Issue 989, March 17 - 23, 2016

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News

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RECORD # OF TOURISTS

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Real Estate MARKET SNAPSHOT

News CANADIAN TO VOTE

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Animals

A DAY AT THE SPCA

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Bugambilia Festival THIS WEEKEND Courtesy Madeline Milne

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Vallarta Pride

schedule of eVents

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Riviera nayarit wind festiVAl Courtesy Fernando Batin

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7th Season Old TOwn FarmerS markeT

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May 9 - 15, 2014 Free Issue 892

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THE CHARITY EVENT

in search of the awe

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Retirement

FLOCKING TO THE BEACH

ask a realtor

Celebrating 19 years!

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Molly Williams

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Jan 2nd - 8, 2015 Free Issue 926

Travel

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entertainment Live froM The red rooM Photo archive

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September 3 - 9, 2015 Free Issue 961

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Restaurant Review page 19

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Nov 14 - 20, 2014 Free Issue 919

Raicilla Mezcal Tequila

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WITH COLORS AND FLAVORS OF MEXICO

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2X 1 1 2 X 5,6,7 PM

Enjoy local poetic organic Mexican cuisine

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a place to live and enjoy your present !

pm p ma 5 - 11 e th from on nday us Su to nd y Fi esda

feed your body, soul and spirit

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Paraiso Miramar, Los Cocos, Nay. BEACH FRONT AT GARZA BLANCA

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News PASSPORTS & TAXES

My Life in Vallarta GUADALUPANA

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Riviera Nayarit TOP SURFING BEACHES

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Entertainment BRiaN DE LORENZO

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUERTO VALLARTA

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December 3 - 9, 2015 Free Issue 974

Riviera Nayarit ChRistmas ChaRity

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welcome

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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 in Puerto Vallarta 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.

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News CANADIAN TO VOTE

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ASK A REALTOR

May 9 - 15, 2014 Free Issue 892

Animals

A DAY AT THE SPCA

14

Bugambilia Festival THIS WEEKEND Courtesy Madeline Milne

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Riviera nayarit wind festiVAl

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7th Season Old TOwn FarmerS markeT

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October 22 - Nov 4, 2015 Free Issue 969

Hurricane Patricia THe PaTricia PrinciPle

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May 16 - 22, 2014 Free Issue 893

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THE CHARITY EVENT

Molly Williams IN SEARCH OF THE AWE

Celebrating 19 years!

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May 2 - 8, 2014 Free Issue 891

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Retirement

FLOCKING TO THE BEACH

Real Estate

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RECORD # OF TOURISTS

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March 17 - 23, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 989

LOVE Open

Restaurant

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322-22-22-597 322-160-48-04

Complete Dia De muertos events on page 2

Pulpito # 120-A Col.Amapas Romantic Zone Between Amapas & Olas Altas Puerto Vallarta

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Jan 2nd - 8, 2015 Free Issue 926

Travel

Bay of Banderas

17

entertainment Live froM The red rooM Photo archive

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events gaRza blaNca wiNe tastiNg

Riviera Nayarit New fiRetRuck

13

expats New votiNg Rules

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April 2 - 8, 2015 Free Issue 939

Local mud and magic

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Travel SEmana SanTa gETaway Photo by Madeline Milne

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September 3 - 9, 2015 Free Issue 961

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Nov 14 - 20, 2014 Free Issue 919

Local

LINDSAY PRIME MAYER

2X 1 1 2 X 5,6,7 PM

Enjoy local poetic organic Mexican cuisine Discover and enjoy our inspiration of the day on our Poetic-Cuisine WITH COLORS AND FLAVORS OF MEXICO

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the from on us Sunday

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a place to live and enjoy your present !

News TOURISM UP

Find

feed your body, soul and spirit

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page 16

Paraiso Miramar, Los Cocos, Nay. BEACH FRONT AT GARZA BLANCA

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history of Vallarta cElEbRating 97 yEaRs

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News PASSPORTS & TAXES

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Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 Free Issue 975

My Life in Vallarta GUADALUPANA

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Riviera Nayarit TOP SURFING BEACHES

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUERTO VALLARTA

Entertainment BRiaN DE LORENZO

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December 3 - 9, 2015 Free Issue 974

Riviera Nayarit ChRistmas ChaRity

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Community stEPhaNiE FiNCh courtesy otFM

courtesy JHoVANA rAMIreZ

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May 28 - June 3, 2015 Free Issue 947

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NOW DISTRIBUTED IN SAYULITA!

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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

March 17 - 23, 2016 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

Ahoy Cruisers!

Day Ship Passengers 18-mar Maasdam 1,258 21-mar Ruby Princess 3,080 23-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 24-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376 29-mar Westerdam 1,916 30-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 31-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

In port this month Day Ship

Passengers

In the month of March Puerto Vallarta welcomes 38,566 passengers!

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

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

F

or nineteen years the Vallarta Tribune has offered up news, events and tourism information each week for our readers.

In that time, both the city and the newspaper have seen a lot of changes, not the least of which is the steady increase of visitors to our not so little pueblo on the Pacific Coast. Before I took over the reins in 2013 (coming up on my third anniversary with the Tribune at the end of March) there was an impressive roster of editors and contributors who all worked for the success of this publication. Stepping in to this role was like pulling on a well worn beach cover-up - it felt comfortable, like it was meant to be. The paper needed a freshening up to be sure, but so many people, local and visitors, came forward to help with advice, writing and support in general that it made the transition relatively painless.

I want to take this space to say a truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made the Vallarta Tribune the success it is today, reaching into the lives of those who love and cherish Puerto Vallarta as much as I do. It's an awesome job and one I do not take lightly. With your continued support we will see well past our 20th Anniversary.

In no way could I thank everyone but I will attempt it. To our many advertisers who continue to support us and to Don Fernando and Señor David Rojo for continuing to support the Tribune year round, to all of the staff, in particular Cynthia Estela Andrade Gutiérrez who without her help I would lose my mind, to our many, many contributors including Leza Warkentin, Cat Morgan and Marcia Blondin, Marcella Castellanos, Lois Ellison and her husband Bud, Orlando Gotay, Fred Jacobs, John Warren, Cindy Bouchard, Joel Hansen, Janice Gonzales, Sandra Cesca, Virginia Fox, Molly Williams, Lic. Roberto Ortiz de Montellano, Moralea Milne, and past contributors; Marianne Menditto and Tom Swanson, Sue Keevil, Pancho Davalos, Gary R. Beck, Julie Mongeau, Miguel Fernandez and Ariel O'Donnell and newcomers; Rhonda Zarate, Gordon Mayer, Debbie White, Anita Draycott, Nicole Martin and all who I have carelessly have left out. Thank you!

Thank you!

Accepts National and International Insurance

Abdominal Pain Gastritis Gall Bladder Appendicitis Colitis Hemorrhoids Hernia

Let's plan a big fiesta for next March - you're all invited! (but let me run it by the boss first) This week continues to be filled with awesome events, markets and things to see. Get out of your hotel rooms, support local and enjoy yourself. Read on for plenty of info on what's going on around the bay.

Much appreciation, Madeline

Letters to the Editor

Gracias, Gary Thompson Tour Guide Owner/Director Galeria Pacifico

I

wanted to mention that the Free Malecon Sculpture Tours that Kevin Simpson and I conduct will continue to be held during the Easter vacation weeks of Semana Santa and Semana Pascua. The tours start at the Millennium Sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at 9:30 Tuesday mornings, and there are five remaining for the season, with April 19 being the last. Thanks to you and the Tribune for including us in your calendar of events and for other coverage that has helped to make the tenth year of doing this one of the best.

Gastrointestinal Surgeon Gastrointestinal Diseaases.

Weigth loss Surgery (Gastric sleeve, Gastric By pass)

Hello editor and Lois Ellison; read with interest your article Fix It! I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta since 1999. My full time residency is in the United States. I have watched PV change considerably during the time I have been vacationing here.

I do agree with you that “Americans live in a throw away society” and I see examples of it daily.

However what I have noticed in

I

Certified by the Mexican Council General Surgery

www.drsergiodelhoyo.com Appointment: (322)223 55 21

Facebook.com/Dr.SergiodelHoyo

Emergency: (322)1506291

dr_sergiodelhoyo@me.com

Av. Los Tules 160 int.9 Col. Díaz Ordaz, Pto Vallarta.

my continued travels to PV is that there isn’t any co-mingled recycling program for similar items that we consistently recycle in the states (aluminum, glass, plastics, newspapers, office papers, etc). I know that aluminum can be sold/recycled here and that glass bottles are returnable (I assume to the bottling plant where they are washed, sterilized, reused and relabeled?). I just noticed this trip that plastic bottles are being separated in a different receptacle but it’s the first I have seen of that.

My concern would be that there seems to be a lot more items here that could be recycled that probably ends up in a landfill.

Yes in the States - we do throw out the old to get the new - but we do also donate old clothes, have yard and garage sales, recycle old electronics and desk and lap top computers, recycle old cell phones that are refurbished and given for free to woman’s and other shelters, etc.

As well - we still have local jewelers, shoe repair shops, small hardware stores and locally owned restaurants, small businesses and farmers markets with locally grown items that we continually support.

I have relatives that own land in Todos Santos MX. One of their biggest concerns before building and residing there - is finding recy-

cled materials to help in the building process and that there is no recycling program for everyday items (plastics, glass, cardboard, etc).

I think it would benefit PV hotels, condos and businesses if there was information provided as to what exactly can be recycled here in Mexico and offer the appropriate receptacles to do so.

I do understand and appreciate your My Life article. I’d really like to see more information or statistics on how much in PV (and other Mexican beach cities) is actually recycled in order to make a fair comparison.

Patrick Martens Denver CO USA

Old Town Farmers Marke Meet “ The Tamale Diva” This Wee

By Erin Staley

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

E

xtraordinary “make it, bake it, grow it” fun – that's what you'll experience at the OTFM-TC! Enjoy live music, chiropractic treatments, farm-fresh produce, artisan food, traditional Mexican handcrafts, custom swimwear, organic coffee, and more! While shopping, be sure to satisfy your hunger with fresh tamales from "The Tamale Diva" of Tamale Gourmet!

Tamale Gourmet, the Story

by Adriana Basail (a.k.a. "The Tamale Diva") I was living in San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit, when the 2009 recession hit. To earn extra cash, I sold homemade muffins and pizzas.

One day I was returning from the market and discovered a package of corn husks in my bag that I had not remembered buying.

I had never made nor watched someone prepare a tamale (the indigenous Náhuatl word for "wrap"), and honestly, had never been fond of the fare. But, I loved to cook and decided to make use of the corn husks anyway.

Traditional tamales are made from masa (corn dough), lard and skimpy portions of varied ingredients. Since I am an advocate for healthy food choices, I began thinking of unique flavors to please the modern-day palette. I played with healthier ingredients, including freshly milled masa, butter and olive oil. Within a few weeks, I had created my first anisette sweet tamales.

I gladly gave them away to close friends, and soon, they were calling for more. I was in business!

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.

A Tamale Twist When the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural was getting ready for its first season, I was invited to submit an application. I decided to add my own "tamale twist" to their international food menu. My tamales were made with less dough, no lard, and more filling.

They were a hit and soon, I had my very own Tamale Gourmet stall.

Today, the quality of my hand-selected, seasonal ingredients make all the difference. Tamale lovers can taste the time and technique that is

et - Tianguis Cultural ekend at the OTFM-TC

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

and chances are, you will be back for more!

Perhaps it was a coincidence or maybe a sign that that package "magically appeared" in my bag on that fateful day in 2009, but bless those beautiful corn husks!

Special Delivery

Tamale Gourmet is available for catering small events (minimum order of 24 and a maximum of 500).

Simply make a reservation five days in advance. Special ingredient orders are available upon request.

Small orders can be picked up on Saturdays at the market (9:30-2:00) through April 30th. Larger orders can be delivered. Contact adrianabasail(at)gmail.com (preferred), Facebook (Tamale Gourmet WRAP), +52 (322) 779-8037 or +52 (322) 224-1671. put into assembling each gourmet tamale and making sure it pops with flavor.

I spend hours pairing the best ingredients from a long list of healthy ingredients: curry, lentils, carrots, plantain, raisins, coconut, peanuts, cilantro, spinach, pine nut, portobello, red roasted bell pepper, farmers cheese, black beans, zucchini, poblano, eggplant, basil, gouda and goat cheese, mahi-mahi, dill capers, almonds, chocolate and cranberries.

Meat lovers will love my new, high quality meat flavors, and vegans will appreciate my regular supply of deli-

cious vegan tamales. The fusion between prehispanic, contemporary and international cuisine - along with fresh, locally grown ingredients - is my trademark.

Artisan Bakery

Yoga Class

Due to a limited response, the yoga class is cancelled for the balance of the season. …where bread is an art.

Warm Tamale Goodness

Stop by Tamale Gourmet this Saturday for your very own freshly made tamale. As you open the warm corn husk, the aroma and fluffy dough will capture your senses.

