Issue 966, Oct 8 - 14, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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October 08 - 14, 2015 Free Issue 966

Events october - november

Culture Traditional medicine

Courtesy

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the year 18 in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere. EXPORTING PETS: Falling love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that 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 in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance. Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number). Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number. Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. 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

PEACEAnimals By Gretchen DeWitt www.peaceanimals.org

he mission of PEACEAnimals is to prevent the future suffering of animals by offering free mobile spay/neuter clinics. Since its founding in May 2013, PEACEAnimals has sterilized over 4,000 dogs and cats annually. A mass sterilization program greatly reduces the number of dogs and cats on the streets being hit by vehicles, poisoned, diseased, starving, abused and abandoned. There aren’t enough homes for all the animals being born. There are several Facebook pages and websites that have photographs and descriptions of dogs and cats that have been lost and/or found, animals that need rescuing and/or fostering, animals for adoption and requests from people who would like to adopt a cat or dog. For local animal information please view the resource tab on our website – www.peaceanimals.org If you see an animal that is sick or injured and are able and willing to pay the vet bill, please contact your vet or one of the vets listed on the resource tab of our website. For emergency vet attention, call: 044 322 180 6624 If you have found an animal and cannot adopt it, in addition to having the animal checked and vaccinated by a vet, please consider taking it to a free PEACEAnimals clinic. Clinic schedules are listed on our website and also on our blog: www.gretchen-pea-

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón Rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

ce-and-pv.blogspot.com There are vets who give discounts to people who rescue cats and dogs. No animal-related organization or group in Puerto Vallarta has the manpower, money or means to rescue, attend to and find homes for the thousands of street cats and dogs in Puerto Vallarta and in the surrounding areas. PEACEAnimals is a Mexican AC and U.S. donations are tax deductible. On how to donate, please see our website.

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely 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 soon 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 Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

editorial

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s Note editor@vallartatribune.com

n Friday I stopped by the opening of the Marsol Market by the pier and saw some of my favourites. Marcia Blondin is there, selling her beautiful handmade silk jewelery, Bill Kelly with his cooling ties and saucy aprons mentioned they’re making some more masculine aprons but I think the question remains, do you wear anything underneath? Barbara Peters has her hand painted shirts along with jewelry and art prints; I mentioned how lovely a Venetian glass bead necklace was and she gifted it to me… Thank you Barbara! And a special surprise: Frank Norton, of letter to the editor fame, was at the market. I finally met the man who has so much to say on so many topics. He gave me some lovely and very thoughtful gifts. It was so great to put a face to the name after all these years. This is a dedicated crew of local vendors, Nationals and Expats with a wide range of interesting items from clothing, traditional Mexican crafts and fabrics, food, guide books, lots of gift items. I even heard Sylvie Scopazzo will be selling her Organ-icks dog treats there each Friday too! The Old Town Farmers Market opens the first Saturday of November, the La Cruz Farmers Market is opening the first Sunday in November and I’m still waiting on confirmation from the markets in Bucerias, Nuevo and Marina Vallarta. If you are involved in the markets, please send me an update and I’ll add you to the list of area markets. I’ve received emails lately from the theaters around the bay – very impressive line-ups and some special must-see shows! We’ll have a run down on tops shows at Act II, The Palm and Stage and Forum in Nuevo for you next week. Get your pencils sharpened because your calendars are about to be full! The event of the year – the SPCA Fundraiser – is being held at the newly refinished Casa Kimberly on November 29th. This is an elegant affair hosted by Janice Chatterton in support of the Puerto Vallarta SPCA. More information can be found in this week’s paper. We had plans to head to El

Cielito (if you haven’t been – go! It’s amazing) this past weekend but the never-ending rain washed out the roads so we decided to keep driving all the way to Manzanillo. We weren’t there long enough to get a good feel for the place just a quick drive through town, stopped at the beach, then had a fantastic seafood lunch at Carlos Marisco’s. Trip advisor came through with this hidden gem. Huge portions of fresh seafood, fair prices - totally recommend it. The highway was in fairly good condition the whole way. Some construction around Tomatlan to keep an eye out for but I would

think in the next couple months that the highway will be complete. I guess the rumoured new airport and resort announcements have spurred this final push. Now would be the time to buy that beachfront. The south is about to take off! Have you been to the dam above Tomatlan (prensa de Cajon)? There are cabins you can rent, some fun restaurants along the shore – it’s a great escape for a couple days, especially if you’re into doing nothing, or fishing… and a different take on life in Mexico. I’ll tell you more next week. For now, safe travels, Madeline

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

Spanish Bloopers

by Sandra Cesca

his column is for all of us who are still struggling with the Spanish language…and for those who just want to enjoy a good laugh! Although I have lived here seven years, I still make many mistakes with words that sound the same but are entirely different or with the same word that has double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment. Today’s story: PULGAS (FLEAS) PULGADAS (INCHES) Reader Carla writes, “When an ancient parota tree fell in my yard during a recent storm, I picked up a

Pulgas (Fleas) slice of branch nearly a meter wide and three pulgas thick to show my neighbor. When I told her the size, she laughed and I realized I meant pulgadas (inches), not pulgas (fleas)!” Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra. learn.vallarta@gmail.com

Pulgadas (Inches)

PROTECTION AND CARE OF ANIMALS

3. Pets from seven weeks of age must be sterilized unless you have obtained a permit for reproduction.

news

Mexico Satisfied with Successful Launch of Morelos 3 Satellite

he Mexican government expressed its satisfaction with the “successful launch” from Cape Canaveral, Florida, of the Morelos 3 Satellite, which will provide secure communications in times of emergencies and natural disasters. The satellite was launched at 5:28 a.m. local time, and almost three hours later separated from the Atlas V rocket at more than 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) into the atmosphere, Communications and Transport Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Esparza reported from Cape Canaveral. Once Morelos 3 goes into orbit

at some 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) into space, “it will enable us to help a lot of people” who need the assistance of security forces in disasters and emergencies, the minister said. The satellite will operate within the L Band of frequencies, which has the latest technology for mobile broadband communications via the

