Issue 977, Dec 24 - 30, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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Entertainment Simply barbra

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 Free Issue 977

Art & Culture abelardo favela

Holiday Christmas IN MEXICO

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 18th year 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. 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

Dec. 24 - 30, 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

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533 Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900 Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

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

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

Happy Holidays

his past weekend I went to Jala, Nayarit for a wedding. It was my husband’s uncle marrying his long time (38 years) sweetheart. There was family from all over. Something I’ve come to realize here in Mexico is that if the relative is older they are aunts and uncles and if they are younger they are nieces or nephews and if they are close in age then they are cousins. Actual genealogy be damned. I quickly gave up trying to sort out how one could be a cousin and the other an aunt. Needless to say, there were plenty of all types at this weekend’s festivities. Jala is just before Ixtlan del Rio on the way to Guadalajara. It’s a really cute town with traditional architecture, nice wide streets and charming plazas. Very clean and seems to be relatively prosperous with most of the town being in good repair. We didn’t do much beyond eating, dancing, and more eating, but I understand there is some good hiking nearby, the lava fields and hot water springs to enjoy. Perhaps next time! Last year I celebrated Christmas in Tepic with my husband’s family and this year I said, “No. I want to do it my way”. Something to be said for holding on to the traditions that you can. So, we’ll be waking up to presents under the tree and a waffle and mimosa breakfast, which is the only way to start Christmas, in my opinion. Then some family are coming over for a nice turkey dinner – though no promises - since my 14 year old said he’s cooking the turkey. The calendar is a little bare this week, though it picks up conside-

rably at the start of the New Year. For those of you not on a schedule, there is something to be done everyday – and then some. For New Year’s Eve we have the new Iguana restaurant and Tequila bar in Centro with their four-course dinner, dancing and more festivities - have you dined here yet? It’s in the renovated former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. On the North shore in Bucerias we have the divine Kim Kuzma performing at the always fun Luna Lounge. Plenty of other restaurants and clubs are hosting great parties, but truth be told, you can enjoy yourself by just heading down to the beach with a blanket. The sky lights up with a million fireworks, often lasting 20-30 minutes. It’s a very impressive display and one you shouldn’t miss. Whatever your plans, I am wishing you the best these holidays and much love and happiness in 2016. Merry Christmas, Madeline

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SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

e just love our visitors to town and the sanctuary. They are all so very generous. The Balsiger family recently visited the sanctuary and gave their tour guide, our imitable volunteer Robin McCaffry, a donation of 700 pesos. Good friends Suzanne Deaton and Darryl Rhoades donated $100 US. Thanks so much to everyone! And don’t forget to stop and see us at the Farmers Market each week. Come and spend a rewarding

afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During

By Janice Gonzalez

your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. Are you ready to get involved? Pack your bag for an amazing afternoon at the SPCA! Please bring water and any treats you might enjoy during your visit. Sharing food with the animals is prohibited. We encourage you to bring your camera. Take as many photos as you like, and share them with us and your social media community.

Old Town Farmers Marke By Erin Staley

Cell. 322 134 4162 MEXICO, (952) 583 0329 USA & CANADA info@muchococo.com www.muchococo.com

Top Off Your Holiday Fun with

he 25th will come and go but the holiday fun continues at the OTFM-TC! End the year by visiting the 90+ “make it, bake it, grow it” product lines and services found at the market. Choose from farmfresh produce, tropical flowers, fine art, hand-rolled cigars, woven crafts, on-site massages and much, much more! And what would 2016 be without “good eats”? We have an array of International fare, artisan foods, organic coffee and refreshing aguas frescas (fruit-flavoured waters). While shopping, be sure try the all-natural goodness of Jan's Specialty Condiments by Jan Saridakis.

Meet Jan Saridakis

Saridakis grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned a BA from the College of Fine Arts in Oakland, California. An artist as well as a fan of fine quality foods, Saridakis began crafting her own, all-natural jalapeno jelly. In the early 1990s, she and her daughter moved from the American Southwest and to Washington state. While there, she created a second job for herself: selling jalapeno jelly at Seattle's famous Pike Place Market.

It was a huge hit! Costco even came calling, proposing a deal to sell her artisan products. Saridakis declined, however, preferring a more buy-local venue. In 2008, Saridakis moved to Puerto Vallarta. Again, she brought Jan's Specialty Condiments to the local farmers market scene, including Marina Farmers Market, Riviera Farmers Market and Tianguis Lo De Marcos. Today, her 40 productline is featured at Vallarta's favourite weekend attraction, the OTFM-TC.

You’re Invited! We’re open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7 to April 30, 2016. We’re located at Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. For only 14 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

Jan's Specialty Condiments Jan's Specialty Condiments consist of chutneys, jams, spreads and sauces. Below are just a few must-haves: • Jalapeno Jelly • Apricot Jam • Lemon Curd • Mango Chutney • Pear Chutney with Molasses • Pineapple Chutney with Saffron • Honey Mustard • Rum Raisin Sauce • Guava Jam • Orange Marmalade

et - Tianguis Cultural

Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm

h Jan’s Specialty Condiments Artisan Bakery

Amp Up Your Next Meal Jan's Specialty Condiments are versatile. Not only do they perfectly top bread, cheese and crackers (also sold at the OTFM-TC), but these condiments amp up everyday meat, pasta and beverage options. Examples include peach habanero, which is an excellent baste for chicken and fresh rosemary, and Ginger Jam, which makes a tasty ginger tea or pork roast addition. Need recommendations? Saridakis partners her products with your

favourite ingredients. Be sure to visit Jan's Specialty Condiments at the OTFM-TC. To learn more, contact specialtycondiments(at)gmail.com or visit Facebook. For delivery, call (322) 222-0462 or (322) 135-2398 (mobile).

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colective. We meet in the kiosk every Saturday through April 30. Participation is by donation.

Meet the Market

The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the city.

Get Involved!

Swimwear and beachwear made to order!

Interested in becoming a new vendor ? Stop by the information booth for an application. For the latest in market news (both in English and Spanish), visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook (Old.Town.Farmers.Market.PV).

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-137-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

Tel. 224-6670 Cel: 322-116-9908

Authentic contemporary jewelry

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Sharp increase seen in butterfly numbers

ut residents unhappy over division of funds and NGOs' negative campaigns Monarch butterflies have arrived in the Michoacán and Estado de México sanctuaries by the millions, numbers that far exceed those recorded in 2014-2015, according to estimates by federal authorities and universities. But while communities in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve are happy about that, they’re not too keen about what they see as the pillaging of preservation funds donated to non-governmental organizations, or NGOs. A month after the first monarch arrivals were recorded, the butterflies’ presence now covers more than four hectares, a sharp increase from last year’s 1.3 hectares. In numbers, it is estimated that 160 million monarchs have arrived in the annual migration from the U.S.

and Canada. With the monarchs come the tourists, an important source of income for residents of El Rosario. So far this season, which runs from November through March, they’ve recorded 12,000, according to ejido commissioner Homero Gómez González, who anticipates 115,000 in total, a record. Those tourism numbers have contributed to a growing interest in preserving the forests and guaranteeing optimal over-wintering conditions for the monarchs in the last 15 years. But residents see two threats to their goals: climate change and how forest preservation funds are allocated. “Elitist non-governmental organizations make use of alarming data in order to collect more donations, of which we see just a tiny

U.S. and Mexico Agree to Air-Service Treaty Deal requires ratification by Mexican Senate

estrictions on air transportation between Mexico and the United States were lifted today in what U.S. officials described as a “landmark agreement” which leaves airlines from both countries free to fly the routes they choose. Transportation Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Esparza signed the new air services agreement today with U.S. Transport Secretary Anthony Foxx in Washington, D.C., after the completion of discussions that began in 2012. They described the accord as “transcendental” because they expect it will result in improved connectivity, generating more tourism and trade, while Foxx called it a great day for civil aviation for the two countries. More frequent flights are expected as a result, and lower fares are also possible. The pact also facilitates the establishment of alliances between airlines of each country. Foxx and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry forecast a “significant” increase in trade and travel between the U.S. and Mexico. “The new agreement will benefit U.S. and Mexican airlines, travelers, businesses, airports and localities by allowing increased

market access for passenger and cargo airlines to fly between any city in Mexico and any city in the United States,” they said in a joint statement. “Cargo carriers will now have expanded opportunities to provide service to new destinations that were not available under the current, more restrictive agreement.” Expansion of the air cargo industry is anticipated because a Mexican or U.S. carrier will be able to transport freight from either country to a third. The deal still requires approval by the Mexican Senate, but Ruiz Esparza predicted that would come early in the new year. No such ratification is required in the U.S. While some Mexican airline executives and workers have been critical of the agreement for fear of domination by the larger American aviation industry, Aeroméxico has welcomed it. But Mexico’s largest airline is seen as being in a favorable position for its alliance with Delta Air Lines. Its Mexican competitors have no such arrangements. Mexico’s carriers have a fleet of 300 planes. U.S. carriers have 7,500. Original: MexicoDailyNews

portion,” claimed Gómez González. “[NGOs like] the World Wildlife Fund, Alternar, Biocenosis and Pronatura keep all the resources from donations, and we see only a meager proportion of 2 or 3% applied to the preservation of the sanctuary.” Another concern is the diffe-

rence in how much each state pays communities for preservation. In Estado de México they receive 1,500 pesos (US $83) for every hectare of forest preserved; in Michoacán the figure is only 360 pesos. The residents of El Rosario have demanded an equalization of the amounts every sanctuary town receives, “because the forests are all the same, they belong to the monarchs.” However, not hopeful that their plea will be heard they have decided to take matters into their own hands, relinquishing their maize and oats crops to create pine and oyamel fir forests and preserve not just butterflies but the only source of income for some of the 97 families. The community depends on about 100,000 domestic and foreign visitors a year to the sanc-

