Untitled - PVMirror.com

Need to Know
If you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region,
but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help.
Look at the map in this issue, you will note that PV (as the locals call
it) is on the west coast of Mexico, in the middle of the Bay of Banderas,
the largest bay in this country, that includes southern part of the state
of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south.
Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madre
mountains- the Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned
in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna came close on October 25, 2002,
but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 miles
north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian
Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.
AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers
POPULATION: Approx. 325,000
inhabitants
CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with
an average of 300 sunny days per year.
The temperature averages 28oC (82oF) and the rainy season extends from late
June to early October.
FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo
hosts a great variety of animal species
such as iguana, guacamaya, deer,
raccoon, etc.
SANCTUARIES: Bahía de
Banderas encloses two Marine National
Parks - Los Arcos and the Marieta
Islands - where diving is allowed under
2 www. .com
certain circumstances but fishing of
any kind is prohibited. Every year, the
Bay receives the visit of the humpback
whales, dolphins and manta rays in the
winter. During the summer, sea turtles,
a protected species, arrive to its shores
to lay their eggs.
ECONOMY: Local economy is
based mainly on tourism, construction
and to a lesser degree, on agriculture,
mainly tropical fruit such as mango,
papaya, watermelon, pineapple,
guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.
CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is
the legal currency in Mexico although
Canadian and American dollars are
widely accepted.
BUSES: A system of urban buses
with different routes. Current fare is
$6.50 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 the town. Do not enter
a taxi without agreeing on the price with
the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a
hotel, you may want to check the rates
usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you
know which restaurant you want to go,
do not let the driver change your mind.
Many restaurateurs pay commissions to
taxi drivers and you may end up paying
more than you should, in a second-rate
February 26 to March 6, 2011
establishment! There are 2 kinds of taxi
cabs: those at the airport and the maritime
port are usually vans that can only be
boarded there. They have pre-fixed rates
per passenger. City cabs are yellow cars
that charge by the ride, not by passenger.
When you ask to go downtown, many
drivers let you off at the beginning of the
area, near Hidalgo Park. However, your
fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so
why walk 10 to 15 blocks to the main
plaza, the Church or the flea market?
Pick up a free map, and insist on your full
value from the driver! Note the number of
your taxi in case of any problem, or if you
forget something in the cab. Then your
hotel or travel rep can help you check it
out or lodge a complaint.
TIME ZONE: The entire State of
Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the
southern part of the State of Nayarit
- from San Blas in the north through
to the Ameca River, i.e.: San Blas,
San Pancho, Sayulita, Punta Mita, La
Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Nuevo
Vallarta, etc.)
TELEPHONE CALLS: Always
check on the cost of long distance
calls from your hotel room. Some
establishments charge as much as U.S.
$7.00 per minute!
CELL PHONES: Most cellular
phones from the U.S. and Canada may
be programmed for local use, through
Telcel and IUSAcell, the local carriers.
To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322,
then the seven digit number of the person
you’re calling. Omit the prefix if dialling
a land line.
LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is
usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants
and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters,
maids, etc. depending on the service.
Taking a siesta is a Mexican tradition.
Some businesses and offices close from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or
later. In restaurants, it is considered poor
manners to present the check before it is
requested, so when you’re ready to leave,
ask «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill
will be delivered to you.
MONEY EXCHANGE: Although
you may have to wait in line for a few
minutes, remember that the banks will
give you a higher rate of exchange than
the exchange booths (caja de cambio).
Better yet, if you have a «bank card»,
withdraw funds from your account back
home. Try to avoid exchanging money
at your hotel. Traditionally, those offer
the worst rates.
WHAT TO DO: Even if your allinclusive
hotel is everything you ever
dreamed of, you should experience at
least a little of all that Vallarta has to
offer - it is truly a condensed version of
all that is Mexican and existed before
«Planned Tourist Resorts», such as
Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, were
developed. Millions have been spent to
ensure that the original “small town”
flavor is maintained downtown, in the
Old Town and on the South Side.
DRINKING WATER: The false
belief that a Mexican vacation must
inevitably lead to an encounter with
Moctezuma’s revenge is just that: false.
For the 17 th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s
water has been awarded a certification of
purity for human consumption. It is one
of only two cities in Mexico that can
boast of such accomplishment. True,
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. On the other hand, most
large hotels have their own purification
equipment and most restaurants use
purified water. If you want to be doubly
sure, you can pick up purified bottled
water just about anywhere.
EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and
American tourists often fall in love with
one of the many stray dogs and cats in
Vallarta. Many would like to bring it back
with them, but believe that the laws do
not allow them to do so. Wrong. If you
would like to bring a cat or a dog back
home, call the local animal shelter for
more info: 293-3690.
LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good
beginning would be to take one of the
City Tours offered by the local tour
agencies. Before boarding, make sure
you have a map and take note of the
places you want to return to. Then venture
off the beaten path. Explore a little. Go
farther than the tour bus takes you. And
don’t worry - this is a safe place.

COLLECTIVE
WISDOM
Editor’s Note: This section
of letters from readers was
suggested to us by Dario Savio
a few weeks ago (Issue # 119). To quote Mr. Savio:
“The idea is that people write in with questions and
the readers provide the answers.” We thought it was
a good idea too, so now it’s up to you to send us your
questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dear Editor,
If you have not already received an answer
to James Scollon’s question (Issue # 123), here
is what I know. The “theme park” display on
the highway going south next to Casa Anita is
a complex of the Luz del Mundo Church. It is
seldom used but well maintained.
This is not a church, but a residence. There is
a Luz del Mundo church just off the Libramiento
behind the Los Angeles Motel and another on
the road to Punta de Mita past La Cruz. Lots of
information about this church / cult can be found
on the Internet. The female members are readily
recognized as they all wear long ankle length
skirts. The men have no dress code.
From what I understand, all work on this and
other locations is donated as part of their tithing
program. If you don’t have the money to donate,
you donate your talents and labor. My guess: a
member is good at light displays.
PS in PV
Dear Editor,
Your
Comments
letters@pvmirror.com
We arrived in beautiful Puerto Vallarta the end
of August 2010 and knew that we needed to make
life changes, exercising and living more healthily.
We began looking for a gym which would suit our
needs.
When we walked into the Acqua Gym and Spa at
450 Constitucion, we felt immediately welcomed.
The place is very well equipped, spotless and
has the most friendly atmosphere! The owner/
manager and certified trainer David, is “handson”
and knows exactly what will achieve one’s
fitness goals.
Thank you David, for keeping us on track!
David Morck and
Hildegard Willkomm
Dear Editor,
Anyone looking for a delightful night of theater
should attend the next Readers’ Theater at the
Boutique Theater. It is an intimate theater located
at 321 Manuel M. Dieguez in the Romantic Zone.
Enjoy a fun-filled performance where actors
“read” celebrity autobiographies. The actors are
dressed in character and take on the celebrities’
personalities. If you want to spend an evening
laughing with Mae West, Madonna, Truman
Capote, Frida & Diego & others, don’t miss this
theatrical experience on March 15 th at 8 p.m.
Call 044-322-728-6878 for tickets. You won’t be
disappointed & will be impressed with the talent
right here in Vallarta. Who needs Broadway?
Bob & Mary Fitzgerald
Connecticut
Dear Editor,
Last week Basilio Badillo street turned to a
muddy mess due to a construction project. At
least three inches of water prevented crossing
without getting one’s feet submerged and risking
the possibility of a fall. I found myself stuck on
a dry island of stone, the size of my sandal, that
once was curb. My mind went blank; I didn’t
know in which direction to navigate. Suddenly a
voice called out; “Señora, su mano, su mano!!!”
A twenty-something woman, her feet covered in
water, her arm extended, gestured for my hand to
make the trek, as another pedestrian, stooping over
in the water, lined up a row of bricks that would
serve as a bridge to dry cobblestone.
I was able to safely cross with the help of these
two kind and sensitive strangers. And just for
the record, the helpful young woman was very
pregnant; the ‘bricklayer’ an aged man.
Only in Mexico? I would hope not. But probably
a lot more often!!
Luisa Yim,
Home, Minneapolis; Heart, Vallarta
Please go to page 4 for continuation.
Sound Off
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
3

Sound Off
Continued from Letters... Page 3
Dear Editor,
I have a comment about the Charro event you
have there every year. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta
6 times now and have missed this event each time
as there were no ads or promotions as to when this
event starts. I stayed at the Hacienda this year with
some other Canadians who have also been to PV
many times, and they were also upset that there
really were no promotions about the event. One
of them had a chance to see the event a number of
years ago and he said it was marvelous, but it was
just coincidence that he was there at the right time.
Would you please be able to let me know when it
will be starting in 2012 so I can take my holidays to
coincide with it? There are a number of Canadians
that would love to see it. Thanks in advance.
Diana Hall
Dear Ms. Hall,
The PV Mirror announced the event in its
February 12 issue this year, as did Bay Vallarta,
and pvscene.com on its web site.
To the best of my knowledge, none of the Englishlanguage
publications get much advance notice of
this yearly event – unfortunately.
In reality, there are two yearly events featuring
those talented riders and their steeds, the second
being on September 14 th – Mexico’s Day of the
Charro.
The Ed.
4 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
Dear Editor,
Our friends Lynda and Joe Petty, who owned
the B&B Casa Mirador here for many years,
adopted a beach dog they named Starvin’ Marvin
12 years ago. They had to put him to sleep a little
while ago and I thought their account of how they
came to become a family would make a lovely
‘human interest’ story, as well as encouraging
more people to adopt these poor dogs, or make
donations to the spay / neuter
clinics, or organizations that look
after them.
“Marv adopted us in late Jan
1999. We were in line at Café
de Olla when we saw this little
3-legged flea bag limp cross
Basilio... when he stopped at
curbside for another scratch, I bent
down to talk to him. He just leaned
against me and I was a goner!! We
did not find him again after we ate, so I checked
back with the restaurant folks and in the area
during the next week, but no one had seen him. The
following week, we were eating with friends “al
fresco” at La Piazzetta. When we paid the check
and got ready to leave, there was Marv, sitting right
next to Joe’s chair! So we scooped him up and the
5 of us climbed into a cab and headed back to our
B&B, Casa Mirador.
The vet found that the reason for the limp was
a dislocated back leg, but Dr. Julian did surgery
on it and soon Marv was headed to his new home.
By this time, it was February and Dr. J. thought
Marv was probably under 1 year old, so we made
his new birthday Feb. 24... my 50 th !
He came home from the hospital with a big
birthday bow and was the hit of the party.
Someone we met in Old Town said Marv’s first
mom was a lady who had to head back to the
States and couldn’t take him. Whatever happened
between that time and when we found him was
unclear; but he started out very cautious of any
foot movement and would snap if caught off
guard, plus he was very afraid of being in a fenced
area. He never got over being afraid of anything
that smelled “el campo”, people or animal, and
the smell of cooking venison or lamb sent him
cowering in another room.
Marv immediately took to his new “brother”,
JJ, and loved chasing, and being chased, around
and around the pool at Casa Mirador. He remained
quite the little escape artist in his early years and
loved riding on the front dash of the motor home
in “retirement”. We had 12 wonderful years with
our little buddy, and pray that he and JJ are now
back together running the beach.”
Hillary Herbst
Publisher / Editor:
Allyna Vineberg
editora@pvmirror.com
Contributors:
Anna Reisman
Joe Harrington
Stan Gabruk
Ali Hernandez
Krystal Frost
Giselle Belanger
Harriet Murray
Gil Gevins
Ronnie Bravo
Lyse Rioux
Jeff Jackson
Linda Bama Brasseal
Office: 223-1128
Graphic Designer:
Leo Robby R. R.
Webmaster:
Arturo Castillo
This week’s cover:
“Jackfruit in Rizo’s Parking Lot”
Photo by Anna Reisman
PV Mirror es una publicación semanal.
Certificados de licitud de título y
contenido en tramite.
Prohibida la reproducción
total o parcial de su contenido,
imágenes y/o fotografías sin previa
autorización por escrito del editor.

