Vallarta Tribune - Issue 1184 Deceber 12, 2019

December 12, 2019

Year 22

Free Isue 1184

Final Issue

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END e d ui

G e

e r F

WWW.VALLARTATRIBUNE.COM | FB/VTATRIBUNE | TWITTER @VALLARTATRIBUNE | INSTAGRAM @VALLARTATRIBUNE

December 12, 2019

I have been told that this is the last Vallarta tribune. I find this‌

I

have been told that this is the last Vallarta tribune . I find this very sad and also a sign of the times. The Tribune has always been very good to me, publishing articles and very encouraging with all my endeavors. I am so sorry that the paper comes to an end, although there is a part of me that doesn’t want to believe it!

I would like to thank everyone for helping me, particularly Rebecca, who has always been a friend and encouraged the newspaper to promote my business .

With this in mind I would like

to invite new and old friends and customers to my annual holiday party and open house on Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th from 1 to 8. It will be fun opportunity to bring in the holiday spirt, ending 2019 and moving into 2020.

I will be showing my new work and a chance for all of us to get together.

Hope you can make it! My gallery is located on Francisca Rodriquez #200, one block up the hill from Olas Altas, the same street as the pier in old town.

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Welcome

December 12, 2019

Welcome to Puerto Calling in Mexico Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

A

t the Vallarta Tribune we want you to have the best experience possible while you explore Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas and Riviera Nayarit.

Here are some helpful tips for traveling.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco and the southern part Nayarit are on Central time – if you’re heading further north than Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, remember the time change so you don’t miss your flight.

BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from El Tuito in the south to San Pancho in the north and all the spots in between.

Fares vary according to distances travelled, but the base fare is 10 pesos. If you’re going further than San Pancho, head to the main bus terminal to catch a ‘Pacifico’ bus.

TAXIS: There are set fares within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver. Make a note of the taxi number in case you leave something behind. Drivers typically do not carry change.

UBER: New in 2017 to Puerto Vallarta, Uber is still experiencing some growing pains particularly in the state of Nayarit. Uber is cheaper than a taxi usually.

GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The most hassle-free way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos.

Exchange houses offer higher rates and banks are remiss to change dollars to pesos if you don’t hold an account with them. Best to use ATM’s that are affiliated with a reputable bank located in well lit secure areas.

TIPPING: In general you should tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Taxi or Uber drivers – 10-20 pesos. The person who bags your groceries or helps load your car – 10-20 pesos. Don’t forget to tip Conservation takes flight in protection of the Horcones River and other critical habitats of local Military Macaw.

Photo by: Wildlife Conservationist Ricky "Zen" Lazenko In living Focus “The Fine Art of Conservation" Instagram: @inlivingfocus Web: https://rickyzen.zenfolio.com

your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment on your tour. And by all means, tip more if you want, wages are extremely low in Mexico.

DRINKING WATER: While Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two decades, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. Don’t wreck your holiday – buy bottle water.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with the street dog outside your hotel is easy to do and it’s also easy to bring them home with you.

The process is inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here.

While Mexico is a tolerant culture, politeness is paramount. Don’t pee in the streets. Don’t flash your money or expensive gadgets. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Know where you are going. Pay your bills (and don’t forget to tip).

And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis or Ubers are cheap and plentiful. Fines are very expensive. You can go to jail and your vehicle impounded.

There are many checkstops on the weekends, and you will be asked to take a breathalizer test if they suspect you have been drinking.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse in Mexico, or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation, be aware that often guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada.

Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemi.zamora@cps.media Editor Neil Gerlowski editor@vallartatribune.com Sales Team editor@vallartatribune.com Designer Mauricio Aguirre maudanagui@hotmail.com

(UPDATED AUGUST 2019)

LOCAL CALLS WITHIN MEXICO All calls within Mexico can now be dialed using the 10-digit telephone number (usually a two- or three-digit area code plus an eight- or seven-digit number) from a landline or cell phone, eliminating the need for prefixes, such as 01, 044 or 045.

In Mexico, most cities use a three-digit area code, notable exceptions being CDMX, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

LONG DISTANCE CALLS WITHIN MEXICO Same procedure as above applies.

LONG DISTANCE CALLS TO MEXICO FROM ABROAD If you are making a long-distance call to Mexico from abroad, simply add the country code (52) to the 10-digit number as described above.

CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS (The following procedure predates the August 2019 update. We are waiting for specific information regarding toll-free calls within Mexico and to numbers elsewhere.)

Some toll-free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. Those that do work are often not toll-free. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM MEXICO US & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + Number Elsewhere: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

FIRE DEPARTMENT: 322.223.9476 AMBULANCE: 322.222.1533 IMMIGRATION: 322.224.7719 CONSUMER PROTECTION: 01.800.468.8722

Emergencies: 911 Red Cross: 065

TOURISM OFFICES Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 CONSULATES American Consulate 24 hrs 01-332-268-2100 Canadian Consulate 322.293.0098 322.293.0099 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

months of November and December Ahoy Cruisers! In thePuerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

In port this month NAME NORWEGIAN CRUISES ROYAL CARIBBEAN SEVEN SEAS HOLLAND AMERICA ROYAL CARIBBEAN NORWEGIAN CRUISES CARNIVAL CARNIVAL NORWEGIAN CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES HOLLAND AMERICA NORWEGIAN CRUISES

welcomes 75103 passengers! ¡Bienvenidos!

PASS DATE 3,883 28.11.2019 2,435 28.11.2019 490 01.12.2019 1,404 03.12.2019 2,435 04.12.2019 2,240 04.12.2019 4,980 05.12.2019 2,680 05.12.2019 3,883 05.12.2019 3,080 06.12.2019 1,404 09.12.2019 2,240 11.12.2019

NORWEGIAN CRUISES CARNIVAL NORWEGIAN CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES NORWEGIAN CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES CARNIVAL NORWEGIAN CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES NORWEGIAN CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES CARNIVAL

3,883 12.12.2019 4,980 17.12.2019 2,240 18.12.2019 3,600 18.12.2019 3,883 19.12.2019 2,600 24.12.2019 4,980 24.12.2019 2,240 25.12.2019 3,600 25.12.2019 3,883 26.12.2019 3,080 30.12.2019 4,980 31.12.2019

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host.

We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment.

Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana S.A. de C.V. Oficinas: 21 de Marzo 1174, Col. Lomas de Coapinole, CP48290, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 * www.vallartatribune.com * https://www.facebook.com/VtaTribune/

Editorial

December 12, 2019

Final Note From Your Editor Neil Gerlowski

editor@vallartatribune.com

J

umping into the role of editor of the Vallarta Tribune without a formal onboarding and just as our booming tourist destination was diving into high season must be comparable to jumping on the back of a bull who has already seen red.

If it was not for long-distance counsel from Madeline Milne, our outgoing editor; dedicated assistance from Marcia Blondin, long-time columnist and former interim editor; a constant stream of engaging content from our columnists; and the creative initiative of Cynthia Andrade, our graphic designer of 20 years in her position — I would likely have fallen off the bull and gotten trampled within short order.

Yet with this help to keep me going, I hung on through the rough ride and soon found myself walking alongside the bull, leading him at times and getting pulled along at others.

Not yet a docile creature like Ferdinand the Bull of Munro Leaf ’s imagination and later Disney fame, my bull could still intimidate and thrill, but we were developing a rhythm and making friends together along the way.

Today, I like you mourn the loss of Puerto Vallarta’s most widely distributed newspaper.

Many are angry and want words with the matador.

But it appears that no one capped sword-bearer has brought about the demise of this publication. As a society, our consumption of news, editorials, and other content has so shifted during the digital age that piles of printing presses the world over have been either sent to museums or recycling centers.

Some newspapers find a new life as online-only publications, few consumers even realizing that the printed format is no

longer available. Sadly, in the case of the Vallarta Tribune, this does not appear likely to happen.

Late last week, I was told that this issue would be the paper’s final and that the Vallarta Tribune’s website will continue only as an archive.

The Tribune’s Spanish language sister publication, La Tribuna de La Bahía, is also being cut and will publish its final issue the day after tomorrow after nearly 30 years of continuous daily publication.

Fernando González Corona, the owner of CPS Media, the corporate parent company of the Vallarta Tribune, and David Cuevas García, the corporation’s CEO, wish to thank the Puerto Vallarta community and especially its advertising clients for keeping the paper going strong for nearly 23 years.

They hope that many, if not most of these clients, switch to advertising with CPS Media’s TV Mar and Radiante, its FM radio station. It is to you that they dedicate this final issue of the Vallarta Tribune.

Special discounted offerings with TV Mar and Radiante, as well as other advertising opportunities, are now available through CPS Media’s commercial director, Iván Galván <ivan.galvan@cps.media> and his sales team.

For my part, I thank you, our Puerto Vallarta community, for our journey together and look forward to new adventures ahead.

Los mejores deseos para el futuro, Su editor jinete de toros, Neil Gerlowski

05

06

Local Voices From Here

Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

Aside from contributing to the Tribune for several years, Marcia is a skilled artisan, specializing in repurposing jewelry and selling her creations at the Marsol Friday Market by the Pier.

Dec 5-Dec. 11, 2019

Here, There, and Everywhere

I

was honored last week to attend not one but two GALA events.

The first, Illumination III, at condo Shangri-la in Marina Vallarta, was held to support Pasitos de Luz. The setting was so lovely; we were poolside, on the beach, in the moonlight, fed glorious food prepared by Restaurants De Cantaro, Barrio Bistro (Memo himself was in the kitchen!), and Tintoque.

The wine flowed like water overseen by emcees Julie Guerrero and partner Jose from ‘No Way Jose’ Restaurant in Old Town. The pathways were lined by colorful bags holding candles – a good thing after dark; the complex is massive!

This gala was the completion of

painter Kathleen Carrillo’s dream to help the kids of Pasitos and give them something they will look at every day of their lives in their home at Casa Conner. The ten five x five-foot paintings Kathleen created were on view for all attendees to see – most of them for the first time.

Kathleen, however, was not quite done painting for the kids. In between courses, she completed another canvas – a bird of paradise that was auctioned off for more than three thousand US dollars.

The performers appeared by the generosity of Act II Entertainment and had the crowd happily singing along and enjoying thoroughly.

