cavort and exclaim as they see themselves in the long cracked mirror. The church bell clangs its 30 minute warning and the girls hurry from the bedroom to pirouette before their father for inspection. Pearly coronas circle their long, lustrous curls. Looking like two frothy desserts, they whirl and twirl. Their father whistles and winks at them, then grabs Lolita, lifts her and hugs her tight. The hoop of her skirt bends and presses against his hefty chest, rising high exposing her curvy bottom. A brother just arriving from milking gives a wolf call. Lolita screams and struggles as the family laughs raucously. Rosita escapes into the yard. When things quiet down, everyone grins happily as the father’s calloused hands proudly cup the face of each of his two youngest daughters. On their way to the church Lolita and Rosita pick their way nimbly, hopping from stone to stone, over little rivulets from recent rain, mindful of their long skirts and frills. A small congregation has gathered

in the churchyard. Some are already seated inside. Impish, chattering tots spin tops in the aisle. A young boy wearing a white shirt and new tie, also making his first communion, joins the girls. The priest is handsome in a purple, hand embroidered vestment. He leads the little procession down the aisle dodging the playing children. With lighted candles in one hand, prayer book and rosary in the other, the trio seat themselves at the altar on wooden, uncompromising benches. A fly buzzes erratically, then lands on Lolita’s nose. As she reaches to brush it off hot wax drips onto her shimmering satin skirt. The sun emerges briefly through a window, reflecting the shiny gold crosses around the girls’ necks. Swallows dart back and forth building nests and tending their young. Jars of garden flowers adorn the altar. No two of the six candles lean the same way. A statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the village patroness, presides in a niche above the tabernacle. Around the figure, Christmas tree lights blink on and off. One tiny light placed exactly at the tip of Guadalupe’s folded hands winks at the congregation. The altar cloths are starched, pressed and neatly patched. Three men have come from another village; the priest, an altar-man dressed in khaki, and a third man wearing jeans whose resonant voice of perfect pitch leads the singing. In this humble church, the only musical instrument is the human voice. Plaintive coarse voices fill the church and overflow into churchyard puddles. Kneeling on little red satin pillows, the trio solemnly receives their first communion. They savor the host with wonder, thinking it could use a little salsa. The mass ends. Abrazos and felicidades abound. Cameras click. Lolita and Rosita are radiant. Their smiles illuminate the cloudy day and they think of the special breakfast party of atole, tamales, and empanadas that awaits them!

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Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans & Canadians

Jeff Mohamed Paperback, $19.95 Available from www.amazon.com A Review by James Tipton

eff Mohamed believes that more than one billion people now use English (at least to some extent), and hundreds of millions, perhaps billions, want to learn English, preferably from a native speaker. Good news to all of you Americans and Canadians who, with a modest effort, will have no difficulty finding work as a teacher of English… particularly here in Mexico, the only non-English-speaking nation that shares a border with the United States, which is also its most important trading partner. The author himself has been involved in TEFL—Teaching English as a Foreign Language—for over thirty years. Jeff Mohamed has taught students of over 80 nationalities in 7 countries. He has also taught over 120 TEFL Certificate and Diploma courses. His book is a how-to-do-it book… how to get a job “Teaching English Overseas.” He distinguishes between the confusing acronyms, TEFL, TESL, TESOL, and ELT. TEFL—Teaching English as a Foreign Language—is what most of us might be interested in. TEFL “involves teaching people, usually in their own country, who want to use English for business, leisure, travel, etc.” Many people find the possibility intriguing, but, are there really jobs available? The author is emphatic: “There are many more TEFL jobs worldwide than there are native-speaking teachers. If you are American or Canadian, you should be able to find jobs reason-

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ably easily in Latin America….” Regarding Mexico and Latin America—probably of most interest to readers of El Ojo del Lago—we discover that: “Latin America is a really enormous TEFL market, with tens of thousands of jobs available every year in language schools, binational centers and universities….” “Mexico is the easiest market in which to find a job, even for teachers who have no formal qualifications or training. It is probably also the easiest country for Americans and Canadians to adapt to.” “Most jobs require teachers to work 18-24 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and year contracts usually include 4-6 weeks of paid vacation. You will also learn how to conduct your job search—how to get job offers, evaluate them, and either accept or reject them—how to handle legal requirements, what books and clothes to bring, health issues, the inevitable culture shock, and how to conduct yourself to fit into the culture without difficulties. I teach English weekly to some lovely Mexican ladies in Nuevo Chapala—a neighborhood in the town of Chapala, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico—where I live with two other lovely Mexican ladies, my wife Martha and my daughter Gabriela. Do I like teaching English in Mexico? ¡Si, me gusta mucho! Do you think that you would like to teach English in Mexico or Latin America? (Or for that matter almost anywhere around the world.) If so take a good look at Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans & Canadians. And “¡Que tenga suerte! Good luck!

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BENITO JUAREZ —The Man Who Appointed Himself President By Herbert W. Piekow

enito Juárez was born March 21, 1806 a fullblooded Zapotec Indian from San Pablo Gueletao, where his parents had a small farm. At the age of thirteen he was sent to Oaxaca City to the house of the Maza family. His sister worked as a servant for Señor Maza. Juárez could neither read, write nor speak Spanish. Señor Maza, however, realized Juárez was a bright young man and hired Antonio Salanueva, a devout Catholic and lay member of the Franciscan order, to teach the boy reading, writing, arithmetic, Spanish grammar and bookbinding. Both men were impressed with Juárez’s aptitude and they sent him to the Franciscan seminary in Oaxaca.

After graduating from the seminary in 1827, he enrolled in the institute of Science and Art and in 1934 earned a law degree from that institution. While studying for his degree he served as a Oaxacan city councilman and in 1841 he became a civil judge. In 1843 he married Margarita Maza, the daughter of his patron. His career continued to escalate as he was appointed a federal depu-

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ty and served as governor of Oaxaca from 1847 to 1852. After his term as governor he became director of his alma mater, the Institute of Science and Art. When the dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna regained power in 1853 Juárez was expelled from Mexico. In October of that year he arrived in New Orleans where he joined the liberation movement that drove Santa Anna into exile in the fall of 1854. In November President Alvarez appointed Juárez minister of the interior and in December of 1854 he was elevated to chief justice of the Supreme Court. Three years later in December, 1857 Félix Zuloaga led a coup in which Congress was dissolved and on January 11, 1858 Benito Juárez, as chief justice, appointed himself President of Mexico, a legal procedure as the chief justice is next in line to succeed the President and President Comonfort had resigned. The difficulty was that Juárez had few supporters, no congress and fewer finances and Mexico now had two Presidents as Félix Zuloaga had also declared himself President. What followed was the bloody fratricidal Reform War of 1858-61, pitting liberals against conservatives. Zuloaga’s forces captured Juárez, near Guadalajara’s Palace of Justice and he was saved from a firing squad only through the intervention of the poet Guillermo Prieto, who thrust himself in front of Juárez, crying: “Brave men do not assassinate.” The soldiers allowed Juárez to escape. By sheer determination and a feeling that he was somewhat like his idol, Abraham Lincoln, the short and stocky Indian named Benito Juárez persisted in his efforts to form a legitimate and well run Mexican government independent of fratricide and European intervention. It is curious however, that he appealed to the United States for assistance, which he thought was most likely to come to his aid. In fact Union General Phil Sheridan wrote in his journal that “we continued supplying arms and munitions . . . sending as many as 30,000 muskets from Baton Rouge alone.” And from General Grant, which is assumed to have come from Lincoln: “Concentrate in all available points in the States an army strong enough to move against the invaders of Mexico.” The US assisted Juárez, not so much because they believed in him, but feared the foreign powers of France and Austria who were now in Mexico with Maxamilian as the Emperor of Mexico. After the death of Emperor Maximilian Juárez easily won the 1867

election; but he faced serious problems. Two long and devastating wars had left and empty treasury and a large army remained as well as European resentment over the execution of Maximilian. To raise money for his bankrupt country Juárez sold off lands that had been expropriated from the Church. He sold these lands to hacendados (big land owners) who had supported the Liberal cause. Land stripped from the Church, instead of being distributed to the campesinos (peasant farmers), was sold to the highest bidder. The displaced soldiers for the reduced army presented another problem; many became bandits operating on the outskirts of Guadalajara. and the road from Veracruz to Mexico City was unsafe for passengers or cargo. Being President of a bankrupt Mexico was not an easy job. The country was further pulled apart by several insurrections in central Mexico and Juárez had to send in troops to subdue challenges by the rebels whose message was, “To destroy the present vicious state of exploitation.” In the south there were insurgent Maya and in the north large bands of marauding Apache, who it is estimated caused the death of over 15,000 Mexicans. Throughout his entire time as President of Mexico Juárez was faced with opposition, conflict, nonsupport and attempted coups and civil wars. Juárez faced an almost impossible situation and for five years he worked at being President of Mexico until on July 17, 1872 his heart gave out while he was working at his desk in the National Palace. Juárez, however, had many accomplishments. He is responsible for the present form of the Mexican Federal Government with two houses; it was Juárez who created the Senate of the Changer of Deputies in order to weaken Congress and to help strengthen the executive branch; he gave himself the right to veto any bill, with a two-thirds majority required to override the veto. He wanted to be remembered like his contemporary Lincoln, however Juárez lacked the charisma and he was unable to gain the necessary support that allowed Lincoln to earn his status. Also, unlike Lincoln, who freed the slaves, Hidalgo had already proclaimed a no slavery policy for Mexico, although the peasants who worked the lands were in virtual servitude and it would take another revolution before they were truly liberated.

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Shelley Edson Phone: 376 – 765 – 4049 Email: Shelley.el.ojo@gmail.com

Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA) 2011 Year in Review: Last year was an exciting year for CASA with a record number of new members joining. As of November, CASA had three BING winners. To earn a BING, you need three first place wins in the calendar year - no easy feat. Monica Molloy was the first winner, followed by Ginger Perkins and Alexandra Gordon. Congratulations to all three. CASA will honor the 2011 winners at the annual Awards Banquet in late January. In 2011, CASA conducted two sold out tours to the Romertopf Factory in Guadalajara and the Progressive Dinner Club was started with four dinners featuring Greek, Spanish, Italian and Halloween themes! Currently there is a waiting list for this subgroup of CASA. For information about joining CASA, contact CASA’s 2012 President, Pat Carroll at mexicopat@gmail.com. Weekly Monday Market at the Hole in One from 10am to noon. In December, approximately 40 Mexican and non Mexican vendors offered freshly prepared meals, soups, chili, cookies, cakes, pies, breads, sausages, seafood, sauces and dips along with hand-made crafts. Gluten free and sugar free foods are also available, and some vendors accept custom orders. For more information, email mondaymarketchapala@yahoo.com. At the Lakeside British Society December meeting, Fernando Serna Villa, professional dancer and choreographer, demonstrated the Salsa, Danzon and Cumbia; a fitting close to the 2011 season. The next meeting is February 4 at Manix Restaurant. December 5, Lakeside Friends of the Animals held a Wow event, with 150 people attending the “Bow Wow Meow Luau” at Roberto’s Restaurant. Roberto’s served an outstanding Hawaiian buffet and guests were entertained with authentic Hawaiian musicians and dancers. Two long time residents dedicated to helping Lakeside animals were honored at the event: Barb Hess, aka “The Cat Lady,” and Lila Kawananakoa. Lakeside Friends of the Animals helps Mexicans of limited means to spay/neuter their pets and to care for their injured or sick animals, provides food to some local shelters and conducts feline leukemia testing to try to eradicate that disease. Tuesday December 6, Steffany Arnoldi hosted her annual Christmas Party at her home in Villa Nova at her expense. With a $250 peso ticket, guests enjoyed free drinks and appetizers poolside followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Drinks flowed freely and guests danced to the music of Ron Baker and Jay Shuffle. A highlight of the silent auction was one week at Steffany’s Puerto Vallarta oceanfront condo. All proceeds from this event were donated by Steffany to Lakeside Spay & Neuter. December 9, the renowned Children’s Choir of Morelia returned to Ajijic to

Children’s Choir of Morelia perform a Christmas Concert at the La Floresta Auditorium. Invited by the Music Appreciation Society (MAS), the concert included a sing-a-long of children’s songs and traditional Christmas carols. The choir director, Espejel Cruz, invited enthusiastic children in the audience to join them on the stage to sing the traditional Spanish carol, the Fish in the River. Just as promised the night was magical. December 13, Ajijic Society of the Arts joined the Eco Organic Market at the Centro Laguna Mall. This onetime joint event drew a huge crowd with many art-

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

ists and artisans participating. The Organic Market, which offers an extensive selection of organic food and related products, is every Tuesday, from 10 to 12:30. Ajijic Society of the Arts next show is January 15 at the Ajijic Plaza. December 13 and 14, Los Cantantes del Lago presented Christmas through the Seasons at the La Floresta Auditorium. Concert-goers totally enjoyed the performance of this very talented choir. On December 17, Los Cantantes participated in the wonderful Crem Concert at the Auditorium. Spring concerts are scheduled March 27 and 28. FUTURE EVENTS Sundays, talented artisans work on their crafts at the Artisan Store on the Auditorio Plaza in La Floresta. Julie and Wayne Hensley at Please stop by Centro Laguna Art Show to meet the artists and see their crafts and techniques. This newly remodeled store now sells merchandise from members of the Institute del Artesania Jaliciense. Hours are 10 to 6 pm daily. The artists and their merchandise will change periodically. Artisans Guadalupe TorJanuary 5, 6, 12 and 13, My, My, How Nice presents “Malt Shop Memories,” a 50’s/ 60’s reres and Laura Diaz vue, at Plaza Ribera. You will want to get on your feet and dance along! Performances are 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, and 3 pm Saturday. Tickets are $175 pesos and available at Mia’s Boutique, Diane Pearl’s, or by email mymytickets@gmail. com. January 7, 4 to 8 pm, opening reception for three Lakeside artists at the Ajijic Cultural Center with welcome cocktail, botanas and music. Downstairs, San Juan Cosala artist, DePaul Durham, exhibits his art: a fusion of Latin American, African and European folk tales. Upstairs, see the work of Ajijic artist, Jesus Lopez Vega, and his 17 year old son, Jesus Eduardo - whose premiere art show presents a new satirical concept. The exhibition continGraffiti by Jesus E. Lopez Vega ues until January 19. January 14, Saturday, 7pm Chucho Lopez and Latin Jazz at the La Floresta Auditorium. The band includes Victor Patrón (piano), Pepe Hernadez (bass), Mario Pator, Jr (keyboard), and Giovanni Figueroa (drums). Purchase tickets for $300 pesos at Nueva Posada, Jardin Plaza Restaurant, Tony’s Restaurant, the American Legion and the La Floresta Auditorium. January 14 - 22, Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) presents How the Other Half Loves: “An adulterous affair links three unhappy middle-aged couples otherwise divided by class. This ingenious and funny show juggles time and space in a play of love and laughter, meals and mayhem.” Purchase tickets at the Theatre 10 to noon starting January 12. Performances begin at 7:30 pm, and the bar opens at 6:30 pm. Sunday matinees at 3 pm. For more information, visit their website: www.lakesidelittletheatre.com. January 17, 2 and 6:30 pm Trivia Quizzes at the Hotel Real de Chapala sponsored by Niños Incapacitados. Cash bar opens 30 minutes before each quiz; bring your own munchies. To purchase tickets, contact Kathy Dingwall at 766-5829, kdingwall@rogers.com, or Kari Higgins at 766-3651, karihiggins@laguna.com.mx. Proceeds go to the children helped by Niños Incapacitados. For more information, visit www.programaninos.org. January 20 and 21, 7 pm, the fabulous Mexican guitar player, Paco Rentería, returns to the La Floresta Auditorium to benefit the Auditorium Upgrade Project.

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Compared to the riches

of Peru, gold was relatively rare in meso-America and, WKRXJK TXLOOV ÂżOOHG ZLWK JROG dust were sometimes used as a medium of exchange and the glittering metal was called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;excrement of the godsâ&#x20AC;?, it was far less valued than jade or even plumes for personal adornment or ritual offerings. Nevertheless, when Fray Bartolome de las Casas ÂżUVW YLHZHG WKH WUHDVXUHV Cortez had sent to Charles V, he judged them â&#x20AC;&#x153;So rich, and made with such artistry they seemed a dream and not fashioned by the hands of men.â&#x20AC;? The goldsmiths who produced the cartwheel VL]HG JROGHQ VXQ DQG WKH MHZHOU\ DQG ÂżJXULQHV in the form of ducks, shrimp, monkeys and tiny bells were as skilled as any European artisan. They knew how to â&#x20AC;&#x153;marryâ&#x20AC;? gold and silver, weld precious metals and plate copper with gold. They also worked exquisitely in repousse, inlay and filigree and were familiar with the sophisticated technique of lost-wax casting. The Mixtec artisans of the 15th and 16th centuries raised the craft to new heights. The tombs of Monte Alban have yielded many treasures, which, by happy accident, escaped being m e l t e d down to satisfy Spanish greed. T h e i r artistic value far exceeds their intrinsic worth as mere gold.

Disk, Chichen Itza Literally thousands of golden offerings have been dredged from the depths of the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza. Unfortunately, most of them had been ritually â&#x20AC;&#x153;killedâ&#x20AC;? to release their spirits before being offered to the gods. This thin gold disc was crumpled into a ball but remained intact so that it could be painstakingly unrolled and copied. The artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sketch

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

shows the original design which depicts an enemy warrior triumphing over two native Maya during the Toltec conquest of the Yucatan (c. A.D. 990).

Pectoral This piece from Veracruz, dating from the late Classic (12501521), is an excellent example of the goldsmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art. Thin, PROGHG VHFWLRQV DQG ÂżQH wire are combined to create an image with half-closed eyes, a scanty stylized beard and wicked fangs. He wears a pendant, ear spools and an elaborately feathered and Ă&#x20AC;RZHUHG FURZQ +H VWDQGV about four inches high and has been variously LGHQWLÂżHG DV WKH GHDG PDQ DPRQJ ZKRVH grave goods it was found or a representation of the god of ÂżUH

Necklace These ten jaguar masks and the thirty eight gold beads that separate them are, unlike most lost wax castings, virtually identical in VKDSH HYHQ WR WKH ÂżQH GHWDLOV OLNH bulging eyes, wickedly curving fangs and evenly spaced holes for stringing. They were produced by the ingenious method of coating premolded clay and charcoal forms with a thin layer of wax before enclosing WKH ZKROH LQ WKH ÂżQDO PROG 7KH surviving segment measures a little over ten inches and comes from a late post-classic Mayan tomb (c. A.D. 1500).

Ear Spools Ear ornaments, the bigger, the better, seem to have been mandatory attire for gods, kings, priests and nobles. Every painting shows men wearing enormous ear spools and most statues have pierced ears that once held them, but few of those have survived. Even fewer boast the elegant simplicity of this pair of golden circles which have a surprisingly modern feel. Found in a Mixtec tomb, they measure over one-and-a-half inches in diameter and are believed to date from as early as A. D. 1250. Continued on page 53

Saw you in the Ojo 49

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Saw you in the Ojo 51

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Mask Xipe Totec, as the god of springtime and planting, is shown here ZHDULQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;D\HG VNLQ RI D VDFULÂżFLDO YLFWLP to symbolize the regeneration of life from the seemingly inert husk of the seed. The closed eyes and sagging cheeks of the dead face contrast dramatically with the opulence of the tasselled crown, ear spools and lip plug. Considering that the image is less than WKUHH LQFKHV KLJK WKH ZHDOWK RI ÂżQH GHWDLO is amazing.

Pendant Four intricately worked golden plaques, one above the other, form an ornament that once adorned the chest of a priest or a god/ king of the Mixtec. At the top we see two gods playing ball with the grinning skull of the death lord between them. The second tier is the sun disk while the other two are symbols of the moon and the earth, giving the whole an DVWURQRPLFDO VLJQLÂżFDQFH ,W LV ÂżQLVKHG RII ZLWK WKH XVXDO fringe of tiny bells.