Five local restaurants among the top 120 in Mexico

he Guía México Gastronómico recently announced their top 120 Restaurants for 2016, a selection which, according to the magazine, is owed to the “parallels that exist among the 120 million inhabitants of Mexico,” an analogy that refers to the tradition, continuity, quality and love of service and creativity within Mexico. Fifty members of the Academia Nacional de Votantes (National Academy of Voters) made up of personalities from the culinary industry of Mexico came together to choose the best of the best, taking into consideration: the quality of their service, the quality

of their presentation, the continuity of their culinary project, their culinary proposal and that the

devices of individuals and land, maritime and air transport vehicles, even in bad weather, and will have a useful life of 15 years. After being in orbit for 10 months and has extended its antennas and made the required trial runs, the satellite will begin regular operations. The Morelos 3, constructed by Boeing Satellite Systems International, will assure communications between units and vehicles of national security agencies, sound early warnings in case of emergencies, and provide support during natural disasters. Original: Laht.com establishment serve to incentivize a collaboration with other gastronomic sectors. In the Riviera Nayarit they chose El Delfín at the Garza Canela in San Blas, which is run by Chef Betty Vázquez, and Carolina at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resorts, headed by Chef José Meza. In Puerto Vallarta three restaurants were recognized including La Leche Alamacen Gourmet, Café des Artistes and Trio. The guide has already been published with 65 thousand printed issues distributed throughout the country. It’s free of charge and can be found in hotels, VIP lounges at the Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara airports, culinary schools and culinary events and conferences held in 2015 and 2016.

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

New Mayor takes Office

hort and to the point the inaugural speech the new Mayor of Puerto Vallarta, Arturo Peña Davalos outlined what will be the focus of his government, including specific commitments and the established deadlines to see results in his three-year term. As promised when campaigning, his government will be based on five pillars: a prosperous city, a functional city, a safe city, a just city and a green city. "Each of these axes requires us to think of a model city where there are jobs, decent infrastructure, safe public spaces, equality and where there is respect and care for the environment." "From the first of October we start a new cycle. We understand what Vallartans expect from us. They want a government that has more balance. We need social support to create jobs. We know they are demanding improved services, especially collecting garbage. We

know you are concerned about the image of the city centre and we need to address this with infrastructure but also improved promotion. You will not be disappointed, "said Arturo Peña Davalos. “The administration will need to act fast and secure results quickly as their first performance review will be in January.” Amid applause for that first concrete commitment, Peña Davalos noted that these are not empty words, "I give you my word, we will keep the committment." "We live in a city of services and the first order is to ensure the municipality provides services," he said. Davalo will also be a mayor who will listen and have open communications with the different sectors of community, "the transformation of Vallarta touches us to all. Let there be no doubt, I will rule with all and for all, and together, we will move take on the challenges as we come!"

19 arrested as part of vaquita recovery plan Boats, vehicles, fish, seized during 258 patrols so far this year

ederal agencies have been busy with efforts to control illegal fishing and protect the vaquita marina, according to their report to a meeting in San Felipe, Baja California. Eight-hundred agents of various branches of the federal government have arrested 19 people and seized 22 boats, eight vehicles, 211 fish parts, about 53,000 kilograms of fish and 543 totoabas, another species listed as endangered. Time has been running out for a while for the vaquita, a type of porpoise found only in the upper Sea of Cortés. A report last June estimated

that just 50 remain, well down from the 90 that were previously thought to exist. The federal government earlier this year announced it would spend 1 billion pesos on a two-year reco-

very plan. The arrests made this year followed 258 patrols by Federal Police, the armed forces and various federal agencies and secretariats.

Environment Secretary Rafael Pacchiano Alamán told the San Felipe meeting that legislation was presented to Congress in May that would classify fishing for totoaba as a serious crime, but it has not

yet been passed. The vaquita is a bycatch of the tortoaba, which commands high prices in China for its coveted swim bladder. The meeting also agreed to explore including the fishing community in a temporary employment program to provide employment in the tourist industry and provide an alternative source of income. Plans to conduct a census of the vaquita were also discussed. It would involve the Navy and specialists with the International Committee for Vaquita Recovery. Original: MexicoDailyNews

news

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Microsoft to Invest $1 Billion in Digital Education, Inclusion in Mexico

M Gourmet insect foods are creating a buzz

Be-xoo is a firm that promotes a gourmet experience with insect-based dishes

corpion tacos for dinner, anyone? The entrepreneur behind food brand Be-xoo (pronounced Be-Chew or Bicho is Spanish for bug)has delved into pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine to create a product line of sauces, pastes, jams and ice creams made from bugs, and the scorpions, he says, are a winner. Roberto Celis Montenegro is confident that his new recipes not only taste good but offer nutritional value as well. “We went to a hotel expo in Cancún three months ago and the chefs were surprised by the flavour – they liked it very much,” he said. Perhaps their surprise was understandable – on the menu were cheese with grasshopper jam, tamarind served with earthworms and avocados stuffed with cocopaches, a type of insect. “Grasshoppers contain more protein than meat,” said Celis Montenegro. “Furthermore they don’t contain any preservatives, toxins or hormones.” There are 549 edible species of insect in Mexico, and Be-xoo intends to promote its new products as a healthier alternative to meat. For instance, essential amino acids contained in escamoles – the larvae and pupae of an insect breed harvested from the agave plant also used to make tequila – are more beneficial than those found in meat. “The body absorbs the nutrients from these creatures but it’s not the same as when you eat a steak,” said Celis Montenegro. “In that case the protein degrades in the stomach,

but nutrients from the insect are absorbed directly and without any of the badness contained in meat.” Another bug that has received a warm reception is the scorpion. “We make tacos and people have taken to them very well and are delighted with them,” said the chef entrepreneur, adding that the scorpion is also being used to garnish the classic Mexican drinks of mezcal and tequila, for “an exotic and challenging effect.” On a more serious note, Celis Montenegro said international studies suggest that the scorpion has anti-carcinogenic properties. “Obviously this is not the case if you only eat one – you need to eat them every now and again,” he added. And eating bugs could even benefit the planet as a whole. “The farming of insects does not generate greenhouse gases, in contrast with other protein foods such as meat,” he said. “A cattle ranch is unfortunately not much different to a polluting factory.” Celis Montenegro said the United Nations has even made recommendations on a global scale to encourage the production of insects for human consumption. Be-xoo is a Mexican company whose mission is to promote a gourmet dining experience for those who wish to learn about insect-based, pre-Hispanic cuisine. Mexico is a world leader in terms of the number of species of edible insects that have been classified. There are 549. Original: Mexico Daily News