Sponsors from Intercam were out in force as were many Board Members of Pasitos de Luz. So many thanks go to Jason Lavender, Cheryl Wheeler, Barb Bremner, Yolanda, Chris, Teena, Josef, and the dozens upon dozens of folks who turned out to support this, the most Mexican charity that we have in the city.

A wonderful evening. Two more major fundraisers for Pasitos (and don’t forget bingo every other Wednesday at Nacho Daddy). I will keep you informed.

Gala Number Two was the next night at Casa Yvonneka to raise funds for stray dogs and cats in Vallarta. So many Fridas, so many flowered heads, so much shrimp.

The fourth annual Frida and Diego party kicked off at 6 sharp and went on to the wee hours; I understand it is a tradition to stay up as late as possible to keep the party flying!

Yvonne Kalman dedicates her time in Vallarta helping stray

animals regain their health then finds permanent homes for them. Every penny raised for her foundation will be given to organizations around Vallarta that rescue animals. One of those groups works at Vallarta’s no-kill shelter. They are represented weekly at the Marsol Friday Market, and over 20 volunteers from ‘Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals’ helped run the auction of fine jewelry, paintings, and other luxury gifts and took care of the silent auction items and smiled the whole evening.

Look for them at Marsol, buy a tee-shirt and drop some pesos into their donation jar.

The food, as it always is, was as exquisite as the surroundings overlooking Vallarta. Don’t miss next year’s event! Thanks to Yvonne for making me welcome.

Artist’s Co-op Update! Wow! Are we taking shape! The building has been abuzz with co-directors Kim Wilson and Kimberly McDaniel working themselves to a frazzle every single day since we took down the For Rent sign and started deleting the black and purple walls and ceilings with so many liters of white paint! The two ‘Kims’ found a talented electrician, Edson, who is making light spring from nowhere, and painter Quetzal lent us his helper named Remy for a day. We decided on day two to keep him employed forever; he is creating miracles daily. All of that means we will be open for Christmas shopping any day now. Stop by Arte Viviente at Morelos 800 on the corner of Pipila in Centro Vallarta and see what’s new. The space changes daily. We are still receiving artists that create pieces with their own hands.

I have overwritten this column by 150 words and have managed not to say a thing about the demise of the Vallarta Tribune, with this being our last issue after 22 years.

Of the hundreds of thousands of words I have written over the last six-plus years, not once have I said goodbye, and I am not starting now.

I will see you in a week, on the street, at a market, in our very cool new Arte V., and I will see you in print over there, From Here.

The Healing Power of Plants

Ricardo Mazcal

mazcalteotl@gmail.com

Ricardo is a fourth-generation herbalist from Nayarit and is available year-round at Marsol Friday Market by the Pier.

Reverse Arthritis the Natural Way

O

steoarthritis is a degenerative, progressive joint disease in which the cartilage and fluids that cover the ends of the bones in our joints deteriorate, causing bone to rub against bone leading to pain and loss of movement. The real source of our pain lies inside the synovial fluid surrounding your joints. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have clinical proof that synovial fluid is the actual root cause of all that burning, jabbing joint pain that’s making you feel stiff, sore, and achy.

Osteoarthritis affects our hands, hips, shoulders, knees, and feet.

This disease causes joint cartilage and fluids to break down, causing pain, swelling, and reduced joint function.

Shoulders are our body’s most mobile joints. They take a lot of wear and tear and therefore have the potential to become unstable.

Shoulder arthritis is a particularly painful condition.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability. Arthritis doesn’t only damage our muscles and tendons but also joints and ligaments.

Shoulder arthritis generally causes joint pain and limited range of motion. But there’s more than one kind of Arthritis of the shoulders.

Types of Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Post-Traumatic Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Rotator Cuff Arthroplasty.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

This common form of shoulder arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Appears as pain in both shoulders at once, tenderness and

07

Local Voices

December 12, 2019

warmth in the joints, stiff feeling in the shoulders in the morning, rheumatoid nodules, which are bumps under your skin in your shoulders or arms, fatigue, or fever, RA affects our joint lining and can cause swelling, erosion of our shoulder bones and deformity of our shoulder joints over time.

Osteoarthritis (OA). This form of Arthritis is associated with joint wear and tear. It can affect the shoulders, knees, hands, and hips. Older people are more likely to develop OA. This Arthritis is characterized by a combination of joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis (PA).

This form of Arthritis develops after an injury. Shoulder injuries are commonly due to the shoulder joint’s instability; injuries such as fractures and dislocations may lead to PA. Sporting injuries and other accidents can also cause this condition. PA of the shoulders may cause fluid to build up in our shoulder joint resulting in pain and swelling.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN).

AVN is a progressive disease, which deteriorates over time; from asymptomatic condition to mild pain and eventually severe pain, it can result in shoulder arthritis by destroying the joint tissues. AVN is caused when blood cannot reach the long bone of the upper arm (the humerus), causing cells in our shoulder bone to die. It can happen due to joint dislocations and bone fractures. It can also be a result of taking high dosages of steroids and drinking too much alcohol.

RotatorCuff-Tear Arthroplathy.

Our shoulder contains a rotator cuff, connecting the shoulder blade with the top of our arm through a group of tendons and muscles. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common and can

lead to a form of shoulder arthritis called rotator cuff tear arthropathy caused by a rip in the tendons of the rotator cuff. Arthritis develops when bones in the shoulder are damaged. Symptoms include intense pain and muscle weakness that can make lifting difficult.

Allopathic Treatments.

Allopathic doctors will recommend surgery for shoulder arthritis, while natural healers will not. There are several costly surgical interventions available.

Depending on your condition, these treatments include: Joint replacement surgery: Also called arthroplasty, joint replacement of the shoulder involves replacing the parts of the shoulder damaged by Arthritis with an artificial prosthetic joint.

Arthroscopy: Milder forms of Arthritis can be treated with an arthroscopic procedure. This involves a surgeon relieving joint pain through small incisions and “cleaning out” your joint. A tiny camera is inserted into the joint and guides the surgeon.

Resection arthroplasty: This procedure involves surgically removing bone from your collarbone. In its place, scar tissue develops, which helps Arthritis of specific joints.

It is essential to seek a reputable and ethical medical diagnosis and at least try natural medicine alternatives.

Natural Treatments.

Mainstream western medicine wants you to think that pharmaceutical drugs and expensive hospital surgeries are your only options for a healthy life.

This could not be further from the truth. Allopathic doctors prescribe medications that often do more harm than good.

Science is very different from big pharma medicine. With modern

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material science, many traditional herbs and spices have rendered results that are extremely rewarding to the world, confirming what our ancestors knew, and now science is confirming. The investigation continues proving that medicine does not need to be expensive or dangerous to your health.

Natural Treatments Arthritis is treatable with natural herbal formulas. Depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and disease progression.

Natural alternatives solve Arthritis with herbal formulas that could change your life, relieve pain, and help fix the underlying cause of Arthritis.

Herbal alternatives work naturally to relieve arthritic pain without dangerous side effects.

Arthritis involves the breakdown of joint cartilage. When the cartilage wears thin, your bones rub against each other, causing the pain, inflammation, and stiffness you feel. Now, a natural product can relieve arthritis pain by growing fresh cartilage.

The treatment contains potent anti-inflammatory natural compounds that reduce pain, inflammation and rebuild Synovial fluids and cartilage, helping your hands, hips, shoulders, knees, and feet so that you can get around better.

This protocol is all-natural, split into two parts. First, treat the local pain with a formula made of five essential oils; the second part is

weight loss/dietary changes. It is vital to eat foods containing omega 3 acids found in salmon, grass-fed beef, flax and chia seeds, beans, walnuts, plus foods high in sulfur such onions, garlic, asparagus, broccoli, and cabbage. Eat bone broth, the best natural sources of collagen, which contains the amino Glycine and Proline, chondroitin sulfates and Glucosamine, antioxidants that help lower inflammation, and ease Arthritis and joint pain. Eat colorful fruits and veggies; they contain antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber, magnesium, potassium, digestive enzymes, and anti-inflammatory compounds, the best sources include leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, berries, melon, papaya, avocado, and pineapple.

Get a supplement for Anti-Arthritis containing organic Turmeric, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cassia, Pinguica, Cardo Mariano, and other herbs, spices, and minerals. Replace your old cartilage with new, help buffer bones, and eliminate arthritis pain.

08

Local

December 12, 2019

New performers at the Bambinos Trattoria!

T

he four Morales Brothers are thrilled to announce their new season of shows and fun at the hip Dinner & Show location: Bambinos Trattoria. Founded on the theme of great music and fabulous food. Los Bambinos bring more performers to the Bambinos Trattoria this season on top of their five weekly shows full of musical harmony, tasteful instrumentation and the family-love that they are well known for. This Saturday Night Do not miss Rhonda and Don presenting “Rocking the blues" Futhermore, Media Luna, and more to be announced for the following weeks!

“It is an outstanding feeling to share the stage this season with great artists. We began as artists playing in other people’s venues.

Now we have a live-music venue of our own where other performers can share their music while clients enjoy an excellent meal!” –Says Lázzaro Morales, Lead Guitar Los Bambinos now offer you a delightful and carefully selected three-course dinner different every week, for only $699 pesos, show included. Dinner & Show seating begins at 6:00pm. Also enjoy our great wine selection. Will enchant you even more! Long story short…

Come and live the experience of a unique dinner and show in the heart of Puerto Vallarta with the show of your choice: Los Bambinos ALL NEW concerts Monday night| 8 pm| HOTEL CALIFORNIA Enjoy an evening with songs by The Eagles. The Eagles repertoire offers smooth harmonies and songs that capture an era, bringing back great memories for the group and listeners alike Tuesday| 8 pm| BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY This is a QUEEN revival show.

The QUEEN revival show is a great musical challenge for the group with complex harmonies and sophisticated instrumentation.

Full of energy and rhythm, this show will make you vibrate as you experience a night full of vocals.

Wednesday Night| 8 pm| BEATLE-MANIA Growing up listening to the Beatles, The Morales brothers bring their own four-part harmonies to the stage playing a show of classics. Los Bambinos harmonies and instrumentalization perfectly

captures the sound of one of the most recognized groups in musical history. Wednesday’s theme show brings to life songs such as Hard Day’s Night, Here, there and Everywhere and Ticket to Ride.