Skull Hardly a thing of beauty by modern standards, this grinning, hollow eyed skull is yet an interesting example of the jewellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engineering skill and, perhaps, his macabre sense of humor. The toothy lower jaw is a separate piece, attached by loops to the upper, and so ÂżQHO\ EDODQFHG WKDW WKH slightest movement sets LW Ă&#x20AC;DSSLQJ XS DQG GRZQ LQ D JKDVWO\ VHPEODQFH of gibbering conversation. The sweet sound of dangles of tiny jingling bells, one of which is missing, only adds to the horror.

EXWWHUĂ&#x20AC;\ VKDSHG QRVH SOXJ JLYHV WKH open-mouthed face a feline look. The elaborate crown features a moveable, freeswinging tassel guaranteed to give anyone but a god crossed eyes, and the dangling earrings are in the form of, you guessed it, tiny bells. Obviously, such a jewel as this was never intended for everyday use.

Bell Though, as we have seen, small bells adorn most Mixtec jewelry, larger ones are less common. This two-inch example takes the form of Xolotl, the dog faced god, who represents yet another aspect, or alter ego, for Quetzalcoatl. T h e gracefully swirling headdress and fine jewelry do little to improve the misshapen face with its twisted mouth and sparse beard. Xolotl was associated with human illness a n d deformity, which account for the tiny golden tears rolling down his cheeks.

Labret Many nobles, especially those of Central Mexico, pierced their lower lips for wearing plugs in the form of animals, birds or, as LQ WKLV SDUWLFXODUO\ ÂżQH H[DPSOH VHUSHQWV The sinuous curves, scaly head, basilisk eyes and fearsome fangs of the reptile are DOO IDLWKIXOO\ SRUWUD\HG $ ÂżQDO frightening touch of realism is added by the forked WRQJXH ZKLFK LV KLQJHG WR Ă&#x20AC;LFNHU EDFN DQG IRUWK in an uncannily lifelike manner at the movement of the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lips.

Ring This image of Quetzalcoatl in his aspect of the wind god, Ehecatl, is typical of the elaborate rings for which Mixtec jewellers were justly famous. The large

Saw you in the Ojo 53

Paco put on an amazing performance at the Auditorium in October, playing to a full house. Purchase tickets for $150 and $250 pesos at LCS (10-12), Diane Pearl’s, Charter Club, Fiaga Boutique and the Auditorium. January 25, 5:30 pm, Celebrate Robbie Burn’s birthday, Scotland’s favorite son, at the Chapala Golf & Country Club. Sponsored by Niños Incapacitados, enjoy a three-course meal with a bite of haggis and a wee dram of Scotch. Enjoy Scottish country dancing, lovely old songs, and a piper to set your feet tapping. Tickets are $250 pesos – limited availability. To purchase tickets, email bermaurs@gmail.com. January 29, 10:30 am, Bill Frayer and Mel Goldberg read from their new books of poetry at Ajijic Casa Del Sol B&B, Javier Mina #7. Enjoy coffee, pastries and good poetry, as Mel reads from his new book of Haiku poetry “A Few Berries Shaken from the Tree,” and Bill reads

Sync Show at Club Exotica, behind El Jardin Restaurant on Ajijic Plaza. Director Michael McClaughlin promises 12 new acts and 12 back by popular demand from the September Really Big Lip Sync Show. Join host Bob Hope with a bevy of beauties: Janis Joplin, Lady Gaga, the Spice Girls, and Judy Garland. Show time is 4:00 p.m. on the first three days with a matinee at 2:00 on February 12th. Tickets are $250 pesos for VIP seating and $200 pesos for the main floor. They can be purchased at Charter Club Tours, the Auditorium, LCS (10-12) and Diane Pearl. Proceeds benefit the Auditorio Upgrade Project. Pictured are: Abby Grissom, Brandi Mertens, Tracy Johnson. I could be your lucky duck Feb 10 – 12 Cruz Roja will be running Duck Races at the Chili Cookoff. This event will be the 1st Annual Duck Race and we are gearing up for a “Quackerjack Time”. The Lucky Duck wins the Grand Prize of a 32 inch flat screen TV. Tickets will be sold by Cruz Roja Volunteers to represent the ducks in the race. Buy ticket numbers 0001 - 0007 to have 7 ducks competing in the RACE!! Ducks are being sold for $50 pesos each with discounts for multiple Duck purchases.

from his new book “Migration.” January 29, Sunday, 3 to 6 pm, Celebrate FDR’s 130 birthday with the New Deal Dance at Club Exotica, behind El Jardin restaurant, Ajijic Plaza, sponsored by Democrats Abroad. Wear 1930-40s clothes, and dance to oldies in this night club setting. At intermission, enjoy a short one-act play by Ed Tasca with local players portraying FDR, members of his Cabinet, and Eleanor. Cash bar and Cash food. Purchase tickets for $150 pesos at the LCS Ticket Booth (10-12 M-F) , and at Diane Pearl. January 24, Tuesday, 11 am, Jaltepec Centro Educativo, a Hospitality University for young women, invites you to an open house. The event starts at 11 am with a history of the institute, academic schedule, and scholarship program, followed by a tour of the beautiful facilities. Guests will then enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared by the students at which time current and past sponsors will be acknowledged. After dessert, students that need current scholarship assistance will be introduced. This event is free and has limited seating. For reservations, contact Linda Buckthorp 7661631 or email buckthorp@ laguna.com.mx Ballet Folklorico Ixlahuacan January 28, 7 pm, Concert of Classic Guitar features Winy Kellner at the La Floresta Auditorium. In 2007 Winy Kellner won the first prize to compose a guitar concert for the city of Guadalajara. Currently he is a faculty member of the Music Conservatory at the University of Guadalajara. Performance at 7 pm, purchase tickets at the Auditorium. January 29, noon, the award-winning Ballet Folklorico Ixtlahuacan performs at the La Floresta Auditorium. Purchase tickets at the Auditorium. February 9, 10,11 and 12 Dancing Lips

MULTIPLE EVENTS The Music Appreciation Society’s (MAS) 2012 schedule for concerts at the La Floresta Auditorium is: Jan 19 Orquesta Filarmonica de San Luis Potosi Feb 14 Classical FX Quartet of Kennedy Center Opera Company Mar 13 Compania de Danza Clasica y Neoclasica de Jalisco Purchase tickets at LCS 10 to noon two weeks prior to each performance and at the Charter Club at Plaza Montana. For more information, contact Kathleen Phelps at 766-0010 or email kphelps1@aol.com. Viva Musica offers bus trips to the following operas being simulcast at Teatro Diana: Jan 21 The Enchanted Island, Handel, Rameau, Vivaldi and others Feb 11 The Twilight of the Gods, Wagner Feb 25 Ernani, Verdi April 21 Manon, Massanet April 28 La Traviata, Verdi Tickets are $300 pesos for members, $400 for non-members. To reserve, email marshallallenkrantz@yahoo.com. February 17 to March 1, Scotiabank Northern Lights Music Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with 14 events, 6 Patrons-only and 8 available for everyone! Outstanding guests this year include the legendary Anton Kuerti, piano, Christos Hatzis, composer, Susan Hoeppner, flute, Mark Skazinetsky, conductor, The Aeolus String Quartet, Alvin Tung, guitar and The Sax King of Jazz, Richard Underhill. You can become a Friend of the Festival this year for $2,000 pesos, and receive tickets to all concerts at a 10 % discount, plus invitations to 4 patron-only events. Single concert tickets are $250 to $350 pesos. Single ticket sales begin February 1 at the LCS (10 to noon M-F), and at Charter Club Tours at Plaza Montaña from 10 to 3 pm, or to Friend’s packages now, contact Judy Parker judytravels80@gmail. com 766-5379. For more information visit www.scotiabanknorthernlightsmusicfestival.com Fridays in January, at 2:30 pm, Lake Chapala Hospice presents four documentaries about dying and death at LCS in the Sala: Jan 6 Two Feet in the Grave Jan 13 Facing Death Jan 20 A Short Stay in Switzerland Jan 27 Endless Consciousness After each film, Erik Slebos, grief-counselor, and the managing and clinical director of Lake Chapala Hospice will lead a discussion. Tickets are $50 pesos each; limited seating is available. To order tickets email admin@lakechapalahospice.com or call 766-4154. Ticket proceeds benefit Lake Chapala Hospice. For additional information visit: www.lakechapalahospice.com Fridays at 7 pm, Piano recitals are being held at the Chapala Cultural Center (old train station). Lic. Jesús Gonzalez Gallo and the Department of Music at the University of Guadalajara, invite you to attend the performances. The pianists are: Jan 13 Leonel Ayala Buenrostro Jan 20 Berenices García Íñiguez Jan 27 Dolores Aguilar Vaca Feb 03 Efraín Ulloa Feb 10 Carlos Javier Vélez Urzúa Feb 17 Mariana Orozco González Feb 24 Everardo Rojas Mar 3 Catalina Gil

Robbie Burns

Dancing Lips Sync Show

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

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Head H ea ad D Deep eep I In nP Pan an C Chuta huta By Carol L. Bowman bowmanl@prodigy.net.mx

s we maneuvered our way through the crowded aisles of San Pedro Central Market in Cuzco, Peru, I thought the 11,000 feet altitude of this former Inca capital had reduced my brain to mush. Amid sixfoot high piles of large round disks of bread, two feet in diameter and at least 3 inches thick, a white, wide brimmed hat with a fancy purple bow sat atop the mounds. Then the hat moved, tipped this way and that. I saw nothing that resembled a human being in the vicinity of the head gear. Could it be magic? I had just left the stand where a woman, a prac-

ticing healer known as a curandera, sold everything from dead llama fetuses to strange concoctions for curing ailments or bringing on curses. Snooping, I edged closer to the heaps and caught the eyes of the hat’s owner, peeking out above the flour Frisbees, head-deep in pan chuta. I looked down both sides of the aisle. Stacks and stacks of this leavened delicacy crowded everything else from view and the aroma of fresh baked bread with a hint of cinnamon and anise demanded a taste. We bought a disk for five Peruvian soles (under $2 US). Umm! Raised wheat dough, sweetened with sug-

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

ar, enriched with eggs and flavored with spices and herbs. The secret seemed to be in the baking, as a light outer crust hid the moist, succulent center. I could get hooked on this sweet bread. The Cuzqueños apparently already know chuta addiction, as before market day’s end, all these stacks would disappear, ready for tomorrow’s delivery. I began to see Cuzco’s feast of these large, thick circles everywhere. Ladies in their traditional Inca dress with bolero hats sold them on the street. I noticed them piled high at the bus and train station, and outside museums and shops more bread appeared. Every day, the city receives thousands of loaves from Oropesa, a former Royal Inca Center located about 11 miles outside of Cuzco center. In colonial times, mule teams laden with baskets of fresh bread left the village at midnight to guarantee that the loaves would arrive in Cuzco before dawn. Oropesa continues to be the exclusive supplier of this unique confection for all of Cuzco. Dispersed around the town, 40 traditional ovens bake the bread until a golden brown crust forms. After the conquest, the Spanish realized that this valley provided excellent cultivation plots for Spanish wheat. Bread remained a key component of the European diet and after the female line of the colonial Spanish monarchy granted this land to descendants of the Inca, Oropesa became the center of bread making. Today this distinction remains, as 40% of all entrepreneurs there dedicate their lives to this trade. Cuzco’s love affair with this wheat wheel is deeply tied to its local culture. Chuta, a Quechua word, loosely translated, means a complex relationship that places value on something that travels over distances and symbolizes warmth and affection. For this reason, pan chuta

remains the standard hostess gift to bring when a guest goes to a Cuzqueñan home, signifying the respect that one has for the people he or she is visiting. Used in the rituals of courtship and those surrounding death, relatives take pan chuta to cemeteries to nourish the souls of the deceased. Witnesses reward religious pilgrims who bear the weight of floats carried during processions with special, double-layered chuta along the way. It represents the burden some carry for the benefit of all and unifies the participants. Cuzqueños begin every day with a piece of this delicious round and a cup of mate de coca tea or a glass of maca, a juice pressed from a tuber, used for its powers of relieving aches of rheumatism. Now I understood how those Indian women, who sit on the hard, cold concrete market floor for hours at a time, can get up at the end of the day. Maca and pan chuta—a daily combination to take away the body’s pains and provide pleasure to the taste buds and tummy; I may have to move to Peru. On our way to Puno, we spied a roadside brick oven in Oropesa and stopped. The bakers were reaching deep into the adobe-brick chamber with long handled flat boards to retrieve golden brown beauties. The women safeguard the recipes and the men never reveal the type of woods used or the required oven temperature for perfect pan chuta. A woman ran out with several piping hot rounded loaves, fresh from the oven. We nibbled on torn pieces, and savored the secrets. I just needed a glass of maca to think I had gone to heaven; at 11,500 feet, I was pretty close. Thanks to “Cuzco’s Traditional Hand-Made Bread” by Herbert Edgardo Huanami Jara and David Knowelton for brief historical information.

The History Of The Middle Finger By An Anonymous Contributor

efore the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as “plucking the yew” (or “pluck yew”). Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at

the defeated French, saying, “See, we can still pluck yew!” Since ‘pluck yew’ is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodentals fricative F’, and thus the words often used in conjunction with the onefinger-salute! It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as “giving the bird.” And yew thought yew knew every plucking thing.

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TOD JONSON—Profiling the Profiler By Paul Jackson

(

d. Note: For many years, Tod has written several profiles of interesting people here at Lakeside—so we thought it only fair that Tod himself be profiled, and we gave this plum assignment to one of our best-known columnists, Paul Jackson.) I open a folder and there is a stunning photograph of a young and extremely handsome Tod Jonson with a vivacious Marilyn Monroe. And there is more. Jonson with Ingrid Bergman, with whom he acted in the movie, Joan of Arc. Then Tod with his then roommate Montgomery Clift. Plus write-ups of some 16 movies Jonson performed and usually danced in - such as the classic There’s No Business Like Show Business. Born Raymond Arthur Johnson, Warner Brothers studio was grooming him to be a big star and changed his name to Tod Jonson, with, in 1948, Photoplay Magazine naming him one of the most promising newcomers in motion pictures. Prior to that, Tod had won (while just a teenager) the Margo Jones Theater Award as Best Actor for playing the lead in Night Must Fall. “Warner Brothers wanted me to have a simpler, more memorable name, and I chose Tod after the famed British actor Richard Todd.” So what happened? Simple answer: One day an athletic ex-circus performer named Burt Lancaster walked through the gates of Warner Brothers studio and out went Tod. “But I have no regrets,” he says, “I’ve had a marvelous life.” Indeed, he has. In conversation, he recounts how his father, an FBI agent, almost adopted a youthful Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow and so almost saved them from a life of crime - - which would have deprived Warren Beatty of one of his great cinematic achievements - and how as a youngster Elliott Ness of The Untouchables fame and the man who put Al Capone behind bars, used to carry Tod around on his shoulders. After Burt Lancaster cut short Tod’s acting career, he went into other aspects of the movie business, concentrating on making documentaries, and then came down to Mexico with his lifelong companion Ektor Carranza to make a documentary on the famed artist Diego Rivera. “Yet, once here, Ektor and I found that another documentary had just

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Tod T od Jons Jonson son been completed on Diego Rivera, so our project was pointless.” But they both fell in love with Mexico and decided, so to speak, to pitch their tent permanently at Lake Chapala. They got to work on community and cultural activities. Likely most prominent in their contributions to Lake Chapala was their pioneering work on the Lakeside Little Theatre. Before the LLT’s current location and here I can attest I have seen plays performed there that would do justice to the West End theatres of London, England, or Broadway, the theatre group played in makeshift locales all over the Lakeside area, but Tod and Ektor campaigned to raise an impressive amount of money to build a permanent theatre. Tod also designed the sets - impressive sets - for an astonishing 51 of the Lakeside Little Theatre’s productions, acted in 22 of its productions, and directed five of its plays. In 1986 they helped spearhead the Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA) which helped to spur the creation of some of our community’s finest restaurants today. Meanwhile, Tod was helping to form the Lakeside Community Awards program that recognized men and women who had selflessly given their time to make substantial humanitarian and cultural contributions to the area. This program is now in its 15th year. He was also in the midst of helping to bring about the Northern Lights Music Festival, held every February, in which for ten days musicians from around the world not only give classical performances under director Chris Wilshere, but also provide free music lessons to young would-be musicians in the area. Then, three years ago, with friend Paul Raza, he helped to develop an English-language radio station, Radio Express58 ABC in Guadalajara, for Americans, Canadians and Mexicans who wanted to improve their English and enjoy another culture. With Raza,

Tod provided 18 one-hour shows. Soon, they will resume broadcasting far more extensively, and this time with digital sound for better reception. So what’s his secret? “It’s simply that I love people and their companionship.” His biggest regret in life? No, it’s not that Burt Lancaster cut short his acting career. “I have not a single complaint about how my career in Hollywood ended,” he says, “I just hate getting older”, and with a slight tear in his eye, adds, “And every single day I miss my faithful companion in life, my best friend for 46 years, Ektor Carranza.” paulconradjackson@gmail.com

MURPHYÊS M URPHYÊS S OT OTHER THER 115 5 LAWS

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. 2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. 3. He, who laughs last, thinks slowest. 4. A day without sunshine is like, well ... night. 5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t. 7. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. 8. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong. 9. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them. 10. If the shoe fits, get another one just like it. 11. The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by

those who got there first. 12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day in the hot sun trying to catch one. 13. Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries. 14. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in the dark. 15. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people, who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty.

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Anyone A nyone C Can an Train Train Their Dog By Art Hess artthedogguy@yahoo.com

Fear Off Loud F ear O Loud Noises Noises Five Steps To A Great Dog

y wife often tells me “not everyone wants to be a dog trainer” and for the most part I have to agree but I still feel that if people would commit just a little more regular effort they would avoid a lot of problems and enjoy their dog a whole lot more. One step for the handler and four for your dog is all it takes. Step 1—BE A LEADER. Don’t worry about ‘pack leader’ or ‘alpha dog’ or whatever the flavor of the week happens to be. Simply learn to be a leader. Whenever and wherever we get two or more dogs, people, or whatever, together one has to be a leader. That’s a simple law of nature. If the herd is “playing lemming” and heading over the cliff, either figuratively or literally, someone has to come to the fore and take control and lead. It’s the same with our relationship with our dogs. We either lead or they do. Just as when you are a parent, it’s your responsibility to establish rules, regulations, and limitations, and to lead and offer guidance. Additionally, this job must be performed consistently and with persistence. You can’t be a dog leader and guide one day and ignore the job or worse yet become a baby talking kissy face the next day. Step 2—TEACH THE DOG HIS NAME. This sounds so obvious but most people think that using the dog’s name a lot will teach him his name. This results in a dog that knows and acknowledges his name when he wants to but not always. If you say “There’s my Buddy, come over here and stay down and be a good dog.” Yes, you have used the dog’s name but you used thirteen other words. Which word did you expect him to learn? And you also used three other words which are specific commands leading to a task, i.e. come, stay, and down. Use imprint and reward motivation to teach your dog his name. If your dog will always respond to his name and look at you for the next direction you will be better able to avoid unwanted situations. Step 3—TEACH THE DOG TO SIT. Sit and come are the two most impor-

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

tant tasks for your dog to master. If your dog has his butt on the floor he can’t jump up on people, he can’t lunge at cars, bikes, skateboards, kids, bouncing balls, other dogs, or whatever. If he has a proper Sit, you don’t even have to teach him to Stay because if he is in a sit he stays in that position until he is released or directed to do something else. Use “lure and reward” to teach a proper sit and practice regularly in varying environments with different distractions. Step 4—TEACH THE DOG TO COME. Come is a “never compromise” task. Failure to come when called can lead to lots of problems. I don’t have to tell any of you about the adverse effects of the dog that ignores the come command because if you’re reading this you have already had first-hand experience with a dog that runs off and doesn’t respond when called. Use the lure and reward method and start small and always be generous with the reward until the dog responds ten out of ten times at ever increasing distances. Don’t attempt longer distances or environments where you are setting the dog up for failure until you have mastered the basics. Remember, the job you do now just might save your dog’s life in the future. Step 5—TEACH THE DOG TO WALK ON A LOOSE LEASH. If a dog is in front of the handler and pulling on the leash he is announcing to the world that at this time and in this situation he doesn’t respect the other end of the leash because the handler is not being a leader and the dog is assuming that role. Recognize that a dog that is in front and pulling is not in your control. He is a risk to others and a danger to you. Learn how to teach your dog to walk beside you on a loose leash in the proper heel position whenever he is on a walk. So there you have it. Five easy steps to a great dog and a companion that is a pleasure to have around. Art Hess

THE T HE H HISTORY IST TORY O OF FH HERBS ERBS S By June Summers

ive hundred million n years ago, the earth’ss crust was a smorgasbord rd of herbs, plants and germs. Two wo hundred million years ago, the dinonosaurs developed arthritis. When Man showed up, he sampled the smorrgasbord, as well as contracted disease. In his search for food, he tried everything, but did not get around to recording his lore until about 400 B.C. Hippocrates became the first herbalist. He treated disease with herbs, and recorded the plants he used as medicine. Pliny, in his Natural History (15 B. C.), says of Hippocrates, “...He verily had this honor above all men that he was the first who wrote most perspicuity of Physicke, and reduced the precepts and rules thereof into the body of art; howbeit, in all his books we find no other recipes but herbs...” Hieronymus Bosch and Brunfels, German botanists, wrote Materia Medica, a classification of plants and their uses as medicines, and the herbalist world spun merrily around until about 1500 A.D. Then one Dr. Hohembein appeared on the scene. He conducted public burnings of Hippocrates’s books, and started to treat disease with chemicals. Modern-day doctors are the successors of Hohemhein. Today, herbalists are a rarity in the western world. But not in Mexico. Here, medicinal herbs have never fallen from favor. At Lakeside, one has the feeling that nothing ever changes. Things are added on, but nothing is left off. Herbs, witch doctors, and hechiceras (love doctors) are still doing a thriving business. This tradition was well established long before Cortez and his conquistadores conquered Mexico. The De La Cruz-

Badian Badiano Aztec Herbal, written writte in 1552, classified plant plants of therapeutic value value. Later it was translated into Spanish by Jesuit pr priests. TThe Aztecs wore aamulets, m nose orname ments, bracelets and talisman to protect them against disease. Their medicine was intertwined with magic, religion and herbs. They believed that disease was caused by unseen powers. Aztec witch doctors first treated disease with herbal steam baths to purify the body. They then massaged the patient, trying to find and extract the “fairy dart or stone” causing the illness. If that did not work, the god who had been offended was offered sacrifices. If that also failed, a narcotic was given to the sick person, in the hope that while in a trance, he might reveal the cause of his illness. Some of the following herb remedies were used as a last resort. Tlatl-Anquaye- for boils. The leaves of the plant were made into a poultice and applied twice daily. The boil was washed with urine after each application. Xiu-Amolli- for loss of hair. A lotion was made by boiling the herb in dog or deer urine, and then massaged into the scalp. Wormy earth-mixed with blood and egg white, it was used on fractured skulls. Matlal-Xochitl--a poultice, mixed with mother’s milk—was applied to bloodshot eyes, tumors and cataracts. Warning: one suffering from such ills had to abstain from sex, wear a red crystal on his neck, and the eye of a fox on his right arm!