You'll love the flavor and texture, knowing that each bite is delicious and healthy. Don't forget to try it with my fresh and mild house salsa. You will not regret each flavor-filled bite,

Get Involved!

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).

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.

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.

ChelowVallarta

Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

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

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

Authentic contemporary jewelry

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 322.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

06

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Democrats Abroad held Global Presidential Primary

T

he Costa Banderas chapter of Democrats Abroad held a Global Presidential primary at voting centers established on March 1 and 3 at the International Friendship Club in Puerto Vallarta.

The primary took place on-line as well from March 1 through 8th. Mexico's official countrywide results will be communicated as soon as they are tallied and compiled. Preliminary results show Bernie Sanders with 54.7 % of the vote to Hillary Clinton’s 45.3 %.

However, those results are from votes made at voting centers only and not a full tabulation of votes made on-line as well as in person.

Voting centers were staffed around the world in 112 cities, at 120 distinct sites, with a total number of 136 voting center dates.

We have members in every single country in the world, and we have organized country committees in 53 countries.

Democrats Abroad is regarded

as the 12th biggest "state", for delegates since more than 8.7 million Americans live abroad (according to State Department).

Our Democrats Abroad Primary, held between March 1 and 8, is not a winner-take-all primary. We hold our Global Presidential Primary to ask the large number of Democrats living abroad to tell us their preferences among the Democratic candidates. Democrats Abroad then calculates those results as percentages.

For example, in 2008, Barack Obama received 66% of our vote while Hillary Clinton received 33%.

We then selected our Delegates to the National Convention according to those results in our Global Presidential Primary, i.e., 66% of our Delegates were assigned to then-candidate Obama while 33% were assigned to then-candidate Clinton. We are required to award Delegates only to those candidates who receive at least 15% of the

votes in our Global Presidential Primary.

Democrats Abroad will send a total of 21 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25-28, 2016.

The thirteen elected delegates will be pledged to a candidate.

Eight more of these delegates will be Democrats Abroad's members on the Democratic National Committee. These eight ‘superdelegates’ each have half a vote at the convention, therefore giving Democrats Abroad a total of 17 votes at the convention.

For more information, contact your local Democrats Abroad chapter here in Puerto Vallarta at tjensen1942@hotmail.com Also, check our Democrats Abroad Facebook page and website for ongoing election information. https://www.facebook. com/Democrats-Abroad-Mexico and http://www.democratsabroad. org/

Clocks Spring Forward in Mexico on April 3

W

hile the rest of North America turned their clocks ahead for daylight-saving time last Sunday, for most of Mexico, local daylight saving time does not begin until 2:00 am on Sunday, April 3rd.

Make a note if you'll be traveling to Vallarta-Nayarit this month there will be an extra hour's difference in time.

Daylight Saving Time in Mexico For most of Mexico, daylight saving time doesn't begin until the first Sunday of April. On the last Sunday in October areas on daylight saving time fall back to Standard Time at 2:00 a.m. local time. Central Standard Time (CST) becomes Central Daylight Time (CDT), and so forth.

In 2010 ten Mexico municipalities which share a border with the United States began a pattern of starting daylight saving time three weeks earlier on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November. Previously all of Mexico, with the exception of the state of Sonora, which does not observe daylight saving time, began and ended daylight saving time at the same time.

The Congress of Mexico passed legislation in December 2009, which allowed these ten border cities to adopt a daylight saving time pattern consistent with the United States in order for local governments and businesses to compete with the US. It was just a few years ago that Nuevo Vallarta and the state of Nayarit were an hour earlier than Puerto Vallarta and the state of Jalisco, causing great confusion in particular for those flying in and out of PVR. In 2010, Nayarit made a change to coincide with Jalisco’s time zone, making travel and keeping appointments much easier for those in the Riviera Nayarit region. Now from Las Varas in the north to Puerto Vallarta in the south we share the same time year-round.

Mexican Government Advocates “Balanced Regulation” of Marihuana

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he use of marijuana in Mexico should be analyzed with a new comprehensive perspective that seeks “balanced regulation” and guarantees freedoms and rights, but at the same time protects public health and safety, the country’s No. 2 official said.

At the close of a five-month-long forum on marijuana at a university in the northern state of Coahuila, Government Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chang emphasized that regulation should not remain strictly punitive but rather must deal with marijuana use from all angles.

The priority is for government institutions and society to move forward on shared objectives, the minister said.

He emphasized that thanks to initiatives such as the one in Coahuila areas of commonality have been identified. For example, he said, there seems to be a consensus on the therapeutic use

of cannabis, as well as on the importance of moving forward on the effective decriminalization of pot consumption.

Osorio told the young people participating in the forum that it is important to ask what framework should be adopted to reduce consumption and to weaken the economic power of organized crime groups involved in the production and distribution of illegal drugs.

He emphasized that the possible regulation of marijuana should not be directed at creating wealth but rather should give priority to public health and weakening the black market for the drug.

To do that, he added, policies must be implemented that allow those who devote themselves to these activities to incorporate themselves into legal markets, emphasizing crop substitution and moving into legal production chains in the regions where pot is grown.

Original: laht.com

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

My Life In Vallarta Lois Ellison

loell87@yahoo.com

Mexican Navy Training Ship Sets Sail for 14 Countries

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he Mexican navy’s training ship, Cuauhtemoc, set sail from the Pacific port of Acapulco on a cruise that will take it to 18 ports in 14 countries, the Navy Secretariat said.

The ship “will visit 14 countries with a crew of 252 members, including captains, officers, cadets, petty officers and sailors, as well as national and foreign invited officers, of whom 30 are women,” the secretariat said in a statement.

The ship sailed on its latest training cruise, “Ibero Atlantico 2016,” on Saturday, the secretariat said.

The Cuauhtemoc will be at sea until Oct. 3, expanding ties of friendship between Mexico and other countries, and carrying a message of peace to strengthen academic and cultural links with other navies, the secretariat said.

The training ship will visit ports in Panama, Colombia, Cuba, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and the Dominican Republic.

The Cuauhtemoc and its crew

are scheduled to participate in a number of maritime events in different countries and will perform various nautical training tasks, the secretariat said.

Navy Secretary Francisco Soberon Sanz, Social Development Secretary Jose Antonio Meade and Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos participated in the ceremony marking the start of the ship’s voyage.

The Cuauhtemoc has sailed 684,934 nautical miles, the equivalent of circling the Earth 33 times, spent more than 5,363 days on the high seas and visited 209 ports in 60 countries since going into service more than 30 years ago.

The ship was constructed by the Astilleros de Celaya S.A. shipyard in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao between July 24, 1981, and July 29, 1982.

The Cuauhtemoc has won numerous commendations from the Mexican navy and the navies of other countries during its more than 30 years of service.

Original: laht.com

Mexico Receives a Record 32 Million Tourists

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exico received a record 32 million foreign tourists in 2015, enough to make the Aztec nation the world’s No. 10 destination, Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid said.

Tourism accounts for 8.5 percent of Mexico’s gross domestic product and the sector is growing faster than the economy as a whole, he told a press conference.

The growth rate of international tourist arrivals to Mexico is more than three percentage points higher than the growth rate of tourism in the world, estimated at 4.4% for the first four months of 2015 by the World Tourism Organization.

Guadalajara was ranked #2 as the Best Places to Travel in 2016 by Travel + Leisure while Tulum was named as #1 destination on the rise for 2016 by TripAdvisor.

The number of international visitors has increased 37 percent increase since the start of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration in December 2012.

The expansion in tourism has created 800,000 direct jobs and another 1.2 million indirect jobs over the last 10 years.

“Between 2013 and 2015, international visitors spent $43.5 million a day in Mexico,” the secretary said.

Original: laht.com

Mother Nature

C

all it global warming, climate change, El Niño or just plain weird, the weather this winter has certainly been wacky.

The seasons here don’t match up to the usual four. Instead, there are basically two: hot, humid, rainy, seemingly endless summer, and dry, perfect winter. Oh sure, there are two short transitional seasons, but they aren’t particularly notable other than serving as bridges between the two main events.

If there is such a thing as “normal” when it comes to weather here in Vallarta, I’d say that most years there is a notable shift from fall to winter sometime in mid-November. You go to bed one night with the fan on high, or even the a/c running, and the next morning you wake up and need a sweater.

The current winter arrived late this year, with that always welcome shift in temperature not happening until mid-December. Just when we thought it might never come, there it was.

At first it seemed short-lived.

By mid-February, it was already warming up. Blankets went back into the closet; sweaters tucked away out of sight. We even started running a fan at night, something

unheard of in previous winters.

Little did we know those blankets would soon be needed, and then some.

It is also normal to see high waves for a few days in January. In Spanish they are known as “olas altas” and you don’t need to be bilingual to figure out why there is an area of the Southside that bears that name. But this year, the big waves, rough seas and extremely high tides have been going on for over two months.

Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature to change things.

Some of these changes happen gradually over time. For two months we watched as the dark roiling water deposited stones along the shore, sometimes removing them a few days later just as mysteriously as they’d arrived. Walking along parts of the Malecon in the early morning, we could hear the low rumble of the stones as the waves hurdled over them.

But other changes are abrupt and startling.

Last Tuesday night, a sudden deluge woke us from a peaceful sleep. It sounded almost like a freight train, as the rain pounded down for several hours. In my mind I could picture the water angrily cascading down the stairway outside our building as it does

during the summer rains. But this is winter and it seldom rains that hard at this time of year.

The next morning the continuing rain and huge puddles kept us from our daily walk. By Thursday, temperatures had plummeted to the lowest level in years so we bundled up and went off to survey the aftermath of this freak winter storm.

The beach in front of Daiquiri Dick’s was entirely replaced by huge rocks and bisected by a gully formed by rushing water. Hopeless you think? No way. This is Mexico.

By mid-day three men using a wheelbarrow had filled the gully with stones and covered it with sand. Dick’s beach was back in business, albeit on a smaller scale.

Further north, the Sea Monkey beach was almost totally carved away, leaving just a couple of palapas teetering on the edge of a huge drop-off and exposing a concrete stairway that hadn’t been seen in years. Eventually the ocean will give back what was taken but who knows when.

We watched workers remove the fallen sails that anchored the north end of the pedestrian bridge.

Did they take them for repairs or are they gone for good as the other sets before them?

Tales of the storm spread like wildfire. Flooding in the basement of Vista del Sol causes a power outage. Waters rise all the way to Piño Suarez. Hail in Guadalajara and snow in nearby San Sebastian.

This isn’t the worst storm we’ve seen and it certainly won’t be the last. Mother Nature never ceases to surprise and amaze us. Temperatures are creeping back up, the Bay seems calm again, and the skies are an incredible clear blue crystal. Don’t get too complacent though. It’s just a matter of time.

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entertainment

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Samira is...

“Truly Tina” Canada's Tina Turner Tribute Artist

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amira's “Truly Tina” tribute show is best described as powerful, sexy and thoroughly entertaining as she struts her stuff, belting out those familiar Tina Turner songs, just like the star herself.

The big hair, great legs and provocative costumes are all there. But more importantly, Samira brings Turner's energy, voice and sassy attitude to the stage in a way that harks back to The Ike & Tina Turner Revue at its best.

For years, Samira has travelled the world as one of the most in-demand Tina Turner tribute artists, from Australia, China and Guam, to Canada, the US, Mexico and the middle east. Las Vegas casino lounges, corporate events for the world's best known companies, a concert in Beijing's Tiananmen Square are all routine for one of Canada's most popular entertainers. And in 2014, Samira had the honour of performing at Turner's former high school at the official opening of the Tina Turner Museum.

Tina Turner's torrid vocals and electrif-

ying stage presence have always been an inspiration to Samira and she has learned to replicate them with amazing accuracy and passion. She is especially influenced

by Turner's ability to drench her song lyrics in passion and perform them with what has been described as “hurricane force”.

Samira's performances as “the queen of rock'n'roll” are absolutely unrivalled.

Her physical appearance, including those “nut-cracking” thighs are about as close as one can get to the real thing. And her secondary career as a fitness instructor keeps her in the top shape required to perform with the required energy and enthusiasm.

Samira has an intense passion for her music and strives to make Truly Tina, her tribute to her favourite artist, the best in the world, not just in her native Canada, but from “river deep to mountain high”.

Truly Tina appears as the season finale at The Luna Lounge, in Bucerias, on Thursday, Match 31st and Friday, April 1st. Details are available on the venue's web site.

Shadow is waiting for you!

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his sweet, feisty little boy is still waiting for his fur-ever home.

Shadow is a handsome Russian Blue who would be a great addition to a family with another cat to play-fight with-and when it's nap time, he turns into a major snuggler. He's about 18 months

old, has been neutered, has all his vaccinations and check-ups--all he needs is a loving fur-ever home.

Easy to fly back to Canada or the United Sates too! Ask me how.