Dear Editor,
We have been watching the demolition of the old
pier in Old Town.
Would it be possible to publish the history of the
pier, and what the plans are for the new pier?
Thank you in advance.
John Nieboer
Dear Mr. Nieboer,
We have been unable to find anything on the
history of the old pier, but we did find the article
and photo published in the Meridiano on Nov. 23 rd
of last year, as well as a photo of the rendering first
posted for the new pier.
In the article, Demetrio
Hernandez Llamas, the project’s
architect, stated that the work
would cost $180 Million Pesos
of federal funds, and should be
finished this year (2011)… that
the new pier would be 100 meters
long, unique in Puerto Vallarta
for its size, beauty and modern
features … that thanks to its
descending levels (see picture), it
would be usable at both low and
high tides…”
The Ed.
(See location number on central map)
Dear Editor,
I would have been well-advised to have read Gil
Gevins’ article (South Side Shuffle, March 5) before
attempting to shop at the panaderia across the street
from Fredy Tucan’s on Basilio Badillo. It would have
been much easier traversing the street if I had hired a
Sherpa beforehand. The street was flooded with some
grayish, brackish liquid material with a depth of six
inches. It would have been a great kindness if our
City ‘Fathers and Mothers’ had provided planks for
we shoppers to step across. By the way, that bakery
has the best galletas (cookies) in town!
As a post script, the rumor being whispered about
- parking being eliminated on side streets so that we
will be forced to use the nearby garage - seems to
be true.
Barbara Watkins
Dear Editor,
When are the authorities going to do something
about the pollution on Ignacio L. Vallarta?
The tour buses are parking almost 24/7 in the
area used by city buses, spewing out black soot
and stinking fumes. This street is residential /
commercial and has always been a “walking”
neighborhood. Businesses relying on tour bus clients
can locate anywhere in the city, why be allowed on
this already busy street? This area is experiencing
a growth of new boutique shops and parking is at a
premium. These buses impede the normal flow of
traffic making even more noise and air pollution. If
someone responsible for traffic would observe this
nightmare for a day, I think they would agree that
Vallarta can and should do better for residents and
visitors alike.
M. Mitchell
Sound Off
EL ARRAYÁN WINS
“BEST MEXICAN”
FOR THE 6 YEAR
IN A ROW!
EL ARRAYÁN, Puerto
Vallarta’s favorite Mexican
restaurant, has once again won
over the hearts and taste buds of
local residents and visitors alike,
winning the VirtualVallarta.com
Reader’s Choice Awards for
“Best Mexican” for the 6 th year
in a row.
Serving up authentic Mexican
food in Puerto Vallarta, made
from fresh regional ingredients,
EL ARRAYÁN has established
itself as a friendly, fun restaurant
with mouth-watering dishes.
Owners Carmen Porras
and Claudia Victoria are
both familiar faces at EL
ARRAYÁN, and can always
be found greeting guests.
Chef Mariano Valdés has
added his signature touch to
classic EL ARRAYÁN recipes
as well as creating his own
special dishes and appetizers.
C o m e c h e c k o u t E L
ARRAYÁN’S fantastic cocktail
list or enjoy a glass of wine from
the wide array of delicious and
affordable wines, handpicked
by Claudia for your enjoyment.
EL ARRAYÁN, named a AAA
3 Diamond restaurant, is located
downtown at 344 Allende, just
a short stroll from the Malecon.
Open Wednesday to Monday
from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Closed on
Tuesdays. Reservations at 222-
7195 and now online at http://
www.elarrayan.com.mx
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
(See location number on central map)
5

Within PV
Meet the Cat Whis-PuRR-er
By Linda Bama Brasseal
Since I began to volunteer at the PuRR Project last year, I’ve noticed
that we seem to get a lot of ladies who want to visit the shelter… and yes,
the occasional husband, too! But by and large, it’s ladies and kids who
seem most interested - with one notable exception: Dave.
Every week, rain or shine, Dave drives out the long, dusty road to the
little shelter in the middle of cornfields and Brahma bull corrals. He parks
by the front gate and an amazing thing happens. The cats KNOW he is
there and run to meet him. Mainly he spends time with the adult population
that roam free in the shelter. He knows everyone else that visits will spend
most of their time cuddling and playing with the cute kittens in the nursery
and the teenagers in acclimation. But it’s the older and yes, sometimes
scruffy and scarred and wary old tomcats and abandoned mama cats that
he seeks out… or I should say, seek HIM out.
Here is a recent day in his own words:
Julie, after feeling less than great all week, cabin fever hit so I went to
see the “kids” yesterday. When I got to the gate my “son” Macho was
waiting. After I got inside and picked him up, my “posse” started showing
up. It is amazing how quickly they know I am there and sitting in my chair.
I ended up with a black cat on each leg, Macho on his chest spot, a black
& white moo washing my neck and ear, with assorted others trying for a
spot – that is until my guard cat showed up (Fluffy the blue-eyed pretty
girl). She put everyone in their place.
Macho actually went to sleep on my chest, with his head on my shoulder.
He was one happy boy with about an hours time actually on me. I walked
around for a while to give attention to the cats who do not come to me.
(Well it was more tried to walk around with the herd at your feet and a
small bowlegged cat trying to get on your head!) More and more of them
will now accept my touching them. There are so many cats there that would
make good companions if they just had a chance. They are so affectionate.
Well, then it was time to take my tired self home…..after Macho got one
more pick up….he never gives up!. It was a good day.
Dave
If you would like information on how to Virtually Adopt one of our cats
like Dave’s “son” Macho, please contact shelter administrator Julie Bunker
at julievallarta@gmail.com. Or sign up for a Thursday visit by contacting
Nicole Martin at nicole.martin@prurealtypv.com
6 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
Mary Margaret
(“Silver”)
Alexander Killen
(1921 – 2011)
Silver was one of the souls who
gave Vallarta its character. She
referred to Puerto Vallarta of the
60’s and 70’s as the “fishy little
sleeping village”.
Many know Silver for her house
in Conchas Chinas, which she
referred to as the “Beach House”.
There, she rented rooms (like a
B&B) - with a colorful roster of
past guests that included Xaviera
Hollander (a.k.a. the Happy
Hooker) and Perry Ellis. It still
operates under the same name,
Quinta Maria Cortez (QMC), under
different ownership. Silver would
only agree to sell it to someone
who would respect the design of
the house, which the current owners
- Margaret & JJ - have beautifully
done. If you don’t know it, you
should; it’s fabulous: http://www.
quinta-maria.com/
Silver lived in her “River House”,
off Aquiles Serdan, for about 25
years. The past few years, she did
so with her daughter Kandy, and
grandson Alex. Her son Kyle -
whom she loved dearly - died about
6 or 7 years ago, which nearly broke
her heart and spirit.
Smokey was her husband.
They had been separated since the
mid-1960’s, but never divorced.
He ended up moving here late
in life, after coming down with
Alzheimer’s. He died in Yelapa a
few years back.
Both Silver and Smokey were
those larger-than-life personalities
that really have an impact, and are
impossible to forget, once met.
While Silver may be remembered
for her funky jewelry and unique
style, a large part of her legacy are
the two homes she created and built
on her own - singular in style. QMC
was featured in numerous movies
and magazines.
OBITUARY
From its popularity, Silver was
introduced to the film industry, and
worked on extra casting for many
of the films shot here, including
Revenge and Harvest. Both used
QMC as a key location. She also
designed the furniture and screens.
A real gift of hers was in
assembling a group of people for
dinner where conversations were
always magical. She dined out
almost every night of the week. She
knew every good waiter in town,
consistently drank “vodka rocks”,
and she always required “separate
checks”.
What Silver wanted to be known
for – and repeated many times over
the years, as to what should be on
her epitaph – was that she was “the
first woman to drive a pick-up truck
in Puerto Vallarta.” She was proud
of that truck - which she said could
stop on a dime with a full load of
bricks in the back on a cobblestoned
street - but it was eventually
confiscated by the federales. After
that, Silver always drove what she
referred to as “unassuming” cars.
The colorful VW Safaris decked
out in fringe and sequins were,
however, hard to miss, in my
opinion. But, always a convertible.
Just last week, I was with her in
the hospital planning what she’d
be wearing to her 90 th birthday
luncheon, planned for April 4.
As my friend Wayne said to me,
“she was a dame”, and in the very
best sense of the word.
To me, she was the best friend
a person could ask for, and I will
miss her dearly.
Lynne Bairstow

Spring Break returns to Marina Vallarta
and The Village is ready!
By Stan Gabruk
Normally when we hear Spring Break, many business owners minds
go to inventory in stock, and Easter or Semana Santa right behind,
which marks the end of high season. But this year we have a long
buffer between spring break and Easter. So the local business owners
are taking the opportunity to make sure there is plenty of beer, food
and fun to be shared in The Village at Marina Vallarta!
Some of the fun is out in the Bay of Banderas where the whales will
be hanging around until the end of March before they head home for
parts in the frigid north. Dolphins are everywhere and alive with life.
If you’re a fisherman, these are welcome sights and mean that there is
less of a likelihood of sharks in the area. Manta Rays are also jumping
from the water as they breach, showing off their power and strength.
Now if you are interested in taking a tour to see these magnificent
creatures then talk with William (Bill) Robinson at Charmer Fishing
and Tours located on the Boardwalk in Las Palmas. He’ll fix you up
with great service, a smile, and a nice little discount you won’t find
other places. So when those time share types offer you tours or fishing
charters, tell them you have Bill! He will sell you Vallarta Adventures
tours and any other sort of activity you are looking for in the Puerto
Vallarta area. He also has several properties he manages for private
owners, so if you are looking to rent a condo for next year or have
friends coming down, Javier or Benito has a small operation, but it’s
sound and reliable!
Within PV
One of the cool places in The Village is Bonito’s! Wednesday
evenings, ladies get free Martinis and there is live music in his way
cool restaurant. With sidewalk tables out front, you can have a smoke,
a martini and of course, some great entertainment by my friend Franco
until the late evening hours. I suggest you remember this place as a
location to meet friends or have a nice deli lunch or dinner. Bonito’s
has long been a PV Favorite and is in a new location, in the new Nima
Bay complex on Calle Proa just down from AmeriMed hospital!
The Village is still a happening with the Friday Evening Art Display
along the Boardwalk / Malecon. With live music and entertainment at
the end of Mastil, the evenings have come to life. But remember this
is a limited engagement and will end soon. So if you have the mind
to, come to The Village and enjoy a nice evening walk, maybe have
a nice dinner as you choose from 15 restaurants featuring any sort of
food imaginable! Italian, Sea Food, International, a 50’s Diner, and
more are here for you to choose from.
Last and not least, The Village at Marina Vallarta would like to
thank the PV Mirror for allowing the association to publish its articles
promoting it. The PV Mirror is your best guide to Puerto Vallarta and
has been for years now. You can also read it online at www.pvmirror.
com if you -like many- are having a hard time getting this weekly
publication!
The Village at Marina Vallarta is a business association
supporting Marina Vallarta member businesses. If you would like
to join the monthly payments that go towards group advertising is a
minimum of $500 pesos a month or $1,000 pesos depending on the
level of support you would like to have. You get your web site listed
on The Village website www.thevillageatmarinavallarta.com Email:
cometothevillage@gmail.com and on our Facebook page: The Village
at Marina Vallarta. Or you can contact me, Stan Gabruk, at 209-1128 at
Master Baiter’s Sportfishing and Tackle …or just come in and say hi.
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
7

