El Ojo del Lago - September 2011 by El Ojo del Lago

Saw you in the Ojo

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

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 Shelly 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 Manager Tania Medina (045) 33 1140 3570 ojodelago@gmail.com Office Secretary Iliana Oregel ADVERTISING OFFICE Av. Hidalgo # 223, Chapala Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm Sat. 9am - 1pm Tel. 01 (376) 765 2877, 765 3676 Fax 01 (376) 765 3528 Send all correspondence, subscriptions or advertising to: El Ojo del Lago http://www.chapala.com ojodellago@prodigy.net.mx Ave. Hidalgo 223 (or Apartado 279), 45900 Chapala, Jalisco Tels.: (376) 765 3676, Fax 765 3528 PRINTING: El Debate 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.

Index...

FEATURE ARTICLES

COVER STORY

Mel Goldberg takes a long look at the much-longer lasting US embargo of Cuba, and wonders why we still persist in punishing the Cuban people when the US has long reached détente with Russia and China.

8 Cover by Dani Newcomb

21 LAKESIDE PROJECTS Four community-minded ex-pats are working with local high schools to help them develop science projects that might qualify for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

26 LOCAL HUMOR Gale Griffith remembers that when growing up in Canada, she was deadly when it came to catching mosquitoes dive-bombing toward her; now, many years later, she can no longer do so, and believes this is because mosquitoes in Mexico are so much faster.

56 PROFILE Harriet Hart trains her “camera” on Roy Nolan, a man who has become famous for training his own camera on thousands of people, including the hundreds of persons he photographed while recently making a documentary on the Lakeside area.

58 FAREWELL AND WELCOME Kay Davis, our Lakeside Living Editor for almost the past three years, is moving on to other challenges after having done an outstanding job for us. Shelly Edson now takes over the column. We were lucky in finding Kay, and it seems we’re lucky again in having found Shelly.

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 / September 2011

COLUMNS THIS MONTH 6

Editor’s Page

Faith & Fables

Bridge by Lake

Uncommon Sense

Thunder on Right

Joyful Musings

Wondrous Wildlife

Anyone Train Dog

The Poet’s Niche

Child of Month

Welcome to Mexico

Hearts at Work

Lakeside Living

Magnificent Mexico

Internet Mailbox

Focus on Art

This World of Ours

Stay Healthy

New Lease on Life

LCS Newsletter

LAKESIDE LIVING

 DIRE C TOR Y 

34 MAGNIFICENT MEXICO

VOLUME 28 NUMBER 1

Saw you in the Ojo

Editor’s Page Guest Editorial by Tommy Clarkson Okay, I Give Up!

kay, Gringos of the North, I give. You, up there, are correct. We, who live here, must be completely and irrevocably wrong. We defer to you who are all knowing. Mexico is not safe. We acknowledge that your protracted, opinionated, pontifications of self-righteous piety and pusillanimous pronouncements must be right. Why, you heard it on the evening news so it has to be the gospel! And our opinions, stemming from years of living among some of the most wonderful folks on the earth, in the most magnificent environs, must surely be absolutely wrong. We surrender. If you say that it must be a virtual hell-hole of crime, violence and discontent down here then it must be. Who are we to know? In fact, forced to do so, I confess to some of the terror with which we daily live. Yesterday, three folks we know suffered gruelingly, gruesome pain and anguish from over-eating a sumptuous meal at a local cantina that cost them each less than four dollars – and that included two cold beers. Yet another sun-burned her nose from too long in her lounge chair on the wide-open expanse of litter free, wind swept beach that lies in front of her house. And my buddy complained that he was terribly tired from the ordeal of our weekly poker game last night that went on until the wee hours of today. Yes, life down here in Mexico is a living hell. Stay up north. Lock up your women, children, silverware and ability to think for yourselves. The media will do it for you. Hence, it’s gotta’ be right. They said it to be so, so it’s so. Thus, it’s a veritable war zone down here! We live in daily dread and trepidation. I tell you it’s just terrible. I woke this morning to the countryside crowing of (shudder, shake and trem-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

ble) fighting roosters raised by locals in a nearby colonia. Near noon, a solitary, marauding hummingbird left hibiscus quivering from his beaked assault. (I nearly wept at the violence.) And last evening, we watched in awe at the destructive aerial warfare wrought by sweeping flights of swallows that ravaged mosquitoes silly enough to venture out. Yes, but what of that “on the ground,” down in the dirt, as it were. What’s it really like down where the burro’s hoof meet the dusty road? A’hhhh, you saw through my pure blue skies subterfuge. The realities on the ground are bleak. What with boisterously bountiful Bougainvillea blooming year around, scores of colorful Hibiscus cultivars waiting around each corner and the heliconia in a rainbow of varieties too many to mention, the flora must surely hide assassins, thieves and highwaymen at every turn. Maybe snipers lurk in the sumptuous vines of Passion Fruit, Bleeding Heart and Allamanda. Hanging high with long, scoped rifles, they skulk inside mango trees heavy with large, sweet fruit. Or maybe they lay hidden inside the roadside piles of fresh pineapples, papaya, limes, oranges, guava, coconuts, mangostinos, jackfruit, starfruit, avocado or wide array of juicy melons. Kidnappers surely must be slinking beneath the magnificently old and enormous Banyon, Papaleos, Primavera. Perota, Ficus or the Silk Floss with the spiked truck sacred to the Mayans. Trees that huge and beautiful would have to hide something sinister, I’m sure. Yes. It’s ugly out there but someone has to address it. You stay up there. We’ll man the front. So for now, I guess, we’ll just trudge once more into the fray of paradise!

OF FAITH AND FABLES

By Bob Haynes bzhaynes@gmail.com

(

d. Note: Bob Haynes, who has long-written this column, died recently. In the years that he wrote for us, his readership grew extensively. He had the marvelous ability to make religious motivation intriguing to people who, like me, ordinarily had little interest in the topic. But what one remembers most are his personal qualities. His courage in his last days was inspiring; miraculously, he had penned his final column only a short time before he passed away. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him, and I will forever be proud that he was my friend. What follows is an obituary written by his daughter, Sara Merritt.) Robert McNabb Haynes, 73, passed away on August 2, 2011, at his home in Georgetown, Texas. He was born August 25, 1937 to Thomas Harold Haynes and Ethyl Fern Haynes in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He graduated from Fort Smith High School and then graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Psychology, and a Master of Education Degree in Counseling. Robert (Bob) is predeceased in death by his mother and father, his first wife, ZoeAnn Haynes, his older brother Harold Jr. and his younger brother Dick. He is survived by his two daughters, Sara Merritt and husband, Cliff

and granddaughter Randi; Sherry Boan and husband, Charles and grandchildren, Brooke, Ben and Brock. He is further survived by his wife, Marci Boone Haynes, her two children, Sam T. Goodner and his wife, Caroline and grandchildren, Sam Jackson and Katherine; and Melanie Reyes and husband, Rommel and grandchildren, Nathan and Amanda Stuart and Elia, Lily and Diana Reyes. Bob was actively involved in his community wherever he lived. In Ardmore, Oklahoma, he was involved in city management and was also the Mayor. Bob and ZoeAnn were both actively involved in the “Walk to Emmaus” through the First United Methodist Church. Bob and ZoeAnn moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 2000. He was the Executive Director of Mainstreet, Bentonville, which he later changed to “Downtown Bentonville, Inc.” This laid the groundwork for most of the downtown activities that now take place, such as “First Friday.” Bob and ZoeAnn introduced “Walk to Emmaus” to the congregation at The First United Methodist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas. As a result, more than 200 people have attended this spiritual experience. Bob was well-known for his motivational column, “Faith and Fables,” both in Arkansas and Mexico.

Saw you in the Ojo

THE UNITED STATES LONGEST WAR By Mel Goldberg

had always heard that despite the United States’ embargo, Cuba’s health care system was a model for developing countries, with more well-trained physicians per capita than the United States. Cuban doctors were in demand because of their expertise in public health. So I was surprised on a recent visit to Havana to see virtually empty shelves at a farmacia, so unlike the farmacias here in Mexico. Some antibiotics were available, but not the medicine I use, readily accessible here. The cause for the scarcity of medicine, in large part, has been the United States’ embargo of Cuba, an embargo that might properly be called Washington’s longest war spanning over fifty years under ten American presidents. Since 1962, the United States has waged a cruel war against Cuba’s people using the crushing force of its power and embargo. After the failed Bay of Pigs invasion (1961), the successful Cuban Missile Blockade (1962), and the unsuccessful Operation Mongoose to “help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime” (1962), American military leaders urged President Kennedy to conduct an air and sea invasion. Kennedy and all eight presidents since opted for a strangling embargo as the best way topple Fidel Castro without precipitating World War III. Acting like a petulant bully who didn’t win, Washington resorted to figuratively kicking his opponent’s cat. Unable to eliminate a communist dictator only ninety miles from Miami, and because Castro symbolically gave them the finger, the United States has inflicted pain and suffering on the Cuban people. Other dictators, no matter how brutal, were tolerated as long as they had things Washington need-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

ed and were on the other side of the globe or the equator. The world has condemned the United States’ arrogance. For the past seventeen years the United Nations 192-member General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn The United States’ economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Last year the vote was 185-3. What has the embargo accomplished? One painful result of the embargo is that today, many types of goods are unavailable, making life difficult for the Cuban people. The U.S. embargo against Cuba is one of the few that includes both food and medicine, obstructing the Cuban government’s ability to supply inexpensive or free food to nurseries, schools, hospitals, and homes for the elderly. The current global economic problems and Cuba’s limited finances, coupled with the disappearance of aid from the former Soviet Union have effectively crippled progress. In the past fifteen years, Cuba’s model health care system has become threatened by these serious shortages of food and pharmaceutical products. The intended or unintended effect has been on the health and nutrition of the most vulnerable citizens - women, children, and the elderly - who rely on access to Cuba’s free health care. And as if the embargo were not enough, Washington effectively prohibits foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies from trading with Cuba, a sanction that blocks access to medical supplies, forcing Cuban physicians to face a lack of critical medicines, diagnostic tools, and vaccines that had previously been available. Non-U.S. companies have been threatened with lawsuits in U.S. courts. This loss of suppliers restricts de-

livery of critical laboratory products, radiology equipment, operating tables, and surgery equipment. The production of vaccines within Cuba is further hampered by the frequent lack of spare parts and of essential components that must be imported, shortages that make it difficult to treat breast cancer, heart or kidney diseases, or HIV. The embargo also contradicts human rights, which the people in the United States desire for themselves and claim to desire for the rest of the world. The unilateral sanctions violate

both the spirit and letter of the United Nations Charter and the fundamentals of international law. This embargo causes unjustified suffering for millions of guiltless Cubans whose only goal is to live a decent, productive life. Several Cubans told me the historical and childish animosity between Fidel Castro and Washington will not end until Fidel dies. But why wait? It is time for this embargo, this war against innocent Cuban people, to end. Bev: http://www.bevkephart.com and Mel: www.authormelgoldberg. com

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS! How would you like your business to reach 8,500 , people—in addition to the many thousands of readaders of our publication? Well, as of this year, it already is! All of our El Ojo del Lago advertisers are now listed on our web board at all times. There is nothhing like it at Lakeside! The Ojo Web Board has over 8,500 members and over 100,000 posts! Thousands nds of people regard the Board to be the most comprehensive ehensive source of information about our area! EL OJO DEL LAGO—The Best Publication Money Can’t Buy!

Saw you in the Ojo

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

hose who read last month’s ramblings may remember that herself and myself were well-placed going into the final round of our first duplicate back in Toronto this spring when disaster struck on the first board. We needed to recover smartly if we were going to finish first in our direction, East-West. On the second board, herself, sitting East, passed in first seat and South opened 1 heart. Although I had an opening bid myself, I had no convenient way of entering the auction and so passed. North also passed and the spotlight fell on herself. Knowing that it rarely pays to let the opponents play at the one level, she made a takeout double. I was marked with “stuff ” based on the bidding; indeed I could well have had a “trap pass”, a strong hand with long hearts, just waiting for my partner to reopen with a double. South passed and I had an awkward choice of bids. I didn’t feel I was quite strong enough to pass for penalties, nor did I feel that game could be on for our side as my partner was a passed hand. 2 no trump, 1 no trump, 2 spades and 1 spade all struck me as viable alternatives. In the end I convinced myself that there was no point in jumping the bidding as

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

whatever call I made was likely to buy the contract so I settled on a timid 1 spade. To everybody else’s surprise North now suddenly came alive with a bid of two hearts. When this bid came back to me visions of revenge for the debacle of the first deal leapt before my eyes and I swiftly pulled out the “double” card sending the message to partner: “we’ve got them!” Just one down doubled and vulnerable would surely make up for the measly score we had picked up in the previous hand. After all, wasn’t I sure to get 2 hearts, 1 diamond and a possible club ruff, in addition to the tricks my partner, the takeout doubler, was sure to contribute? I led a low spade and nearly fell out of my chair when the dummy came down with the AJ3 of hearts sitting over my lovely collection. How could he have passed the first time? Well, there was no point in worrying about that now; I had to concentrate on trying to beat the contract. Herself won the opening lead with the spade ace and switched to the king and queen of diamonds, the second of which declarer ruffed. In quick order he cashed the king and queen of spades, before leading a heart to the dummy. I split my honors and declarer won with the ace. He now ruffed a diamond back to his hand and ruffed a spade in the dummy with the heart 3 and played a club to his ace and cashed the king – he now had 8 tricks in and had to come to another in the wash – 2 hearts doubled making three for the unlovely score of minus 870 and zero match points on the deal. In the last two boards we had dropped from first to eighth place. That sure was some welcome home! Questions or comments: email: masson.ken@ Ken Masson gmail.com

UUNCOMMON NNCOMMON COMMON CCOMMON OMMON SSENSE ENSE By Bill Frayer billfrayer@gmail.com Reconsidering Marx

s it a good time to reconsider the philosophy of Karl Marx? Of course, this may seem counterintuitive. After all, wasn’t Karl Marx responsible for the failed Communist systems in the former USSR, Red China, North Korea, etc? Well yes, and no. He was a philosopher living in London who wrote the Communist Manifesto, to be sure. But according to Terry Eagleton, professor at the University of Lancaster in England, blaming Karl Marx for these repressive communist regimes would be a bit like blaming Jesus Christ for the Inquisition! Marx’s greatest contribution was his critique of capitalism. He recognized that capitalism has been an incredibly successful system in many respects. It essentially brought the West out of the feudal system and created an unprecedented high standard of living. He credits the great capitalists of the 19th century for their success. Nevertheless, he points out, this economic success tends to come at a price. Affluence for some comes at the expense of poverty and exploitation of others. As he witnessed capitalist London in the middle of the 19 century, he questioned whether it was a fair system. As Eagleton notes Marx’s concerns: “Equality for some meant inequality for others, and freedom for some brought oppression and unhappiness for many. The system’s voracious pursuit of power and profit had turned foreign nations into enslaved colonies, and human beings into the playthings of economic forces beyond their control. It had blighted the planet with pollution and mass starvation, and scarred it with atrocious wars.” It’s easy to dismiss Marx as the father of a failed ideology, and that may be correct. We don’t hear much talk of resurrecting Communism these days. Yet, without question, Marx’s contributions to the critiques of capitalism still ring true 168 years after the publication of The Communist Manifesto. As we consider the world today, we see unprecedented progress in many areas of industry and commerce. Yet, we continue to see corporations shutting down production in western nations to shift the work to third world countries where they can exploit the

Bill Frayer low wages and where they can operate without strict environmental laws. We see a world where our planet is becoming polluted and our climate is drastically changing. We see 50 million people in the US, the richest country in the world, without medical insurance. We see the richest one percent of the population controlling an enormous percentage of the wealth. We see the poor around the world living with substandard sanitation and inadequate nutrition. Karl Marx was right in his criticism of the capitalist system. The free market may be good for business, but it has no conscience. He could see this in the squalid conditions in London. We continue to witness how unparalleled wealth among some is only possible through scarcity and poverty among others. Our capitalist system requires that we spill blood for oil to keep feeding our economic system. The workers, on whose back the economy is based, are often disposable and exploited. We can see it here in Mexico. We may be living comfortably, benefitting from the wealth the capitalist system has produced. But our comfort and affluence here is based on others living with unreasonably low wages and scarcity. Socialism might have become a dirty word, but Marx’s aphorism, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need,” may be more relevant now than ever.

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By Paul Jackson paulconradjackson@gmail.com

anada is a weird cold semisocialist backwater pockmarked with francophonic hostility and saddled with a ridiculous monarchy and a ‘pinko’ health care system that deep down inside President Barack Obama really, really wants to adopt... Hey, that’s not me painting that scenario, it’s prominent American political commentator Kevin. D. Williamson, who adds: “Canada is basically a sprawling low-ambition Sweden with a miniature France growing like an udder out of its soft underbelly.” Phew, but what the heck, if we live in a free world, an American has as much right to mock Canada as anyone. Now Williamson is a big wheel at the late William F. Buckley’s National Review, but this particular column was reprinted widely in Canada as have those of a number of other American political and economic observers who have suddenly taken a fascinating interest in the country. And what Williamson can’t figure out is why a country that in his mind is so bizarre is doing so well economically and fiscally. For instance, in real GDP terms, the federal government’s debt load has been cut by a staggering 50% in just 15 years. The country’s economic growth rate is double that of the USA. Despite some stimulas spending, within three years the Canadian federal budget will be balanced again. The national jobless rate is 7.2% but in some provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta, it hovers around just

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Paul Jackson 5%, with companies worried a labor shortage is on its way. Why, asks Williamson and his other American counterparts, is Canada so stable while the USA is in such a mess. Guess what? Every one of these American commentators puts it down to the previous Liberal-Left government of Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his Finance Minister Paul Martin. Yup, it’s the Liberal-Left which moved mountains, and on being defeated by current Prime Minister Stephen Harper, handed his Conservatives basically a clean slate. It’s quite something when rightwing American commentators praise the Liberal-Left of any country. But this is what the Chretien/Martin duo did in just straight three years in the late-1990s: The pair cut federal government spending by 15%, and cut the federal workforce by 14%. Then they cut Canada’s overly generous jobless benefits and other social or welfare payments by a whopping 40%, and sold off money-losing government operations. Now, unemployment in Canada goes lower and lower, and the Canadian dollar soars higher and higher above the US dollar. Canada’s Liberal-Left did everything these American commentators insist Obama should be doing but isn’t. Obviously, Williamson’s initially insulting hyperbole is basically meant to grab attention and then unveil what a government of conscience, commitment and courage can do if it really wants to do so. By the way, I unrelentingly vote Conservative, and contend these American commentators neglected to say that former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney started the ball rolling, but was undermined by 18% interest rates, but in retrospect also must admit the Liberal-Left team of Chretien and Martin obviously did have the sheer guts to do the right thing. Perhaps Obama should spend a stint up in the Great White North and have a cup of tea with Chretien and Martin.

Joyful Musings By Joy Birnbach Dunstan, MA, LPC, MAC Stolen Goods

was really looking forward to vacation and finally it was time. Got up at 3:30 am for an early flight and arrived in Portland ten hours later, tired but glad to be there. Within 15 minutes, the gladbubble burst as we received a phone call from the house-sitter letting us know our house had been burgled. In shock and disbelief, we booked my husband on the first flight back to Mexico to deal with this unexpected catastrophe. What a horrid way to begin a vacation! Burglary is an ugly, unwelcome fact of life. Not just in Mexico, but wherever you may live. This recent burglary brought back a flood of all the awful feelings from when we were burgled in Oregon more than 20 years ago. Shock is an almost universal reaction to a home invasion. Anger, fear, guilt, and worry are also common feelings. The sense of security in what we believed to be our safe, private space is often a greater loss than the material goods that were taken. Studies have shown that many victims continue to suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or nightmares long after the actual event. After our first burglary, I carefully scanned the house upon my return from every outing. If anything looked out of place, I felt panicky until I carefully checked for anything missing. It took a long time for that anxiety to pass. Many people dismiss the likelihood of being broken into with thinking such as, “I don’t have anything worth stealing anyway.” A burglar can’t tell how much or how little there is from the outside. What’s more, in an area such as Lakeside, there is great financial disparity among us. You may not have much by U.S. or Canadian standards, but you may look wealthy to the average burglar. It’s important to do all you can to prevent a home intrusion. Assess your property for any vulnerable points of entry and enhance security wherever possible. Good locks are important, and you may want to use them even

when you’re at home to avert any unwanted surprises. Do what you can, and then let go of worry. Worry is not a security enhancement, and it spoils your enjoyment of every day. And if the worst should happen, how do you cope? First thing to do is report it to the authorities. Even if they don’t do anything to recover your property, it’s important to let the powers-that-be know that crime is really happening and needs to be addressed. Don’t be too dismayed at how little they do beyond paperwork. Even after our burglary in Oregon, the police informed us they take a report but rarely do any follow-up because they just don’t have the time. If you have insurance, a police report is required to file a claim. Get any damaged locks or entries repaired or replaced immediately. Clean up and return things to their usual places to restore a sense of order and control in your home. Do another assessment of any additional security measures you can take to prevent a re-occurrence. If you are haunted by fears and anxiety for a lengthy time, seek help to cope with these feelings so you can get back to enjoying your home and your life. Don’t let the thieves continue to steal your peace of mind long after they’re gone. Editor’s Note: Joy is a practicing psychotherapist in Riberas. She can be contacted at joy@dunstan.org or 765-4988.