Pumas, wolves among animals in captivity

ew evidence shows carnivores were kept in ancient city in first century New archaeological findings have shown that carnivorous animals were kept in captivity in the Americas as far back as the first century AD, 1,000 years earlier than any previous evidence had shown. Studies of the animal remains — including pumas, eagles and wolves — found during excavations at the ancient city of Teotihuacán between 1998 and 2004 have shown signs of brutal treatment by their captors. There were also indications that

some animals had been fed the meat of humans. The remains of almost 200 animals were found underneath the Moon and Sun pyramids, predating the zoos described by Spanish conquerors and missionaries. The positions of the animals and nearby drawings showing them eating human hearts suggested they were used in sacrificial ceremonies. Now, isotope analysis, which studies the atoms in organic remains, has offered further information about what those animals might have been eating. High levels of some nitrogen isotopes indicated that they might

tuary, who represent an economic benefit of just 4 million pesos (US $234,000). The vice-president of the state chapter of the National Association of Travel Agencies acknowledged the work done by the people of El Rosario, and concurred with their notion that NGOs’ actions can be to the detriment of conservation. Roberto Molina Garduño accused NGO leaders of minding only their own “petty interests,” and creating “unreal and catastrophic disinformation campaigns about the conditions of the forests in order to get more donations, which the conservation workers never see.” These actions, continued Molina, also affect the tourist industry, as visitor numbers and hotel occupancy rates in the region drop as a result of the “black campaigns.”

have been fed humans or dogs, while a carbon isotope provided evidence of having eaten maize, further implying they were kept in captivity. There were also signs of injury, such as fractures and lesions possibly caused by having been tied up. Three eagle skeletons showed stress on the lower legs, indicated they had been tied to a perch. Other signs showed evidence of infection that would suggest they were kept in close quarters. Teotihuacán, famous for its Mesoamerican pyramids, is believed to have been established around 100 BC and lasted until the seventh or eighth century. It was located about 50 kilometers northeast of where Mexico City is today. Source: Phys.org (en) www.mexicodailynews.com

Bank follows the Fed, raises interest rate It’s the Bank of México’s first rate hike in eight years

exico’s central bank raised borrowing costs today for the first time in eight years, in spite of record low inflation, after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised rates yesterday to a range of 0.25 to 0.5%. The Bank of México raised its interbank rate by 25 basis points, to 3.5% in a move that was not unexpected.

The bank issued a statement this afternoon saying the increase was due primarily to yesterday’s action by the Federal Reserve, and was intended to avoid further erosion in the value of the peso and inflationary pressure. The peso is down more than 15% in relation to the dollar this year, and hit a new low last week, dropping to 17.44.

The bank said the balance of risks had improved for the Mexican economy after a higher-than-expected increase in Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter, greater consumer spending, more investment and declining inflation. On the other hand, industrial output and exports have slowed. Original: MexicoDailyNews

entertainment

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Where The Boys Are: A Tribute to Connie Francis Comes to the North Shore By: Deb Jean White

M Chanukah in Vallarta By Donna Feldman

n December 6, 2015, the Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community sponsored a wonderful Chanukah Party at the River Café. The setting was exquisite. The setting was in the traditional blue and white. The Chanukah Party began with the blessing over the menorah candles. Everyone was invited to bring their own menorah. Then, singing filled the room with the feeling of friendship. This was a signal for the food. An elegant platter of smoked salmon canapés was presented to each person for their appetizer. The dinner continued with all-you– can eat braised chicken, broiled

fish, organic vegetables, platters of latkes accompanied by sour cream and applesauce, and an individual presentation of a decadent molten cake. Of course, coffee, tea, ice tea, and soda were included. This festive evening was followed by a raffle. The Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community continues to provide traditional and quality affairs.

Jewelry June Rosen

ikki Prost, one of Vallarta's most popular tribute artists, presents, Where The Boys Are: A Tribute To Connie Francis, on Saturday, December 26th at Luna Lounge in Bucerias. With a superb four-course meal and show, Luna Lounge offers this wonderful evening of food and entertainment to North Shore visitors and residents. Come and relax on Boxing Day and experience this delightful tribute to the top female recording artist and singer of the 50's & 60's. Connie's beautiful songs stir up memories of a time when love songs reigned supreme! Get a glimpse into the life & times of Connie Francis through talented performer, Mikki Prost and her tribute to the heartaches, the triumphs and most importantly the beloved songs of Connie Francis. In Where The Boys Are, Mikki Prost sings all of Connie's biggest hits including, "Who's Sorry Now," "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," "Among My Souvenirs"

Events Around the Bay If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com. The Marsol Market at the pier will be changed to Thursday on December 24 and December 31 due to the holidays. December 28 Monday night at the Movies showing ‘How Green Was My Valley’ free popcorn, cash bar $40 pesos with funds going to the IFC charitable works. Doors 6:30, movie 7pm. At the IFC Clubhouse. More info: ifcvallarta. com

Jewelry designer June Rosen Lopez had her annual Christmas party last weekend. June has lived in Puerto Vallarta for 36 years. She has been creating jewelry for 43 years. Her work has evolved and has been influenced by her world travels. It was a great party and she thanks all who attended, lots of

wonderful new and old faces. lots of laughs and just a jolly weekend! June’s gallery continues to be open this week and next week from 12 to 6pm. It will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Feel free to come up and view the collection and there actually is a little wine left over!

and many more! In her usual captivating way, Mikki tells some great stories about Connie that give a beautiful insight into the life of the singing legend who is now 76 years old. A veteran of theater productions in Puerto Vallarta since 2001, Mikki has participated in 25 musicals and 11 plays. One of her musicals, Always Patsy Cline had 26 consecutive sold-out shows. During 2011 and 2012, Mikki produced, acted and sang in the show, A Tribute to Patsy Cline. She then produced

and performed, Remembering Patsy, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Patsy Cline's death. Mikki performs her tribute shows in other venues throughout the Bay. She brings, Forever Patsy, (a Tribute to Patsy Cline) on Thursdays at 4pm at The Palm Cabaret through March. Where The Boys Are is also scheduled on Tuesdays at 6pm at a dinner theater in Old Town. For Nuevo Vallarta visitors and residents, Mikki has shows scheduled at Stage and Forum as well. Mikki Prost brings her superb vocals along with detailed and impressive costumes and choreography to every tribute show that she presents. If you like the music of Connie Francis and want to see it performed by a professional actor, singer and dancer, you won't want to miss Where The Boys Are on Saturday on December 26th at Luna Lounge in El Centro, Bucerias. For tickets and information for this show call 329-298-3242 or visit www.lunaloungebucerias.com.