icrosoft Corporation CEO Satya Nadella said during a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto that the technology giant would invest around $1 billion to promote digital education and inclusion in the Latin American country. During Thursday’s meeting at the Los Pinos presidential residence, Nadella said the investment would be carried out between this year and 2018, the Mexican president’s office said in a statement. “At the meeting, they (Peña Nieto and Nadella) talked about the evolution and strengthening of Microsoft’s presence in Mexico over two decades, and also about the future of telecommunications” globally, the statement said. Nadella expressed support for economic reforms carried out Peña Nieto administration, while the Mexican president thanked Microsoft for its role in a campaign to boost digital education in Mexico. The Microsoft chief noted that his company had promoted micro, small and medium-size enterprises through its efforts to spur digital education and inclusion. After their meeting, Peña Nieto and Nadella posed for photographers and talked with students attending the Mexican Youth Institute under a Microsoft scholarship, including some entrepreneurs with successful projects. Among them was Alejandro Cantu, founder and CEO of

SkyAlert, which issues seismic warnings in Mexico to millions of users. Founded four years ago as a four-person operation, SkyAlert now employs 75 workers and went from a company retransmitting information from Mexico’s seismic alert system to a service with its own earthquake detection and measurement network. “Mexicans can now know how strong a quake was as soon as the alarm goes off, when previously it was just a warning,” Cantu said. “Microsoft provides the tech-

nology platform we use to reach millions of Mexicans; it provides us the security and use of the cloud. It’s helped us not just in the development area but with a program to support entrepreneurs,” he added. SkyAlert has been so successful that it now plans to expand operations beyond Mexico, with Cantu saying the company is currently studying the possibility of taking its seismic-alert technology to California. Original: laht.com

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... Rusty by Janice Gonzalez

usty is such a good little boy. Somewhere between 4-5 years of age, Rusty is still young and playful but not wildly energetic. He weighs about 30 pounds and is most likely a Labrador mix. Rusty is a happygo-lucky guy. He is friendly and loves people, happy to just be in their company. Rusty also gets along great with other dogs. He has been neutered, dewormed and is current on all his vaccines. If you think Rusty would be the perfect addition to your family, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com for an application.

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Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Marriage to a Mexican national the taxman watches!

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

ITold Him So

Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com.

ast Monday, my husband announced that he had to meet with his band to discuss plans for events where they would be playing. He told me that he would ride his bike to the meeting as a way to get some exercise. I told him that it would be slippery and he should re-think the idea. He did not agree, but he is probably the nicest person to disagree with. He just smiled at me and gave me a hug before I left to work, which indicated that he would be riding the bike but he didn’t want to hurt my feelings over it. I shrugged and headed off to school. Within about two hours he texted me to tell me not to worry. This type of text from my husband means that I am about to worry and he knows it, but he wishes that I wouldn’t. He told me that a bus had taken over his biking lane (a Vallarta bus hogging the road? Let’s all get over the shock of this before I go on), and in his haste to jump the bike onto the sidewalk, the tire had slipped on the wet curb and he had fallen. He now needed several stitches on his arm. When I saw him, it was quickly apparent that he would be out of guitar-playing commission for at least a week. It was also quickly apparent that I had been right to tell him not to drive his bike that morning. Still, I tried not to say it. I really tried, because I know how very annoying and unhelpful it is to hear. But then he smiled that smile and said “Well, accidents happen, I guess.” So then I really had no choice but to utter those hated words: “I told you so”. I know that it’s important to use unpleasant experiences to understand someone else’s perspective. I must even know this on a subconscious level. That’s the only way I can explain why, the very next day, I ran over a slippery patch of tile and wound up contemplating the light fixtures flat on my back, with a brea-

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

I thlessness that I hope never to experience again. The comfort I immediately experienced was that no one saw me get airborne. I have always wanted to be a viral internet sensation, but for reasons based on a dazzling display of talent rather than painful buffoonery (although, if I have to be honest, my chances are far better with buffoonery). As I lay there I thought these three things, in this exact order: 1) Is this going to cost me any money? 2) Will this get me out of making school lunches tonight? 3) When is he going to say it? Apparently the crash was loud enough for my entire family to come running, and they soon surrounded me with their concerned chatter. They tried to help me up but I remembered that you shouldn’t move a victim of a spinal injury. My daughter, who is a very determined care-giver, went about setting up a temporary camp around my head and the load of laundry I had pulled down with me, like a Civil War nurse in the middle of the Battle of Fort Sumter. Once she began debating out loud the ways she could keep me hydrated from my horizontal position, I knew I was ready to stand up and take a long, limping Walk of Shame up the stairs and to my bed. My husband silently offered his good arm. We trudged up the stairs together and I gave him a sideways glance. He was biting his lip, a sure sign that he was trying not to smile (that smile). It also meant that he, with more wisdom than his spouse, would probably say nothing at all.

f you are a U.S. citizen expat in Mexico, it may just be the case that you may meet and consider marrying a Mexican national. ¡Orale! as they say. But it is important to understand there will be U.S. tax consequences and important choices to be made in connection with marriage to a non-US citizen, when both of you reside outside the United States. If you marry a “non-resident alien” and do nothing else, you will be required to file returns at the “married filing separate” rates, which are usually very inconvenient. Generally speaking ---and there are exceptions--- one will end up paying more tax this way. Both spouses can elect to have the non-resident alien treated as a

“resident alien” for US income tax purposes. That way, the “married filing joint” status is available. But with the IRS, nothing comes for free. The joint return would have to include the other spouse’s worldwide income as well, just like the US citizen spouse. For those who marry often, beware--the election can only be made once. It can be revoked, but once elected, neither

spouse can elect it again. And of course, the non-US citizen spouse has to get a Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN—always a fun endeavor outside the U.S. Of course, that person’s income and possible deductions, now and in the future, (in addition to those of the U.S. citizen spouse) are key to deciding if this is a worthwhile election to make. It is also important to know the election forgoes any US-Mexico tax treaty benefits that may be otherwise available as a resident of Mexico. Some marriages bring in additional people into the picture… parents and preexisting children come to mind. Instead of the election, or the married filing separate status discussed above, the more favorable “head of household” status may be available if support tests are met. In some cases, the relatives have to live in one’s household, but not in others. Lastly, timing is everything. It is important to know that filing status is determined as of the end of the tax year, usually December 31. Depending on individual circumstances, it may advantageous to marry on one year, or the next. I always tell people to run their numbers. Marriage is of course, a major milestone. It brings about significant tax consequences, only magnified in the case of marriage to what the IRS calls a “non-resident alien”.