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GET THE FACTS! Submitted by Beverly Bandler

(

d. Note: As someone said recently, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion—but not their own set of facts.” In this political season, perhaps the following internet sites will help us all to make wiser decisions.) • Annenberg Political Fact Check http://www.factcheck.org/ A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, it is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. It monitors “the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.” • Annenberg Flack Check http://www.flackcheck.org/ This new Annenberg site fights fact-mangling site through humor

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

and d quick i k tturnarounds d without ith t furf ther propagating the underlying deception. • Columbia Journalism Review http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/ The campaign desk site mission: “to encourage and stimulate excellence in journalism in the service of a free society. It is both a watchdog and a friend of the press in all its forms, from newspapers to magazines to radio, television, and the Web…CJR examines day-to-day press performance as well as the forces that affect that performance.” • Open Secrets http://www.opensecrets.org/index. php The site of The Center for Responsive Politics calls itself: “Your Guide to the Money in U.S. elections” – the “guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy.” • PolitiFact http://www.politifact.com/truth-ometer/ PolitiFact is “A scorecard separating fact from fiction. A project of the St. Petersburg Times and Congressional Quarterly, it helps find the truth in the presidential campaign. “Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times and CQ will analyze the candidates’ speeches, TV ads and interviews and determine whether the claims are accurate.” • Real Clear Politics http://www.realclearpolitics.com/ “An independent political site that culls and publishes the best commentary, news, polling data, and links to important resources.” Updated daily. • Snopes http://www.snopes.com/politics/ A website for validating or debunking urban legends, Internet rumor, email hoaxes, and other such stories of uncertain or questionable origin. • Washington Post Fact Checker http://www.washingtonpost.com/ blogs/fact-checker A permanent Post feature, it uses the one to four “Pinocchio” system to evaluate statements and claims.

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NEVER SELL SIGNED BOOKS By Mel Goldberg

sold my autographed books at the Bookman’s Used Book store in Flagstaff. I hated to do it but I got over $300 which really helped. I started walking back to my car, wondering why used book stores always seem to be in older parts of town. That was when I saw a burly man standing next to my car. He grabbed my arm and indi-

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cated he had a gun in his pocket. “Get in the car and keep your mouth shut. You drive.” As I opened the door I saw three other people in the back seat of my car, two men and a woman. They somehow looked familiar, like old friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. “How’d you get into my car? What do you want?”

The woman leaned forward, her hands on the back of the driver’s seat. “Why’d you sell us?” The question puzzled me. I looked at her carefully as we entered my car. Her short, dark, hair and her jeans and turtleneck sweater made her attractive in a masculine sort of way in. Then it hit me. “Kinsey? Kinsey Milhone?” “You got that right, buster. So answer my question.” Now I began to get a bit scared and stammered. “I . . . uh . . .I needed the money.” The man in the passenger seat pushed his gun into my ribs. His knees bumped the dash of my small Hyundai, so I knew he was tall. He glared at me, and I could see his eyes were blue. I was shocked. “I know you. You’re Philip Marlowe.” “Very clever, you young punk. Start the car and let’s get going. Head west on old Route 66.” I did as I was told. He poked the gun in my side again. “We bust our asses solving crimes and our writers take the time to sign your damn books and this is how you treat us? You could have sold Ellery Queen. Or even that Belgian wimp, Hercule Poirot.” I faltered over my words. “They’re not worth very much.” A man in the back sneered. I could sense his disdain. “You got that right, kid. No one wants to buy them.” I turned briefly to see who it was. “Oh my God,” I said. “You’re Lew Archer.” “No shit.” My passenger set the gun on the seat next to him and took a small bottle of Jim Beam from his coat. “Don’t try anything stupid.” After he took a swallow, he handed the bottle to the back seat. Archer took it. “Lew’s right,” said Kinsey. “Who the hell wants Queen. That’s not even a real name for crissakes. It took two people, Frederick Dannay and Manfred Lee, to write his stories.” Archer took a sip. “You even sold Sam Spade. Didn’t you appreciate his trouble with Brigid O’Shaughnessy? And that fucking gold falcon. How could you do that?” Archer handed the bottle to the other man, who shook his head and said he didn’t drink. “That stuff ’s deadly for us Indians.” I immediately recognized the deep distinctive voice of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn. We sped along in silence. Lew handed the bottle back to Marlowe. Kinsey sat back, her arms crossed. Leaphorn broke the silence. “Good thing Jim Chee isn’t here. He’d probably want to perform a Blessing Way ceremony for you.” “Pull over,” said Marlowe. “This is where you get out.” I maneuvered the car to the side of the road. I knew where we were. The

forest was menacing and dark on the narrow highway. Trees and grass, but no houses. “Wait a minute. How do you expect me to get back?” Leaphorn laughed. “You can always walk. Be glad we didn’t drop you out on the Rez.” I exited the car and heard thumping from the trunk. “Who’s in there? “That’s army deserter Lieutenant Fredrick Henry. Got in the trunk by himself when you sold A Farewell to Arms. A first edition, no less.” “It didn’t have the jacket.” “It was signed, you goddam loser. You think writers should just give their

signatures away? There’s always got to be a price.” “I’m sorry,” I stammered. I looked at the ground and said more softly. “I didn’t know. What can I do?” Marlowe waved me back into the car, gun in hand. “You’re a pain in the ass, you little shit.” “Yeah,” added Kinsey. “And I really liked your small apartment, especially my place on your bookshelf with all my other books.” I got back into the car, drove back to the Bookmans. When they left, I went in, told them I had changed my mind, and bought back every book.

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By Paul Jackson paulconradjackson@gmail.com

anadian newspaper and magazine headlines call it the ‘War that saved Canada’ and the ‘War that created a nation.’ Canadians are getting ready to commemorate the War of 1812 when President James Madison decided to attack Canada, annex it and absorb it into the United States. Uncharacteristically, the usually noble Thomas Jefferson boasted something akin to Canada falling into American hands within days, rather than weeks, but two years later, after Canadians burned down the White House, the U.S abandoned its attempted conquest and unlike its savaging of half of Mexico, went home. Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper is walking a cautious line on the 200-year anniversary of the War of 1812. One hand, he strongly believes in preserving Canada’s heritage and traditions, yet doesn’t want to stir up the latent antiAmericanism that festers within the Liberal-Left in Canada - which has as much contempt for Barack Obama as it did for George W. Bush. Hence, a federal budget of a proposed $100 million to commemorate Canada’s survival has been cut to less than $30 million. But it will still be a respectable and responsible schedule of commemorative events. Strangely, some Americans insist the war wasn’t against Canada but against the British and that no Canadians fought in the war. Utter nonsense. While the British did to some extent defend Canada, they only had passing interest in what happened to Canada. They were more occupied with Napoleon Bonaparte’s expansionist plans in Europe. In 1812 itself, Napoleon’s army was at the gates of Moscow. Incidentally, what actually sparked the USA’s attack on Canada was that British ships were undermining American ships carrying arms to Napoleon’s forces. So Madison decided to retaliate by trying to conquer Canada. Actually, under the fabled British General Sir Isaac Brock - he had only 1,200 men under his command - just 1,200 men against a nation of 7.5 million and by a ruse captured Detroit without firing a shot and having just two of his own men wounded. Alongside Brock’s force, countless Canadian-born men were in militia

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Paul Jackson

units fighting Madison’s onslaught, and the likes of Charles de Salaberry, the French-Canadian officer who led a stunning victory over huge American forces at the Battle of Chateauguay in 1813, were prominent. De Salaberry was a scion of a Canadian military family that went back to the 1770s. Most of those defending the nation wore the emblem of the beaver - Canada’s national symbol - and the word Canada stitched on their uniforms. There were other fabulous and enthralling personalities: Farmer’s wife Laura Secord who walked 20 miles to warn of an American attack, and Shawnee Indian leader Tecumseh - an American, now regarded as a great Canadian hero - who persuaded his tribe to support Canada because he believed America’s native people would get a better deal under Canadian authority. Natives born in Canada also joined in the fight to defend the nation. A quirk: Although generation after generation of men and women had been born in Canada, and thought of themselves as Canadians for almost 300 years, there was actually no official Canadian citizenship until after the Second World War. It wasn’t until 1946/47 that legislation creating an official Canadian citizenship came into force. Until then, all Canadians were listed as ‘British’ subjects. Point, to suggest someone born in Canada two, three or four decades - or even 100 years before the War of 1812 - wasn’t truly a Canadian is rubbish. Actually, insulting - Quebec City itself is, after all, the oldest city in North America. Yet the myth that somehow this was a war against the British and not Canada continues. Canada’s most prestigious and moderate magazine - Maclean’s, puts it like this, “Canada’s identity was shaped by the War of 1812,” and then adds: ”Yet, in the U.S. version of the war, the fact that they were defeated doesn’t even rate a mention.” So the headlines and the commemorations are correct: The War of 1812 was fought for the survival of Canada, and all Canadians, while not being anti-American, should take quiet pride that our forefathers fought off a far, far stronger enemy.

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The Poets’ Niche By Mark Sconce msconce@gmail.com

Octavio Paz (1914-1998)

hen the cathedral bells tolled that April evening in 1998, Mexicans soon learned the sad news about their remarkable native son. The poet genius, Octavio Paz, then nearly 85, had finally passed away. Black-bordered obituaries recounted the highlights: Mexican diplomat, playwright, essayist, Paz was regarded as one of the principal poets of the twentieth century. That judgment was formally recognized in 1990 when the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Paz, the first Mexican recipient. In an unusual departure from past presentations, the Swedish Academy Chairman read from Paz’s poetry. The night is at the point of running over. It grows light. The horizon has become aquatic. To rush down from the heights of this hour: Will dying be a falling or a rising, a sensation or a cessation? I close my eyes, I hear in my skull the footsteps of my blood, I hear time pass through my temples. I am still alive. The room is covered with moon. Woman: fountain in the night. I am bound to her quiet flowing. Tr. by Eliot Weinberger “Poetry is a form of transcendence,” wrote Paz, “ offering a vision of pure or essential being and time. Poetry is sacred, providing salvation in a secular world.” Heavens! How many poets over the years have arrogated to themselves or their work a vision of purity plus sacredness? But then again, perhaps this view is true… Not all of me shall die, for through my art, I know, My soul shall long outlive my mortal body’s death, And I shall be renowned while on this earth below At least one poet still draws breath. A.S.Pushkin Tr. by James E. Falen Diplomat? Where? Ambassador to India from 1962 to 1968 where his tenure happened to overlap with that of John Kenneth Galbraith, the American Ambassador. Wrote Galbraith: “To have poets staffing the diplomatic corps is a wonderful idea.” As a Peace Corps Volunteer at the time trekking the high Himals, I was taken by this Paz poem: Himachal Pradesh. I saw at the foot of the ridge/The dispersion of horizons (A hive of diligent bees/In a horse’s skull). I saw vertigo petrified/The hanging garden of asphyxia (A tiger butterfly on the tip of a scent). I saw the mountains of the sages/Where the wind mangles eagles (A girl and an old woman, skin and bones/Carry bundles bigger than those peaks). Tr. by Eliot Weinberger Above all, Paz believed that rhythm defines both life and poetry. That and a mystical, erotic and surrealistic view of the world—a strange beauty that seems to rise from the page and float before your eyes—a blending and separation of opposites and the unexpected: writing of fire on the slab of jade, the cleft in the rock, serpent-goddess and queen, pillar of cloud, and fountain struck from the stone, the nest of eagles, the circle of the moon, the seed of anise, mortal and smallest thorn that has the power to give immortal pain, shepherd of valleys underneath the sea and guardian of the valley of the dead, liana that hangs at the pitch of vertigo, climber and bindweed and the venomous plant, flower of resurrection and grape of life, lady of the flute and of the lightning-flash, terrace of jasmine, and salt rubbed in the wound, a branch of roses for the man shot down, snowstorm in August, moon of the harrowing, the writing of the sea cut in basalt, the writing of the wind upon the desert, testament of the sun, pomegranate, wheat-ear.... Tr. Unknown Mark Sconce

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YOU MUST CLOSE THE DOOR AND MOVE ON By Roger Johnson

He called her often, oh far and wide, Said he wanted her right by his side, Another woman was with him and kept The bed warm on the side where he slept. You must close the door and move on. She wanted to get his calls, Needed someone to talk to, after all, Her relationships had not been the best, She kept saying no to all the rest. You must close the door and move on. Safe, as those calls might have been, They were hollow; her heart could not win, Why wasn’t he here to hold her hand? And be there for her, why? Take a stand, You must close the door and move on. (Gentleman Two of Lady Two) He worked at it alone, so hard to resolve, So many problems with a threat to dissolve A relationship he thought could be strong’ And her family just cheered him along. But you must close the door and move on. The lies were there from month one, Communication collapsed, she would run Hide her stress, see her shrink, pop a pill, He saw the need; let me help if there is a will. No you must close the door and move on. Now his health takes a turn for the worse, Doctors say, it’s the lady, she’s a curse. Friends, even family mystified’ That’s enough, trust is gone, oh those lies. You must close the door and move on. (Lady One and Gentleman Two) We met; we were good from the start, Conversation, touching, feelings from the heart, We’d talk ‘til we lost track of time, What we’ve both been though in life is a crime. See, you must close the door and move on. Future’s bright, love abounds, “Is that joy?” The wise lady, cautious, goes slow, a bit coy, Friends and family must approve of this guy. Fear is fading, trust is growing, I see why. We’re closing the door and moving on. He brings her to him, holds her tight, won’t let go. She almost believes, this is the man to love her so, That together they’ll finish their years, Able to forgive those in the past, all those tears, Oh, you must close the door and move on.

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MIGRATION By Bill Frayer Margarita Publishing, 2011, 91 Pages ISBN: 978-0-9647314-4-8 Reviewed by Mel Goldberg

ne of Ajijic’s most accomplished poets, Bill Frayer, has published a new book of poetry, Migration, which takes its place alongside his others, Sacred Lake and Agave Blood. This new book of poetry takes the reader on a journey similar to the one Frayer and his wife Pixie took when they “gave away most of their belongings, packed their car, and relocated” from Maine to a new life in Ajijic. The book begins with Frayer’s amazement at the travel of the Monarch butterflies, “From Canada, you’ve made your flight;/primordial beacon led the way,/I pausing, breathless, drink in the sight.” Yet Frayer’s theme is not merely about physical journeys. His poetry draws the reader into emotional and spiritual migrations as well. He shares his feelings about the pain and the joy of Mexico. In “Raspberry Boy” he tells us “[the boy] has old eyes/I buy his berries/but I want to know/his story. In “The Humble Tortilla,” he allows the reader to participate in his visit to “the small market” to buy tortillas, which he calls “the perfect food/connecting us now/scooping comfort and succulent sauce/tasting the spirit/of the ancient people.” In “Mother Mexico” Frayer wants the reader to participate in the historic journey of Mexico with “the songs of the Indio/songs of hope, songs of loss” but that “she was strong/she survived to love again” even though there were “more tears and more blood,” Mother Mexico “sustain[s] her grandchildren/ who watch her with love.” He reflects on the various qualities of absence in “Emptiness.” With Frayer we travel to modern Egypt in “From Pharo’s Grip” and to nineteenth century America in “Emerson’s Journey.” The spiritual journeys are examined “My Budda and “Being Lost.” Like all good poets, he shares his innermost personal feelings of life and family. We learn of his loss in “I Miss You, Sister” as he writes of a sibling he never knew, and in “Absence,” he con-

siders a world without him. Bill Frayer takes everyday feelings and thoughts and elevates them to the realm of wonder, causing the reader to see beyond the ordinary and beyond the mundane to the extraordinary that hovers beneath every surface. He gives us poetry that examines life. One of my favorite poets, Leonard Cohen, said, “Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” In Migration, we find the ash of a thoughtful life, a life filled with amazement. This is a book well worth reading many times. (The book is available at the following locations: Diane Pearl’s, Coffee and Bagels, and at the Casa del Sol B&B.)l Along with four other local poets known as the NOT YET DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY, Bill Frayer will read his poetry at Sol Mexicana - Galeria de Arte on December 8 from 4 - 6 PM. Copies of his book will be available. The book is available at the following locations: Diane Pearl’s, Coffee and Bagels, and at the Casa del Sol B&B.