Within PV
Puerto Vallarta rated #1 among
Best Beaches for Retirement
In an article published by U.S.
News on March 7, 2011, entitled
“The World’s Best Beaches for
Retirement”, Kathleen Peddicord
wrote:
“Your retirement years could
include the sound of the sea lapping
gently against the shore from your
bedroom window and a view of the
Pacific from your balcony. Constant
sunshine and long walks along the
sand whenever the inclination strikes
you could even be an affordable
retirement option if you pick the
right place. Here are the world’s best
beaches for retirement.
8 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta is the place to go
to enjoy a world-class Pacific coast
lifestyle. This isn’t developing-world
living. This stretch of Mexico’s
Pacific coastline has been developed
to a high level. Life here can be
not only comfortable, but even
luxurious. In Puerto Vallarta, you
have the opportunity to enjoy an
international-standard lifestyle
including things like golf courses,
marinas, restaurants, and shopping,
in a region with beautiful beaches and
ocean views. This is a place to come
to enjoy a seaside lifestyle similar to
that of southern California.”
The other four top resorts were in:
2. Panama, 3. Belize, 4. Uruguay, 5.
Malaysia.
Government offices move
The government offices for
vehicle and driver’s licenses that
used to be located in Plaza Marina
(just south of the airport) have
moved to Avenida Grand Lagos,
corner of Carlos Jongitud Barrios,
in Fluvial Vallarta.
Democrats Abroad in Mexico
Dee Dee Camhi with Vice-Chair Barry
Devine from San Miguel de Allende
It’s a fine time to be a Democrat
in the US and an even better time
to be one of thousands of US
Democrats Abroad. That was
the positive tone set at this year’s
annual meeting of the Mexico
chapter of Democrats Abroad.
It was the first time the annual
meeting of activist expats was
held in Puerto Vallarta.
Dee Dee (Roberta) Camhi, the
group’s new national President-
Elect and PV resident, said
“We’re going to stay focused on
what’s working for the Democrats
and for those with progressive
values. The world and the US
are at a tipping point in history
where we can make a difference
if we stand up for what we believe
in and take to the streets a little
more – like those in Madison and
those in Cairo.
RISE & Shine
Gourmet Champagne brunch
To Benefit The Children Of Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza
AtCasa Ileana
Pulpito #101 Col. Amapas
(On the street to Vista Grill)
Sunday, March 20th
2011
10:30 am & 12:30pm
350
Pesos
Tickets Available at
DAIQUIRI DICK’S
or contact
keithamo@msn.com
seth@foodbyseth.com
We’re talking jobs, health,
education, social security, and
a foreign policy that respects
M e x i c o , M e x i c a n s a n d
immigrants.”
To symbolize the group’s hope
for the future and commitment
to action, participants passed a
clay pot and collected over 1000
pesos to buy slices of pizza for
the pro-democracy fire fighters,
police officers and teachers in
Madison, Wisconsin. “Ian’s
Pizza on State Street in Madison
has started the “pizza party” and
has received donations from
every state and almost every
country in the world. What
better way to show our support
than to feed the thousands
standing up for their jobs?”
said Jeff Jackson, owner of the
Casa de las Flores guesthouse
where the event was held.
“Anyone in PV can stop by
Casa de las Flores and add to the
contribution pot any time,” coowner
Maurice Monette added.
The members voted in a new
slate of national officers for
Democrats Abroad Mexico,
including PV resident Dee Dee
Camhi. Members reaffirmed
their priority issues for 2011
including:
1. support legislation that
allows Medicare reimbursement
in Mexico.
2. support a respectful
immigration and foreign policy.
3. help expats register to vote.
After the meeting, guests
enjoyed the Cuban and Mexican
modern art of the on-site Galeria
HabanaVallarta gallery at Casa
de las Flores and were treated
to a gourmet Mexican feast
prepared by FoodBySeth.
For more information, or to
become a member of the Costa
Banderas Chapter of Democrats
Abroad Mexico, please visit
DemocratsAbroad.org

SETAC “Duckaton” raises $65,000 pesos
at 2 nd Annual Fundraiser
The Duckaton - A Fundraising Party held on February 23 rd …
an evening with friends supporting SETAC, the GLBT Community
Centre …featuring: entertainment, food and beverages and 400 toy
ducks, each with valuable prizes - all donated by Puerto Vallarta
businesses and restaurants.
Four hundred toy ducks set loose in the pool of the Torre Malibu
Hotel. Every duck you bought guaranteed a prize greater than its
price! Amazing, big-ticket prizes! From modest to fantastic! Like
dinner for two, a massage, beachwear, custom jewellery, original
artwork and …the ultimate weekend getaway. The duck catchers
were delighted. Jim Lee said, “My word, I was so happy. I bought
4 ducks for $200 pesos and my prizes were worth $1,000 pesos!”
And Shirley Carey: “My lucky duck was good for a $200-peso lunch
at my favourite beach spot, including a misting by my waiter …it
made my day.”
Paco Arjona, Executive Director of SETAC said, “Our friends who
own Puerto Vallarta businesses and restaurants are our angels… the
backbone for making community fundraising events a success…
sincere thanks for your generously, giving your time and substantial
donations to our 2 nd Annual Duckaton.”
An evening of talented entertainment included the “Mariachi Nuevo
Imperial” playing Mexican classics, “Ivan and Cindy’s” upbeat drag
show, and “Gabriel’s”opera favourites. Someone commented that “it
was like a circus of shows, with tasty local cuisine, a friendly crowd...
We had a great time and enjoyed it all.”
“Definitely a success,” reported Ed Thomas, founder of SETAC.
“This has been a tougher year for everyone, however, over 200
people bought tickets and some of those who could not attend made
donations. We are very pleased to have raised just over $65,000 pesos,
after expenses. This is a tremendous help to keep the center open for
another year and continue to provide essential services. Thanks to all
of you. The people who use the GLBT community center will smile
with pride and appreciation that you care to help.”
The purpose of the SETAC Puerto Vallarta Gay, Lesbian Bisexual
and Transgender (GLBT) Community Center is to provide essential
services to the GLBT community, including free condoms and HIV
testing, support in recovery from alcoholism and other afflictions,
physical and mental health treatment and referrals, job skill coaching,
and social and recreational activities in an atmosphere of safety, free
from discrimination.
If you would like more information about the SETAC, Gay, Lesbian
Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, services
offered, ways you can help, or make a donation, please call 224-1974,
or email contacto@setac.com.mx or visit SETAC.com.mx
14
(See location number number on central on map) central map)
Within PV
Gourmet Chefs join Art Benefit
for Pasitos de Luz children
By Jeff Jackson
On Wednesday, March 16 th , from 4 to 7 PM (before the Art Walk),
Galeria HabanaVallarta at the Casa de las Flores guesthouse is hosting
its final art auction / benefit of the season for the severely disabled and
very talented child artists of Pasitos de Luz. Residents and visitors don’t
want to miss this rare opportunity to enjoy art in a traditional (and very
colorful) Vallarta-style home while taking in miles and miles of Banderas
Bay views and tasting the gourmet appetizers donated by some of Puerto
Vallarta’s best chefs.
“I love participating in these events because it’s my way of giving back
to Puerto Vallarta and these beautiful kids,” said Octavio De Nera , owner
and chef of Esquina de los Caprichos. Other participating restaurants /
caterers echo the same sentiments, including: The Swedes, FoodBySeth,
Gilmar Restaurant, and Lido Beach Club.
Pasitos de Luz is a day care program for 100 severely disabled children
located in Puerto Vallarta’s working-class Pitillal neighborhood. Moms
and dads that started Pasitos de Luz are able to work during the day while
their children get physical / speech / art therapies, medical care, meals …
and lots of love.
In addition to seeing the kids’ art and tasting the gourmet treats, guests
will be treated to a rare showing of art from PV’s only international
celebrity, now deceased “National artist of Mexico”, Manuel Lepe.
His daughter, Puerto Vallarta artist Marcella Lepe, will exhibit 20 of her
paintings and three paintings from her famous father. UNICEF includes his
work on their holiday greeting cards and his art is in the private collections
of Queen Elizabeth, Fidel Castro, Elizabeth Taylor and others around the
world. A percentage of any Lepe paintings sold will be donated to Pasitos
de Luz. Galeria HabanaVallarta at Casa de las Flores also includes one
of the largest collections of Cuban art in town. The Casa de las Flores
guesthouse is at 359 Santa Barbara (a.k.a. Amapas), a block south of the
Hotel Tropicana. Questions: (322) 120-5242.
Express Service
Eye exam & lens fitting by specialists
We are your best choice in quantity ...and prices!
Contact lenses & large collection of modern European frames
396 Fco. I. Madero St. on the south side, Tel.: 223-2995
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
9

(See location number on central map)
Within PV
Amigos de Magisterio 2011
Most tourists have never visited
the Magisterio slum community of
Puerto Vallarta. It is situated in the
northeastern area of the city, next to
the garbage dump. The real-estate
would be the cheapest, most streets
are unpaved, the dust, decay and
chemical stench of the dump are the
norm. Many of the residents make
their living sorting our garbage in
order to find recyclable articles, to use
or to sell. Their shacks are fabricated
with cardboard, scrap metal or pieces
of plastic. We have never visited
during a rain, surely it is not pretty.
Puerto Vallarta is continually making
efforts to improve and beautify the
city; in Magisterio, progress is very
By Lyse Rioux
10 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
slow. A few streets have been paved
only in recent years, the pavement
ends at the school, 3 blocks away from
the dump and many homes.
Again some concerned tourists have
cared enough to raise funds to bring
good wholesome food to the people
of Magisterio. This year over 91,000
pesos was raised from residents
of the two trailer parks in Puerto
Vallarta, Tacho’s and El Pescador,
Condos la Marina, Las Moras, Condos
Cocorit, Club Richelieu Vanier-
Laurier Ottawa, Canada, École St.
Antoine, St. Gédeon Quebec, Canada,
the Bayview Grand, families and
friends of the organisers and a special
collection Feb 12 and 13 at the two
tourist Masses at Nuestra Senora de
la Guadalupe Church in the Centro
of Puerto Vallarta.
With these funds 1200 kg of rice
were purchased, 1200 kg sugar, 1200
bottles of cooking oil and 4620 kg
of beans. So 1200 bags were put
together containing each 1 bag of
rice and sugar, 1 bottle oil and 3 bags
of beans. The remaining beans were
distributed among the poorest homes.
Beans have become an expensive
item, a Mexican staple consumed at
nearly every meal, the only consistent
source of protein for the poor. This
has been the focus of our project.
The Magisterio residents buy at the
same prices as tourists or even higher.
Because of their distance to the larger
retailers, they are obliged to purchase
from corner stores at much higher
prices. One year their half liter oil
cost the same as our 1 liter in a bulk
purchase. Since the world recession,
tourism has been affected here, there
is less income arriving into Puerto
Vallarta, fewer jobs, and consequently
more pressure on food banks.
The organisers were again very
happy to welcome our Mexican
sponsor, Frigorizados La Huerta, who
donated 1200 bags each containing 2
personal pizzas, 1 cheese bun, 2 frozen
desserts, one kilogram of frozen
vegetables, 1 bag of candy, 1 bag of
peanuts and a box of popsicles from
Chiquitina. They also donated 300
balls. The schools were approached to
make pinatas in their art workshops.
The Mexican sponsors then supplied
the materials (oranges, mandarins,
candy and peanuts) required to stuff
the pinatas so the children could enjoy
a real fiesta.
We had identified 1096 children
in 5 schools to receive our donation.
The children appear fairly well
and energetic. You have to look
beyond the worn and stained handed
down school uniforms. Many are
unbathed... Years ago the organisers
decided to donate through the schools
to encourage school attendance and
this way break the cycle of poverty.
The 2 shifts of Kinder at Gabriel
Mistral, Juan de la Barrera, Ignacio
Altamirano a stone’s throw from
the garbage dump a large school of
over 300 students, each, morning
and afternoon, but with a very small
inner courtyard to play in. And Los
Volcanes further up near the mountain
jungle with the view of the city, the
ocean and where there is also abject
poverty. This school is nice by area
standards, fairly new although water
and washrooms were only installed
last year; a cement trough was built
along the school to drain rain water
from the adjacent hill; we were asked
as a volunteer group, to add a grate
on this trough because the children
stumble into it and get hurt. That was
last year. Still no grate...
The remainder of our bags was
distributed among the poorest homes.
We will agree that our vacations
in beautiful Puerto Vallarta are most
enjoyable. Tourists come here with
an extensive budget for personal
enjoyment. It is all well and good to
cater to our whims and fancies and
oil the Mexican economy. But let us
not forget the poor who try to make a
living here in a higher cost of living
area because of tourism, and let us
send them more than our garbage. Let
us make a significant contribution to
a whole society that welcomes us so
graciously.
With this in mind, the balance
of our funds are being donated to
Caritas, the ongoing food bank based
at Nuestra Senora de la Guadalupe
Church. You are welcome to “pay”
them a visit.
In closing, the organisers would
like to thank Frigorizados La Huerta,
Club Richelieu from Ottawa, Canada,
Ecole St. Antoine from St. Gedeon
Quebec Canada, the school directors,
the staff at Walmart, especially
Ricardo, Sam’s Club, all the donors
and the workers, Tacho’s trailer park
for the use of their premises for
meetings and packaging, and also a
special thank you to Father Estaban
Salazar, pastor of Nuestra Senora
de la Guadalupe Church, who is a
constant source of encouragement
and help.
Lyse Rioux from Manitoba,
Canada, is presently wintering
at Las Moras, Puerto Vallarta