“Los Bambinos are better than Vegas!” -Tony, Chicago.

Thursday Night | 8 pm| MUSIC LEGENDS Los Bambinos take you on a music tour offering a great compilation of the world’s most emblematic tunes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80, and more! Revive those memories and experience a fun and touching evening of a spectacular selection of artists.

Friday| 8 pm| LATIN NIGHT PARTY Come on down for a full evening of Latin music in their famous Latin Music Show! This concert brings you the heart of Latin American music that is an intimate part of Los Bambinos’ own musical history. In this performance, the group showcases their musical upbringing performing traditional Mexican music, contemporary favorites like Carlos Santana, and Gypsy Kings flamenco along-side rhythmic selections by artists such as Celia Cruz.

Every Saturday Two Shows!

5:30pm| EARLY Dinner/ LATE

Lunch seating begins at 4:45 pm.

ROCKING THE BLUES by Rhonda Padmos & Don Pope.

Enjoy impeccable talent on stage!

Canadian musicians Rhonda and Don, who have been performing in Vallarta since the early "90"s bring to you a show that will excite all your senses with a performance full of magic and masterpieces on piano and guitar!

Expect to hear music from Eric Clapton, B.B.King, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Aretha Fanklin, Billie Holiday, J.J. Cale, Ray Charles, and many more.

8:30 pm| Dinner seating begins

at 7:30 pm.

MEDIA LUNA| “Rumba On Fire” Reserve NOW Mark your calendar for any of the nightly performances and experience a memorable Dinner & Show.

Bambinos Trattoria is the perfect place to enjoy the tradition of music in Vallarta. Please reserve early, as seating is limited. Bambinos Trattoria is located at Aguacate #314, at the corner of Carranza street in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

Reserve now at 222-4357 (English Spoken). Buy tickets Online at www.bambinostrattoria.com See you at Bambinos Trattoria!

09

Local Voices

December 12, 2019

Vibes & Vices

AJ Freeman

cosmiccapt@gmail.com

AJ Freeman is an adventurous spirit, serial friendmaker, and general enthusiast. He lives his everyday life hoping to demonstrate the nearly infinite potential for discovery and wonder on this small wet rock orbiting a dim yellow star in the backwoods of the Milky Way.

What’s Buzzin,’ Cousins?

Y

our regularly scheduled ramblings have been suspended...in case you’re one of the folks that have been munificent enough to stop me in the streets of the city and tell me that this is the first page of the Tribune you look for each week, I have a sad duty to perform on this day.

Sadly, the slow death of print media has now claimed a victim close to my heart: what you hold in your hands (or are skimming online) is the final printing for this fine publication of over 20 years.

The Vibes: I would be lying if I said I knew about this beforehand…to be perfectly frank, it sucks.

The same reader rumors that have frequently taken me clear across town to chase down the sweet scent of shenanigans also brought wind of the paper’s last days less than a week ago. Still, I guess I’d also be lying if I said I expected to even see physical newspapers in a decade.

In any event, I’ve enjoyed the ride and I hope I’ve made that clear in the last 770 days or so.

Okayfine, ya know what, I’m gonna drop the “lifestyle columnist” gimmick for a second ... from day one, this was always more than just an excuse to talk about my weekend. “Vibes & Vices” was an excuse to reflect on the human experience at length in public.

Starting with the first entry way back in November 2017⁠— shout out to El Soñador!⁠—this has been a platform for personal perspective; an exploration of what I believe, why I believe it, and why it even matters (guess it does, you’re still reading this). With

that in mind, it’s deeply fulfilling to realize that I’ve gotten everything I could have imagined and more from my time at the Tribune.

I’ve pinballed from El Tuito to San Pancho and everywhere in between looking for a good time, finding it more often than not...counting an office trip to a trampoline park along the way, this gig has gone via land, sea, and air.

I’ve eaten so, so many delicious dishes, quaffed countless cervezas, and ingested plenty of off-menu offerings at the area’s bars, restaurants, and festivities.

Met a lot of compelling fellow Sapes I almost certainly would not have otherwise.

I’ve gone three sheets to the wind on a replica pirate ship and punched the gas into a powerslide to fend off grade-schoolers at a go-kart track, wisely not in that order.

I have stepped into the ring with masked Mexican warriors, struggled mightily with various children’s craft projects, and even spent a long night in the local⁠— wait, what was that I called it⁠—”correctional spa,” all in the name of giving you (and myself) something engaging to read.

With the end of an era so suddenly at hand, it is definitely disappointing to find myself forced to leave so many worthy places out of these pages...but hey, these are the days of my adult life, and it is in significant part thanks to this opportunity with the Vallarta Tribune.

The Vices: I consider writing an addiction...definitely not my only one, but by far my most productive to date. I call myself an enthusiast...and when someone asks just what the hell that means, I explain that it is the kind of person who does something like write a coffee table book on the historical

and cultural significance of each crayon in the classic 64-color box (seriously, contact cosmiccapt@ gmail.com for preorders on “64 to Infinity: Love Letters in Crayon”).

As I spared no syllable to make apparent last time from The Living Room, there’s nothing I love more than learning...well, possibly sharing what I learn with others.

Regular readers will recognize this was one of my favorite places to do it, constantly shoehorning in tidbits from the long, absurd tale of human history pulled from this book or that article or those googles.

I can only hope you found my interminable tangents worth your time...I’ve made more than a few jokes in this space about how I don’t consider myself a visual artist, but the truth is that I do... it’s just that my ideal canvas is your mind. Hopefully, I’ll be able to illustrate my inspiration if I decide to debut “Human History 100 w/ Prof. Freeman” during Incanto’s weekly open mic tonight...it’s somewhere between speech and stand-up, or pretty much like whatever this is.

Before I continue plugging my future endeavors, I have some massive debts of gratitude to pay to those who made this whole thing possible.

Longtime Tribune editor Madeline gets top billing here for giving the kid a shot in the first place, as does Dean for somehow encouraging her to finally respond to my fifth email asking about column space. Part of the actual

contract I signed to join the team goes something like “writers who are attempting to be funny; please be sure you are actually funny.”

Never got a complaint in about a hundred tries, so I assume I succeeded...thanks again, Madeline.

Marcia frequently went out of her way to make sure my pieces made deadline, so thank her that I didn’t miss more weeks, and also for holding down the editor position during some chaotic intervals. Rachel returned to the Old Country but made a mark while sharing these shores, thanks for always taking the time to talk things out. The ever-helpful Nicky was and is invaluable as a camerawoman, Spanish-language advocate, and general provider of assistance.

Just last week I brought up my 6th-grade teacher Mr. Campbell, without whom this version of me might not exist, and so he absolutely merits mention here.

It goes without saying that I have to thank all of the readers who choose to read my subjective printed thoughts in an age of customized three-dimensional flashing lights on demand, but let no one say I didn’t type it: thank you all so much, especially to everyone who has come up to me while I’m out and about to show a little love.

One person even told me I looked “cooler in real life” than in my byline picture, which is definitely better than the other way around.

I don’t think there’s any other way to say it...my experience is so much richer after writing for this free local foreign-language newspaper.

The Verdict: Benjamin Disraeli once said that “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”—wait, no, I think that was a song or something— but either way, it’s been a privilege to be part of the Vallarta Tribune during the last couple of trips around our home star.

I am honored to appear here as we conclude our broadcast day...but please believe I am just getting started here in “Nacho’s” namesake (with respect, of course, to Jalisco’s former Governor Vallarta).

If you’ve ever given this column—given this grateful writer—any of your precious seconds, you already know I’ll still be painting this town the color of the day; kicking ass and taking notes wherever these two feet fall. Feel free to be a part of the adventure if, indeed, you can dig it.

Between Lifestyle Scout duties over at #WeLovePV, my desk as Chief Social Coordinator of Vallarta CoWork (Nomad Bazaar this Saturday the 14th from 5-9, handmade gifts from local artists, nothing over 300 pesos, free sangria!) and everyday exploits enjoying existence, I’ll probably be part of the scenery at events, experiences, and escapades in and around this seaside city of vibrant vices for the foreseeable future...maybe I’ll catch you there.

December 12, 2019

I Talk to Strangers

Robbie Sylvester Stokes, Jr.

strangernation@ittsfoundation.com Robbie Sylvester Stokes, Jr. is the founder and executive director of I Talk to Strangers (ITTS), a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the United States and a global social movement that unites various ethnic, racial, political, and socio-economic groups through conversation.

Talking To Strangers in Puerto Vallarta

T

he term stranger has inspired many myths and stereotypes on how to treat the “other.”

Based on the standard mother’s advice, talking to strangers is a taboo. Not knowing what someone else’s motive is could lead to danger and despair. Despite this, Puerto Vallarta has grown into a stranger haven of a mix-multitude of nationalities, cultures, and personalities. A town where the term stranger has been transformed into opportunities for humans to meet and exchange enriching experiences.

Puerto Vallarta, with its majestic ocean to its lush green mountains, offers a natural beauty that attracts visitors from all around the world.

With its many boutique restaurants and shops, there are a variety of ways for couples, families, and strangers to interact with each other. Whether huddled among strangers watching the traditional Papantla flying men aerial shows, or enjoying a zip-line tour throughout the jungles, each stranger met along your stay in Puerto Vallarta gives another face to the lifetime of memories you create in this town.

It is a place where both locals and tourists share space and go from strangers into instant amigos.

Even in international health news, happiness has been simplified to the sum of many positive moments throughout the day. Something as simple as a friendly chat in the elevator can boost your mood.

Thanks to the 300 days of perfect weather each year, strangers find themselves in permanent smiles that are proof of both the external and internal beauty that Puerto Vallarta offers.

At Puerto Vallarta, the calm vibe, complemented with breathtaking sunrises and stunning sunsets, offers the perfect tranquillity for aspiring artistry and retirement getaways. Even more opportunities to meet the most beautiful strangers!

As tourism continues to increase, interactions among strangers have also increased, whether through simple cash-to-hand transactions or verbal exchanges for the nearest band playing for the night. The causal connections made daily throughout the Malecón are reminders of the beautiful moments of life. Also becoming more popular, “VolunTourism,” a humanitarian approach towards traditional tourism, offers local schools and NGOs assistance as they tackle local, environmental, and youth needs as a community. These additional volunteer hours dedicated to local organizations serve as another important characteristic of strangers: the ability to learn and share.