January 4 PeaceAnimals Fundraiser 6:00pm – Starting with drinks and Dinner and followed up with a screening of ‘Ella es Ramona’ – Popcorn and candy served! A charming, intelligent romp of a romantic black comedy! Filmed in Mexico. In Spanish with English subtitles. At Villa Bilboa on Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km 3.8 #1730, Playa Venados $500 pesos donation Tix at Cassandra or cris-

thian@villabalboa.com100% of proceeds support PeaceAnimals Clinics January 4 Monday night at the Movies showing ‘The Little Foxes’ free popcorn, cash bar $40 pesos with funds going to the IFC charitable works. Doors 6:30, movie 7pm. At the IFC Clubhouse. More info: ifcvallarta.com January 5 IFC Home Tours begin again and run every Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit four fabulous homes on a docent-guided tour. Tours start at 10:30am at the Sea Monkey on Aquiles Serdan. Tickets available online at www. toursforvallarta.com. or at the Sea Monkey. Limited seating. January 6 IFC Home Tours. Visit four fabulous homes on a docentguided tour. Tours start at 10:30am at the Sea Monkey on

Aquiles Serdan. Tickets available online at www.toursforvallarta.com. or at the Sea Monkey. Limited seating. January 11 Monday night at the Movies showing ‘Double Indemnity’ free popcorn, cash bar $40 pesos tix with funds going to the IFC charitable works. Doors 6:30, movie 7pm. At the IFC Clubhouse. More info: ifcvallarta.com January 12 Purr Project’s Fashion Show and Brunch 10:30 a.m. at Daiquiri Dick’s $300-peso ticket price will include a three-course brunch (with mimosas!), beautiful fashions from Sucesos Boutique, La Santa Boutique, Serafina, and Flirts Skirts, jewelry by Sonia Bormann, and much more—and a raffle for great prizes! Tix at Daiquiri Dick’s or by contacting Marilyn Khan at exkhan@usfamily.net.

entertainment

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Steven Brinberg is ‘Simply Barbra & Friends’ at The Palm

teven Brinberg is an acclaimed vocalist and artist who is best known for his vocal impression of music legend Barbra Streisand. With all-live vocals, he literally appears to transform into her, both physically and vocally, in this extraordinary musical experience. So much more than just a garden-variety drag performer, Steven’s professional performances on stage include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and on Broadway in a benefit production of Funny Girl, featuring Whoopi Goldberg. Many have tried to impersonate Barbra Streisand over the years, but Steven Brinberg takes it to an entirely new level by having perfected the voice, mannerisms and nuances of the mega-star. He’s so good in fact, that many find it difficult to tell them apart vocally. Steven also performs his remarkable portrayals of the vocal talents of some of Barbra’s friends like Julie Andrews, Ethel Merman, Cher, Eartha Kitt, Neil Diamond and many more. This ‘& Friends’ version of the show was created just for his

Vallarta audiences at the request of the Palm’s entertainment director, Tracy Parks. “It worked beautifully last season and was one of our biggest selling shows. Everyone raved about how versatile Steven is as a performer,” Parks stated. “They come for Barbra and leave with so much more!” he adds. Steven has performed Simply Barbra throughout the United States, and has toured the world for over a decade. He has recorded two albums and has appeared in several feature films and numerous times on television. Steven also appeared in concert with the late Academy Award-winning composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch, who was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Streisand’s, and the Symphony Orchestras of Dallas, Milwaukee, Buffalo and Norfolk. “When you hear Steven’s Simply Barbra CD, for the first brief moment, you almost think, ‘My God! Is that really her?’ It’s so captivating! Not only does he have a wonderful take

on her — not at all mean-spirited — and this ability to imitate her, he also captures a lot of moments and nuances that are terrific. It was very impressive.” - Marvin Hamlisch Steven is thrilled to return to Puerto Vallarta and The Palm with the talented Chris Denny, who will accompany him at the piano. Performances of Simply Barbra will be in the evenings beginning December 30 - January 18. Please refer to the Palm’s calendar for more information and tickets.

Now Playing at The Palm

Kim Kuzma and her sensational LIVE band in ‘Acústico’ continue to entertain audiences with their unique musical adaptations. An exciting blending of new and classic pop songs with old favorites, Kim and her band play every Wednesday and Sunday at 7:00 all season. Bohemia Viva!, Vallarta’s Argentinian sweethearts, continue to thrill audiences with their sizzling Latin rhythms and sensuous, steamy harmonies. Bohemia Viva! will play all season

and will once again collaborate with Vallarta’s favorite Dirty Diva, Amy Armstrong, in her new show ‘Spanglish’ beginning Dec. 21 - Jan. 29. Best known for her brassy, bawdy, over-the-top comedy and powerful vocals, Amy’s collaboration with Andrea and Luis of Bohemia Viva! is pure magic on stage! Mikki Prost’s tribute to the life and music of Patsy Cline, in ‘Forever Patsy Cline’ plays every Thursday at 4:00 pm. And the hilarious sequel to last year’s hit, ‘Greater Tuna’, ‘A Tuna Christmas’, starring Terry Dale Parks and Tracy Parks is now playing through January 5. Please refer to the Palm’s show calendar at the link below for specific dates and times.

Coming Soon

Luna Rumba returns Christmas Day at 7:00 with more fiery Latin Fusion, Gypsy Flamenco, Arabic Melodies, Cuban Rhythms and more. And Latcho & Andrea: The Blond Gypsies are back on Dec. 29 at 7:00 with their earthy Gypsy Rumba and Flamenco guitars.

The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica. Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, and at The Palm’s box office, open at 10:00 am daily. A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV.com. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.

entertainment

Luna Lounge Brings Top Entertainment To The North Shore

By: Deb Jean White

t's that time of year again and my favorite North Shore venue, Luna Lounge in El Centro Bucerias is back at it with food, libations and a fantastic lineup of stars from the Puerto Vallarta cabaret scene. Luna Lounge reopened for the season in November with their famous Rock 'n' Ribs Mondays - 2x1 BBQ Ribs and Live Rock 'n' Roll every Monday. Also, returning is the all new Crazy Bitches Drag Show that takes place every Tuesday. LUNA LOUNGE, Bucerias is delighted to present four outstanding Puerto Vallarta shows to finish off 2015. Bohemia Viva, the fiery, Latin, singing duo from Argentina that has taken PV by storm the past several years, returns to Luna Lounge with their new show on Christmas Day. The next day

(Dec 26) Mikki Prost presents her Connie Francis tribute, Where The Boys Are. Mikki is always a Bucerias favorite and her outstanding new show is getting rave reviews. Polish, Mezzo-Soprano, Isabella Jezowska presents The Songs of Europe on December 27th. And to complete the year, Kim Kuzma and band will present their Number 1 hit show, Acustico for a "New Year's Eve Extravaganza" like none other! All these shows include a 4 course dinner which adds up to a superb evening! Luna Lounge also has an incredible lineup of live entertainment scheduled for 2016. One especially "Hot Ticket" event is Las Vegas headliner Lorena Peril & hubby, Ray Jon Narbaitz III on February 4th. There's even a Season Pass and a Gold Club Membership that will give you additional savings and benefits. Here are the fabulous

shows currently scheduled: Crazy B*tches - From Nov 10th Bohemia Viva Live - Dec 25th Connie Frances Tribute - Dec 26th Isabella Jezowska - Dec 27th Kim Kuzma & Acustico - Dec 31st Blues Brothers Show - Jan 7th Elvis Birthday Special - Jan 8th Mexican Fiesta - January 14th Amy Armstrong - January 15th Frankie Valli Tribute - Jan 21st Loretta Lynn Tribute - Jan 22nd Roy Orbison Tribute - Jan 29th Lorena Peril - February 4th Well-Strung Quartet - Feb 5th Neil Diamond Show - Feb 11th Salute To Elvis - February 18th Luna Rumba - February 25th The Beach Nutz - March 4th Stevie Wonder - March 24th And many more to come!!!! For tickets and information for Luna Lounge shows call 329-298-3242 or visit www.lunaloungebucerias.com

Comings and Goings By Marcia Blondin

couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending Latcho and Andrea’s opening night at the Palm Cabaret. I have no idea how many times I have heard them perform over the years – dozens for sure; their music has endured and has lost none of its fiery, sexy intensity. They have made some changes in their presentation that I liked a lot.

Coming: You can see Latcho and Andrea – The Blonde Gypsies – one last time this year at the Palm Cabaret on Tuesday, December 29th at 7 pm. And Going: The Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus. They have just finished their Festival of Lights concert that ran three shows on the Main Stage. Artistic Director Alfonso Lopez has had his chorus for over a year now and the camaraderie of the chorus and their faith

in each other produced a wonderful Christmas concert to a sold-out, opening-night crowd. The most significant change about the men’s chorus is it has recently added ‘Gay’ to its name, and embraced gay-ness during the concert in an exuberant, joyful - yet PG-rated - way. I will never listen to “Santa Baby” in the same way again. Ever. It was delightful. Kudos to Alfonso and the ‘boys’. Looking forward to future concerts in the New Year.

