www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 287 Saturday April 26 to Friday May 2

Transcription

www.pvmcitypaper.com
Issue 287
Issue 287
Saturday April 26 to Friday May 2
2014
2014
2
Need to Know
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.
I
f 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.
allowed under 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.
FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo
hosts a great variety of animal species
such as iguana, guacamaya, deer,
raccoon, etc.
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.
SANCTUARIES:
Bahía
de
Banderas encloses two Marine
National Parks - Los Arcos and the
Marieta Islands - where diving is
CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is
the legal currency in Mexico although
Canadian and American dollars are
widely accepted.
Index
BUSES: A system of urban buses
with different routes. Current fare is
$7.50 Pesos per ticket and passengers
must purchase a new ticket every time
they board another bus. There are no
“transfers”.
TAXIS: There are set rates within
defined zones of 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 secondrate establishment! There are 2 kinds
of taxi cabs: those at the airport and
the maritime port are usually vans that
Issue 287
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
area of the State of Nayarit from Lo
de Marcos in the north to the Ameca
River, i.e.: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías,
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San
Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo
De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita,
San Blas, etc. are on Mountain Time,
i.e.: one hour behind PV time.
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.
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
2014
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 21st 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.
Sound Off
Your Comments
avineberg@yahoo.com
Dear Editor,
We have been living in the Grand Venetian
for 4 or 5 months over the last 4 winters and
have found it peaceful …until La Santa Disco
opened over the past 4 weeks. This noise is
a disgrace to our complex as well the city of
Puerto Vallarta.
How could the city allow this to run away
owners as well as renters that generate income,
not only for the city, but from all of the venders
throughout this beautiful place?
Something needs to be done before all of the
visitors decide to go elsewhere.
Thank You,
Ted Dyer
Dear Editor,
Prior to my arrival in Mexico January 1st,
2014, I was undergoing physiotherapy in
Canada following surgery for a trauma injury
to my knee. The initial major trauma surgery
took place in Sept. 2012, followed by a second
surgery six months later to remove screws
that had not stayed in place. A third surgery
in Canada (arthroscopic) was performed in
December 2013 in hopes that it would promote
better results.
About our cover…
Bud Ellison has shot a number of covers
for the PV Mirror, as well as having photos
published in National Geographic Traveler
and other well known publications. They
have been exhibited in the U.S. and manu
have won awards in juried contests.
Having lived in a variety of places and
traveled to many more, Bud and Lois always
have a camera in hand. Originally from
Northern California, they’ve moved 8 times
in the last 16 years before settling in Puerto
Vallarta a year ago.
Bud and his wife Lois have been visiting
PV for longer and longer periods since 1987
Issue 287
3
Upon my arrival in Puerto Vallarta a family
member referred me to Dr. José Santos
Ledezma Lopez who started physio treatments
immediately. It wasn’t long before he and
I noticed I was not improving, but rapidly
deteriorating. He arranged for me to have and
MRI and X-ray within a couple of days and
also referred me to a surgeon whom he highly
regarded as “one of the best”,
Dr. Victor Hugo Brambilia.
It was clear to Dr. Brambilia, Dr. Ledezma,
and myself that the knee was in a critical
state; surgery to try further repair it would be
a temporary solution with fair results at best.
It was mutually agreed that a knee replacement
was the best solution. I was admitted to the
San Javier Hospital on a Monday Feb 17th,
the surgery took place in the afternoon and I
was released on Friday Feb 21st. It has now
been six weeks and I am walking much better
already than I was prior to surgery.
I want to say thank you to all the doctors
involved and express my sincere appreciation
for the prompt assessment, treatment and
excellent quality of care I received from all the
medical practitioners here in Puerto Vallarta.
Barry Verbin
Continued on Next Page
and say it is their favorite place. “Our family
is scattered all over the world with no two
members near each other so we decided to
make our home in our favorite place, Puerto
Vallarta,” says Bud.
Bud has been taking snapshots since he
was about 8 years old, his favorite is urban
photography, particularly candid shots of
people. “La Niña” was taken on December
12, 2010, during the Magna Peregrinacion
de los Favorecidos procession of the Fiestas
Guadalupanas in PV. This young girl was one
of tens of thousands of people participating in
the pilgrimages to Mexico’s patron saint – The
Virgin of Guadalupe. Learn more about Bud and
his work at his website: www.budellison.com
2014
4
Sound Off
Continued from Previous Page
Hi Allyna,
As the world celebrates International Workers Day on May 1, we
have reason to celebrate here in Puerto Vallarta. We also have reason to
continue the struggle for workers rights that are being challenged here
and around the globe.