Marilyn Khan exkhan@usfamily.net

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Comings and Goings: Previews and Reviews

by Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

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omings - every Saturday until April 9th, Elviz Martinez stars in ‘All of Me’ in the Red Room, accompanied by his Musical Director, Bob Bruneau on piano. Chiapas-born Elviz has had an amazing season, co-starring in Forever Plaid, a 1950’s-style musical. Then co-starring in California Dreamin’, a 1960’s-style music fest and now, Elviz gets to sing and play who he does best: himself.

Rhonda Padmos, the Musical Director/ Producer of ‘California Dreamin’, had her show pretty much fleshed out except for a tenor. She asked Elviz if he could sing anything by the Mamas and the Papas. He replied, “Who?” That was two weeks prior to opening night. He is, as is the entire cast, wonderful in it.

This will be Elviz’ third season presenting ‘All of Me’ with changes and updates, of course. I remember well his first opening night - he had just finished Bedazzled Broadway. When he took the stage for ‘All of Me’, he relaxed, I think, when he saw so many friends gathered to cheer him on. He packed the house then and he will do it again the next four Saturdays.

entertainment

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

And Goings. As promised last week, I went to see Miss Conception Goes to the Movies at the Palm Cabaret. All of Kevin Levesques’s shows are selling out so the one I went to had been added only three days before; there were perhaps six empty seats in the theatre.

Kevin’s brilliance shines the second the video footage starts rolling at the beginning of his shows. His costumes are even more amazing than last season.

I will only mention a few of the movies that Miss C brings to the stage: The Wizard of Oz, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Chicago and Betelgeuse. Reckless and wild, indeed!

Kevin’s parents were in the audience the evening I went. I really wanted to hug them – they must have been so very proud of their son.

He did something; rather he DOES the same thing with all his shows: he makes his audience suspend belief. Every face in the crowd that looked towards the stage was like a child’s first sight of something new and beautiful; something magical happening right there, just out of reach, but there.

Bravo Kevin. Your Miss Conception is brilliant.

Drag Personality & Comedian Kay Sedia offers ‘Taco Kisses’ at The Palm

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ay Sedia's hilarious comedy, 'Taco Kisses', takes audiences on a spicy journey through comical stories and live singing parodies in her all-new “juan woman cho”, beginning March 22 - 31 at The Palm Cabaret.Popular Los Angeles-based drag personality and comedian Kay Sedia (a.k.a. Oscar Quintero), a founding member of the well-known comedy crime-fighting troupe ‘Chico's Angels’ (based on the 70’s TV hit Charlie’s Angels), and a favorite featured guest on local Los Angeles area television news programs, is making her solo Puerto Vallarta debut just in time for Semana Santa.

“Best cho eber!” - Tia Maria

Kay Sedia is a frequent entertainer at The Cavern Club in the Silverlake district of Los Angeles, where she performs her famous drag-comedy cooking shows, among many others. She has also made guest appearances on television, including Bravo TV’s hit show, ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’, and also happens to be one of the top Tupperware sales "ladies" in the Los Angeles area. Known for her legendary purchasing parties, while in character, she has been featured several times in lighter segments on L.A. based KTLA 5 during their popular Morning News program (see YouTube), successfully hocking everything from stateof-the-art salad spinners to new world tortilla

warmers, all with a hilarious twist!

Perhaps best known for her exaggerated Latina accent and fun bubbly personality, the wildly talented actor-singer-entertainer behind Kay Sedia, Oscar Quintero, was born the youngest of six children in Hacienda Heights, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles. Today, his character Kay Sedia is a triple threat ‘Hot Tamale’ that has garnered widespread popularity serving up an extra helping of comedy all over Southern California. ‘Taco Kisses’ begins March 22 at 7:00 p.m. Please see the link below for online tickets and more information about all of the current offerings at The Palm.

Now Playing

Zoë Lewis Described as ‘a band in a body’, Zoë Lewis stars in 'Vaudeville to Vallarta’. She plays everything from original jazz and jump jive, to Latin grooves, international folk, and more on everything from the piano to the spoons! Troubadour, vaudevillian, singer-songwriter, and the list goes on. Remaining performances March 15 - 22 (see calendar).

Amy Armstrong & Bohemia Viva Amy Armstrong, affectionately known as the gal with ‘the voice of an angel, and the mouth of a sailor’, performs both music and comedy in her show, ‘Spanglish II’, with Argentine duo Bohemia Viva through April 3.

Amy also stars in her all new show, ‘Mama’s Big Ones’ The Life and Music of Cass Elliot (Mama Cass) accompanied by Jean-Guy Comeau at the piano through March 29.

Bohemia Viva continues to star in their own show, featuring fiery acoustic Latin guitar and sensuous vocals and harmonies through April 2. Their next show will be March 19 at 7:00 p.m., and they will make a guest appearance at Luna Rumba’s next show on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. (see calendar).

Miss Conception Kevin Levesque (a.k.a. Miss Conception) stars in ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’. In this music/comedy extravaganza, Miss C. thrills audiences with her tribute to the movies with all live singing, high-energy dance numbers and Vegas-worthy original costumes. To date, Miss C. has sold out every scheduled performance. Now Playing Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. through April 4.

Kim Kuzma Kim Kuzma stars with her band of talented musicians in ‘Acústico’. They play their signature ‘mashups’ of pop hits and classic favorites and continue to be one of the Palm’s most popular shows. ‘Acústico’ plays Sundays and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. through April 3.

Kim also stars in the all-new hugely popular, ‘Diva’ Celebrating the Music of Annie Lennox

with Jean-Guy Comeau at the piano. Next performances March 18 at 9:30 p.m., March 22 at 4:00 p.m. & March 25 at 7:00 p.m. (added show).

Luna Rumba Award-winning live band Luna Rumba’s popularity in Banderas Bay is soaring, selling out show after show. A tapestry of Latin Fusion, Gypsy-Flamenco, and more, this band is on fire! Final two performances of the season at The Palm on March 18 with Special Guests Argentine duo Bohemia Viva! & a final performance on April 1 at 7:00 p.m.

The Palm is well-known for bringing high-quality, cutting-edge entertainment to Vallarta. Inside you’ll find an intimate 90-seat cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting, creating the ambiance of cabarets from days gone by. Two shows are scheduled nightly seven days per week, with matinees at 4:00 p.m. for select shows through early April, 2016.

The Palm is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica. Tickets may be purchased online and at the box office, open at 10:00 a.m. daily (322-222-0200). A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV. com. You can also find The Palm Cabaret and Bar on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ThePalmPV/

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

From Here

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

I

have to start the day sending congratulations to El Rio BBQ-Bar for working so hard to raise over $225,000 pesos for Pasitos de Luz at Riverfest. To everyone involved please take a bow – it was an extraordinary day made by extraordinary people who VOLUNTEER. Bless you all.

While we’re at El Rio (good segue, yes?), Dave LaFame as Tom Jones proved why he is an award-winning Tribute Artist last Saturday. His voice was powerful and controlled and flowed like molasses off the back of a spoon.

After two songs he was weaving his way through the crowd singing to the women he chose, like they were the only ones listening. (Oh! Pick me next!). It was a revelation to watch. He also included the men in the audience. Someone has to teach them how to move like Tom Jones…He was funny, sweet and OMG, so sexy. Dave loved El Rio and plans are in the works for a return next season. I will NOT forget lace panties again. See? Lot’s of lessons learned!

I am going to Bucerias on Friday the 18th to do a number of things: First is, I want to meet Hugh and his partner, owners of the Luna Lounge. I have never seen the venue nor eaten their food, but I will on Friday. I do, however, know Paul Aleman and Renee Armand who will be providing the entertainment that night with their stunning Tribute to John Denver.

About a year and a half ago, my sister Patrice was visiting from Canada and I had emailed her a list of upcoming performers I would maybe review for the Tribune.

Top pick of hers was the “Rocky Mountain High” show at the Red Room. (She is younger than me and I was so not a fan.) Opening night for Paul and Renee: before the end of the first song, Patrice taps my shoulder; I turned and gratefully accepted the Kleenex she offered. In my life I have never heard sweeter voices. When the show was over, a woman from the audience quietly asked Paul – who was right in front of me – how many years he and Renee had been performing. Paul said something like, actually we just met about three months ago and this is our first time singing together in public. I think I pushed myself into the middle of that conversation (excuse me, pardon me) went up to Paul and said, “WHAT did you say? Three MONTHS?” I couldn’t believe it and asked to interview

Brothers to Brothers

By Marcia Blondin

S

aturday Night Live gave birth to many, many amazing talents when the show was in its infancy: Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Martin Short and original cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. The last two, in 1976, created a musical number for the

show and introduced Elwood and Joliet ‘Jake’ Blues to the world; their last gig on SNL was in 1978 and two years later The Blues Brothers movie was released.

The insane premise of the movie equaled the insanity of the writing and filming going on during the production of the Blues Brothers movie itself. It has become a cult classic and the two main characters, Jake and

them the next day. Paul and Renee met like this: Paul sat down one night in his studio in California, sang and played Rocky Mountain High, recorded it and put it on Facebook.

At six the next morning, Paul’s phone rang, waking him up. A woman’s voice said, “I don’t know who you are but that is the finest Rocky Mountain High I have heard since John sang it.” That from Renee Armand, wide awake in Tennessee, who had not sung one single song of John Denver’s since his death. And the rest is brilliantly harmonized history.

Saturday night, the 19th, de Colores, the annual fundraiser for the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus takes place at Oscar’s Restaurant on the Isla Cuale. In conflict is Elviz Martinez’ opening night Come Fly With Me in the Red Room, accompanied by Bob Bruneau on piano…read more about Elviz in “Comings and Goings”.

Sometimes I really love my job and this Monday afternoon

Elwood Blues are as beloved now as they were nearly 40 years ago.

That being said, it’s only right and proper in this glorious season of Tributes that the Blues Brothers are not left out.

Chris and Geoff Dahl are from Ontario and have been singing, dancing and carrying on in Blues Brothers style in most major cities in Europe. The Dahl Brothers kept them laughing in Bosnia and the Middle East. They have played the Strip in Vegas, Hawaii, Dallas, Miami, Vancouver, Toronto and

lcoal

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

The View

From On High

By Marv Rubinstein

at Molino de Agua is one more reason: A Garden Party to thank members of the Garden Club for all they do. Most of the PVGC functions are WHITE – I don’t get it – but they usually are. This one, however, will be different and ‘vibrant color’ attire is requested.

Flowers – clear a path!

Next Wednesday, the 23rd, CK Productions will present their second Concert at Terra Noble.

If you’ve never been up there, go.

The view is breathtaking and at night with city lights, black mountains and black sea as the backdrop behind the stage…absolutely beautiful. And the moon will be full.

And it’s officially Spring. And Jim Lee is catering. And violinist Diego de Jesus Mondragon, Flamenco dancing and a stellar line-up of musicians, including Gabriel Reyes who plays and sings every week for our Friday Market at the Marsol Hotel, will have you wishing on stars and marveling at everything you will see and hear.

Have you ever felt an angel smile? We who attended Ginger Tindall’s Celebration of Life on Sunday most certainly did. Deepest thanks to David and Susan who opened their home and their arms to all who were Ginger’s friends. It was an especially beautiful sunset.

Rest gently Ginger.

Although a few have fled in advance of Semana Santa, our remaining tourists still need us to help them; now more than ever, be kind.

various Blues Festivals all over North America. Their strangest gig was at Christmastime for Canadian Armed Forces troops and scientists at a secret underground Army base/Research Centre 300 miles from the North Pole!

They were flown in the back of a Hercules military transport aircraft wearing complete head to toe white cold-weather suits designed for minus 70 degree temperatures.

After a 20-hour flight, they were escorted to a trap door, then down into an underground facility where

I

am queer for views. That is one of the main reasons I spend my winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

My Greenwich Village apartment in New York is on the 26th floor, with a nearby view of Washington Square Park and a wonderful distant view, day or night, of all of downtown Manhattan.

The office of my former factory in Waterbury, Connecticut is on top of a hill with a view of the entire valley below.

So, when I started to look for a Condo to spend my winter months in Puerto Vallarta, one of the first things I told my real estate agent was that a great panoramic view was a sine qua non.

Luckily, one of the charms of this city is that panoramic views abound, an embarrassment of riches or, using one of my Mother’s favorite expressions, “A complaint that the bride is too beautiful.”

Makes it kind of hard to make a choice.

Bottom line. When I first was shown my present apartment in

Paramount Bay Condominiums in the Amapas area, I took one look, and I was sold. I had to have this place. It is only on the 5th floor but, with a building located on a hill, even the second floor has a magnificent view from the terrace, from the living room and from the master bedroom.

I have a panoramic view of Banderas Bay; on a clear day (most days), I can see as far as the beaches of Punta Mita. To my right, I view a substantial portion of Puerto Vallarta––from the Zona Romantica to the city center and beyond to the more recent construction on the far coast. In short, on a clear day, I can see forever, not to mention spectacular nighttime views. I’m in panoramic viewers’ heaven.