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting

My Life In Vallarta Leza Warkentin

By Lois Ellison

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

loell87@yahoo.com

Traditions

e are all familiar with the basic New Year’s traditions in our home countries. Much of it involves parties, fireworks, lavish dinners and a toast at midnight. Here in Mexico, you will find those thing plus more complex traditions dating back centuries and laden with symbolism. Maybe you’ve heard of the twelve grapes eaten during the final minutes of the old year, each one symbolizing wishes for the twelve months of the New Year. Those moments are accompanied by a frenzied ringing of bells denoting the joy and happiness of the home. Here are some other traditions you may not know about. According to custom, before the final meal of the year, the house should be thoroughly cleaned to get rid of bad vibes and attract better things. Sweeping is done from the center of the house and out the door. When evening comes, all of the lights in the house must be lit so that prosperity and success will radiate in the coming year. Clothing takes on great significance. White is worn to ward off illness and attract good health. But it is the under garments that matter most. Red is believed to attract love

and passion while yellow attracts wealth and happiness. I don’t know what you wear if you want love AND wealth. The family table is set with the most luxurious tablecloth, finest dishes and sparkling glasses. Color again plays an important role, with red and green predominating. Candles are carefully chosen according to these themes: white-clarity, red-passion, bluepeace, yellow-abundance, greenhealth, and orange-intelligence. An abundance of food will be served including a broad selection of sweet, strong, spicy and sour flavors. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage include ponche and rompope, similar to eggnog. Sparkling wine is commonly served at midnight, with the bubbles representing the spark of happiness for the coming year. Also at midnight, pan dulce will be served. A special token or coin has been baked inside and it is said that whoever gets the coin in their piece will be the luckiest person in the New Year. Lists are made for the New Year, similar to our resolutions. In many families, lists will also be made of any bad or unhappy events from the old year. Just before midnight, these lists are thrown in the fire, symbolizing the

Mom’s Christmas Wish List removal of negative energy from the New Year. There are many other more personal traditions, based on individual circumstances or wishes such as: • Throw a glass of water out towards the street to expel tears, worries and negativity. • Place a coin in your shoe or a ticket in your pocket if you are hoping for economic prosperity. • To attract love from someone, tie a red ribbon around their photo and sleep with it under your pillow. • If you want to travel, take an empty suitcase and go for a walk. The further you walk, the longer your trip will be. Be sure your travel companion goes along and carries an empty suitcase too. • To get a promotion at work, stand on a chair or go up a ladder. If you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve here in Vallarta, you will have many options to dine and party. You might even eat a few grapes at midnight with your glass of bubbly. Fireworks will explode all over the Bay, ushering in 2016 with a tremendous burst of color and sound. As for me, I’m not worried about the color of my undergarments; I already have love and happiness. But I might burn a short list of the few unhappy moments in 2015 and I will definitely set my table with blue candles.

think Christmas shopping for adults is more difficult to get right than moving a sleeping baby from Snugli to crib. Most of the time, someone ends up cranky and exhausted, and it’s usually the one doing all the work. Adults either a) have no idea what they actually want, but know exactly what they DON’T want (eg. anything you buy) b) only want things that are outside of your gift spending budget or c) are so specific that shopping for them is an exercise in despair. You finally find a place that sells Swiss Army products only to realize that they have only the Classic Small Pocketknives and not the Midnight Mini Champ Small Pocket Knives. Because NO ONE wants a knife with only seven functions (plus nail scissors) when what’s required is the sixteen functions, a light and a ballpoint pen. As a teacher, I receive a great many presents this time of year. Since I teach five-year-olds, and all of their parents obviously know what it’s like to live with people from this age group, my gifts are almost always things that any tired woman would desire: chocolate, spa treatments, Starbucks cards, gorgeous smelling lotions and bath gels, etc. As a mother, it’s a bit tricky. Usually my husband and I agree that, since Santa once again blew our Christmas budget on the kids, we’ll just enjoy the happiness on their faces one more year. This year, Gil asked me what I’d really, truly like for Christmas. So I’m making a list, and ladies, if it helps, allow me to share it here. Feel free to leave the Tribune open to this page and place it in a convenient, visible place in your home, such as on the bathroom counter, or on your husband’s pillow. Or rolled up in his coffee cup. I saw an article that went viral last week about a Christmas list for men buying for their wives. For the sake of originality, I was going to make a long list of what you definitely should NOT get a mother. But that

leaves it open for interpretation, and that’s how so many women ended up with Chia Pets during the bleak Christmas of 1982. Let me just throw out these general list of No’s. 1) Anything to do with cleaning and laundry 2) Anything to do with weight loss 3)Homemade coupons for foot massages performed by the giver or “free babysitting while you take a shower”. Just. No. 4) Anything to do with ceramic animal shapes growing plant-y green “fur” Here is my own personal Christmas Wish List that I have passed on to Gil. If it helps even one mother’s Christmas to be merrier, then it will have been worth it: 1) A coupon for a getaway with you (already paid for and grandparents booked) for at least forty-eight hours. It doesn’t have to be far, but it should be very. very. quiet. And there needs to be a bathtub. 2) Any kind of certificate from a spa, preferably for a treatment including chocolate or wine (or both). 3) Jewelry (No. Plastic. Components. Dude.) 4) Clothing ONLY IF a female person who knows me well goes with you to pick it out. That, or if it’s something that I noticed and commented on when we walked by the store window. However, if you buy it a size too small the house will drop several degrees Celsius. 5) Anything from erica maree (www. ericamaree.com). See 4). Actually, just get Erica to tell you what I want. 6) A chauffer for my kids for all after school activities forever and ever and who also lives for making school lunches. 7) Or my own body double. 8) A secret room where I can go when people can’t find their other shoe. I believe in you, Santa.

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South Shore

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Cases of

Real Life

Temptations

By Lic Gloria Gonzalez and Lic. Laura Joachin

www.legaladvicevallarta.com

By Nicole Martin

A Taste of the Exotic for PV

hen bar-trained trial attorney, Sandeep Vishwa, told his boss in no uncertain terms where he could stick his job in 2013, little did he know that his second round of backpacking starting in Nepal would lead him to make a life in our beloved Puerto Vallarta, bringing with him a concept that takes ideas from all his globetrotting adventures, incorporating them into one space. Thanks to Deep’s wanderlust and vision, locals and visitors to Puerto Vallarta can now enjoy a taste of the exotic with the brand new Shisha Bar and Lounge opened December 2015 in PV’s old town, where you can enjoy a drink and an optional puff or two on the hookah with your friends, family or partner.

Shisha Bar and Lounge

Aided by two local designers Mario Perez Sainz and Rafael Sotomayor and bar manager, Rene Rivera, Deep hasDOWN created a space where everyone is welcome, “an equal rights bar” where even in its short time since opening, patrons have included clients aged from 18 to 80! The concept is inspired by the old forts and palaces of India and the far east where kings and queens would lounge in their private chambers decorated in lavish tapestries

upon ornate cushions and pillows. Being a proponent of the idea that "other peoples trash can be your treasure,” Deep has also looked for creative ways to use recycled items in the interior design and used secondhand saris donated by his mother and other female relatives to make an ecological yet aesthetically stimulating statement.

What is Shisha? For those of you wondering whether drugs have been legalized in Puerto Vallarta overnight, you can rest assured that shisha is totally legal and more like tobacco smoking than a drug. In fact, it is a ritualistic pastime that can be traced back to the times of the Persian empires, with historical references as early as the 1500s. Shisha is the name given to the flavored tobacco that you smoke through a hookah, which is an ornate vaporizing water pipe. Generally, the same hookah is shared by everyone in your party as you smoke from the same vessel (although some hookahs have more than one pipe). At the Shisha Bar and Lounge, smoking takes place in the open air; and so, everyone is welcome, even if you wish to join in the fun without smoking, Just one more great option for a night out near Puerto Vallarta’s south shore. Why not pop in for a taste of the exotic, everyday from 7pm until late.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

These accounts come from real life situations.

nce upon a time, there were three close friends: John, Claire and Simon. They moved together to Purto Vallarta real We had been good friends for many years, we had a lot in common. Jon, Claire and I went to high school together and throughout our childhood we were nearly inseparable friends, and conveniently next door neighbors. As Young adults Jon usually had a new girlfriend each week, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that my friends Jon and Clair had began a serious relationship, one that would last forever. We were very close, we traveled together, Jon and Claire were my confidents in my relationships, and I was theirs; we supported each other in all our problems... Jon and Clair were wonderful people, and life was so good to them that they were gifted with 28 years marriage. Jon´s dream had always been to live in Paradise. When they were planning their retirement they traveled to so many different beach locations in United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, searching for the right place, and finally they fell in love with Puerto Vallarta. Eventually they found their dream home. A beautiful condo with an enormous terrace viewing the bay. I was invited many times to visit, and enjoyed every moment with them. We loved to go out for dinner, walk on the malecon, watched the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. we had endless nights chatting together, living wonderful moments. Our friendship made us feel that this life would never end. How wrong we were! One day Clair became ill and they decided to return to the United States for her medical care. She suffered a long and difficult medical treatment, so they remained there while she was recovering. She