Flower and Garden Show
& Photography contest
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is holding its 3 rd Annual “Flower &
Garden Show”, March 23 - 30. As each year, the event is meant to create
an exhibit and commercial space for suppliers, producers and distributors
of the Flower & Garden Industry in Puerto Vallarta.
Taking part in the Show as an exhibitor is free. Vallarta Botanical Gardens
will supply tables for the stands and will deal with the logistics of the event.
The “Flower and Garden Show” is open to cooperatives, plant nurseries,
gardening workshops and everyone related to the flower and garden industry.
Exhibitors can promote and sell products or services at the show.
We also invite anyone with interest in giving a lecture or workshop to
submit their proposal to develop an interesting lectures schedule for the week.
To take part in the “Flower and Garden Show”, please send an email to
felix@vallartabotanicalgardensac.org
*****
Vallarta Botanical Gardens invites everyone to participate in the
Photography Contest, “Banderas Bay, Garden of Biodiversity”. The
contest is open to professional and amateur photographers, which can enter
individually or as collective. Photographs can be in black and white or
color, digital or traditional and should be recently taken (2010-2011). The
exhibition of the winning images will take place at the Vallarta Botanical
Gardens on March 23 – 30.
Each photographer or collective can enter a maximum of 5 photographs.
US Consular Agency - Community Network Breakfast
March 18 th the U.S. Consular Agency
Vallarta is sponsoring a COMMUNITY
NETWORK BREAKFAST in Nuevo
Vallarta. Open to English speaking men and
women, its objective is to highlight various
community service projects throughout
the community and promote networking
between residents, frequent visitors, and
local businesses. This month, the Bucerías
Bilingual Community Center (BBCC) will
be highlighted and the “Bring-A-Thing”
project will help bring needed supplies for
this month’s highlighted organization. Please
join us and help make it a success …and pass
the word to your friends: 9 a.m. on Friday,
March 18 th , 2011, at the Vallarta Yacht Club
– Nuevo Vallarta, next to Paradise Village
Mal. Cost is $90.00 pesos (Breakfast buffet
& tip included). Reservations are required:
lailworth(at)yahoo.com. Call for directions:
(322) 297-2222.
Beyond PV
The photos must be submitted for selection to felix@vallartabotanicalgardensac.
org Each image should not exceed 1.5 MG size. Sent images should be
identified with the name of the photograph and the initials of the photographer.
Please include full name and telephone on your email.
Categories:
- Photographs taken at Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Photographs taken in Banderas Bay area
- Photographs taken in either category, by anyone under the age of 18.
The results of the winning photographs will be announced on March 21 st
and later displayed at Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ 3rd Annual Exhibition.
Winners will receive an email confirmation and phone call. Winning
photographs must be submitted no later than March 22, and must be
delivered in printed and digital format. Printed photographs should be
marked on the back with the title and the photographer’s name and should
be no larger than 8x10 inches. Digital images are to be sent in a CD at 300
dpi. Photographs should be mounted on White core foam with a 10 cm
border. No wood, metal or glass allowed. Images may be mounted with
velcro for the exhibit.
Photographers agree with the contest rules and authorize Vallarta
Botanical Gardens to use the images for promotion purposes. Photographers
can sell their winning images during the exhibition week.
Grand Prize: The best photograph wins a Gift Certificate for 2 persons
on 2 ATV’s, from Unique ATV’s – Choice of the Rio Cuale tour or
Vallarta Botanical Gardens and surrounding Sierra Madre jungle. Value:
$2,200 pesos. For more information, please call 223-6182 or email info@
vallartabotanicalgardensac.org
www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.org
It will provide the opportunity to enrich our
lives by making new friends, learning about
the various projects in our communities, and
meeting people from different walks of life.
This month’s “Bring-A-Thing” is for: white
board supplies (markers, erasers, cleaners),
bilingual story books, paper products (plates,
cups, paper towels, toilet paper), kids glue
& scissors, foam board, new or used boom
box, stapler, printer ink.
Each month, the Community Breakfast
Network is held at alternating venues
in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Comments or questions can be sent to
U.S. Consular Agent Kelly Trainor at
consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx For
more information on the BBCC, please visit
http://buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
11

The 7 Arts
World Premiere
Performance in Vallarta
Vallarta’s musical family, the Oliveros
family, will be highlighted during the Vallarta
Chamber Orchestra’s upcoming concert at 8 p.m.
on Sunday, March 27 th , at the American School.
José Felix Oliveros’ Fugue in E minor for
string quartet is on the program, making its
debut performance. Fugues are an ambitious
undertaking for even the most seasoned of
composers, as the instruments “do battle” in their
attempt to reclaim the “main theme” from one
another. Yet, even in these comparatively early
stages of Jose’s career, the audience is sure to be
dazzled by the complexity of his composition.
He truly captures the essence of the fugue’s
characteristics.
Adding even more “flavor” to this special
performance, Jose’s brother, Reyes Abelardo
Oliveros, one of the Chamber Orchestra’s
violinists, will be making his first appearance in
the Chamber Orchestra’s String Quartet; as they
perform his brother’s Fugue.
You won’t want to miss this concert, as the
spotlight will be on these two remarkably
talented brothers …and that is just one ingredient
in what promises to be a memorable evening of
music to close the Vallarta Chamber Orchestra’s
7 th season.
Sunday, March 27 th / the American School
Under the Direction of Conductor, Don Bieghler
8 p.m. / $100 peso donation at the door.
Students and children are Free.
Website: http://www.puertovallartaorchestra.tk,
Email: vallartachamberorchestra@gmail.com
12 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
Alex Ryer’s back in town!
Alex Ryer is back in Puerto Vallarta with
her critically acclaimed musical “Bad Girls of
Broadway”. The show is running at The Palm on
Olas Altas Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8
p.m. through March 20. Bad Girls of Broadway
was a sold-out success when it premiered in
Vallarta at the Santa Barbara Theater back in
2008. Local critic Barbara Sands said, “Don’t
give it a miss if you don’t have a very, very
good reason.” The show is a frolicking musical
tribute to Mae West, Sophie Tucker and Fanny
Brice, three of the naughtiest and funniest women
ever to hit the stage. These three amazing and
multi-talented women set the bar for female
entertainers of today with their candid and
hysterically funny appraisal of men, sex, the
single life, married life and the challenges and
joys of womanhood.
In Bad Girls of Broadway, award-winning
actress and singer Alex Ryer lovingly brings
Mae, Sophie, and Fanny back to life as she
shares anecdotes, songs and jokes, as well as her
own personal connection to her three beloved
mentors. “It’s my love letter to these women,
who were big in more ways than one,” says
playwright Ryer about her work.
“I feel like a million tonight, but one at a
time” and “Why don’t you come up and see
me sometime, when I’ve got on nothin’ but the
radio” are just two of the hilarious one-liners
people associate with Mae West, star of stage
and screen in the roaring 20’s.
Sophie Tucker ’s powerful pipes and
Reubenesque form defined her vaudeville career
and, later, she was a frequent guest on The Ed
Sullivan Show. Nobody Loves a Fat Girl, But
Oh How a Fat Girl Can Love is one of Tucker’s
signature songs.
Fanny Brice, the subject of Funny Girl and
Funny Lady, was a part of every American
household with her radio character, Baby
Snooks, in the 1940’s.
When the show recently ran in California,
Joe Hegge, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Theatregoers, said “WOW! WHAT A SHOW!
Alex Ryer was outstanding. She truly made the
show a personal tribute to Mae West, Sophie
Tucker and Fanny Brice. Alex sang Sophie
Tucker like she was ‘the last of the red hot
mamas.’ Everyone loved it.”
Tickets ($100 pesos) are available at the door.