Saw you in the Ojo 13

Wondrous Wildlife By Vern and Lori Geiger

The Otter Cat

f you ask someone to name a wild cat they will probably say a tiger or a lion. Much lesser known than other wild felines is the jagurundi; this small agile wildcat is native to Mexico, Central America and the northern and central countries of South America down to Argentina and rarely sighted in parts of Texas and New Mexico. A few of jaguarundi are also found in Florida, although these are descendants of a small population introduced to the area in the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In appearance the jaguarundi is unlike most other wildcatsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they have no beautiful spots or stripes. Some have compared it to a large weasel or otter. In English it is commonly referred to as an Otter Cat. They are uniform in color, ranging from dark grayish brown to an almost chestnut brown. Jaguarundi kittens are spotted at birth, but lose these spots as they mature, much like a fawn does. Jaguarundis are more often than not found near running water. They are excellent swimmers and seem to enjoy being in water so it is no wonder they are superb fishermen. They seize the fish with their front paws capturing their prey in just one jump, directly revealing much about its power and strength. Although fish make up a large portion of their

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

diet it does include birds, small mammals, rodents, and reptiles. They are about twice the size of a large housecat. Head and body length can reach up to 31 inches; its tail may be up to 24 inches long. They have a slender body weighing in at approx. 35 pounds, its head and ears are small in comparison. Jaguarundis are secretive and elusive animals, which may be why not much is known about them; attempts to tag them for tracking and observation have failed and therefore the jaguarundiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s habits in the wild have not been well documented. Although solitary, the female jaguarundi is often more social in the rearing of her young. The litter size is usually between one and four kittens. They reach maturity at about 22-24 months of age; but may stay with their mother longer. The female raises the young on her own with no help from the male; it is documented that it is common for the male to kill his own offspring. Even though they are not commonly poached for their fur, their numbers are on the way down. This is principally caused by deforestation and loss of habitat which are the major reasons why so many animals are becoming endangered, not just the wildcats. Several years ago while volunteering at a sea turtle camp, just before dawn I had the rare opportunity to see a wild jaguaundi as it attempted to raid a nest of turtle eggs. The grace and agility of this beautiful animal was awe inspiring. While it is interesting to be able to see these animals in a zoo, nothing can compare to seeing them in the wild, living free and wild as nature intended. I must admit I felt guilty about not allowing it to snack on the sea turtle eggs, but they too are in danger of extinction. Interesting fact: it is believed that jaguarundis are the descendants of the Puma, which originates from Asia.

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Letter to the Editor Dear Sir: Congratulations and thank you for a great message (Editor’s Page-August) that should be required reading for at least 300,000,000 people living just north of El Rio Bravo. Art Hess Ajijic Dear Sir: I want to congratulate you on your analysis (Editor’s Page-August issue) of the main cause of “Uncle Sam’s” current systemic debility. It is really unconscionable what the “Bush gang” has done to the USA -- formerly the leader of the “free world” -- and the ideals of democracy and decency. What has happened to the principle of “checks and balances” espoused by the “founding fathers of the Republic”? It seems that the “Bush gang” were either fools or knaves, or more likely both. Why is there no constitutional provision to hold these people to account? It would not reverse the huge losses suffered by the people of Iraq, Afghanistan and the USA, but it might clear the air, provide some closure and put the USA onto a more constructive path -- as happened for example with the Nuremberg Trials and Germany and the equivalent in Japan. I must admit to a sneaking admiration -- also implied in your article -- of the strategy of Al Qaeda and “their slimy ilk”. They certainly obtained huge leverage towards their goal of weakening the “infidel” West and especially the arrogance of the USA, using a relatively very small investment in their lives and money. It was like prodding a stick into a hornet’s nest, and the chief hornet, GW Bush, reacted as anticipated. Why could not have cooler heads prevailed? They seem to be in short supply in the power structure of the USA. So where does the USA go from here? Are the elites ready and willing to make some sacrifices of their own -- not just asking the rest of the population to bear the burden -- and more importantly, to fix the ethical and political standards? Hans Krauklis Ajijic Dear Sr. Grattan: I want to congratulate you for your Editorial in the August issue. It is the most perceptive and succinct description of the U.S.’s condition that I have read. Having been away, I obtained the magazine only yesterday, and I am urging every U.S. expat that I know to read your Editorial. Sincerely, Ken (Dr. Kenneth G.) Crosby San Antonio Tlayacapan

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Dear Sir: Paul Jackson, in his August “Thunder on the Right” column, tells us that, since there is no law either permitting or proscribing abortion in Canada, abortions are neither legal nor illegal there. Mr. Jackson might have referred to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter) before writing his anti-abortion article. Section 26 of the Charter reads in its entirety: “The guarantee in this Charter of certain rights and freedoms shall not be construed as denying the existence of any other rights or freedoms that exist in Canada.” Peter Hogg, a noted Canadian constitutional law attorney, explains for we gringos that Section 26 is the Canadian parallel to the Ninth Amendment to the United States Constitution reading in its entirety: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” The idea is that the people have more rights than are enumerated by statute. The respective constitutions of Canada and the United States of America are the most basic laws of the land. So, saying that Canadian law neither permits nor proscribes abortion because there is no statute regulating abortion either way misses the mark. The law of Canada, by Section 26, specifies that the fact that a right is not limited “shall not be construed as denying any rights or freedoms . . . in Canada (emphasis added). In sum, it doesn’t take a law permitting something to make it legal in Canada. Jeremy Monroe San Antonio Tlayacapan jeremymonroe@yahoo.com Paul Jackson Replies: Jeremy Monroe is wrong on both counts: (A) I am not anti-abortion. I believe in a woman’s right to choose, and (B) The Canadian Constitution makes no reference whatsoever to abortion. As someone who both covered Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s Constitutional revamp, and also covered for the largest newspaper chain in Canada the Supreme Court of Canada’s rejection of the Criminal Code provision banning abortion and ordering Parliament to rewrite it, I humbly suggest I know what I am talking about.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Our 17th Annual Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Awards Luncheon shall be held on the 13th of September, 12 noon, at the Tango Restaurant in Ajijic. All those writers who contributed (sorry, Letters to the Editor are not included) to our pages from October 2010 through September 2011 are cordially invited to attend and encouraged to bring a guest.

The event, feaaturing food, drink, driinkk, entertainmentt aand nd d the awards ceremony, is the Ojoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of showing its gratitude to the many wonderful writers who are the main reason for our success. See you there!

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

Teaching the Basic Heel

he final step of our basic off leash “lure and reward” training is to teach Shep to heel off leash with a simple hand signal. As you see in the first photo we have Shep on our left side (as I explained before we are using a leash for this demonstration only because of where we shot the pictures). By now he knows to look up when I move my hand in his direction because he has been rewarded for looking up and performing certain tasks. As he looks up I step off and let him come along and very soon you will note that he looks up and assumes a proper heel position. As long as he moves along freely in this proper position I will keep walking. If we can do ten or twelve steps like this I’m happy. When we stop I give him the hand signal for the sit and he begins to learn to sit quietly beside me whenever we stop. In most instances it is this simple. I proceed in small sessions always rewarding for correct performances. If I go slowly with small segments I won’t worry about my dog charging ahead or dragging behind because I’ve created a situation where he always succeeds and is not rushed or pushed too quickly into situations where distractions will become more interesting to him than the

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

proper performance of the task at hand. Shep is young and we have lots of time so it’s easier if we do many small and successful walks instead to striking out to go to town to “get the mail” and encounter all the inevitable annoyances like bikes and skateboards, overly friendly dogs or yappy ankle biters. It’s much easier to go slowly than to rush out and create new challenges and problems and then be faced with fixing your mistakes while you’re trying to move smoothly ahead with your training. If I was working with this dog several times a day on a daily basis I would be at this stage by the end of about a week. I hesitate to cast these things in stone because then we have owners putting marks on their calendars and phoning with possible unrealistic expectations. Remember just because the pup will perform these tasks pretty well with me in an environment without distractions doesn’t mean he will be ready to do “show and tell” when Mommy comes to see him. Art Hess

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

Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867)

lert readers of this column know that the Classic Poets I’ve featured are near synonymous with their respective countries: Yeats/Ireland; Lord Byron/England; Pushkin/Russia; Goethe/Germany; Dante/Italy; _______/ France? Yes, who best represents France? Let’s see if we can put a face on Belle France. You’ve got Victor Hugo, a poet, yes, but more famous for Les Miserables and The Hunchback; Paul Verlaine “What have you done, you there/Weeping without cease,/ Tell me, yes you, what have you done/With all your youth?” Arthur Rimbaud “One must be absolutely modern.” Stephane Mallarme “The flesh is sad, alas, and I have read all the books.” Pierre De Ronsard “Now fearfulness, and now hopefulness/Pitch camp in every part of my heart.” Voltaire, of course, but more the philosopher and wit “A witty saying proves nothing.” No, I’m voting for Charles Baudelaire, a truly transformative character who changed the way we think and can still bring us up short some 160 years later: “God is the only being who, in order to reign, doesn’t even need to exist.” “It’s time to get drunk! So as not to be the martyred slaves of Time, get drunk without stopping! On wine, on poetry, or on virtue, as you wish.” “If the poet has pursued a moral objective, he has diminished his poetic force.” Sooner or later now the hour must be When Hazard, Virtue (your still-Virgin mate), Repentance(your last refuge), or all three— Will tell you “Die, old Coward, it’s too late!” Tr. By Roy Campbell Not too much diminution of poetic force there, I’d say. Baudelaire’s take on life and love was decidedly different. Dark, introspective, his poetry represents a transition between a naive Romanticism (often rural) and the intense self-consciousness that foreshadows Modern Poetry, which, whether we like it or not, is here to stay. Blasphemy and explicit sexual references set in urban landscapes both beautiful and decayed characterize much of his most famous work, Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil, 1857). Of course, it was so scandalous that he was prosecuted along with his publisher in Paris. It’s little wonder he was in thrall to Edgar Allen Poe and translated his works into French—translations that still stand strong today. But the following excerpt will give us a flavor of The Flowers of Evil: When, on a certain day, into this harassed world The Poet, by decree of the high powers, was born, His mother, overwhelmed by shame and fury, hurled These blasphemies at God, clenching her fists in scorn: “Would I had whelped a knot of vipers — at the worst ‘Twere better than this runt that whines and snivels there! Oh, cursèd be that night of pleasure, thrice accurst My womb, that has conceived and nourished my despair! “Since, of all mortal women, it would seem my fate To be my saddened husband’s horror and disgust; And since I may not toss this monster in the grate — Like any crumpled letter, reeking of stale lust — Tr. By Edna St. Vincent Millay Baudelaire’s syphilis finally got the better of him. At the age of 46, he died in Paris in his mother’s arms. You who fill the hearts and eyes of whores With love of trifles and the cult of sores. B Mark Sconce

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

THE LAKESIDE SCIENCE FAIR PROGRAM

ank Shiver, Louis Regalado, Todd Stong and Charlie Smith are working with Lakeside high schools to develop science fair projects of high enough quality to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). There are currently Lakeside science fairs but none which competes at the ISEF level. ISEF is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier science fair, covering sixty countries and with monetary prizes up to $75,000 US dollars to an individual competitor, and a total of 4.5 million globally. An ISEF science fair is held each year in Guadalajara, and a goal of the Lakeside project is to get local students competing there as soon as possible, and eventually at the international level. A major benefit of participating in highly competitive science fairs is that it exposes bright high school students to real-world science and engineering and allows them to see what scientists and engineers actually do, hopefully stimulating some students to consider a career in technology. And of course what Mexico desperately needs to prosper in the twenty-first century is a first-rate science and engineering infrastructure, which starts with education. The initial emphasis is on the four public schools in Chapala and Jocotepec. They are very enthusiastic about participating. With over 1200 students they certainly have some bright lights whom could excel in science and engineering. As a spin-off to the science fair effort, the team is also collecting English-language books and magazines for the schools, and is arranging trips for students to see scientists and engineers at work. The Jose Cuervocorporation has offered to bus students to their new facility in Tequila,

and have the engineers who built it, explain their efforts to the students and accompanying teachers. Intel Corporation will give tours of their very impressive facility in Guadalajara.The Mexican national representative from Intel for science fairs is on board for this effort, as are the school administrators, government representatives and local corporations. This program needs volunteers with technical backgrounds to make it work, especially to serve as mentors or coaches to students working on specific projects. Assistance in preparing exhibits, raising funds for project components and travel, and coordinating the program is also needed. A few months of part-time effort could make a big difference to a bright studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career. And most of us who had careers in science and engineering can find pleasure in passing on our accumulated knowledge. We will be holding meetings to recruit volunteers in September. Times and place will be in the Guadalajara Reporter. If you have any questions contact Charlie Smith at phone 766-3370 or email chssmith36@yahoo.com.

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CHILD

of the month

By Barb Corol Rogelio Lara Huerta

ogelio and his family live in Potrerillos, Jocotopec. Mom, Ana Sofia Huerta Verdia and dad, Reyes Lara Ornelas brought Rogelio to Niños Incapacitados in May of 2011 at which time they were accepted into our program. Ana Sofia told us that in February, Rogelio had to be rushed to Hospital Civil with severe abdominal pains. Upon arrival at the hospital, it was noted that he had a very high fever. Emergency would later diagnose him as having appendicitis. Doctors performed an appendectomy under general anesthesia and found he had a perforated intestine. This is known as a Burst Appendix, which can be fatal if not attended to quickly. Although the exact causes of a burst appendix are not completely understood, the appendix becomes blocked and eventually becomes inflamed and ruptures. When this happens, it leaks bacteria from the intestines into the abdominal cavity. This causes an abscess known as peritonitis. Burst appendix symptoms are much the same as appendicitis but the intensity of the symptoms is far more severe. Rogelio had been in pain and vomiting for a couple of days but his mom thought he had eaten something that did not agree with him. On the third day the pain became excruciating and, coupled with the vomiting, this could have been a life threatening condition for Rogelio. Because the intestine was compromised, Rogelio was fitted with a drainage tube to help remove the contaminates from his body. He was also placed on intravenous fluids with various antibiotics to help combat any infections. Rogelio’s condition was delicate to say the least and he would remain in hospital for two weeks. Upon his release from hospital, Rogelio was outfitted with a colonoscopy bag and put on numerous antibiotics to ensure he did not develop any infections. He was given a

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

very strict diet, which he was not too happy about, as he would not be allowed sugars, salt and spices. All the things he loved. Mom had been instructed on how to wash and evacuate the bag to avoid contamination. The doctors also advised Rogelio that he could not run for the next three to six months and definitely no sports. Easier said than done for a boy of ten! Rogelio just smiles and says he is okay with that as long as the pain does not come back. To date, Niños Incapacitados has reimbursed the family for the colonoscopy bags and supplies totaling 3500 pesos. At the moment, the hospital is providing the family with the daily medications required. Rogelio will need surgery to close the drain hole and if all goes well, he should be back to normal. In the meantime, he is monitored closely. Every two weeks he returns to Hospital Civil for blood work and a series of special tests and x-rays. All monies reimbursed to families by Niños Incapacitados must be signed for. Rogelio takes great pride in being able to sign for mom. As Director of the Jocotopec Clinic, thank you again for the opportunity of presenting some of our children to you. Just a reminder that the monthly meetings for Niños Incapacitados will resume September 8, 2011 at the Real de Chapala Hotel in La Floresta, starting with coffee at 10:00 a.m. We invite you to come and meet another one of the children we are helping. If you would like to learn more about Niños Incapacitados, please visit our website at www.programaniños.org or call Rich Petersen (376-7655511) or Barb Corol (376-766-5452).

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By Victoria Schmidt

Mexican Architecture

ouses in Mexico aren’t like houses further north in North America. Coming from the bleak north, the riot of colors, shapes and sizes are sheer eye-candy. Large walls or gates secrete some of the most beautiful gardens, fountains, topiary, and homes. The houses themselves feature miradors, patios, terrazas, and cupolas that make it easy to forget the bland four-walls homes further north. The Mexican colors are delightful. I used to say our City Council had passed an ordinance requiring new housing to have taupe siding and be built in identical rows. This is not true in Mexico. In my village, the colors are vibrant. The houses often have accent colors and ornate ironwork. But while I enjoy the wonderful homes here, the way some of them are laid out just doesn’t make sense. The first house we rented had two kitchens, an infinitesimal kitchen inside the house, and a large spacious kitchen—outside! In order to reach the bathroom, we had to exit the house, walk around the corner, and access the bathroom from the patio. In another house, the closets never quite met. The doors would close, but they all were crooked. When we moved in, it took us a few days to find the light switch for the overhead light in the master bedroom. It never really occurred to us that the switch was inside the closet! And what is it with door locks and keys? One house had a different key for every door in the house. Our next house was the same. My high school janitor had fewer keys! But Mexican bathrooms really are the limit. Our last house had two bathrooms that were so small we called them “bath-ettes.” Mine was just a bit larger than my husband’s. He had to walk into his bathroom straight to the sink, close the bath-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

room door so he could turn around to access the toilet and shower that were hiding behind the door. In mine, I had to keep the shower door open in order to use the toilet, and while short, my knees almost touched the opposite wall. In the home of a friend, her shower door opened to her sink. When she brushed her teeth and bent over to spit and rinse -- her butt was inside her shower. Claustrophobic could not even begin to describe some of the bathrooms I’ve seen. Of course, in some of the newer homes designed more for the “gringo’s” I have seen beautiful and ornate bathrooms, large and luxurious. I even saw Jacuzzis and bathtubs! One of the bathrooms in our home is just off the master bedroom. I’ve never seen anything like it. The shower has a bench, which is wonderful for handicapped people. But the showerhead is placed for someone who is about 6’3”. Most Mexican’s don’t seem to be quite that tall, so why is the showerhead so far up the wall? In addition, there is no shower door or curtain. This would be workable, I could even get used to it, but the bathroom itself has no door! The entrance is a lovely archway cresting the top and a curved wall on the right side, but no door. Who builds a bathroom without a door? Finally there are laundry rooms. In the northland, our laundry rooms were in the basement or if we were lucky, on the main floor -- but they were never outdoors. They weren’t even in the garage. The washer and dryer, like children and guests, had their own room. They weren’t cast out to the patio, or a separate detached bodega. I just keep wondering whatever happened in Mexico that caused all those machines to be banned from the premises? Victoria Schmidt

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THE LAMENT By Gale Griffth (I Can’t Catch Mosquitoes oes Anymore)

t never was a contest. From the time I was a youngster, living the country life every summer at our cottage, the mosquitoes in my native Canada didn’t stand a chance! I was energetic, swift and accurate and I practiced two methods of attack. My favorite method was, indeed, a feat! As a mosquito prepared to dive onto my vulnerable bare skin ---be it a sockless ankle between shoe and jeans, or my swimsuit-clad torso--- I aborted it’s approach in mid-air with a reaching, grasping snatch followed immediately by a tight-fisted move to the leg where I promptly flapped my hand against my thigh. Mosquito rendered dead! My second method of mosquito

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

murder was much less dramatic. It simply consisted of a flat-palmed, serious slap as the blood-thirsty little critter attempted to pierce my epidermis with it’s hypodermic needle. It never even saw me coming! For decades I was well-practiced and rarely missed my mark... But, alas, a new day has dawned. Could it be that the mosquitoes in Mexico, my chosen country of retirement, are faster than those in Canada? In protection of my wounded ego, I try to tell myself that they are... but deep down I begrudgingly have to agree with myself that perhaps, just perhaps, it is actually a matter of my slower, ageaffected reflexes. These Mexican mosquitoes elude my efforts to the point of exasperation! How could a skill, so perfected, reverse itself so pitifully? And, as if to add insult to injury, when there happens along a mosquito so thirsty that it is too weak to move quickly and my reflexes DO manage to encapsulate it, woe is me again! Palms that were once flat are now concave in shape, offering perfect flight freedom to an escape route between arthriticbent fingers that no longer close tightly to make a fist. I can’t catch mosquitoes anymore! And they call it the “Golden Age”??