As a United States-based NGO, I TALK TO STRANGERS Foundation has continued to advocate Puerto Vallarta as the next destination to make a difference. The locale is both a tropical paradise and a stranger-friendly community. As our modern world continues to grow closer throughout the digital revolution stopping for a moment to share a smile, share an experience, or share a helping hour by building positive connections will continue to define the true friendliness of saying “Hola” to a stranger!

December 12, 2019

Local Voices Welcome Home

Sheryl Novak

sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com Sheryl Novak is an expat Canadian who has owned a home in Mexico for over ten years. She is the owner of SOLutions Mexico and The Furniture Store by SOLutions Mexico. She is an expert on sourcing all styles of furniture for all sizes of budgets, in Mexico.

Furnishing your rental home

O

ver the last ten years, my team and I have helped thousands of homeowners throughout Mexico furnish their places with comfortable, long-lasting furniture. Many of those clients rent out their homes when they are not here. Here are some tips on how to furnish a rental unit.

Just because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rental does not mean you should buy cheap furniture. Lower cost items get damaged because they are not for commercial use. Instead, invest in mid-priced furniture that is better quality and can stand up to use.

Hotels do not buy cheap furniture because it will get damaged.

They purchase commercial grade because it makes better business sense. If you are renting your unit, buy like a hotel owner, not a homeowner.

Buy some suitcase stands.

Hotel owners know how to keep their places looking new longer.

Suitcase stands are inexpensive and ensure less damage to the room.

With the shift in how we are watching TV, it is no longer mandatory to offer satellite TV, a VCR, or a DVD player. Instead, it is essential to ensure the flat panel TV in your rental home has a port for an external TV service such as ROKU. If you are renting a two-bedroom, having a flat panel TV in the second bedroom is a plus.

A second TV can be used by the kids in the event of rain and will be a lifesaver for their parents who can simultaneously enjoy some quiet time in the living area.

Invest in well-made outdoor furniture. Buy commercial grade outdoor furniture, not a residential grade. Although there is a higher

upfront cost, it will save you from having to replace the residential grade furniture three or four times over during that same period.

Hotels invest in commercial-grade to get the best return. You should too!

Speaking of excellent outdoor furniture, everyone loves a great barbecue. We recommend to our clients who rent out their homes in

Mexico that they invest in a mid to high-end barbecue. A nice grill is a huge plus when renters are looking for a temporary vacation home.

An upgraded outdoor kitchen or barbecue is a selling feature that will get your vacation rental booked quickly.

If possible, purchase a furniture package put together correctly for a rental home. Check to make sure the materials used are commercial and not residential grade. Furniture packages for rentals usually focus on less large items that last longer.

They may cost a little more, but you will get more for your money.

Sadly, this is the last edition of the Vallarta Tribune. It has been an absolute pleasure to share with you everything I have learned about furniture and dĂŠcor in Mexico. I trust that my tips have helped you buy right the first time. I will be continuing to write articles that will be posted on my blog located at www.solutionsmexico.com. If you or anyone you know would like to continue to receive my articles weekly, please contact me at sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com.

12

Local Voices Insight

Martin Rosenberg, PhD

martysanmiguel@gmail.com

Marty journeyed from Anthropology Lecturer at the Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C., President of Illinois’ CPA Society, CEO Tomorrows Software, film producer, and author of three books and many articles. As Director of Posters International Gallery in Puerto Vallarta, he is surrounded daily by creativity and European history. www.rosenbergcollection.com

Rebooting Your Programming

I

wondered how stuck in a belief or reaction my thoughts are programmed for? Was I virtually hardwired? With decades of my neural pathways covering the same ground, the brain takes the easiest and fastest response. If my mind works like my computer, it goes to the default choice automatically. Altering that action requires my conscious effort to stop and consider, WHAT IF I chose a different path? Is there a practical method to re-think how I think?

A word I’ve coined, and a group of messages, came to me in a meditation. ENVISITUDE, a new term, was a beginning. Envision means “cause to be” in Latin.

Common definitions include; to form a mental picture, foresee, ponder, reflect, conceive or contemplate.

Attitude refers to a settled way of thinking, a predisposition, and may be a positive or negative action.

What did I need to consider if I wanted to reboot my brain but to a different program? This is what emerged.

1. OUR THOUGHTS ARE POWERFUL 2. FREE WILL IS NOT ENOUGH 3. MUST DUCT TAPE THE EGO 4. KNOWLEDGE DOESN’T LEAD TO SUCCESS 5.

REFRESH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS The whole idea now felt complicated. So what did my programmed mind immediately seek? The Silver Bullet, of course.

The shortcut to a solution, a miraculous fix. Then I realized where that automatic belief sprang from. Drug and supplement companies “coughed” up pills as

their silver bullets. The promise of getting better, stronger, and living longer is deeply embedded in our cultures and our brain. Their strategy has seemed to produce more human medical issues than ever before. Maybe the solution had to come from within me. What could I do without resorting to a counselor’s couch, hallucinogenic, or those plant infused cookies and brownies I mentioned in last week’s article? I loved the TV Lone Ranger, but a silver bullet wasn’t the answer.

Sadly, we get really set in our ways…especially reacting. I wanted to learn how to modify or develop new neural pathways? When does this often occur? A little science should be interjected here.

Our brain’s neuroplasticity works in our favor when we regularly reinforce happiness, love, patience, compassion, and generosity. Yet negative emotions get programmed too. Anger and jealousy, for example, springs from our subconscious as powerful feelings.

Our conscious level is where new and creative ideas and behavior can happen. Research confirms that we are conscious only 5% in our activities. If we understand how our beliefs are formed, we can, with practice, change our thoughts and attitudes.

I’ve considered various credible studies. There are some nearly universal concepts we can apply to help alter our thoughts and attitudes. Not in a priority order… here they are.

COMMITMENT: When we want a better computer program, we decide to change it, and download a new one.

KNOW YOUR INTENTION: By stating aloud, and writing down that I have a clear purpose, my subconscious is alert to what I want. The mind/body connection is

powerful.

SET THE STAGE: Positive thinking is the attitude change we want most. So, reduce exposure to negative news and people, critics, and complainers. Their anger or frustration is within themselves, and not our problem. As we’re more relaxed, we “inhale” what is successful, beautiful, and creative.

Exhale our negative thoughts, and we become more conscious.

STAY IN THE PRESENT: While our subconscious gets used to the new pathway, we want to stay focused on now.

MY BELIEF: It is not about WHAT we think…It is more critical I strongly believe that my goal is to transform HOW I think.

ON SEEMINGLY IMPORTANT ISSUES: Ask yourself, over and over: WHY?…until the answer and feeling is right.

REMEMBER: Our rational mind is limited by childhood experiences and the inherited beliefs of parents, teachers, and religious leaders.

Altering any major belief is a huge achievement! Be proud for even small steps and changes.

8. SLEEP is critical: Practice eight hours of sleep…Our two stages of sleep help the body recover and remove waste from our brain.

9.

Most scientists and progressive medical professionals confirm our thoughts are powerful triggers and can improve our quality of life. we have the ability to better manage thoughts. Our thoughts become our reality.

10. The Dalai Lama reminds us: “The goal is not to be better than the other man, but to better your previous self.”

In this holiday season of faith and gratitude, we are so blessed to enjoy the warmth of the Vallarta community. Whatever your beliefs are, be joyful and generous, it is contagious.

December 12, 2019

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Local Voices

December 12, 2019

A Piecemeal Connect the Dots José Lupe

bbqjoe@hotmail.com José Lupe is a professional entertainer born on the auspicious day of December 12th, on which Mexico celebrates “Our Lady of Guadalupe” — but the number “9” weighs heavily on Lupeños. To catch a free concert featuring José Lupe and many more of your favorite Puerto Vallarta musicians, visit Chico’s Paradise for the Festival Musical Los Horcones on January 11th, 2020 (1–6 pm).

Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Number 9

D

ecember 9th, 1531: the first sighting of “Our Lady”

by Cuauhtlatoatzin (Eagle Speaks), an indigenous man, upon hearing ‘birds’ songs, at the base of Tepeyac Hill, near where the Conquistadors & Franciscan Priests, about a decade earlier, had razed the Temple of Tonantzin, an Aztec Mother Goddess. The two spoke in his native tongue, Nahuatl, ‘Our Lady’ requesting that a ‘little house’ be built at that location.

Joseph in Hebrew means “he shall add”

(I was an accountant) The Pythagoreans called the number nine the “Ennead”. Now, any group of 9 is an ennead. So, here’s an ennead of #9. (who’s counting?)

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Nine Ladies Dancing.

Of the Nine Sister Muses of Greek Mythology, Euterpe (the Muse of Music) sings amongst my Songs.

For the Hebrews, nine is a symbol of TRUTH. May I again present: My Poem ‘Truth’ now over a half a century old (btw being old doesn’t always guarantee 100% Accuracy nor Proof): Truth is such a funny word Is it what I know

Or just what I’ve heard Or is it what I want to believe And even then Have I been deceived It is rare when History can be written by the vanquished. However, valiant or conquered, truth can change with the wind.

Used 49 times in Scripture, the number 9 symbolizes divine completeness or conveys the meaning of finality. Christ died at the 9th hour of the day, or 3 pm.

The Day of Atonement is the only one of God’s annual Feast days of worship that requires believers to fast for one day. This special day, considered by many Jews to be the

holiest of the year, begins at sunset on day 9 of the seventh Hebrew month (Leviticus 23:32).

The number 9 also represents the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit, which are Faithfulness, Gentleness, Goodness, Joy, Kindness, Long suffering, Love, Peace, and Self-control (Galatians 5:22 - 23).

Biblical numerology suggests the number 9 means the finality or the judgment. Also, number 9 is used to define the perfect movement of God. The biblical number 9 is a number of patience. ... It is also the number of those who accomplish the divine will...

I do not consider myself the

harbinger of THE Truth, but I don’t mind sharing My Truth, which is, my best guess at any point in time.

Fifty years ago I was an idealistic teenager, voicing my opinion on what was my best guess. Now I’m a Señor Senager.