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Focus on Art By Rob Mohr robmohr@gmail.com David Mendoza -The Subtle Art of Protest

avid Mendoza, one of the most creative, provocative painters I have interviewed for Focus on Art, has forced me to look hard at the cost of being a discerning artist. “I am searching for a rationale for my art. Because my work is a protest against violence, individuals seldom buy, and the institutional response to social comment is icy. To use one’s gift to create art, means ignore the consequences and do all you can to make the world a better place to live.” David strives to awaken the viewer, but realizes that the beauty of art is not to reveal exactly what the artist is saying but to entice the viewer to use their imagination to unravel the images. In his painting of a man swimming surrounded by floating bodies while wearing a child’s lifesaver and snorkel, David coaxes the viewer to consider the man’s reaction to violence. “Everyman” cries like a child instead of being an adult who acts to stop human violence. “Like sheep we only react when hit.” Most of David’s paintings include intimate concerns for his family’s well being. He moves from the personal to the societal. Recent works reveal his alienation, outrage, and protest against a society that treats humans as objects for profit or elimination. His emotional reaction to the violence done to a woman’s body as she carries and delivers a child has engendered some of his best paintings. Men forcing their wives to bear child after child led him to create art focused on ways to prevent pregnancy, or that reveals the physical cost of childbearing for a woman. Paintings of women who have had multiple cesarean births leave haunting images in the viewer’s mind. David’s sense of alienation is shared by three other young Mexican Artists. Juan Carlos Castillo evokes the Mexican reality in a sculptural installation which depicts a group of men tortured and burned whose heads have been torn off leaving jagged lines of separation. “Lo Que Oculta Tu Nombre” painted by Raul Oscar Martinez, depicts a per-

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son’s memory floating through space isolated from its source. And in Ruben Maya’s installation, Sueño y Trinidad, several naked men hang by their lower legs, and in another a group of men and women stand gaunt and mindless like sheep. His works make clear human captivity within the Mexican reality. The emotion - the outcry - the protest made in each of these works are examples of the same alienation which drives David Mendoza. www.arteven.com David’s paintings follow in a long history of social protest art in Mexico. Prior to the 1910 Mexican revolution, painter, Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) illustrated a series of scathing broadsides using skull and skeletal figures to represent the callous and greedy actions of those in power. His work has become the source for contemporary Day of the Dead skeletal art. In the post-revolutionary period beginning in 1920, Diego Rivera was appointed by Jose Vasconcelos, Education Minister, to develop a national program of art to awaken the masses to injustice in Mexico. Jose Clemente Orozco, David Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo all began careers as mural painters as a result of the government’s pro-art stance. Capturing the suffering of the Mexican people, each of these artists counts among the great painters of the 20th Century. www.all-art.org/art_20th_century/ rivera3-2.html www.kolahstudio.com/ underground/?p=62 David Mendoza is courageously taking his place as one of the great socially aware artists of his time. In January his paintings will be exhibited in the Galeria “Art Studio Arte Contemporaneo”- Ocampo #61, Ajijic – Opening reception (Cocktail) 5 PM January 13, 2012. Rob Mohr

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Carole Roberson —1941-2011— IN MEMORIAM

Carole “Fritzi” (Miller) Roberson departed this world Friday, December 2, 2011 from her beloved second home in Ajijic, Mexico. Born in 1941 in Chicago, IL and raised in Gobles, MI, she was a Graduate of Western Michigan and Shippensburg Universities. She’ll be remembered as an astute business woman, a rabid historian, a fascinating hostess, and a boundless creative. She loved her family, history, antiques, horses, the arts and good gossip. Carole wrote short stories and was working on a screenplay. Carole was widely liked in her new home of Ajijic, known for her generosity to both friends and strangers. Carole is survived by her children: Marc (Lynne Ann) of Venetia, PA, Amy (Jeff Beck) of Melbourne Beach, FL, Brad (Jaya Sharma) of West Chester, PA, Eva (Christopher

Rupp), of NY, and Sarah (Jeb Anderson) of East Berlin. (Ed. Note: Carole had occasionally attended the Ajijic Writers’ Group, and was greatly admired for the way she so courageously got around town despite a serious physical disability.)

SEVERAL REASONS TO KEEP READING

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got mar-ried. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent. 2. A jumper cable walks into o a bar. The bartender says, “I’llll serve you, but don’t start anynything.” 3. Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted. 4. A dyslexic man walked into a bra. 5. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says: “A beer please, and one for the road.” 6. Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: “Does this taste funny to you?” 7. “Doc, I can’t stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home.” “That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome.” “Is it common?” “Well, It’s Not Unusual.” 8. Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, “I was artificially inseminated this morning.” “I don’t believe you,” says Dolly. “It’s true; no bull!” exclaims Daisy. 9. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either. 10. Deja Moo: The feeling that you’ve

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h heard this bull before. 11. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn’t find any. 12. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shoute “Doctor, doctor, I can’t ed, fe my legs!” The doctor feel replied, “I know, I amputated your arms!” 13. I went to a seafood disco last week... and pulled a mussel. 14. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fish. 15. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, “Dam!” 16. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Not surprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too. 17. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him (oh, man, this is so bad, it’s good) ... a super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

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FRONT ROW CENTER By Michael Warren Greetings! By Tom Dudzick Directed by Peggy Lord Chilton

atching Greetings! is like receiving a Hallmark card. While the intention is good, the expression is trite. And this play could have been so much more – Tom Dudzick has taken some really promising material and ended up turning it into a TV sitcom. It’s a classic situation – boy takes unsuitable girlfriend home to meet old-fashioned parents at Christmas. In this case, the parents are Catholic and the girl is a Jewish atheist, so we can expect that an excruciating time will be had by all. We laugh that we may not weep. An experienced cast did their best with this tense family scenario, and Peggy Lord Chilton moved the whole thing along at a good pace. Kevin O’Byrne plays the young man “Andy Gorski” with considerable anxiety, as we first meet him and his fiancée “Randi Stein” aboard the plane that carries them to the dreaded rendezvous with his parents near Pittsburgh. Sally Jo Bartlett has an understated role as Randi, who presumably loves Andy and would like to love his parents too. She is a sympathetic foil to Andy’s understandable nervousness, and later in the play she has an emotional moment when she reveals that she has given up on God because her little sister was killed in a random car accident. Kenneth Bridges (“Phil Gorski”) and Amy Friend (“Emily Gorski”) are both excellent and realistic as the unhappy parents. He is an Archie Bunker type, constantly grouchy and at odds with his neighbors and the world in general – a self-righteous crank who retreats to the basement for a few beers before the guests arrive. She is compliant and tries

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to survive on very little love. Mostly they stay together because of “Mickey” – their other son who is “retarded” and needs constant care. Keith Scott gives a wonderful performance as Mickey, who doesn’t speak for most of the first act except to say, ”Oh Boy!” or “Wow!” Then he is suddenly transformed, to everyone’s amazement, as his body is occupied by a mysterious entity called “Lucius.” This exciting event occurs at the end of an over-long first act, and gives the audience a good reason to stay for the second act. There’s a lot of talk about God in this play, and occasionally something profound emerges amid the insults and banter. But all too often the dialogue is uninteresting and banal. The best line in the play occurs as the family is bickering at dinner over religion, and Andy says “Can’t we talk about politics or something?” The existence of Lucius implies reincarnation and he seems to have a Hindu accent, but no one asks him about it and mostly they hope he’ll go away and let good old Mickey have his body back. Emily has a touching scene with Lucius and begins to change her life, while Phil is convinced he is sent to him as a punishment and attempts an exorcism. As Lucius says “People do not change until they are ready to change. Some never do.” Keith Scott manages the transitions from Lucius to Mickey with great skill, and the rest of the players are well cast in their various roles in this dysfunctional family. On the evening I attended, the audience was responsive and the acting was first-class. I congratulate Peggy Lord Chilton and her crew for a splendid effort. The Stage Manager was Kathleen Neal and Margo Eberly was Assistant Stage Manager. Also the set construction and décor were cleverly done, with a natural feeling to the room, and good sight lines and movement between different areas of the stage. I look forward to the next play which is How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn, opening on January 14th. Michael Warren

POLITICS P O L I T IC C S and and W WHISKEY HISKEY

n 1952, Armon M. Sweat, Jr., a member of the Texas House of Representatives, was asked about his position on whiskey. What follows is his exact answer (taken from the Political Archives of Texas): “If you mean whiskey, the devil’s brew, the poison scourge, the bloody monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the mouths of little children; if you mean that evil drink that topples Christian men and women from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation, shame, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend, I am opposed to it with every fiber of my being. However, if by whiskey you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the elixir of life, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that

puts a song in their hearts and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean Christmas cheer, the stimulating sip that puts a little spring in the step of an elderly gentleman on a frosty morning; if you mean that drink that enables man to magnify his joy, and to forget life’s great tragedies and heartbreaks and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale of which pours into Texas treasuries untold millions of dollars each year, that provides tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitifully aged and infirm, to build the finest highways, hospitals, universities, and community colleges in this nation, then my friend, I am absolutely, unequivocally in favor of it. This is my position, and as always, I refuse to compromise on matters of principle.”

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STAY HEALTHY! By J. Manuel Cordova, M. D. Internal Medicine & Geriatric Specialist Mdjmcordova1204@yahoo.com Physical Changes in Aging PART II

New Year, a new opportunity to stay healthy. In the last issue, we wrote about the interrelationship between Aging and Memory. We need to be sure about memory problems to detect in time any other associated problems such as dementia disorders. We define dementia as a disorder characterized by impairment in two or more intellectual or cognitive functions, despite a state of clear consciousness. The persistent and stable nature of the impairment distinguishes dementia from the altered consciousness and fluctuating deficits associated with a confusioned condition. The prevalence of dementia in a community population of over 65 years old is between 10% and 50%. In a nursing home, more than 50% of the total patients have a dementia disorder. The most common diseases causing dementia are Alzheimer´s disease and cerebrovascular accidents. Sharpening Your Memory: These tips may help enhance Your Memory capacity: Get organized: Manage daily activities with a routine. Wind the grandfather clock every Sunday after breakfast. Use lists: Don’t bother to memorize things you can list on paper--for example birthdays and grocery lists. Nudge the numbers: Find ways to cue your memory. If your wedding anniversary is September 5, think, “We

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did not have five minutes alone until our honeymoon.” Make associations: When driving, look for landmarks and repeat, Clark’s house, Central School, etc. Next time you will remember to turn there to reach your friend´s house. Practice: Practice paying attention. When you are introduced to someone, listen carefully and repeat the person’s name: How do you do, Ann. Repeat the name in the ensuing conversation. At parties, take an inventory of people you see. Rehearse names in your mind. Try not to worry: Fretting about memory can lead to more forgetfulness, especially if you are tired or under any form of stress. Prevention of Faulty Memory: 1. Maintain control of the blood pressure. 2. Do not smoke. 3. Maintain control of your Glucose (Sugar ) levels, if you are Diabetic. 4. Mental exercise. Any form such as chess, reading, attending lectures and plays, movies, etc. 5. Outside exercise. 6. Try to combat depression. One of the most important factors. 7. Stay healthy. Obviously! Dr. Cordova Dr

Letter to the Editor Dear Sir: One would think that individuals who have the courage to leave their homeland and settle in a foreign country would possess a tolerance of ideology and customs different from their own. Generally, that is true that Lakeside; but the slamming of the door is never louder here than when opposing political views are shared in person or in print. Freedom of speech and opinion seems to be more applicable to the Liberal thinker here. Any topic bordering on conservative thought is often met with disrespectful responses, satirical essays and personal attacks. Lately, Paul Jackson’s “Thunder on the Right” monthly column in El Ojo del Lago has received increased nasty hits from hypocritical, intolerant espousers of personal freedoms. Although my husband and I lean more to Libertarian than Right-Wing Conservative values, we find Paul Jackson’s well-written, thought-provoking exposés refreshing. I look forward to reading Paul’s conservative take on the difficult issues facing the US and his views on how liberal ideology negatively affects

its image. In this town, if you don’t profess liberal philosophy, it can get pretty lonely. Paul’s articles fill that void. Kudos to El Ojo Editor, Alejandro Grattan, who has provided a fair and balanced approach to both sides of US political battles, by including Paul Jackson’s monthly column in this publication. For you Fox News Haters, the ‘fair and balanced’ reference is purely coincidental. It is a sad commentary about this community when the scariest thing about writing a ‘Letter to the Editor’ is signing it. So Paul Jackson and Alejandro Grattan, this signature is for both of you; to Paul in support of his willingness to share an alternative political opinion with the readers of El Ojo and to Mr. Grattan for having the ‘chutzpah’ to print it. Sincerely, Carol Bowman and Ernie Sowers

JALTEPEC CENTRO EDUCATIVO OPEN HOUSE By Linda Buckthorp

n Tuesday, January 24th, 2012, there will be an Open House. At 11 a.m., there will be a recap of the history of the institute, the Academic Schedule and the Scholarship Program. This will be followed with a tour of the facilities, and the public can observe students doing their practical duties. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m., prepared and served by the students. At this time we will also acknowledge our many sponsors who have supported a student with help with their tuition in past and current years. After dessert, I will introduce those students seeking scholarship assistance and give a brief bio of their family history. There is no charge for this lunch but seating is limited so those interested in attending our Open House should call and reserve seating so that the students can prepare the menu and set the dining room accordingly. Seating will be limited to 50 for Sponsors and guests who would like to learn more

about Jaltepec Centro Educativo. Reservations should be made through Linda Buckthorp @ 766-1631 or buckthorp@laguna.com.mx

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Understanding the Land By Kay Davis

magine the Lake Chapala landscape 40,000 years ago. Fossil evidence shows that ancestral mammoths, mastodons, camels and horses roamed the area before the basins were filled by water. At night the landscape was illuminated by the glow of scores of volcanoes in a zone 150 miles wide. This volcanic belt crosses Mexico between the 19th and 21st parallels of latitude. For 10,000,000 years this area was a fiery inferno of constant volcanic activity for such magnificent giants as Popocatepetl near Mexico City and Volcan de Colima near Manzanillo and not far from Lake Chapala. Along with these were thousands of other

volcanic cones. The two Colima volcanoes, which lie on the 19th parallel, formed one of the most active areas in Mexico. Even today there is plenty of activity, including boiling springs, fumarolas (steam vents), geysers and actual eruption of the Volcan de Colima, primarily in the form of steam. Our wrinkled land twisted itself. North of the 21st parallel the continent moved slowly but inexorably east, and south of the 19th parallel, it moved west. Lakeside, on the 20th parallel, was distorted by the counter movements between the two fault zones, and here the crust is broken into massive blocks varying in elevation. Huge volumes of lava poured

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onto the surface separating the great plateau into basins. One of these is the Jalisco basin, inside of which are smaller basins. One is now the city of Guadalajara. As mentioned, this occurred 40,000 years ago, and climatic evidence suggests very heavy precipitation during that period. Over 30,000 years the basin reached its maximum capacity until a huge inland sea covered 8500 square miles, about one fifth of what is now Jalisco. The average depth was 820 feet while 700 feet of water covered the area known as Guadalajara. The age of this ancient lake was established by means of Carbon 14 dating of wood samples found in sediment. Aged 38,000 years they establish the lake, identified as Lake Jalisco, in a geological epoch that spanned from 1,000,000 years ago to as recent as 25,000 years ago. But where did the precipitation come from that formed this huge lake? It was a remarkable time in Earth history during which four great glacial invasions of ice occurred in the Northern Hemisphere, glaciers which advanced as far south as St. Louis in North America and Berlin in Europe. Most of the mountains were covered by ice, which eventually melted to form large lakes on the continents. Great Salt Lake in the state of Utah is a descendant of glacial Lake Bonneville, which covered 19,000 square miles and was fed by glaciation in the Wasatch Mountains. Naturally, in the vicinity of the 19th parallel, Lake Jalisco was not fed by glaciers, but like the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the precipitation was much greater than at present. Samples found throughout the area imply a cool climate during that period, which would be in keeping with the extremely frigid conditions that existed in North America during that time. The Santiago River cut a fantastic gorge known as the Barranca de Oblatos, a gorge, or barranca, which is fre-

quently admired by visitors who see it from the road that runs alongside it in Guadalajara. The barranca is 2000 feet deep. Proof of faulting lies in trying to match layers of rock on both sides of the gorge. They do not align. Within 5000 years, plus or minus, erosion occurred caused by immense water volumes and velocities pouring into the river. Imagine standing on the rim of the Barranca de Oblatos, observing the spectacle of a mighty river roaring through the canyon below, carving that tremendous gorge! Lake levels appear to have been stable for long periods of time, wave action creating terraces similar to those at the beach along the seashore. Layered deposits are visible throughout the area once covered by the lake. These distinctive bands are exposed in many locations and can be observed where cuts were made for the Guadalajara-Chapala highway, and for the Ajijic bypass. The terraces are particularly prominent at Chapala. Lakeside communities are located on the lower terrace, and three others are visible on the slopes of the mountains behind. The largest remnant of ancient Lake Jalisco is Lake Chapala, with only a very small area of 825 square miles compared to its predecessorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8500 square miles. A tremendous reduction in area and volume has taken place over time, due to ruptures on the basin walls and eventual drainage. So, can the future of Lake Jalisco/ Lake Chapala be predicted? Yes. All lakes are subject to the same fate. They are doomed as soon as they come into existence. A lake basin is a natural depression for deposits, and given enough time, they will be filled by sediments from streams and rivers, plus the material washed in from slopes surrounding it. Will the rivers continue in their erosion and eventual destruction of the plateau, or will volcanic activity restore the lake and plateau? ÂżQuien sabe? (Who knows?)

THE OJO INTERNET MAILBOX BOX (Wherein we publish some comments about our previous issues.)

AN UNCHANGED VILLAGE Kathryn Cox Dear Editor: Thank you for publishing such wonderful articles about such a wonderful part of the world. Katina Pontikes, the author of An Unchanged Village, is my sister. I fell in love with Lake Chapala through visiting Katina and her husband, Monty. Lake Chapala and Ajijic are so special! Your articles permit a vicarious visit! I’ll have to visit Flossie’s hummingbirds next time I go to Ajijic. CHRISTMAS ANGELS Linda & Michel Oh my! What a wonderful story! You brought tears to both our eyes! Though it is really hard to believe but again so you! Love you Gale - from Mexico Beach, Florida. PS: Michel says next we see you he is putting a wooden block under your gas pedal! LOL THE OLDER MAN—PART ONE Richard Sinclair I know the feelings, lonely, wishing

for a mate. there is a chinese saying: the man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink and the drink takes the man. I have been there and I think that is why I am alone. What A Lovely Read It moves me to see the moonlight with your eyes, and to feel the alone self in the vast world of beings. My dogs help warm the bed, but yes, a last great love affair would be a good thing. ONLY COVER STORY Sue deWinter As a child, my mother moved to Mexico with her family during the Depression. Her family knew Otto Butterlin and his wife. I have a painting of his and a photo of him. The date of the painting is 1936 and the photo must be from the early 1930s. Is there anyone there who might have a connection to Mr. Butterlin’s family?

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LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LIAISONS

residente de Chapala, Sr. Jesús Cabrera Jiménez, has set up an efficient task force of six people to be a liaison unit between the foreign community and our Mexican Municipality. A list of liaison members is: Ing. Carlos Octavio Mendoza Ruiz, Director of Tourism with the Mayor’s office in our City Hall. Sr. Octavio is ready to assist in any way he can. He also speaks English. Can be reached daily at 765-2937 or if a written email is needed for reference, you can email carlos.medoza@chapala.gob.mx Dr. Paul East Raza, MD, JD, MSC. Dr. Raza speaks both English and Spanish fluently. pauleastraza@ hotmail.com Sr. Raza resides in Chapala with easy access to City Hall. Hank Shiver can easily be reached by phone: 765-3295 or email: revhank@hotmail.com Louis A. Regalado lives in Chapala a short distance from City Hall. Louis’s home phone is 765-6076 or chicagoslim2000@yahoo.com Tod Jonson is an Ajijic resident with immediate contacts with each

Sr. Jesús Cabrera Jiménez

of the other four liaisons His day telephone is 766-4685, todoflcs@ yahoo.com Dinah DeVry is thoroughly knowledgeable about the Mexican culture and people, lives in Ajijic and handles the problems from Walmart westward. Her number is 766-0944, e-mail: aldama22@gmail. com Feel free to contact any one of these people for quick assistance.