Cabaret Concert in Paradise
offers entertainment extraordinaire!
The Paradise Community Center
(127 Pulpito, site of the Farmers’
Market) will host an exciting new
entertainment concept on March
18 th at 6 p.m.: A Cabaret Concert,
showcasing a fabulous variety of
some of Vallarta’s finest professional
talent ranging from classical to
flamenco to pop to jazz, and more.
Audience members will enjoy a
host of vocalists and instrumental
ensembles featuring violin, harp,
marimba, keyboard, guitar and flute,
among others. Best of all, half of the
proceeds from ticket sales will benefit
programs initiated and administered
by CompassioNet Impact, a nonprofit
organization that serves the
marginalized people of Vallarta
through 1200 weekly hot meals, a
bookmobile, English classes, home
building and interest-free business
loans, to name but a few.
Among the line-up of engaging
performers are vocalists - Jamaicanborn
Roger Kassio (Kass), Kathy
Overly, the QuesaDivas (women’s
choral ensemble); popular musicians
Boutique Theatre’s Readers’ Theatre
Celebrity Autobiographies
Frida and Diego, John Wayne and Carrie Fisher join a star-filled
cast of actors/readers at Boutique Theatre’s Celebrity Autographies
season finale
What elegant actress did John Wayne spank? What fueled Frida and
Diego’s torrid romance? Who died in Carrie Fisher’s bed? What’s
behind Madonna’s sex videos? What secrets did Mae West hide?
Find out answers to these questions and more juicy revelations as
costumed Readers/Actors dramatically illuminate celebrities’ lives.
Don’t miss the third and final season Readers’ Theatre: Celebrity
Autobiographies popular show, this Tuesday, March 15 th at 8 p.m. at
the Boutique Theatre. This expanded two act show will feature Frida
and Diego (Dana and Mark Zeller), John Wayne (Ken Sebryk), Carrie
Fisher (Roberta Rand), Mae West (Norma Schuh), Truman Capote
(Bill Kelly), Audrey Hepburn (Susan Pall) and Madonna (Virginia
Fox). The popular Billy Crystal (Larry Schuh) will M.C. this starfilled
evening of theatrical stories and surprises.
Readers’ Theatre sold-out performances are not just readings!
Presented in the intimate new sixty-seat theatre in Old Town, sold-out
audiences are treated to hilarious, sobering, revealing and informative
insights woven into amusing short stories by the readers/actors.
Tickets, at $200 Pesos, are available now at Coco’s Kitchen on
Pulpito across from Paradise Community Center (home of the Farmers’
Market) or email: Tickets@boutiquetheatre.ca. 044 (322) 728-6878.
LIMITED SEATING!
D’Rachael, Samuel Rua Hernandez,
Raul Simental Zapata and Andrea
Jupina; Time to Play - the vocal/
instrumental quartet of Mary & Don
MacLachlan, Lois Rogers and Garry
Carlson; guitarist Eduardo Leon,
Antonio Chavez and his delightful
Marimba Band; the dynamic flamenco
group Laboquita, and more!
Ticket-holders are invited to enjoy
complimentary Happy Hour libations
(beer, wine, sodas, water, margaritas)
before the show, between 5:30 and
6:00 p.m. A self-serve cash bar will
offer drinks for purchase during and
after the show.
In addition, specialty finger foods,
coffee and sweets from the kitchens of
(See location number on central map)
SHOWS THIS WEEK
Fri Mar 4 - Alex Ryer
“Bad Girls of Broadway” * - 8 pm
Kim Kuzma - 10 pm
Sat Mar 5 - Alex Ryer
“Bad Girls of Broadway” * - 8 pm
Carrie Chesnutt 11 pm
(Special show after the parade)
Sun Mar 6 - The Originals 8 pm
Mon Mar 7 - Joanna 10 pm
Tue Mar 8 - Los Bambinos 7 pm
Kim Kuzma 10 pm
Wed Mar 9 - The Originals 8 pm
Carrie Chesnutt 10 pm
Thu Mar 10 - Alex Ryer
“Bad Girls of Broadway” * - 8 pm
Joanna - 10 pm
Fri Mar 11 - Alex Ryer
“Bad Girls of Broadway” * - 8 pm
Kim Kuzma - 10 pm
Sat Mar 12 - Alex Ryer
“Bad Girls of Broadway” * - 8 pm
Carrie Chesnutt - 10 pm
Sun Mar 13 - The Originals 8 pm
Boy and Gurl - 8 pm
Mon Mar 14 - Joanna - 10 pm
* Tickets for “Bad Girls of Broadway”
available after 6 any day
508 Olas Altas - Romantic Zone
Tel.: 222-5957 - thepalm.com
The 7 Arts
Narisa’s Thai Food, Ben’s Lighthouse
Deli and Grill, Kathy Overly Catering,
and Book and Bean Cafe will be sold
before and after the concert, as well
as during intermission.
Tickets ($250 pesos, including
complimentary Happy Hour from
5:30 to 6:00 p.m.) can be purchased
at the Farmers’ Market (Saturday,
March 12 th , 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and at
Paradise Community Center (Mon.-
Sun., 9 a.m. to Noon & beginning at
5:30 p.m. the day of the event. The
Cabaret Concert begins promptly at
6:00 p.m.
For additional information, please
call Paradise Community Center at
044 (322) 133-7263.
(See location number on central map)
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
13

(See location number on central map)
Map
Pastas, salads, pizzas baked in a
wood-burning oven, a fully-stocked
bar, and for dessert... the very best
artesanal Italian Gelati in town -
all freshly made in-house with low
sugar content, zero fat and
lactose-free milk!
Open every day
219 Basilio Badillo
Tel.: 222-2526
14 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
(See location number on central map)
(See location number on central map)
(See location number on central map)

(See location number on central map)
Map
Check out our web site at
www.barcelonatapas.net
Corner of Matamoros and 31 de octubre
downtown. Tel.: 223-0831
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
(See location number on central map)
(See location number on central map)
15

The 7 Arts
This animated film takes a lot of
chances. I like movies that have the
guts to get away from the mainstream.
Think of My Dinner with Andre
for instance. What chance do you
think that movie would have today
in getting financing? Meaning in
an environment where the powers
in Hollywood think the only people
who go to movies these days are 13
(See location number on central map)
Rango
-Greek Salad or Lemon Soup
-Roasted Leg of Lamb with
Lime Potatoes & Ratatouille
or
-Moussaka
-Baklava
Moussaka
$189 Pesos
Lamb
$239 Pesos
16 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
to 19 year-old boys. I can hear the
conversation now between a nervous
screenwriter and a hotshot producer,
who says, “Plot in twenty-five words
or less.” Writer, “Two men go to
dinner and discuss all sorts of facets
of life. One man is a pompous ass,
the other shy. A metamorphosis
takes place and…” Producer, “That’s
twenty-eight words. The guard at my
front door will validate your parking
ticket.”
Meaning that script has as much
chance of being bought these days as
a snowball rolling through Hell has of
remaining a snowball.
Rango is the name of a chameleon,
the star of Rango. The voice over is
done by Johnny Depp. The flick is
directed by Gore Verbinski. Rango
is not your normal chameleon – any
more than Johnny Depp can ever be
typecast. The lizard doesn’t live in
the wild; he lives in a desert home
and is a pet. Our protagonist leaves
the safety of his terrarium and goes on
a search for his destiny. He lands in
an animal town called Dirt. Dirt has
the strangest group of animals ever
assembled since Disney turned The
Wind in the Willows into a movie.
That flick had Toad, Badger, Mole
and the evil weasels.
Rango has the following incredible
list of actors and animals: Isla Fisher
as Beans, a desert iguana; Abigail
Breslin as Priscilla, a cactus mouse;
Ned Beatty as Tortoise John, Mayor of
Dirt, a desert tortoise; Alfred Molina
as Roadkill, a nine-banded armadillo;
Bill Nighy as Rattlesnake Jake, a
Film shot partly in PV opens in the U.S.
Last March 8 th was the date set for the premiere of
“Limitless” at the Ziegfield Theater in New York City. The
movie stars Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish and
Anna Friel. Several scenes for the movie were shot in Puerto
Vallarta in June of last year, including action scenes such as a
Maserati car chase and a jump off a cliff into the ocean.
This film, along with all the other ones shot in Vallarta that
preceded it, provides excellent promotion for this destination,
in addition to creating numerous temporary jobs for locals and
income from the 250 crew who lived and worked here for the
duration of the shoot.
western diamondback rattlesnake;
Stephen Root as Doc, a rabbit and as
Merrimack, a squirrel; Harry Dean
Stanton as Balthazar, a naked mole
rat; Timothy Olyphant as the Spirit
of the West; Ray Winstone as Bad
Bill, a gila monster; Ian Abercrombie
as Ambrose, a burrowing owl; Gil
Birmingham as Wounded Bird,
a Chihuahuan raven; and James
Ward Byrkit as all of the following:
Waffles, a horned toad, Gordy Papa,
Joad, Cousin Murt, Curlie Knife
Attacker and the Rodent Kid.
This movie is 107 minutes long
and is PG rated. It received Rotten
Tomatoes critic rating of a welldeserved
88%. What surprised me
is the audience rating was lower, at
78%. Generally the paying public
is a lot more forgiving than the
critics. Maybe because this movie
is not in 3-D while almost every
animated movie released now is
in 3-D (meaning that some of the
audience was disappointed before
the movie even began.) Nickelodeon
is the producer, with Paramount as
distributor. The Computer-Generated
Imagery is unbelievable. Unless
someone hits a colossal homerun
in the animation business this year
– listen up, Pixar! – Rango is a shoein
for the Best Animated Academy
Award.
Here’s what a few top critics
thought: A. O. Scott of the New York
Times wrote: “It is not self-conscious
knowingness that drives Rango, but
rather a quirky and sincere enthusiasm
for all the strange stuff that has piled
up in the filmmakers’ heads over the
years.” Next we have from the distaff
side Andrea Granvall of the Chicago
Reader: “What elevates it above a
cheeky romp is the skilled CGI work,
not only the wealth of tactile detail
lavished on the parched townsfolk but
also the painterly, sand-swept vistas
they call home.” And my favorite:
Liam Lacey of the Globe and Mall:
“With his first animated feature,
Pirates of the Caribbean director
Gore Verbinski shows ambitions
considerably beyond producing the
usual standard of most children’s
fare. To put it plainly, Rango is one
weird movie.”
The director stated that almost all
animated movies are slick, but he
wanted to create the feel that this
one was shot with a camera on his
shoulder. He accomplished what he
set out to do.
Recommendation: I hate those
3-D glasses, so I liked this flick even
before the lights dimmed. And when
the lights came back on, I didn’t like
it anymore – I loved it!
Joe Harrington is an
internationally-published author
and a documentary filmmaker.
Suggestions and criticism should be
directed to: JoeMovieMadness@
Yahoo.com Artwork by R.L. Crabb.

(See location number on central map)
Good Bites
Trio celebrates 4 th Annual Asparagus Festival At Tia Catrina’s…
It is asparagus season and, as it has done for the
last three years, Trio Café Restaurant Bar is proud
to present the special asparagus-based menu it has
created for this year’s celebration of this ancient
delicacy – nearly a dozen mouth-watering dishes!
This is a once-a-year opportunity to sample
those succulent asparagus dishes, each with its
own particular flavors, expertly prepared in Trio’s
kitchen - available during this month of March
only. Did you know that asparagus has been prized
by epicures since Roman times?
The name comes from the Greek, meaning
“sprout” or “shoot”, and is a member of the
Lily family. Widely appreciated for its tender,
succulent, edible shoots, asparagus cultivation
over 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean
region. Greeks and Romans prized asparagus for
its unique flavor, texture and alleged medicinal
qualities. They ate it fresh when in season and
dried the vegetable for use in winter. Asparagus is
also depicted in ancient Egyptian writings.
One could say asparagus is an international food.
With its high tolerance for salt and its preference for
sandy soils, wild asparagus grows in such diverse
places as England, Wisconsin, Russia, and Poland.
Asparagus has also been grown in Syria and Spain
since ancient times. In the 16 th Century, it gained
popularity in France and England. From there, the
early colonists brought it to America. Asparagus
is often called the “Food of Kings” as King Louis
XIV of France (a.k.a. the Sun King) was so fond
of this delicacy that he ordered special greenhouses
built so he could enjoy asparagus all year-round!
Asparagus is very versatile. In China, asparagus
spears are candied and served as special treats. It is
widely popular today as a scrumptious, fresh, and
healthy vegetable.
For an unforgettable dinner in one of Puerto
Vallarta’s top restaurants, make your reservation
at Trio’s …before the end of the month! Trio is
conveniently located a couple of blocks from the
main square, at 264 Guerrero. Tel.: 222-2196.
(See location number on central map)
In addition to the 50%
discount your hosts Erin and
Hector are offering on their
entire menu (excluding bar)
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Thursdays, they will be
preparing a super special
dinner in honor of St. Patrick’s
Day, Thursday, March 17 th .
The menu will consist of:
Green Goddess Salad
Traditional Corned Beef
and Cabbage Dinner
with Irish Soda Bread
Irish Coffee for dessert
$250 pesos per person
Reservations are highly
recommended for the midweek
dinners, and for St.
Patrick’s Day.
Tel.: (322) 117-3291 or
044 (322) 117-3291 from a
landline. You can also email
hectormohica@yahoo.com
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
17