Fifty years ago John Lennon et al via ‘The White Album’ recorded the song “Revolution 9.” Oh my!

1968 also witnessed The Olympic GAMES IN Mexico City, as well as, much darker news from Tlatelolco.

Today, I am thankful “Our Lady” contributes peace to the Mixture that is my adopted country. ¡Viva México!

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Formerly Christ Church by the Sea

QUIMIXTO

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Anglican Church Puerto Vallarta

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‘OLD TOWN’ ‘OLD TOWN’

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us as we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ in our beautiful palapa, excited for a new season”

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PARK 18. THREE MARSOL MARKET 17.

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Fr. Jack continues to welcome people from all walks of life and denominations.

Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Father Jack Wehrs/Lay-minister Fer Sandoval e mail: jackandshirley1@att.net Text 1 619 300 7377 Tel 044 322 229 1129

Web site: www.anglicanchurchpuertovallarta.org Complimentary parking at Sixt Rental Car

18

Local Voices

Paradise and Parenting

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com Leza is a nursery teacher and preschool coordinator at the American School of Puerto Vallarta

Family Fitness

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omething you should know about me is that I am not a very sporty person. And by “not very sporty,” I mean that my best sport as a kid was swimming, and I failed a summer course called Survival. Let that sink in a minute.

I could not pass the part where I could actually survive practicing the sport.

My parents tried everything to encourage me to participate in some kind of sport. They didn’t

really care if I became an athlete, but they wanted me to be able to a) feel included in my peer group and b) be a healthy, active human being.Looking back now, I am grateful for their gentle nudging, and I understand now the reasons behind all the extracurricular sports in which I was registered: skating, swimming, gymnastics. But it was pretty clear early on that none of these would be My Thing. I couldn’t survive in swimming, I never did an arch in gymnastics, and I felt completely humiliated during the

spring skating festival. I had failed so many levels that I was about a foot taller than everyone else in my group. Just picture a cute row of six-year-olds skating along with a ten-year-old trailing grimly along behind them. All of them in pink bunny suits. I just give that mortified, unusually tall girl a hug whenever I think of her.

When I had my own kids, I decided that they could choose any sport as an extracurricular activity, so long as it was something that involved physical fitness. They’ve tried a few: swimming, martial arts, yoga, and soccer. They don’t mind it but aren’t after winning any trophies, and that’s ok with me. Perhaps the recessive Super Athlete gene will skip a generation. Either way, they’ve been able to keep active in many ways.

As a family, we used to do things like boogie boarding, kite flying, bike riding, and other fun and fitness-promoting activities. Since we’ve had teens, we’ve been having some trouble finding the balance.

Once you have teens, you’ll know that spending time with parents is sometimes cool and sort of retro, and sometimes excruciating. So

December 12, 2019 We played for quite a while, switching up our doubles teams every game. It became apparent that our son was the dominant player, partly because he is a full head taller than the rest of us, and partly because he has been playing the game in P.E. class this year. People walked by our game, smiling. I like to think they smiled to see a family having a great time together without any digital support, and not because of my tendency to scream whenever the ball came within three feet of my head.

And something else became clear: our family still has the capacity to laugh together, to help each other out, and to work together.

Try your child’s favorite physical activity today. Make it fun, or, in my case, funny. Use physical fitness as the medium to connect with the kids. And don’t forget to laugh.

when our son suggested going to the beach and playing some beach volleyball, I jumped on the idea.

Let me share that volleyball, in particular, was a bit of a trigger point for me. Any mention of the sport brings back memories of high school gym class, where I would cringe and cover my head when I was anywhere near the net.

However, I am always up for some family time, so I quickly agreed.

We set up a makeshift court in the sand and tried to encourage our dogs to stay out of the sand-line boundary. This was unsuccessful.

Then we got to the game, and it turns out that I am still significantly free of talent in the game of volleyball. But that was ok, because it helped everyone else feel pretty confident about their own game, and it helped lighten the mood.

Certainly, the levity was at my own expense, but I really didn’t mind.

CHRIST

CHURCH

BY THE SEA

IGLESIA CRISTO DEL MAR The Rev. Canon Robert Webster, Rector

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      enEnglisngli

ENGLISH SERVICE & COMMUNION  SUNDAYS 10 AM   

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Plaza Genovesa ~ Center Courtyard Palapa Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2015 www.christchurchbythesea.org

mypvchurch@gmail.com

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December 12, 2019

PARAMOUNT BAY 504 2 beds, 2 baths 2,354 sq.ft. $590,000 USD

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his warm yet sophisticated fifth floor corner unit features a spacious covered terrace to take advantage of the breathtaking views of the ocean, town and surrounding jungle hillside. The stunning kitchen features stainless custom Italian (Berloni) cabinetry, large peninsula with bar seating and marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. The adjacent dining area has ample space for eight guests and the spacious and elegant living area opens directly to the magnificent terrace. The restful master suite offers a ‘’spa–like’’ experience with walk–in closet, double designer sinks, tempered glass shower and modern,

‘’ovaline’’ tub.

The ample guest suite with attached full bath and adjacent office/den/third bedroom, make this perfect for guests or families. Some of the special features of this luxury resi-dence include: Stunning entryway with frameless glass windows, marble floors and bathroom countertops, zoned air conditioning and high-end fixtures. Brazilian hardwood is used for the doors, with niches featuring interior lighting, while sliding pocket doors allow true indooroutdoor living in this year round temperate climate.

The stunning common areas feature an elegant motor lobby, covered owner parking, spectacular

200 foot long infinity pool and pergola sundecks, “Doggie Park”, state-of-the-art gymnasium, all surrounded by manicured tropical gardens.

The superb locations allows guests to walk to the popular

shops, galleries, restaurant and beaches of the romantic zone. . Offered fully furnished and “turn-key” ready, this gorgeous home is perfect for the most sophisticated and discriminat-ing buyer.

Contact information: BOARDWALK REALTY OF: 322 224 0014 m i c h a e l @ boardwalkrealtypv.com www.boardwalkrealt ypv. com

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Local Voices Curator’s Clippings Horticultural Tips greg@FishTFC.com

www.vbgardens.org Robert Price, Founder and Curator of the Vallarta Botanical Garden

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any of the world’s greatest botanical gardens thrive in thanks to armys of volunteers. While garden volunteers are often integrated into just about every aspect of these institutions, they don’t necessarily have to do the heavy lifting. Usually, their individual skills and interests can me matched with the needs of an institution for mutual benefits and the good of entire communities.

In this final column for the Vallarta Tribune, my biggest horticultural tip, if your time allows, is to become a volunteer. Whether it’s with us up at the Vallarta Botanical Garden or in town with our dear friends at the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club your talents are in high demand and can make our city and its public greenspaces even better. Even if you don’t want to get your fingernails dirty, there are no shortages of ways you can help beautify and connect locals and visitors from throughout the world with the wonders of the plant world. You’ll learn so much through the process and make friends who will enrich your life.

On The Water

Capt. Gregory Pilkington

Robert Price

Volunteers & Public Horticulture

December 12, 2019

Fortunatley, for those of you up for the challenge, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is about to host our Annual Volunteer Training on Saturday, January 4th, 2020 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. An optional birding hike is also offered that day for our would-be volunteers from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and an orientation talk and nature hike is scheduled to follow beginning at 1:00 pm.

Space for the Vallarta Botanical Garden’s Annual Volunteer Training is limited and registration is required, so please notify us of your availability as soon as possible by sending an email to: volunteer@vbgardens.org Concurrent volunteer training sessions will be offered in Spanish and English. If available spots are booked early, we will maintain a waitlist and schedule a second training for anyone not able to join us the first time.

Volunteers are changing our world, and you can change Puerto Vallarta for the better through your hard work and positive energy!

None of us alone can change the world, but we should all hold ourselves responsible for doing our part.

FishTFC operates private bay tours, marine and whale encounters, and world-class sportfishing charters. For more information contact greg@ FishTFC.com or call +1 (435) 901-4564.

Tuna Bite Continues Although the Paper Does Not

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sually, this time of year, the water cools down, and the focus shifts from longer duration offshore marlin and tuna fishing to shorter duration inshore trips. But with the water temperatures still up in the low 80s, that would be a mistake.

The marlin seem like they might hang around through the end of the year, and while the inshore fishing is good, it’s still very early in the season. Even the whales which started showing up nearly a month ago seem to be taking their time to arrive in numbers.

It’s prime time for Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Big Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado - go get some!

THIS WEEK’S BEST BET This week’s best bet is last week’s best bet as nothing has changed. Roca Corbatena is still on fire and fishing in the bay is improving.

“For the avid angler, a full day trip to Roca Corbatena is absolutely a must-do this week. The fishing is outstanding, and chances of

landing that fish of your dreams are not going to get any better until next year.For the less experienced angler, things are just getting started.

Every day from now until March, more fish and whales will move in closer and closer to our marinas.

This creates a perfect situation as novice anglers and families with children can get out on the relatively calm waters of Banderas Bay for a few mind-blowing hours of fishing amongst the whales and other marine life.”

CONSERVATION CORNER Unfortunately, we have seen a

lot of billfish on the docks this past week. Marlin and sailfish are not only poor tasting but also illegal to sell in Mexico commercially. Please don’t order Marlin Tacos when out dining and let’s see if we can get these beautiful fish off menus.

The economic value of billfish to communities which practice sustainable fishing (catch and release) practices is well-documented, but old habits die slowly.

NOTABLE CATCHES You never know what you might catch fishing, and this past week we were surprised when this California Yellowtail Kingfish hit the deck on our boat TOPLESS II. These fish are highly-prized for the incredible fight they put up as well as being a top fish for sashimi.

They usually prefer water which is about 10 degrees colder than our water is at present so this guy obviously got lost.

If you have any unusual or notable catches this week, please email me with a picture. While I may not be able to mention these in the Vallarta Tribune going forward, hopefully we’ll find other ways to share fishing stories, photos, and news. Until then, enjoy your time out on the water.

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riting my last piece for the Trib after a run of over a dozen consecutive articles is bittersweet. Yet with business soaring at Aequilibrium Bikes + these days, perhaps it’s better to spend more time wrenching in the shop than clicking at the keyboard. I’ll certainly miss hearing from all you readers if you don’t keep your emails coming — so please keep reaching out!