Letter to the Editor Dear Sir: At a friend’s urging, I read Paul Jackson’s December column, “Thunder on the Right,” and found a new level of egregious falsehood in publication. Jackson recites a list of accusations against President Obama, each one of which is a product either of ignorance or willful distortion. “Thunder on the Right” does not bother about objectivity or journalistic investigation, and one wonders whether the column is informed by messages from a lunar oracle. Mitt Romney put out an ad that has Obama saying, “If we keep talking about the economy, we’re going to lose.” Romney lifted it out of context in an attempt to deceive the public. That statement came from John McCain, not Barack Obama. Obama was only quoting McCain. My mother taught me better, so to me it seems unbelievable that Governor Romney could do such a thing. Does this kind of

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lying represent Republican values these days? Romney’s lying revives memories of the 2004 election when “swift-boating” became a verb meaning to smear a candidate. Ads accused John Kerry of betrayal and claimed he did not earn his medals, which amounts to an unpatriotic accusation against the US Navy for falsely awarding them. The ads cheapened military medals for everybody who was ever honored with such an award. The mendacity of December’s “Thunder on the Right” mirrors the serial deception that is so often the salient feature of the lingua franca of conservatives. Fred Mittag San Pablo

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The Ojo Crossword

ACROSS 1 Popular condiment 6 Central daylight time 9 Long time 13 Clang 14 W.C. 15 Radical 16 Jell-o salad 17 Brat 18 Kinder 19 What children talk with 20 Egg dish 22 Used to attract attention 23 Stretch to make do 24 Former USSR’s secret police 25 Aegis 27 Organic compound 29 Etna 33 Lager 34 Yea 35 Computer picture button 36 Hasp 39 Cause of sickness 40 “____ Dame” 41 Selsct 42 Gross national product (abbr.) 43 Newsman Rather 44 Plucked out hair 46 Afloat (2wds.) 49 France & Germany river 50 Not against 51 Clip 53 Crow’s call

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56 Pressed 58 Land measurement 59 Yellow pigment 61 Charged particle 62 Dwarf 63 Push roughly 64 Genetic code 65 Lower 66 Font 67 Sun’s name 68 Adolescents DOWN 1 Mount 2 European clover 3 Slips 4 Clip 5 American Kennel Club (abbr.) 6 Ascent 7 Curved roof 8 Garret (2 wds.) 9 Boxer Muhammad 10 ___-a-sketch (child’s toy) 11 Dunking cookies 12 Not one 15 To that time 20 Giant 21 Freudian selves 24 Seaweed 26 Plant shoots 28 Samples 30 Enact 31 Neither’s partner 32 Single 34 Shrill bark 36 Time zone 37 Not high 38 To be 39 Robots 40 Treaty organization 42 Camping equipment 43 Shina 45 Belgian Congo 47 Encrypt 48 Flyers 50 Punitive 52 Looks at 53 Purchase amount 54 Feverish 55 Wallop 57 Taboo 58 Green Gables dweller 60 Evening 62 ___ feeling

The Fiesta Latina is Coming Soon! Contact info: Blue, mexicoblue@prodigy.net.mx, 766-5023

here’s only one month left to buy tickets for the upcoming Lake Chapala Society fund raiser, Fiesta Latina, scheduled for February 4th from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the LCS. Attendance is limited to 20 tables of 10 each and tickets are selling fast. This annual fund raiser will feature an extensive dinner buffet catered by Roberto’s restaurant, with foods from several Latin countries, including appetizers, various entrees, dessert and a complimentary drink. You will enjoy live music from Javier Raygoza and his Orquestra Tipica de Chapala, playing pieces from Mexico’s rich musical heritage and watch Cumbia, Salsa and Tango dancers perform. Upscale silent auction items include three golf packages, dinners and stays at various haciendas and hotels, catered dinners for six and eight people, a flat-screen TV, solar water heater and many art works. Then, between cocktails and dinner, there will be an official unveiling of the new mural located in the back of Lake Chapala Society where the children are given art lessons. The mural, about 50% complete, is being painted by Jesus Lopez Vega and Javier Zaragoza, both graduates of Neill James’ art programs which began in the late 50s. The Ajijic Society of the Arts generously donated $5,000 pesos for the materials needed to paint the mural and $3,000 pesos for the children’s art supplies.

After dinner, guests will be invited to dance in the gazebo. This is the main fund raiser for the LCS Community Education Program and allows LCS to carry on Neill James’ legacy by giving back to the Mexican community. Tickets for the upcoming Fiesta Latina cost $400 pesos which includes one drink and they may be purchased at LCS, Diane Pearl’s and at Opus Boutique. Plan ahead as tickets will not be available at the door. If you have auction items to donate, please contact Nancy Creevan at contigo2000@yahoo.com

A peek preview of a portion of the mural which will be unveiled at the Fiesta Latina.

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JOSS

By Kenneth John Clarke Clarke Joss1

eturning to o hi his h iss vi vill v village illlllag age ag ge of of Nam Hkek near B Burma’s ’ Salween River, Ko Tat walked through the jungle following the clear stream that flowed into Khem lagoon. As he arrived in an open clearing and stepped off the path to relieve himself under a tall banyan tree, he heard the hiss of a snake. Immediately, he froze. He surveyed the terrain, while he slowly reached for his Dha (a Burmese sword). To his right, about four feet away, he saw a giant fifteen-foot king cobra weaving its head upwards. Feeling threatened, its neck spread into a hood, its curved form swayed hypnotically, and its beady eyes stared directly into his.

He saw each H h scaled l d ribbon ib bb that th t crossed the serpent’s neck, enshrouded within its hood of oval rings, in minute detail, and behind this giant snake a number of smaller cobras curled among the roots of the tree. Ko Tat had stumbled onto a nest of deadly serpents. He stood still for a full three minutes, until the cobra, no longer threatened, lowered his head and slithered away to coil among its companions. Ko Tat slowly backed off and returned to the security of the clearing. Gathering his wits together he continued his journey, planning how tomorrow he would ask U Aung Kalayar, the area’s hereditary chieftain, a de-

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scendent of Burma’s ancient sawbwas (former princes), for his daughter Cho Nwe’s hand in marriage. A sergeant in the Shan United Army, Ko Tat admired his Warlord Khun Sa, the greatest opium and cocaine producer in the golden triangle and therefore in the world. Ko Tat had successfully smuggled many mule caravans of his opium from Burma into Thai and Laos. Ko Tat followed his warlord’s instructions to the letter. Last month, when he caught two soldiers from his village smoking opium, he shot them without hesitation. Last week he reported a government spy who tried to enlist his cooperation. Yesterday, his commanding officer recommended him for promotion to Second Lieutenant. U Aung should be proud to have him as a son-in-law. One day, he might even make personal bodyguard for his warlord. An hour later, as he approached the hills towering over the outskirts of his village he heard the sound of the waterfall pouring into Khem lagoon and the high-pitched laughter of female voices that rose from the pools beneath as the village maidens splashed and dived into the cool crystalline waters. Two sparkling streams flowed from the mountains high above the plateau, to eventually pour as a giant cascade into the Lagoon forty feet below. Beyond the lagoon, the waters flowed past the village, to blend with the muddy waters of the Salween River. Under the lush jungle vegetation, that engulfed the banks of the lagoon lie a delicate carpet of moss and lichen, a haven for the youth from his village who loved to bathe in these cool waters, then relax on the soft cushions of vegetation. During the heat of the afternoon, they frolicked with their friends while their parents rested at home. Ko Tat, descending the pathway that had worn into the edge of the cliff over the centuries, saw Cho Nwe resting on a smooth boulder, her long jet-black hair spread out behind her drying in the sun. Her wet sarong displayed her lithe sensuous body. Though only fifteen, her figure already showed promise of womanhood, a promise such as fulfilled all of Ko Tat’s dreams and desires. Beside her, she had her pet monkey Kri Kri. Her father always teased her regarding her love for animals, joking that she had so many around the house that their home rivaled the zoo in Rangoon. Ko Tat was impatient for the day when he could claim her. He knew her father did not approve of him but surely, his new rank as an officer in Warlord Khun Sa’s army, would change all that.

The days of the sawbwas were long gone, and he was rising in the ranks as a member of the new order that now controlled Burma’s states of Shan and Wa. He called out to Cho Nwe and she waved to him “Ko Tat, Ko Tat, come and join us. The water is cool and refreshing.” As Ko Tat waded across the pond, she asked, “How long will you be with us this time?” “Only the weekend, I leave the day after tomorrow Cho Nwe, but this time I intend to ask your father’s permission to marry you.” “No my love, not yet, papa will not give it. You know how he cannot accept the new order that you represent. I understand how many farmers from our village grow poppies for Warlord U Khun Sa, but papa is very conservative, he says that one day U Khun Sa‘s actions will bring great trouble upon our people. Let me talk to papa again and I will try to convince him.” “Ask him tonight, and then tomorrow, we can discuss our future together.” “I will my love. Soon we will marry,” she replied. Cho Nwe was impressed that Ko Tat traveled into Siam, Laos, and China, while most of the young men she knew never left the village and never would. Ko Tat had promised to show her many exciting places beyond the mountains. With his muscular body and Khaki uniform he was more handsome than most. She was so proud that he had chosen her. Ko Tat and Cho Nwe sat on the moss-covered rocks and continued to plan their future together. Her father’s friends would visit when he sat on the porch so this evening as he and his daughter required privacy, they remained indoors to talk. Aung Kalayar loved his daughter and was proud of how she was growing into adulthood. She reminded him of his wife. Soon, he would marry her to the son of a respected village elder. For some time now, he had listened to her pleas. “Cho Nwe, I understand how Ko Tat may impress and tempt you with the adventure of distant lands, but you must look deeper into the man. Those two boys he shot last month had been his playmates since childhood; Ko Tat is as violent as his profession.” “But papa…” “You are everything to me, my dearest daughter. Life in our land is difficult, yet I want you to be as happy as your mother, and I were. Ko Tat will not offer such happiness. Please trust my judgment. One day you will understand the wisdom of patience” “But papa, Ko Tat loves me.” “I question his ability to love. More

important Cho Nwe, you did not say you loved him. No, my dearest daughter, for your sake, as long as I live I could never bless such a union.” Her father stood and strode towards the door, “Come now, let’s sit on the porch. Tomorrow afternoon I have to visit TaKew Village. As I will return late, you go to the house of your friend Ma Aye Moe and I’ll join you there upon my return.” Unknown to both of them, Ko Tat had hidden himself outside the house listening to their conversation through the open window. “So be it old man,” he thought, “if I am not good enough to be your son-in-law then your useless life must soon end.” Early next morning Ko Tat climbed out of bed, and removing his sheet, folded it to line the inside of his knapsack while leaving the center clear. He left the village and climbed to the plateau above the waterfall, tracing the path back towards the cluster of banyan trees, where he had seen the Cobra nest. Using a straight branch and cord, he constructed a snake loop, then climbed into the tree and perched directly over the cobra’s nest. Selecting a four-foot cobra, he carefully lowered his loop, guided the noose over its head, and pulled it tight. The serpent squirmed as he lifted it clear. Then returning to the pathway he placed the snake headfirst into his knapsack and watched it curl among the protecting layers of his sheet. With the snake tethered by the noose, he closed the knapsack, and shortened the protruding handle to two feet. When he arrived home, Ko Tat placed the bag in the corner of his room and left to seek Cho Nwe. Cho Nwe had decided not to tell Ko Tat everything. “Papa will not approve. We will have to wait a little longer my dearest. Soon he will realize how special you really are.” Ko Tat frowned. Cho Nwe returned a smile. “There’s no need for such a long face. Let’s go to the lagoon I’ve prepared a picnic, for tomorrow, you return and I won’t see you for another week.” For Cho Nwe the day passed quickly, though Ko Tat was preoccupied throughout the afternoon. Later she was confused when suddenly he took her in his arms, kissed her, and said, “I must go now my love, I will see you tomorrow morning.” Without another word, he left her at the lagoon to rush home. After supper, as the shadows of evening set in, he stole towards Cho Nwe’s home. Her father would be late, and she was over at Ma Aye Moe’s home. The clouds covered the moon as he crept up to the back door, entered

through the kitchen into the living room, and almost screamed as the soft brown fur of Cho Nwe’s pet slow loris (a small Asian primate) brushed against his leg in the darkness. He swore that when they were married there would be no animals in his house. There were two bedrooms. Which was U Aung’s? The larger held a double bed that U Aung would have shared with his wife. This was the father’s room, he concluded. Maintaining the tension on the cord, he carefully withdrew the cobra, pulled back the sheets, and slid the serpent deep under the covers, to watch it slither for a few moments and then settle in its new environment. He smiled knowingly, soon Cho Nwe would be an orphan, and the villagers would be pleased to see them marry. He slinked out the back door to return home. He was pleased with his work and certain that none could suspect him. Safely in the darkness of his room, he removing the sheet from his knapsack and spread it over his bed. Now nothing remained to associate him with the evening’s events. Tomorrow morning he would pretend grief at U Aung’s death. The faint slithering movement went unnoticed as Ko Tat climbed into his bed. The sting of sharp teeth penetrated his thigh, and as he rolled away in surprise, other teeth plunged first into his throat, then his chest, his muscles twitched, followed by the excruciating pain of muscle cramps, vomiting, and convulsions, until his whole body was out of control; he thrashed in all directions, as more teeth penetrated every part of his flesh. Golden-yellow venom flowed throughout his bloodstream; relentless seizures left him writhing in agony until the darkness of death engulfed him. Ko Tat hadn’t noticed the twentyeight tiny hatchling cobras that had slid from his unfurled sheet into his bed, and was unaware that the deadly poison, they carried in their fangs from the moment of birth, awaited him. The villagers recognized the extent of Ko Tat’s treachery, when they heard how Cho Nwe and her father entered their home, to the hiss of a snake, and the rattle from the throat of her pet mongoose as it engaged and killed a female cobra, only to discover later that same evening the hatchlings, that killed Ko Tat, under his sheet, and others in his knapsack. The clues were as clear as the words that roll from the tongue of the village storyteller who would, in future tales, describe this intricate web of both luck and fate as Joss. 1 An Anglo-Indian term meaning both luck and fate

Saw you in the Ojo 87

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. www.aalakechapala.org AA Lakeside- M+TH 4-6 Gazebo at the Lake Chapala Society. www.aalakechapala.org AA Women- TH 10:30-12 Sala at the Lake Chapala Society. www.aalakechapala.org A COURSE IN MIRACLES- Meets on Saturday at 2:00 at # 17 B Nicholas Bravo. For information email: clarecgearhart@gmail.com AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 904 WING- September to April meet the 2nd Thursday 4pm-6pm at La Nueva Posada. John Prichard 766-1876 AJIJIC QUILT GUILD - Meets second Tuesday monthly at 10 am. 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. Nueva Posada. Coffee. Meeting followed by lunch at the Nueva Posada. AXIXIC MASONIC LODGE #31- Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at LCS 5:00pm. Contact the Secretary at (387) 7610017 for details. AL-ANON- Step study, M 4:30-5:30 Ken Gosh Pavilion at the Lake Chapala Society 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. AMERICAN LEGION, FRANK M. VALENTINE POST 9 - (Fito’s Restaurant in Riberas Del Pilar) 3rd Wednesday. Additional info Call Vince 765-7299. 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 Theraphy)- Theraphy dog visits & Children Reading to Dogs program. Julianna Rose 766-5025, rotariojrose@gmail.com 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- 2nd Wednesday of month, Sept. through April. Social hour: 3:00 pm, program 4:00 pm. CASA DE ANCIANOS- Provides support for elderly citizens, 765-2497. CASA DE LA AMISTAD PARA NIÑOS CON CANCER.- Provides funds, obtain cancer treatments. www.casadelaamistad.org.mx. 01-55-3000-6900, 766-2612 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. DEMOCRATS- Meets 2nd Thursday 4pm at La Nueva Posada EASTERN STAR ESTRELLA DEL LAGO CHAPTER #10- 1st Wed. at 1:00 pm at Hotel Monte Carlo. 766-3785, www.oesestrelladellago.org. ECO ORGANICO MARKET- Tuesdays,10 am-12-30pm, Centro Laguna Mall at carretera and libramiento. ECKANKAR- Weekly dream workshops start Thursday January 26th from 12.00-2.00pm. Registrations: Penny White 766 1230 FRIENDS OF VILLA INFANTIL (FOVI)- Financial support for children: www.friendsofvillainfantil.org. Lisa Le: (387) 761-0002, lisale888@gmail.com GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS- Wednesday 11:30-1:30 Ken Gosh Pavilion at the Lake Chapala Society 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. HUMANE EDUCATION ALLIANCE (HEA)- Fostering ethical treatment of animals. John Marshall, 766-1170, alianzaeducacionhumnitaria@hotmail.com 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- Garden tours and meeting 3rd Wed at Nueva Posada for lunch and program. sandy_feldmann@yahoo.com. LAKE CHAPALA GREEN GROUP- Sustainable living for a better tomorrow. Meets first Tuesday, Sept. through May. LCS, 3:00. www.lakechapalagreengroup. com. LAKE CHAPALA SHRINE CLUB.- Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm in the Nueva Posada. Denny Strole (376) 766-0485 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 1st Thursday every month 2:45-4 LCS Gazebo 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 USA TEA PARTY- Meeting 2nd Tuesday at 4pm, Sunrise Restaurant, Carretera, San Antonio Tlayacapan 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. 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 Kathleen Phelps, 766-0010. 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 Linda at 766-2086. NIÑOS INCAPACITADOS DEL LAGO, AC.- Assisting Lakeside disabled children www.programaninos.org , 766-2201. 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: 376-766-5975 or 766-1626. 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 1:30-4 Gazebo at the Lake Chapala Society. New members welcome. ROTARY CLUB OF AJIJIC- Tuesdays. Fellowship at 12:30 p.m., meeting at 1:00 p.m., Hacienda Ajijic Steakhouse, Carr. Ajijic Pte #268-7. www.rotaryajijic.org. SAILING LAKE CHAPALA- Meets for lunch/drinks-1 pm the 1st Thursday Club Nautico in La Floresta, www.sailinglakechapala.com SAN ANTONIO TLAYACAPAN (SAT) EXPATS.- Meets last Saturday of the month 6pm, at Cenaduria de Elvira, #127 Ramon Corona, San Antonio SCIENCE OF MIND STUDY GROUP- Discussion Tuesday at 10:30 AM, Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic; contact Rev. Tim at 766-0920 or tim@revdoctim.com. SCOTIABANK NORTHERN LIGHTS ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL- For details please visit: www.scotiabanknorthernlightsmusicfestival.com THE GENEALOGY FORUM- Meets monthly on the fourth Monday in the Sala at LCS, from 2:00 to 3:45. TOASTMASTERS LAGO DE CHAPALA BLILINGUAL GROUP- Meets Tuesdays 6 to 7:30 pm at Ruben’s Grill. For info; Tim at 766-0920 or Maureen 766-2338. email tim@revdoctim.com 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)

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

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. 7669020 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) 7654210. Christ Church Anglican Fellowship Eucarist 10am upstairs in Manix Restaurant Ocampo #57 Ajijic. Rev. Danny Borkowski at (376) 766-2495 or Jim Powers t (387) 761-0017 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: 7665708 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 Study-Friday 10 am; Hidalgo 231A, Carr. Chapala/Joco; Riberas del Pilar Tel. Pastor Ross Arnold at 376-766-1238, 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 a.m & 11 a.m. Rev. Winston W. Welty Tel: 765-3926. 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. Sta. Margarita #113 in Riberas del Pilar (on the SW corner of Santa Clara) For additional information call 766-1119 or email to lcuufinfo@gmail.com. We are a Welcoming Congregation www.lcuuf.org

The

Lake Chapala Society

News

January 2012

President's Message Understandably, many people have been concerned with security issues Lakeside recently. Our hearts go out to LCS members, the Kahr family, for your loss. The Community Security Initiative has helped us focus our and the government's attention on crime in our community. The CSI has come up with some great ideas for crime prevention and protection. Be assured LCS is working with this initiative and offering our support in finding and implementing solutions. Let’s not forget though that crime here is no different than crime in other parts of the world. A friend in Santa Fe, NM, a town similar to ours in many ways, experienced her 2nd burglary in recent months. Another friend's son was shot in a small beach community in South Carolina. Our world isn't as safe and secure as we'd like it to be. Please, as individuals you must be aware of your surroundings and take reasonable precaution to protect yourself and your belongings. Together we will find ways to keep our personal safety at the forefront of our growing public safety concerns. On a different note, I want to remind you of our Annual General Meeting which will be held on February 23rd. Your Board has been hard at work: planning, policy making and oversight of LCS's operations. At the AGM we will be reporting the results of this past year and plans for the future. It’s also election time, positions including: President, Secretary and four Members at Large will need to be elected. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact Nancy Creevan, chair of the Nominating Committee. I hope that you had a pleasant holiday season with family and friends and are now ready for a safe and happy new year at Lakeside. Howard Feldstein, President

LCS CLOSED January 2 - NEW YEAR’S DAY

Fiesta Latina On Saturday, February 4, LCS will be holding our major fund raiser of the year. All proceeds will support our Community Education Program. The grounds will be transformed into a festive Latin American experience using music, food and dance. A delicious sit-down dinner buffet will feature exotic dishes from several Latin American countries created by Roberto of Roberto’s Restaurant. A very special silent auction will be held in the Sala from 2:30 p.m.on. We have gathered unique items valued at 1000 pesos or more. Monitor the auction regularly to assure your winning bid. Entertainment features Latin dance performances on a specially constructed stage: Alberto Canales and his wife Graciela will do a sizzling Cuban salsa; Judit Rathay will perform a variety of cumbia routines while Juan Rosa and his partner Anita will perform their dramatic Argentine tango.Orquestra Tipica de Chapala and DJ Jack Fallon will keep things lively so you can dance all afternoon. Only 200 tickets are being sold due to space restrictions, we suggest you buy your tickets early. Tables for ten are available. (If you have something to donate, please contact Nancy Creevan or Tod Jonson before January 15.) Please support what promises to be a memorable fundraiser. Contact: Patricia Doran at inajijicpat@yahoo.com with any questions.