Annual fundraiser at the new Casa Kimberly By Janice Gonzales

ickets are now on sale for the annual fund raiser to be held November 28th with 100% of the proceeds going to the SPCA de PV. Guests will gather in the stunning, newly remodeled boutique hotel Casa Kimberly, former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This event is not to be missed. Tickets are $120 US or 1950 pesos. Contact Janice@Haciendasanangel.com to get your ticket. Tour the Facilities If you live or are planning to vacation in Puerto Vallarta this winter, weekly tours to our Sanctuary will commence November 3rd. Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. Thank you Volunteers We are also looking for volunteer drivers to transport visitors to

and from the sanctuary during the busy season. Contact us at the SPCA if you can assist. Thank you to our volunteers who manage these tours which lead to fur-ever friendships. You are a pawesome team! Corrine Janet Eastham, Robin McCaffry, Nicole Martin, Mona and Brian Kines, Eddie Hipolito and Janice Gonzalez. Until then, special arrangements can be made to accommodate anyone seriously desirous of visiting our Sanctuary. Please contact us in advance to make arrangements. You can send us an email at spcapv@gmail.com To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. To make donations via PayPal, select the "Donate" option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at

http://spcapv.com/donate/. Donate If you would like to make a donation other than money to the SPCA, here is a list of items we can ALWAYS use: Kong's or very hard rubber chew toys (we cannot use soft plastic toys anymore due to ingestion worries); Chuck it balls ... hard rubber; stuffed toys for puppies; BLUE BAG Costco dog food salmon – ONLY; all natural dog treats; towels, blankets, Lysol, powdered laundry detergent; office supplies such as paper, pens, clip boards, scissors, plastic cups for water for our staff and volunteers. You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv. com/home or on Facebook.

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South

Shore Temptations By Nicole Martin

South Shore GMs Reveal All

he majestic south shore of Puerto Vallarta is buzzing with great activity and growth offering more employment, hotel rooms and real estate opportunities for 2016 and beyond. With the recent opening of more high-end hotels to lure more people to where the jungle meets the sea, South Shore Vallarta is gaining great momentum in the hospitality industry, proving that this area is truly the place to be.

Mynor Espinoza - HOTEL MOUSAI The brand new Hotel Mousai, the first and only AAA 5 Diamond Resort in Puerto Vallarta, is managed by Costa Rican Born, Mynor Espinoza. Who are your main clients? Hotel Mousai attracts guest over 18 years old who are looking for something modern and luxurious with tailored experiences. They tend to be educated world travelers who are set on discovering new destinations and encounters with quality and chic design. What is the most remarkable thing about your hotel? The Mousai brand seeks to awaken the senses of our guests and create memorable experiences that break the mold of beach vacations. The feedback we get from our guests when they leave is incredible, showing us that we are constantly achieving our promise to exceed expectations. What do you like most about Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore? Vallarta’s South Shore offers a

Meet the personalities who are running the sensational giants of the hotel industry that grace Puerto Vallarta’s south shore from Mismaloya, Garza Blanca and Conchas Chinas. Investing long hours, sacrifices and their drive for excellence, the south shore GMs all love what they are do, making south shore Vallarta one of the best tourist destinations in Latin America.

great opportunity for development. The contrast between the mountains and the sea make this area a privileged place to be located. It won’t be long before everyone recognizes the south shore as the diamond zone of Puerto Vallarta. What is your greatest daily challenge? The operation of any hotel brings many great challenges. For me, my main focus is on guest satisfaction and creating those memorable “wow” experiences every day. Another important part is ensuring that our employees are inspired by their jobs, providing ongoing professional development.

Marc Dobbels - GARZA BLANCA PRESERVE RESORT & SPA French-born Marc Dobbels from Toulouse, moved to Puerto Vallarta two years ago following his time at the Ritz Carlton in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Who are your main clients? We mostly receive guests from the United States and Canada who are looking for that special touch which only Puerto Vallarta can offer. Here our clients can integrate with the real Mexico. We are also developing presence in the national market among Mexicans looking for class and luxury. What is the most remarkable thing about your hotel? The moment you step foot on our resort, you will feel the kindness of our staff. Our aim is to make our guests feel totally

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

welcome and pampered; our staff are the backbone of this sense of comfort. Our team do not come here to work, they come to be part of something greater, to care for our guests like they were family. What do you like most about Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore? I live in Nuevo Vallarta and therefore cross both neighbor-

hoods daily; when I reach the gas station where the South Shore highway starts, it’s like I am taken into another world: nature, jungle, gorgeous blossom. Every single day that I drive along this highway to Garza Blanca I am inspired by how beautiful it is. What is your greatest daily challenge? I don’t have any daily “challenges,” nor monthly or yearly. Why? Because I really enjoy what I do. Loving your job turns challenges into pleasures. When I see our guests lounging on the day beds, all relaxed and happy, it really makes me smile; or when they are about to leave and I hear their comments saying “Marc, thank you so much for this time” etc, it is truly wonderful. If we experience challenges, well it is our job to fix them.