While on the subject of bittersweet — I’m about to turn 50! That sure came out of nowhere; it seems like just the other day I was … well, on second thought, I guess it’s been a long time coming.

The BIG 5-0 of course needs to include mountain biking, beer, and partying — preferably in that order. But for such an epic milestone, we need an epic ride followed by an epic party. And one of the craziest mountain bike adventures I’ve ever experienced was with my amigo Neil Gerlowski, Editor of the Vallarta Tribune. (Or should I write “ex-editor” yet? By the way, anyone hiring editors these days?) I had long heard legends

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Local Voices

December 12, 2019

about the rarely-accessed lofty mountain mining road built into the cliffsides along and behind the centuries-old abandoned complex, Las Minas del Cuale, but Neil is the only person I know who had actually been there more than once. The first time he went, he had to abandon a jeep and walk out only to go back with quads the next day to rescue the vehicle (thus an immediate second trip). The third time he motorcycled it.

I thought we had the perfect adventure leader. And in many ways we did, but the thing is though, traveling a route by motor vehicle can distort your sense of distance, and you don’t remember the uphill portions taking so long after just throttling through them.

Neil warned us we were in for a long day, but he said that once we got past the mines, we’d roll “mostly downhill.”

So last May, we started our expedition by loading bikes onto my van at Aequilibrium Bikes + at 5:30 am. After hours of driving up sinuous dirt roads we settled down to a breakfast in the rustic high pine

forest mountain village of Cuale.

As the little old lady in the kitchen took her time making tortillas by hand, I got the distinct impression Neil wanted to get the show back on the road. Post breakfast we motored even further up into the high mountains and commenced the biking part of the adventure.

Pedaling along the minefields and shafts was an incredible journey through human history of this mountainside that had our imaginations on overdrive. Then came the first serious stretch of downhill. Neil led the way by taking off faster than any of us could follow tearing a line down the eroded old abandoned roads as if pursued by the devil herself. He appeared confused if not a little dismayed with how often many of us needed to dismount and walk our bikes along tricky sections of trail that he bombed through.

Neil himself had to dismount two sections in which the old road was completely buried by chisel-sharp rocks from recent landslides. When I asked Neil how he could have ever maneuvered a motorcycle over this, he responded that it wasn’t quite this bad his last time through. In

fact, these talus slopes angled so aggressively that it seemed magic more than gravity kept them precariously shy of becoming live rivers of rock once again ready to take us with them into the great abyss beyond.

Eventually, we worked our way down the mountain and to a series of valleys and ridges alternating from fun downhill jaunts to tiring uphill endurance challenges. Each of these took longer than we and our fearless leader anticipated.

Hours marched by. Soon the sun was setting, and around this time, we were wondering where in the world my wife Siurabe and our other amigas were with the get-away van. There was hardly even a hint of an old vehicle track on much of this road and we had the lurking suspicion that it, like the mines above, had long been abandoned.

What obstacles lay ahead we could only guess at. At first, the absence of vehicles meant a motor-free playground for us to enjoy without worrying about quads, dirtbikes, and other throttle-twister driven dust makers. As the day wore on, we grew concerned, not to mention tired and hungry.

It wasn’t until around 11 pm that we saw a tiny beam of light, which we took as a hopefull sign of civilization. Soon after, we heard the voices of our rescuers whose van we later learned was trapped behind a behemoth of a pine defiantly barricading the road from anyone caught in the wilderness without possession of a long-barred chainsaw.

We good-naturedly gave Neil a hard time for our struggles that day, but like his adventure with me in the Vallarta Tribune, he’s been as much as a coach and co-adventurer as he has been a leader. Aside from Neil, a sure glutton for punishment, the rest of us who had made it through that adventure checked it off an epic to-do list and couldn’t even conceive of returning for another round of physical abuse that such a trek entails.

But over the following months, the happy memories of the dreamlike descents ride heavily upon our imaginations and the struggles no longer bear the same mental weight that they did at the time. Now with the 50-year mark on my horizon, I’m inviting Neil and all my bravest mountain biker friends for a return experience of this epic adventure. I turn 50 on February 3rd, 2020, so we’ll leave on the 2nd to spend a night in the mountain town of Cuale and have the whole next day available for an adventure worth writing home about.

If you’re a biker looking for the adventure of a lifetime, I hope you join me on February 2nd as we head to the hills for one hell of a ride the next day. Otherwise, plan on joining us the following evening for a party of similarly epic proportions. And you can relive the experience vicariously through us with some of the same thrills and scares to chill your bones and make your hair stand on end.

That’s the power of storytelling.

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Biking Around Vallarta Ricardo Murrieta

ricardomurrieta@gmail.com Ricardo Murrieta is the owner of Aequilibrium Bikes + in Puerto Vallarta’s Versalles neighborhood on Calle Vienna near its intersection with Francisco Villa. He’s also on the board of Vallarta En Bici, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting biking in and around Puerto Vallarta.

Special Interview

A Day in the Life of a Vallarta Cycle Courier

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ost might assume that extreme mountain bikers or BMX stunt riders assume more risks than any other cyclists here in our area. Guess again. Statistically, those who share the roads with vehicles are most vulnerable and exposed to the chances of a serious accident.

So it takes great disciple to maintain the near-supernatural state of awareness necessary to survive and even thrive as a bicycle courier here on the streets of Puerto Vallarta. Lately, their numbers have grown exponentially with services like Uber eats and the pea-green bags of that brand are now ubiquitous among cyclists for hire.

This week I interviewed Daniela “Yiovanna” Correa Silva, of Todo en Bici who originally hails from Uruguay and is a full-time cycle courier here in our city. (Interview translated for Vallarta Tribune

readers.)

Me: Yiovanna, what would possess you to take up the role of a bicycle courier as your fulltime profession?

Yiovanna: I love biking and I believe in caring for our planet. Just because cars rule our streets now doesn’t mean that trend doesn’t have to continue for the future.

Pedal power helps us become healthier people and means less pollution for our environment.

Me: What advantages might a cyclist have over a motorist?

Yiovanna: Aside from the aforementioned health and wellness benfits? Well, bicycles can often cover the same ground in less time as a car, especially during times when our downtown streets become locked up in traffic.

Me: What are some of the greatest challenges faced by those of your profession?

Yiovanna: Safety.

Times, schedules, and everything else can be worked out easily enough, but even just one accident can mean a new carrier or even game over.

Me: So how do you stay safe on our roads?

Yiovanna: For starts, I ride as if I’m invisible, yet I make myself as big and bright as I can with an enormous vivid red backpack, reflector, lights, et cetera. I look in every direction, not just where we might expect vehicles and others to come from. I expect the unexpected, anticipate things before they happen, and ride conservatively. And I never mount my bike without wearing my helmet.

Vintage Spoon Jewelry & Boutique

Handcrafted in Puerto Vallarta, México Basilio Badillo 325, Puerto Vallarta, México www.chantelvintagespoonjewelry.com Olas Altas Farmers Market Park Lázaro Cárdenas Saturdays 9-2

La Cruz Market La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Marina Sundays 9-2

Me: You mentioned vehciles, but can you name a few of the worst static road hazzards?

Yiovanna: Cobblestone surfaced roads during rainy season are slicker than most could ever imagine and slatted storm water drain covers will eat bicycle tires if you let them.

Me: What are some of the services that bicycle couriers provide here in Puerto Vallarta?

Yiovanna: What, you mean aside from piping hot pizza?

Actually, many of my best clients are law offices that need confidential legal documents delivered for seals and signatures.

I use individually marked seals in my delivery bags to ensure that they are not opened between when I receive them and when they are delivered. My big backpack allows me to deliver packages of medium to large sizes with coverage from the Zona Romantica all the way to the airport. And then there’s my favorite jobs: animal exercise or transport.

Me: Animal transport?

Yiovanna: Yes, I have a kitty-cat backpack with lots of ventilation and an enormous window so our little felines don’t feel confined. And then there’s the side mounted dog-walking lead for safe exercising of even the most energetic pooches. As an animal lover (I have six adopted cats) this is my dream job.

Me: And how do people get ahold of you?

Yiovanna: You may write me on WhatsApp to 322 157 7950 or find me on Facebook as “Daniela Yiovanna” but most of all be sure to find my videos on YouTube by searching for “Mi Bici y Yo.” Me: ¡Gracias!

Yiovanna: ¡A ti!

CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST SURGEON DERMATOLOGIST Hematology is the subdivision of internal medicine that is responsible for the study, diagnosis and treatment of all blood diseases and the associated organs in the production of it, such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen.

As a Hematologist, I approach benign and malignant blood diseases, as well as coagulation disorders and everything related to transfusional medicine.

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND MONITORING OF BLOOD DISEASES SUCH AS:

- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia - Multiple myeloma - Lymphoma - Anemia - Thrombocytopenia

Medical doctor specialized in regular skin care, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the skin, hair and nails diseases.

My advanced training in Surgical Dermatology Onco-Dermatology makes me thoroughly qualified in skin cancer management such as malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

I also provide cosmetic treatments to keep skin healthy and youthful-looking with advanced experienced in the use of botox, dermal fillers, micronee dling, microderma abrasion, chemical peels among others.

Francisco Villa Avenue 1389-C, First floor. Col. Fluvial Vallarta dr.vega.hematologo@gmail.com

322 596 0101

derma.esquivel@gmail.com

24 “STRANGE DAYS” Merv Buchanan

The Authentic Tribute To The Doors

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ne of the most famous and controversial American rock bands, The Doors, was formed in Venice Beach, California

by Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore. Their unique “musical poetry” and Morrison’s brash, unpredictable stage behavior, the first rock star ever to be arrested on stage, put the group at the center of the 1960s counterculture movement, helped

them sell mountains of records and made them a top concert attraction.

The Doors career took off in 1967 when their million-selling single “Light My Fire,” written by Robby Krieger, topped the charts. Between 1967 and 1971, they released eight albums, seven of them reaching the top 10. After Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, Manzarek, Krieger, and Densmore continued to perform, without a lead singer, until 1973.

They then attempted to replace Morrison with various singers, including Ian Asbury of The Cure, but audiences wouldn’t buy it. It seemed that Without Jim Morrison, there was no Doors. Regardless, they remain a top rock music icon, selling over 100

Local Voices million records. They were inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and are included in lists of the most popular rock bands of all time by many music industry publications.