But that’s not all. Looking down on the city from on high gives me a sense of calm. It almost looks like there is no motion. Beach loungers look like ants.

I see a few cars winding their way up and down a small corner

they proceeded to set up their equipment while mingling with the scientists. The army personnel warned them not to go outside for the entire week they were there, as they would freeze to death immediately. The Dahl Brothers gave two concerts that week with their full band and dancers in the theatre that held about 300 people.

A strange but Merry Christmas!

Another memorable show took place in Berlin where they performed for none other than Dan Aykroyd himself. Dan joined them

on stage for a couple of tunes then proceeded to create ‘quite a party’.

Dan Aykroyd – as a fellow Canadian – asked Geoff if he still liked performing the Blues Brothers material. Geoff said it was still fun.

Dan replied, “Well, keep it up. You do a great job with it.”

The original Elwood Blues has spoken.

Coming straight to Bucerias from Berlin…”on a mission from God”, The Blues Brothers take the stage at the Luna Lounge, Thursday, March 24th.

of the highway visible through the trees from above, a couple of workmen doing penthouse restoration and some treetops bending away from the wind. And of course the surging waves break, break, breaking on the shores, reminiscent of an Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem.

It all looks and sounds so calm and peaceful. Of course, that’s an illusion. Should I venture down to the city, I would find streets crowded by traffic, noisy diners in restaurants, husbands and wives arguing and children playing or battling, not to mention, more importantly, a lot of people having a great time. An illusion, but a very

nice one.

Of course, my wonderful views are not limited to Paramount Bay. Puerto Vallarta is full of towers built on hills––all with wonderful views and similar very nice illusions.

Marvin Rubinstein is an engineer, professor, attorney, entrepreneur and published author of 12 books on a variety of subjects.

He has taught at the Monterrey Institute and was CEO of his own engineering firm, Selectrons, Ltd.; he has had articles appear in the NY Times, the Village Voice, the Japan Times, the Vallarta Tribune and many sales and engineering journals.

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Luna Lounge Saves The Best for Last

By: Debbie White

L

una Lounge has saved some of its best dinner/shows for the month of March. This past week the North Shore audience was treated to two, exceptionally fine performances.

On Thursday night, Dave LaFame, brought the glamour, excitement and sizzle of English heart throb, Tom Jones to the Luna Lounge stage. In This is Tom Jones, Dave charmingly portrayed one of entertainment's biggest musical stars!

Considered one of the top Tom Jones impersonators in the world, Dave thrilled us with his opening song, "Love Me Tonight," as an eager audience member nearly strangled him with a bra that she brought on stage. It's traditional at Tom Jones performances for women to toss their underwear at the star, so we were entertained throughout the night with these displays of affection!

Dave stayed in character as Tom Jones throughout his performance and we enjoyed his great stories and songs like, "The Green Green Grass of Home," "What's New Pussy Cat?"and "Love is Like Candy on a Shelf." With superb vocals, an authentic English accent, an unbuttoned shirt with flashy jewelry, a curly head of hair and a sexy, teasing style, Dave was convincing as the alluring Tom Jones.

The evening concluded with one of Tom's most famous songs, "Delilah." Audience members enthusiastically joined in by singing and swaying their arms. Dave LaFame truly was Tom Jones for two hours on Thursday night at Luna Lounge. Let's hope he returns next season for an encore of this wonderful show. Coming up this Friday at Lounge Lounge will be the highly acclaimed show, Rocky Mountain High, The Music of John Denver, featuring Paul Aleman and Renee Armand.

This extraordinary, LIVE, performance is scheduled for ONE NIGHT ONLY on Friday, March 18th, 2016. The show has been a hit worldwide and features two incredible voices with guitar accompaniment.

Paul and Renee (a John Denver band member who performed with John for 6 years and who appeared on the DVD "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and "Rocky Mountain High") together present the incredible music and wonderful background stories of John Denver.

You'll hear songs like, "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "Back Home Again," and many more of John Denver's hit songs.

As an ALL LIVE tribute, this show provides a musical performance of the highest quality. I LOVE this show and recommend it as one of the BEST! Rediscover the beautiful and heartfelt music of legendary songwriter/musician, John Denver! On Thursday and Friday, March 24th and 25th, Luna Lounge introduces Soul Man, a Blues Brothers tribute show. Canadian brothers, Chris & Geoff Dahl, bring the craziness of The Blues Brothers back to the stage with their exciting tribute to the lovable Chicago delinquents, Jake and Elwood Blues. These "men in black" dance and jump around, belting out the best rockin' blues you've ever heard, on their "mission from God". You'll clap, sing and laugh till you cry at this action packed show!

Luna Lounge ends its season of entertainment with a very special show! On Thursday and Friday, March 31st and April 1st, Truly Tina, a tribute to iconic musical star, Tina Turner. This show will finish up the amazing, blockbuster series of dinner/shows that have thrilled North Shore audiences this season.

Truly Tina is performed by Samira, who provides full on energy and a powerful voice that will have you standing and dancing in the aisles. You'll swear it's Tina Turner. And when you see those unmistakable legs you'll know it can only be "Truly Tina."

With the big hair and all the energy of the 70s and 80s along with those wild and provocative costumes, Truly Tina is sure to please!

You'll hear Tina Turner hit songs like "Proud Mary" and "Private Dancer," just to name a few.

The stage will come alive with electricity as Samira brings Truly Tina to the Luna Lounge.

Come out and enjoy the fantastic food and first class entertainment at Luna Lounge.

Every Monday in March is 2 X 1 Rib Night with The New Coyote Band. And on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, The Crazy Bitches dinner show continues all month. Don't miss out on some of the best entertainment of the season throughout March. For tickets or more information about the dinner/shows and Luna Lounge's weekly schedule of events go to: www. lunaloungebucerias.com.

real estate

13

Ask

a realtor

By Michael Green Boardwalk Realty

Q: My Real Estate Agent says he is an ampi. What is this? Is it something I need to worry about? Joe W. Minnesota A: AMPI is the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals. Dedicated to raising professional standards and protecting private property rights, this organization was formed over 50 years ago and currently has a membership of over 350 companies and 1,600 professionals. In the Vallarta area, there are three AMPI chapters, AMPI Vallarta, AMPI Riviera Nayarit and AMPI Compostela.

Currently there are no licensing requirements in place on a national level in order to regulate real estate brokerage and sales.

AMPI however, does have signifi-

cant requirements in order to be a member broker.

Among them are: one year experience working in real estate in the area, have a diploma from a certified AMPI course (100 hour minimum), show two commercial and one bank reference, proof of legal registration with the city and tax authority, two letters of recommendation by current members, take an AMPI test and orientation and be voted in by peers.

Additionally, foreigners are required to submit a diploma from a Spanish language course and immigration authorization in order to legally work in the country.

Associates are required to have valid work permit, a letter of reference from their broker, take a written AMPI exam and attend 40 hours of continuing education per year.

AMPI also requires members to follow a strict code of ethics that include articles such as: “Knowledge of tax, legislation, improved use of land, planning and other real estate-related matters.”

“Keep abreast of conditions in the real estate market, because it is

he or she who guides customers regarding the correct value of real estate, among other things.”

“Protect customers against fraud, abuse or immoral practices in the field of real estate.”

“Help prevent any acts that could harm the public, as well as any that could undermine the dignity of the real estate profession.”

AMPI also has an honors and

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

justice committee set up in order to penalize members who breach the code of ethics. Sanctions can include monetary penalties, temporary or permanent expulsion from the association. AMPI members also have access to the local multiple listing service (MLS).

This modern and sophisticated searchable database currently has over 1,000 properties listed for

sale. Members receive a monthly have special login and search privileges and the public can view the website at http://www.vallartanayaritmls.com/ In acknowledgment for the above the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has signed its first joint reciprocal membership agreement with a foreign real estate organization (AMPI).

Therefore, all AMPI members also belong to NAR, as well as the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and the International Real Estate Association (FIABCI).

So be thankful that your Real Estate Agent is in AMPI and good luck in your search.

Do you have a question about Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta?

Just ask!

Michael Green is the Broker of Boardwalk Realty. Active in local and national Real Estate boards; published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Mike moved here in 1997 to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers.

E mail Mike at: Michael@boardwalkrealtypv.com

local

14

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Once Upon a Time

O

nce upon a time, in a kingdom enchanted with a magic that causes the sun to shine almost every day, lived a very happy king. He loved his little castle fortress. He had a lute which he played all over the kingdom.

This lute enchanted all who heard it, especially the fair maidens who became quite overcome at the sound and tried to embrace the king and touch his hair.

He appreciated all of his loyal subjects, but loved only his queen, who had many charms in spite of her tendency to grind her teeth at night. Together they raised a comely young prince and a charming, carefree princess.

However, one season misfortune fell upon the royal family. The queen found herself the victim of a very dark magic. A small dark cloud appeared over her head one day, and every time a new difficulty befell her, the cloud became more grey and threatening.

When her son fell off his friendship horse and sprained his feelings three times in one week, she had to pick him up and heave him back on his steed each time.

The cloud grew to two times its normal size.

When her daughter was smitten by the evil witch Influenza, only the most powerful of motherhood charms could fight the affliction she wrought. The queen grew weary and desperate. The cloud began producing drops of rain.

When her homing pigeon stopped delivering her messages and the Wizard Google wiped the poor creature’s memory clean, lightning flashed directly over her head and she ran in fear, but the cloud simply followed behind as though attached by a string.

The king, worried for his beloved queen, sought a cure all over the kingdom. He couldn’t bear to watch her slow, sloshing steps throughout the castle, her face sad and dripping under her rapidly tarnishing crown. Not only that, whenever he was near her to bring her some

cheer and another towel, he would feel the drops on his own head.

And he had just gotten a brand new coronet, for heaven’s sake.

One day, wandering the land to find some solution to their predicament, he came upon a little coven of young, smiling enchantresses who followed an ancient, sacred practice called Massage Therapy. He told them of his queen’s plight. They replied that they were sure they could help her. He made arrangements to have one of them come to the castle and see what she could do. The young enchantress came on the appointed day with white robes, a magic table, and several potions and oils in her case. The king took the prince and princess into the upper chambers to sit in silence and virtual gaming combat to await the queen’s return to health.

The queen lay on the table and the enchantress rubbed the oil deep into her skin in order to repel the unpleasant cloud. She took out a small silver box. The box began to make the sounds of the forest, confusing the cloud into believing they were outside the castle. The cloud began to drift. The girl rubbed more, and the cloud slid away through a window in the wall, up into the sky.

The king rejoiced when he saw his wife rise from the enchanted bed almost fully recovered. He paid the enchantress more than what she had asked because of this miraculous change he saw in the queen (and also because the kingdom’s currency wasn’t really doing very well in the global market in those days).

Grateful for her husband’s great love and perseverance on her behalf, she embraced him and touched his hair (he wasn’t even playing the lute at the time) and went upstairs to take a warm bath.

Then she went to her children’s virtual gaming room and hugged them joyfully, renewed and ready to begin ruling her kingdom with an iron fist once again.

And they all lived happily ever after for yet another week.

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

T

hey’re everywhere in Puerto Vallarta. In meetings. At parties. On the streets. On the beach. Gringas and Mexican women with eyes finely lined and perfectly arched eyebrows that would make Frida jealous. Dressed up or down they make their own statement: “I am woman. “ I had my own cry when I looked in the mirror the other morning and screamed, “Where are they?” My blue eyes, once framed by lush blonde brows, were MIA. I haven’t seen two whole brows for years and without my Lancome eyebrow pencil and ten minutes devoted daily to creating new brows, I’d have no brows at all. As Bette Midler says, “Aging is not for Sissies.

I rushed to my arched tattooed friends with the focus of a bulldog after a bone. “Who did yours?

Where is she? I need help and I need it now!” Within days I heard all about Monica, the revered eyebrow specialist with a solid track record of successes for turning receding facial features into works of art. Her home salon is located in a rural Mexican neighborhood, accessible by bus.

And her assistant spoke English.

And the best news of all, her prices were a fraction of the costs in a fancy Chicago salon.

“I’m going in a week. Why don’t you come with us?” suggests Jessie, a good friend who’d helped a number of women realize their dreams. “We’ll brave it together,” she reassured me. I allowed myself to think about it for two minutes. I couldn’t ask for a better guide and support buddy. If I did this, “getting a tattoo” could be off my bucket list, perhaps in exchange for zip lining which scared me even more. I agreed.

Two more friends signed up and within days we were riding the bucking bronco bus from Sam’s to Valle Dorado. “Really. You’re going there?” asked the bus coordinator when he heard our destination.. “Is it dangerous?” I asked imagining our Gringa group walking down unpaved streets in the center of a Meth lab factory, “No, it’s OK, Senora, just not many tourists go there.”

The twenty-five minute bus ride went fast. When you get four women together there is no time wasted between topic hopping. We get off in a rural neighbourhood with a colorfully painted taqueria on the corner. I carefully note the exterior should I need to make a quick exit on my own.