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Hearts at Work A Column by James Tipton

“…the people most important to you”

nyone born in the United States in the first half of the 20th century learned a lot about how to live from western cinema heroes like Tom Mix (a movie star who actually served as a pall bearer at the funeral of real western hero, Wyatt Earp), Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Red Ryder, Gene Autry, Guy Madison, John Wayne, and The Lone Ranger, and later from the stars of television serials like Have Gun Will Travel, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. I was born with a cap gun in each chubby little hand, and only a few short years later I scrunched down into a maroon seat at the Schines Theater in Ashland, Ohio and watched Saturday morning westerns (for a quarter) with my sisters Nancy and Peggy, and my cousins, David, Joe, and Danny. All of us were destined to become, after the movie ended, western heroes in our own back yards, at least until supper. A couple of years later I began to devour novels by authors like Zane Grey, Luke Short, Joseph Altsheller, and Max Brand. Only a few decades ago, living in Colorado and in my forties, one lonely evening, tired of more ‘sophisticated’ literature, I succumbed to subscribing to the Louis L’Amour Western Collection, receiving and reading about a book a month for several years. Last week at the American Legion in Chapala I picked up a previously well-loved copy of Louis L’Amour’s Ride the River; I was swept up into the simple L’Amour plot and the basically romantic but deeply held values of the characters. In Ride the River, a wise old lawyer named Mr. Finian Chantry tells our young heroine—several of his novels have strong and independent women as protagonists—Miss Echo Sackett: “Do not let yourself be bothered by the inconsequential. One has only so much time in the world, so devote it to the work and the people most important to you, to those you love and things that matter. One can waste half a lifetime with people one doesn’t really like.” Amen.

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Th message iis a simple i l one. If you The are in relationships that complicate your life get out of them. Avoid selfserving people. Avoid people who are not thankful for the gifts of life. Avoid people who disguise their arrogance under the pretence of humility. Avoid people whose self-destructive behaviors want to take you down with them. Don’t let those strangers in the dark bar seduce you to their table. In his commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (from Life Surrendered in God), Roy Eugene Davis cautions us to “be attentive to the relationships you cultivate or allow to be formed. An old axiom is, ‘A man is known by the company he keeps.’ We can easily know our sense of self-worth and self-esteem by examining our relationships of choice. If we choose to regularly associate with negative and self-serving people, or those who are provincial and grounded in conditioned consciousness, it reveals our own lack of selfworth and self-esteem. If we choose to frequent places where discordant and destructive influences prevail, it reveals our uncaring attitude about the usefulness of purity. When necessary to mingle with people who are self-centered and selfdefeating in their attitudes and behavior, remain inwardly centered in soul awareness and depart from them at the earliest convenient moment.” Well, Pard, there’s a lesson to be learned in the commentary by that Indian fellow named Patanjali, and also in those words so well spoke by Mr. Louis L’Amour. Until next time, Happy Trails to you. And may you walk softly toward that sweet old cabin still waiting in that gentle wilderness deep inside of you. Jim Tipton

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LA ORQUESTA TIPICA DE CHAPALA By Margaret Van Every

raditional Mexican music is suffering a serious crisis, says Javier Raygoza, founder and director of the Orquesta Típica de Chapala. It is being displaced by “the noisy, horrible band music (narcocorridos y onda grupera) of the drug culture. Raygoza observes that the mariachi band no longer represents Mexican music in the eyes of the world. Saving Mexico’s rich musical heritage was thus the impetus for his founding the Typical Orchestra of Chapala—“to show the audience that there exists a music of quality with inspirational words; music not about bullets and death that sings the praises of criminals.” The traditional music of Mexico is amazingly colorful, varied, and complex in its rhythms. La Orquesta Típica plays only music by Mexican composers and uses typical instruments, either from Raygoza’s personal collection or that musicians bring in the door. Whatever is on hand is integrated into arrangements made by Raygoza. Instruments include ten violins, a cello, a stand-up bass, a harp, three mandolins, two psalters, a marimba donated by the city of Chapala, three charangos, a clarinet, a transverse flute, three quenas, a vihuela, a jarana, two tololoches, two autoharps, a Cuban laúd, a ukelele, a banjo, a Peruvian cajón, an accordion, and about ten guitars. The orchestra of 40 to 50 participants is made up of “musicians of the

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

heart,” which is to say, those who love to play. Explains Raygoza, “We have whole families among us and an intermingling of relatives, godparents, and buddies, somehow all related. We have people who play guitar for a living on Scorpion Island. We have professionals, visual artists, photographers, sculptors, school teachers, housewives, attorneys, architects, and children in primary, secondary, and preparatoria. I myself am a newspaper editor (Página).” He goes on to say that the musicians come from a range of socioeconomic circumstances, from those having scarcely enough to eat to those who are very well off, but they all unite in their love of the music and their desire to learn new things and teach each other. The youngest player is 8 and the oldest probably an octogenarian, but who knows for sure? Scarcely 10% of the musicians read music, although it really doesn’t matter since most play by ear. All are currently taking classes at the Chapala Cultural Center to learn to read music. The 10% who already read music must learn to play by ear, for the music as played often departs radically from the score. The orchestra is fulfilling its mission, not only as far as the music and musicians are concerned, but also in delighting villages around Jalisco with the nostalgic sounds cherished by the older generation. Many of the great Mexican composers of the traditional repertoire did their work during the 20s and 30s. Americans are familiar with many of these tunes, but know them by different names and lyrics. Most gringos have no idea these tunes came from Mexico, among them “Bésame Mucho” and “Enamorada” (by Consuelo Velázquez, a woman), “Vereda tropical” by Gonzalo Curiel, “Solamente una Vez” and “Granada” by Agustín Lara, “Negra consentida” by Joaquín Pardave, “Mi querido capitán” by José Palacios.” We applaud Javier Raygoza and the Orquesta Típica de Chapala for keeping this great legacy alive. Their next local concert is projected as a first anniversary celebration in November. Watch for announcements.

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How Old Is Too Old To Move To Mexico? Mexico? By Bob Dietz

y 91-year-old father, Ray, sold his Florida condo and asked to move to the La Floresta Convalescent Home. It is seven blocks from my home in Ajijic. This is the story of that transition. I flew to Gainesville, Florida to pick up a man who had consolidated all of his worldly possessions into a bank account and one checked bag. That’s a lesson in reverse materialism. Our departure day featured tornado warnings and no plane was allowed to fly. We patiently waited in this snack bar airport for eight hours. My dad and I, and his trusty walker, stuck in airport hell. I’m waiting for complaints. But not one was uttered from his now parched

lips. He seems to enjoy this unavoidable delay. After the TSA groping, eight hours of waiting provides a perfect opportunity for a father and son to do a lot of catching up. Four bags of peanuts, one hamburger and three sodas later, the skies cleared and we apprehensively boarded the aircraft. He’s excited, but looks spent. But wait, is that the voice of an angel I hear? It’s the strawberry blond stewardess asking for volunteers to unbuckle, deplane, and be regally rewarded to help solve what has become an overbooking situation. This is going to be a test for him for sure. Just how much adventurous spirit does he have? Since I had no way to measure

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

that, I simply said paradise looks better in the daylight. It can wait a day. So we dragged our disappointed bodies back into the airport and stood in line for another hour with two nurses who shared our plight, and waited to be compensated. After spending the entire day in anticipation of his first flight since being in a World War II military plane 72 years ago, our progress is only fifty feet closer to Guadalajara. But still no complaint. Does this man have patient Mexican blood in his veins? He leans over to tell me that the two nurses want us to join them for dinner at the hotel restaurant. O.K. now tell me you’ve been on a double date with your father? How do I explain this to my wife? Yeah honey, I couldn’t help it, my father was just a bad influence. Why do I keep visualizing Rickey Ricardo saying, “Lucy ju got sum splainin to do.” After a very enjoyable dinner with our escorts and repeated assurances that the $400 each, gorgeous hotel suite and dinner was complimentary, he just floored me. He whispered, “ If the airline offers you this again tomorrow take it.” This isn’t aviation hell, he`s having a great time. What happened to the North American rush, rush, don`t let anything get in my way? Has this gringo achieved a more laid-back Mex-

ican attitude before we’ve even made an approach landing on Mexican soil? Fifteen minutes after we were airborne, he asked me,” How does the pilot put the brakes on and stop the plane in midair?” What? We are flying at 600 miles per hour. He thought we were sitting still in midair. I guess avionics have greatly improved since World War II. The retirement home had permitted us to paint and decorate his pool view room prior to his arrival. So he was pleased upon seeing his new digs. The love and care of the management and staff has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. In his first three weeks in Mexico, he reversed most of the ill effects of self-neglect. The cans and microwave diet was replaced with fresh food prepared by a loving cook. His ankle swelling disappeared in one week. Yeah, dad you can stop taking the Prilosec, heartburn medicine you’ve taken for three years too. The expectations of daily showering and clothes changes was instituted by the staff. A wonderful, and caring doctor injected some medicine into his hip joint and he parked the walker and started using just a cane. Even in Mexico, where ingenuity is highly regarded, his pants with the big yellow paper clip in place of the broken zipper, will not be considered stylish. New pants, a successful trip to the dentist and optician and he has completed a makeover that even Oprah’s producers would envy. How did all this happen so efficiently? Didn’t his age hamper things? No, it was all his attitude. It seems attitude is more important than age. I saw him even reach for the hot sauce yesterday. Dad, you are one cool gringo and even though I’ve lived here three years, thanks for teaching me to be more Mexican. Did we answer the question of how old is too old to move to Mexico? Maybe not, but we now know the bar has been raised to north of 91 years old.

FROM F ROM R RUSSIA USSIA T TO OM MEXICO EXIC CO WITH W ITH K KETTLEBELLS ETTLEBELLS By Ron Krayewski

hen you thought that the latest hitech exercise machine had arrived at your health club, the truth is that the best conditioning apparatus was in the free weight area, where the seasoned veterans congregate. The kettlebell or girya, is a cast iron cannonball with an over-sized handle. It varies in weight from 10 pounds to 160 pounds with a pood being the old Russian measure of weight equalling 16 kilograms or 35 pounds. Dr. Wladysaw Krajewski, known as the father of Russian weightlifting, was responsible for the introduction of kettlebells back in the early 1900s. It is the best single piece of exercise equipment for working the entire body that you will find. Today, many manufacturers produce kettlebells, and although the form, for the most part, remains standard, colour, size and texture vary widely. Valery Fedorenko, chief instructor for the American Kettlebell Club (AKC) has designed what is recognized as the Rolls Royce of kettlebells, by standardizing the shape to one size and varying only the weight

and matching colour. As a side-note, coach Fedorenko set a record 19 years ago, by pressing (known as jerking) two 32 kilogram kettlebells over-head 130 times in 10 minutes. In his late 30s today, he continues to set world records. Unlike other pieces of fitness equipment, kettlebells are compact, hence easy to store, relatively inexpensive, and great for a home gym. A kettlebell work-out can be completed within 20 minutes; it has both aerobic and anaerobic qualities. Giryas produce joint stability and endurance strength without the corresponding increase in muscle size. Although virtually unheard of in Mexico, kettlebellsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; popularity have increased world-wide, and are used by law enforcement agencies, professional athletes, pugilists of every type, week-end warriors and everyday people, men and women alike. (The author, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, is also certified as a kettlebell lifting coach by Agatsu in Canada as well as the American Kettlebell Club in the USA.) ron@senioronlinefitness.com

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

PAST EVENTS: Congratulations to all of the winners at the August CASA meeting. The presentation categories were Category A: Moroccan/Middle East Main Dish, and Category B: 3 Ingredient Dessert Challenge (with fruit, nuts and a liqueur). The decisions were difficult as there were so many fantastic entrees! Winners in Judges Category A: 1st Place was Susan Reynolds for her B’stilla-Chicken Pie. Winners in Judges Category B: 1st Place was new member and first time presenter Joan Lowy for her Amaretto Bread Pudding and Ginger Perkins for her Berry, Kiwi Tart with Almond Crust. Ginger received the prestigious Bing Award for her third first place award this year! In the People’s Choice Awards for both category A and B, two new members and first time presenters also won in the Judges Categories: Kim Cavelli and Joan Lowy. At the September 19 monthly CASA meeting, the Categories are Mexican Main Dish and Mexican Dessert. Interested in joining CASA ? Contact Mary Ann Waite, 2011 CASA President at 7661436 or email mawaite7815@yahoo.com. Visit the CASA website at www.ajijiccasa. org for a list of second and third place winners and for more information about CASA. Amigos del Lago made it possible for the fisherman’s wives in Mismaloya to present their embroidered clothes at a fashion show for marketing students at

carrots, turnips, parsnips, avocados, squash flowers, sweet chard greens, beets, eggs, cilantro peso, limes, and pots of cilantro, parsley and cactus as well as earthworm casings. Other vendors had marvelous assortments of artisan cheeses, breads and soaps; home grown tomatoes of all different colors and shapes; and even food to go such as vegetarian lasagna and spinach quiches. If you are not a frequent customer, bring a shopping bag and be prepared to be impressed. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Rebecca Lane bjlane390@hotmail. com, Enaj at luzypaz22@gmail.com or Louraisha at raisha999@gmail.com. What are all these people looking Javier Hernandez Jimenez, Ana Luz at? Zepeda Martinez, Rodrigo Maza The Lakeside Presbyterian Zepeda Church held a two day class on how to build Globos (hot air balloons) on August 16 and 17, taught by Ricardo Gonzales (who was a great instructor!) Fun was had by all as students cut tissue paper and glued globos together. The students in the picture, with Ricardo to the left, are watching their

Globos Class at Lakeside Presbyterian Church

Azu Bateman, Amigos del Lago; Rosana (UNIVA), Mila (Mismaloya), Maria Rosario Mendoza, Takasami, Olga (Mismaloya), Fashion Model (UNIVA), Alicia Cordova, Amigos del Lagos, Lydia Cortez, Amigos Del Lago. the prestigious Universidad del Valle De Atemajac (UNIVA) in Guadalajara on July 22, 2011. This community, as well as others, is having difficult times because of the depletion of charales (small fish) that the fishermen catch and low wages for the women who make fish fillets. As the women are skilled embroiderers, Amigos del Lago worked with UNIVA to make their participation possible. Approximately 200 marketing students watched 20 students model the embroidered blouses and shirts as well as manta top designs for men and women. It was a grand success with UNIVA deciding to sell the designs at the monthly students’ monthly Tianguis. Amigos del Lago needs donations of interlock and serger sewing machines for the fishermen’s wives. If you have one you are willing to donate, please contact Azu Bateman at 376 766-1654. On July 22, 23 and 24, The Naked Stage presented 3 plays “The Whole Shebang” was directed by Collette Clavadetscher; and Diana Rowland directed “I’m Herbert” and “The Footsteps of Doves.” All three plays were hilarious comedies! If you haven’t attended one of the Naked Stage performances, you are missing an opportunity to see some of Lakeside’s very talented thespians. The organic market is flourishing at the new Laguna Mall (across from WalMart). Open Tuesdays, from 10 am to 12:30, thirty-five vendors have an amazing assortment of organic food and related products. On just one table (pictured), the following prodDiana Rowland and ucts were for sale: squash, cabbage, lettuce, cilantro, Collette Clavadetscher

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

first globo successfully soar into the sky. The rest of the student globos will be launched at the Globos Festival in Ajijic on Saturday, Sep 10, 2011 at the soccer field across the street from Salvador’s restaurant. The Golden Strings of Lake Chapala provides free music lessons for indigent children, and supports those who cannot afford it with preparatoria scholarships if they can maintain the proper grade. They have provided scholarships for the past 13 years and all their income has been through volunteer donations. Now their coffers are nearly empty and they need assistance with 20 of the 50 students that they are currently supporting. Any amount would be helpful. (Ajijic Rotary Club supports 11.) For more information, contact Marvin Harthcock 376 763- 5093.

Class Globos in flight

FUTURE EVENTS The Ajijic Auditorium is for everyone at Lakeside. Now, this culturally important facility needs everyone’s help. The goal of Pro Auditorio, a nonprofit created for these facility improvements, is to raise 1 million pesos by the end of November, with a balance of 1.5 million pesos to be raised in 2012 and 2013. The state and federal government are contributing 1 million pesos each. The effort to make the improvements a reality includes many volunteers with John Keeling in a lead role. Purchase tickets to the following fundraising events at the Auditorio, LCS (10 to 12 noon), Diane Pearl Colecciones, Charter Club Tours and at the Organic Market. September 9 & 10 at 6 pm, and Sept 11 at 3 pm, the “Big Lip Sync Show” at the Club Exotica behind the El Jardin Plaza Restaurant on the Ajijic plaza. Tickets are 150 pesos for general seating and 250 pesos for VIP balcony seating. The show features dozens of local actors in 24 impersonations from Lady Gaga to Ed Sullivan. September 24 at 5pm: Noche Mexicana at the patio beside the Auditorium. Entertainment includes a ballet folklorico group, mariachi, and performances by local artists and starts at 5 pm, with dinner at 6 pm. Tickets are 250 pesos and include a delicious Mexican dinner and a complimentary margarita.

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An archaeologistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart may leap up when he beholds a rainbow in the

sky, but an ancient garbage dump, the older the better, produces true ecstasy. He joyfully delves into the detritus of long-vanished cultures, not for treasure (although that is occasionally found), but for old bones, discarded tools and, especially, broken pots. To the expert, the smallest fragment of pottery can speak volumes about the people who made and used it and the ancients were generous in their contributions to the science. The tradition of creating useful and ornamental objects from common clay LV DV ROG DV FLYLOL]DWLRQ 6RPH RI WKH ÂżQHVW SUH &ROXPELDQ H[DPSOHV FRPH IURP 7ODWLOFR DQG GDWH IURP %& EXW WKH FHUDPLF DUWV VWLOO Ă&#x20AC;RXULVK YLUWXDOO\ unchanged. Tools are often primitive in the extreme. A rough plank or a wide, shallow dish rotating atop a rock or an inverted bowl serve as wheels. Scraps of wet leather, felt or smooth stones help form contours and burnish surfaces. Broken pieces of pottery, gourd segments, ROG QDLOV RU VKDUS WKRUQV HYHQ ÂżQJHUQDLOV FDQ EH XVHG IRU impressing designs or piercing patterns in the wet clay while feathers, twigs or ÂżQJHUV VHUYH WR DSSO\ KRPH made paints and glazes. Firing is achieved by stacking dried pots above ground or in shallow pits and covering them with mounds of burning wood, dung and maize husks. W i t h such simple equipment, modern potters produce an astonishing array of works, some supremely beautiful, others whimsically amusing, a few garishly ugly, to gladden the hearts of future archaeologists. It would be interesting to know what those learned gentlemen will make of them.

Izucar de Matomoros, Puebla This buxom mermaid from Puebla is perched somewhat precariously at the summit of a column of water creatures. 6KH VLWV RQ D VPXJO\ VPLOLQJ ÂżVK DWRS a sly frog, a wary alligator and a turtle who seems pretty disgruntled at being low reptile on the totem pole. Though the whole is only slightly over eight inches tall, crudely modelled and painted with commercial paints in improbable designs and colors that would give a marine biologist a bad case of the willies, it has a whimsical charm that is irresistible. Given the current rate of wildlife extinction, our hypothetical archaeologists will probably conclude that all these marine animals are as mythological as the mermaid.

Acatlan, Puebla Animals have been a recurring theme with Mexican potters since the days when the ancient gods were noted for assuming zoomorphic aspects. Like his early ancestors, the creator of this highly bedizened cow was not about to allow mere realism to interfere with his art. The profusion of Ă&#x20AC;RZHULQJ YLQHV VSURXWLQJ IURP QHFN and withers may be all right but the WZR FDOYHV HPHUJLQJ IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;DQNV

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

DUH ELW VWDUWOLQJ 7KH ÂżJXUH ZKLFK VWDQGV QHDUO\ LQFKHV KLJK DQG LV ÂżQLVKHG ZLWK D EXUQLVKHG RUDQJH VOLS LV GHVLJQHG IRU use as a candle holder. Perhaps the archaeological conclusion here will be the worship, not of the golden calf, but the three-headed cow.