During 2018, The city of Venice, California, celebrated “50 Years Of The Doors”, their famous local band, incorporating tribute artists to perform in their place. The spillover effect has been a renewed interest in The Doors across America, Mexico, and abroad, adding increased inspiration to Strange Days who have been performing their Doors tribute in California, Texas, and Mexico for eight years.

The four talented members of Strange Days take great pride in their shows. They look and sound like The Doors, using the vintage equipment required to duplicate the bands’ instantly recognizable vibe.

On December 16th, Strange Days will begin a week-long tour of Banderas Bay, starting at The Luna Lounge, in Bucerias and ending on December 21st at El Rio BBQ, in Paso Ancho. Details are available on the various venue web sites and here in The Tribune.

Merv Buchanan merv@uvs.com *Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

December 12, 2019

Helping Chicos and Chicas

John Warren

john3984@me.com John Warren is in charge of publicity for the International Friendship Club (IFC) in Puerto Vallarta. All money raised by IFC is used to help Mexican children living in this area.

Up and Running

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he International Friendship Club Home Tours are up and running again in Puerto Vallarta… for their thirty-fourth consecutive season! The reasons for their success are many. The customers have an interesting and enjoyable time. All of the money raised is used to help Mexican kids.

The homeowners are very generous in providing their homes. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Last week, a reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote, “Informative home tour to 4 beautiful homes with great views. Driver was great in comfortable bus. All of their causes are worthy. We go every year.”

Another review reads, “We are so happy we happened upon this tour.

Wonderful tour of beautiful homes.

Highly recommend this quality tour of areas of Puerto Vallarta we

would not have seen otherwise.”

632 of 639 reviews rate the tours as Excellent or Very Good.

Tours leave the Sea Monkey Restaurant, located on the Malecon at Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and last about three hours. (No Home Tours on December 24th and 25th, December 31st and January 1st).

But tickets go fast and should be bought online https://www. toursforvallarta.com/ or on the day of the tour between 9 and 10 am at the Sea Monkey.

Some homes are located in places difficult for the luxury buses to get to, and some walking on cobblestones is required. There are stairs to navigate, too, so bring good shoes, good lungs, and strong legs.

We are sure that you and your family/friends will enjoy the experience.

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December 12, 2019

Health and Wellness

Cat Morgan

www.mommyinmexico.wordpress.com An Energy Medicine Specialist, Cat Morgan combines Quantum Physics with Consciousness focusing on creating Health and Wellbeing. Living on the Banderas Bay/Riviera Nayarit for 10 years, Cat also enjoys assisting folks with vacation and relocation as well as thoroughly enjoying the Banderas Bay lifestyle here in Mexico.

Change…

Its One Thing You Can Count On!

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t saddens me to write that this will be the last edition of the Vallarta Tribune Newspaper, after one year of being incorporated by CPS Media after 20+ years of print. The Vallarta Tribune has remained the largest English newspaper on the Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit, and this “Change” will affect many who work for the paper, as well as our client base, nonprofit organizations and all the article contributors, such as myself. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity of writing articles of many topics over the last 6 years and assisting our community in advertising their businesses.

So today, I write about the Energy of Change, and how we can move and flow with an energy of acceptance instead of feeling resistance, which can cause us to suffer.

Change can mean many things in a person’s life. Some changes are created intentionally, while other changes simply seem to happen to us that affect our lives. Change can be somewhat dramatic, or one can go with the flow and allow change to be for the better. We are creatures of habit and we want what is familiar to remain that way. When we feel we are giving up an aspect of how we identify ourselves; that letting go can shake us to our core.

Therefore, most of us have much resistance to change in our lives.

Change is a scary word for so many. It can mean that we are in the unknown.

Change can cause fear and anxiety if we allow it. Luckily for us, we can choose how we want to respond to not only expected changes in our lives, but more importantly, the

unexpected changes that you were not ready for. Panic can feel like a natural reaction when you do not consciously choose.

Accepting challenges and moving through change by choosing your perspective in each moment will allow more peace with-in. Your initial reaction may be an old pattern of fear, however when you change your thought and perspective to acceptance and gratitude, it sets the tone (creates a new pattern) for your future experiences.

This does not mean that we have all the answers on what to do next.

Take deep breaths in your nose and out your mouth and give yourself permission to feel the way your feeling will help you to center and bring more peace.

We do not always know why some things happen, and many times Change prevents us from seeing a grander landscape.

However, as most of us have experienced in our lives, unexpected change can bring about the most personal growth and other amazing good things into our lives. Trust the process and consciously breathe.

Change can really flip us out, especially unexpected changes in our lives.

A change is relationship or losing a loved one, getting fired from a job or even the little things in life can drain us emotionally, physically and certainly mentally when we go over and over what happened in our minds. I am certainly not saying to just “get over it”!

The unknown can be challenging.

However, being able to create peace in our minds is important.

Change does not mean we have been defeated.

This a page in a chapter (long or short) in your book of life.

Remembering that being able to choose your perspective is crucial

to moving forward. You will begin to rise again, seeing a bigger picture and know you are not defeated.

You may also take some notice that it’s not always just about you!

Find support from your “support crew”. It is good to talk about your feelings and receive support and to hear the words that everything is going to be OK! Creating a plan is also a good idea on where to go next. When things happen that are out of our control, planning on how you want to respond to it is important. Take time to sit in silence to clear the mind. Release control and allow things to unfold naturally to feel more balanced.

The “plan” will come to you Changes come in all shapes and sizes. Most of us have faced changes that feel impossible and insurmountable and certainly more challenging to move through, while other changes can be immediately recognized as a blessing in disguise.

The trick to tackling change is to determine how you want to write your story.

Change is certainly one of the things we can count on throughout our entire lives. Remaining grateful in the present moment and savoring the flavors of life is such a blessing.

There are two base energies for all things.

Fear and Love.

What

perspective shall you choose?

Please feel free to contact me at Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness. com with any questions about Energy Medicine Healing, or Cat@ CatMorgan.me for CPS Media radio or television advertising. A grand Thank You to our previous editor Madeline Milne, whom I had the pleasure working under for 6 years, as well as our current editor Neil Gerlowski and all my wonderful co-workers. I am and will remain grateful for this amazing and life-expanding experience with the Vallarta Tribune. A very interesting journey indeed!! Saludos a todo!

26

Local Voices

December 12, 2019

Starting over in Vallarta Jennifer Mann

jenniferwriter@gmail.com

Jennifer Mann is a long-time business writer who has covered everything from the maker of Twinkies to Hallmark Cards who now makes her home in Puerto Vallarta.

Saying Goodbye is Hard ...

T

oday, the bell tolls. It tolls for Puerto Vallarta and the loss of the Vallarta Tribune.

A newspaper is a living, breathing thing, a pulse, a voice, a conscience, and a scold for a community.

I don’t know the particulars of why the Tribune is closing, only the heartbreak that comes for those of us with ink in our blood when the

presses stop for good. I say this as a 35-year journalist covering mostly corporate America.

I was lucky to come of age in the industry when business coverage was booming. It was the 1980s, and I worked at The Kansas City Star, in the same newsroom where Ernest Hemingway honed his straightforward, sometimes staccato prose that carried him through his literary life.

In 1940 - Hemingway, by now world-famous - told a Star reporter

that the newspaper’s stylebook exhortations such as “Use short sentences.” and “Eliminate every superfluous word.” to be “the best rules I ever learned about the business of writing.”

Amen, Papa.

But at the heart of newspapering

is reporting. The bedrock is the “Who, what, when, where, and why.”

When you ask and answer those questions, you tell your readers important information, you help bind them into a community.

You help them set a course, figure out what’s wrong, maybe even how to fix it. You cheer their wins and mourn their losses.

A newsroom is like what we saw in “All the President’s Men.” It buzzes and throbs with anxiety, anticipation, and deadlines. The smell and sound and sight of the presses running is like dopamine and adrenaline wrapped up into one when you’ve got ink in your blood…

The press is the only profession embedded in the U.S. Constitution, front and center in the First Amendment.

In 1787, American founding father Thomas Jefferson, in a dispatch from Paris on the eve of the French Revolution, wrote: “A government without newspapers or

newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment for the latter.”

I remember well the morning I went to the federal courthouse in Kansas City for the sentencing to prison of the top two executives of a pasta-manufacturing company I covered. My reporting, fueled by a deeply-informed whistleblower, was cited throughout thousands of pages of court filings. I helped send those two criminals to prison, criminals who had defrauded their shareholders and betrayed their community, and of that, I was proud.

Then, later that very same morning in October 2008, I was laid off amidst a tanking economy and an imploding newspaper industry. That implosion, created in part by the industry’s aversion to the Internet, was fueled by Google’s aggressive aggregation of news and “distributing” it for free without compensating those that spent millions creating the content, namely newspapers.

Flash forward 11 years to now when I’ve had the privilege of writing for the Tribune for only a few short months, but it was a little like coming home for me to once again have a deadline for stringing together random words to tell a story.

In September, shortly after scoring a column for the Tribune, I was sitting outside A Page in the Sun reading a copy when a young couple from North Carolina stopped and asked me where they could get one. They were thinking of moving to Vallarta in a year or two and wanted to get the skinny on what was going on.

It reminded me of why I love newspapers.

So yes, today the bell tolls, it tolls for the Tribune and the myriad people who made it possible, and to whom I say, gracias, muchas gracias.

28

Entertainment

Live Music Calendar This list features bars and restaurants that may have live music and ongoing acts. We do not take responsibility for misinformation. Listings are published free of charge but are subject to space availability.

Email editor@vallartatribune.com to update or add your listings.

December 12, 2019

Local Farmer’s Markets There are regular markets called tianguis that occur in many neighborhoods throughout the week where you can usually buy produce, clothing, and household items. The markets and events listed here represent local producers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Unless noted with an asterisk (*), most run from the first week of November through April.