Half a block away we enter another world. Beautiful gracious Monica, and her handsome son, Saul, welcome us warmly and professionally. Three other gringas are in various stages of getting “work

Arch Support

by Virginia Fox v@vcfox.net

done” on eyes and brows and lips. It feels like one big happy family and clearly most of them had been there before. I ‘m starting to shake and hope no one notices.

“It’s just a new addiction,” a friend admits, serious about her recovery program. “I don’t care what others think. It makes me feel good and I don’t have to do anything in the morning except get dressed. I’ m out the door in fifteen minutes.”

Her excitement was infectious, but not enough to keep me from the “what if’s. ” What if my brows are so dark no one will notice any other

have them darkened, than have them too dark.” I tell Monica. She clearly wants to do what I wanted.

We agree on a dye similar to the Lancome color and to line my eyes in a soft black.

As they swipe on a “numbing cream,” I begin the prayers that will take me through the process.

“Please don’t make me look like a panda bear or owl.” (I have enough drama in my life without adding it to my features.) And when I play stage characters, for example the Red Queen, I’m creating triangle brows clear up on my forehead. I wasn’t

“Breathe, just breathe, you’ll be fine, “my personal coach says in soothing tones. I like my new friends who teach me about myself and life every day.

But when did I decide to jump off the cliff with them? feature? What if it looks great in PV, but overdone in Chicago? What if I look even older?” Tattoos don’t wash off. But I’m here and I’m doing it.

“What are we doing today?” Saul asks. I try to sound calm. “Brows and lining upper and lower eyes,” I say. Frightening images of Pamela Anderson and Joan Rivers prevent me from considering having my lips done.

“Let’s talk about your brow color, “ Saul says showing me color choices. I bring out my “natural blonde” Lancome pencil. Not having to sharpen any more pencils and spend precious time in the morning trying for that perfect arch will be a dream. “I’d rather come back and

the easiest candidate here.

Lying down on the reclining chair with the numbing cream on my eyes and brows, covered with eye pads, I have more time to reflect. What was I doing? Why? Would Pam, our PV healthcare coordinator who’s my “go to” for everything approve? Would my supportive husband like the results?

And my 103 yr, young mother? I can hear her now; “You’ve done something different with your eyes.” She doesn’t understand living in Mexico, and going to a tattoo parlor could, put her over the precarious edge!

“Breathe, just breathe, you’ll be fine, “my personal coach says in soothing tones. I like my new friends who teach me about myself and life

local

hope. She may be twenty years younger but I don’t think about that.

The injections begin. It might not have been as bad as stepping on broken glass, but needles poking in the fragile skin beneath my eye is beyond any pain I’d ever felt. I swear these girls had said lining the eyes was easier.

Now I want to pass out. Anything to stop feeling fear and pain.

Hundreds of women have gone before without terrifying the staff and neighborhood. I hear myself getting very religious. Out loud. “Oh God, Dear God, I hope you’re listening to me. The book says you never blink. I hope you’re not blinking or having a siesta now. I don’t ask for your help much, but I need it now.

Desperately.”

“Just a few more seconds,” Monica says, piercing the lower lid. I don’t know if I can make it. I appeal to God’s sympathetic side. “I know this is frivolous. If you’d wanted us to have perfect brows you would have sculpted them on my face. You gave us menopause to stop the baby boom. Couldn’t you have given us fresh brows in exchange?”

More needles.

My lids are pincushions and they’re starting to sting. Worse than the scorpion bite I got in Arizona. It’s the kind of sting that signals oncoming blindness.

I’ve got to get serious with God now.

“I promise I’ll never do this again.

Just don’t make me blind.” I mumble.

What if I do lose my eyesight? What will my husband, Cal do? He’ll get another girlfriend and I won’t be able to see her. “Just three seconds more,” Monica promises again.

That’s three more needles slicing into my lower lids. I want to shout, “Stop,” but I can’t leave with half a line. Monica’s got to finish her work.

I hear my friend calling out to me “What’s going on over there? “Are you OK?” She sounds panicked. Or

I smile. Monica is magical. I may forget the pain, and the fear, but I will not forget the excitement of the result. Each morning I awaken to perfect makeup. I won’t forget the friends who pulled me through.

Viva Latinas Viva Mexico!

Where you step out of your comfort zone. Make changes. And…. You can check the riskiest items off your bucket list!

Virginia Fox is a storyteller, writer, and actor living and performing in Puerto Vallarta and Chicago. This is a tale from her book in progress: “Moon Lady’s Wild Rides.” v@vcfox.net

Looking in the mirror, I don’t see red eyes. I don’t see lines too dark. I haven’t lost my sight.

My brows are perfectly arched.

My eyelids are delicately lined. I’ll put ice on them to get relieve the swelling, but I’m feeling the magic of change. “You look terrific,” says my darling husband when I return and carefully do the “big reveal.” I spend the rest of the day icing and popping Advil. By the next day, the redness is disappearing, but the new features are not. In two days I go out. “Notice anything” I ask. “Your brows are amazing. How’d you get that arch?” they ask. “It looks so natural.”

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Ca

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every day. But when did I decide to jump off the cliff with them?

“Can you feel dees?” I hear through my blinders. “Yes, I feel a prick” I say. “We’ll wait a little more,“ she says. I don’t recall ever hearing from anyone about numbing.

Numbing is for pain. Did anyone say anything about pain? “It’s a little uncomfortable,” was all they said.

Mostly they glowed about their new look. “Would you like to see the needles we use?” Saul asks. “Are you joking? I say. “Absolutely not!

Just do your thing. And please make it quick. I’ve got A.D.D.” I realize that A.D.D. may not be in their vocabulary, but now I’ve “outed myself,” I figure if I exhibit any unusual behaviors, my friends with more Spanglish than I, can come to their rescue. (After all, there were no visible restraining straps on the table.

First the brows.

Since my eyes are slammed shut, I can only guess what they are doing from the feel. My stomach knots up and I’m in a cold sweat thinking of dye being injected into my forehead.

“In a few days the skin will absorb the dye. Your brows should last for several years.” Saul said. Great.

Toxic dye mingling with my blood that has who knows what else in it.

I begin my visualization. I love these new arches.

I’m not the one in a million that gets infected. My brow arches will match. At least for a few months. The numbing cream will mask the pain.

“Just breathe” begs Sheila. Sure.

I’ll do that once I catch my breath.

I think positive thoughts. I’ll look younger. I won’t have to put that damned eyebrow pencil on again.

I’ll have the perfect arches. I feel the machine rotating over my brows.

Back and forth. I am going to live through this. I have to.

“Now we start on your eye liner.”

Monica’s beautiful face promises

irritated. Probably both. Who wants a dying friend preceding your own operation?

“Fine. Just fine,” I say feeling a tear rolling slowly down my cheek. I wish I had a towel to put in my mouth to silence my moans like an epileptic.

I’m sure everyone is wishing for a soundproof private room.

Out of all the brows and eyes that have been fixed, no one mentioned the pain. And then I get it. This is not a big deal if you’ve gone through childbirth. Or in the case of many of my friends, if you’re in a recovery program and survived the depths of an addiction, this is a piece of cake.

And its relatively painless compared to what they’ve been through.

“That’s all, Senora,” Monica says.

“Wait here for a few minutes. Then you’ll see how beautiful you are.”

Now I begin to breathe, willing my tensed up muscles to relax. I’ve done it. It’s all about the result.

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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economics

18

Mexico as a Major Power

By George Friedman

M

exico has the 11th-highest GDP in the world based on purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund. As Europe weakens, it will be in the top 10 in the not-too-distant future. Yet, this country is regarded by many Americans as a Third World nation, dominated by drug cartels and impoverished people desperate to get into the United States.

While it is true that organized crime exists in Mexico and that many Mexicans want to immigrate to the US, a roughly equal number are leaving the US and returning to Mexico… drawn by economic opportunities in their home country. The largest auto plant in the Western Hemisphere is in Mexico, and Bombardier builds major components for aircraft there. Mexico has many problems, of course, but so does the U.K. (the 10th-largest economy) and Italy (12th).

No one would be surprised by the U.K. or Italy rankings, but many people would be stunned to find that Mexico is ranked right up with them. Obviously, Mexico is not as developed as Britain is. Like most nations transitioning from underdevelopment to greater development, Mexico suffers from substantial class and regional inequality, and the emergence of a dominant middle class is still unfolding.

At the same time, Italy also has substantial regional inequality. Mexico can't aspire to British standards, but Italy is a reasonable model. Inequality diminishes the significance of being 11th in some ways, but it doesn't change the basic reality of Mexico’s relative strength.

Mexico is commonly perceived, far too simplistically, as a Third World country with a general breakdown of law and a population seeking to flee north. That perception is also common among many Mexicans, who seem to have internalized the contempt in which they are held.

Mexicans know that their country’s economy grew 2.5 percent last year and is forecast to grow between 2 percent and 3 percent in 2016—roughly equal to the growth projection for the US economy. But, oddly, they tend to discount the significance of Mexico’s competitive growth numbers in a sluggish global economy.

Here, therefore, we have an

interesting phenomenon. Mexico is, in fact, one of the leading economies of the world, yet most people don’t recognize it as such and tend to dismiss its importance.

This week, I spoke at the annual meeting of the Mexican Association of Banks in Acapulco. It was a major event, with the Mexican president and the head of the central Bank speaking, along with Americans such as Larry Fink, chairman of BlackRock. The contrast between what Fink and I had to say about Mexico, and what the Mexicans had to say, is interesting. The Mexicans were cautious, frequently dwelling on the challenges facing Mexico and not focusing very much on the country’s achievements.

Fink and I were effusive about Mexico. Given the condition of the rest of the world, we argued, North America is an island of tranquility and opportunity—with Mexico as the most promising region economically. The contrast between our views, the views of many Mexicans, and the views of most Americans is so vast that it feels as if we dwell on different planets. I know of few places on earth that are viewed so differently by different observers.

Let me summarize the argument I made. First, the Eastern Hemisphere (Eurasia in particular) is moving toward systemic failure.

The EU is struggling to manage a host of problems. Russia is contending with strategic and economic challenges, particularly the collapse in oil prices. China is trying to find a stable new normal and maintain social stability. As for the Middle East, no summary will suffice. The rest of the Eastern Hemisphere is experiencing what I might call “normal instability.”

Compared to other parts of the world, North America is not only remarkably stable but is also doing well economically. One of the main views of the Geopolitical Futures model is that, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was no longer any European global power.

The center of gravity of the international system had shifted away from Europe, to North America.

This argument rests heavily on the inherent military and economic power of the United States. The US Navy controls the oceans, and the United States produces 22% of the world’s GDP. Just as important, the United States is an inefficient exporter, a factor that cushions the US from the Eastern Hemisphere’s crisis.

While roughly 30% of GDP comes from exports in Russia, 46% in Germany, and 23% in China, US exports account for only 13% of GDP with over a third of that total sold to Canada and Mexico. Thus, while Eastern Hemisphere powers teeter on the edge of an economic volcano or tumble in, the United States finds itself relatively insulated from declines in global import demand, and the US insulates the countries on its northern and southern borders to a great extent.

The contrast between the European Union and NAFTA is critical.

There are institutional differences between the attempt by the EU to integrate heterogeneous countries and NAFTA’s limits on integration.

But the most important difference is that Germany, the foundation of the European system, is a massive exporter, while the United States is a net importer. Given the vastness of the US economic base, the net negative flow has little impact.

However, it has an important twist in terms of Mexico. Exports, more than 80% of which go to the United States, constitute 32% of Mexico’s GDP. Thus Mexican exports to the United States amount to about a quarter of Mexico’s economy.

US GDP is about $17 trillion, and imports from Mexico’s are about 0.2 percent of the US economy, so they have very limited impact. But their impact is further mitigated because Mexican-manufactured exports contain a substantial quantity of components made in the United States.

For example, Mexico is one of the top exporters of automobiles to the United States. These cars are not sold under a Mexican label, since Mexico manufactures them for foreign companies. But unlike Japanese or Chinese exports to the United States, cars manufactured in Mexico contain about 40% of their parts purchased from the United States. This means that US manufacturers contribute to the total value of Mexican exports.

Synergies have driven Mexico into dependence on the United States. The US has had the option of shifting its imports away from China and sourcing from Mexico instead. This shift has had a huge impact on Mexico’s growth. It is also one of the reasons why the Mexicans are less than positive about their economic position.

There is much history between Mexico and the United States, with the pivotal event being the American purchase/conquest of northern Mexico—from present-day California to Texas— in the 1830s and 1840s. This

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

conquest created a complex view of the United States, informed by both anger and envy. The tragedy of Mexico, from its point of view, is that it is still so tied to the United States.