wanted to be near her doctors. Eventually, she no longer wanted to travel, even though she missed her home in Mexico. Time passed by, and her health unfortunately deteriorated. They offered to sell me their condo. At that time, I was moving to live here too, so the terms and conditions were agreed and accepted by both parties. We signed a private contract, and soon, everything was ready. Not long after, unfortunately Clair died and Jon fell into a severe depression which caused him to remain isolated for years, far away from everything he knew. I looked for him continuously, but he answered that he was in no mood to see anyone. He was heartbroken by the death of his beloved Clair. He really did not want anything close to him that reminded him that Clair was not with him anymore. I understood, and respectfully I left him alone. It was difficult, but I accepted his decision. Over time, aboutsix years after the loss of Clair, I received the sad news of Jon´s death. I was devastaded to know that I had not taken the opportunity to see my good

friend to say goodbye, but I realized that it was his own personal decision not to see anyone in his later years. Then there came a day when I looked at the documentation I had from the sale of the condo, when I realized, with great surprise, that the Trust is in the name of Clair´s mother, who passed away yeras ago, and that Clair was named second beneficiary. Jon was not included in the deed. Since I purchased my home I have lived here full time. I have participated in the administration of the condo, my neighbors know me, and they know that I bought it from Jon and Claire. I've punctually paid the trust fees as well as services and maintenance fees since I took ownership, and now I find myself in this stressing situation. My house is not on my name. What can I do? This is a real life case. ... In a case like this, a process in Court can prove that a buyer has rights on a property. If you've bought a property in Mexico and your seller passed away before geting the title into your name.... you have to consult a lawyer.

The Real BBQ

YELLOW = Pantone Yellow C

BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C

RED = Pantone PMS 485 C

Find us. You’ll be happy you did. Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach www.elriobbqbar.com elriobbqbar

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Wellness

Latina

An Exceptional Generation Mexican Millennials and Generation Z:

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

By Ariel O’Donnell

How does food affect your mood?

Cheyenne Quesenberry

id you know that food has vibrations that allow it to create change in our bodies on a cellular level? Food that is alive and from the earth will energize and invigorate you, while processed, pre-packaged, dead food will leave you feeling lethargic and uninspired, like a light that has fizzled out. Makes sense doesn’t it? Dark green leafy vegetables are full of chlorophyll, which is basically liquid sunshine. It is the substance in plants that allows them to absorb light from the sun and convert it into usable energy. When we consume raw dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and Swiss chard, we fill our body with the equivalent of the plant’s life blood – the very thing that allows a seed to flourish and take form. Chemically, the blood of the plant, chlorophyll, is very similar to our blood and, when consumed, it helps us to oxygenate and breathe life into every cell. Pretty cool, huh? Chlorophyll is also extremely cleansing and detoxifying.

Here are some other high vibrational foods for you to try: 1. Tree Fruits – try apples, pears, bananas, coconuts, avocados, nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots, oranges, lemons, limes, mangos, pomegranates, blueberries, cherries, and olives. 2. Non-green veggies - the more you integrate color in your eating lifestyle, the more you are adding vital minerals and vitamins to your body. 3. Raw Cacao – chocolate in its pure form has over 1,200 phytonutrients. It contains nutrients like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and manganese. It also contains phenylethylamine, which are the feel good characteristics, and theobromine which dilates the cardiovascular system to allow all the benefits to come in.

4. Goji Berries or turmeric – packed with antioxidants, which can help minimize free radical damage to our cells and reduce inflammation. 5. Cultured and Fermented Foods –a great source of probiotics, which will help your digestion stay on track. There is a fantastic business called Small World Probiotics at farmers' market that makes a plethora of different, delicious fermented foods. I firmly believe in the old saying, “You are what you eat.” Junk in = feeling like junk, and rich, living, nutrient-dense food = much happier body and mind. Don’t just take my word for it. We’ve all tried the junk in, junk out experiment, so don’t you think it’s time to rock your body and mind with some fresh and fabulous food? By eating food that vibrates at a higher frequency, we increase our life-force energy and feel more radiant inside and out. I'm a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach. My mission is to empower you to become the best version of yourself so that you can do more of what makes you feel alive! I help you incorporate plant-strong nutrition, fun Latin movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to feel more vibrant and youthful download my FREE guide "Revamp, Reset Your Body in Three Days by clicking here or visit my website at www. wellnesslatina.com

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

arielod@hotmail.com

his series focuses on young Mexicans here in Vallarta. Who they are, and how they’re guiding the future of Mexico. It was my motherboard that brought me to Cheyenne Quesenberry at PV Technology Solutions. Everything had come to a complete halt with my laptop, and a grim MacBook Air screen blackness had now invaded my world. Desperate and computer-less I retreated to more primitive forms of contact, and dug through some papers, cards and notes, that I keep around in the event of technical difficulties, and thankfully found Cheyenne’s name and number scrawled on a hot pink Post-it note. He got back to me within a couple of hours, and I made an appointment for the next morning at his storefront near Olas Altas. We opened my computer and after several attempts were able to start the thing. On a cursory analysis, he came to the conclusion that the operating system was faulty. Cheyenne assured me that even though he had several other jobs, night school, and was transporting relief items to Melaque (!) after hurricane Patricia, he could probably get it back to me within a couple of hours. Who was this dynamic person?! Clearly very young, I placed his age at maybe mid to late 20’s because of his professional demeanor. Later to find out that he’s a mere 19-years-old! As is the way of computers, cars and marriages, taking them in for repairs rarely means a quick fix. My motherboard was shot. Moisture had invaded the interior of the computer and was cooking the whole thing like a grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheyenne magically found a new motherboard from his network of computer guys, and had my computer back to me within a day. I dropped him a line, thanking him, and wondering if perhaps he would be willing to be interviewed for this article, since he seemed to accomplish more in a day than most people in a month. Cheyenne was born in Puerto Vallarta. To a Mexican mother and Canadian father. At the young age of three, he and his mother made their way across the U.S. border looking for new opportunities, finally returning to Mexico when Cheyenne was eight, to his hometown of Nogalito. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From early on he remembers selling everything from Cup o’ Noodles to muffins on the beach and river for extra money. Cheyenne’s father told him that he would provide the necessities, but if he wanted anything extra he’d have to make the money himself. “I will give you milk, but if you want chocolate for it, you have to pay for it yourself.” Too, Cheyenne had an affinity for figuring out how to fix things. For example, when his first computer stopped working, he tinkered with it until it started again. He was 14. At one point he and his father

met Tim Wilson owner of PV Technology Solutions. The technician at PV Tech was so impressed with Cheyenne’s genius with computers that he offered him a paid computer tech position with the shop. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Cheyenne, his dad was in the other room talking to Tim asking whether or not his son could volunteer at the store to pick-up some computer skills. And so the saga began. Cheyenne spent his days juggling high school and computer tech work. Honing his skills. Learning how to work with people. Riding lots of buses. Doing everything from installing software and hardware to fixing someone’s curling iron. At this juncture, Tim was anxious to start a new venture, The Gay PV Magazine, so he offered the PV Technology Solutions business to then 16 year-old Cheyenne at a greatly reduced rate (the inventory of the store at a very good price). At this young age, he was now a business owner. Not to mention that he was still working on his high school diploma, AND was a landlord, taking care of the house in Nogalito that his godmother had given him. “It was great running the store, but I’m a person who always likes to move up to the next level.” “If I were a bread maker, I

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15 would learn everything about the process of making and selling bread and then want to move on and learn something new about bread production.” After high school, just running the computer store became a little dull. “I was only working about eight hours a day. I was used to working double that. I had no plans to go to the university but my girlfriend really encouraged me to obtain a professional degree, so now I’m attending the Universidad Arkos Business Management Program. It’s a normally a 4-and-½-year degree, but Arkos only gives one week vacation every 4 months, so I’ll be able to finish in three years. And then there is his charity work… “Some local people had donated a bunch of computers to the Fundación Corazón de Niña, shelter for boys and girls, and a friend of Melissa, the director at Corazón, asked me for some help getting them up and running.” So he spent his spare time fixing them for the kids. Then came hurricane Patricia. The massive, potentially monumentally destructive storm, which thankfully totally missed Puerto Vallarta, but slammed the coastline in the south. The town of Maleque was hit particularly hard. Cheyenne’s school, Universidad Arkos, mobilized to gather donations and get them down to the people in need.* Rather than distributing the donations to larger charity organizations, for fear that some of the best stuff might mysteriously walk away, Cheyenne filled his car with the items and drove everything himself. On the road to Melaque, he and his friends Daniel, José and Fernando came upon the small village of Juan Gil Preciado, which was hit extremely hard by the storm, and was not receiving any assistance. Cheyenne decided to pull-in and assess the situation. There was nothing but destruction around them. Trees downed, farms washed out, houses destroyed. “It was slow going and very, very wet on the road. An elderly woman was walking through this mess. She was maybe 80, or so, and couldn’t have been more than 5 ft tall. We stopped to see if she needed a ride, and she climbed into the car. She told us that her house was up the hill.”