Saw you in the Ojo 89

Casi Nuevo Thrift Shop For more than a year and a half, the LCS Community Education Program, the School for the Deaf, and Have Hammers…Will Travel... have been partners in operating the Casi Nuevo Thrift Shop, an all-volunteer effort whose profits help to feed and educate about 300 Mexican children at the School for the Deaf. Students who are deaf and have other special needs can train for a trade at HHWT and learn English and computer skills at LCS. Generous LCS members can donate items such as appliances, kitchen utensils, operating electrical equipment, furniture, shoes, bedding, books, paintings bicycles, canned food and knickknacks. Donations can be placed in the drop box next to the LCS Video Library. Contact Richard Williams at 7661303 or rgwms10@hotmail.com for free pick-up of larger items. We look forward to seeing you in the new year at our store in Riberas Del Pilar on the carretera across from the 7-Eleven. The Casi Nuevo Thrift Store is open six days a week from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. We are closed on Sundays.

Dreams Workshop: How to Use Dreams for Daily Guidance A study of dreams: Interpretation, Remembering, Programming Presented by Mike Sebastian Thursdays, January 26 - March 1 in the Gazebo 12 - 2 PM LCS Members Only

LCS Launches Evaluation Survey Earlier this year, the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Board of Directors formed an Ad-hoc Membership Committee and charged them to review all aspects of membership. The committee concluded that a survey would be the best way to gather opinions regarding the programs and services that LCS offers. We are looking for input from current members, past members and individuals who have never been members. If there is more than one person in your household we ask that everyone complete an online survey. depending on your membership status the survey will differ in length. Although for current members the survey may be lengthy and could take approximately 30 minutes to complete, you have the opportunity to save your answers and come back to it later. If you are no longer a member or never have been a member the survey should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete. All responses will be kept anonymous and confidential; a summary of the results will be presented later this spring. On behalf of the Ad Hoc Membership Committee, I would like to thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter. Just type (or copy) the following into your web browser: www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCSEvaluationsurvey Ben White

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

LCS Learning Seminars Available to LCS members the seminars begin at Noon. January 3, chaired by Bill Frayer. Featuring (via TED Internet podcast) Mark Bittman, the food columnist for the New York Times, speaking on “What’s Wrong With What We Eat?” In this fiery and funny talk, Bittman weighs in on your diet (too much meat, too few plants; too much fast food, too little home cooking), and why it's putting the entire planet at risk. January 10, chaired by Fred Harland. Featuring (via TED internet podcast) “My Four Environmental Heresies” by Stewart Brand, the well-known environmentalist and founder of the Whole Earth Catalogue. In this presentation and in his new book, Whole Earth Discipline, Brand shatters a number of myths and argues that cities are actually greener than countryside, how nuclear power is the future of energy, and why genetic engineering is the key to crop and land management. January 17, chaired by Bill Frayer. Featuring (via TED Internet podcast) Rachel Bottsman speaking on “The Case for Collaborative Consumption.” Bottsman is a social innovator who writes, consults, and speaks on the power of collaboration and sharing through network technologies, and on how it will transform business, consumerism and the way we live. January 24, chaired by Fred Harland. Featuring (via TED internet podcast) Ben Dunlap, the president of South Carolina’s Wofford College, talking about his amazing life. In this talk, Dunlap, whose talents span poetry, opera, ballet, literature and administration, tells the story of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who taught him about passionate living and lifelong learning. January 31, chaired by Bill Frayer. Featuring (via TED Internet podcast) Ya Sheng Huan speaking on “Does Democracy Stifle Economic Growth?” Huang compares China to India, and asks how China's authoritarian rule contributed to its astonishing economic growth -- leading to a big question: Is democracy actually holding India back? Huang's answer may surprise you.

ROCA The Canadian Consulate will present: Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). The consulate would like to encourage all Canadians to register at a local consulate while they are abroad. Should an emergency or natural disaster occur, this data is used to help with safety and recovery efforts. Wednesday, January 18 - LCS Sala: 1 - 2:50 PM

Technology Day

Every Wednesday in the Magazine Room 10 AM to Noon Wednesday, January 4, the first technology session in the Magazine room will be on Satellite Radio (Sirius/XM). Future topics will be Satellite TV, Electronic books, and any other suggestions you may offer. Suggestions may be emailed to: lcsmags@gmail.com.

JANUARY ACTIVITIES CRUZ ROJA * Cruz Roja Sales Table M –F 10-1 Cruz Roja Monthly Meeting 1st W 1:30-4 HEALTH INSURANCE * IMSS M+T 10-1 NYLife/Seguros Monterrey Insurance T+TH 11-2 TioCorp Insurance M 10:30-1 HEALTH & LEGAL SERVICES * Becerra Immigration F 10-12 Blood Pressure M+F 10-12 Hearing Services M & 2nd+ 4th SAT 11-3 Sign-up Optometrist TH 9-4 Sign-up Information Desk M-SAT 10-2 Loridans Legal T 10-12 Skin Cancer Screening 2nd+4th W 10-12 $/Sign-up US Consulate 1st W 10:30-12:30 Sign up 10AM LESSONS Children’s Art SAT 10-12 * Country Line Dancing T+TH 10-11:15 Exercise M+W+F 9-10 Have Hammers T 10-12+ TH 3-5 * Intermediate Hatha Yoga T+TH+SAT 2- 3:45 Spanish Conversations M 10-12 Grammar Required LIBRARIES Audio TH 10-12 Book & Video M-SAT 10-2 Talking Books US Library of Congress TH 10-12 ** SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Beginner’s Digital Camera W 12-1 Computer Windows Club F 10:30-11:45 Digital Camera W 10:30-11:50 Darts TH 3-4 Discussion Group W12-1:30 Everyday Mindfulness M 10:30-12 Film Aficianados 1st & 3rd TH 12-2 Film Aficianados 2nd+4th +Last TH 2-4 Genealogy Last M 2-4 iPad/iPod/iPhone F 9:30-10:30 LCS Learning Seminars T 12-2 Lecture Series: Dreams Workshop TH12-2 Lecture Series: Mexican Character M 3-5 * Mac OS 1st M 12-1:30 Mac User 3rd W 3-4:30 Mah-Jonng F 10-2:30 Music Jam W 2-3 Needle Pushers T 10-11:45 Scrabble M+F 12-2 Singing for the Brain M 2-3:30 * Story Tellers 2nd T 3-6 * Tournament Scrabble T 12-2 Women Holding Peace TH 12-12:30 * SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS * AA Lakeside M+TH 4:30-6 AA Women TH 10:30-12 Ajijic Masonic Lodge #31 2nd + 4th W 4:30-8, 4th T 3-4:30 AL-Anon/Al-aTeen M 4:30-5:30 Cancer Support Group 1st+3rd M 11:30-1 Gamblers Anonymous W 11-1 Green Group 1st T 3-4:30 MS Support Group 3rd W 3-4:30 Niño’s de Chapala /Ajijic F 10-2 Open Circle SUN 10-12:15 Women’s Cancer Support 2nd+4th M 11:30-1 TICKET SALES M-F 10-12 * *OPEN TO PUBLIC ** US CITIZENS

Video Library

New additions for January Romance “JANE EYRE” 2011 Ref# 5628 Rated PG13 After a bleak childhood, Jane Eyre ventures into the world as a governess at majestic Thornfield Hall, where she meets the dark, cold, and abrupt master of the house, Mr. Rochester. They become close friends and soon Jane finds herself in love with her enigmatic employer.. Could Mr. Rochester’s terrible secret destroy her happpiness forever? MIA MASIKOWSKA, MICHAEL FASSBENDER 7.4 on scale of 10 Comedy “BRIDES MAIDS” 2011 Ref # 5634 Rated R Her life may be a mess, but when she finds out her lifetime best friend Lillian is engaged, she simply must serve as her maid of honor. Annie (Kristen Wiig), leads the bride-to-be (Maya Rudolph), and her colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love. KRISTEN WIIG, MAYA RUDOLF 7.0 on scale of 10 Documentary “STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN” 2002 Ref# 5640 In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. gathered the best musicians from the motor city’s thriving jazz and blues scene for his new record company, Motown. Backup artists known as the Funk Brothers were the heartbeat on every hit from Motown’s phenomenal era. This unheralded group of musicians played on more number-one hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - making them a signature part of the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. Forty-one years after they played their first note for Motown, and three decades since they were all together, the Funk Brothers reunited in Detroit to play their music and tell their unforgettable story. With archival footage, still photos, narration, interviews, re-creation scenes, twenty Motown master tracks, and twelve new live performances of Motown classics with contemporary artists. JOE HUNTER JACK ASHFORD 7.6 on scale of 10 Drama “DEVIL’S ADVOCATE” 1997 Ref# 5621 Rated R Based on a book by Andrew Neiderman, the film centers on a young lawyer who joins a New York firm only to discover that his boss has an increasingly bizarre personality. KEANU REEVES AL PACINO 7.3 on scale of 10 Foreign “THREE COLORES: WHITE” 1994 Ref#5630 Rated R Polish Karol marries French Domininque and moves to Paris.. Their divorce forces him into the life of a metro beggar and eventually back to Poland . While building a new life for himself in Warsaw, he begins to plot his revenge only to have the tables turned in a very unexpected way. ZBIGNIEW ZAMACHOWSKI JULIE DELPY 7.7 on scale of 10 Adventure “HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS” Parts 1 and 2 2010 Ref. Nos. 5641 and 5642 Rated PG13 Evil Voldemort now has control of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore’s work, find the rest of the Horcruxes, and defeat the Dark Lord. Little hope remains for the brave trio, and the rest of the Wizarding World, unless everything goes as planned. DANIEL RADCLIFFE EMMA WATSON 7.6 on scale of 10 Series “DAMAGES” 2007 Ref. Nos. 5649 et al Rated MA Hot-shot, high-stakes, New York City attorney Patty Hewes hires a new associate, bright, ambitious, but somewhat naive Ellen Parsons, to help her ruin billionaire Arthur Frobisher. Hewes represents a group of employees suing Frobisher in a class-action suit after the sale of his company, left his employees financially devastated. Ellen is unaware that her best friend, Katie Connor, the younger sister of fiancé David, is working for Frobisher who is financing Katie’s new restaurant. Flashing forward eight weeks: David Connor is found murdered, and Ellen, wandering the streets covered in blood, becomes the prime suspect. GLENN CLOSE ROSE BYRNE 8.1 on scale of 10

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LCS MIX & MATCH SINGLES GROUP http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lcsmixandmatch/ Friday, January 13 - Back by popular demand: A trip to the Victor Arrayga clay pot factory in Ixtlahuacan. Victor casts all sizes of pots and will paint and customize them to order. He casts animals, Buddhas, chickens and many other shapes. Carpool departs at 11:00am from the sculpture in La Floresta. Cost of the trip will be whatever you choose to spend and sharing gas fees with your driver. After the factory we will stroll around Ixtlahuacan and have lunch at Los 5 Portillos restaurant. Contact is Annie Green at greenmexico@gmail.com.

FILM AFICIONADOS

Mondays from 10 to 12, beginning Monday, January 9. The prerequisites are: LCS membership, knowledge of Spanish grammar (minimum: Warren Hardy Level 2), and permission of facilitator (before or after each session). Materials required: Spanish dictionary. No Cost. For more information contact Karl Homann: khh.dm209742@hotmail.ca.

JANUARY 5, NOON - SINCE OTAR LEFT - 2003. Filmed mostly in Tblisi, Georgia. Julie Bertucelli’s debut film is funny, sweet, sad, trenchant and compelling. You won’t soon forget the three women who star in this film. JANUARY 12, 2 PM - WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN 2012. This film won’t be released until next year, but we have it now! Tilda Swinton, in the role of her life, perhaps gets an Oscar. Disturbing, dark, and too close for comfort this family drama. JANUARY 19, NOON - BOY WONDER - 2011. Just opened in the USA, I’m bucking the critics (most of them) on this one.....but audiences loved it. Another psychological drama with a huge emotional component. JANUARY 26, 2 PM - A SEPARATION - 2011. This film, set in contemporary Iran, is brilliantly directed and wonderfully acted. Another family drama. ALL FILMS SHOWN IN THE SALA LCS MEMBERSHIP CARD REQUIRED. To get on the mailing list e-mail: mak1939@gmail.com

LAKE CHAPALA HOSPICE PRESENTS FOUR DOCUMENTARIES

Mexican Character or Why Your Neighbor Acts the Way He Does

CONVERSACION EN ESPAÑOL

with discussion afterwards, all movies begin at 2:30 PM To celebrate the start of Lake Chapala Hospice we are proud to present a series of open discussions about dying, death and what happens next. Each discussion will start with the showing of a documentary of a related subject, to be followed with a discussion. The discussions will be led by Erik Slebos, grief-counselor, and the managing and clinical director of Lake Chapala Hospice. Friday, January 6, two feet in the grave Friday, January 13, Facing Death Friday, January 20, A Short Stay in Switzerland Friday, January 27, Endless Consciousness LOCATION: Lake Chapala Society - Sala TICKET: 50 pesos per documentary, Open to the Public Reservations: admin@lakechapalahospice.com or call 766-4154

January 9: Mexican Masks January 16: Role of the Catholic Church, Past & Present January 23: Corruption: Glue & Lubricant February 10: Mexico & Globalization Presented by Wayne Palfrey Mondays, LCS Sala 3 - 5:30 PM Open to the Public

Singing For the Brain A sing-along the equivalent of yoga but for the brain. Mondays 2-3:30, LCS Gazebo Beginning January 16 Open to the Public

THE LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY, A.C. 16 de Septiembre #16-A, Ajijic, Jalisco LCS Main Office: (376) 766-1140 Office, Information and other services open Monday – Saturday, 10 to 2. Grounds are open until 5.

LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Howard Feldstein (2012); Vice-President - Fred Harland (2013) Treasurer - Paula Haarvei (2013); Secretary - Lynn Bishop (2012) Director - Lois Cugini (2013); Director - Aurora Michel Galindo (2013); Director - Cate Howell (2013) Director - Tod Jonson (2012); Director - Wallace Mills (2013); Director - Mary Alice Sargent (2012) Director - Sharon Smith (2012); Director - Ben White (2013); Director - Karen Blue (2012) Executive Director - Terry Vidal

◊ THE LCS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY. ◊ DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS THE 17TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION. ◊ NEWS ITEMS CAN BE EMAILED TO REBA MAYO AT REBAELIZABETHHILL@YAHOO.COM ◊ NOTE: THE EDITORIAL STAFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO COMPLETE EDITING PRIVILEGES. ARTICLES AND/OR CALENDAR OF EVENTS WILL BE INCLUDED ACCORDING TO TIME, SPACE AVAILABILITY AND EDITORIAL DECISION.

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

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Service

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

www.tel.chapala.com

DIRECTORY * ADVERTISING

* BOOKSTORE

- EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 765-3676

- SANDI Tel: 01 (33) 3121-0863

* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 766-5961

Pag: 86

* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP - CLINICA VETERINARIA SAN ANTONIO Tel: 766-0808 Pag: 74 - DEE’S PET HOTEL Tel: 762-1646 Pag: 90 - PET FOOD AND GROOMING Tel: 766-3062 Pag: 35

* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS - ARTE AMANECER Tel: 765-2090 Pag: 57 - DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES Tel: 766-5683 Pag: 65 - EL PALOMAR Tel: 01 (33) 3635-5247 Pag: 84 - LOLITA’S INN GALLERY Tel: 766-1857 Pag: 79 - MEXIXIC- La Mancha Pag: 71 - SOL MEXICANO Tel: 766-0734 Pag: 22 - THE AJIJIC ART HOUSE Tel: 765-5097 Pag: 82, 84, 91, 97

* AUTOMOTIVE

* 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

Pag: 03

CANOPIES/CANVAS ITEMS - LONAS MEXICO Tel: 766-0045, (01 33) 3826-8283

Pag: 61

* CASINO - FOLIATTI CASINO

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

Pag: 06

* CHIROPRACTIC - DR. VICTOR J. YOUCHA Tel: 766-1973

Pag: 59

Pag: 28

* AUTOMATIC DOORS

* BANK INVESTMENT

- PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING Tel: 765-4507 Pag: 85

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

Pag: 31

Pag: 31 Pag: 25

* BAKERY - BRENDA’S BAKERY BOUTIQUE Tel: 765-2987

Pag: 59

Pag: 81 Pag: 42 Pag: 61 Pag: 28 Pag: 15

- CASA DE LAS FLORES Tel: 766-5493 - CASA DEL SOL Tel: 766-0050 - CASA TRES LEONES Cell: (045) 331-350-6764 - VILLA EL CAPRICHO Cell: 33-3954-9824 - VILLA SAN FRANCISCO

Pag: 79 Pag: 15 Pag: 37 Pag: 39 Pag: 27

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

Pag: 07 Pag: 76

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

Pag: 39

Pag: 32, 87

- ARTE AMANECER Tel: 765-2090 - EXPO FURNITURE AJIJIC - SOFA-COMPANY.COM Cell: 331-576-6974 - STRESSLESS Tel: 33-3640-1283 - TEMPUR, MATTRESS AND PILLOWS Tel: (52) 333-629-5919, (52) 33 3611-3049

Pag: 57 Pag: 75 Pag: 18 Pag: 47

- AMERICA GARDEN Cell: 33-1308-9660 - GARDEN CENTER Tel. 765-5973 - L & R WATER GARDENS Tel: 766-4386

Pag: 34 Pag: 40

- AJIJIC DENTAL Tel: 766-3682 Pag: 13 - C.D. MARÍA LUISA LUIS VILLA Tel/Fax: 766-2428 Pag: 07 - C.D. SANDRA ANAYA MORA Tel: 765-3502, 765-5444 Pag: 15 - CENTRO DENTAL Tel: 766-2911 Pag: 71 - DENTAL EXPRESS Cell: (045) 331-121-6518 Pag: 61, 65 - DENTAL HEALTH ONE Tel: 1060-826 Pag: 32 - DR. ALBERTO DON OLIVERA Tels: 765-4838, 765-4805 Pag: 10 - DR. CARLOS CERDA VALDÉZ Tel: 766-0336 Pag: 91 - DR. FRANCISCO CONTRERAS Tel: 765-5757 Pag: 16 - DRA. ANGELICA ALDANA LEMA DDS Tel: 765-5364 Pag: 67 - DRS. MEDELES & BODART

Tel: +52 (327) 274-0912 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152 - VILLA SAN FRANCISCO

Pag: 77 Pag: 92 Pag: 27

* INSURANCE - EDGAR CEDEÑO - MEXICO PROTECT Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982 - LAKECHAPALAINSURANCE.COM -O&A Tel: 766-0152, 766-3508 - LEWIS AND LEWIS Tel: (310) 399-0800, (800) 966-6830 - PARKER INSURANCE SERVICES Cell: (33) 3809-7116 - PROTEXPLAN U.S. Toll Free 1-800-608-5743 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-681-6730 - RACHEL’S INSURANCE Tel/Fax 765-4316

Pag: 16 Pag: 72 Pag: 25 Pag: 64 Pag: 60 Pag: 78 Pag: 66

* INTERIOR DESIGN - ANNE ROCHE Tel: 766-4254 - ELEMENTS Tel: 766-5826 - TENERIFE CENTER Tel: 33-3640-1283 - SOFA-COMPANY.COM Cell: 331-576-6974