Antonio Machain - HYATT ZIVA PUERTO VALLARTA Originally from Tepic in the Mexican state of Nayarit, Hyatt Ziva’s Antonio Machain moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1985. Who are your main clients? In principle, the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta offers an all-inclusive concept that captures the fun and excitement that goes along with a traditional beach vacation. Therefore, our customers are guests of all ages, families and couples looking to relax and have fun in an atmosphere of all-inclusive luxury. What is the most remarkable thing about your hotel? The resort opened last December and the official opening took place on February 24 this year, after performing a renovation and expansion project with an

investment of $ 20 million dollars. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta not only brings a well-known global brand to this destination, but it has reused and preserved one of the most beautiful tourist sites on the south shore. What do you like most about Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore? Anyone familiar with Puerto Vallarta knows the benefits of this privileged area with its beau-

tiful setting between sea, mountains and rivers. I also enjoy the exclusivity of its residential areas, beaches, proximity to the center of Puerto Vallarta and the priceless view of the sunsets here. The highlight further south of our resort is the natural and ecological beauty that makes the south shore an attraction for visitors in search of adventure on land or sea. It’s also ideal for those looking for a home away from home. What is your greatest daily challenge? At the Hyatt Ziva in Puerto Vallarta we are focused on the satisfaction of our guests. Our daily challenge is to achieve the levels of quality and service to suit the changing tastes of the discerning guests who stay with us so that they leave knowing they are our main reason for being.

Alberto Landeros Estripeaut GRAND FIESTA AMERICANA Born in Mexico City, Alberto Landeros Estripeaut grew up on the island of Cozumel in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, having now enjoyed just over 3 months living in Puerto Vallarta. What do you like most about Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore? I think it’s the most beautiful part of Puerto Vallarta; the varying hues of the sea and the incredible green of the mountains are important elements that have influenced the concept of our hotel. Together we have created an atmosphere that fosters romance and a vibe that seduces, inviting you to stay with us. Who are your main clients? Conforming to our adults only concept, the hotel attracts

couples, groups of friends or families, wedding parties and incentive groups looking for a new hotel experience with cutting-edge entertainment and cuisine that generates unforgettable moments. The age range of our guests is between 30 and 50 years old. What is the most remarkable thing that has happened at your hotel? The most wonderful thing has been watching its “birth,” having been part of its opening, and being part of the best hotel team in Puerto Vallarta. What is your greatest daily challenge? As in every opening, the challenge now is to ensure that each area, each department and each dining area follow the business

processes 100%, fully complying with the standards and criteria established in the planning phase of the hotel. We have started surpassing the expectations of our guests, able to overcome the initial objectives, but each day brings new challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Flower of the Week MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

Madagascar Periwinkle Teresitas (Spanish) Catharanthus roseus

inca. A perennial herbaceous ornamental with numerous cultivars spreading to 2.5 feet. Grows easily in poor soil like sidewalks and cracks in walls. Flowers

Sandra Cesca

in many shades of pink, red, lilac, and white. Some apply leaves or petals directly to the skin to stop bleeding, relieve insect bites, wasp stings, and eye irritation, infections and

swelling. Chinese medicine extracts have been used to treat diabetes, malaria, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Plant contains over 70 alkaloids, including vincristine currently used for cancer treatment. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s colorcoded guidebook, Tropical

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riviera nayarit

Life

In La Cruz By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Characters of La Cruz; Katia of Café Shule’l

first learned of Café Shule’l from a guest raving about the coffee and smoothies she enjoyed at the town square. Katia says “My clients are mostly foreigners and some Mexicans who come on vacation to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle; we’d like more locals to visit us. I like that in Café Shule’l people can meet and sometimes they make new friends.” I highly encourage everyone (even if means taking a drive) to visit Café Shule’l for breakfast, lunch or in the evening for coffee, crepes/ dessert. (Call first if you’re thinking of going other than for breakfast; she’s waiting for the season which

is almost here 329 295 5800). It is so peaceful sitting across from the colourful town square. The name of the café tells the story of the menu and the people serving it. Katia explained that Shule’l is Mayan for “Things made with soul". I enjoy the omelet; others the burritos and my husband loved the French toast. The organic Mexican coffee had me begging for a second cup even though the first one was served in a wonderfully big mug. Katia opened the café in October 2014 and has been pleased with the continued growth. Katia’s family; run all of the restaurants on that block: • On one corner at Las Maravillas her Aunt and Grandma run a restaurant specializing in hamburgers with a fabulous shrimp burger. They also have tacos and other items on the

1st Sea Turtle Festival in Lo de Marcos

he whole family is invited! This festival offers lectures on sea turtle and environmental education activities as well as paddle board, yoga, volleyball, contests sculpture, drawing, crafts and more. Starting at 10am on Saturday, October 10, 2015 the first Sea Turtle Festival in Lo de Marcos, will promote the protection of this endangered species. This festival will take place in the Turtle Camp in Lo de Marcos. In addition to releasing of baby sea turtles, there will be lectures

on the species and environmental education in general, so as to promote the values and ideas that contribute to their preservation and care for the environment. The activities planned include sculpture contest, drawings and crafts on the sea turtle, a beach volleyball tournament, an exhibition of paddle boarding by Oliver Cruz and practice yoga with Gaby Abnashi. There will also be a children's area, area of food and drinks, music and lots of family fun. Don’t miss this great event!

menu; • Then there is Café Shule’l; • Next to her, Uncle Pita serves Asada (barbequed meat) tacos; • On the other corner at Ballena Blanca, cousin Edwin, a trained chef serves all kinds of food but what folks rave about the most are the blue corn tortillas filled with shrimp. Her grandfather, who was the 53rd person born in Puerto Vallarta, loved to cook and shared that love with his children. All twelve of his offspring; six girls and six men cook and own restaurants. “What I would like to preserve in our beautiful little town: ~ The joy of the people and how friendly they are; ~ Free access to the beaches and the sea; ~ The Fishermen; they are people who give you everything that they have, just for the sake of giving; ~ And the "plaza" as it is! With the trees and the town style; ~ I wish better education for children, whether in language, technology or sport; ~ More tourism, hotels and cultural activities but retain the rustic style; ~ I also wish that "Café Shule'l continue offering coffee and soul food and that people will visit and enjoy! I like the word "passion" in the sense of love for life, passion for the little things and simple things of everyday life. I wish for the future of La Cruz that foreigners and locals

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

create stronger relationships and continue working together for the good of the town.” It easy to find Café Shule’l, if coming from Vallarta turn left at our only traffic light and go down

until you almost reach the marina entrance. Directly across from the town square is Café Shule’l! Say hi to Katia for me! To read the complete story visit www.VillaAmorDelMar.com

Events Around the Bay If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com. October 6-11th The Puerto Vallarta Open - FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour On Playa Camaron - Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio beside the Sheraton – Starts at 9am. October 20th Expats in Vallarta Happy Hour 5:00pm at Langostino’s located on Los Muertos Beach just north of the new pier. Expats In Vallarta is open to all residents, visitors and investors from other countries. The purpose of the group is informal fellowship and assistance for ExPats considering living in the area. There is no membership fee or requirements. October 27th - November 2nd Day of the Dead – City of Puerto Vallarta Display of altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale municipal market, ending with a folk festival with charros, catrina contest and fireworks. More details closer to the event dates. October 28th- 6pm to 10pm Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta. Held every Wednesday until May 25, 2016.