“Part of the road was washed out by a river crossing, it was about a foot deep, so I drove into the middle and that’s when we got stuck.” “After some help from a local man with a truck, who drove in the river to hook up my car and pull it out, we made our way up to the woman’s house on the side of the hill.” “She charged up and jumped over rocks and fences like a teenager, while we were struggling on the path. Her house was a disaster. Everything including the roof, floor and her clay oven had been washed away. She invited us in, and was so gracious, offering us what little she had left…a cup of water, and a spot on the floor to rest.” “She said, ‘I have no roof, or floor or stove, but at least I’m not hurt. I guess I will have to rebuild everything myself.’ I was so moved by how humble and grateful these villagers were.” Cheyenne and his university mates are currently involved in a Christmas toy drive for Corazón de Niña, and other areas around town. He’s now seriously considering the possibility of using his plethora of skills to start a nonprofit in the future, though, doing so can be complicated here in Mexico. “Because of the tax deductions for donations, the government is often really hesitant to give authorization, as it feels that the loss in taxes takes away from what the government provides for its citizens.” He pauses and continues telling me about some of his other fascinating business concepts. “I sometimes can’t sleep at night, because I have all of these ideas, and I get so excited. It’s really crazy!” *Cheyenne asked me to send thanks out for the donations to: Lori Loree, Escondida Bar, Café Aroma, Ron Morgan, Jamie Coates, Russell Faulkner and agents from Timothy Real Estate, Marcella Castellanos, Michael Schirmacher, Barry Cooper, Denise Deramee, David Yntema, Ian Shepherd and agents from Tropicasa Real Estate, and Victor Mendez who organized an event to collect donations at the Hidalgo public park. To get in touch with Cheyenne regarding assistance with computer problems or charity donations, contact him at: PV Technology Solutions.

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Sky Lanterns or Chinese lanterns

exico is renowned for its use of fireworks and now the sky lanterns (or chinese lanterns) are becoming popular. These paper lanterns are released during holidays, weddings and fiestas. Sure, they look beautiful but similar to released balloons, sky lanterns all return to earth as litter and potential fire hazards, especially with the palapa roofs we have here in Puerto Vallarta. They are often marketed as “biodegradable” or “earthfriendly,” both untrue. Sky lanterns are made with treated paper, wires and/or a bamboo ring that do not burn up and as such, have

to land somewhere. They can travel for miles and always land as dangerous litter. Sky lanterns have caused huge structure fires and wildfires. This flaming aerial trash has caused serious burns to humans and killed animals who eat them or become entangled in their fallen remains. With no way to gauge where or when they will land, these lanterns can very well land in the Bay and become

a death trap for turtles, whales, dolphins and more of our valued habitat. Entire countries have banned the use of sky lanterns, including Austria, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Spain, Germany and parts of Canada. Here in Mexico, there are no such bans but that shouldn’t stop you from appreciating the danger that these lanterns pose and think twice before setting any off.

Books make great gifts!

his holiday if you are looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, consider one of the great books that highlights the culture and nature of Mexico. Well researched and written books about local culture and plant life are hard to come by and for the nature or Mexican cultural enthusiast in your life here are a couple of suggestions. Svetlana Aleksandorf’s Plants of the Mayan World is a great compliment to the books that local author Sandra Cesca publishes including her popular book

on Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Plants of the Mayan world is full of beautiful photography, recipes and colourful folklore. It took the author five years to complete. It is a fascinating read.

You will not be disappointed. You can purchase this books along with two other guide books from Sandra at the Marsol Market on Thursday December 24th from 9-1:30.

art and culture

Opening Reception for Abelardo Favela at Galeria Contempo On Tuesday, 29Th Of December

hoever enters the world of Abelardo Favela, an artist who was born in Mexicali, Mexico in 1948, will learn to see reality as a celebration and to take this celebration seriously. Octavio Paz said that an artist is a world less poet. There is no better way to describe the eloquent and colorful stories in the world of Favela. His characters and landscapes transmit a joy that reminds us of the pleasures of being alive. Although his art is primary, it is not primitive; it is nourished by the warmth and tradition that his characters communicate to the audience and keep it captive. His work gets close, in many cases, to the public and private facets of our daily life.

Favela’s pictorial work is cheerful and sunny. His colors project optimism and serenity; attitudes that in today’s world everyone needs to revitalize. His apparently simple scenes disguise small messages that each observer must decipher as part of the enchantment of admiring his work. The joy that the artist expresses in his work, easily transfers to the viewer. Happy and commonplace character, affable animals, lush trees, infinite horizons, everything invites us to the solace and enjoyment of colors and stories, whose interpretation will depend to a certain extent on the ingenuity and background of each one of us. Although the artist covers a

great range of anecdotes and scenarios, when we stop to appreciate his work we can guess that the message that permeates his whole artistic body is simplicity; in his stories, his palette and his traces. A genuine simplicity that highlights the plastic quality and becomes the fundamental characteristic of a unique free style that from a distance can be unmistakably distinguished as a Favela. His pieces reflect an artist who has surrendered himself to the path of art, more concretely to drawing, painting and clay sculpture.

Every Favela canvas deserves a long and meticulous contemplation to loose ourselves in his pictorial world. Or as Rike would say, “ to live a while within them”. These oeuvres are pieces that do not lie, not because they lack chimerical stories, but because beyond all that fiction this art exhibits the honesty and authenticity of its creator and reveals paths to the conscience and true self of the spectator. As every artist does, Abelardo Favela reveals himself through his work. The result is a painter who achieves what many desire: to simplify profound feeling and

transmit them through his oeuvre. It is important to mention that in the maturity of his professional work, Favela still has an enviable freshness and an honest gaze. His colorful work is deliberately carefree, full of playfulness and sensuality. GALERIA CONTEMPO, cordially invites you to meet this renowned artist at his opening reception on Tuesday the 29th of December, 2015 from 6 pm to 10 pm. This airy two story gallery is located in the South Side on Basilio Badillo 252, Phone: 2 23 19 25, www.galeriacontempo.com

art and culture

Exhibition

Galeria Pacfico Inaugurates New Brewster Brockmann Exhibit

rewster Brockmann will show his newest paintings, drawings and sculptures in clay and bronze during the Downtown Art Walk on Wednesday, December 30th, at 6:00 to 10:00 PM. A second cocktail reception will be held during the following Wednesday Art Walk on January 6th. This will be the twelfth solo exhibit for this extremely talented artist at Pacifico, an event highly anticipated by both local and international collectors and enthusiasts. Brewster paints in what might be considered a stream of consciousness manner, usually not having a complete idea of what he’s progressing to, but rather evolving as he goes. Sometimes the result seems like various levels of a dream. Brockmann might enhance this by painting over or partially obscuring parts of what he’s already created, and can include multiple colored drips of paint meandering as they might. It could be said that Brewster sometimes embraces what can be called the “aleatory” nature

of creating art, a term referring to utilizing chance and random occurances in the visual arts and music. However, he also does incredibly detailed and controlled drawings in pencil that baffle one in their complexity. Although, some of Brockmann’s shows in the past have been dominated by a particular theme or style, this year there seems to be a large variety of both. Animals from our area, such as seas turtles, jaguars and crocodiles are common, but elephants, rhinos and monkeys are also portrayed. Humans and their interaction with the animal world is also explored, but creatures that seem to combine elements of both humans and animals are represented as well. Brewster Brockmann’s exhibit will remain mounted until the end of January at Galeria Pacifico’s downtown location at 174 Aldama Street, just 100 feet up from the Malecon ocean promenade. The gallery also sponsors the free Malecon Sculpture Tours that happen every Tuesday morning at 9:30 through mid-April.