Last week we splurged at one of Puerto Vallarta’s best restaurants to
celebrate our anniversary. We were pleasantly surprised when a young
woman brought water and bread to the table. We couldn’t remember
ever seeing female floor staff there and then it made us think of other
higher-end restaurants in town. Yikes!
We know El Arrayan and Bistro Teresa have equal opportunity for
women, but now we really want to pay attention to other spots so that
we can support such opportunity. We know there must be many more
equal opportunity employers in town that support equal employment,
equal pay and equal advancement.
When we raised the issue with friends, a few have mentioned there is
now a female service attendant at the PEMEX [gas station] near Basilio
Badillo. One friend even went as far to say he tips her more for her
excellent service with a smile, despite the extra challenges she must face.
Equal opportunity and fair pay are hard to find anywhere in the world.
Whether in PV or whether in the US or Canada, I’ll make the extra
effort on May 1 and throughout the year to celebrate those employers
and workers trying to make a difference for a better world.
Publisher / Editor:
Allyna Vineberg
avineberg@yahoo.com
Contributors:
Anna Reisman
Joe Harrington
Harriet Murray
Giselle Belanger
Krystal Frost
Stan Gabruk
Ronnie Bravo
Tommy Clarkson
Luis Melgoza
Dr. Fabio Cupul
Astrid Van Dam
Charlynn Robertson
Marlene Pervin
Saskia Claudine Geul
Office & Sales: 223-1128
Graphic Designer:
Leo Robby R.R.
Jeff
Webmaster:
PVMCITYPAPER.COM
Online Team
Cover Photo:
“La Niña”
by Bud Ellison
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.
An important notice
The PVMIRROR wants to hear your
views and comments. Please send
them as part of an e-mail to:
avineberg@yahoo.com
Not exceeding 250 words, and include
your full name, street or e-mail address
and/or telephone number
for verification purposesonly.
If you do not want your name published,
we will respect your wishes.
Letters and articles become the property
of the PVMIRROR and may be edited
and/or condensed for publication.
Note:
To Advertisers & Contributors
and those with public interest
announcements, the deadline
for publication is:
2:00 pm on Monday of the
week prior to publication.
Issue 287
2014
Within PV
5
PV airport name to change to
Vallarta-Nayarit
The neighboring states of Nayarit and Jalisco are working together to attract tourism.
The Government of Nayarit recently announced that to give continuation to the teamwork
accomplished between Governors Roberto Sandoval Castañeda and his counterpart in Jalisco,
Aristóteles Sandoval, in the Vallarta-Nayarit Integral International Promotion Program, the
Gustavo Dias Ordaz International Airport located in Puerto Vallarta will carry the name of
both tourism destinations. The goal of this measure is to increase the number of routes and
seats in order to benefit both destinations.
The Vallarta-Nayarit International Airport is one of the busiest in Mexico, as it is one of the
country’s tourism spots par excellence, and furthermore, it handles numerous domestic and
international flights, mostly from the United States and Canada.
The Nayarit government representative also stressed the collaboration with the neighboring
state, adding that with such actions, the teamwork accomplished by the Governors is made
clear to the various trusts and the private sector.
He also pointed out that thanks to the secure and safe conditions in the area, the development
of Jalisco and Nayarit is progressing, as both share great natural beauty and attractions.
(Source: www.unotv.com)
VivaAerobus launches 2nd route to PV
VivaAerobus,
the Mexican lowcost carrier, started its second route to
Puerto Vallarta (PVR), with 4 weekly
flights from Mexico City (MEX) on
April 11th. The 660-km sector will
be flown using the carrier’s 144-seat
737-300s and will face extensive
competition from Aeromexico (37
weekly flights), Interjet (14) and
Volaris (nine).
VivaAerobus is also serving Puerto
Vallarta from Monterrey.
Issue 287
2014
6
Within PV
From the Saturday Market Co-op…
By Charlynn Robertson
Our friend, Serena, passed
away last week after an illness.
We will miss her energy,
laughter, fun and kindness. Our
love surrounds you, Serena.
Veronica Rangel is a tranquil
presence at the market, but
she speaks volumes through
her artistry. Veronica creates
magnificent watercolors of
S
ometimes it’s the quiet
people who have a meaningful
impact on others.
Serena
Bondietti spoke fluent Italian and
Spanish, but very little English.