October 29 – November 2nd The 4th Word Congress of Cultural Psychiatry Congress theme - Global Challenges & Cultural Psychiatry: Natural Disasters, Conflict, Insecurity, Migration and Spirituality November 7th Grand Opening! The Old Town Farmers Market opens for the season. Open every Saturday from November to April between 9:30 am and 2 pm at Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. November 11-14th 60th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish fishing tournament www.fishvallarta.com November 16-22nd Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival Celebrating 21 years. Specially priced menus. Visiting chefs. One week of culinary adventure. www.festivalgourmet.com November 20th-21st RisingHop Vallarta Festival 2015 - An event to enjoy craft beer Craft Beer + Food + Local products + Live Music + Ludoteca 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm at Puerto de Luna All Suites Hotel

local

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Finding American Legion helps kids

Your and families this summer Tribe

Rhonda Zarate

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

re you a lone wolf is this beautiful world? Are you walking the path of life without your tribe? Feeling lonely, sad, believing that no one sees you for the true “Rock Star” that you are? It is time you broke out of your protective shell to find your clan. Doing your own thing all of the time; boring… You run the risk of doing the slow dance towards feelings of depression. Let’s focus on what makes you happy. The “Tribe” topic is dear to my heart. I have lived many different places; I get what it is like when your feet hit the ground in a new country, new province, or new city knowing no one! For this chatty Gemini it is a near death experience. Taking action, fast forwarding seventeen years I am now part of a smart, sassy, professional, quirky, delightful tribe of “Angel Soul Sisters.” I try to make a deliberate, conscious act of not taking them for granted, contacting them; daily, weekly, monthly, keeping connections strong. Referring to them as “Sisters“ always, believing to have a juicy journey in this lifetime, you must have the connection of true friendship. They know you are a good egg, even when everybody else knows you have some cracks in your foundation. Hmm, are you thinking, maybe I could make room for a new crew or a few new crew members? How does one find these peeps? Put the rubber to the road, take action; go to the local café, find a church, volunteer, introduce yourself to your neighbor. Take deliberate methodical action, giving yourself this will be a treasure in your lifetime. Perhaps, you’re saying, “I can’t do that?” If you are feeling stalled or shy, no worries, take one bite of the elephant at a time. What are your interests, when do you find yourself in the moment with a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eye? Dancing, at the movies, skydiving, singing, having a philosophical conversation, are you a foodie? Getting the handle on this friend finding - How do you do this? Join a book club, learn to play Bridge, take a Salsa class or start a

Saturday morning walking group – easy-peezie. Take swift, deliberate action, make a plan. You got this; yup I definitely have faith where you are concerned. Creating a joyous union is about chemistry, common interests and how we feel when we are in each other’s company. Take a deep breath, start to feel, be aware of your body’s signals when you start meeting new people, find your rhythm, and the effortless moments. Meeting your “Soul Friend,” you should feel the chemistry and kindred spirit right off the bat. It’s the vibe you are seeking - an easy flow between the two of you. A feeling of familiarity, a warm blanket of love that wraps itself all around you, all snuggly like. You will laugh a lot and really loud, finding yourself sharing your most intimate thoughts and feeling. Your friend will assure you that you can tell her anything, the good, bad or ugly, together you will figure things out. On the journey of your friendships with your tribe, you will fall in and out of love, experience marriage, babies, divorce, deaths, schools, opportunities, losses, wealth, sickness, health, children, teenagers, aging parents, aging period, ugh!! The safety net of creating a well lived life with your besties is more valuable than any “leprechaun's pot of gold.” You can take on the world, no matter where you go. In your stand of life, you have built a group of crazy cheerleaders chanting your name, irritating the hell out of everyone else around them, but you will beam because this is your crew, from your hood, that you created. They will call you on your stuff, saving you thousands of dollars on counselling bills, making you eternally grateful to them, helping you navigate your way through life easily. The joy of building a foundational structure of friendship to support each other in the sunshine and the rain. Homework Take swift action steps to finding your tribe of family-friends today. Life is deliciously fabulous, Rhonda Zarate

he American Legion has been busy all summer with several projects, some in partnership with the Navy League of Vallarta. Painting, repairing and installing in support of children and healthcare issues in the communities around Puerto Vallarta. Completed projects include: • Luis Medina Casillas Jardín de Niños in Ixtapa (Kinder Care School) • C.A.D.I. Nursery/Day Care Center for children 6 months to Four years

with locations in Ixtapa and Aurora • Playgrounds at San Vicente del Mar and El Guamúchil. • CANICA Program (Centro de Apoyo a Niños con Cáncer) • And the Aurora Playground Projects currently under way: • Luis Medina Casillas KinderCare Phase II • Salón Multiusos Community Center in Colonia 12 de Octubre • Jardin de Ninos 18 de Marzo KinderCare Are you interested in voluntee-

ring or meeting fellow veterans? The AMERICAN LEGION POST 14 - PUERTO VALLARTA welcomes all veterans to come and meet other men & women who have served their country with Honor this Tuesday, October 20th 11am at Steve’s Sports Bar at 286 Basilio Badillo Old Town with a reception to follow at 12:30. A Service Officer will be present to answer VA related Issues Email Dennis2rike@hotmail. com for more details.