Pag: 70 Pag: 25 Pag: 47 Pag: 18

* LEGAL SERVICES - INTERCASA Tel: 765-7553 - MAGO’S OFFICE Tel: 765-3640 - LAW OFFICES Tel: (322) 222 0499

Pag: 37 Pag: 10 Pag: 40

* LIGHTING

Pag: 13

- ILUMINA Y DECORA Tel: 765 5067

* GRILLS

Pag: 63

* MALL / PLAZA Pag: 17

- CENTRO LAGUNA Tel: (376) 766-5514

- FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440 Pag: 77 - REAL ORTEGA-Hardware for Carpenters Tel: 765-7556 Pag: 62

Pag: 75

766-1760 765-4444 766-5555

Pag: 71

Pag: 82

- ALAMBRADOS PEREGRINA Cell: 33-3808-2674 Pag: 89 - ARELLANO Tel: 766-4696 Pag: 50, 51 - CABO DO MUNDO- INTERIOR DESIGN Tel: 766-0026 Pag: 39 - CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING Tel: 766-3626 Pag: 11 - PINTURAS FMC Tel: 766-3596 Pag: 42 - JP HOMESERVICES Tel: 766-1569 Pag: 55 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Tel: 765-2224 Cell. (045) 331-135-0763 Pag: 22

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

Pag: 30

* HARDWARE STORES

* DENTISTS

* BED & BREAKFAST

Pag: 80

Pag: 11

* CONSTRUCTION

* BEAUTY - AFRODITA Tel: 766-6187 - INNOVATION Tel: 766-2231 - JAMES DON SALON Tel: 01 (387) 763 1933 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000 - PERMANENT EYE LINER Tel: 765-3502

- CAFE INTERNET AJIJIC Tel: 766-3626 - JUAN BARBOSA Cell: (045) 33-3137-5364 - NEW WORLD TECHNOLOGY Tel. 766-4343

Pag: 35

- NAPOLEON Tel: 766-6153

Pag: 19 Pag: 27

Pag: 78

* FURNITURE

Pag: 26

* COMPUTING SERVICES

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

- CURVES Tel: 766-1924 - GYM’NOS LAKE Tel: 766 1278 - STAND BIKE Cell: (045) 33-3814-5913 - ZONA FITNESS Cell. 33 1094 6637

066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615

Pag: 41

* GARDENING

* COMMUNICATIONS

- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Tel: 766-4973 Pag: 42

Pag: 43

* FITNESS

Pag: 98

* CEILING FANS

Pag: 14

- CUSTOM MADE HOME ELEVATORS Tel: 333-559-0444

Pag: 09, 90 Pag: 65

Pag: 17

* ELEVATORS

Pag: 15

* CLEANING SERVICE

- LINEA PROFESIONAL Tel. 766-2555, Fax. 766-0066

Pag: 81

Tel: 766 5050 - HÉCTOR HARO DDS Tel: 01 (33) 3848-5551 - INTEGRITY Tel: 766-4435 - SPECIALIST DENTAL CARE Tel: 106-0858

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

* HEALTH - ALEJANDRA GUDINO LIONS-Reiki Master Cell: 333-115-9595 Pag: 79 - SAVIA Tel: 766-0087 Pag: 58

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

Pag: 92

* HOME APPLIANCES - ELECTROVENTA Tel: 765-2222 - KITCHEN AID Tel: 01 (33) 3610-1474

Pag: 24 Pag: 37

* HOTELS / SUITES - ADOBE WALLS INN Tel: 766-1296 - BALNEARIO SAN JUAN COSALA Tel: 01-387-761-0222 - DOLPHIN COVE INN Tel: 314-334-1515 - ESTRELLITA’S INN Tel: 766-0917 - HOTEL LA CASONA Tel: 01-800-700-8877 - HOTEL PERICO Cell:333-142-0012 - LA MANSION DEL SOL Tel: 01-800-715-9339 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, Fax: 766-2049 - QUINTA DON JOSE Tel: 01-800-700-2223 - VILLA CORANA DEL MAR

Pag: 21 Pag: 69 Pag: 83 Pag: 63 Pag: 52 Pag: 40 Pag: 62 Pag: 03 Pag: 35

Pag: 99

* MEAT/POULTRY/CHEESE - AJIJIC MEAT CENTER Cell: 33-3588-6787 - SM SONORA’S MEAT Cell: 33-1450-0236 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069

Pag: 83 Pag: 56 Pag: 26

* MEDICAL SERVICES - 293 MEDICAL CENTER Tel: 765-7777 Pag: 63 - BERNARDO LANCASTER JONES MD Tel: (33) 3813-2090 Pag: 36, 63 - CLINICA RABADÁN Tel: 766-1731 Pag: 63 - CLINICA Y FARMACIA MASKARAS Tel: 765-4805, 765-582 Pag: 69 - DERMATOLOGIST Tel: 766-1198, 765-2400 Pag: 34 - DERMIKA Dermatologic Center Tel: 766-2500 Pag: 74 - DOCTOR GEORGE Tel: 766-4435 Pag: 42 - DR. ALFREDO CAMPOY DÍAZ-Interventionist Cardiologist Tel: 765-7777 Pag: 63 - DR. FERNANDO PRIEGO Tel: 333-667-6712 Pag: 63 - DR. RAFAEL ARENAS Pag: 63 - DR VICTOR VALPUESTA-Internal Medicine Tel: 765-7777 Pag: 63 - DRA. MARTHA R. BALLESTEROS FRANCO Cell: (045) 333-408-0951 Pag: 17 - ENDOSCOPY ASSOCIATES Tel: 766-5851 Pag: 20 - HOSPITAL ANGELES DEL CARMEN Tel: (01) 3813-0042 Pag: 08 - INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST & GERIATRICS Dr. J. Manuel Cordova Tel: 766-2777 Pag: 15, 78 - ISILAB Tel: 766-1164 Pag: 67

- JOSÉ RICARDO HEREDIA, M.D. Tel: 765-2233 - LAKE CHAPALA HOSPICE Cell: (045) 331-265-5075 - NEW OPTICAL Cell: (045) 333-157-4984 - PINTO OPTICAS Tel: 765-7793 - RED CROSS Tel: 765-2308 - VIDA ALARMS Tel: 766-3500

Pag: 89 Pag: 87 Pag: 64 Pag: 12

Pag: 67

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

Pag: 08 Pag: 14 Pag: 17

- D.J. HOWARD Tel: 766-3044 Pag: 90 - SCOTIABANK NORTHERN LIGHS MUSIC FESTIVAL Tel: 766-5379 Pag: 12 - THE NAKED STAGE READER’S THEATRE Tel: 766-5986 Pag: 44

* NURSERY Pag: 57

Pag: 73 Pag: 78 Pag: 83

* RETIREMENT/REST/NURSING HOMES - LA CASA NOSTRA Tel: 765-4187, Fax: 765-5815 - LA VALENTINA Tel: 766-5179 - SHANGRI-LA Tel: 766-1359

Pag: 03

- SPECTRA Tel: 766-3001

* PHARMACIES Pag: 90 Pag: 76 Pag: 89 Pag: 91 Pag: 14

* POOL MAINTENANCE - EQUIPMENT AND POOL MAINTENANCE Tel: 766-1617 Pag: 34

* REAL ESTATE - AJIJIC ESCAPES Tel: (331) 011-6505 Pag: 85 - AJIJIC HILLS Cell: (045) 331-186-9186 Pag: 60 - AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS Tel: 766-2836 Pag: 10 - ALAMOS MEXICO Pag: 70 - ALL IN ONE REAL ESTATE SERVICE Tel: 766-1161 Pag: 05 - ARELLANO Tel: 766-4696 Pag: 50, 51 - BEV. & JEAN COFELL Home Tel. 766-5332 Office Tel. 765-3676 Pag: 64 - CHULA VISTA NORTE Tel: 766-2177 Cell: (045) 33-3841-8867 Pag: 18 - COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, 766-3369 Fax: 766-2124, Tels: 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528 Pag: 100 - CONDOMINIUM PEDREGAL DE “SAN ADRIAN” Cell: 33-1291-2598 Pag: 78 - COLLINS REAL ESTATE Tel: 766-4197 Pag: 38 - E&A METAL CORP. Tel: 766-5481 Pag: 29 - EL DORADO Tel: 766-0040 Pag: 02 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Cell: 33-1354-2075 Pag: 90 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 01 (387) 761 0829 Pag: 76 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 766-1660 Pag: 66 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 765-2192 Pag: 68 - FOUR SEASONS HOMES Tel: 766-6065 Pag: 63 - GEORGETTE RICHMOND Tel: 766-2129, 766-2077 Pag: 11 - HACIENDA LA CANACINTA Tel: 766-4971 Pag: 72 - INTERCASA Tel: 765-7553 Pag: 37 - LLOYD REAL ESTATE AJIJIC

Pag: 69

Pag: 35

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

Pag: 09 Pag: 91

* SECURITY SYSTEM - ANTI-THEFT Cell: (045) 55-1632-7269 - VIDA ALARMS Tel: 766-3500

Tel: (387) 761-0111 - NOVELLE IMAGE SPA Tel: 766-2476 - RESPIRO SPA Tel: (045) 33-3157-7790 - SPACIO ANGELICAL Tel: 766-0955 - TERMAL COSALA Tel: 01 (387) 761-0494 - TOTAL BODY CARE Tel: 766-3379

Pag: 37 Pag: 67

Pag: 45 Pag: 87 Pag: 23 Pag: 39 Pag: 49 Pag: 21

* STAINED GLASS - AIMAR Tel: 766-0801

* SATELLITES/ T.V.

Pag: 68

* THERAPISTS - PROFESSIONAL REHABILITATION Tel: 766-5563 - RESPIRO SPA Tel: (045) 33-3157-7790 - ULLOA Tel: 765-7777

Pag: 17 Pag: 23 Pag: 63

* TOURS

- OCTAVIO PAZ INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Tel: 766-0903 Pag: 24 - INSTITUTO TERRANOVA Tel: 766-2401 Pag: 22

- BATUR Tel: 766-3044, 33-1281-2818 Pag: 59 - CANADIAN CLUB OF LAKE CHAPALA Tel: 765-2547 Pag: 36 - CHARTER CLUB TOURS Tel: 766-1777 Pag: 09, 13

* SEEDS - CEREALS

* TREE SERVICE

* SCHOOL

- EL GRANERO

- 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

Pag: 25

* RIDE PARK

Pag: 49

- COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, movile: (045) 33-1175-9632 Pag: 82 - FOR RENT OR SALE Tel: 766-4043 Pag: 70 - HACIENDA LA CANACINTA Tel: 766-4971 Pag: 72 - HACIENDA Properties Management & Rentals Tel: 766-3320 Pag: 87 - JORGE TORRES Tel: 766-3737 Pag: 36 - MANZANILLO VACATION RENTALS Tel: (314) 100-6773 or (314) 125-2817 Pag: 66 - RENTAL LOCATERS Tel: 766-5202 Pag: 68 - SANTANA RENTALS Cell: 315-104-3283, Pag: 78 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152 Pag: 92

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

Pag: 06

Pag: 28

* REPAIRS

* PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

- 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: 25

* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

* MUSIC/THEATRE

- SAN ANTONIO VIVERO

Tel: 766-3508 - LOS MEZQUITES Tel: 765-3676 - MEXICO PROPERTY RESOURCES Tel: (315) 351-7489 - MYRON’S MEXICO Cell: 331-364-6524 - PETER ST. JOHN Tel: 765-3676 - PRIMAVERA DEL MAR Tel: (33) 3642-4370 - RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925

Pag: 91

* SELF STORAGE

Pag: 92

- SELF STORAGE-BODEGAS CHAPALA Tel: 766-0661, Tel/Fax: 766-1045 Pag: 35

- CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Tel: 762-0602

Pag: 92

* WATER

* RESTAURANTS/CAFES/CLUBS

* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

- AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 766-2458 Pag: 93 - BRENDA’S BAKERY BOUTIQUE Tel: 765-2987 Pag: 58 - CASA DEL WAFFLE Tel: 766-1946 Pag: 03 - CHAC-LAN Tel: (387) 761-0111 Pag: 45 - DAVID’S CAFE Tel: 766-2341 Pag: 92 - EL JARDIN DE NINETTE Tel. 766-4905 Pag: 24 - EL PERLA NEGRA Cell: 33-1075-5847 Pag: 56 - GO LE CLUB Cell: (045) 33-3502-6555 Pag: 39 - HACIENDA AJIJIC’S Tel: 766-4906 Pag: 85 - JOLANDAS Tel: 315-351-5449 Pag: 55 - LA BODEGA DE AJIJIC Tel. 766-1002 Pag: 68 - LA FONDA Cell: (045) 33-3831-1230 Pag: 57 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, 766-2049 Pag: 03, 33 - LA UNA Tel: 766-2072 Pag: 33 - “ LA TAVERNA”DEI QUATTRO MORI Tel: 766-2848 Pag: 59 - LAS CABALLERIZAS COXALA Tel: (333) 559-0821 Pag: 45 - LAS MICHE Pag: 17 - LAURA’S KITCHEN Tel: 766-4687 Pag: 76 - LOS MOLLETES Tel: 766-4296 Pag: 38 - LOS NOPALITOS Cell: 33-3186-7691 Pag: 62 - LOS TELARES Tel: 766-0428 Pag: 58 - MOM´S DELI & RESTAURANT Tel: 765-5719 Pag: 07 - NUMBER FOUR Tel: 766-1360 Pag: 21, 23 - PANINO Tel: 766-3822 Pag: 15 - PIZZERIA TOSCANA Tel: 765-6996 Pag: 80 - RISTORANTE DI AURORA Tel: 766-4013 Pag: 81 - SALT & PEPPER Tel: 766-1919 Pag: 65 - SUBWAY Pag: 98 - T INDEPENDENCIA Tel: 766-1197 Pag: 79 - TABARKA Tel: 766-1588 Pag: 22 - TOMAS Tel: 765-3897 Pag: 69 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069 Pag: 26 - TWO SPOONS Tel: 766-5089 Pag: 91 - YVES Tel: 766-3565 Pag: 42

- LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY Tel: 766-1140 Pag: 89-92 - LAKESIDE SPAY & NEUTER CENTER, A.C. Tel: 766-3813 - LOS NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC Tel: 765-7032 Pag: 83

- EL MUNDO DEL AGUA Tel: 766-0060, 01-800-837-4800 - KATYA Tel: 765-3999

Pag: 57 Pag: 59

* SOLAR ENERGY - E2 ENERGIAS Tel: 01 (33) 3673 5499 - ESUN Tel: 766-2319

Pag: 81 Pag: 30

* SPA / MASSAGE - BALNEARIO SAN JUAN COSALA Tel: 01-387-761-0222 - HORUS VIRGINIA MASSAGE Cell: (045) 33-1601-5546 - LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 766-5131 - MONTE COXALA

Pag: 69 Pag: 36 Pag: 65

Saw you in the Ojo

The Ojo Crossword

Saw you in the Ojo 95

CARS FOR SALE: 2002 White Grand Caravan, 8 Passenger minivan with new res and brakes, best condi on, has no dents or scratches, Mexican plates up to date, $ 6,900 USD. Call: 322-779-7272 or email macary_@ hotmail.com FOR SALE: Express Van and Trailer, Moving NOB? 600 Sq Ft of moving space; 06 Chev Express 3500 passenger van and enclosed 12 trailer, highly maintained, $13,000 USD. Call: 331-330-1050 or email: mike@africawork.net FOR SALE: Tracker 2000, AC is not working but might be fixable, $65,000 pesos or trade. Contact: Keith Sco . FOR SALE: Great li le Nissan, Tsruru 1999. Good condi on, 4 door, 5 speed, clean tle, run great, $3,000 USD. Call: Mary at 763-5264 FOR SALE: Nissan Sentra 2006. Excellent medium sized car, great on gas, new res Just had it tuned up, four doors, runs great, $86,000 pesos. Call: 333 480 6686 FOR SALE: Mercury Villager, 7 passenger van, automa c, A/C blows cold, low mileage, cloth interior, clean, one owner, U.S. plated, email: bsi50@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Chrysler Conver ble 1997, 68,000 kms Jalisco plates; made in Mexico, excellent condi on. $58,000 pesos. Contact: Dennis Strole FOR SALE: Car dolly tow in good condi on with new res. Great for transpor ng auto’s & SUV’s. $550 USD. Call: (376) 765 7341 FOR SALE: CRV EX-L Honda 2008, 45,874 Kms. or 28,450 miles, Jalisco plated. See ad with photos in Soloautos.com.mx, $239,500 pesos or $18,800 USD. Call Randy at (376) 766 2771 FOR SALE: 1999 Toyota Camry, great Ajijic low maintenance car. Very well maintained, sand color, auto-windows & locks, power steering, milage-123,360, 9 months of insurance, $4,600 USD/CAN, nego ate, call a er 9:30 am/ 766-3001 WANTED: Looking to rent a car in good shape for approximately 4 months from January to April. Please email John at jrmacdonell@ hotmail.com, Any year and model as long as it is in good condi on. Contact: Janis Johnson FOR SALE: Chrysler Sebring 1996, Excellent Conver ble. Imported, Mexican plates, 6 cylinders, motor 2.5 gives 12Km/lt same as a 4 cylinder, new res, new shock, magnesium rims, $35,000 pesos. For appointment. Cell: 33-1113-6192 FOR SALE: 2003 Chrysler, PT Cruiser, 4 door. Excellent condi on. Mileage 47,300, $6,000 USD. e-mail: il3queen@yahoo.com

COMPUTERS FOR SALE: High speed HDMI to DVI cable. 3 meter, high speed, 1080 p, life me warranty, 200 pesos. Contact: Theresa Archer FOR SALE: Lexmark - 310 Series Photo Jet printer New and has manual and all paperwork, $600pesos. Call: 765-4590 FOR SALE: Panasonic Answering System with Fax; model KX-F230. Like new and it includes 4 new rolls of paper and Opera ng Instruc ons, $225 pesos. Contact: Gaetan Guilbert FOR SALE: Standard Size Hanging Files, fits 8x11 papers. Some are colored, some in the regular dark green. 5 pesos each. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Computer paper- 100 with holly leaf border, 100 with beau ful rose along le side. 40 pesos each, several padded

mailing envelopes and plas c folders. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Time Capsule is a wireless and wired router with a 1TB hard drive that allows for automa c back of your computer, $2,500.00 pesos. For more info call John 387 763-1116 or email jrwill3@me,com FOR SALE: New black ink cartridge, open by mistake. HP C6602A $100 pesos Call: Iliana at 765-3676

PETS & SUPPLIES FOR SALE: Dog sweater black/red fit dog of 65 lbs. Dog Jacket Blue fit dog up to 75lbs. Lots of Dog scarf’s 5p each. Call: 765-4590 FOR SALE: Pug female for pug lover. Purebred female PUG plus dog carrier. $2,000 pesos. Contact: Barbara FOR SALE: Pet mate dog kennel. Our dog has outgrown it. Bought at Animal Shelter Store approx. 5 months ago. Dimensions: 65cm (24”) deep; 55cm (21”) high; 40cm (16”) wide. $900 pesos OBO. Call: (387) 761-0094 FOR SALE: Miniature Schnauzer. Lovingly home raised, with all their shots, de-wormed, and with docked tails now interviewing for their forever-homes with endearing, loving families. $2,500 pesos. Call: (376) 765-3305