San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca Black glazes are common in Mexico, but only the potters of this area produce black wares with a lovely metallic sheen. Though they start with a local dark clay, WKH OXVWURXV EODFN ÂżQLVK LV QRW DQ applied glaze but the result of firing the dried pieces for 24 hours in a reducing atmosphere where the lack of oxygen turns red oxide to black. Burnishing produces a glossy black while unburnished ware is an equally attractive gun metal grey. Unless someone decides that the color black had some esoteric FXOWXUDO RU UHOLJLRXV VLJQLÂżFDQFH WKH only response here would have to be simple admiration for the beauty of the work.

Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato Post-conquest artisans were quick to adopt foreign designs and techniques. The majolica ware for which this city has become famous is a serendipitous mating of white glazed, blue decorated pottery from Majolica, Spain and the graceful shapes LQVSLUHG E\ &KLQHVH porcelain that was transshipped from $FDSXOFR WR 9HUD &UX] in great quantity during the

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El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

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El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

heyday of the Manilla galleons. This handsome, 15 inch tall, lidded jar is a perfect example of that East-West meeting but the swirling IROLDJH JLYHV LW D GHÂżQLWH 0H[LFDQ DFFHQW The cross-cultural confusion here will undoubtedly furnish our future scholars with fuel for endless debates.

Ocumicho, Michoacan These gleefully grinning GHYLOV FDYRUWLQJ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;DPHV RI hell with their pet serpents, birds DQG ÂżVK DUH IURP D 3XUHSHFKD village which specializes in such delightfully whimsical figurines. There one may encounter WKHVH ÂżHQGV RI WKH XQGHUZRUOG QRW only busy at their appointed task of torturing the damned, but also doing all sorts of outrageously improbable things. They ride motorcycles, drive cars, travel in buses, go fishing or dancing, partake of demonic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last Suppersâ&#x20AC;? and generally seem to be having a devilish good time whatever they do. One can imagine two schools of thought springing up over these figures. Some will assume that the people who made them were devil worshippers, pure and simple. Others will maintain that these are actually self portraits of an extinct human/ animal hybrid with horns, hooves, forked tails and a weird sense of humor.

Santa Maria Atzompa, Oaxaca The gracefully undulating swirls of alternating colors in muted yellow, burnt orange, green, blue and brown raise this mundane 0lla to the realm of true art. The sensuous curves are created by deeply scoring the wet clay with a piece of broken pottery and the resulting ridges are then indented, with a length of old rope or, as in WKLV H[DPSOH ZLWK GHIW WRXFKHV RI WKH ÂżQJHU tip, to produce the scalloped effect which gives this ceramic style its name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;ropedâ&#x20AC;? pot. Unless someone attributes some deep VLJQLÂżFDQFH WR WKH OLQH DQG FRORU RI WKHVH SLHFHV here again the response can only be wonder at the skill and artistry involved in producing them.

Ocotlan de Morelos, Oaxaca These three skeletal ladies are dressed to the nines in flouncy low-cut gowns, lavish hats, and feathered-serpent boas. They carry fashionable parasols and, somewhat incongruously, sport big black cigars while DSSHDULQJ WR ÂżQG WKH ZKROH WKLQJ XSURDULRXVO\ funny. These are typical examples of a facet of Mexican folk art that is unique, the celebration of El Dia de Ios Muertos (Day of the Dead). Unlike the scary Halloween symbols found elsewhere, Mexican skeletons are always seen enjoying death to the hilt. Future generations will be at least partially correct in assuming the existence of a death cult, but they will undoubtedly be hard put to explain the hilarious ways in which these skeletons seem to disport themselves.

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November 6 at 3 pm: Piano and Harpsichord Concert by the highly talented Michael Tsalka, followed by a Gala Reception with champagne in a private home. Tickets are 300 pesos for the concert, or 500 pesos including the Champagne Reception. November 16 at 4 pm and Nov 17 & 18 at 7.30 pm: Comedy Capers – Music Makers, a variety show featuring local talent in a series of short comedy skits, song and dance routines, directed by Pattye Simpson and David McIntosh. September 10, the Regata de Globos at the soccer field on Revolución Street, adjacent to Plaza Bugambilias, Chuni Medeles and John Keeling starts at 3pm. The hot air balloons (globos) are launched throughout the afternoon. Some soar up in the sky; some do not make it that far. This fun day is a day in the sun; perhaps bring an umbrella or hat; and bring a chair or a blanket for seating. Food and drink is available. A note to nearby residents: if you have solar panels on your roof, best to protect them from a wandering globo. September 11, San Luis Soyatlan’s first art show at the Posada Restaurant in the Hotel Los Crotos with the works of an exciting number of artists to include Cornelio Garcia, Isidro Xilonzochitl, Kathy Seaboyer, Antonio Lopez Vega, C. DePaul Durham, Jesus Lopez Vega, and Pat Apt. The Posada Lip Sync Restaurante Los Crotos is located at R. Corona #3 (carretera Guad to Morelia). A reception with cocktails is scheduled for 3 pm. Call for reservations: 387 764-0067. September 14, Wednesday, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #7 presents its 7th Annual “Fiesta de Mexico.” The Menu includes salsa and chips, chicken and beef enchiladas, guacamole, refried beans and dessert. There will be raffles, dancing and lots of fun and crowd pleasing entertainment by “Los Pios.” Tickets are $150 pesos. Cocktails begin at 5 and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Prince 765-3418 for more information. Tickets and further information are available at the Legion. For information about more upcoming American Legion Events, visit their website: www.americanlegionchapalapost7.org. September 15th, Cruz Roja holds their annual fund-raising bar-b-que at the Chapala Country Club. Doors open at 3:00 and serving starts at 3:30. The menu includes: chicken, ribs, tenderloin and chorizo along with Mexican and NOB sides. Door prizes and Mexican entertainment start the Independence Day weekend. Tickets are 250 pesos and are on sale at LCS Red Cross table, as well as from Red Cross volunteers in front of Super Lake and Lloyds. For tickets and information please call: Don Marie Fraser 376 766-4990 or Charlie Klestadt at 376 766-3671. September 16 from 2pm until 6pm, celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain at Lake Chapa2010 Regatta la Society. Catered by

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

the owners of Manix Restaurant, a very special and delicious traditional meal will be served: pozole, tamales, tacos al vapor, tacos and sopes for $150 pesos and a cash bar will be open. Children under 10 are admitted without charge and served free hot dogs. Children’s games with prizes will be in the LCS gardens. Entertainment is provided by La Voz Jimela with Mexican Flag Mexican music, Rafael and his international keyboard, and Chuy Jimenez and his 10-piece Mariachi band. Don’t miss the Parade of the Old Women with Rebozos and the Waiter’s Race from the Ajijic Plaza to the LCS gazebo. Independence Day at LCS is truly a Mexican family fiesta that Mexicanos and Norteños will celebrate together at LCS. For more information, contact Walt Bowker 766-5710 waltajijic@netzero.net Tickets are on sale at the Red Cross table at LCS and Diane Pearl Boutique. September 23, 24 and 25, The Naked Stage Readers’ Theatre presents “Betrayal”, a play by Harold Pinter known as one of the most exciting writers of our time. The Naked Stage is located at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), Ajijic and presents minimalistic theatre readings (no props, costumes or scenery) for an adults only audience. The bar opens at 3 p.m., box office at 3:15 pm and the show starts at 4 pm. The theatre is small so reservations are a must and may be requested by calling Ann Pinkerton at 766-5986 or email alandoley@gmail.com Donations are 80 pesos per person. Parking is plentiful. The Music Appreciation Society 2011 and 2011 schedule starts with a kickoff party on October 28, at Nueva Posada. The following concerts are held at the Auditorio de La Ribera de La Floresta: November 15 “Blas Galindo” Orchestra featuring the Concertoz Andaluz December 8 The Children’s Choir of Morelia January 19 Orquesta Filarmonica de San Luis Potosi February 14 “Classical FX” Quartet of Kennedy Center Opera Company, Washington, DC March 13 Compania de Danza Clasica y Neoclasica de Jalisco Season tickets are available at LCS from 10 a.m. to noon September 19 – 30. For further information, contact Kathleen Phelps at 766-0010 or email kphelps1@aol.com. Viva Fall Concerts – There is an exciting and varied line-up of concerts for this fall:. Local Concerts Concerts start at 7:30. Ticket prices are 250 pesos for members, 300 pesos nonmembers. Series tickets are available September 29 “Vocal Contrapunto” Choir, in St. Andrews Anglican Church October 27 Piano “Four Hands”, Guillermo Salvador and Rosalinda Preciado in the Auditorium December 1 Dolores Moreno, soprano with the Chris Wilshere chamber orchestra in the Auditorium Live from the Met Opera Bus Trips Viva plans to take a bus to all six operas offered this fall! Ticket prices $320 members, $400 non-members. Series of 6 operas for members $1,800. October 15 Anna Bolena, Donizetti October 29 Don Giovanni, Mozart November 5 Siegfried, Wagner November 19 Satyagraha, Glass December 3 Rodelina, Handel December 10 Faust, Gounod Calling all Vendors to Participate in the Lake Chapala Society Healthcare Fair, October 2011. The Lake Chapala Society is hosting the semi-annual Healthcare Fair, October 11 and 12 from 10am to 1pm. Lakeside medical service providers are invited to promote their businesses, services and products at this prestigious event. For additional information, please contact Lorena Rule at 376-765-7777. The Texas Club meets the Last Friday of the Month at La Tasca Restaurant on Donata Guerro at 5 pm. This month, 2 for 1 drinks of house brands with a limit of 2 (4 drinks total). The Rotary Club of Ajijic, luncheon meetings are now at Hacienda Ajijic Steakhouse 766-4906. Rotarians meet weekly for fellowship at 12:30 p.m., and meetings are called to order at 1:00 p.m. For more information about Rotary Club of Ajijic, visit their website: www.rotaryajijic.org. The Lake Chapala Society Blood Pressure Group is looking for volunteers with medical nursing training and experience in taking Blood Pressure. Contact: Mary Anne Molinari – mycasa17@gmail.com

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THE OJO INTERNET MAILBOX (Wherein we publish some comments omments about our previous issue.) .)

THUNDER ON THE RIGHT - AUGUST 2011 Dann Alexander The amount of misinformation in American Media about Canada is startling to say the least. But this is what we get in the age of Nancy Grace. EDITOR’S PAGE - AUGUST 2011 Gloria Bryen The Editor’s Page article “Uncle Sam Goes on Life-Support” is an eye-opening summary of what has happened to my country in the past ten years. I am glad that I am an American and do not take for granted all the benefits I received by growing up in the USA. Now I am equally saddened that a consistent tunnel vision, reactivity, and hero mentality on the part of our leaders would cause us to rush to wars even while putting the bill on our (my) credit card. It reminds me of the individuals I saw standing on street corners in my home town at the start of the Iraq war holding American flags with a sign: “These colors don’t run.” Well, they do fade. Fred Mittag The Editor’s Page for the August issue is like a light turned on in a dark room. And the light reveals a terrible mess. Alejandro Grattan has performed a great public service with this editorial. It should be published in every newspaper in America. Above all, President Obama needs to read it, so that he may recall a statement by President Kennedy after the Bay of Pigs fi-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

asco: “I’ll never listen to a general again.” Larry $ilver$stein Actually, Goyim, you have it all wrong. Those weren’t ARABS dancing and hi-fiving on those 5 white vans full of explosives, those were Israeli MOSSAD agents. (911 dancing Israelis) Those weren’t planes that brought down the WTC 1&2, that was NANO-THERMITE. (911 WTC Termite) Absolutely NOTHING hit WTC 7, yet it fell @ 5:30 (predicted by BBC) in a “controlled demolition” manner. (911 WTC 7 BBC Video) The ANTHRAX attack targeted ONLY 2 US Senators, Daschle and Leahy. Goyim--what had those 2 done 8 days earlier that none of the other 98 Senators had done?? They voted AGAINST the USA Patriot Act! (911 Anthrax) Over 200 TONS of GOLD was stored in the basement of WTC 1! How much was recovered in the cleanup? NONE!! (911 Gold Heist) Goyim-I collected $7 Billion! Now I have to go to Temple, then go down to City Hall to change my name from $ilverStein...to Gold$tein. Mark S Well-said article that expresses everything I have felt for a very long time! As an American, and as Christian, the last decade has been the lowest point for our country that I can ever recall in American history. The last 1/2 century for America has been like a tale of two cities - it was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. American best has been innovation, economic strength, and freedom, but that is all changing and not for the better. It has been the worst of times for America with rejecting God, the Bible and prayer, insatiable appetite for sex and greed, supporting the military industrial complex, self-focus career political leaders, DC lobbyists, and a media that is a lap dog, not a watch dog. It is sad to see such a great nation start to fall in a way very much similar to the Roman Empire.

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Focus on Art By Rob Mohr robmohr@gmail.com

Deep Fun: The Game of Art

t play, Lakeside artist Eduardo Xilonzochitl painted exotic animals on telephone poles along the road to San Juan Cosala, Estela Hidalgo combined found objects to create Ajijic’s new lakeside “Tears for the Forest” sculpture, and Judy Dykstra-Brown using found objects created story boxes and organized Art Play Groups. These Lakeside artists joined international greats Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) who created tiny universes in boxes; Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) who saw as a child to create art that led to the school of abstract expressionism; Henri Matisse (1869-1954) who painted natural forms and hidden emotions through primitive eyes; and, Robert Rauschenberg (19252008) who assembled found materials as psychologically evocative cultural comment. All created breakthrough works by playing with images, found objects, and anything else that caught their fancy. (Photo: Kandinsky, The Elephant) These artists invite all of us to come out and play. Are you ready? In creative play we constantly destroy old understanding and rebuild new worlds guided by new sight. Sculptor Constantin Brancusi, striving for primitive simplicity in his works, said, “Who is no longer a child is no longer an artist. At play, my friend Richard Craven collected everything that was not nailed down to create evocative, passion filled works of art. His playful approach led him to mail postcards full of stamped images to people all over the world. A new postcard school of art was born. William Spear, my design professor in architec-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

tural school, taught me to collect wonderfully shaped colored stones found along beaches. John Wilkes, a dreamer friend, built his home from drift wood, bottles and other objects brought in by the tide in Cherry Grove, NC. My own work has included collages made from bits and pieces of paper and images cut from magazines. Play is at the core of all of these appropriation and reordering processes, in which divergent thinking leads to break barriers, see new connections, enlarge our knowledge, and create new worlds. Here at Lakeside Art Play Group members assembled art-boxes filled with ‘art’ pages created by other members of the group, a process which allowed them individually and collectively to break into new creative realms. Psychologists have concluded that play, as creative reordering, opens our very being and enables emotional discharges which give new life and meaning to the objects, stories, or music we create. The grace of participating in this process of playfully reordering is freedom from old patterns, and new understandings. Play (and the play of art) creates a unique language and a vital new way of being alive in the world. Brian Boyd, in On the Origin of Stories (or Art), wrote. “We entertain and edify one another by making stuff up.” Try your hand! The web site www.playingbyart.com allows the user to appropriate parts of great painting to create their own new work of art. Give it a try. Google - artworks created from junk - and discover a whole new world of art and, then, imagine what you might create with the flotsam that covers the beaches along Lake Chapala. Who knows, you might become the next Carol Bove. See Carol’s art at www.assemblageartists.com/. Isaac Newton thinking of his creativity wrote, “I do not know what I appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only a boy playing at the seashore.” Become that child you too can be that little boy or girl at play. Rob Mohr

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THIS WORLD of OURS By Bob Harwood bharwoodb@hotmail.com Island Reflections

slands have defined each stage of a journey I began on Lulu Island on Canada’s west coast. Richmond, now a city of 200,000, was a different, dyke protected, rural world then. By bike I delivered newspapers and telephone books or rode a mile to the post office for the mail. We ferried to Vancouver Island or through the Gulf Islands to my aunt and uncles’s scenic 27 acres on Saturna. Four time zones away my Scottish forebears settled on Prince Edward Island in 1775. In the 1960’s I spent three memorable years in the British Isles, based in London but residing in the countryside. Business and family travels took me to every corner of the realm and to endless treasures across the channel. Islands also play strategic roles. The Romans invaded Britain 2000 years ago, William the Conqueror, a 1000 years ago. But for the Channel Islands during World War II, Britain has otherwise been secure behind its channel moat. In 1963 I sat in the House of Commons as Prime Minister Macmillan first proposed Britain move from behind that channel moat to share in an evolving European Union. When my wife and I were busy with demanding careers, vacations were shorter, perhaps to the Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas or other Carribean Islands. During our two decades of extended winters in inland upland Mexico we often traveled abroad during the shoulder season of each year. Every corner of the British Isles was probed in depth. We watched Princess Diana’s funeral on BBC from the Isle of Skye. We have seen much of Europe on river cruises, our hotel moving with us through changing vistas interspersed with experiences on board and on shore. We entered Canada’s Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence one memorable day at dawn. We have cruised on most of Europe’s great rivers, on Egypt’s Nile and China’s Yangtze. We have visited islands en route

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

such as Malta, Corsica and Sardinia in the Mediterranean recalling that on nearby Elba Island Napoleon was imprisoned. Nelson Mandella was incarcerated for 27 years on Robben Island before becoming Prime Minister and ending apartheid in South Africa. Darwin gave birth to his transforming theory of evolution in the Galapago Islands. In each era imperial supremacy has relied heavily on naval supremacy and distant island bases. We spent this March on the very special island of Bermuda. It was there in 1963 that my daughter learned to ride a bicycle. Barbara and I honeymooned there 34 years ago and have returned on special occasions to relish once more its physical and historic charms. This year we had an apartment in St. George’s, the oldest English town in the New World. Bermuda, discovered in 1505, has been strategically important throughout its history, a way point for America bound settlers and the slave trade, a key military base in times of war. A sophisticated global insurance center today, Bermuda’s charms are truly unique. Its modest area contains an endless array of bays and inlets connected by narrow strips of land or delicate bridges. Its climate is mild. Crystal clear waters show off its pristine beaches while ever darker hues of blue and aquamarine lift the eye to the horizon. March was indeed a month to remember. In July I return full circle to Lulu Island where my journey began 85 years ago. Biannually the Harwood clan gathers for a reunion of 40 or more, many of whom still live nearby. I delight in seeing the baton being passed to future generations on a wide range of values, interests, and skills, on their commitments to education and careers. I am an islander born and bred. Bob B b Harwood H d

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TUBA By Terry Sovil

Manzanillo & Colima’s Culture of the Coconut

uba: a large, valved, brass wind instrument with a bass pitch? Correct, but the tuba I have in mind is a coastal drink. This drink is made from coconut palm sap and is sweet and pleasant but can be fermented to a type of wine. Workers climb the palm tree, one not used for coconut production, and bruise the coconut flower stalk until the liquid begins to flow. The stalk is tied with bamboo strips and a bamboo container, or bottle, is used to collect the sap. Up to three flowers from one tree may be made to produce sap. Tuba quenches the thirst and is good for

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

indigestion. If you think “first thing in the morning” is 10am, you and I have similar impressions of Mexico. But the workers, called tuberos, are already at work at dawn. If you have never seen workers climb these trees to collect coconuts or prune the palms (palapas) you have missed a real show! This work, and tuba, is part of what makes our Mexican Pacific unique in its rich culture, habits, history and art. Tuba originated in the Philippines and came to Mexico, along with the coconut trees that line the highway to Colima, in the 16th century. The Philippines had been conquered by the Spanish and workers from there arrived with the seeds and the knowledge to cultivate sugar cane and rice in the rich volcanic soil. They worked with and exchanged customs with the local Mexicans. This sweet drink is also known as tuba in the Philippines. You will find this drink in the streets and markets of Colima state and Manzanillo. It is sold by men wearing white linen clothing calling out “tuuuuuba.” They offer the drink served from a huge wooden jug at a stand or from jugs carried on a pole across their shoulders. For just a few pesos they will prepare you a fresh cup of tuba served with peanuts. Tuba is collected in the morning and maintains its color and distinctive taste for two hours after being collected. Just five hours later, it begins to ferment. The sap can begin to ferment while still in the container on the tree, but the alcohol content increases with fermentation. If it sits for eight days, it turns to vinegar for cooking and pickling. The same vinegar used in a famous bread soup served at weddings and baptisms. The tree itself has an interesting history. Today Colima is dominated

by the coconut palm that is not native. It came from the Solomon Islands in the early 16th century. Growing in popularity it began to replace cacao as a more profitable crop with less work. With the coconut seeds came Philippine slaves. Known as Chinese Indians they were brought ashore in Salagua to evade Acapulco customs. Because of this, there is little historical documentation on them. The owners hid them to avoid the tax on slaves at the time. These new immigrants became free, landowners and inter-mixed with the local popula-

tion. The fermented tuba became a quality, low-priced wine which competed with the Castilla wine of the royal monopoly. Growers were persecuted under the guise of “social wellbeing and hygiene.” The Royal Audience of Mexico ordered the destruction of all coconut fields in 1612 but this order was never obeyed due to local resistance. By the end of the 18th century the Culture of the Coconut had become ingrained in the fabric of Colima’s identity.