culture

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Traditional Medicine

A tangible and intangible heritage of Mexico

trongly associated with medicinal plants–its most abundant, accessible and known resource–traditional medicine is much more than medical botany. Medicinal plants are an important element of indigenous medical systems in Mexico as well as in many other countries. These resources are usually regarded as part of a culture’s ‘traditional’ knowledge. Today one finds such plants on Mexican markets and many people in rural and urban areas regularly use herbal medicines. “Traditional medicine is a fundamental resource for health in traditional rural areas, as well as urban and semi-urban areas of the country,” says Carlos Zolla, a researcher at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM, National Autonomous University of Mexico). Thanks to the great diversity of flora that Mexico possesses, traditional medicine in Mexico ranks first in Latin America and third in the world. It is estimated that Mexico has between five and ten thousand species of potentially curative plants. The Library Of Traditional Medicine The UNAM developed a virtual library that includes a record of concepts related to all these plants, including their names and uses. It was based on the information contained in the Biblioteca de la Medicina Tradicional Mexicana (Library of Mexican Traditional Medicine), and created by

the Instituto Nacional Indigenista (INI, National Institute of Native Peoples), in the years 1990 to 1994, and thanks to current information technology. This database is based on printed editions of books that contained these records and are now out of print. With the digitization of this information users can now search for information in some easily accessible way. While the books cover different times in history, An interesting historical example from 16th century Mexico is an herbal written in Nahuatl by the Aztec healer Martin de la Cruz from Tezcoco, who was at the Colegio de Santa Cruz in Tlatelolco. It was translated into Latin by Juan Badiano and given to the King of Spain Carlos I in 1552. It includes numerous colour illustrations of medicinal plants Today it is possible to identify many of these plant species and, in fact many are still used today. Of course, chili and paprika have a long tradition of use in Meso- and South American cultures, famously as a spice, but also as a medicine including for chronic inflammatory conditions. C. annuum (which often

is less pungent than C. frutescens) originated from Mesoamerica and C. frutescens from the western Amazonian region or Bolivia, but today both are part of a universal culture and is generally considered an integral part of, for example, the medical and culinary traditions on the Indian subcontinent and it is a typical Balkan (Hungarian) spice. Multiple medical uses were recorded during the Aztec period, including uses for dental problems, infections of the ear and various types of wounds as well as digestive problems. Consequently, chilies were also an important element of tribute requested by the Aztec rulers. During the colonial period these uses continued and developed further. Now records of chili’s use as an aphrodisiac appeared. More recently uses as a rubefacient to locally stimulate blood circulation became a central use of C. frutescens. While it was common during the 1960’s and 1970’s for considerable interest in traditional medicines as hallucinogenic drugs, today more research focuses on cancer and on chronic diseases including diabetes and arthritis.

For example, the potential of novel anti-diabetic medications is enormous. In Mexico alone a total of 306 species have records of a popular use in the treatment of this syndrome. Opuntia spp. (cactus pears or prickly pears Cactaceae) are an essential element of Mesoamerican botanical history. For centuries the Aztecs and many other Mexican indigenous groups have used ripe fruits and the nopales (or nopalitos, tender cladodes) both as a food and a medicine. Ill-defined extracts from Opuntia species are now widely available over the internet as a treatment for diabetes and related metabolic disorders and chemically and pharmacological characterised extracts are currently under development. Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology investigate the relationship between humans and plants in all its complexity. Ethnobotanists live with the members of a community, share their everyday life and, of course, respect the cultures which host them, learning the uses and methods of traditional healers. People who practice traditional medicine are known in many

ways, depending on where they are located, or the functions they perform since diseases can have natural and sometimes supernatural causes. Sometimes illnesses are attributed to curses, such as evil beings that cause harm. The practitioners—called yerberos (herbalists), rezanderos (those who pray), pulsadores (those who take the pulse), hueseros (bone-setters), parteras (mid-wives), chupadores (suckers), adivinadores (diviners), sopladores (blowers), and mediums,— are types of healers who practice some variety of traditional medicine, that have in common the belief that diseases damage the body, and also the soul of the patient. Mexican traditional medicine, like any other social institution, has changed over the centuries, interacting with other therapeutic models according to what the UNAM calls the “real health system” of millions of Mexicans of the 21st century. Today a hybrid of modern and traditional can be found in rural areas and big cities and all the places in between. Sources: ProMexico, Mexicolore.co.uk

as an astringent, promoting proper kidney function, helps digestion, a tonic, a diuretic and helps reduce fever. Some people call Hibiscus the "other cranberry". Moringa - The Moringa Leaf is a nutrient rich super food with antioxidant power used as: anti-inflammatory, cancer prevention, helps lower sugar level in diabetes, has antibiotic properties, antimicrobial action, antifungal properties, improved liver function and enhance overall your health and nutrition. Nopal - Nopalitos - Nopalitos (nopal cactus) properties is a natural diabetes and cholesterol medication, and its also used in the treatment of obesity, gastroin-

testinal disorders, skin ailments, and viral infections. Papaya - Papaya contains antioxidants and bioflavinoids, beta carotine, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Papaya helps nourish the endocrine system and encourages the body to produce more arginine stimulating cell regeneration that benefits the skin. Spearmint - Spearmint helps digestion. It is used for the respiratory tract problems, for a tired mind and for skin problems. Spearmint also helps to relieve mental fatigue, improves mental clarity, memory and alertness. Spearmint is refreshing, stimulant and the vapors help breathing.

Traditional Herbal Home Remedies Look younger, lose weight, get a good nights sleep, prevent cancer and cure the common-cold; these are just some of the benefits locally found products can help you with. There are thousands of traditional herbs, plants, fruits found in Mexico that can help with a variety of symptoms. Here are some that are easy to find in your local grocery store or at a natural food store. Agave - The Agave Nectar has a favorable glycemic profile, because it’s sweetness comes primarily from a complex form of fructose called inulin. The Inulin fiber stimulates the growth of friendly and healthy intestinal bacteria which supports good colon health and it

also has a very low glycemic index. Agave Syrup taste is comparable to sugar and can be used as a sugar replacer in food and beverages. Avocado - The avocado lowers the sugar level in the blood and helps you loose weight. The leaves of the avocado help to alleviate menstrual pains, asthma and bronchitis. The fruit also cures dysentery: a disease of the intestine when it becomes inflamed and causes abdominal pain, fever and diarrea. The avocado is considered an aphrodisiac, especially in its seed. The word avocado comes from Nahuatl "ahuacatl" that means testicle. Chamomile Manzanilla.