Vallarta Voices
Vallarta: My Healing Place
(Part 1 of 2)
Last January, I had recently
returned from a one-month Christmas
vacation in Vallarta when I began to
plan a celebratory trip with my best
friend. At the tender age of 29, I’d
had breast cancer, and last summer
would have marked a 20-year cancerfree
triumph. In February, two soul
sisters (my friend had been through
breast cancer 5 years prior) booked
a “celebration of life” trip to Italy for
the fall.
Two weeks later, I found a lump
in my other breast. I booked an
emergency mammogram, after which
the doctor advised that the x-ray did
not look promising. I left the concrete
institute stunned and confused. After
all of this time, I was sure I would
never need to experience the lesson
of cancer again.
On the way to see a client, I passed
a beautiful field and for a moment,
a calm lucidity fell over my mind in
the midst of a sea of panic. I asked
myself - my heart, not my head - what
I would do if it were cancer. The first
“order” came loud and clear: go back
to Vallarta for chelation and holistic
treatments before any allopathic
intervention. I knew my spirit was not
prepared for whatever lay ahead if I
were diagnosed, and I felt my body
needed immune boosting.
Mexico had been my healing zone;
upon my divorce in 1993 after a shortlived
marriage, I had severe back
spasms and grief that threatened to
overwhelm me. I booked a flight to
Vallarta with two friends and one day,
while sitting alone on the beach in the
early morning, something came over
By Wanda St. Hilaire
18 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
me telling me all would be well. The
next morning, the back spasms had
vanished and each day, the beauty
of the Bay of Banderas helped to
dissipate my sorrow.
Three years later, I found myself
alone in France after a devastating
break-up with a Frenchman. As
I wandered the streets of Paris
wondering what to do (I was on a
six-month leave of absence from my
job), I knew I had to return to Vallarta.
The cold gray of Europe in November
and the anonymity would not suffice. I
needed the sun, the sea, and the people
of Mexico to mend my wildly out-ofcontrol
heartbreak.
I rented an apartment in a small
Mexican hotel in 5 de Diciembre.
Awash in the bewilderment of a third
catastrophe within a five-year span, I
walked the hills of Puerto Vallarta each
day and the shoreline each sunset. My
eyes must have belied my condition;
kind and concerned Mexicans would
stop me to ask if there was anything
I needed, anything they could do to
help. Even the unkempt homeless
man on my street stopped me one
day to offer a chocolate muffin he’d
just received. It was a gift I will never
forget.
Slowly, the sun and energy of
Vallarta erased the dark clouds. I
took Spanish lessons from a scholarly
Mexican man who was, ironically,
married to a French woman. The
couple took me under their wing and
had me over for lively dinners with
exquisite classical music. I painted
in Pueblo Real with a quiet, talented
artist. The waiters and owners of the
restaurants I frequented accepted me
as family and always took the time
to chat or play a game of dominoes.
They knew I needed TLC and did
not shy away from my air of sadness.
After five months in Puerto Vallarta,
I returned home to my Canadian life,
healed and filled with gratitude for the
time I was granted here.
Back to last year … in March, I
was diagnosed once again with breast
cancer. I immediately did my research
and booked an emotional voyage to
my beloved second home, PV. That
was my 27 th trip to Mexico and for an
entirely different experience.
I came here purposefully alone and
had chelation treatments with a firm
but compassionate doctor, along with
other daily holistic treatments. Placed
on a strict cleansing diet, I was easily
able to find fresh and delicious food
in the mercados and the restaurants. I
walked everywhere, journalized, and
read seaside each day.
When people discovered the purpose
of my trip, the kindness of strangers
was unexpected and extraordinary. I
bought freshly squeezed juice from a
man on my street each morning and,
one day, he wrote out a healing recipe
for me. When I returned the next day
and apologized because I didn’t have
the time to find everything with all
of my appointments, he smiled and
nodded. The next morning, he handed
me a bag with all of the ingredients
he’d picked up at two mercados for
me. No charge.
After one month in PV, I went back
to Canada feeling strong, cleansed,
and healthy with my spirit fortified for
the challenge that lay ahead.
In between surgery and radiation, I
spent a month (another heart-directed
self-promise) with my sister in the
beauty of British Columbia. There,
I soul-searched about the path my
life was taking. I’d lost my sales
contract, without benefits, due to the
time off I’d needed for my illness.
After considering many options,
it was clear what I would do after
treatment. For the previous two years,
a voice had been nagging at me to quit
my sales career, which had become
stressful in the midst of the economic
downturn, and go to Vallarta to write.
I’d made all manner of excuses, all
logic-driven. This time my heart
led the way. I decided that life was
far too short not to do what I love,
where I love. After receiving a clean
bill of health from my oncologist, I
subleased my apartment in Calgary
and moved to Puerto Vallarta on
December 1 st to write my second
travel memoir.
When I landed, I stayed for a month
at my usual little hotel and fell into a
funk. After being on one mission or
another to get well and plan a new
life, I was lost without an assignment
to immediately attend to.
My arrival was specifically planned
to coincide with my favorite Mexican
celebration, the Festival of the Virgin
of Guadalupe. I visited el centro
nightly to watch and to nosh at
the many stands bearing the best
of the local women’s cooking and
baking. The spiritual energy of the
processions, which build momentum
to the finale of the Virgin’s birthday on
December 12, fed the part of my soul
in need of reassurance after a daunting
year sometimes darkened with doubt.
(Continued in next week’s issue)
Canadian Wanda St.Hilaire is the
author of The Cuban Chronicles, the
Circle of Life series, and a poetry/journal
written in PV called Of Love, Life and
Journeys. She is currently writing her next
travel memoir about the “French Fiasco”
as mentioned above. You can visit her site
at www.wandasthilaire.com and find The
Cuban Chronicles at El Sofa, Casa del
Libro, Las Mujeres de Villa and Gringo
Books (Bucerías), or visit the author at
the weekend farmers’ markets.

Fight ageing …naturally.
The incredible advances in skin
care over the last couple of decades
have opened the doors to the
development of new substances and
treatments that treat wrinkles, spots
and other skin irregularities, non
aggressively, and with surprising
results.
“Skin is closely linked to the rest
of the organism’s functions through
the dermis’ small blood vessels
through which nutrients and toxic
elements can enter.”
With toxic elements, we refer
to stress, tobacco, drugs, poorlybalanced
diets, insufficient water
intake – all elements that produce
free radicals that damage the
epidermis. There are also external
factors such as A and B ultraviolet
rays that alter cell DNA, thus
affecting vital skin functions such
as water retention, renewal skin
layers, the formation of collagen
and elastin, and the maintenance of
adequate lubrication.
Like other organs, the skin has
mechanisms meant to repair damage
caused by internal and external
aggression agents. Under perfect
balance conditions, this would
suffice, but when we consider
internal and external aggression
suffered by skin, these mechanisms
have to be helped by technology and
bio-molecular developments that
allow us to successfully reverse all
the processes of photo-ageing.
“The effects of damage to cells
are visible to the naked eye. We
can see the thickening of the skin
caused by the epidermis’ loss of its
ability to renew itself, we see dilated
pores, spots and wrinkles, all caused
by the alteration in the production
of lipids and the disorganization in
the production of proteins essential
to the skin’s support and elasticity.”
By Ali Hernandez
Come visit us at Ali’s Health &
Rejuvenation Spa so that we may
show you what our new treatments
can do to help you be as beautiful
as you should be!
All services at Ali’s Health &
Rejuvenation Spa are offered by
professionals familiar with the
techniques, the products and their
applications. Consultations are free.
For more information on our
products and services, or to make an
appointment with our expert in skin
treatments, Dr. Mario Peña Esparza
(not a dermatologist), nutritionist
Vanessa
Altamirano, or with renowned
plastic surgeon Dr. Nestor Baldizon,
please give us a call.
Ali Hernandez is one of the few
certified cosmetologists in Puerto
Vallarta. Her clinic is conveniently
located on 5 de Febrero, No. 319,
right near Rizo’s. Appointments
can be made at 224-9633
or 044 (322) 292-8582.
(See location number on central map)
Health & Beauty
Eyebrow Tattoos… Feathering…
Permanent Eyebrows?
A ll those terms refer to
cosmetic eyebrow intra-dermal
micro-pigmentation, used for
people who have lightly-colored,
sparse, uneven or no eyebrow
hair, caused by excessive tweezing
or waxing, hereditary factors,
medical conditions, or medication.
The results last but, like any
such procedures, they do fade over
time, thus needing touch-ups.
Once you’ve gotten over any
initial reluctance you may have,
the most important step is finding
an expert permanent makeup
artist who understands the finesse
required for “natural” eyebrow
enhancement, someone who
knows to feather the eyebrow,
and to use becoming colors.
That’s where Erika Lamas
comes in. This young lady has
been exercising her profession
for over a decade, right here in
Puerto Vallarta. She will meet
with you to explain every aspect
of the procedure ahead of time,
down to the smallest detail. She
will also tell you that it will take
approximately one week for the
initial dark color to fade to a
permanent shade.
Eyebrows “frame” the eyes
and are a reference point that
determines how facial features
are perceived. The appropriate
eyebrow shape and size can appear
to lift a person’s eyes, creating a
more youthful appearance.
Properly designed eyebrows can
balance the distance between eyes
or modify the look of prominent or
deeply set eyes. A good eyebrow
design can also make cheekbones
appear more defined and influence
the perception of the person’s nose
size.
Eyebrow micro-pigmentation
eliminates the daily use of pencils
to fill-in, reshape, or recolor
brows whose shape, thickness,
color, density, height, balance,
and symmetry can now be
corrected once and for all.
Erika Lamas is experienced in
the micro-pigmentation process
on eyebrows (among other facial
features, such as eyeliner, lip liner,
etc.) She uses multiple colors and
methods including simulated hair
strokes, feathering, and shading.
Because of her extensive
education in the field, many
physicians refer patients
to her because they trust her
knowledge and expertise. She
has successfully performed her
micro-pigmentation skills on
the eyebrows of patients with
scars from injuries and burns,
eyebrow hair transplants, and
no hair (Alopecia patients). She
has also helped cancer patients
before and after their hair loss
from chemotherapy.
If needed, Erika will create
“hairs” using a simulated hair
stroke technique to supplement
the existing eyebrow hair. Bare
sections can also be filled-in
or bald spots from scars can
be hidden with this procedure.
The feathering ensures that your
permanent eyebrows will look
completely natural!
Erika Lamas can be contacted
at her Permanent Make-Up clinic
located at Timon 1-A in Marina
Vallarta. Tel.: 221- 0102. You
may want to visit her web site at
www.permanentmakeup.mx
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
19