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STAY HEALTHY! By J. Manuel Cordova, M. D. Internal Medicine & Geriatric Specialist Mdjmcordova1204@yahoo.com Later Years: “The Great Golden Time“ Part II

wo persons in ten in the United States are now age 65 or older, around 60 million people. Demographic data: USA now has neither the highest nor the lowest proportion of older people in the world. Europe has a larger PROPORTION OF THE ELDERLY, while Japan has a slightly lower proportion. Developing countries have far lower proportions; for example in Nigeria, the figure is only 2 percent. A little more than a century ago, the proportion was 2 percent in the United States. In industrialized societies, we can expect the increase in the proportion of elderly to continue. In 2011, the postwar “baby boomers” will start turning 65, and for each of the 20 years that follow, we can expect these elderly population to increase by about one million people annually (USA). By the year 2000, the number of Americans older than age 85 had tripled. At this time, we have more than 100,000 people 100 years of age or older. In other words, you could say that it is “IN” to be 65 or older. If you are a member of a growing group, you will have more company than ever before in history. Society also shows some signs of gearing up to accommodate the greater numbers of elderly. The US Census Bureau creates several alter-

native mortality scenarios when developing population projections, and according to their middle-mortality assumption, there will be 82 million persons age 65 and older in the United States by 2050. In that year one of five Americans will be 65 or older. Baby boomers will be in this age group. It is projected that 19 million persons, representing nearly a quarter of all persons aged 65 years and older, will be 85 years and older. There will be more than four times as many people in the 85 year and older age group than in 1998, and almost 200 times as many as there were in 1900. Thus, the number of older people is rising dramatically in proportion to the total population and the older population itself is getting older, with increasing proportions in the 85 years and older subgroup. Population aging is taking place throughout the world; with this overview we can predict that by 2030, Europe will have 15.5 per cent of those 65 or more, Latin America/Caribbean 5.5 to 11.6 per cent, Asia 6 to 12 per cent. The country with the oldest population is Italy, where 18.1 percent of the population was 65 years and older in 2000. Japan has the fourth oldest population with 17.7 percent aged 65 and older. Life expectancy at birth in the USA was only 47.3 years in 1900, and rose to 68.2 years by 1950, affected to a large extent by improvements in infant and child care. Life expectancy continued to rise through the second half of the twentieth century, driven mainly by an increase in survival care in middle and old age. Dr. Cordova

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Fur On The Furniture By Thetis Reeves

ow do you protect your furniture from dusty-pawed dogs and hair-shedding cats that simply refuse to stay in their place on the floor? Do you spread towels over the seat cushions? Or sheets over the entire chair or sofa? Or drape colorful Mexican spreads from the markets, convincing yourself that the effect is just as good as the look of the fabrics you chose so carefully and now rarely get to see? Do you run around when guests are expected removing the sheets, towels and blankets knowing that the dog or cat will soon occupy any chair that you or the guests are not seated upon? Do you pretend to be shocked when your sixty-pound dog wedges himself between guests on the sofa and tell them that he never gets on the furniture but obviously he can think of no other way to be really close to his two most favorite people? Do you tell the dog sternly to get down and he doesn’t, so you tug at his collar so firmly that it slides over his head while he stays put? Do you anticipate as you read this that the definitive solution to pets not wanted on furniture is

about to be offered? I hope not. Those answers may be found in pet training manuals and dog obedience classes (where the dog behaves perfectly until it gets home). No, what I’m suggesting is a change in your attitude. Get over the embarrassment and frustration. Think of Dog as Décor and Cat as Conversation Piece. Convince yourself and lead your friends to believe that your entire home is color coordinated with the earth tones of your dogs and cats in mind, that your sense of interior design includes fur coats that are vibrantly alive and placed anywhere but on the floor for best effect. Think of the cat that sprawls across the clutter on your desk as a paper weight, a very helpful, thoughtful one. Try blowing hard on the key board to make stray hairs float away. Consider your cat that ingeniously slips under the sheet covering the sofa to spread itself out of sight across your linen cushions as especially clever. Brag about this to your friends and they’ll want pets just like yours. Watch for dog and cat adoption rates to go sky high. Ojala!

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

What is Love?

remember being so excited when an elderly friend was celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary. I handed him a bouquet of red carnations and baby’s breath and enthusiastically blurted, “Congratulations! You must be so happy!” To which he turned and said, “It’s been hell!” Divorce rates are at an all time high: 45%-55% first marriages end in divorce 60%-67% second marriages end in divorce 70%-73% third marriages end in divorce So what is the point? We are all looking for love, but what is it? We were all in love before we were out of love, separated and divorced. We all relish the idea of ‘falling in love’ and many of us like falling in love with love or living in the state of ‘being in love’ - in that dumbfounded state when we are all consumed with that other person whom we perceive as perfect. We are intoxicated. We feel we can never ever live without that person - then, over time, it becomes like all the other relationships . . . routine, a bit dull, sexual attraction diminishes . . . maybe other people seem more desirable . . . is this a familiar pattern? The ‘drug’ starts wearing off - slowly but surely . . . what is left? You wonder why that initial feeling is trickling away and you can’t grasp onto it. Many people at this point move into new relationships only to experience that initial high over and over - like a drug, an addiction to newness. Seeing goodness in the other is a key factor - when a relationship is new - that is all we choose to see - we can’t do enough for that other person - we load up with fantasies and expectations -then slowly reality sets in and we see parts of that other person that we chose not to see in the beginning stages - the disenchantment be-

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

gins as does the criticism and blame. The relationship becomes ho-hum and mundane and we wonder “what happened?” Love is a Choice A couple of years ago a lady in her late 70s said to me “Dear, I want to tell you something. I had an affair.” My interest was peaked immediately and she continued, “And the affair I had was with my husband. I simply changed the way I behaved toward him. Instead of focusing on the things he didn’t do and continually criticizing him I decided that every time I passed by him I would hug him - tell him I loved him. From that moment on I never denied sex, since it was an expression of love for him. We had the best years of our lives!” Similarly in an online article by Gila Manolson, there is a story about a woman who was happily married for 25 years and she says, “A relationship has its ups and downs. The downs can be really low - and when you’re in one, you have three choices: Leave, stay in a loveless marriage or choose to love your spouse.” No one can disappoint you unless you have built up a fantasy world filled with expectations of the other. After many relationships and many life experiences, I now see that Love is a choice. I can choose to take - what can you do for me or choose to give - what can I do for you? What choice will you make today? (Ed. Note: Judit, author of the best-selling Canadian book Free to Fly: a journey toward wellness can be contacted at 765-4551 and continues to do her therapies from home.) Judit Rajhathy

FROM PARIS TO AJIJIC By Patsi Krakoff

hen I was a young model in Paris, my gal pals and I used to lunch on red wine and imagine our lives as old women. Now that this age thing seems to have happened, in spite of all the risks we took (too much wine, too many drugs, too many men), I remember some of our fantasies… We’ll be in rocking chairs sharing stories about Jean-Pierre, François and André… We’ll be scanning the obituaries looking for recently widowed husbands… We’ll be dating our cosmetic surgeons to avoid the high costs of revisions… We weren’t necessarily cynical, but old age seemed about as realistic to us as travel to the moon. We thought we’d be living a young carefree life until death struck. And I thought I’d have the same carefree values to boot. How odd that seems today, looking back. And yet, some days I don’t feel that much different than I was back then. The names of friends have changed, they’ve become older, and the restaurants have changed. Oh, I almost forgot… I’m in Ajijic, not Paris. The last time I modeled was for a Red Cross benefit in 2003. Marguerita is my friend, not my drink. All my drugs come from Walmart. What’s really odd is that I still see myself as young, an eye-catching beauty who, unfortunately, lives in a house that has poor lighting and mirrors. If I keep the lights low and don’t wear glasses, I’m fine. I have a high regard for the merits of denial. I’m like my step-mother when she entered a nursing home and asked “How come there’re so many old people here?” Even though I’m happily married now to a wonderful man, I still see other good-looking men as potential partners… for sharing a few moments of witty repartee. Perhaps

the sexual drive has become transformed into some sort of bizarre conversational libido. Who knows? Who cares? It is what it is. Anyway, what I started to tell you was about my changing values as I grow older. I spent a very prolonged adolescence in Paris, chasing fun, fame and fortune. It lasted 18 years. For me, youth culminated at age 40 with an existential crisis. Age 40 was the magical number signifying maturity. I was hit with profound philosophical questions, like, should I still wear jeans out to dinner? In Paris in the 70s and 80s, a city known for its elegant couture, we models started a trend by showing up at Maxim’s and Regine’s wearing jeans with elegant Yves St. Laurent silk blouses. And of course, a lot of bling from Harry Winston and Dior with Louis Vuitton purses. I started pondering such questions about the true meaning of life for months after my 40th birthday. Should I marry? Have kids? I had always dated older men. They seemed to have the chateaux, Ferraris and helicopters to take me to the South of France, Greece, and Italy. But something told me my future was elsewhere. So at age 41 I gave up Dom Perignon (but kept wearing jeans) and went back to my first lover: my books. I started reading fanatically. I went to every film I could see, especially film noir and Philip Marlowe movies. I studied psychology, literature and hypnotherapy. Finally, I sold my houses in Marbella and Paris, packed my bags and left Europe to go to graduate school in California. I said au revoir to Yves, Harry, Coco, and Louie. After 18 years in Paris, I returned to my roots, without really understanding why… muttering all the way, that ancient mantra of the Gods…”Who knows? Who cares? It is what it is.”

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ROY NOLAN—Have Movie Camera, Will Travel By Harriet Hart

ive min-utes in n the comm-pany of cinematographer grrap phe her Roy Nolan and y you ou u kn know now you’re with an e enthusiast. ntthu n usiias a t. His Hiss blue eyes twinkle; his his smile smiile lights lig ight hts u up p the room like floodlights dlig dl ight ig htss on ht nam movie ovie ov ie set. Roy, a retired documentary do docu ocu cume me ent ntar aryy fi ar film lm maker, moved to La Lakeside ake kesi s de si de w with itth Margarita in January, ry,, 2007, ry 20 2007 007 0 , after affte terr traveling throughout M Mexico i and d Latin America. They found a perfect retirement spot on the south shore of Lake Chapala. Roy’s plans to take it easy evaporated when he met Marvin Harcock and heard the Golden Strings Youth Orchestra: “Marvin inspired me to make a documentary film about retirement here on Lake Chapala.” Margarita was production coordinator and conducted 75 interviews with local residents while Roy’s camera rolled. Reformatting Retirement was premiered last October in Ajijic. Roy’s father was an electrical engineer and hoped Roy would follow in his footsteps, but Roy, armed with a Kodak Brownie, decided to become a fashion photographer so he could travel and spend time with beautiful women. In Montreal, he got a job with the National Film Board of Canada. He worked with a top animator on The Blackbird, met Canadian icon Pierre Berton and helped film his Oscar winning documentary City of Gold. After seven years at the Film Board, Roy “shovelled my VW Beetle out of a snowdrift but when a snow plough came by and covered it up again, I shook my snow shovel in the air and said ‘no more!”

Roy Nolan

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

He intended to move o LA but a chance ento c counter with a panhandler convinced him to rethink his destinat tion. “I had a meeting at Schwab’s Restaurant. I at was aabout to plug the parkwa was ing meter m ing when this drunk t told me I should give him the coin instead. “Do you want to end up like me?” he asked. “I dreamt of acting.” Roy took one look, gave him a buck and left town. “I drove all night to get to San Francisco, arrived to see the sun rising over the Golden Gate Bridge, and didn’t leave for 40 years.” “Filmmaking was just in me. I produced almost 100 films in my career from five-minute shorts to featurelength films.” His first feature film was Last Free Ride, about the Sausalito houseboat community’s battle with the establishment. “It was a hip pirate rock and roll movie,” Roy chuckles. Roy had many celebrity encounters. He filmed Johnny Cash performing at Folsom Prison: “I worked with Johnny’s wife, June Carter, who was a blast. One day she was sitting in the electric chair and one of our crew strapped her in.” He filmed Bobbie Kennedy in San Francisco. “He chatted with me. Later that day, I watched his assassination on television.” Travelling on a Canadian passport, Roy went to Cuba in 1966 to make the film Fidelisimo. The producer shouted to him in English, “Roy, shoot Castro!” and the next thing Roy knew there was something hard pressing on his ribs, a handgun belonging to one of the leader’s bodyguards. When Roy arrived at Lakeside, he’d produced, filmed and edited but never written a script. Now he’s a one-man band who does it all. He’s currently working on three documentaries about Lake Chapala: one about the north shore, one about the south and one for Todd Stong with an environmental focus, plus another about the five generations of artists who got their start with the Neil James Children’s Art Program. Roy turns 76 this July, but strikes me as the same teenager who decided in the 1950s that holding a camera was what he was born to do. He lived his youthful dream: to travel and hang out with beautiful women…and men, too. Well done, Roy.

No Idle Retirement Here! By Tommy Clarkson

ecently, for 107 days, with my once, Manzanillo, sun-burned, nose placed against the proverbial grindstone and formerly, retinadetached eye struggling for focus on the ball, I was back in the yoke of work. And though this time constituted grueling seven day work weeks of 12+ hour days, it was wonderful! I did so, once again, as a team member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Patty, my life’s co-pilot, and I had been professionally associated with this great group of soldiers and civilians in Iraq back in 2005-06 and then, a year later, in Louisiana, post Hurricane Katrina. Absent now, however, were the roadside IEDs and snipers of the former and the whiney, finger pointing and political edginess of the latter. This time, it was back in the U.S. heartlands - Omaha, NE. Our task was that of engaging the surging, roiling effects of unprecedented rainfall and mountain snowpack melt that had caused the record setting Missouri River flooding. Instead of a leisurely cup of “Morning Joe” under the palapa at 7:30 AM, the days began - reminiscent of early barracks bound Army days - rising at 0530 hours in order to be at my duty station by no later than 0645! In lieu of late afternoon cocktails on the terrace, it was intense participation in the daily late afternoon CODEL (Congressional Delegation) call with federal, state and local officials and then fielding a barrage of questions from the media from the eight states abutting the river’s upper basin. Soon, Fridays could have been Mondays and Sundays, just another day. One on top of another, Fourth Estate queries, often short-fused, clarioned from numerous phones or slipped in more quietly via e-mail. Rumors – sometimes to the point of ridiculous (“Is the Corps going to

large white boards that sandwiched a calendar of “X”ed out dates since commencement of the natural disaster. Elbowing for acknowledgment, blue markered, daily water release statistics – today, “160,000 cubic feet per second” – for Oahe Dam and reservoir crowded phone numbers for state emergency operations centers, departments of transportation and FEMA. Intently laboring on my left sat a fellow “Old Coot,” also brought back to active ranks as a “Rehired Annuitant.” He’s Steve Wright, a federal service veteran of thirty-five years

and who had preceded me into the Arabian sandbox. On my right sat, Thomas O’Hara III, who we’d collectively mentored, with whom we’d both served “over there,” and for whom we shared a fierce, paternalistic pride. Beyond his present Flood Fight duties he is, today, the USACE Omaha District’s Executive Officer. The experience harkened to mind a line – and no few other memories - with which we three could well relate: “One Army. One Fight.” Serving with friends in a challenge of consequence. . . What a great break from retirement!

blow up the dams?”) to be corrected – some, instantly, via the social media of Twitter, YouTube, Flicker and Facebook. There was data to be disseminated and press releases to be researched, written and forwarded. In the Joint Information Center phones rang, fingers flew across keyboards, and huddled heads muttered aspects of The Strategic Communication Plan. For an old writer and media relations guy – at the sake of redundancy - it was wonderful! There were energetic, enthusiastic young folks to mentor, middle aged, mid-leveled bureaucrats to gently admonish and nudge workwise and an occasional, senior who’d arrived at their post through political “correctness” or intrigue – with whom to contend. Thankfully these were few in number. Over here, national outreach or response to the Wall Street Journal, FOX News, NPR and Associated Press; over there, regionally, multiple daily questions from newsman Tony Mangan of KCCR radio in Pierre South Dakota; interjected in-between, earthy, practical questions by senior journalist Marshall White of the St. Joseph (MO) News Press; and then, third among the most heard from reporters, crisp, multi-faceted and incisive inquiries from Nancy Gaarder of the Omaha World Herald. All addressed from within a windowless room on the third floor of a federal building not far from the angry waters of the Mighty Mo, the Big Muddy. This space - called “Mr Jic” for the acronym of the Missouri River Joint Information Center - buzzed with activity. On the rear wall, large, permanent, brushed aluminum letters proclaimed this to be the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division, Omaha. On the opposite wall, more functional and ever changing lists under heads of Current, In Queue and Ongoing had been hastily printed on

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FAREWELL, KAY—WELCOME, SHELLEY!

ay Davis, the Editor of our Lakeside Living column for the past three years, has decided to move on to other challenges. Her cheerful attitude and professional manner has long made d her a favorite with both the public as well as her colleagues here at the Ojo. Moreover, Kay has always been willing to take on additional assignments. This past year she wrote and took the pictures for our Christmas layout on the orphanages in our area. She also did a wonderful job in handling the more recent spread on the Lakeside Community Awards ceremony. Kay Davis is truly one of those ex-pats who have made our beloved community a better place to live in. We will miss her. Our luck, however, is holding fast because we have found a wonderful replacement for Kay. For those who do not know Shelley Edson (but soon

will!), the following might be of interest: Shelley’s love affair with Mexico started in the 1970s, when you could still take a passenger train from the US border all the way to Merida. When it came time to retire in late 2008, Lakeside was an easy choice with its great expat infrastructure. Prior to retirement, Shelley worked at IBM, starting in the late 1960s with computers that are now affectionately referred to as “dinosaurs.” Twenty-five years later, she ventured into technical writing and finally internet retail sales for ten years. Best of luck, Kay—and Welcome Aboard, Shelley! ag

WORLD’S WORST SENTENCE By Mike Myers (Ed. Note: At the last Lake Chapala Annual Writers’ Conference, what follows won the “Worst Sentence Award.” It is also incredibly long. We hope that this does not inspire any of our other literary contributors, though it may tickle our readers.) Through the sleep-sequestered slits of my heavier-than-Iead eyelids, the Mexican sunrise began with the pewterdark to slate-grey to bedazzling-blue of another boringly-beautiful lakeside day and so did my wanderings in search of what I do not know, but this auspicious day I would find out by circumnavigating “gringoland” from North, imprisoned by the steeply towering rim of sedimentary rock precipitously uplifted by plate tectonics, now shades of dirty, dusty grey with a leaf -on-the-ground oak tree topping, but later, during “la temporada de lluvias”, shrouded in a dark-Irish quilt of the greenest greens, with an abundancy of overflowing creek beds, cascading waterfalls, and “arroyos imposible pasar de”, to the West, steaming and sweltering with the thermals of San Juan Cosala, so close yet so far from the frigid water of Lago de Chapala, “con mas topes” to stumble over, “y muchos restaurantes” to

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

sustain strength on my Don Quixote quest, then South and East along the disconnected and Mike Myers bifurcated “malecones” strung along the shoreline intermittently, leading me to Chapala Town, and, hopefully, to the San Greal in the holiest of lands which life has enticed and drawn me toward since my earliest, cognizant memory, with its cobblestoned calles and ages-old Mexican ways of life, barely unspoiled by modern conveniences and contrivances and... wait, what do I see at the next corner, beckoning like a desert mirage, but El Gato Negro, and through its worn and well-used cantina doors and into its cool, dark, and embracing acceptance, I stumble, tingling with anticipation for relief from my unanswered obsession, as the bartender gruffly, but pleasantly, as is the Mexican way, intones ever so softly, “Una Margarita, señor?” to which I immediately counter, in my best Gringo-Spanish, parched, dust -dry throat response, “No, señor, gracias.. .make it a Dos Equis, por favor!! !” Saludos, amigos!