Brewster Brockmann

30 6 th &

December January

COCKTAILS 6 - 10 P.M. “Exhibition through January 30th” Aldama 174, Downtown, Tel. (322) 222 1982 galeriapacifico@gmail.com

Galeria Pacifico del Arte

www.galeriapacifico.com

holidays

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Piñatas, A Christmas Tradition

n Mexico, Christmas festivities officially begin with the Posadas, a series of nine parties occurring every day from the 16th until the 24th of December. Posadas are said to have been invented by the Spanish priests who in their attempt to convert the locals to Catholicism began holding nine masses before Christmas due to the similar timing of the celebration of the birth of the Aztec god of war, Huitzilopochtli. This gave way to the syncretism of both traditions, melding both the Aztec and Catholic holidays into one. Posadas occur in the evenings, consisting of a reenactment of Mary and Joseph asking for lodging before arriving at the

manger. During this reenactment, half of the people stay inside, these are the innkeepers, and the other half goes outside singing and asking for lodging in a candlelit procession that lasts until they reach the place of the party (where the innkeepers are). Once they let them in, the party begins. During the party, Christmas carols are sung, fruit punch is consumed, and a star-shaped piñata is broken. The piñata was originally used just after the Conquest by Spanish priests recently arrived in New Spain--as an evangelization tool for the indigenous population. Given that the Spanish spoke no indigenous language and the

natives did not speak Spanish, this graphic illustration of sin and redemption made an enormous impact. Although piñatas have largely lost their religious connotations and are now made in a wide variety of shapes, the traditional piñata is star-shaped and has 7 points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins that are broken by the stick, representing the strength and faith in God. The person attempting to break the piñata must be blindfolded. Once the piñata is broken, the filling, consisting of traditionally candy, fruits and peanuts, is released for everyone to enjoy. Original: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Christmas in Mexico

n Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from the December 12th to January 6th. While there are many similar traditions, most have their own unique Mexican flavor. Here are a few things you might experience this holiday season. From December 16th to Christmas Eve, children often perform the 'Posada' processions or Posadas. Posada is Spanish for Inn or Lodging. There are nine Posadas that celebrate the part of the Christmas story where Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay. In each Posada, children are given candles and a board, with painted clay figures of Mary riding on a donkey and Joseph, to visit around the streets with. They call at the houses of friends and neighbors and sing a song at each home. The song they sing is about Joseph and Mary asking for a room in the house. But the children are told that there is no room in the house and that they must go away. Eventually they are told

there is room and are welcomed in! When the children go into the house they say prayers of thanks and then they have a party with food, games and fireworks. Each night a different house holds the Posada party. At the final Posada, on Christmas Eve, a manger and figures of shepherds are put on to the board. When the Posada house has been found, a baby Jesus is put into the manger and then families go to a midnight Church service. After the Church service there are more fireworks to celebrate the start of Christmas. As well as the posada's, another type of Christmas play known as Pastorelas (The Shepherds). These tell the story of the shepherds going to find the baby Jesus and are often very funny. The devil tries to stop them by tempting them along the way. But the shepherds always get there in the end, often with the help of the Archangel Michael, who comes and beats the devil!

Nativity scenes, known as the 'nacimiento', are very popular in Mexico. They are often very large, with the figures being life size! Sometimes a whole room in a house is used for the nacimiento, although this is less common now. The figures are often made of clay and are traditionally passed down through families. As well as the normal figures of the Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Shepherds and Three Kings, there are often lots of other figures of different people, including women making tortillas, people selling food and different animals and

birds, like flamingos! The figures can be bought from markets in cities all over Mexico. The baby Jesus is normally added to the scene during the evening of Christmas Eve. The Three Kings are added at Epiphany. Christmas Eve is known as 'Noche Buena' and is a family day. People often take part in the final Posada and then in the evening have the main Christmas meal. At midnight, many people go to a Midnight Mass service, known as the 'Misa de Gallo' (Mass of the Rooster). There are lots of fireworks to celebrate

Christmas Day. People in Mexico also celebrate 'los santos inocentes' or 'Day of the Innocent Saints' on December 28th ad it's very much like April Fools Day in USA. In some areas in Mexico children expect Santa Claus to come on December 24th. In the south of Mexico children expect presents on January 6th at Epiphany, which is known as 'el Dia de los Reyes'. On el Dia de los Reyes the presents are left by the Three Kings (or Magi). If you've had a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, you might also get some candy on el Dia de los Reyes! It's traditional to eat a special cake called 'Rosca de Reyes' (Three Kings Cake) on Epiphany. A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the 'Godparent' of Jesus for that year. Another important day, is Candelaria (also known as Candlemas) on the 2nd February and it marks the end of the Mexican Christmas celebrations. Lots of Mexicans have a party for Candelaria.

riviera nayarit

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

eliz Navidad a todos! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Parties abound! If you’re planning on going out for Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner there are several options around the north end of the Banderas Bay. Luna Lounge only has a few tickets left for Christmas Eve dinner, but they have their One Day Cabaret live entertainment all season; on December 27th Isabella Jezowska, who sings perform songs of the great European composers should be very unique! Please check the allBucerias.com and allLaCruz.com calendars for live music and more holiday events and everything in-between.

Community Corner with Jan Benton A long time visitor of Puerto Vallarta area, Jan Benton decided to move here and open a retail store in Old Town. It was at this time that she met Mark McMahon(1991) at what is known now as Mark’s Bar and Grill in Bucerias. Back then it was cement floors and turkey franks, “They were the best turkey franks in town”. Jan continues to say, “Bucerias was a long drive from PV in those days on a narrow dangerous highway so I closed the PV

store and I opened the store next to Mark’s which is still going after 24 years”. It was at this time they started to work on the taste and style of the restaurant. Finding the best, freshest ingredients possible was always their goal; often bringing seeds to Rancho Lemon, which was started by Alison Normanton. They sourced San Blas shrimp for a Valentine’s menu and slowly they found their voice. Finding staff was difficult in a small fishing village so Mark’s really became a training place for kitchen and wait staff. Many have moved on to open their own places and some like “Pancho” (one of the very best bartenders in Bucerias!) are still with them. Jan continues to say, “We were both on an adventure back then and taking a big risk starting something in such a small town but we were determined to make it. I finally got my dream store when I opened Jan Marie Boutique Gallery many years later in 2008.” Mark’s Bar and Grill created a landmark opening in 1992, and was the first restaurant on the street. Chef Jan Benton is clearly passionate about food, receiving acclaim from both patrons and the media for her elegant menu. Beautiful ambiance, great service and overall food excellence define

Mark’s. “It was an exciting time in 2008 when we designed the building to house the new Jan Marie Boutique Gallery. It was on the busy corner across from Mark’s Bar & Grill and we wanted to create an attractive building that would shine on Lazaro Cardenas and give Bucerias an elegant touch.” There was very little in the way of art or building design back then and they wanted to beautify the street and set a tone. When the building was completed after several delays (the onyx floor took two months to polish) a group of friends helped clean the windows and move in the items. “That day, February 13th 2008, as we finally put the pieces in their place, I said, I think we are open. It was my mother’s birthday, she would have been happy for me. The Jan Marie name was her idea.” Jan and Mark have been travelling Mexico now for 20 years, buying for the boutique, and the Jan Marie Boutique across the street. Many of Jan’s clients order custom pieces from artists who have worked with them for years. Many of the towns they visit are quite poor, and while they have great crafts they don’t know how to find a market, purchasing from them has helped the families put their kids through school and help with medical needs. Jan tells me that some of the children are now the artists, all grown up and carrying on the family businesses and they still buy from them. Both of the galleries also have terrific Christmas gift ideas, from small keepsakes and Christmas tree ornaments, beautiful glass bowls, and larger pieces of art and sculpture. Merry Christmas everyone! May you have a wonderful holiday filled with light, love and joy in your hearts.

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Same-Sex Weddings In The Riviera Nayarit

he Riviera Nayarit became an even more attractive destination for same-sex weddings now that the local Nayarit congress has approved the modification of the Civil Code this past December 17th. Once this change has been published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación same-sex couples will be able get married in the Riviera Nayarit and the entire state without the need for an appeal. With this action the Riviera Nayarit will attract more of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) segment, which, is one of the segments with the highest travel expenditure per capita; they also travel more times per year and enjoy luxury and quality in their services.

Destination Weddings In The Riviera Nayarit There are over 40 hotels located in different towns in the Riviera Nayarit including Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita and Sayulita, among others, which are offering destination wedding services right at prices that start from $810 USD. In the Riviera Nayarit you’ll find everything you need to say that momentous “I, do,” from professional wedding coordinators to take care of every detail to the Judge or the Minister for your Spiritual or Civil Ceremony, as well as accommodations, transportation, banquets, design and decoration, legal proceedings, makeup, dresses, flowers, cakes and much more.

New Conservation Campaign “Se Buscan Heroes” Launched in the Riviera Nayarit

he Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) together with the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB by its acronym in Spanish) launched a new communications and donations campaign inspired by the Paralelo 28 initiative. The campaign, dubbed “Se Buscan Héroes” (“Looking for Heroes”) seeks to help preserve five Natural Protected Areas (ANP by its acronym in Spanish) in the northeastern Mexican Pacific, including the Islas Marietas. “This topic is very important for us because the Islas Marietas are our icon, so we’re working together with the State Government per governor Roberto Sandoval and with the support of our local tourism businesses and hotels in order to preserve the islands and the income they generate for the region,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. In order to drive conservation, surveillance and sustainable use of our oceans and their natural resources, we invite businesses, fishermen, service providers, tourists and the citizens at large to lend a hand. The website for donations is www.sebuscanheroes.com.