Coming to Puerto Vallarta from
Como, Italy, she built a strong
English-speaking clientele for
her silver costume jewelry and
scarves. As one of the original
vendors at the market, Serena
was a sweet presence, with a kind
word for everyone. Serena was
a very giving person to all her
customers and fellow vendors.
They describe her as loyal to the
market and her friends.
Issue 287
scenery, flowers, people, animals
and more. She began painting as a
child, and unlike most talents that
weave throughout generations,
she did not descend from a line
of painters.
Veronica began
painting with oils as a young
child. She studied with a teacher
from the Ada Colorina rural art
studio, another market vendor.
There, she explored pottery and
then moved on to painting.
Veronica’s
passion
is
watercolor. It allows her to
experiment with a variety of
colors and hues. Three years
ago she began the discipline of
painting every day. Depending
on the size of her piece,
some days she completes an
entire painting. Other days,
she completes a portion of a
painting. Her favorite subjects
are Huichol people because she
identifies with their beliefs and
meaningful processions in the
desert. The Huichol culture
is rich and colorful, providing
endless
opportunities
for
painting.
Veronica enjoys the market
because it allows her to speak
with her clients and other
merchants.
She has come
to know many people in the
market atmosphere.
Each
week, Veronica has a variety of
amazing paintings for sale. She
will, also, accept commission
work.
Jaime lets his magic with
natural ice cream express his
talents. He may be a quiet man,
but he is a natural food artist!
Born in Oaxaca, starting at the
young age of 12, Jaime rode his
tricycle around the streets selling
ice cream. From there, he built
a passion for natural ingredients
and continuously improving
his products.
Everything
Jaime makes is homemade.
He starts will all natural fruits
and flavors.
Because there
are no preservatives in his ice
cream, it is rich and flavorful.
2014
Additionally, using natural
ingredients means there is less
sugar in his ice cream. Jaime
is constantly developing new
natural flavors for his ice cream.
As a market vendor for three
years, Jaime and his wife, Lety,
offer their natural ice cream for
eating at the market or to take
home and enjoy later. Along with
homemade ice cream, they sell
fresh fruit, yogurt and granola.
They both feel it is a blessing to
have such a wonderful business.
Those feelings extend to the
fantastic environment the market
provides as a place to sell their
products. Jaime and Lety are
located along the yellow wall.
The Saturday Market Co-Op
is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every
Saturday of the year at the
Paradise Community Center,
127 Pulpito, across from Coco’s
Kitchen.
Within PV
7
IHG opens 1st Holiday Inn Express® Hotel in PV
I
nterContinental Hotels Group
has introduced one of its most
successful brands to Puerto Vallarta
with the opening of the 115-room,
6-story Holiday Inn Express®
Puerto Vallarta hotel. Equipped
with 15 suites, this is IHG’s second
hotel in Puerto Vallarta, adding to
the company’s hotels in the area.
“We are excited to be able to bring
the Holiday Inn Express brand, one
of the fastest growing hotel brands
in the world, to this market.”
said Gerardo Murray, Regional
Vice President of Distribution
and
Commercial
Marketing
IHG Mexico, Latin America &
Caribbean. “Puerto Vallarta is one
of Mexico´s most popular beach
destinations and whether you
are visiting for work or pleasure,
this hotel offers the service and
amenities that enable guests to
have an enjoyable stay.”
Conveniently located at 3974
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio,
just a short drive from Vallarta’s
International Airport, it is in line
with the Holiday Inn Brand Family’s
$1 Billion global brand relaunch,
the largest project of its kind in
hospitality history. The relaunch
continues to drive increased quality
and consistency across the global
portfolio. The new hotel will feature
a contemporary image with emphasis
on arrival and welcome services,
guestroom and guest bath comfort
and a redesigned logo and signage.
Guests will experience a
comfortable and smart environment
with innovative preferred guest
upgrades to ensure a pleasurable
experience. The complimentary
Express Start® breakfast bar will
feature a full range of breakfast
items, including a rotation of egg
and meat selections, biscuits,
yogurt, fruit, pancakes, the
brand’s proprietary cinnamon
roll, and Smart Roast® coffee.
The SimplySmart™ shower will
incorporate a proprietary
Stay
Smart™
Kohler
showerhead,
signature
shower curtain with curved
rod. Upgraded 100 percent
cotton terry towels and
Bath & Body Works White
Issue 287
Citrus bath products are also
included. Guests will enjoy the
SimplySmart™ bedding collection,
where they will find crisp fresh
bedding that features an attractive
decorative throw, a medium-weight
duvet blanket and soft, 200 threadcount sheets. Other amenities
include a pool with a sundeck, a
well-equipped gym, two meeting
rooms that can hold up to 50 people,
and a business center.