CONCEPTS OF INTELLIGENCE Written By Thomas J. Hally Reviewed By Bill Frayer

ave you ever wondered why some people are very intelligent and why others are, well, not so much? What do we mean by intelligence? What’s the difference between creative genius and psychosis? Does our gender, our birth order, or even our physical attractiveness affect our intelligence? Are night owls more creative than those of us who do our best work in the morning? These, and many other aspects of the nature of intelligence are addressed in the first part of Tom Hally’s new book Concepts of Intelligence. Tom is a good fit with this subject. He has been an active member of American Mensa since the 1980s and in 2007, became the regular feature writer for Mensa international Journal. From 2007 to 2010, Tom was the editor of Telicom, the magazine of the American Society for Philosophical Enquiry. He has traveled extensively and publishes his poetry in both English and Spanish. The twenty-one essays which address the nature of intelligence in the book are well-written and easy to read. Many contain references noting the relevant research. Many of these articles had been published previously in the Mensa International Journal. As a poet myself, I was both pleased and alarmed to read the following: “Poetry is, undeniably, one of the highest forms of creative art, and some of the most creative poets are the ones which exhibit the most signs of psychoses.” The article points out the disturbing correlation between creativity and mental illness. Some of the most interesting aspects of Tom’s essays deal with the nature of intelligence itself. He discusses Gardiner’s theory that we actually have multiple intelligences, mathematical-logical, musical, spatial, linguistic, etc. Educators have realized this for many years and have developed tools for addressing students’ unique intelligences. Of course any serious discussion of intelligence brings up the issue of how one defines and measures intelligence. After all, I have known people with supposedly very high IQ’s who seemed to struggle through life. I was glad to read in one of his early essays that Tom put the IQ issue into clear perspective. “Several studies have indicated that personality traits such as consciousness and openness to experience are up

to ten times more important than IQ. Although the essays on intelligence are the largest, and I think the most interesting part of the book, the second section includes a number of autobiographical essays, poetry (in Spanish and English) and fiction. The interesting life Tom had led is reflected most prominently in this section of the book. Some of the chapters seem either out of order or out of place. For instance, in the first section, there is, among all the wonderful essays about intelligence, an odd chapter addressing how to set up an WiFi network. Another essay, more technical than any other in the volume addressed the subject of neural networks. These might better be included at the end of the section or omitted altogether. Tom’s an interesting man, and his eclectic life is well reflected in this collection. The book is at: The Bookstore Plaza Bugambilias, Ajijic, Diane Pearl Collections, Colón #1 Ajijic, Galería Mexixic, Calle Colón, Ajijic, Galería Di Paola, Calle Colón, Ajijic, Casa Blanca Bed and Breakfast, 16 de Septiembre, Ajijic.

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The Ojo Crossword

ACROSS 1 Express disgust 6 Wise Man 10 1.6 Kilometers 14 “Remember the ___” 15 Cheese 16 Same cite as previous 17 Inflatable boats 18 File 19 Flavor or sherbet 20 Pacific Time 21 Matched set 23 At the same time 25 Nearly horizontal entrance 26 Caustic substance 27 Disaster 30 Confer 34 Carrot cousin 35 Aching 36 Wing 38 Alerts 39 Card game 40 Ranker 42 North northeast 43 Legal claim 44 African nation 45 School 48 Terminates 49 Cut grass 50 Fake coin 51 Takes in 54 Skullcap

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

55 Lavatory 58 Less than usual in size, power or character 59 Onto 61 Water between cliffs 63 Open 64 Small particle 65 Went gently 66 Horse hair 67 Layer 68 Sari DOWN 1 Retired persons association (abbr.) 2 Alack’s partner 3 Log boat 4 Greenwich Time 5 Pilgrim shelters 6 Deserve 7 Jewish calendar month 8 Oxygen 9 Vagary 10 Setting 11 Wading bird 12 Fancy car 13 Paradise 22 Hubbub 24 New York City 25 Association (abbr.) 27 Kowtow 28 Silly 29 Uttered 30 Recipient 31 Smooth 32 Forest god 33 Napped 35 Business wear 37 Branch of learning 40 Snubbed 41 Impatient 43 Civil court case 46 Baseball player 47 Fold-up bed 48 Boxer Muhammad 50 Water radar 51 Eve’s husband 52 ___vu 53 Asian nation 54 Coop 55 Mislay 56 Mined metals 57 Chances of winning 60 Luau dish 62 Jolt

My Top Ten Movies Of All Time By David Harper

y criterion for judging great movies is

can you watch them three or four times and still be enthralled by them? Some great movies can be a “one time only” experience and a second or third viewing may be boring. Here is my list: Casablanca (1942) – The quintessential all-time great movie and it makes most lists. A combination of great cast, great screenplay and great direction. A little known fact is that despite having a big name cast, including, Bogart, Bergman, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains, the highest paid actor in it was Conrad Veidt who played the evil Nazi. And next time you watch it see if you can see Jack Benny! Godfather 1 & 2 (1972) – Two for the price of one here. Without doubt the greatest crime/mafia movies ever made. Like Casablanca enjoys the best of everything. Some Like it Hot (1959) – Greatest comedy ever made. The combination of Lemmon, Curtis and Monroe is irresistible. None of them were ever better in anything they did. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) – Errol Flynn at his swashbuckling best. This story has been made many times but never better than this one. L.A. Confidential (1997) – Rivals Godfather in the best crime film category. Who would have thought to cast two Australians (Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce) as L. A. cops. Great story (by James Ellroy), great cast

and great director Curtis Hanson. Breaker Morant (1980) – An Australian movie and my top war themed movie based on a true story (Scapegoats for an Empire). It could have been titled “The Court Martial of Breaker Morant” and with Edward Woodward in the lead and great supporting actors it holds your attention from start to finish. Veteran Australian director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies) at his best. One-Eyed Jacks (1961) – My #1 western, sorry Shane fans. This pick will surprise many but I believe this film suffered from being a Marlon Brando tour de force. The only movie he ever directed and its one failing is that it is a little long at 141 minutes. A wonderful revenge story that has all the elements of a great western but anti Brando critics hurt it. Last of the Mohicans (1992) – Produced, directed and written (with co writers) by Michael Mann and starring the magnificent Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye in James Fenimore Cooper’s classic tale. M*A*S*H. (1970) – Robert Alt-

man directed with a screenplay by Ring Lardner, Jr. The brilliant satirical comedy about war that spawned the wonderful long running TV series. Donald Sutherland in the lead as Hawkeye Pierce is perfect as is Robert Duvall as the hapless Major Frank Burns. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) – Quintessential Brit romantic comedy that introduced Hugh Grant to the American audience. If you’re not into Brit comedy then maybe it’s not for you. One cannot make a top ten list without missing other people’s favorites. Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia didn’t make it because I thought they had draggy moments that I found on the second and third viewings became boring. There were some wonderful underappreciated gems that I would have liked to include but couldn’t displace those listed. Gems such as: Annie Hall, The Ipcress File, Absence of Malice, Shawshank Redemption, The Crying Game, Pulp Fiction, Absolute Power (and other Eastwood movies) and I could go on. Try it yourself and see how hard it is to just list your top ten.

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THE 1860 SOUTHERN PLANTATION COMPANY By J. C. Kottler

(

d. Note: Please keep in mind that what follows is satire, with the author’s tongue placed firmly in his cheek.) Michelle Bachman and Rick Santorum recently signed a marriage pledge which said, “. . . a child born into slavery in 1860 was more likely to be raised by his mother and father in a two-parent household than was an African-American baby born after the election of the USA’s first AfricanAmerican President.” Many critics have deplored the implication that slavery, in any way, was a good thing. I just interviewed the famous rightwing billionaire, Reginald Clam III, and he had an opposite view. “Michelle and Rick should have been more outspoken about the horrors of Obama’s America, said Mr. Clam. “Life is worse for single parent African American families today than it was in slavery, and I can prove it. I’ve started a very successful new business, The Southern Plantation Company.” “You mean like in the 1920s?” I asked. “No, like a real Southern plantation in 1860. Now don’t misunderstand me -- I’m not saying there weren’t problems for African-Americans in slavery. I’m just saying the problems have been sensationalized and exaggerated by the liberal mainstream media.” “Are you really saying. .” “I’m saying let’s give the modern, African-American, single parent a choice. You can live in the filth and squalor of Obama’s America, or you can join us for a whole new adventure, all expenses paid, all housing and all meals paid.” “You’re not saying. .” “Yes, I am. Come to our plantation and rid yourself of the headaches of modern American life. Put all your worries behind you. You’ll never have to pay a bill, never worry where your next meal comes from, and you never have to worry about your children or your friends moving away. Once you’re here, you’re here for life.” “Won’t the women have to worry about being raped by their masters?”

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

“This has been wildly exaggerated. In fact, white masters never raped slaves on Southern plantations. Can you rape a chair? No. A car? No. A dog? . . . Well, maybe. But you can’t rape property. Do you think black slave women minded bearing light skinned children? No way. Light colored children had ‘good skin.’ “ “What about the whips, chains, and scaffolds?” I asked. “These are the tools which keep families together. Does a mother with fourteen children, (our minimum quota for child bearers,) want her husband to run away? Are you proud of the way families break apart in Obama’s America? We have a saying -- ‘Chains are the jewelry which stop men’s foolery.” “I don’t think you’re going to get many volunteers. . .” “We also have great opportunities for advancement. Yes, you may start off as a field hand, but you can advance to become privileged house slaves and skilled artisans. At the end of the day, once the sun has gone down, you can sing and dance with your fellow slaves, singing gospel songs, tap dancing, maybe even putting on an amateur Minstrel Show. This means a return to good old family values.” “What about laws against learning to read? Wouldn’t you be whipped if you tried to teach your children to read?” “Think of it this way. You won’t have to waste your nights in the arduous task of helping your children with homework. Who likes that? You won’t have to worry about your children’s grades, and they won’t hook up with the wrong crowd. When you work twelve hours a day, there’s no time nor energy left to get into trouble. That‘s the trouble with our kids today. Too much leisure time, that’s what leads ’em to sin.” Then he whispered to me, “And that‘s why they become homosexuals.” “I still think your business will fail.”

BREAKING EVEN By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez Reviewed by Anita Henry Professor Emeritus —French Literature

his finely-crafted novel of discovery and reaching adulthood is an entrancing read. The author has created a classical format; like a play in five acts, the five parts of the tale move the storyline along at a dramatic pace. Part One sets up the exposition as it involves the reader in the events of the protagonist’s eighteenth birthday and introduces the Texas town from which he yearns to escape. The author’s sense of place and character creation is so strong that the reader deeply cares about young Val Cooper before the end of the first chapter. From that point, it is hard to put the book down. It is perhaps Mr. Grattan’s background as a screenwriter that enables him to write dialogue that sounds exactly authentic, and to

along the way will not destroy him. We also come to care about the other characters around Val: his Mexican mother and her problems because of her ethnic identity, his step-father, his girlfriend Bonnie, and the wonderfully believable “Blue Morgan”—a would-be singer, down on her luck. This is an emotional book, not without grit, but with a final paragraph that satisfies the reader’s longing to learn how Val turned out. It is one of those rare novels whose characters stay with the reader after the final page, and which can be

re-read with pleasure equal to or greater than that of the first time. I also wished for a sequel in order to spend more time with Val. Perhaps Mr. Grattan could further entertain us with the details of Val’s life during the years covered by the last text break in the novel. It is a gifted novelist who can leave his readers craving for more. (The novel, published by Arte Publico, is scheduled to soon go into another printing. It can be purchased on amazon.com and also can be found at the LCS Library in the Local Authors section.)

create scenes that are surprisingly visual in a piece of written fiction. Whatever this case may be, the author is a gifted storyteller who keeps the reader hoping Val will succeed in his quest and achieve his ambition, and that his discoveries

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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. AA Lakeside- M+TH 4-6 Gazebo at the Lake Chapala Society. AA Women- TH 10:30-12 Sala at the Lake Chapala Society. 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- from September to April we meet the 2nd Thursday 2pm at La Nueva Posada. Contact Don Slimman 765-4141. AJIJIC QUILT GUILD - Meets second Tuesday monthly at 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 - (Located at Fito’s Restaurant in Riberas Del Pilar) Gen. membership 3rd Wednesday of the month 12:30 pm. Exec. Com. meets 2nd Wednesday12:30 pm. 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)- Therapy 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- Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September through April. Social hour: 3:00 pm, program 4:00 pm. Visit www.canadianclubmx.com. CASA DE ANCIANOS- Provides support for elderly citizens, 765-2497. CENTRO DE DESARROLLO AJIJIC- Provides family planning and reproductive health education. 766-1679. CHILI COOK OFF- Providing a carnival for residents raising charitable funds, 763-5038. DAR- (Guadalajara)- Daughters of the American Revolution, meets monthly Sep. through June. Cell:333-897-0660 or Tel: (376) 766-2284. DAR- (At Lakeside)- THOMAS PAINE CHAPTER meets every 3 Wednesday at 12:30 noon, September thru June. Tel: 766-2981 or 762-0834. EASTERN STAR ESTRELLA DEL LAGO CHAPTER #10- 1st Wed. at 1:00 pm at Hotel Monte Carlo. 766-3785, www.oesestrelladellago.org. ECO ORGANICO MARKET- Tuesdays,10 am-12-30pm, Centro Laguna Mall at carretera and libramiento. DEMOCRATS- Meets 2nd Thursday 4pm at La Nueva Posada FRIENDS OF VILLA INFANTIL (FOVI)- Provides financial support for children: www.friendsofvillainfantil.org. Contact Lisa Le: (387) 761-0002 or email : lisale888@gmail.com GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS- 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 the ethical treatment of animals and nature. John Marshall, 766-1170, alianzaeducationhumanitaria@ 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- Gardening at Lakeside with garden tours and meeting 3rd Wed of every month at Nueva Posada for noon lunch and program. Contact sandy_feldmann@yahoo.com. LAKE CHAPALA GREEN GROUP- Sustainable living for a better tomorrow. Meets first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Lake Chapala Society, 3:00. Everyone is welcome. www.lakechapalagreengroup.com. LAKE CHAPALA SHRINE CLUB.- Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm in the Nueva Posada. Perry King at (376) 763-5126. LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY - LCS- 16 de Sep. # 16-A Ajijic, Open Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. www.lakechapalasociety.org. 766-1140. LAKESIDE COMMUNITY AWARDS- We benefit all the community by honoring lakeside’s most talented. 766-3232. LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS- Board meets 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 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 Beverly Denton, 765-6409. MISION SAN PABLO- Helping 60 orphaned children ages 2-14 yrs, Bonnie Shrall - Bonnie@shrall.com #766-0009. www.misionsanpablo.org. NAVY LEAGUE, LAKE CHAPALA COUNCIL- Meets the third Saturday for lunch at 1 pm, Manix Rest. 766 4750 or 766-1848. NEEDLE PUSHERS- Sew dresses, knit or chet sweaters for local kids. Every Tues. 10 am at LCS. Call Linda at 766-2086. 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. PROGRAMA PRO NIÑOS INCAPACITADOS DEL LAGO AC.- Assisting Lakeside disabled children www.programaninos.org , 763-5010. PASOS MILAGROSOS (MIRACULOUS STEPS.)- Helping Handicapped Children Through the Magic of Horses. Saturdays 8-2. www.pasosmilagrosos. com. RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS- Meets 1st Wednesday at 1:30-4 Gazebo at the Lake Chapala Society. New members welcome. ROTARY CLUB OF AJIJIC- Meets Tuesdays. Fellowship at 12:30 p.m., meeting at 1:00 p.m., Hacienda Ajijic Steakhouse, Carretera Ajijic Poniente #268-7. http://www.rotaryajijic.org. SAILING LAKE CHAPALA- Meets for lunch/drinks - 1 pm the 1st Thursday of the month at Club Nautico in La Floresta near Ajijic, Paseo de la Huerta No. 57. Learn how to sail the lake. Visit www.sailinglakechapala.com for info and updates. SCIENCE OF MIND STUDY GROUP- Discussion group every Tuesday at 10:30 AM Lake Chapala Center for Spiritual Living at Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic; contact Rev. Tim at 766-0920 or tim@revdoctim.com. THE GENEALOGY FORUM- Meets monthly on the fourth Monday in the Sala at LCS, from 2:00 to 3:45. UVA - University/Vocational Assistance (Little Chapel by the Lake a.c.)- Sue Torres, 766-2932 or Lynn Hanson 766-2660. VIVA LA MUSICA - Bus trips to the symphony, summer concert series, call Rosemay Keeling 766-1801. www.ajijicviva.org. VOLLEYBALL IN CHAPALA- At Cristiania park Tues., Thurs., Sat. mornings at 10, 333-502-1264. VOLUNTEER HEALTH RESOURCE GROUP- Meeting last Saturday of each month at LCS in sala, 10:30. VOLUNTEERS OF THE CRUZ ROJA- Sponsors fund raising events and provides administrative and support services to the Delegation. (NOTE: If there is any change in the above, please advise us so that corrections may be made. Call: 765-2877)

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

All Saints Lutheran Church Worship Service 11:00 am 4600 Avenida Tepeyac, Guad. Tel. (01 333) 121-6741. Abundant Life Assembly of God Carr. 140 next to Mail Boxes etc, Tel: 766-5615. Center For Spiritual Living Celebration Service, 5pm Fridays, Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic. 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 1 services, 10 am. 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

September 2011 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I had the pleasure of spending a few hours on a recent Saturday morning, mostly sitting on the patio next to the cafe and observing people coming and going. What a treat! There were local children, some with their families in tow, making their way to the Children’s Art Patio for their weekly art class, which has been ongoing for over 55 years. A young boy, not in the art program, was playing with the koi in the pond. Two ladies, who were visiting from Florida, were enjoying their coffee and learning about our community and what LCS has to offer. Our great volunteers were on duty in the libraries, the service and information desks, the art program, and undoubtedly in a number of behind the scenes activities. There were book and video library patrons busily returning or selecting their “purchases.” A number of members were simply enjoying either sunshine or shade, reading a book or newspaper, and soaking up the ambiance. Not only were many of the “regulars” there, but some old timers who had been away from LCS for whatever reason and were returning to enjoy the camaraderie here. One of the few, but still dedicated smokers showed me the wonderful table that she had built for the smokers’ lounge area. She was tired of chasing after the plastic tables that were constantly disappearing and took matters into her own hands. There were a group of local youths that were harvesting some avocados from one of our trees and one of them had climbed precariously high into the tree. After getting him safely out of his perch, they were encouraged to do their gathering elsewhere. Maria, the young lady that staffs the café, was patiently helping her customers with their Spanish while serving them with a smile. There was a young family with their children enjoying a conversation and learning more about their new community. A small group of people were involved

in what appeared to be an important meeting. All in all, a very normal day at LCS, but it reminded me of what LCS has always been, but some of us may have forgotten, which is how much our Society means to so many people. Please come and reacquaint yourselves!