NAFTA, much debated in the US, had an even greater effect on Mexico. Access to the American market reshaped the Mexican economy, strengthening it immeasurably. It also created an enormous imbalance—economically in Mexico’s favor, politically in the United States’ favor. When you send 80% of your exports to one country, that country has tremendous power over you. This is not only a political fact, in the sense that some politician could try to shut down trade, it is also distinctly macroeconomic: If the American economy catches a cold, Mexico catches pneumonia. As other exporting countries have discovered, their well-being is in the hands of their customers. So long as the US–Mexico imbalance is there, the Mexicans will and ought to feel uneasy.

The bankers I met at the conference in Mexico were cautious.

They have been disappointed many times before by their own country.

The Americans were enthusiastic.

Americans tend to forego history in favor of the future… especially where money is concerned. But everyone there knew what Donald Trump has been saying during his campaign and resented the way he preys on American fears.

There is no denying these fears, and there is no denying that Trump understands them. There is also no denying that, like most fears, there is some truth to them. There are cartels, and there are illegal immigrants, if fewer than before. But it is the distance between the Mexico that these fears conjure and the reality of what Mexico has become that is startling. The Mexicans themselves don’t trust the trans-

formation of their country that has happened. They expect success to be snatched from them—probably by the United States.

But the fact is that Mexico is the 11th-largest economy in the world, with free access to the largest economy in the world and vast amounts of American investment pouring in. It may still have to contend with the challenges of sharing a border with Central America, but with China in decline, even the poor of the south might be mobilized by the low-level industries that made China successful and that now seek a new home.

The borderland and the smugglers who live there do not represent Mexico. Mexico will be one of the top 10 economies in the world shortly, and since North America is now what Europe once was, the prospect of two great powers on one continent is worrisome.

Of course, most of us cannot imagine Mexico as a great power.

Nor could most people have foreseen the emergence of China or the resurrection of Japan—or even the United States itself—as a great power. This is a failure of imagination masquerading as common sense. I always doubt the ability of humanity to manage its future. The inevitable rolls over us. But here is a moment when an understanding of what Mexico has become might just have some real value, if only for our grandchildren.

There is an old Mexican saying: “Poor Mexico. So far from God, so close to the United States.” I don’t know about Mexico’s proximity to God, but it is clear to me that Mexico is no longer paying a price for its closeness to the United States, and neither is the United States. But now Mexico, as the junior partner, must manage this relationship.

Edited from the Original: mauldineconomics.com

banderas bay

19

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Explore Banderas Bay

P

uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north

by Punta de Mita and in the south

by Cabo Corrientes. It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River.

The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders.

In the winter and spring seasons you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world.

The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you.

Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

Walking Tours - Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide.

Free Malecon Sculpture Walk hosted by gallery owner Gary Thompson every Tuesday morning at 9:30am from in front of the Millennium Statue at the north end of the Malecon. Learn about both the sculptures and the Huichol designs along the Malecon.

Be a Tourist - Even if you’re here on vacation for a month, there is no end to the number of top-notch activities you can do. Take a tour to Isla Marietas and the Hidden Beach, or spend the day snorkelling in Majahuitas, spend an afternoon at the zoo feeding the giraffe, check out the two water parks and for the brave: parasailing, bungee jumping and even sky diving.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican

season there is the entertaining Artwalk and during the day plenty of galleries and a couple markets great for souvenir shopping.

families. Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more.

Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants.

Conchas Chinas The south of Puerto Vallarta is a thick jungle full of adventure and excitement. Head south along the 200 highway and you will find the architecturally inspiring community of Conchas Chinas. The beach cove here is excellent for snorkeling.

Nogalito The first town South is that of Nogalito. Set back in the jungle it is a charming Mexican village that also is home to one of the most popular day tours - the Canopy Mundo Nogalito Tour with the only tunnel zip-line in town.

If you’re feeling the heat, stop at the Punta Negra bridge and take a drip in the river. Lovely fresh water, lots of little pools to splash in and rocks to dry off on. If you’re lucky, a vendor will come by with snacks and drinks - otherwise pack your own.

Sunsets on the Malecon Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away.

Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon.

Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more.

Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a truly cultural experience.

Don’t want to cook? Try one of the Food Tours available.

Eat like a local and for three hours you will enjoy everything from Tacos to Pozole.

Art Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico.

Many of these galleries are along the side streets that run through Centro. Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour.

Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more.

Volunteer - There are many wonderful organizations across the Bay that can use your help.

Both time or money will be appreciated. On Sundays, the Brigada

de Basura does a morning clean-up with the local children and then they all head to Que Pasa restaurant for breakfast, activities and friendship.

Ride the bus - Buses in Puerto Vallarta are an experience all their own. You can tell the general destination of the bus by what is written on the window. Costco, Sheraton, Centro, Mismaloya you can go just about anywhere in this city on the bus.

Only seven and a half pesos within Puerto Vallarta (per bus there are no transfers) this is a great way to explore the neighbourhoods. Head south on the bus and get a front row seat on some spectacular scenery on your way to the Vallarta Zoo. Or hop the Bucerias bus in front of Walmart and 30 minutes later you are exploring a charming beachside town.

Tip: Sit on the non-sunny side of the bus. Trust me. It gets hot.

Support Local Business - One of the most popular reasons visitors love Puerto Vallarta is because it’s a thriving city not just geared towards tourists. A fine example of this is the many small businesses that you can find in ‘Centro’ including galleries, restaurants, clothing stores, spas and more. Venture off the malecon

to find the perfect souvenir.

TO THE NORTH AND SOUTHSayulita – A short 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfers mecca of Riviera Nayarit.

A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it. Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful hand-made beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach.

Bucerias - Named for the oyster divers that dot the shore in front of the beach, this town is a mecca for snowbirds, most which seem to be of the Canadian Goose variety. Freshest seafood in the bay and a selection of excellent local bars and restaurants, this little town is plenty of fun. On Thursday evenings during high

Mismaloya 15 minutes further is Mismaloya, a small town set back from the water along a river that leads to the ocean and a number of beach restaurants. This bay looks onto Los Arcos and is a great place to grab a panga boat for a tour of the impressive rocks. If you have time, book a snorkel or dive trip.

This is one of the deepest ocean valleys in the world and home to turtles, whales, dolphins and the blue-footed Booby. Back behind the town, check out the Vallarta Zoo where you can play with baby monkeys, tigers and lions.

Boca de Tomatlan Boca de Tomatlan is the last town along the ocean and the place to grab a boat to the small beach communities of Quimixto, Las Animas and the very popular Yelapa. Looking for romance - book a table at the nearby Le Kliff for spectacular views and sunsets.

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Paul Newman: Actor, Businessman, Humanitarian

By Fred Jacobs

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aul Newman was born in 1925 in a well to do suburb of Cleveland. His father was the owner of a successful sporting goods store there. Paul was a decent student in his youth and showed a keen interest in theatre early on. At age seven he was in his first school play and by the age of ten he performed onstage at the Cleveland Playhouse.

Graduating high school in 1943, he went on to Ohio University, but World War II was heavily underway.

He signed up to the Navy pilot training, but was removed when it was discovered he was colorblind. Paul was then trained as a radioman and rear gunner in torpedo bombers.

In the spring of 1945, Paul was assigned to Hawaii and the USS Bunkerhill. Luck was on Paul’s side. Before they could arrive at their ship, his pilot developed an ear infection, which kept their plane grounded. Days later, the rest of his unit were killed on the ship after a kamikaze attack by a

Japanese pilot.

After the war, Paul returned to college to finish his degree in drama and economics. Summer stock theatre was Paul’s home for the next several months and then on to Yale School of Drama for a year. Paul also married his first wife in 1949 and they had three children together. The next phase for Paul’s acting was enrolling in New York’s “Actors Studio” to study under Lee

Strasberg.

Paul’s Broadway debut was in 1953, which led to a screen test to play James Deans’ brother in East of Eden. Paul lost the role, but Hollywood was taking note of him. Paul’s first Hollywood film was “The Silver Chalice” (1954) but it was a box office flop. In 1956, Paul received wide spread acclaim for his role as Rocky Graziano, in “Someone up There Likes Me”. The

role was originally slated for James Dean, but his tragic death led to Paul getting it.

In 1958, Paul starred in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” opposite Elizabeth Taylor. It was a box office hit and earned Paul his first Oscar nomination. That same year, Paul made “The Long Hot Summer” opposite Joanne Woodward. The on and off screen chemistry between the two was undeniable. So much so that Paul divorced his wife and married Joanne within months.

The two were obviously meant to be together as they were married for 50 years-until Pauls’ death.

They also had three children together. After they married, Paul and Joanne appeared in eleven movies together between 1959 and 1990.

The 1960’s were Paul’s best years for acting. He starred in “Exodus” (1960) with Eve Marie Saint and Sal MIneo, “The Hustler” (1961) with Jackie Gleason and George C. Scott, “Hud” (1963), “Harper” (1966), “Hombre” (1967), “Cool Hand Luke” (1967). His friendship with Robert Redford, led to them costarring together in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and The Sting (1973).

1974 saw Paul also stared in “Towering Inferno.”

The 1980’s saw Paul star in such notable movies as “Fort Apache: The Bronx” and “Absence of Malice” (1981), “The Verdict” (1982) and “The Color of Money” (1986) with the young Tom Cruise.

It was a continuation of the story for his character from “The Hustler” twenty-five years earlier. This earned Paul his first Oscar for acting after nine nominations.

While training at a racing school for his role in the movie “Winning” (1969), Paul found his love and passion for racing. His first race was in 1972 and for the next years he continued at mid-level national racing circuits winning

four titles. In 1979 Paul competed in the “24 Hours of Le Mans” and even finished second. For the next twenty-five years, Paul became a legend as a driver and later team owner in the racing world, with many titles to his credit.

In 1982, Paul and his partner started “Newman’s Own” line of food products. Paul’s policy from day one was that the sole purpose of this business was for charity.

All proceeds, after taxes, would be donated to charity. The brand started with salad dressing, and expanded to include pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, salsa, and wine. In June 1999, Newman donated $250,000 US to Catholic Relief Services to aid refugees in Kosovo.

In all, the charitable donations have totaled over $450 million US over the past 33 years. One beneficiary is the “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp”, which Paul co-founded in 1988. It’s a residential summer camp for seriously ill children. The original camp has now expanded to become camps in the U.S., Ireland, France, and Israel and serves over 20,000 children every year, free of charge.

After keeping his illness quiet for over a year, by June 2008 it was evident in photos that Paul was not well and it had been widely reported he’d been receiving treatment for lung cancer. Newman lost his battle with the disease on September 26, 2008, at the age of 83, surrounded by family and friends. He brought joy to millions on the big screen, but did not forget to help ease the pain and suffering of the poor and under privileged of the world.

Rest in peace Paul. Your legacy will continue the work which you started.

Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of three books.

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

In Search My Left Hand – Kathleen Carrillo

of the Awe

By Molly Williams http://inmylifebymolly.blogspot.com/ I am a semi-retired history teacher, a part-time lawyer, an optimistic writer, a contented wife, a forever mom, and a joyous and open-eyed traveler.

Visit my blog at http://inmylifebymolly.blogspot.com/

T

ravel is not what it used to be, everyone complains.

Lines are long, security is a pain, traveler comfort is not a priority, and even the free peanuts are a thing of the past. Locations are crowded, and some spoiled by the constant stream of tourists.

Many are priced out of range. And yet we keep doing it. I keep doing it. It’s because I’m always chasing the Awe. Make no mistake, I love my home. My routine suits me, I have enriching work, friends and family I spend a lot of time with, and entertaining culture and restaurant options in my hometown. But I plan and anticipate and indulge in my travel like a kid at Christmas time – it is what keeps me moving on some weeks. Because I know that if I keep my eyes open, and my options flexible, I am frequently rewarded by an experience that will transport and exalt me beyond the ordinary.

Many years ago my mother took my daughter and me for a week break on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. One afternoon we took a tour bus to the Mayan ruins in the south part of the Yucatan peninsula. The ride was bumpy, the day was hot, we were grumpy, and it seemed a mistake right away. My daughter was of that age little enough to want to be carried and big enough that doing so got old really fast. We hiked across the dusty field, sweating as we climbed the stone steps of the pyramid of Tulum, and I set her down at the top. She turned around, froze, and then let out a long soft worshipful AWWWWWWWWE. The view across the endless sapphire sea, down the majestic ancient stone temple, with the silent gulls floating above us on the currents lifting her hair, high above the white sands curving away from the cliffs below us, made the getting there worthwhile.

That’s it. The Awe. That’s the

sound my heart makes when an experience so moves me that my breath is caught in my throat and I forget whatever it took to get me there. It’s there every time I think I can hear the hiss of the sun puddling into the Pacific, and when the humpback slowly propels herself up, up, up and back down with a splash. It made me speechless as I stepped out of the elevator atop the Eiffel Tower and Paris wheeled away below me in giant spokes of history. It held my breath when the waves crashed noisily onto the fog cloaked Cape Breton Highlands shoreline. It made my adrenaline spike while hanging from the side of a cable car in San Francisco, and filled my senses watching the endless and alien lava fields in Hawaii. It’s what drove me up the treetops to swing through the jungle and under the waves to swim with sea turtles.