Among the NGOs that are a part of Paralelo 28 are Pronatura Noroeste, Red de Observadores Ciudadanos de La Paz, Sociedad de Historia Natural Niparajá and Eco-Alianza de Loreto. The five Natural Protected Areas are: the Islas Marietas in the Riviera Nayarit; Loreto; the Cabo Pulmo National Park and Paz Bay in Baja California Sur; and the Bay of Angels in Baja California. This endeavor includes local and regional campaigns in traditional and social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. During the December 17th press conference at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, tour operator Vallarta Adventures registered the first donation for $300,000 pesos. The Riviera Nayarit CVB and the AHMBB are driving the initiative and are promoting it in order to incentivize donations in more than 70 of the Destination’s events, a golf tournament, distribution of information during tours, FAM trips and more, to help spread the word beyond the country’s borders. The hotels that have joined the campaign promotion to date include: Grand Velas, Villa Group, Vallarta Gardens, Paradise Village and Four Seasons. More hotels and tourism service companies are expected to join.

healthcare

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Stem Cells and Orthopaedics

tem cells are basic human cells that have potential to give rise to many different cell types in the body. They are simple or undifferentiated cells. Stem cells help to create new cells in existing healthy tissues and may help to repair tissues in those structures that are injured or damaged. They are the basis for the specific cell types that makes up each organ in the body. When stem cells divide they create progenitor cells. Unlike stem cells, progenitor cells can become cells with more specialized functions, such as brain cells, red blood cells or - of particular interest to orthopaedic surgeonsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; components of specialized tissue such as bone or cartilage. Orthopaedic surgeons have focused their attention on mesenchymal stem cells. Unlike embryonal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells are obtained from living adult tissue. Bone marrow stromal cells are mesenchymal stem cells that, in the proper environment, can differentiate into cells that are part of the musculoskeletal system. They can help to

form trabecular bone, tendon, articular cartilage, ligaments and part of the bone marrow. Stem cell procedures are being used for treating bone fractures and nonunions, regenerating articular cartilage in arthritic joints, healing

ligaments or tendons, and replacing degenerative vertebral disks. What are some examples of musculoskeletal treatments using stem cells? Stem cell procedures are being developed to treat bone fractures and nonunions, regenerate articular cartilage in arthritic joints, and heal ligaments or tendons. These are detailed below.

Bone fractures and nonunions: In bone, progenitor cells may give rise to osteoblasts, which become mature bone cells, or osteocytes. Osteocytes are the living cells in mature bone tissue. Stem cells may stimulate bone growth and promote healing of injured bone. Traditionally, bone defects have been treated with solid bone graft material placed at the site of the fracture or nonunion. Stem cells and progenitor cells are now placed along with the bone graft to stimulate and speed the healing. Articular cartilage: The lining of joints is called the articular cartilage. Damage to the articular cartilage can frequently lead to degeneration of the joint and painful arthritis. Current techniques to treat articular cartilage damage use grafting and transplantation of cartilage to fill the defects. It is hoped that stem cells will create growth of primary hyaline cartilage to restore the normal joint surface. Ligaments and tendons: Mesen-

chymal stem cells may also develop into cells that are specific for connective tissue. This would allow faster healing of ligament and tendon inju-

ries, such as quadriceps or Achilles tendon ruptures. In this instance, stem cells would be included as part of a primary repair process.

charity

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

There’s No Business Like Show Business

By John Warren

onday Night at the Movies returns to IFC on Monday 28th December. Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00pm. Free popcorn is provided and the cash bar will be open. The 40 pesos ticket price will be used to support IFC’s charities. This season’s theme is Leading Ladies of the 1940’s and 1950’s.The women depicted were very strong and independent, probably because of the effects of the depression and World War 11, and they had a huge impact on the social climate of the time. The first five movies to be shown feature the incredibly talented actresses Maureen O’Hara, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Crawford and Anne Baxter. The first movie on December 28th will be the 1940 family drama "How Green Was My Valley" starring the beautiful red haired Maureen O'Hara and featuring Walter Pigeon and a young Roddy McDowall in the story of a Welsh coal mining village at the turn of the 1900's. The Morgan family struggles to raise its coal mining sons in the hope that their youngest will find a better life. Seen through the eyes of young Huw played by RoddyMcDowall, we learn of the family's trials and tribulations. Their daughter Angharad, played by Miss O'Hara, is the most beautiful girl in the valley and is very much in love with Mr. Gruffydd, played by Walter Pidgeon, who isn't sure he can provide her the life she deserves. Times are hard and good men find themselves out of work and exploited by unseen mine owners. On January 4th we feature the 1941 drama "The Little Foxes" starring Bette Davis in one of her nastiest roles. The ruthless, moneyed Hubbard clan lives in, and poisons, their part of the deep South at the turn of the 20th century. Regina

Giddons, played by Miss Davis, has her daughter, played by Teresa Wright, under her thumb. Estranged from her convalescing husband who suffers from a terminal illness, she plots to get him home, and will manipulate her daughter to help bring him back. She also has a shady business deal that she's cooking up with her two weakling elder brothers, Oscar and Ben. Will the manipulated daughter have to marry a contemptible cousin chosen by her mother or can she become her own person and escape the fate of both? On the 11th of January we are showing the intriguing "Double Indemnity" from 1944, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray. Walter Neff, played by Fred McMurray, an experienced insurance representative, meets the seductive wife of one of his clients, Phyllis Dietrichson, played by Miss Stanwyck, and they have an affair. Phyllis proposes to kill her husband to receive the proceeds of an accident insurance policy and Walter devises a scheme to receive twice the amount based on a double indemnity clause. When Mr. Dietrichson is found dead on a train-track, the police accept the determination of accidental death. However, the insurance analyst and Walter's best friend Barton Keyes does not buy the story and suspects that Phyllis has murdered her husband with the help of another man. On the 18th of January Joan Crawford stars in the 1945 crime drama "Mildred Pierce". Jack Carson and Ann Blyth are featured. Miss Crawford plays a hard working mother Mildred Pierce inching toward disaster as she divorces her husband and starts a successful restaurant business to support her spoiled and willful daughter Veda, (Miss Blyth). Treachery and murder are soon to follow. Talk about being enabled, this daughter takes the cake. The 25th of January

Advertise all year in the largest English newspaper in the Bay - for only a few pesos a day! Published 52 weeks a year and distributed from Punta Mita to Mismaloya - the Vallarta Tribune has been your best resource for the past 19 years! Contact editor@vallartatribune.com or Call 225 49 82 for more information.

features Bette Davis and Anne Baxter starring in the Academy Award best picture winner from 1950, "All About Eve". This is a film dominated by women. An ingénue, Anne Baxter, insinuates herself into the company of an established but aging actress and her circle of theater friends. From the moment she saw glimpses of her idol at the stage door, Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) is determined to take the reins of power away from the great actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis). This picture won 6 academy awards and also has an appearance by Marilyn Monroe. Everyone is welcome at Monday Night at the Movies! The International Friendship Club is a registered charitable organization in Mexico. It is located at the northeast corner of the Insurgentes Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 322-222-5466. Website: ifcvallarta.com Email: ifcvallarta@ gmail.com.

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

Diners familiar with Hacienda San Angel's stunning views, outstanding cuisine and topnotch service will feel right at home at The Iguana, the new Mexican specialty restaurant at the new Casa Kimberly Hotel; the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that have recently undergone a meticulously luxurious renovation. Reservations only - 322 222 1336 Open for dinner 6-11 pm Zaragoza 445, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta www.casakimberly.com

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

2016

y p p a h ew n ar ye

MARSOL FRIDAY MARKET BY THE PIER Every Friday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fca. Rodriguez 103, by the Olas Altas PIER marsolmarket@gmail.com

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

games

23 Markets and More – Weekly Events in Banderas Bay If you have an ongoing weekly event you’d like to add, email editor@vallartatribune.com TUESDAY Malecon Sculpture Tour – 9:30am Hosted by Gary Thompson. The tour starts at the “Millennium” sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon. IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos. ($30USD) Riviera Farmers Market – Nuevo Vallarta from 9am-2pm WEDNESDAY Forever Spring Farmers Market - 50 Lazaro Cardenas, opposite Sandrinas, Bucerias 9am-1pm Three Hens and a Rooster Market on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 9am to 1pm IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta 6-10pm Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta. Recreactiva –Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening starting at 8:45. THURSDAY Bucerias Artwalk from 7-9pm Calle Lazaro Cardenas Live Music and dancing in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Puerto Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm Saturday – Artisans, organics, food Live Music in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm SUNDAY La Cruz Farmers Market – La Cruz Marina 9-2pm Recreactiva – 8am-noon – the centre lanes of Francisco Medina are closed to traffic and open to anyone wishing to walk, skate, ride from Hotel Krystal to the Sheraton.

ACROSS

DOWN

Dec. 24 - 30, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com