Health & Beauty
Body & Sol
By Krystal Frost
The Sun Exposure Factor
Apparently now (this may change
in awhile), research shows that your
likelihood of developing skin cancer
from sun exposure is nowhere near
as high as you have been led to
believe in the past. The benefits
of normalizing your vitamin D levels
FAR outweigh any risk you may have
from optimal sun exposure.
So I’m glad to see that there are
more scientific arguments promoting
healthy sun exposure, and the focus
is finally shifting toward making sure
20 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
you’re getting the right amount of
exposure based on your individual
variables.
The new truth is, this pervasive
and persistent anti-tanning campaign
has not done you any favors. It has
enriched sun lotion manufacturers,
but most likely caused more disease
than it prevented.
The risks of UVB come from
overexposure. This can be greatly
minimized by avoiding sunburn,
and eating a healthy diet, rich in
antioxidants. The recommendation
to never go out in the sun without
wearing sunscreen, however, is
simply misguided advice. Slathering
on sunscreen will effectively shield
you from the sun’s inherent health
benefits, so your body will not
synthesize vitamin D properly.
It’s important to remember that you
can develop sun damage even with
sunscreen. Sunscreens don’t stop the
damage from occurring, they simply
stops the burn. But damage can still
occur on a cellular level. Even
worse, most sunscreens contain
toxic chemicals that absorb through
your skin, adding to your toxic load
and even increasing your cancer
risk. So use your head when it comes
to what you are putting on your skin.
Bear in mind that everyone responds
differently to sunlight, depending on
factors such as: Antioxidant levels,
and diet in general, Age, Skin color,
Current tan level, Latitude and
altitude (elevation), Cloud cover
and pollution, Ozone layer, Surface
reflection, Season, Time of day.
Raspberries, blueberries and
strawberries are great antioxidants;
also vitamins A and C are vital
as your cells use these vitamins to
regulate both light absorption and
protection against overexposure.
Prepare for your sun break
If your skin is unused to the sun,
it is important to build up your
tolerance regularly and gradually
before a tropical sun exposure.
Many of our vacationers and short
term citizens are hungry for the sun
(and tequila) and over do it the first
couple of days. This can lead to a
terrible reaction that we call sun/fun
poisoning. Its symptoms include a
pounding headache, body aches and
nausea, which translate into 2 or 3
days in bed feeling crappy.
At the beginning of the season, go
out gradually and limit your exposure
to perhaps as little as 10 minutes a
day. Progressively increase your time
in the sun so that in a few weeks, you
will be able to take sun exposure with
less risk of sun poisoning and cell
(See location number on central map)
damage. Do you sunbathing before
noon or after 4 p.m. Keep the drinks
watered down to after sunset.
Regular Intervals - Regular
sunbathing is extremely important;
you can’t cram all of your sun
exposure into a two or three week
vacation period and expect to
experience the benefits. So, consider
gradually increasing your time,
starting with 20 minutes in the
morning and working up to a couple
of hours, depending on your skin
type and environmental factors
It’s also important to treat your
tanning as a medicine and control
the dosage; frequent, short periods
of regular exposure are best. .
Show Some Skin - A common
myth is that occasional exposure
of the face and hands to sunlight is
“sufficient” for vitamin D nutrition.
For optimal benefit, strive to have
at least 40 percent of your skin
uncovered.
Using Your Skin as a Guide - If
you have light-colored skin, you can
use the color of your skin to tell you
when you’ve had enough sun and it’s
time to get in the shade (or cover up
using a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and
a hat). Stay out just long enough so
that your skin turns the very lightest
shade of pink.
Remember that continuing UV
exposure beyond the minimal dose
required to produce skin redness
will not increase your vitamin D
production any further.
We are blessed with 365 days of
sunshine here in P.V. Enjoy it wisely
and drink good tequila.
Krystal Frost is a long time
resident of Puerto Vallarta.
Graduate of University of
Guadalajara, and specialized in
cosmetic acupuncture at Bastyr
University in Washington State.
She is the owner of Body & Sol for
over 10 years where she practices
traditional Chinese medicine,
acupuncture, massage therapy,
yoga, meditation and nutritional
counseling. She has created
healing programs for individuals,
retreats and spas. Questions and
comments may be directed to
organic-select@hotmail.com

By Giselle Belanger, RN, LCSW
Health & Beauty
Are we communicating yet? “you never ask me how my day was” or “you never do anything nice for
me” How do you feel just reading those accusing phrases? Most likely,
Communication problems are very common whether it is between
family members, friends, work colleagues, or an intimate relationship.
How many times have you said “That’s not what I said” or had someone
accusingly say “You are not listening”? It can be very frustrating to feel
like you are being misunderstood or not listened to and the aggravation
escalates into anger, defenses rise, and before you know it you are
arguing and definitely not effectively communicating.
Are you listening?
In order to truly listen, you have to be focused on what the other
person is saying, not thinking about how much you don’t agree or how to
defend yourself. You may feel so anxious that you cannot wait for them
to finish before you interrupt to defend yourself. If you interrupt or speak
at the same time they are, then you are not listening. Don’t worry, you
will have the chance to respond afterwards. “Active” listening is when
you are fully engaged in what the other person is saying and “passive”
listening is when you “hear” what they are saying and can repeat what
they said but you are distracted thinking or doing something else at
the same time. Active listening requires effort and energy as well as a
sincere interest. Do you have good listening skills?
Validate instead of judging or criticizing
During the listening process there will be opportunities to confirm that
you are in fact listening, paying attention, following the conversation,
and understanding what is being said. It is important to validate the
other person’s feelings and experience whether you agree or not, or
think they should feel the way they do or not. It may seem ridiculous or
their perception may seem too extreme or you may think they’re being
too sensitive, but it is still the way they feel. Emotions do not need to
be rational. Instead they must be validated, not judged or criticized.
Be empathic
Try to put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself what it would be like
to have that same experience and how it would feel. Try to imagine
it. Some things are much easier than others and don’t require much
imagination. For example, you don’t have to jump off the Brooklyn
Bridge to know that it would hurt and so you don’t need to try it. Other
things require that you get in touch with your empathic side. The ability
to be empathic is essential and the best way to gain empathy is to
think of similar experiences of pain, loss, fear, etc in order to imagine
what it must be like for them. If you are able to do this, you will find
a new, kinder, less aggressive way of connecting with that person and
communication will be much more effective.
Do not blame
It is very important to practice speaking in the first person (“I”) instead
of the typical blaming “you” point of view. “You make me so angry” or
they make you angry and defensive. Now consider the same complaints
stated differently in the first person from the “I” point of view. “I feel
so angry when” or “It would feel so good if you would ask me how
my day was” or “I’m feeling lonely, a little ignored, and I’m not sure
what’s going on, I need more attention and quality time from you right
now”. Doesn’t that sound less aggressive? When you speak from the first
person, you are accepting responsibility for your part; your feelings, your
desires, and your needs. The other person will be much more willing to
accommodate your needs and desires if you aren’t completely blaming
them for your unhappiness.
Accept responsibility
Take an honest look at your part and accept responsibility for it. Were
you inconsiderate? Did you only think of yourself? Were you impulsive?
Should you have considered the consequences or how it would affect
someone else? Once you acknowledge their point of view and your
part in the scenario, you will then be able to consider what you could
do differently the next time.
Next time
Review together what you could do differently next time. What would
help the situation?
Is the behavior or attitude old or new? What are your patterns? What
are you willing to change and what do you refuse to change? How does
it make you feel to consider these changes? Is it threatening or scary?
Will the other way be really unfamiliar? It is important to consider all
of this so that you don’t agree to something that you are not actually
willing to carry out. Do not make promises you can not keep. Most likely
you will need to compromise somewhere in the middle. It will feel good
if you are both making an effort. And best of all, communicating in a
more personal way, sharing your feelings, desires and needs, closes the
gap and creates intimacy.
Giselle Belanger, RN, LCSW (psychotherapist) is available for
appointments in person, by phone, or by skype webcam.
Contact info: ggbelanger@sbcglobal.net,
Mex cell: 044 (322) 138-9552 or US cell: (312) 914-5203.
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
21

Hi-Tech
Do you hear what I hear?…
No, my Google calendar is not stuck on Dec. 25, but rather the title is
a lead-in for a topic that I don’t think I’ve ever covered. Coming up on 5
years and 120 articles, I realized I‘ve never talked about computer speakers!
Don’t settle for anemic audio from your computer or even worse your
laptop. It’s amazing what poor sound people put up with, whether listening
to music while you work or actually trying to watch a movie! Here’s some
help to find the right new sound for you.
If you’re tired of the sad sound coming from your computer, well don’t
worry, you’re not alone. Buying PC speakers should be relatively painless,
but to get the most bang for your buck, you should analyze your needs
before pulling out your wallet.
Options run the gamut from super-cheap, space-saving stereo speakers
that sound just okay, to pricey, bass-infused powerhouses that deliver
loud, thumping beats. Since music lovers, movie addicts, and gamers
have different sound agendas, first we’ll explore the key points everyone
should consider.
22 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
Stereo, 2.1, or Surround Sound: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the lingo is an important place to start. Stereo speakers
consist of only a left and a right speaker, while “2.1” refers to a pair of
speakers augmented by a subwoofer, and surround sound involves between
five and seven speakers plus a subwoofer. The role of the subwoofer is to
cover deep bass frequencies, generally below 100Hz.
A solid subwoofer at a reasonable volume can add throttle to film
explosions and depth to kick drums, bass guitars, orchestras, and more.
Some stereo speaker pairs however, sound great even without a subwoofer,
primarily because their woofers (the drivers dedicated to low-mid and low
frequencies) are perfectly capable of handling the bass response.
Smaller stereo pairs, or those with only one driver, tend to offer less
bass response. A surround-sound speaker setup employs a stereo pair, a
subwoofer, a center “channel” that covers dialogue in movies, and two or
more rear satellite speakers for sounds passing behind you.
If you’re a film buff, you have the room, and you don’t mind some
wires, a surround system can significantly enhance your movie-watching
experience. Most PC surround systems, however, are geared toward
gamers. If you’re looking for a top-notch gaming sound system, try sets
from Logitech, Altec Lansing, or Razer. Some systems even incorporate
headsets. If you simply want to hear deep bass rumble in your movies, a
2.1 system is the way to go - and fortunately, there are affordable options.
Otherwise, a simple stereo pair will probably suffice for general internet
work and background music.
How much do you have to spend? Even if you’re on a tight budget,
low-cost speakers can noticeably improve your listening experience. You
can drop as little as $50 or as much as $500 on a speaker set, but the good
news is that some of the best products we’ve tested start in the low $100
range.
Do extra features matter? You might not think much about extra
features when it comes to PC speakers, but there are some things to
consider: Do the speakers include bass and treble controls so you can tailor
the sound to your tastes? How about a Mute button? Is there an Aux input
for plugging in an MP3 player? How about a remote control?
How you plan to use your speakers will also help determine your best
option. Home or office? You probably don’t need a mammoth subwoofer
if you’re listening at work - small speakers with decent clarity might be
the wisest choice, particularly if you’re just using them to watch YouTube
videos or listen to Internet radio streams.
For home, maybe you want larger or more stylish speakers, and the
ability to blast them without distortion (especially if your PC is your main
music source).
Now... what about connections? If your PC has a limited number of
USB ports, you’ll probably want to go with the more common 3.5-mm
“mini plug” audio output connector, though USB-powered speakers often
come with software that enables special functions.
Personally I’m impressed with Logitech for a reasonably-priced brand
here in Mexico. All the way from basic 500-peso speakers, up to 2,700peso
cinema media center. Something for everyone. The sound quality
seems to fit every need and budget. That’s all my time for now. See you
again in 2 weeks. Until then, remember… only safe Internet!
Ron can be found at The Computer Store, 153 Guayana, Col. Lazaro
Cardenas - One block west of the Red Cross. Sales, Repairs, Networking,
Wi-Fi, Hardware upgrades, Graphic Design, House-calls available.
223-2939 or just email to TCSRon@Gmail.com. Twitter: @rbravopv