Sometimes this feeling is brought courtesy of my husband, who has been known to take his life in his hands by awakening me pre-dawn to lure me to the cruise ship balcony, where the planets have aligned above us just so or the full moon is setting over black velvet seas. Once he pulled me to the window in Venice in time to look up a dozen stories at the cruise ship we would soon board gliding in the early morning light up the Laguna, dwarfing the ancient pastel villas along the waterfront.

We need that Awe, to validate our place in the magic of the world, and urge us out of our safety zones. To continue to search for it and appreciate it in the extraordinary and the commonplace is what makes us part of the play, a piece of the whole. If it means taking off my shoes in a long serious line or carrying more maps than I think we need, then that’s ok, and a fair trade in my book. As long as I can keep adding chapters to it. As far as the Awe takes me.

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he Kathleen Carrillo Gallery located at 325 Constitution, just around the corner from Basilio Badillo and next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company, will be open for this Friday’s Southside Shuffle. Lots of new small works to be seen this week. The new show will consist of a number of experimental works by Kathleen that have been created using her non-dominant hand. As these works are experimental, the price points will be considerably less than her existing collections.

As Kathleen explains:

“My latest experiment has been an eye opener. If you have been feeling stale as a painter and want to break out of a rut, you need to try this amazing technique to break your old way of thinking and creating. For the last year I have been working toward loosening my style. It is a challenge when you reach a certain skill level and are constantly trying to "Make It Better"!

I decided to take drastic measures and switch my brush hold. I switched to my non-dominant hand.

WOW! What an amazing experience.

Because I am right handed, my non-dominant left hand is controlled by my right brain, which is your spacial side. It controls your creativity, emotions, spirituality, and it is void of judgment.

Painting becomes such a pleasure when done from this vantage point. I will be offering special classes in this technique, and minimally, I will have students start

their underpainting with this technique. Below are some of the exercises I have found very successful.

Because they are experimental, the price points on these images are considerably reduced.

The experiment starts with the portrait then a stream of consciousness that tells a story about the figure.”

Kathleen is offering two more one-day workshops this season in Puerto Vallarta. One is a flower workshop March 8, 10-5pm with only 2 spaces left, and a portrait class March 29th, 10-6pm with only 2 spaces left.

She is also offering a week long workshop on the French Riviera June 9-17th (4 spaces) and a 5 day workshop in Carmel by the Sea, California September 5-9, 2016 (just opened).

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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

H

ey everyone, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I can hardly believe that Semana Santa is almost upon us, with Easter early this year on March27th. It really seemed that this season went by quickly! The music has been so fun this season… get out and enjoy what remains!

Music Abounds Around the Bay; get out and dance the night away! Hugh Gaffney, the owner of Luna Lounge is Irish, so you KNOW that one of the best parties for Saint Patrick’s Day is at the Luna Lounge. The party begins at 1pm.

No reservations are necessary, just come on in for the best Corned Beef and Cabbage, with live music with Los Carajos playing awesome roots and classic rock and roll, and they play a lot of tunes other bands

don’t play with a mixture of English and Spanish. Randall Scott on Sax and Mandolin, Freddy Munro on guitar and vocals, Spencer Adams on guitar and vocals, PV artist/painter, and also on drums Adrian Rojas. Also the legendary Bass player Steve York who played with the Banderas Bay All Stars – Sweet! Love these guys, great musical talent. There will also be a special guest joining them...see ya there!

The NOT Huey Lewis Band ... Another fun night out at the Octopus Garden last Friday with the band “Not Huey Lewis” was rockin’ the house! Lead singer Hughie and his wife Nellie come down from Alberta for 4 months to enjoy the weather and music scene. This band got together only

a few weeks ago. The name comes from the fact that folks ask what his name is, and of course mention Huey Lewis and the News! The band plays from 8-11pm, and they will play late if you’re there to party! The band members consist of Hugh McMurdo on lead vocals, Mike Curlette on bass guitar, Arturo Lord Lopez on lead guitar and Tavo Naveda on drums. Last Friday they had Ross Cable on drums (plays with Rhythm Roosters) filling in for Tavo as he was in Mexico City.

Good to see ya Ross! (Who is also a wonderful animal lover sort of guy!) Good Times!

“SONNY” as in “Sonny Davis” cordially invites you to an evening of music and magic on March 7th at 7pm in a benefit concert for our dear friends and community leaders Aruna and Wayland. This will be a listening concert without food for sale. However, the bar will be open for your thirsty requirements. Tickets are 100 pesos and you can pick them up at the Octopus Garden. All of the money goes towards Wayland and Aruna as Wayland continues on his healing journey. Sonny’s new CD “Involution” is amazing!

I went over to the Gecko Rojo in La Cruz where the new band Cantus Eterna rock and rolls! Their guitars create the most amazing sounds of other instruments like the violin and keyboards. The bassist has a six-string bass and the lead singer sings with a lot of passion…

Great new songs no one else plays.

Definitely worth checking out! They

play every Wednesday beginning about 7:30. Another awesome band playing on Tuesdays are Tres Quatro, Mario is awesome on lead vocals, bass and a bit of guitar, Arturo on guitar, Alex on drums and the amazing Saul on lead guitar.

3 to Rock with Marty on guitar on Saturdays for fun dance music and Sundays while dining on Eggs Benedict with Spencer Adams. Music is in the house at the Gecko Rojo! And Sharon always has something good cooking in the kitchen.

The New Coyotes play every Monday at Luna Lounge in Bucerias for the 2X1 ribs…enjoy as these are my favorite fall off the bone ribs around! Then dance it all off with some classic rock and easy style music.

FYI… Daylight Savings Times is changing here in Mexico on April 3rd, so get ready to “Spring Forward”. The U.S. has already changed times, so for a while in some parts of the country we are the same time zone.

Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz... the Blond Gypsies; Latcho and Andrea will have their last March performance on Friday, March 18th due to Semana Santa celebrations, and will be back in April. Reservations recommended!

Art Enthusiasts… Galeria del Sol is holding an expo showcasing of the art work done at the school this past season on March 17th at 7pm. The actual show will be a formal affair on Saturday, March 19th with the gallery serving wine and non-alcoholic beverages, and they will also be serving hors d'oeuvres.

Thanks for tuning in everyone!

Please check the calendars on allBucerias.com and allLaCruz. com for all of the live music and events coming our way. Check out our Facebook Page and give us a LIKE on RivieraNayaritFun . For any comments or questions please write to Cat@RivieraNayaritFun. com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com Thank you and Namaste.

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Bucerias Art The Easter season will District Beat

By Gordon Mayer

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he Founders – Jan Benton It has been said that, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” Does the acorn know that it will grow one day into the oak or does it simply happen because it follows a predestined path to become? Whatever the case for the acorn, the seeds that Jan Benton and Mark McMahon planted more than 20 years ago have certainly grown as they have become rooted and established as part of the foundation of the Bucerias Art District (BAD).

Planting an acorn of a boutique in Mark’s Bar and Grill at the corner of Lazaro Cardenas and Galeana the first shop was certainly humble. Just as the restaurant was becoming more than hot dogs and beer, the desire to be “more than a flea market” and to bring “museum

quality” art to the public via the picturesque setting of Bucerias away from the high rises of PVR nurtured the dream. There was no grand plan but, like every fertile idea, things took root and growth happened organically.

With a mantra of “What are you looking for?” to art lovers and the curious alike it wasn’t long before the acorn became a tree with spreading branches. Customers were treated to what Jan had discovered travelling around Mexico and were the benefactors of her keen eye for the unique and excellent. Passing on this perspective to the local staff and building relationships with the artisans, the little shop on the corner became boutique and both it and the restaurant grew.

Jan is fascinated by how the

ancestry and traditions of each region of Mexico cultivate their own distinctive art. You can see much of Mexico right on the corner in Bucerias because of it. Developing themselves, their staff and ultimately their business in Bucerias, Jan and Mark have kept their customers as their focus and now have seen generations of returning customers, staff and artisans as their roots have grown deep in the community.

More than just healthy business has caused Jan Marie Boutique Gallery Place and Mark’s Bar and Grill to thrive. When asked about the experience to date Jan quips, “The best part is getting ready for the party.” alluding to the steady growth that has brought them to today and that is ongoing.

She sees the development of the BAD as positive, citing that she is a positive person, something that is evident as you speak to her.

From memories of preparing for hurricanes to the wonder at seeing people who come into the shop and seem to rediscover themselves and each other, the positive atmosphere has proven fertile ground for others in the BAD to also find growth. Their corner has become as integral to the BAD as a magnificent oak is to the forest glen.

“The people make it enjoyable” states Jan as she reflects on how literally the whole world comes to this small fishing town, Bucerias, now. She will tell you when asked that their corner and the BAD has its own energy and that it simply needs to be encouraged. What better encouragement for young seedling artists and artisans than to be able to plant and grow in the shade of a mighty oak? Who knows what other acorns are becoming rooted now both in the Bucerias Art District and across Mexico, sprouting from the energy found at the foot of Lazaro Cardenas and Galeana?

What is certain is that the positive energy, outlook and investment in Bucerias Jan and Mark have made has been, as all great oaks are, the source for the dense forest of art and community the BAD is becoming today.

be celebrated by many this year at Christ Church by the Sea here in Puerto Vallarta.

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he growing congregation, part of the Anglican Church of Mexico, will worship in English for a traditional Maundy Thursday service, March 24 at 5:00 p.m., Palm Sunday service March 20 and Easter Sunday service March 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Christ Church is the only English-language Christian Liturgical congregation in Puerto Vallarta and has attracted an increasing number of worshippers since it started in 2000. Our new church is located directly across the highway from the airport in a beautiful palapa building that formerly housed a restaurant.

Completely refurbished and renewed, the church had seating for a hundred people and extra seating can be added.

The rector of Christ Church is Father Jack Wehrs who established the Christian ministry here in Vallarta over 16 years ago.

The congregation moved into its present location in 2007.

The worship service follows the Anglican/Episcopal prayer book and Hymnal, but Fr. Jack points out that folks of all denominations are welcomed and regularly worship at Christ Church by the Sea. Beyond Sunday services, which are held at 10:00 a.m. November through May in the Palapa and May to November in our air-conditioned chapel, the church is actively involved in community outreach.

The church has a number of parishioners teaching English to

the kids at the grade school, and the kindergarten around the corner.

A new class has been added for the parents in the evening.

An ongoing project of the congregation is bringing layettes to the new mothers at the regional hospital, and food and clothing to the poor in the area.

This year we have built an apartment on the third floor of the front building to house visiting priests.

The church to be open year-round.

With an ever expanding congregation, and more parishioners having longer stays in Puerto Vallarta the church is growing fast.

Fr. Jack+ states “It is our mission to bring Jesus’ message to as many people as we can in Puerto Vallarta, and continue to minister to the poor, the afflicted and the hungry.”

All are invited to worship each Sunday and this Easter season at Christ Church by the Sea, located next to Sex’t and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, across from the airport, just south of the pedestrian bridge from the airport, on the frontage road.

Look for a two story while building with the palapa in the rear.

Services begin at 10:00 a.m. and are followed by a social hour. Babysitting is available during the service.

For more information about Christ Church by the Sea, visit their website at ChristChurchbytheSea.org , or call Fr. Jack at 044 322 229-1129.

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The Children’s Circus Presents “Camino de Hazaña”

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he San Pancho Children’s Circus will present the fifth edition of “Camino de Hazaña” (Heroic Journey) in San Pancho, Nayarit from March 16-19, 2016.

What started five years ago as an introductory workshop to the circus arts for 50 children and teens is today a school that has opened up new opportunities for over 140 youths to be inspired by art and culture.

“Every year has been better than the last and we have no doubt this year’s show will surpass all expectations, especially since Gilles Ste-Croix, a co-creator of the Cirque de Soliel, is in charge of production—it’s not only an honor for the destination but it also lends an international flair to the event,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This year’s theme is defined as “imagination that opens doors to new challenges, where

by sheer willpower we can project our body, our mind and our dreams to accomplish this heroic deed.”

All the presentations will be at 8 p.m. at the Bodega Circo in San Pancho (Avenida Tercer Mundo #12). Tickets are MEX$400 cash and MEX$425 if paying via PayPal or credit card.

For tickets visit the events section of www.circodelosninosdesanpancho.mx or the office of the Children’s Circus during the evenings. To contact the organizers you can dial 01 (322) 779 1519 or email circodelosninossp@gmail.com.

All monies from ticket sales will go towards maintaining San Pancho’s Children’s Circus project. Donations can also be made through the Fondo Atrapasueños (Dream Catcher’s Fund) located on the web page in order to continue to provide upcoming generations with the opportunity to experience the circus arts.

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Riviera Nayarit Hosts 2nd Bahía Cup

W

ith the slogan, ‘Because Soccer is Everything,’ the Bahia Cup is your chance to see some of Mexico’s up and coming soccer stars and to watch this countries favourite sport up close and personal.