THANKS! Thanks To Dixie Vaughn for the donation, in the memory of her late husband, Jerome, of a new iron and tile table for the smoking area! Thanks to Diane Pearl and the Red Cross Volunteers for selling LCS event tickets! Thanks to J. Gibson whose name was spelled wrong in the last issue (sorry)!

www.lakechapalasociety.org

e T

Saw you in the Ojo 65

SEPTEMBER 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 Beginning 15 August NYLife/Seguros Monterrey Insurance T+TH 11-2 TioCorp M 10:45-12:45 HEALTH/MEDICAL SERVICES Blood Pressure M+F 10-12 Blood Sugar Screening 2nd+3rd F 10-12 Diabetes Management 1st +3rd W 1-2:50 Sign-up Hearing Aids M & 2nd + 4th SAT 11-3 Sign-up Optometrist TH 9-5: F 10-1 Information Desk M-SAT 10-2 Loridan Legal T 10-12 Los Niño’s de Chapala /Ajijic F 10-1:30 US Consulate 1st W 10:30-12:30 Sign up 10AM LESSONS Children’s Art SAT 9:00-12 Country Line Dancing T+TH 10-11:30 Members Exercise M+W+F 9-10 Members Have Hammers T 10-12+ TH 3-5 Intermediate Hatha Yoga T+TH+SAT 2- 3:30 Spanish Conversation Club M 10-12 Members LIBRARIES Book & Video M-SAT 10-2 Talking Book 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 2nd+4th +Last TH 2-4:30 Members Genealogy Last M 2-4 Great Books 1st & 3rd F 2-4 Ipod/Iphone F 9:30-10:30 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 10-12 Open Circle SUN 10-12:15 Scrabble M+F 12-2 Tournament Scrabble T 12-3 SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS AA Lakeside M+TH 4-6 AA Women TH 10:30-12 AL-Anon/Al-aTeen M 4:30-5:30 Breast Cancer Support 2nd+4th M 11:30-1 Cancer Support Group 1st+3rd M 11:30-1 Gamblers Anonymous W 11:30-1:30 Lakeside Friends of Animals 1st TH 2:45- 4 Masonic Lodge #31 2nd + 4th W 4:30-8, 4th T 3-4:30 MS Support Group 3rd W 3-4:30 TICKET SALES M-F 10-12

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Library News Special thanks to the many LCS members and friends for the overwhelming number of books donated in the past few months. Your generosity enriches both the Library collection and the lives of many Lakeside residents. Those books that are not placed in the library may be donated to local schools where students are preparing for higher education; small local programs that teach English and the contents of books don’t matter; offered for sale at greatly reduced prices or, are given to artists who use the paper for the construction of art and craft items that they sell. The Library has purchased a touch-screen monitor for the patron computer. It’s easier for everyone to use because it doesn’t require the ability to type or use a mouse. Search results include information on a book and in many cases, a picture of the book cover. A number of large print books have been recently purchased for our sightchallenged readers. Also, many recommended titles submitted on the Wish List have recently been added. We continue working toward enriching the collection as we are able to import books. On November 1st, fines for overdue books will increase to a maximum of 60 pesos. Due to increased costs of replacement books, payment for lost/ damaged/unreturned books will increase to 150 pesos for paperbacks, 250 pesos for trade paperbacks and 350 pesos for hardbacks. Library volunteers are conducting several ongoing projects. These include updating barcodes, culling unread books and unnecessary duplicates, ensuring that each book is correctly cataloged and in the right place on the shelves and repairing/replacing those in bad condition. Our aim is to develop the best library collection possible. Thank you again for all your support and cooperation with our efforts.

United States Consulate General - Guadalajara *IMPORTANT NOTICE* ATTENTION U.S. CITIZENS: The U.S. Consulate General visits Chapala and Ajijic each month to assist Americans with passport renewals and replacements. They also provide Notary Services. DATE: The first Wednesday of every month. LOCATION & TIME: American Legion in Chapala from 9 - 9:45 AM, The Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM FEES: Passport Renewal: $110 USD, Passport Replacement (lost or stolen): $135 USD, Notary Services: $50 USD (per notary seal). NEW PAYMENT PROCESS FOR SERVICES: In the interest of security, the USCG Guadalajara will be requiring all applicants to pay with travelers checks or bank checks in US$. The participating banks below offer the service for free. This new service will eliminate the need for applicants to bring large sums of cash to appointments. Participating Banks: BBVA BANCOMER - AJIJIC & CHAPALA; BANAMEX - CHAPALA (account holders only); CI Banco - Laguna Centro (Bank Checks, payable to “US Disbursing Agent”) For more information regarding this new payment process, please contact acsgdl@state.gov.

LCS Warren Hardy Spanish Program Term 5 begins Monday, September 12. Terms are 7 weeks long with 2 class meetings per week of 1.5 hours each. Registration per term is $600(MX); not including materials. Please visit our website for program description and cost of materials. Registration for Term 5: Aug. 29 - Sept. 2, 11 - 1 pm on the blue umbrella patio at LCS or any Tuesday and Friday at the LCS service office. Email spanishprogram@lakechapalasociety.org with questions. Please note that payment is due at the time of registration.

UPDATE FROM THE CHILDREN’S ART PROGRAM LUIS ENRIQUE MARTINEZ Who is Luis? Most of you have seen his artwork on the covers of the LCS Directory so you already know how talented he is. Luis has been with the Children’s Art Program since he was 12. Now 18, Luis has finished high school, graduating with a 97.5% average. This year, the State of Jalisco’s Education Department’s high school magazine, VAIVEN, recognized him as an up and coming artist. Luis’ Plans Luis will be enrolling in the Fine Arts and Graphic Design program at the University of Guadalajara in February 2012. Luis is working hard as he prepares for his education. Art can be purchased at Gérard of La Vita Bella, Racquet Club or viewed at LuisEnriqueArt.com. Our Plans We’re very proud of Luis, and in the tradition of Neill James, who inspired many of the known artists now living in our community, we intend to continue encouraging and supporting this talented young man. A unique group of supporters opened an account at Actinver Lloyd S.A. to help Luis with his college expenses. If you are interested in making a contribution, please contact Danielle Pagé at dpage@conceptron.com or Lizz Drummond at clarkdrum@msn. com for more information. You can also see Gabriela, at Actinver, who will be more than happy to assist you.

CASI NUEVO THRIFT SHOP We now have an informative, attractive brochure that provides information on the 3 charities that our store helps support. The brochure has details on what we are all about, which is educating Mexicans for a better future - for themselves, their families and the betterment of Mexico. The free brochures are available at the store and at the LCS Info desk. Please pick one up! We now have a wish list of items that we would like to have donated to sell: • Electrical appliances, coffee makers, blenders, toasters, microwaves, etc. • All bedding items including pillows, sheets, spreads, quilts, etc. • Kitchenware and tableware • Pots and pans Note: We cannot accept computers and peripherals. Even if these items are not in perfect condition, we will take them because we have a handyman that can do repairs. Please visit our store in Riberas del Pilar on the Carretera across from 7-Eleven or drop off your items in the LCS Dropbox next to the video library. Our charities are: School for the Deaf, LCS Community Education Program and Have Hammers Will Travel. Please contact Richard Williams at 766-1303 or RGWMS10@hotmail.com for larger donated items that we will pick up at no charge.

Ajijic’s Fiestas Patrias LCS is a sponsor of this years Patrias Festival, the Independence celebration sponsored by the local government. Board member Lois Cugini is serving as a judge to select the Queen of the festival. Enjoy the events and parade and then come to LCS that day for our own Celebration with the community!

Video New additions for September: Biography THE RON CLARK STORY 1998. Ron Clark, still relatively early in his career, leaves his stable life teaching at an elementary school in his suburban North Carolina hometown, the school where he is appreciated by both his fellow teachers and his students for his innovative teaching methods which results in raising test scores. Instead, he decides to look for a teaching job at a tough New York inner city school where he feels he can be more useful. MATTHEW PERRY, JUDITH BUCHAN 7.5 on a scale of 10 Comedy SAVING FACE In Manhattan, the brilliant Chinese-American lesbian surgeon Wil is surprised by the arrival of her forty-eight year old widow mother to her apartment. Ma was banished from Flushing, Queens, when her father discovered that she was pregnant. The presence of Ma affects the personal life of Wil, who is in love with the daughter of her boss at the hospital, the dancer Vivian Shing. JOAN CHEN, MICHELLE KRUSIEC. 7.4 on a scale of 10 Documentary THE UNTION BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. With up to 85% of 'BC Bud' being exported to the United States, the trade has become an international issue. Follow filmmaker Adam Scorgie as he demystifies the underground market and brings to light how an industry can function while remaining illegal. CHRIS BENNET, GEORGE BUSH X 2. 8.5 on a scale of 10 History INHERIT THE WIND It's all about the monkey trial that rocked America. SPENCER TRACY, FREDERIC MARCH. 8.1 on a scale of 10 Romance/Foreign THE SPANISH APARTMENT A strait-laced French student moves into an apartment in Barcelona with a cast of six other characters from all over Europe. Together, they speak the international language of love and friendship. ROMAN DURIS, JUDITH GODRECH. 7.3 on a scale of 10 Series (BBC) AS TIME GOES BY Lionel and Jean were lovers many years ago at the time of the Korean War. They are separated by a misunderstanding but meet again by chance when Lionel needs a secretary from Jean's firm. He takes her daughter, Judy, out on a date and discovers she is Jean's daughter. The two reunite and fall back in love. JUDI DENCH, GEOFFREY PALMER. 8.2 on a scale of 10

Would you like to teach English? The Lake Chapala Society is looking for volunteers, both full-time and substitute teachers to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to the Mexican community. No Spanish or prior teaching skills are necessary. New teachers are provided with a syllabus and a teacher’s guide book and will be paired with a more experienced ESL mentor whom they can call upon for help. Students range in ages from 15 and up. For further information please contact Inez Dayer, ESL Program Director, at Inezme@gmail.com

Saw you in the Ojo 67

LCS HEALTH CARE FAIR

SINGLES MIX & MATCH

Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 October 2011, 10-1 PM

Save the Date - Anniversary party at Number 4. Let’s Celebrate! A special cocktail is being concocted for the * Sign-up @ LCS Office, Lake Pharmacy, 293 Medical Center occasion. September 1st from 4:30 to 7, dinner optional. ** NOTE: Diabetes & Lipid Profile tests take place only from 10-12. If For information call Patricia Doran, 766 0794 both tests are desired, they must be done on separate days due to or inajijicpat@yahoo.com. testing criteria. $ Charge: Tests & Price lists at sign-up locations & test Don’t forget, check the Yahoo group for more details sites during fair. Pay on the day service received. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lcsmixandmatch/ 11 OCTOBER TUESDAY */** $ 10-12: CARE Lab: Various Cancer Screening, HbA1c Lipid Profile Film Aficionado Showings (12 Hour Fast) - Gazebo There will be three showings in September - 8, 22, 29 ** 10-12: Diabetic Testing –High carbohydrate breakfast TWO HOURS LCS Sala, 2 pm BEFORE (Pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, fruit, juice) - Gazebo The films will be taken from the following titles: * $ 10-1: Shots: Pneumonia, Tetanus & Flu - Gazebo BECK - A mystery from Sweden. 10-1: Blood Pressure - Talking Book Room BOY - A coming-of-age story from New Zealand. 10-1: Vendors - Neil James Patio ORANGES AND SUNSHINE - A very new Australian film 12-1: Lecture by Dr. Bernie Metcalf: Immunizations For Elderly - Sala about a scandal involving stolen children from World War II 12 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY */** $ 10-12: CARE Lab – Various Cancer Screening, HbA1c Lipid that have recently been uncovered. TRUST - Do you know what your children are connecting to Profile (12 Hour Fast) - Gazebo ** 10-12: Diabetic Testing – High carbohydrate breakfast TWO HOURS on the internet? MIDNIGHT IN PARIS - Woody Allen’s latest - a vast imBEFORE (Pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, fruit, juice) - Gazebo provement over his recent efforts. * $ 10-12: Skin Cancer Screening (Sign-up LCS) - Clinic & Insurance ALL THAT SHE DESIRES - A film from Spain that stars a * $ 10-1: Shots: Pneumonia, Tetanus & Flu - Gazebo young girl that will win your heart. 10-1: Blood Pressure - Talking Book Room 10-1: Vendors - Neil James Patio 12-1: Lecture: 4 Must Have Documents presented by Erik Slebos - Sala

Care-giver support group

Oktoberfest SAVE THIS DATE: October 8, 2:30 - 5 pm on the grounds of LCS. Beers, Brats & Bands is the theme for this all-day Bavarian party featuring music, drinks and good food. It’s a good chance to experience this lively holiday. Bratwurst and bun with German mustard, red cabbage, potato salad and sauerkraut. Keg beer will be served along with an assortment of beers, wines, beverages and desserts. Don’t miss it!

Being a care-giver can be an overwhelming responsibility. Managing all of the day to day chores & caring for the ill person gives you little time to meet your own needs. A caregiver support group is forming this month to help relieve some of the stress, and provide ways of coping & taking care of yourself. The group is run by a professional counselor with extensive group experience. No fee will be charged. Please contact: valerie_rhoda@yahoo.com, 766-4522.

~REMINDER~ Renew your membership by December 15, to be in the 2012 Directory. LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY 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) 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 MARGARET JOHNSTONE AT MARGARITAJOHNSTONE@GMAIL.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 / September 2011

Saw you in the Ojo 69

Service

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

www.tel.chapala.com

DIRECTORY Cell: (045) 331-350-6764 - VILLA SAN FRANCISCO

* ADVERTISING - EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 765-3676

* BEER & LIQUOR STORES

* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 766-5961

Pag: 73

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

Pag: 65 Pag: 66 Pag: 67

* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS - DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES Tel: 766-5683 Pag: 47 - EL PALOMAR Tel: 01 (33) 3635-5247 Pag: 67 - MEXIXIC- La Mancha Pag: 44 - THE AJIJIC ART HOUSE Tel: 765-5097 Pag: 26, 59, 62, 66, 68

* AUTOMOTIVE - GRUPO OLMESA Cell. (045) 33-3806-9231 - LINEA PROFESIONAL Tel. 766-2555, Fax. 766-0066

Pag: 27 Pag: 25

Pag: 62

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

Pag: 27

* BOOKSTORE - SANDI Tel: 01 (33) 3121-0863

Pag: 31

* BOUTIQUE / CLOTHING STORES Pag: 26

- FOLIATTI CASINO

Pag: 45

Pag: 13 Pag: 09 Pag: 15 Pag: 55

- SUPER PESCADERIA PACIFICO Tel: 766-2203

Pag: 74

- CURVES Tel: 766-1924

Pag: 06

Pag: 14 Pag: 16 Pag: 24

Pag: 49

Pag: 33

* CHIROPRACTIC * FUMIGATION/PESTS Pag: 28

- FUMIGA Tel: 762-0078, (045) 33-1155-7059

Pag: 29 Pag: 23

Pag: 32

Pag: 52

* COMMUNICATIONS * FURNITURE

Pag: 25 - MAILBOXES, ETC. Tel: 766-0647, Fax: 766-0775 761-0363, Fax: 761-0364

Pag: 15

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

Pag: 11

- PREZE - Custom Woodwork Tel. 762-0128 Pag: 65 - SOFA-COMPANY.COM Cell: 331-576-6974 Pag: 18 - STRESSLESS Tel: 33-3640-1283 Pag: 35 - TEMPUR, MATTRESS AND PILLOWS Tel: (52) 333-629-5919, (52) 33 3611-3049 Pag: 15

Pag: 57

* GARDENING

* BEAUTY

* CONSTRUCTION Pag: 29 Pag: 59 Pag: 15

* BED & BREAKFAST Pag: 45 Pag: 15

- ARELLANO Tel: 766-4696 Pag: 38, 39 - CABO DO MUNDO- INTERIOR DESIGN Tel: 766-0026 Pag: 27 - CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING Tel: 766-3626 Pag: 11 - EDIFIK ARQUITECTOS Tel: (045) 33-1431-2687 Pag: 45 - GARG - Arq. Gustavo Rivera Mendoza Cell: (044) 33-3952-6475 Pag: 47 - GRUPO MARALAGO Cell: 333-390-2764 Pag: 68 - JP HOMESERVICES

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

- L & R WATER GARDENS Tel: 766-4386

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

Pag: 18 Pag: 37

* HOTELS / SUITES

Pag: 21

- CRISANTEMO ROJO Tel: 766-4030

Pag: 68

Pag: 32

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

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

Pag: 45

* FITNESS

* BAKERY

- AJIJIC DENTAL Tel: 766-3682 - C.D. MARÍA LUISA LUIS VILLA Tel/Fax: 766-2428 - C.D. SANDRA ANAYA MORA Tel: 765-3502, 765-5444 - CENTRO DENTAL Tel: 766-2911 - DENTAL EXPRESS Cell: (045) 331-121-6518 - DENTAL HEALTH ONE Tel: 1060-826 - DR. ALBERTO DON OLIVERA Tels: 765-4838, 765-4805 - DR. FRANCISCO CONTRERAS Tel: 765-5757 - HÉCTOR HARO DDS Tel: 01 (33) 3848-5551

* FLOWER SHOP

Pag: 19

- CASA DE LAS FLORES Tel: 766-5493 - CASA DEL SOL Tel: 766-0050 - CASA TRES LEONES

* HEARING AIDS

* FISH MARKET

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

- JAMES DON SALON Tel: 01 (387) 763 1933 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000 - PERMANENT EYE LINER Tel: 765-3502

- FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440 Pag: 63

Pag: 13, 66

* BANK INVESTMENT

- BRENDA’S BAKERY BOUTIQUE Tel: 765-2987

Pag: 44

Pag: 03

* AUTOMATIC DOORS

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

* HARDWARE STORES

Pag: 56

- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Tel: 766-4973 Pag: 65

766-1760 765-4444 766-5555

Pag: 11

* CASINO Pag: 14

066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615

Pag: 53

* DENTISTS

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

- ARATI Tel: 766-0130 - CUGINIS OPUS BOUTIQUE Tel/Fax: 766-1790 - FIAGA BOUTIQUE Tel: 766-1816 - LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 766-5131

Tel: 766-1569 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Tel: 765-2224 Cell. (045) 331-135-0763

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

Pag: 13

* GRAPHIC DESIGN

- ADOBE WALLS INN Tel: 766-1296 - HOTEL LA ESTANCIA Tel: 766-0717 - HOTEL PERICO Cell: 333-142-0012 - HOTELITO ESCONDIDO Tel: 01 33-3719-2395 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, Fax: 766-2049 - LOS CROTOS Tel: 764-0067 - POSADA REGIS Tel: (33) 3614-8633 - QUINTA DON JOSE Tel: 01-800-700-2223 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152 - VILLA SAN FRANCISCO

Pag: 17 Pag: 58 Pag: 44 Pag: 52 Pag: 03 Pag: 56 Pag: 60 Pag: 07 Pag: 66 Pag: 25

* INSURANCE - EDGAR CEDEÑO - MEXICO PROTECT Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982 - LAKECHAPALAINSURANCE.COM - LEWIS AND LEWIS Tel: (310) 399-0800, (800) 966-6830 -O&A Tel: 766-0152, 766-3508 - 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: 51 Pag: 22 Pag: 23

Pag: 54 Pag: 58

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

Pag: 23 Pag: 35 Pag: 18

LEGAL SERVICES - HUGRAF Tel: (33) 8421-2513

Pag: 62

* GRILLS - NAPOLEON Tel: 766-6153

Pag: 17

- MAGO’S OFFICE Tel: 765-3640 - LAW OFFICES Tel: (322) 222 0499

* MALL / PLAZA - CENTRO LAGUNA

Pag: 10 Pag: 52

Tel: (376) 766-5514

Pag: 75

* POOL MAINTENANCE

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

Pag: 12

* MEDICAL SERVICES

Pag: 08 Pag: 14

* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Pag: 17

- COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, movile: (045) 33-1175-9632 Pag: 60 - FOR RENT Tel: 01 (313) 326 4283 Pag: 61 - FOR RENT Tel: 765-2813 Pag: 67 - HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT Cell: 33-1163-9686 Pag: 40 - MANZANILLO VACATION RENTALS Tel: (314) 100-6773 or (314) 125-2817 Pag: 63 - RENTAL LOCATERS Pag: 54 Tel: 766-5202 - ROMA Pag: 10 Tel: 766-3163 - SANTANA RENTALS Cell: 315-104-3283, Pag: 30 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152 Pag: 66

* MOVERS

* MUSIC/THEATRE - PRO-AUDITORIO - AUTUM ARTS FESTIVAL Tel: 766-5986 Pag: 59 - THE NAKED STAGE READER’S THEATRE Tel: 766-5986 Pag: 27