GENERAL MERCHANDISE FOR SALE: Armoire 75” x 17” x 48”. Gorgeous mirror 40” x 40”. Dresser 39” x 16” x 36”. Table & lamp 39” x 39” x 20”. Decora ve wall hanging 60” x 36”. $750. Call: (376) 7662304. FOR SALE: Shaw Star Choice HD Receiver, Model DSR530 HD PVR you can record programs for viewing at your leisure and you can “hold” a program you are watching to view later, $4000 pesos. Call: (376) 765-4746 FOR SALE: Sony DVD & VCR player, li le used top of the line complete with remote & cable to connect to your TV, $400 pesos. Call: (376) 765-4746 FOR SALE: NOKIA CELL PHONE C1-01 Bought new sell phone never used $600 pesos. Contact: Frank Raimo FOR SALE: 2 closet doors (complete with rollers) that slide on track. Doors are white with pa ern 29” by 81”. $500 pesos. Call: (376) 766-4105 FOR SALE: Coﬀee table 20” by 38”. Older an que design “Mexican” wooden table with drawer. $900 pesos. 766-4105 FOR SALE: Star Choice (Shaw) receiver. Motorola DSR207 receiver (not HD) complete with remote, cable (for TV) and power source. $750 pesos. Call: (376) 766-4105 FOR SALE: George Foreman lean mean grilling machine. White, electric, barely used. $500 pesos. Call: (376) 766-4105 FOR SALE: 2 smaller sized golf bags that will double as a travel bag and a golf carry bag when you reach your des na on, excellent condi on. $400 pesos each. Contact: Barbara Garding FOR SALE: Golf Travel Bag, excellent condi on, $750 pesos. Contact: Barbara Garding FOR SALE: Heavy Duty Mop Bucket & Ringer. Yellow with bucket and wringer, heavy duty restaurant style, slightly used in great shape with wheels. No bending. $500 pesos. Call: (376) 765-4590 FOR SALE: 2XL Sa n Nightgowns, Knee length lightweight size 2xl. One is fuchsia pink and another Teal green, $50 pesos each new. Call: (376) 765-4590 FOR SALE: Men’s Sketcher Tennis Shoes,

El Ojo del Lago / January 2012

black, silver, white and red, size 11, worn twice. $500 pesos. Call: (376) 765-4590 FOR SALE: Large capacity car-top carrier by Yakima, excellent condi on, fits most roof racks. $500 pesos. Call 376-766-3288 FOR SALE: Ekorness burgundy leather reclinic chair $300 USD (New $1200 USD. Custom-made low queen sized bed frame for futon, made in iroka, red and white oak $300 USD. Red/white Persian rug 4’x6’ $100 USD Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: 2 large Raku table lamps/ shades $200 USD each, Viking 5 thread serger, rarely used. $300 USD. Panasonic 13” color TV/VCR $25 USD Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: 35mm film cameras: Olympus Pen F, Pentax, including telephoto & filters, Canon Demi, half frame, Canon Elph. Make offer. Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: 3’x5’4” Formica covered work table 36” high. Piano-hinged to wall, folds flat against wall. $75 USD Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: Hearings aids, adjustable, with remote. Can be reprogrammed.$4000 USD new. Asking $1200 USD. Purchased from Salamanca in Guadalajara. Owner has nnitus so hearing aids don’t work for him. Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: Casio Electronic Keyboard WK 1630 and frame. 76 keys. Lots of bells and whistles. $150 USD. Contact: Fran Murphy FOR SALE: 3 available, BRAND NEW IN BOX! Digital oil filled 7-fin radiator heater. Features: Automa c temperature control (high & low); Energy efficient opera on with thermostat; 16hr on/off shut-off. $550 pesos. Call: (387) 761-0745 FOR SALE: Panasonic Answering System with Fax; model KX-F230. Like new and it includes 4 new rolls of paper and Opera ng Instruc ons: 225 pesos. Contact: Gaetan Guilbert FOR SALE: Yellow gold set, Marquise 1/4 carat diamond soli are w/small diamonds on each side, the band has small diamonds across the top. Size 7 1/2 Total wt. is 1/2 carat. Paid $3995, sacrificing for $1000. 423-292-0864. FOR SALE: ENSONIQ KS 32 Professional electronic piano $3,500 pesos. Contact: Donald Shelton FOR SALE: Two tablecloths sold. Cutlery, good quality (no hollow stem) service for 6 , $150 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Joy of cooking. Received one as a gi , a er buying one, so...if you miss your cook books, you will be pleased to find this one in like new condi on. $125 pesos. Call: (376) 766 5544 FOR SALE: Maytag plus refrigerator, white side by side, automa c ice maker, chilled water dispenser, ice crusher, water filtra on. large freezer sec on. Fridge width 36”,height 69”,depth 33.5”, Volume 26.6 cu. $419. USD. Call: (376) 766-1975 FOR SALE: New Ariat ‘Terrain’ Paddock boots, ankle height lace-ups in taupe faux suede, high tech ac ve footwear for riding, hiking or work. Details: h p://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_X1-38802 Never worn, $1400 pesos firm. Contact: Sherry Hudson FOR SALE: Samsung galaxy ace s5830 Android phone. Great phone used for 6 months with 1 year Telcel contract le . 597 pesos (plus IVA) a month. unlimited 3g internet, wifi, Contact: Keith Sco FOR SALE: full set of Wilson golf clubs. 1-3-5 Metal woods. Full set of irons plus pitch-

ing wedge, lob wedge and pu er. Golf bag has it’s own stand and hood. $2000 pesos. Contact: Keith Sco FOR SALE: BUNN 10-Cup Maker- Like New STX model, which features the Velocity Brew system that maintains water at perfect brewing temperature (200F). Three-minute brew cycle. **Included are 1000 Bunn coffee filters. Asking $120. Call: (376) 766-6007 FOR SALE: Ladies, right hand MacGregor golf clubs with golf bag. Woods 1,3,5,7&9. Irons 6 to 9, pitching and sand wedge, excellent condi on. $1500 pesos. Contact: Barbara Garding WANTED: looking for a good quality tredmill. Contact: Donald Chaloner FOR SALE: Mexican Po ery Lamp. Base is vase shaped. Shade is po ery too with decora ve cutouts through which the light shines. Terraco a color. $15USD/190 pesos. Email: ccalfapietra@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Cable for TV/satellite/TV, white, 700 feet. Contact: Gaetan Guilbert FOR SALE: Vacuum cleaner Koblenz, model Ac ve, 9 Amp, with hose, 2 wands, 3 tools and 6 new dust bags: $350 pesos. Contact: Gaetan Guilbert FOR SALE: One Week old! S ll under warranty. 22 Cu. Ft. french door refrigerator. I made a mistake and need a single door swing for the loca on. Paid $15,500 yours $12,500 pesos. Contact: Joan Jaquish WANTED: Looking for someone to share a mailbox with us at Mailbox Etc. 150 pesos per month. Call: 766-5896 FOR SALE: Bell & Howell Sound slide Project, excellent condi on. A complete manual is included. If you have an email address, I can send you a picture of it. $900 pesos. Call: (376) 766-4358 WANTED: King size bed wanted - reasonable price. 766-2850 FOR SALE: 2.X “Hampton Bay” Swivel/ rocker pa o Harm chairs. Cushions newly reupholstered. Made of Cast Aluminum. $3,000 pesos for the pair. Call: (376) 766-4358 WANTED: king size temperpedic memory foam ma ress, new or in very excellent condion. Contact: A Quiroz WANTED: Need DVD home theatre, high defini on, surround sound, new or in excellent condi on. Contact: A Quiroz FOR SALE: Motorcycle Helmet Red, Autotec brand with face shield. Size Large $600pesos. Call: (376) 765-4590 FOR SALE: Schwinn 140 Exercise Bike only used about 6 mes, bad knee forces Sale. Google Schwinn 140 for more informa on. $300 US. Contact: Marvin Armendinger FOR SALE: RCA High Speed Dubbing Stereo Dual Casse e Deck. Model # SCT-520. Works well. $350 pesos or best offer. Call: 7665321 ask for Phillip FOR SALE: Sylvania 4-Head Hi-Fi Stereo Video Casse e Recorder and Player. $250 pesos or best offer. Call: Phillip 766-5321 FOR SALE: PILATES (Premier Studio) Like new; rarely used! Some items never used. Compact unit. $5,300 pesos. Contact: Dennis Strole FOR SALE: Beau ful dark ranch mink tail coat, chevron pa ern, with hood. Full length (53”). Worn only a few mes in Canada, now don’t need. A wonderful gi or pamper yourself. $1500 USD Call: 331-364-2195 FOR SALE: 2 Year old Sasaki 125 scooter, virtually new (39 km.). Great for errands, easy to park, cheap to run. $800 U.S./$10,750 Mx

Call: 331-364-2195 FOR SALE: Car dolly Tow for sale great for towing cars and Suvs. $550 USD. Call: (376) 765 7341 FOR SALE: Box of Pool Tile - Random Mix - Small Tiles, Dark Cobalt Next color Blue $250 pesos Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: NEW Allied Professional Dial Click Torque Wrench 150 /lbs, Plas c Case Cost New 190U.S.D.now 650pesos. NEW Roll Up by Bucket Boss for Car Holds 22 Tools 120pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Hacksaw with New blade or NEW Caulking Gun $ 50 pesos each, 4” Chisel hand Protector 120pesos, NEW 20/30 Pieces 4“ Sanding Belts for Belt Sander 80-100, 150 Grit 25pesos each Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: NEW Pineapple Brass Door Knocker 300pesos. Unusual Round Clear Glass Vase 16”Diameter x 12”inches High $350 pesos, Crockery Jugs, Marked & Unmarked Cream w/Brown Tops some plain Cream Color 70pesos each. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: 3 Matching Green & Yellow Crockery Jugs Various Sizes $90 pesos each, Ceramic Toilet Paper and Towel Holder $80 pesos each, Brown Boots US Size 7-7½ Mexico Size 5.5-6 $450 pesos, Bamboo Chair $400 pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Brass Fireplace Screen 4Fold 450pesos, 5 piece Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools Black 450pesos. Fireplace Screen Sparkguard Brass Handles Fits flat against Fireplace 36”wide X 31”high 450pesos. Pair Cast Iron Andirons $150pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: 40 + Records $60 pesos each 10 or more for $50 pesos ea, 20 or more $45 pesos each. 30 or more $50 pesos ea 20 or more $45pesos ea Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Walt Disney Cartoon VHS Tapes Original Jackets Like New $50 pesos each 30+ VHS pre-recorded Tapes from Factory Excellent Condi on $60 pesos each Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Canon Rebel EOS-2000 Auto/ Focus/Manual Camera Filters, Booklet Canon EF28 80mm f3.5-5.6Lens fits New Canon Digital Cameras 1,000pesos. Canon AE-1 Automatic Camera with FD-50mm f1.8 Lens Excellent Camera needs work $525 pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Vivitar 70-150mm f3.8 Telephoto Macro Lens, Fits CANON F1, FT, Ftb and AE1 Includes Skylight Filter Case $400 pesos Call: (376) 766-3503 FOR SALE: Crea ve Labs Inspire M5200 5.1 Speaker System For PC’S or Home Theater - 5 Speakers + Subwoofer $750 pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Koss Stereo Headphones - K6/ ALC Individual Volume Control - Coiled Cord ¼” Jack $200 pesos. High Quality AKG K 240 Stereo Headphones - Semi Open - Excellent Condi on 750. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Three tank water so ener system. Filter, so ener, and salt reservoir. Sells new for about $13000 pesos. Asking $7000 pesos. Call: (376) 766 2092 FOR SALE: Clear glass table top VG Cond. Round 51 1/4” OD x 12mm TK c/w 1 1/2” beveled edge. $1500 pesos. Call: 333-444-7868 FOR SALE: Electrical Plug Adapter. Different shape plug adapters for anywhere in the world, all in a handy li le holding box. Reduced $200 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Barron’s Spanish For Gringos. I bought this Level One book in Ajijic, because it was recommended as the BEST language learning book for Spanish, but now am moving. Reduced $150 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Authen c TILLEY brand hat. $20 CDN or Best Offer. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Heavy Duty Pasta Maker, with all a achments for different types and shapes of pasta, video to explain how to use it and showing recipes being made, also booklet. $500 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Portable and not heavy,1 &1/2 yrs old sewing machine with instruc on booklets in English and Spanish, $2,400 pesos. Con-

tact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Rainproof Canopy on poles. Great outdoors, over a table or si ng area, to protect your lawn furniture during the rainy season- and s ll enjoy si ng out-also sun protec on. Reduced $500 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Gluten Info Book. The GlutenFree Gourmet; Wheat-Free recipes with Less Fuss and Less Fat by Be e Hagman. Reduced $80 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Beau ful Display Books: 1) Readers Digest Book Of Facts 2) Readers Digest Natural Wonders of the World 3) American Heritage Dic onary; Second College Edion, Houghton Miﬄin Company. $100 pesos each. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Clean glass jars/no labelsquart size and smaller for your canning/storage needs. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE Stretch bands-without handlebars that can slap you in the face $20 pesos each. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE Leg Weights-5 lb ( heavy fabric with velcro es- 50 pesos for two. Bally Exercise Kit with strap, and small hard paper, $50 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: 2 ea. Natural plywood finish display and storage cabinets. They measure 2’deep X4’wideX 6’high. They have 3 display shelves and 3 storage areas below with doors. Like new condi on. $1000 pesos each. Call: (376)-766-3212 FOR SALE: Small cone shaped fabric lampshades. 15” diameter at base and 8” high. These clip on the light bulb and don’t require addi onal hardware. $40 pesos Ea or Both for $75. Call: 766-2275 FOR SALE: Roo op Luggage Carrier for all cars without roof racks. Heavy duty vinyl construc on with 11 Cu. Ft. capacity. Includes protec ve roof pad and straps. Excellent condi on - $1000 pesos. Call: 766-2275 FOR SALE: 1st Genera on Apple TV. It has a 160 GB hard drive to store movies, etc. I bought a new version and don’t need both. $1,300 pesos. Call John 387 763-1116 or email jrwill3@me.com FOR SALE: Coleman 3000 grill, new burner, in good condi on. Has two burners and hea ng burner (currently not connected to the gas line). Cover is in poor condi on. $1500 pesos. Call John (387) 763-1116. FOR SALE: 3pr. gently worn size 3 San Miguel shoes. Style: Original San Miguel Sandal. One pr navy, one pr red, one pr black. $380 pesos each. Call: 765-7629 or Cell: 333488-2773. FOR SALE: STI Model KEHR-ECO 58-180030 large solar water heater. It is a 340 litre, 30 tube unit suitable for family of 8 using a pressurized water system. Original manufacturer’s warranty. $1225. USD. Contact: Walter Corol WANTED: used travel trailer 24’ - 32’ in reasonable condi on. $5,000 - 10,000 US. Contact: Alan Lee FOR SALE: 40 piece Libbey glassware set. 10 - 16 oz., 20 - 12 oz., 10 - 10 oz. Never used. $300 pesos. Call: 766-2850 FOR SALE: STAR CHOICE DSR209 Satellite Receiver complete with remote control (bonus: extra remote control included). In excellent condi on. $1200 pesos. Contact: A T FOR SALE: Cra sman 22 inch Electric Hedge Trimmer Great for Bougainvilla, $375 pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Unusual Round Clear Glass Vase - Unusual Neck, 16 inches Diameter x 12inches High $350 pesos. Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Several Crockery Jugs - Some Marked- Some Unmarked, Cream with Brown Tops - Some plain Cream Color, $70 pesos each Call: (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: Two Motorolla Star Choice DSR207 receivers with remote control and connec ng cable. $750 pesos each. Call: (376) 766-2850 FOR SALE: Holllister Urostomy Pouches # 8483. Have 32 pouches for sale at $100 pesos each. Also Bard center entry closed system

urinary drainage bag at $50 pesos. Never used!! Contact: Darlene Lockey FOR SALE: An que Japanese Porcelain for Sale: An que Japanese Imari, An que Japanese Kutani, Rare Cobalt Blue Kutani and Rose, Medallion. Most all items are in excellent condi on. Call John (376) 766 3503 FOR SALE: VCR Sanyo with remote 200.p, Tapes for VCR use, over 100 to choose from, good condi on, 6(six) for $50 pesos. Also DVD movies, good quality 5 for $30 pesos Tapes and DVD´s not sold individually. Call 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Two water pumps, 1HP, $500 pesos each. Can see Mondays 10-12 at Los Olivos #8B, or email: propertymanagementajijic@gmail.com, Cell: 333-196-1476 FOR SALE: Vacuum cleaner, canister, LG: Turbo, includes all a achments. $250.pesos. Call 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: An que Mirror, Carved wood, leaf design, ornate, original purchase Barbara´s Bzr, 37.5”H x 35.5”W, impressive $1200.pesos Vases 2 matching crystal, 15” tall, perfect for your holiday tables. $100.pesos each. Call 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Room Divider, 3 panel sec ons, interes ng design of crossed palm wood and reed, 71”H x 20”W of each panel, natural but easily stained or painted. $750.pesos. Call 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Table, Metal with glass top. Long 66” x 17.5”w x 31.5”H, use indoor or out, great for buﬀet. $850.pesos 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: This on-demand water heater is as good as new. Kruger, model 2316, 16 liters per minute Do NOT install this in combina on with a solar warm water heater. $5,800 pesos. Call: (376) 766-4154 FOR SALE: Pain ng by Lester Russon 1925-1988, Pain ng acrylic of a nude female in dancing posi on surrounded by bright abstract colors $3,700 USD. Call: Paul at (376) 765-6791 or 331396-0615 FOR SALE: Persian rugs, excellent condion bought at Bloomingdales in the US, Sell one or both for Best Oﬀer. 49”X92”= $2600 USD, 52”X92”= $3560 USD Call: Paul at (376) 765-6791 or 33-1396-0615 FOR SALE: 2 Ver cal Blinds 104 in. X 84. Blinds are co ag White. One is new, s ll in box. Other slightly used. $900 and $850 pesos. Call: 01-(387)763-0908 FOR SALE: 110 volt electric soldering iron $200 pesos. Please contact owner at lindarose51@hotmail.com FOR SALE: T.V. Daewoo, 13”, color, $500 pesos, wall mount available, for sale with the TV $750 pesos or alone $300 pesos. Call: 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: Hall or side Table, glass topped with wrought iron base, 52”L x 32”H x 13”W asking $900 pesos. Nightstands, 2 matching oak, 2 drawers, made in USA, 22”H x 2 H x 18”deep, $950 pesos for the set. Call: 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: Wheelchair, light weight, col-

lapsible, easy to use for transport of pa ent, $1050 pesos. Walker with wheels and seat, storage under seat, adjustable height, handbrakes, excellent condi on, $1200 pesos. Call 01 (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Crystal glasses, Empire Gold, 4 of each water, wine, hi-ball and aper f, all gold rimmed, set for $2000 pesos. Christmas ar ficial tree 6 tall with stand $200.pesos. Call 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: Wall mount CD holder, black metal holds 40 CD´s, $50 pesos, CD holder floor stand, 1 meter height, aluminum, holds 50 cd´s, $100 pesos. Call: (387) 763 2962 FOR SALE: Bar-serving caddy cart, white heavy duty plas c with wheels, 2 levels, push handle $500.pesos. FirePit, custom made, steel 22”x22”, 4 x4 table top led, seats 8, great for entertaining on a cold nite, $1500 pesos, Call 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: Cold water dispenser, Kelvinator electric, holds large bo le, $500 pesos. Call 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: Chafing dish, brass and copper, 10”, wood handle, lid and base. $250 pesos. Call 01 (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: 1983 Correct Cra , 18’ 9” (5.72 m), “Air Nau que”. Customized, restored, and fully na onalized, $85,000 pesos. Contact: C. Hunter @ (376) 766-1718

COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE: Nut Cracker Bar Stool that works, 3 feet tall. $1500pesos. Call: 765-4590 FOR SALE: Pa Page: 3 casse e set in a box with Pa ’s face on it. This set includes a pamphlet explaining her whole career and when each song was composed and sung. $80 pesos. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Beau ful Crystal Vase excellent condi on- sparkling, heavy crystal, for flowers or decor- med size, about 7” high by 4 “ diameter. $50 USD or CDN or B.O. Contact: Stella Lake FOR SALE: Brass ornament of Stephen King´s house in Bangor, Maine; mounted on a clapboard from his home and framed in brass. Cer ficate of authen city included. $100 USD firm Contact: Barbara Rolens FOR SALE: Lot includes mantel clocks from American and Europe USA wall clocks and grandfather German clock, Italian marble and bronze copy clock called Imperium with two candelabrums XVIII Century Call: (376)7655190 or Cell:33-1331-9226 WANTED: Those who have items related to the brand of Whiskey Jack Daniel’s If you have things you want to give away or sell. Call: Jorge Del Arenal at 3314362771 FOR SALE: Incredible collec on of 750 different Mexican stamps, all pictorial, all mint and never hinged, only $200 USD. Call James Tipton, (376) 765-7689.

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El Ojo del Lago / January 2012