Approximately twenty-five teams are expected to join in this tournament, which has participation from Toluca, Ciudad Guzmán and Monterrey alongside the teams from Nayarit and Jalisco.

The 2nd edition of the Bahía Cup in the Riviera Nayarit is ready to go from March 17-21, 2016 with the slogan “Because Soccer Is Everything.” The event will take place in the sports facilities in San José del Valle and Bucerías.

There are a total of nine categories separated by age groups. All of the children and youth categories are mixed. The novelty this second year

is the addition of free categories in the male and female divisions for players older than 18 years of age. There are an expected twenty-five teams joining in this new edition, which has increased its national reach with the participation of teams from Toluca, Ciudad Guzmán and Monterrey alongside the teams from Nayarit and Jalisco.

The champions will take home a trophy, medals and free registration for next year’s event to defend their title.

Registration closes on March 15th and the cost per team is MEX$3,000. The event’s inauguration is on Friday the 18th at 8 a.m. in San José del Valle.

Details and contact information for registration are on the Copa Bahía Facebook page; the contact phone number is 322 100 86 17.

Tuesday to Saturday 4-11pm Happy Hour 9 - 11 pm

Get A Free Margarita Pizza with Purchase of a Bottle of Red and White Wine

26 If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com.

March 17 Sri Swami Vishwananda Villa Ananda – Punta de Mita 3-5pm $200 pesos March 17 Puerto Vallarta Garden Club March Meeting De Vino Bar on Basilio Badillo at 5 p.m. The guest speaker will be Mike Laking, artist and photographer. He was the grand prize winner of 2010 Vallarta Botanical Gardens Photography Contest and third prize winner of the 2011 event.

Friday, March 18 SHABBAT SERVICE Shabbat Services presented by Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community at 6:30pm at Casa Carmen,

events calendar on Calle Jesus Langarica, directly behind the Hotel Rosita at the end of the first block going toward the ocean. Volunteers to read English and/or Hebrew as well as to help with the kippas and prayer books are appreciated. Please check our facebook page at Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community or email Donna at helth1@sbcglobal.net.

Join us for dinner at Pan y Que? located right behind Hidalgo Park near the little church. Reservations are needed.

Please RSVP by Tuesday morning, March 15, to Donna.

Wednesday, March 23 Jalisco Art Expo 2016 At the Marsol Hotel Lobby from 11 am to 5 pm Art Auction (viewing closes at 2pm), artists showing their new works, live music and food prepared by local restaurants.

Friday, March 25 Church Service - English Congregation at the First Baptist Church will have a Good Friday service at

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

11 am. Church is located next to Park Hidalgo.

Wednesday, March 30 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm. Bingo bags over 1400 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay & Neuter.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

April 13 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at Coco’s Kitchen 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789 May 16-30 Vallarta Pride – Themed One Family, this two-week event has events splashed around town.

More information at vallartapride.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures.

If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune. com.

Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@ gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas.

100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio. com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com

Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline. com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285.

CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocor nejo@ hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the

handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers. com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more.

Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving,

home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations.

Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally selffunded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street.

Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311

or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Palm Sunday March 20 /Easter Sunday March 27 Maundy Thursday March 24 at 5 p.m.

English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Questions? Call Father Jack Wehrs 322-209-0895 cell: 044-322-229-1129

www.ChristChurchBythesea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

charity

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

A Pathway Out Of Poverty

By John Warren

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he poor people of Puerto Vallarta can’t afford to live in areas close to the expensive shoreline. They live in areas close to the mountain jungle where city services don’t reach. Areas a long way from the hotel zone take more time to commute to work, so rents are lower. The most remote of these areas is the colonia or township of Volcanes. Maps show a suburban neighbourhood with an orderly grid of streets but the reality is unpaved, mud-packed roads which are nearly impassable during the rainy season. The streets lined with shacks and shanties make Volcanes one of the city’s poorest areas. Everywhere in the small community are homes without electricity, running water or toilets and without employment, families struggle to feed themselves and their children.

However, after years of struggle and perseverance, the Volcanes Community Education Project (VCEP) is making remarkable changes to the lives of children in the area. It is giving them hope and tools for a better future.

VCEP resulted from a joint effort between Art Fumerton, a man who has worked tirelessly for these kids for many years, donors, local businesses, the principal and teachers of Volcanes Primary School, the School Board, the Parents Association, and Colonia Council and City Council officials.

In 2011 this group realized that an old, gutted, four-classroom school, which had been abandoned after the new school was built several years before, could be used to help their struggling community. The school principal gave VCEP access to this abandoned school without any monthly rental costs as long as it was re-furbished into classrooms. In no time, new fans, lights and flooring were installed and the whole place brightened up with a new coat of paint.

In Mexico, children are required to attend public school only until grade six. After that, the families must pay the tuition costs if they want their children to continue their education For poor families, these funds are simply not available so 70% of children in public schools in Puerto Vallarta drop out at the end

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

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rom the Old Town Farmers Market this past week, we hear from our friend Mark: “The Old Town Farmers Market enjoyed a very pleasant day last Saturday. Last week, to my recollection, Puerto Vallarta, MX experienced the coldest, wettest day for the past 10 years. 58 F degrees (14 C) with 4 inches of rain. That morning many dogs had their winter coats on for their morning walks. Then Saturday, 3 days later we're back in the low 80's F. One of the most popular items that we sell at the market are our handmade shopping bags, made

by Lisa Love. For 250 pesos you get a very sturdy, reversible bag available with a variety of dog and cat pictured on the outside. A perfect bag for spending an hour shopping at the Farmer's Market.

Thanks to our volunteers, Doreen, Brian, and Chris for manning the SPCA table last Saturday.” Thanks for your report Mark!

Come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary.

Our dogs and cats are awaiting

of grade six! A grade six education doesn’t cut it when looking for a good job in the tourist industry here.

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its sunny climate, incredible beaches, wonderful food, and its amazing culture. The sun drenched shores and the resorts, hotels and condominiums are a haven for tourists from around the world and make it a magnet for Mexicans desperate to find employment. Employment in this tourism-focused city is very dependent on workers being able to speak and understand English and operate a computer. This is one of the key barriers for the poor breaking out of low paying menial labor and getting a job in the tourist industry.

The Public Primary Schools do not have English teachers and do not have funding for computers.

This is where VCEP is so important. It provides free classes in English, math, remedial reading and computers to children in Volcanes so that they have a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty that their parents are in.

Teachers at VCEP are employed full-time and are paid competitive

By Janice Gonzalez

“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 your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk.

Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv.

Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

To make donations via PayPal,

salaries and old, cast-off computers are brought in from Canada and USA, recycled and converted from English to Spanish.

There is, however, a big problem with VCEP. All of its operating funds have to be raised from donations and fundraising. The International Friendship Club (IFC) is pleased to provide some support to VCEP. IFC supports VCEP and many other registered charities each year by running our famous and popular Home Tours for sixteen weeks, twice a week. The Home Tours and other fundraising activities raise an amazing amount of money for the for our health care, social services and education

projects in Puerto Vallarta. North of here spring is springing and PV will soon be losing many of its snowbirds. The final social event of the IFC calendar is always the end-ofseason brunch which, this year, will be held on Sunday 3rd April at 10:30 at Oscars Restaurant.

Located on the island in the Rio Cuale and overlooking the ocean, it’s a perfect spot for brunch. As well as a lovely buffet, there will be a cash bar serving mimosas and other choice libations; live piano music will soothe the soul. It will be your last chance to meet old (some very old) friends and to make new ones. Member or not, everyone is welcome.

Trivia Tournament supports local orphanage

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select the "Donate" option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv. com/home or on Facebook.

here were few seats available in the Boutique Theater at Nacho Daddy on Wednesday, March 2 for the Third Annual Trivia Tournament as nineteen teams competed for the championship title.

The event was hosted

by Jamie Henderson as a fundraiser for Corazon de Nina where Jamie and his wife, Laurie, are volunteers. Corazon (www.fundacioncorazon.mx) is a home for children rescued from high-risk environments and currently houses 47 children.

The scores, complete with a running tally on the big screen, was done by Laurie, backed up

by Shelley Walden and Josie McGillivray. There were one hundred questions in ten rounds as well as a 50/50 music round which was won by Toast.

At the end of a hard fought evening third place was taken by the Strangers and second by Toast. In first by one point was

the home team, Nacho Daddy.

The event raised 12,720 pesos for Corazon de Nina and was the perfect finale, almost, to the season's weekly trivia competition at Nacho Daddy.

Thanks and kudos to Jamie and Laurie, and to Tammy Prust and Sean Moore of Nacho Daddy for hosting it.

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healthcare

March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

What is a Scar?

And how can you treat it?

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carring is the process by which wounds are repaired.

Damage to the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, is required to produce a scar. Damage to only the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin, will not always produce a scar. Scars produce a structural change in the deeper layers of the skin which is perceived as an alteration in the architecture of the normal surface features. It is not just a change in skin color.

Causes of scars include cuts, sores, surgery, and burns. Severe acne and chicken pox may also scar skin. The degree that skin scars depends on more than the size and depth of the wound. Age also affects the process.

The healing process is stronger in younger skin. That results in scars that are thicker in those of older people. Other factors affecting the type of scar are ethnicity, heredity,

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

and the location of the injury.

Children are active and susceptible to cuts and injuries. They and people with fair complexions tend to get hypertophic scars. While Asians and Blacks are more likely to have keloid scars, people from other ethnic groups also experience this form of scarring.

Keloid and hypertophic scars have similar appearances. However, the keloid scar expands beyond the original wound.

The location of the wound also has an effect on its size. If the scar is located on places like the knee or shoulder, it will eventually widen because these areas are in motion.

Dr. Luis Mauricio Alvarez Covarrubias at the Wound Healing Clinic in the new Vallarta Medical Center Hospital can offer leading edge solutions for painful, itchy or unsightly scars.

Treatment can minimize a scar but will not usually erase the mark. Scar treatments may include: • Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or gels. These products can be used to treat scars that are caused by cuts or other injuries or wounds. If you are under the care of a plastic surgeon and your scarring is from cosmetic or plastic

surgery, ask your surgeon if overthe-counter treatment is an option. If not, there are prescriptions that may help. Often, treatments can include steroids or certain antihistamine creams for scars that cause itching and are very sensitive. Likewise, if you have scarring from severe acne, ask your dermatologist for advice.

Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatment or silicone gel sheeting to help treat scars or as preventive care.

• Surgical removal or treatment.

There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery. In a skin graft, the surgeon uses skin from another area of your body. This is often used with people who’ve had burns. If you’ve got scarring that impairs function, surgery can help address the functional problems. If you’ve recently had surgery that has caused scars, it is best to wait at least one year before making a decision about scar treatment. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.

• Injections. You may get steroid injections to treat scars that stick out, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars.

Your doctor may use this on its own or with other treatments.

• Other types of injections, such as collagen or other “fillers,” may be useful for some types of pitted scarring, although these are not usually permanent solutions.

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... OLIVE

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

by Janice Gonzalez his sweet mommy was rescued along with her eight (!!) puppies who were around six weeks old. All the puppies (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen) have been adopted so now it is time for Olive to find her forever home.

Olive is a Labrador mix, about a year and a half old and she weighs 44 pounds. True to her breed, Olive loves getting lots of exercise and

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going for long walks. She gets along with other dogs, being most relaxed with smaller dogs but okay with larger ones if they don’t attempt to dominate her. She’s not very comfortable with cats though. With her loving disposition we are sure she would be a good fit for any active family. If you are interested in this sweet girl contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com for an application. Olive has been spayed, dewormed and she is current on all vaccines.

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

Fab new Jalisco Art Expo and Auction

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ave the date of Wednesday, March 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a fabulous exposition and sale of original art by artists from the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Many of these artists are graduates of The University of Guadalajara in plastic arts and may be the upcoming stars of Mexican contemporary art.

Also included will be well known artists who reside in Puerto Vallarta who will be showing paintings, sculptures and one of a kind jewelry creations.

This is your opportunity to meet them and see their latest

creations.

A highlight of the expo will be an auction (subasta) of a private art collection which includes many famous names and is not to be missed.

Opening bids will be very reasonable so come to look over the selection after 11 a.m. before the 2 p.m. auction.

This Jalisco Art Expo will be held in the lobby of the HOTEL MARSOL, next to the Los Muertos Pier at Calle Francisca Rodriguez 103.

There will be food and drinks for purchase from local restaurants as well as live music for your entertainment.

Please put the date on your calendar and help support our Jalisco artists.

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014 31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Fine Art and Furniture

Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

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31 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.

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 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.

THURSDAY Bucerias Artwalk from 7-9pm Calle Lazaro Cardenas Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am-2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm SUNDAY Live Music in the Main Plaza, Vallarta – 6pm La Cruz Farmers Market – 9-2pm

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March 17 - 23, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com