* NURSERY - VIVERO AZUCENA Tel: 766-4289

Pag: 65

* PERSONAL ASSISTANCE - 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

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

* REAL ESTATE - 1ST CHOICE HOMES Tel: 765-2484 Pag: 43 - AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS Tel: 766-2836 Pag: 12 - ALL IN ONE REAL ESTATE SERVICE Tel: 766-1161 Pag: 05 - ARELLANO Tel: 766-4696 Pag: 38, 39 - BEV. & JEAN COFELL Home Tel. 766-5332 Office Tel. 765-3676 Pag: 46 - CHULA VISTA NORTE Tel: 766-2177 Cell: (045) 33-3841-8867 Pag: 20 - COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, 766-3369 Fax: 766-2124, Tels: 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528 Pag: 76 - EL DORADO Tel: 766-0040 Pag: 02 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 766-5429 Pag: 56 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Cell: 33-1139-0066 Pag: 48 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: (376) 766-1660 Pag: 50 - GEORGETTE RICHMOND Tel: 766-2129, 766-2077 Pag: 11 - JUAN JOSE GONZÁLEZ Cell. 33-1113-0690 Pag: 29 - LLOYD REAL ESTATE AJIJIC Tel: 766-3508 Pag: 23 - MEXICO PROPERTY RESOURCES Tel: (315) 351-7489 Pag: 30 - MIGUEL RUEDA ROMAN Tel: 765-6557 Pag: 51 - MYRON’S MEXICO Tel: 765-2191, Cell: 33-1065-7688 Pag: 52 - PETER ST. JOHN Tel: 765-3676 Pag: 26 - RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925 Pag: 03 - SANDI ALLIN BRISCOE Tel: 765-2484 Pag: 43 - VERONICA NAVARRO Cell: (045) 33-1252-1349 Pag: 30

- BERNARDO LANCASTER JONES MD Tel: (33) 3813-2090 Pag: 10 - DERMATOLOGIST Tel: 766-1198, 765-2400 Pag: 46 - DERMIKA Dermatologic Center Tel: 766-2500 Pag: 18 - DRA. MARTHA R. BALLESTEROS FRANCO Cell: (045) 333-408-0951 Pag: 17 - ENDOSCOPY ASSOCIATES Tel: 766-5851 Pag: 20 - GABRIELA TAPIA Cell: 33-3816-5652 Pag: 44 - HOSPITAL ANGELES DEL CARMEN Tel: (01) 3813-0042 Pag: 08 - INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE - Dra. Maria Guadalupe Haro Villaescusa Tel: 766-1198 Pag: 50 - INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST & GERIATRICS Dr. J. Manuel Cordova Tel: 766-2777 Pag: 31 - ISILAB Tel: 766-1164 Pag: 45 - MEDI TRAVEL SOLUTIONS Tel: (888) 228-8972 Pag: 53 - PINTO OPTICAS Tel: 765-7793 Pag: 12 - PLASTIC SURGERY-Dr. Benjamin Villaran Tel: 766-5513 Pag: 31 - PLASTIC SURGERY-Sergio Aguila M.D. Tel: 766-2500 Pag: 22 - PLAZA MONTAÑA HEALTH & BEAUTY CENTER Tel: 766-5513 Pag: 31 - RED CROSS Tel: 765-2308 - SAN FRANCISCO - HEMODIALYSIS CLINIC Tel: 01 (33) 3614-4355 Pag: 43

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

- EQUIPMENT AND POOL MAINTENANCE Tel: 766-1617 Pag: 26

Pag: 66 Pag: 52 Pag: 54 Pag: 67

- CASA DEL WAFFLE Tel: 766-1946 - DAVID’S CAFE Tel: 766-2341 - EL JARDIN DE NINETTE Tel. 766-4905 - EL FIGÓN Tel: 766-5468 - GO LE CLUB Cell: (045) 33-3502-6555 - HACIENDA AJIJIC’S Tel: 766-4906 - JOLANDAS Tel: 315-351-5449 - LA BODEGA DE AJIJIC Tel. 766-1002 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, 766-2049 - LAS MICHE - MANIX Tel: 766-0061 - MOM´S DELI & RESTAURANT Tel: 765-5719 - NUMBER FOUR Tel: 766-1360 - PEPITOS Tel: 766-2060 - RISTORANTE DI AURORA Tel: 766-4013 - SIMPLY THAI Tel: 766-5665 - SUBWAY - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069 - TWO SPOONS Tel: 766-5089

Pag: 03 Pag: 65 Pag: 17

Pag: 65

* SELF STORAGE - SELF STORAGE-BODEGAS CHAPALA Tel: 766-0661, Tel/Fax: 766-1045 Pag: 33

Pag: 27

* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Pag: 61 Pag: 61 Pag: 62 Pag: 03 Pag: 17

- LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY Tel: 766-1140 Pag: 65-68 - LAKESIDE SPAY & NEUTER CENTER, A.C. Tel: 766-3813 - LOS NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC Tel: 765-7032 Pag: 47

* SOLAR ENERGY

Pag: 30 Pag: 07 Pag: 21 Pag: 56 Pag: 51 Pag: 26 Pag: 74 Pag: 12 Pag: 67

Pag: 06 Pag: 27

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

Pag: 13 Pag: 67

Pag: 55 Pag: 28

* SPA / MASSAGE - HYDROPOOL Tel: 766-4030 - RESPIRO SPA Tel: (045) 33-3157-7790 - TOTAL BODY CARE Tel: 766-3379

Pag: 33 Pag: 23 Pag: 21

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

Pag: 17 Pag: 23

* TOURS - CHARTER CLUB TOURS Tel: 766-1777

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

- EL GRANERO

Pag: 30

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

* SEEDS - CEREALS

Pag: 09

* TREE SERVICE - CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Tel: 762-0602

Pag: 68

* SCHOOL - INSTITUTO TERRANOVA Tel: 766-3999 Pag: 48 - OCTAVIO PAZ INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Tel: 766-0903 Pag: 24

The Ojo Crossword

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

Pag: 67

Pag: 68

* RESTAURANTS/CAFES/CLUBS - 60’S IN PARADISE Tel: 766-4721 - AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 766-2458 - BRENDA’S BAKERY BOUTIQUE Tel: 765-2987

Pag: 32 Pag: 69 Pag: 32

Saw you in the Ojo 71

CARS FOR SALE: Great 98 Subaru outback legacy, good working condi on bought in the States and legalized it, now has Jalisco plates everything in order and paid. $36,000 Call: (33) 3288-7874 FOR SALE: CRV 2003 $8,750 USD O.B.O. Leaving Mexico in October, must sell well maintained CRV, perfect for Ajijic streets and topes! Roof rack, cruise control, nted windows, rain visors, USA plates. Contact: Mark Villeneuve FOR SALE: “Vortec” 7400 V8 Gasoline Powered Engine, Full Size Bed, Crew Cab, Electric Brake for Towing, very good condi on. $7,500 USD. Call: Sue Hurst (376) 765-6334 FOR SALE: Car Dolly, new condi on, electric brakes, radial res c/w spare, led lights, e downs and locks $18000 pesos, call: (376) 766-7028 WANTED: I’m looking for a reliable Dodge or Chrysler Neon sedan w/ Standard transmission, A/C, clean looking. Contact by email: jimw2030@gmail. com w/asking price & where to view your ride. FOR SALE: For sale or trade 1999 Chevy van and 6X12 enclosed trailer. California Title. 42000 original miles $3500 US for both or will trade for a Jeep or Jeep type vehicle. Contact: Michael Hodge. FOR SALE: Motorcycle 2009 Dinamo Custom 150cc like new. Less than 3000 km, never wrecked. All taxes paid. Includes two helmets. $21,000 pesos. Check out at www.dinamotos.com for specs and pictures. Call: (376) 766-1757 FOR SALE: JUST REDUCED! To $5000 USD. Mercedes SL560 roadster. New leather upholstery and so top. 2 tops, hard and so . Euro cover. Manuals. A/C. This is a classic automobile! e-mail ccalfapietra@hotmail.com or call (376) 765-2598 FOR SALE: Excellent Conver ble. Imported, Mexican plates, insurance paid for 2011,taxes and importa on paid unl 2010. Motor 2.5 ltrs, working great. new res, new shock, magnesium rims, $35,000 pesos. For appointment Call at Cell: 33-1113-6192

COMPUTERS FOR SALE: New Router Whole-Sale. This model has two Bands & long range for all WiFi NetWorks $50. Call Hank @ (376) 766-0638 FOR SALE: Fast Laptop Wholesale. Free Cloud black-UP! Can Configure anyway you Like? Currently running Ubuntu, Fedora, & Susie! Plus hundreds of Free Programs. Call Hank @ (376) 766-0638 WANTED: Laptop computer in good condi on for a Preparatoria student. Call: Cathy 333 391-8305 FOR SALE: Mac PowerBook G4 15”,

1 GB ram, 80 GB hd, 8X Superdrive, built-in wired and wireless internet, OS X Leopard. Excellent condi on. $485 USD or peso equivalent. Contact: Michael McGrath FOR SALE: Magicjack allows you to make unlimited calls to the united states, canada and many other countries for one year. $650 pesos. Call: (376) 765-2326

PETS & SUPPLIES FOR SALE: Beau ful Old English Sheepdog-all shots-leashed trained. Alpha male. Needs lots of love and a enon. Call: 376-766-0376 E-mail: naplsguy@aol.com WANTED: looking for used quality western saddle size 16 to 17. Call: Brian 766-3387

GENERAL MERCHANDISE FOR SALE: Sonicare brush replacements (2) for sale. Advance Model “works with all original sonicare and Advance series handles”. 250MXP for 2. 766-4106 FOR SALE: Commercial Refrigerator - 4 door brand: Hussman - 5 years old good condi on $ 5000. Call: (376) 7666007 FOR SALE: Small Refrigerator. Almost new, 47” tall, 23” wide. This is a very useful size if you need a smaller fridge. $2000 pesos. Call: 766 5544 FOR SALE: Great BBQ. $1500 Pesos OBO. Call: 765-6913 FOR SALE: LG DVD Blu Ray. Never been used. S ll in the box. Great buy. 1500.00 pesos. Call: 765-6913 FOR SALE: Outdoor cast aluminum table, round 40” diameter w/ 4 chairs and cushions, includes 8 umbrella and stand, $3000.pesos, Bar caddy cart, white heavy duty plas c with wheels, 2 levels, push handle,$700.pesos,Call: (387) 763-2962 FOR SALE: FirePit, custom made, steel 22”x22”, 4 x4 table top led, seats 8, great for entertaining on a cold nite, $2000.pesos, Fountain with pump, pedestal style, decora ve 150.p, Pressure washer Arbruder, max PSI 2900, $600 pesos. Call 01-387-763-2962 FOR SALE: Armoire, solid light wood, 4 drawers and cupboard on other side to hang clothes, 4 by 4 , $800. pesos, Futon couch/bed, matrimonial size, brown floral ma ress, metal frame $500.pesos. Call 01-387-763-2962 FOR SALE: Cold water dispenser, Kelvinator electric, holds large bo le, 600.pesos. Call 01-387-763-2962 FOR SALE: Wine rack, 6 tall, twisted wrought iron decora ve, holds 10btls, 700.p, Meat slicer deli style, metal and plas c, paper thin to 3/4”, $500.pesos, Roas ng pan and lid, steel, knives and turkey li er, $350.peso. Call

El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

01-387-763-2962 FOR SALE: Roas ng pan lid and li er, aluminum, $200 pesos, Fondue set, electric Cuisine art, brushed stainless steel w. 8 forks, $450 pesos, Chafing dish, brass and copper, 10”, wood handle, lid and base. $400 pesos. Call 01-387-763-2962 FOR SALE: Transdermal Electrolysis System for Permanent Hair Removal. Includes fully-adjustable medically-regulated precision power system, panel meter, swab electrode, galvanic tweezers, hand-free clip, dermal contact electrode a achment assembly, and more, $2,800. Call Janet 766 1069 FOR SALE: Upholstered equipale living room set for sale. Sofa, love seat and armchair. Very good condi on. $2,000.00 pesos. Call Lilia 766-1069 FOR SALE: Whirlpool 7 cu . Chest freezer 18 months $4,000 pesos 2 5x10 area rugs, 1300 pesos each or both for 2400. Oriental rug 5x7 1200 pesos Contact: Eleanor Applewji Applewhite. FOR SALE: 8 foot DISH dish antenna, dual pickup and receiver. You can watch two diﬀerent channels at the same me. $500. Call: (376) 764-0075 WANTED: 10lbs dumbbells for women. Coated. Call: 765-4590 FOR SALE: Wolf professional stainless steel stove with 6 burners. Very rapid baking me, heavy duty burners. $20,000 pesos. Call: (387) 763-3266 FOR SALE: Like new American queen sized red and black futon/sofabed, very comfortable. $6,500 pesos. Call: (376) 766-7028 FOR SALE: Leather Tools & Books. $1,000 pesos OBO. Contact: lindarose51@hotmail.com WANTED: Mexican Swords and Knives over 100 plus years old. Call: (376)765-2891. FOR SALE: Carved Wooden Wine Rack with bo le holder in wrought iron with glasses holder overhead. $1600. Contact: Martha Spalding FOR SALE: Kitchen Cabinets, great for a kitchen, casita, or outdoor kitchen on the terraza! See photos, measurements, and contact informa on at h p://www.orios.com/cabinets/. $450 USD. Contact: Joan Pe y WANTED: Need canning jars and equipment. Please let me know what you have and how much you want. Contact: Dave Paterson FOR SALE: Hand woven “Oaxaca” runner or wall hanging, wool. 2 6 in, by 10 . Natural color (tan) with browns and rust colors. $1000 pesos Call: (376) 766-5331 FOR SALE: Cra s & Jewelry Items one small plas c box (15) drawers with beads, etc. for jewelry making and cra s $150 pesos. 10 tubes/bo les paint on glass/ le, new $80 pesos. Approx. 40 +

tubes/bo les for paint on fabric $150 pesos. Call: (376) 766-5331 FOR SALE: On an genset, electric start, heavy duty, 4kw gasoline powered generator from motorhome, excellent condi on. $1200 USD or equivalent. Call: 331 218 9649 WANTED: Looking for a used exercise bike in good condi on. Call Mike @ 766-2275 FOR SALE: Ver cal CD Player MP3 ready for USB connec on Digital Clock illuminated Modern styling counter top or wall mount out of box once $1,000 pesos Call: 766-4474 FOR SALE: Electro reflexology foot massager E-Power Electron stabilizer. Variety of organic soaps, shampoos & tonics, best oﬀer. Call: 766-0093 FOR SALE: Cement mixer, gas motor, 9 HP, bought new used only 6 months. Call Mike: 766-2829 FOR SALE: Protect your electrical and electronic equipment with a Delta Lightning Silicon Arrestor model LA 302R and a Delta Surge Capacitor model CA 302R. Both items are new and in original packaging. Call: (376) 766-3335 FOR SALE: We are mo vated sellers of a STI model KEHR-ECO 58-1800-30 large solar water heater. It is a 340 litre, 30 tube unit suitable for family of 8 using a pressurized water system. $1225 USD. Contact: Walter Corol FOR SALE: Portable Massage Table with face cradle, carrying case. $2000 pesos. Contact: Martha Spalding FOR SALE: Matrimonial bed with wooden base. $1000 pesos. Contact: Martha Spalding FOR SALE: King size metal bed frame. Unique and rare painted and adorned metal frame. $2500 pesos. Contact: Martha Spalding FOR SALE: 3 piece living room set. Heavy pine with mul -colored striped material. Chair, loveseat, and 3 person couch. $3500 pesos. Contact: Martha Spalding FOR SALE: A Morgan Brand that holds 4 people. 5 years. old, but never used. Wooden Frame. Pump has been checked and is in mint condi on. $15,000 nmp. Call for an appointment to view at 766-4086. FOR SALE: Box Trailer 4’x6’x8’ for sale. Wiring redone 5/ll needs res. Paid $1400-Asking $1000 USD Unlicensed 33-3463-9154 FOR SALE: Brand new and very recently manufactured Professional outdoor build-in grill/BBQ. Grill with “Servinox” volcanic stone , ideal for cooking your foods. It manufactured in stainless steel. $5,000 pesos firm. More info: paulus@theheerenhouse.com FOR SALE: Arbor 4 string elec base w/strap & carrying bag. $1,500 pesos. Samick AG-10 26w guitar amp & amp

cord. $700 pesos (IF sold seperately). Skylark violin w/ hard case. $800 pesos. Contact: Jeﬀ Gillihan WANTED: We are looking for Oriental rugs; various sizes, good quality. Call me at 766-4154 WANTED: I need a decent cello. (I am also looking for a re red cellist to read string quartets for fun.). Call: (376) 766-0277 FOR SALE: Philosophical Books: Gurdjieﬀ + Ouspensky; Helena Blavatsky; Ernest Holmes, etc. Call: Lucky Dave at Cell: 331-012-3396 FOR SALE: Restaurant equipment: cooking stoves, refrigera on, vent system, pots, pans, etc. Call: Lucky Dave at Cell: 331-012-3396 FOR SALE: Four wheel rollator walker -heavy duty plus basket carrier. Lifeme limited warranty by Lumex. Never used. Call Lucky Dave at Cell: 331-0123396 FOR SALE: Electric po er’s wheel, med. size high fire kiln, many high fire specialty dipping & brush glazes, books and misc. tools $12,000 pesos. Call Michael (376) 766-3443 WANTED: Looking for used Star Choice receiver and remote for television. Must be in good working order. Call: (376) 765-7629 FOR SALE: Many, Large and small plants in wonderful Mexican po ery. From $50 pesos to $1,300 pesos Call: (376) 765-7648 or email: il3queen@ yahoo.com FOR SALE: Grande Electric Skillet, Black and Decker. New 400 pesos Call: (376) 765-7648 or email: il3queen@yahoo.com FOR SALE: Danby Countertop dishwasher, holds 4 full place se ngs, faucet connect. 5 cycles white w/stainless steel interior & spray arm. Low Power Consump on. New in box, brought from Canada. $2800 pesos. Contact: Sherry Hudson WANTED: Walker with wheels, for older man, 5 130lbs. Call: (376)7653583 or e-mail: moewriter98@gmail. com 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 WANTED: Want hardware/so ware to convert VHS tapes to DVD disks. Call: Donald Williams at 768-2762 FOR SALE: NEW TOILET SEATS. Almond color. Oval shape. $9USD/110pesos each. Please reply to ccalfapietra@hotmail.com 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. Please reply to ccalfapietra@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Assorted Landline Telephones. Used $65pesos; New $90 pesos. Please reply to ccalfapietra@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Three Piece Living Room or Veranda Set. Occasional chair, love seat, sofa. Mexican made, Victorian style. Upholstered in burnt orange. $150 USD/$1,300 pesos. Please reply to ccalfapietra@hotmail.com.

FOR SALE: Assorted Voltage Regulators: 600 wa $150 pesos; 1200 wa $190 pesos; 1500 wa $250 pesos. Please reply to ccalfapietra@hotmail. com FOR SALE: Casio Portable electric organ w/hard case and collapsible stand, 12v/120v adaptor synthesized instruments, back up rhythms, digital recorder, earphone jack allows for privacy. Very lightly used, new condi on $2,500 pesos. No email, Please Call Lee Borden at 333-496-5883 FOR SALE: Professional microphone stand-chrome, adjustable height and boom. $400 pesos. No email, Please Call Lee Borden at 333-496-5883 FOR SALE: Harley Davidson touch lamp, new in box $400 pesos. No email, Please Call Lee Borden at 333-496-5883 FOR SALE: Bar Style Table. Round 30” diameter laminated top on 42” high metal pedestal base. Includes 3 tall, wooden, swivels stools w/back rests and brass foot rails. Excellent condi on, $3,500 pesos. No email, Please Call Lee Borden at 333-496-5883 FOR SALE: This is just the LMB for a dish to get Dish Network. 3 years old. $150 pesos. Call: (376) 765-4590

COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE: Unique one of a kind Christmas ornament. Framed brass ornament of King’s Bangor, Maine home. Cer ficate of authen city included. Would be like a piece of Mark Twain’s house today! $275 USD. Call Barb 376765-4637 FOR SALE: Box cameras (early 1900s), the very first Polaroid Model 95 (1948), German Fine a 1950 35mm, Eumig C3 Austrian 1959 3-lens turret 8mm with case & instruc on manual. Contact: Ron Russell FOR SALE: Have photo of Elizabeth Taylor given to me and personalized by her. I needed to go her place for business and she was home. She just I guess divorced and wanted to having something repaired. I met her twice at her home in Bel Aire. $2,500 pesos Contact: Frank Raimo FOR SALE: Incredible collec on of 750 diﬀerent Mexican stamps, all pictorial, all mint and never hinged, only $200 USD. Call James Tipton, (376) 7657689.

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El Ojo del Lago / September 2011

Saw you in the Ojo 75