Chamomile tea is used as a sedative and for insomnia and other nervous conditions. The tea has anti-inflammatory properties; it is good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. It is an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, acts as a very mild but efficient laxative, and loosens tight muscles. Cilantro - Coriandrum Sativum - Coriander. Cilantro helps eliminate mercury. It enhances digestion and better liver function. Hibiscus - Hibiscus Sabdariffa. Hibiscus is also called Rosella (roselle, Jamaica sorrel, karkadé). It's good to soothe colds, open blocked nose, clearing up mucous,

entertainment

Random Thoughts from the Tribune sports Desks By Joel Hansen

t’s week three of the NFL season and seriously, is everyone sick of FanDuel and DraftKings yet? They seem to sponsor everything; every commercial, every billboard at every stadium everywhere, all the time. All the sports radio I am streaming is brought to you by one or the other or both. It is affecting how people broadcast and report the game. Devonta Freeman is 13th in league rushing right now, but he is all you hear about. Why? Because of his fantasy value. Sure, he has a ton of touchdowns, but because he was a relatively low buy on these sites, and with all these sports shows being sponsored by these one day draft companies you would think he is the second coming of Barry Sanders. Now word comes that a DraftKings employee finished second on Sept. 27 in the FanDuel NFL Sunday Million contest, which paid out a total of $5 million in prizes, including $1 million to the winner. In a statement issued early Tuesday morning, DraftKings said that it conducted a "thorough investigation, including examining records of internal communications and access to our database," and found that "this employee could not have used the information in question to make decisions about his

FanDuel lineup." The employee admitted to inadvertently releasing data before Week 3 NFL games, the New York Times reported on Monday. DraftKings, in its statement, said that the "employee in question did not receive the data on player utilization until 1:40 p.m. ET on Sept. 27," and FanDuel lineups locked at 1 p.m. ET. "This clearly demonstrates that this employee could not possibly have used the information in question to make decisions about his FanDuel lineup. Again, there is no evidence that any information was used to create an unfair advantage and any insinuations to the contrary are factually incorrect," DraftKings said in the statement. Sure thing DraftKings, I think I will keep my gambling to drunken wagers at the bar, easier to keep track of. Another week and another new member to the Cerveceros family. I want to congratulate Monica, Chase and Sebastian on the new addition to the family. Welcome to Puerto Vallarta Noah! Speaking of the Brewers look for them in action this Sunday at 1pm at the stadium across from the Sheraton. We will be the old guys icing hamstrings and drinking beers.

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paulina Rubio The Queen of Latin Pop

By Fred Jacobs

aulina was born in Mexico City in 1971 to Susana Dosamantes, a Mexican actress and Enrique Rubio, a lawyer. Her early life was full of all the privileges that a well to do family in Mexico had to offer. From the age of 5, Paulina was taking singing, acting, jazz, painting, and dance lessons and spent time in Spain and California as well. Paulina was not just a spoiled rich girl though. She had real talent that was recognized by none other than the respected Spanish singer/actor Miguel Bosé. With his guidance, Paulina at the age of 10, became an original member of the children’s pop group Timbiriche, which became an 80’s sensation. Thalia later also joined Timbiriche in 1986. In 1991 Paulina left the group to try her hand at a solo career. Paulina moved to Spain and got to work on her first solo album La Chica Dorada (1992). The first single, "Mío", is Rubio's signature song and reached No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Latin Chart while reaching No. 2 in Mexico and No. 1 in Spain. Many other singles from her debut album also cracked top 10 charts easily. Any jitters of going solo, were shaken off now. The next 4 years saw several successful album releases and

earned her the nickname of Madonna Latina. But all was not rosy, as 1996 brought an all-out battle with her record label EMI, who had decided not to release Paulina’s first English crossover album. After a court fight, Paulina got out of her contract, but retreated to Spain and took a long 4 year break from music. Paulina came back with a smash hit with the release of the album “Paulina” in 2000. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Latin chart and was nominated for three Latin Grammy Awards. The album sold more than 3 million copies globally and eventually was listed among the Top 10 bestselling albums in the history of Mexico. In 2002, “Border Girl” was released and marked her first English language pop album. The album hit number 5 in Mexico, number 14 in Spain, and at number 9 in Canada. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 album chart and sold over 1,000,000 copies in the US alone. Paulina finally had the international recognition she had wanted for years. Paulina has now sold over 20 million albums since starting her solo career. But she is also an astute businesswoman. She has hosted The MTV Latin America Awards, been a coach on The Voice Mexico, and even a judge on the X-Factor US. She has had

a make-up line since 2007 and several perfumes as well. Paulina now calls Miami home and also has a restaurant on Miami Beach called L’Entrecote de Paris. She got married in 2007 in Cancun to a Spanish public relations executive and in 2010 gave birth to a son. Later in 2012, she filed for divorce and it became a nasty battle and custody fight. With Paulina’s net worth estimated at $35 million, it took 3 years to resolve and only became final this year. In the end, the ex-husband is getting $7,000 US per month in spousal support. Paulina has a long history of giving back and humanitarian work. In 2007, she joined the Latino Commission on Aids/HIV which works to educate and prevent spread of the disease in Latin America. She has also started “Fundación Paulina Rubio” which focuses on providing assistance to children living with neurological disorders and their families. The foundation also helps children facing homelessness, birth defects, and lack of education. Now at the age of 44, Paulina can look back and be proud of all she has accomplished in the past 34 years. Much more is sure to come. Fred Jacobs is the author of 3 books and is a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta.

brain teasers

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

SUDOKU

hallenge your brain! Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain only one of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

Support Local!

he Vallarta Shopping Directory is the most complete and up-to-date guide to the best restaurants and businesses in the Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas area. Visit www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com to find out open hours, contact information , address, telephone, email and photos of the participating businesses in 20 different categories. This website is constantly updated to be sure the information is correct and we are not advertising places that have moved or no longer exist. If you would like to be listed on this important directory please contact us at puertovallartashoppingguide@gmail.com. and please visit these local businesses.

SPECIAL PRICING Members of the online Vallarta Shopping Directory receive discount advertising in the Vallarta Tribune. Ask us for more details. Reach more readers around the Bay with Vallarta Tribune. ventastribuna7@yahoo.com

charities

Oct. 8 - 14, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations

For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com. Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688. Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754. COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, Contact: cez@ rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.fundacioncorazondenina.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendso-

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fpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 Proyecto Pitillal, Busca un Amigo, A. C. - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-0976. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com