FRIDAYS

VALLARTA

NUEVO VALLARTA

Aloha Bar (Plaza Parabien #16) Thur: Dr. Groove 10 pm

Eddies (Boulevard Nayarit 70) Weekly - Live music 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Captain Don’s (Honduras 126) Fri: Tequila Rush 8 - 11 pm Sat: Da Crew 8 - 11 pm

BUCERIAS

Chasers Sports Bar (Avenida Mexico 570A) Fri: Gecko Band 8 - 11 pm

Encore Restaurant and Lounge ( No. 51 Lazaro Cardenas ) Live Jazz - Thurs, Fri, Sat 7pm Armi Grano and Gerry Palken on keys

El Oasis de Holi (River mouth by La Isla Mall) Sat: Dr. Groove 6 pm Gringo Loco Cantina Francisco I Madero 403 Col. Emiliano Zapata Tues: Dr. Groove de 7 a 10 pm Thur: Classics 581 de 8 a 11 pm Sat: Paranoia de 7 a 10 pm Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse (Lazaro Cardenas 245) Mon: Hoochie Coochie Men 8 - 11 pm Wed: Tequila Rush 8 - 11 pm Thur: 3Tones 8 - 11 pm Fri: Dr. Groove 8 - 11 pm Sat: Soul Trip 8 - 11 pm

Drunken Duck (Avenida Mexico, Centro | Bucerias) Wed: The Gecko Band 9 pm Sun: The Gecko Band 5pm

*Marsol Friday Market by the Pier - 9:30 am -1:30 pm Open all year, located on Francisca Rodríguez at the Marsol Hotel lobby, off Olas Altas Sayulita Mercado del Pueblo - 10 am -2 pm On Calle Revolución before the bridge

SATURDAYS Olas Altas Farmer’s Market - 9:30 am - 2 pm at Lázaro Cárdenas Parks, Old Town Three Hens & a Rooster Market - 9 am - 1:00 pm Lion’s Club, Francisco I. Madero #280, Old Town Tianguis Lo de Marcos - 9 am - 2:00 pm Located in the main plaza

SUNDAYS Huanacaxtle Farmer’s Market - 9 am -3 pm Located at La Cruz Marina

TUESDAYS

LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE Ana Bananas Bar and Grill Sun: 4 pm Rusty Debris and Amigos (Americana, country, old-time) Mon: 7 pm Soul Trip (classic rock, blues) Tues: 7 pm Sweet and Spicy (rock ‘n roll) Fri:7 pm JAM (Jo-Jo, Alex and Marty) (rock and dance music)

Murphy’s Irish Pub (484 Morelos, Malecon) Mon: La Trez Cuartoz 3 - 6 pm Wed: Martin Ruiz Gonzalez 6 - 9 pm Thur: The FREAKS and Adriana 10:30 pm - 1:30 am Britannia (Coral, La Cruz) Fri: La Trez Cuartoz: 10 pm - 1:30 am Tues: Open mic with The Turn 7pm Sat: The OTHERS 10:30 pm - 1:30 am Sat: Adriana and the Freaks 10 pm La Cruz Inn Thur: Tres Aires 5:30pm Que/Pasa (625 Aquiles Serdan) Sat: Music in the street with Matt 4pm Tues: The Change at 7-10 pm Sun: Sylvie&The Zippers 7 - 10 pm OSO’s Oyster Bar ( La Cruz Marina) Sat: The Remedy 7 pm Roxy Rockhouse (Ignacio L Vallarta 275) Tree House Bar and Grill Nightly music after 11 pm with the house band Wed: Decadas 7 PM Thur: The Renteria Brothers 7 PM Starwings (Avenida Fluvial 223) Fri: Coyote Country 7 PM Wed: Black Mamba 9 pm

SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO Don Pato (Marlin 12, Sayulita) Live music nightly

View these listings and more online at www.vallartatribune.com/eventos/live-music-calendar/

Riviera Market 9 am - 2 pm Located in Nuevo Vallarta in the parking lot behind the Casino.

WEDNESDAYS Bucerías Forever Spring Market - 9 am - 1 pm

THURSDAYS Marina Vallarta Night Market- 6 pm -10 pm - along the marina

Adorable dog in the spotlight: Meet Buddy!

Buddy is a handsome Labrador mix boy, about 2 years old, weighing 60 pounds. Buddy was found looking in the trash for food.

He is a very sweet dog, initially a bit shy with new people and new dogs he meets, but if you are just a bit patient with him, he will quickly become your best friend and buddy!

He is good with other dogs male and female but is not a fan of cats.

Buddy has a medium-high energy level and likes to play with other dogs, but nobody on the street has taught him how to play with toys, so this will be something fun to teach him for his new family.

Buddy is neutered, healthy and fully vaccinated and ready for that special forever home and we are accepting applications for his adoption. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com.

December 12, 2019

Games

28

Banderas Bay Shopping and Services

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Marcia Blondin Tel. (322) 222 2675, (322) 222 5402, w Celular: 322 175 0412

LUNES-VIERNES: 9:00am - 7:00pm (Monday to Friday)

mundodeazulejos@hotmail.com www.talavera-tile.com

T

he Marsol Friday Market by the Pier has been running for five seasons and is the only market in Vallarta open all year-round. While it is considerably smaller from May to October, we still generate enough traffic to keep going forward.

For those of you new in town, we are located in the Olas Altas neighborhood in the historic Marsol Hotel,

right on the beach next to the pier where you can catch a panga to Las Animas.

Many of our vendors go back to the original â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farmers Marketâ&#x20AC;? created at the Paradise Community Center, which closed five years ago.

We continue weekly with lots of jewelry that ranges in price from a few pesos to a few thousandâ&#x20AC;Śand everything in between for all budgets.

We have an herbalist whose great grandma lived to be 114 years old; it is

her original research that inspired Ricardo Mazcal to continue creating her organic herbal products.

Kim McKindleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sticky buns go up against all comers, and her dog treats are renowned; ask any local canines! All of Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profits from her liver-based treats go to help fund LADRA in Yelapa.

We have specialiazed walking tours, corn husk

dolls, pickled beets, smoked meats, antique and beach glass jewelry, cotton gift bags, Alain who can bring foreign TV to Vallarta, specialty wraps for food that replace plastics! We have a pair of chefs to cater your next party, and so much more.

The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm all year-round.

MARSOL FRIDAY MARKET

BY THE PIER EVERY FRIDAY CADA VIERNES 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

REAL STATE

Â

IMMIGRATION

TRUST & LIGITION

CIVIL

CONDOMINIUM REGIME CRIMINAL

ADOPTION

ART ARTE JEWELRY JOYERĂ?A CRAFTS ARTESANĂ?A CLOTHING ROPA PASTRY PASTELES HOME DECOR MUEBLES HERBALIST HERBALISTA FOOD COMIDA HOTEL MARSOL 103 FRANCISCA RODRIGUEZ OLAS ALTAS

HOME OF THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT

THE LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING CABARET IN

PUERTO VALLARTA

WWW.THEPALMCABARET.COM

Sustainably Yours

Emily Majewski

emilyannmajewski@gmail.com

Merry Amazon

I

t’s the Christmas season, and no matter one’s religion, it tends to be a buying season in which we all get swept up. A new force to be reckoned with in our area is the arrival of Amazon at our doorsteps. This e-commerce juggernaut has penetrated the Bay of Banderas jungle and made friends “muling” down northern knick-knacks a thing of the past.

I have a posse of very green-minded friends who say, when the topic of Amazon comes up, “Well, I hate to buy from them, but it’s soooo much cheaper so ... my package is arriving on Wednesday.

Oh, well.” Considering how passionately green many of these folks are, for THEM (myself included) to sheepishly concede to this giant retailer means one thing: it’s here to stay.

So how can Amazon be a force for human or ecological betterment?

For starters, Amazon’s claim to fame is “customer obsession,” so let’s be the customers that demand Amazon evolves in a good direction! This starts with having a clear vision of how a powerful platform like Amazon can be a force for good rather than a monopolistic tyrant — which is probably the path of least resistance without the intervention of enlightened buyers. From a social justice perspective, several adjustments to Amazon need to be made. Some advocates point out that all the brick and mortar retail jobs that have dried up because of Amazon have been re-absorbed by Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

Unfortunately, Amazon is notoriously overworking and underpaying these workers.

Any footage of their workers in a fulfillment center screams, “just let the robots take over already!” And this is a huge contradiction with Amazon, and by extension, capitalism itself: customer obsession does not translate into worker

obsession. But they are, in fact, the same thing. Society expects underpaid workers to simultaneously be great consumers, to keep the wheels of everything turning.

A system driving down wages but expecting the same worker to turn around and be a great spender can only work when subsidized by credit card debt — which is why our society is exactly that: driven by debt.

The Solution: Amazon needs to establish living wages and create internal roles where humans can express their empathy and creativity rather than be mechanical placeholders for robotics.

Maybe a platform like Amazon has no need for job positions that are humanly fulfilling. Perhaps AI will eventually run the show entirely, and “no” human jobs will be generated by Amazon.

If this is the case, I believe there is a significant thing Amazon can do from a social justice perspective but also out of self-interest. It has to do with cultivating a customer

base that has jobs and actual purchasing power.The solution is empowering the ecosystem of Amazon sellers. This means orienting itself around entrepreneurial success and empowering the population not only to buy but to sell.

This means reversing several significant Amazon policies: allowing vendors access to their customer analytics, data, and customer’s contact information.

Entrepreneurs need to be empowered to cultivate repeat sales for their personal businesses to thrive, and they cannot do this without access to analytics and customer contact info. Such disclosure means giving up some control

by Amazon, but it also enables a flourishing, empowered, and entrepreneurial society to become a thriving customer base for Amazon too. Sellers need to be as empowered as buyers for the long-term success of everyone, Amazon included.

Another way I would suggest Amazon can make a powerful impact is to both promote certified green products and ban environmentally harmful ones. This could mean giving an algorithmic preference to discovering sustainable products, creating an entire marketplace division dedicated to green goods, or developing a rewards system for purchasing sustainable products. As the world’s largest retailer, Amazon should participate in a societal shift towards the buying/selling

of sustainable commodities, not as an option, but as the STANDARD. And here is a marketing tip for Amazon, free of charge: how about use a little of that financial wherewithal to support the health of the actual Amazon (jungle)? Brush up your corporate green halo and invest in conservation! Come

on, guys, your namesake is burning: that’s gotta be embarrassing!

These are the ways I can see Amazon contributing to a more equitable and habitable earth. And maybe that way Bezos can spend less time worrying about Mars and more time enjoying the planet we have.