Lots of fish, tons of bait,
therein lies the problem!
By Stan Gabruk
Bait, bait, everywhere there is bait. May not seem like a bad thing,
but when there is too much bait in the water, why would a fish pay any
attention to what you are presenting to them? Such is the case this week
with plenty of nice sized game fish at our world famous fishing grounds.
Jack Crevalle, Snappers and the reappearance of Rooster fish, but don’t
get excited, it’s not a piece of cake out there right now.
For those of you looking for the big game fish of Sailfish, Marlin, and
Yellowfin Tuna, well for the most part, you are out of luck. It’s just the
wrong time of the year for these species, which is why many will call
this the slow season. There is Yellowfin Tuna at the Tres Marias Islands
and you can get them in the 150 to 200-lb size range, but they are 80
miles out and the folks around the Islands are not as flexible lately as
they have been. If you are out there, be prepared with all the necessary
documentation and if someone tells you they have a permit to fish this
area, there is a 90% chance that is a bogus statement and they are taking
chances with YOUR money and vacation fishing trip! I cannot stress
enough how the islands have a 15-mile limit, but they will allow 10 miles
for a buffer. Boats like the Anna Marie who was grabbed and the captain
was held for four days should be enough to get these guys straight. But
the Anna Maria is still making the track daily. So even if they get busted,
they don’t learn. Maybe if the money was coming from their pocket and
they told you the real situation, then you may not choose to head out there.
There are very many boats in the marina, seasoned boats with seasoned
captains that don’t see fishing the Tres Marias Islands as a risk they are
willing to take. One of these days, a boat will not be given back and
the crew will be kept in the prison. I guess that’s when these “envelope
stretchers” will learn a lesson the old timers already stress, but like most
older types, are ignored! Don’t let the lure of big fish blind you to what
can happen out there!
Fish Tales
Now if you’re looking for more modest sized fish, then Puerto Vallarta
is the place for you come February, March and April. If you find yourself
at the Marieta Islands you’ll be trolling for Snappers, Jack Crevalle, Sierra
Mackerel, Groupers, Rooster fish, Bonito, and the list goes on. Now these
fish may or may not want what you are offering, so be mentally prepared
to come in empty-handed. One fact that will help is knowing when the bite
is so you have the best chance of actually catching something out there!
Right now it pays to be out there at or around (earlier is better) 2 p.m.,
but be warned, the bite can change in a heartbeat so check the reports or
contact me for the latest information…
Anywhere inside the bay you are dealing with the same situation, Jack
Crevalle, Sierra Mackerel, Snappers, some Bonito and more are there
waiting for you. But like I mentioned earlier, getting them to take bait
when there is just so much of in the water is where the challenge lies!
Sayulita is still full of Rooster fish and African Pompano, same condition
with bait - tooooo much is a bad thing. But if you are in the area, give it a
shot. Those that have been boated are running between 35 and 50 lbs. The
Marieta Islands are still the same. At the risk of sounding a little cookie
cutter here, Snappers, Jack Crevalle, the odd Rooster fish, Bonito, small
Grouper and more are still there! They will take baits, but you better be
creative and running at least one lure may be a good idea since they seem
to be taking plastics!
The big secret this week is the area around El Moro, just south of the
Marieta Islands. The currents are such where there are upwellings, where
the currents clash with the island and force nutrients up from the bottom.
Now Rooster fish love this sort of thing as they do the trash lines in the
summer. For some reason here at El Moro, the Rooster fish, Jack Crevalle
and Amber Jacks are attacking baits. The Roosters and Jacks are all in
the 35 to 60-lb range. On light tackle this is a day you won’t forget! This
is where the fish are at this week and not everyone is heading out this
way either, so you may have the area to yourself, now that is a fantasy!
That’s about it for now, until next week… don’t forget to kiss your fish!
Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions you can reach me
at www.MasterBaiters.com.mx or CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx
The trade name Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle is protected
under trade mark law and is the sole property to Stan Gabruk. Always
ask to speak with Stan to ensure product quality and that you are working
with the true Master Baiter’s ® and not an impostor.
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
23

(See location number on central map)
Real Estate
VIEWPOINT
24 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
By Harriet Murray
Too many choices…
How does the average person planning for a second or retirement
home take best advantage of a buyer’s market?
A large supply can be a blessing or cause confusion, like the customer
given too many choices at the lipstick counter. Having a plan, like a
professional investor, can serve you well.
Where do you want to buy? Why? What are your needs and wants?
List them separately to determine where you can compromise and
where you cannot.
Can you prioritize you needs? Can you compromise with your
partner? Can you accept the realities of the market with its advantages
and its limitations?
I have found the most successful purchasers use a system to not
become overwhelmed with an oversupply, which is often the case
in a buyer’s market. In a recent case of a couple looking for their
retirement home, we saw properties each day, usually not more than six.
Afterwards, we sat down and had a drink or bite to eat and discussed
the pros and cons of each property. My purpose was mainly to review
or point out details for clarification. The buyers did their homework
after I left. They discussed the properties more thoroughly and were
able to tell me what to focus upon, to schedule for the next showings.
Only certain properties were left on the “Possible” list.
Choose the country and area first. Investigate the answers to the
first questions you will have such as health, safety, cost of living,
recreation, accessibility of airports to your preferred cities for travel.
You normally will not want to look for a home until you know the
area you desire. You can have more than one location chosen, but
don’t look for a home seriously until you have answered these first
questions. You may need to take a first trip to do this research before
you line up properties to see. Certainly, you will want to know if the
area you choose has properties in your price range. However, starting
with looking at properties is the opposite of what I recommend you
do. Frankly, questions about security and living costs need to be
researched and sourced, more than talking to real estate agents You
are not going to get the depth of answers you are looking for without
a selection of third party reliable sources.
I have found the serious buyers come prepared, knowing that they
want to be here or are seriously considering this location as one of
few choices of where to live. This focus allows them to control the
amount of properties they see and cope successfully with the potential
confusion of seeing too much.
I have seen buyers come into a market with a large amount of supply,
and then return home confused, having made no decision. They were
overwhelmed. Part of this problem is theirs and part is the agent’s.
Pricing in a Buyer’s Market
Now is the chance to get a very good price for the property you
have selected. I recommend you not fall in love with only one home,
but have at least two you will be glad to own. There is a fine line
or balance between arriving at a price you will want to buy and the
seller will want to sell. If you have more than one choice, you can
be more objective. If you expect to beat the seller up about price and
lose the home for what in the long run will not be worth it, you have
tipped the balance against yourself. Nothing happens until someone
buys. This occurs when the seller is willing to sell and the buyer is
willing to buy …for the same price.
This article is based upon legal opinions, current practices and
my personal experiences in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahía de Banderas
areas. I recommend that each potential buyer or seller of Mexican
real estate conduct his own due diligence and review.
Harriet Murray can be contacted through www.casasandvillas.
com Photo by Jim Manson

Fifty ways
to leave your liver
By Gil Gevins
When I asked my wife what she
wanted to do for our twenty-six-year
(Zinc?) anniversary, her reply rendered
me dumb with panic. She wanted to
go on the Canopy Ride at Boca de
Locura. The Canopy is one of those
spectacular zip-line adventures where
they put you in a harness, attach you
to a series of steel cables and send you
flying through the air like superman. It
sounds like fun, and it is …unless you
suffer, like me, from a serious case of
Acrophobia (Fear of Heights), and to
a lesser extent, Spasmynaphobia (Fear
of Clumsy People) and Repubaphobia
(Fear of Republicans). But I digress.
Somehow, all these years I’d
managed to hide all of these un-macho
failings from my wife, and I wasn’t
about to disillusion her now. Not on
our Zinc Anniversary!
“Sure, honey, let’s do it!” I mumbled
gamely.
When the day came, I dug my flask
out of storage and went to go look for
Big Ears, my old Raicilla connection. I
had not, at my doctor’s urging, touched
a drop of Raicilla for several years.
He’d pointed out that if I continued to
consume the fiery corrosive Mexican
moonshine, it would create such a
profound hole in my stomach that all
my alimentary intake would wind up,
eventually, in China, where it would be
used, along with pesticide run-off, in
the manufacture of baby food.
I found Big Ears eating a labio (lip)
taco behind the counter of his wife’s
tiendita three blocks from the shop.
“What’s good this week,” I asked
him, “the Leaded or the Unleaded?”
“It’s all good,” Big Ears said. Then
he filled my flask with Raicilla and
threw in some Melox Plus at no
extra cost.
Our canopy tour was scheduled
for eleven a.m. We arrived promptly,
paid our tickets and proceeded to the
staging area for pre-flight instructions.
The “Guides”, as they were called,
laced their instructions with a bunch of
jokes which everyone but me seemed
to find highly amusing.
“These guys are pretty funny,” Lucy
remarked.
By way of reply, I continued to
hyper-ventilate.
On the long walk up to the first
staging area, through beautiful, dense,
orchid-laden jungle, I managed to
isolate myself long enough to get
several large surreptitious slugs of
Raicilla down, chased post-haste by
massive swigs of liquid Melox. By
the time we reached the first platform,
I was out of breath and out of brain
cells. But my fear of heights had
largely vanished, replaced by a feeling
of unlimited optimism and euphoria.
A pair of squirrels were cavorting in
a nearby tree.
“Hello, squirrels,” I said, “hope
you’re having a nice day!”
Lucy regarded me with concern.
When it came time to buckle me on
to the thick steel cable and send me
off on my first run through canopied
space, it became apparent that I’d
forgotten all of the instructions we’d
received only minutes earlier. Mario
the guide, patient in the extreme,
reminded me which leg to lift, so as
to put in reasonable proximity the ring
on my harness and the hook which was
(hopefully) attached to the cable.
Standing with my left leg hiked way
up in the air, I felt like a dog peeing
on a fire hydrant, and I told Mario so.
“Fine,” he said, eying me warily.
“No, no, what are you doing?” Mario
shouted a moment later, as I stepped
towards the edge of the platform.
“You’re not hooked on yet!”
“Whoops.”
“And why are your lips all white?”
the guide demanded.
“Well, you know, Mario, they don’t
call us white men for nothing.”
There is a certain easy-to-perform
technique involved in successfully
negotiating the full-length of the zipline.
The idea is to remain relaxed,
straight and balanced. If you don’t, you
proceed crookedly, thereby causing
your pulley to rub against the cables,
slowing you down. The vast majority
of people, I should ´point out, zip
from one platform to the next with no
problem whatsoever.
On the first cable, a short practice
run, I managed to eke my way all
the way across. On the next three,
I petered out only meters from my
goal. On the fifth run, however, the
first of any length, I ran into an actual
problem. My mistake, evidently,
was to swivel around in order to
wave to my wife. The swivelling,
along with my admittedly atrocious
“technique”, produced a serious drag
on the cable, and about halfway across
the spectacular river valley, I slid to a
gentle halt.
Hanging there suspended over the
river, I had a wonderful opportunity
to take in the view. And a few more
pulls on my flask. I was definitely
in another zone by now, because the
Raicilla was actually tasting good - a
physical impossibility. Before I knew
it, I’d finished most of the flask, and
half the small bottle of liquid extrastrength
Melox Plus, which did a
nice job of coating my stomach and
keeping my lips white.
Gil Gevins’ Page
A bird flew by, and I began to laugh
hysterically. I’m up here with the birds,
I thought. How cool is that?
Then the bird spoke to me.
“That was the worst technique I’ve
ever seen. Ever!”
“Easy for you to say,” I told the bird.
Then something spun me around,
and I was facing, not a bird, but
Mario, my guide. “Hey, Mario,” I said,
“what’s happening, dude? Want some
Raicilla?”
Mario regarded me with disbelief.
Looking back in sobriety now on
this scene, I realize that to an objective
observer the two of us dangling up
there on that wire, a hundred meters
above the breathtakingly beautiful
Mendoza River, with the nearest
landing strip so far away it was barely
visible, with my white lips and my arm
outstretched offering the depleted flask
of Raicilla to Mario - to that impartial
observer, our airborne tableau might
have appeared a little odd.
The patient Mario was, finally,
losing his composure. “Now I have to
haul you all the way to the other side,”
he complained, wrapping his legs
around my waist, and pulling us hand
over hand across the canyon.
“Good thing I’m not ticklish,” I
told him.
Gil Gevins is the author of the hilarious
cult-classic, PUERTO VALLARTA ON 49
BRAIN CELLS A DAY. Signed copies of
all Gil’s books are available at his wife’s
wonderful folk-art shop, LUCY’S CUCU
CABAÑA, located at 295 Basilio Badillo.
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
(See location number on central map)
25

Brain Teasers
26 www. .com March 12 to 18, 2011
Solution to
Crossword
on Page 27
SUDOKU!
Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle.
The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1
through 9 in each cell of a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called
«regions»), starting with various digits given in some cells (the
«givens»). Each row, column, and region must contain only one
instance of each numeral.
Completing the puzzle requires patience.
It is recommended as therapy because some studies have
suggested they might improve memory, attention and problem
solving while staving off mental decline and perhaps reducing the
risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Solution to Sudoku on Page 27

Calendar
Solution to crossword on page 26 Solution to Sudoku on page 26
March 12 to 18, 2011 www.
.com
27