The Holiday Inn Express Puerto
Vallarta, owned and managed by
Operadora de Hoteles Flosol, S.A.
de C.V. is franchised by an affiliate
of IHG. Holiday Inn Express hotels
2014
participate in IHG’s hotel rewards
program, IHG® Rewards Club.
The industry’s first and largest
guest loyalty program with more
than 77 million members is free and
guests can enroll at ihgrewardsclub.
com, by downloading the IHG® app,
by calling 01-800-000-0404 or by
inquiring at this hotel or any of IHG’s
more than 4,700 hotels worldwide.
All IHG Rewards Club members will
have access to free Internet globally
in 2014. The scale and diversity of
the IHG family of brands means that
our hotels can meet our guests’ needs
whatever the occasion.
(Source: www.ihgplc.com)
8
May Day
May 1st, often called May Day,
just might have more holidays
than any other day of the year.
It’s a celebration of Spring, a day
of political protests, a neopagan
festival, a saint’s feast day, and a
day for organized labor.
In many countries, including
Mexico, May Day is also Labor
Day. This originated with the U.S.
labor movement. On May 1, 1886,
unions across the country went on
strike, demanding that the standard
workday be shortened to 8 hours.
The
protests
were
not
immediately successful, but they
proved effective down the line, as
8-hour work days eventually did
become the norm. Labor leaders,
socialists, and anarchists around
the world took the American strikes
and their fallout as a rallying
point, choosing May Day as a day
for demonstrations, parades, and
speeches. It is a major state holiday
in Russia and other communist
countries.
In recent years, protests and
rallies on May 1st have often been
targeted against globalization.
Various authorities have tried to
ban or undermine May Day, but
in 1958, President Eisenhower
designated May 1 as both Law Day
and Loyalty Day. Each of these was
specifically aimed at replacing the
communist holiday with a religious
or patriotic one.
Reference: Information Please® Database,
© 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.
Beyond PV
International Children’s Day
T
he International Children’s
Day (ICD) or Day of the
Child originated at the World
Conference for the Wellbeing of
Children in Geneva, Switzerland,
in 1925.
Since December 14, 1954,
United Nations and UNESCO
have stated that November 20th
-Universal Children’s Dayis “to be observed as a day
of worldwide fraternity and
understanding between children.
It recommended that the Day is
to be observed also as a day of
activity devoted to promoting
the ideals and objectives of the
Charter and the welfare of the
children of the world.”
The organization responsible
for the development of this
project was UNICEF. Since then,
more than a hundred countries
celebrate the day, though the dates
differ from country to country. In
Mexico, it is the last day of April.
The Assembly adopted the
Declaration of the Rights of the
Child in 1959, and the Convention
on the Rights of the Child in
1989.
This Convention was
carefully drafted over the course
of 10 years (1979-1989) with
Issue 287
the input of representatives from
all societies, all religions and all
cultures. A working group made up
of members of the UN Commission
on Human Rights, independent
experts and observer delegations
of non-member governments,
non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and UN agencies was
charged with the drafting.
The World Conference on
Human Rights, held in Vienna in
1993, set the end of 1995 as a target
for the universal ratification of the
Convention on the Rights of the
Child. By the last day of that year,
2014
193 States had ratified, making it
the most widely and rapidly ratified
human rights treaty in history. As of
June 2011, the United States, which
has not yet ratified the Convention
per se, has ratified both of the
Optional Protocols. It is one of 3
UN members not to have ratified
it (the others being Somalia and
South Sudan). In November 2013,
Somalia re-committed itself to
ratifying the convention, and South
Sudan’s parliament has passed a
bill to ratify the convention. This
will leave the U.S. as the only
non-ratifying member of the UN.
Children’s Day is a chance to call
the governments’ attention to the
needs of children and parents. It is
also meant to inform children so
they know when they are victims of
an abuse or if they are not receiving
what they are entitled to: education,
housing and healthy nutrition,
among others. They all have these
rights, without exception.
Beyond PV
9
Destination of the week: Sayulita
By Astrid Van Dam
Hello, Astrid,
Now that the high season is over,
what is your favorite day out to a
beach not too far from Vallarta?
Kathleen
Hola Kathleen!
Ha, funny! Thank you for asking, I
have not been to the beach for a long
time indeed! I am not really a person
that can sit on the beach the whole
day, I always want something to do,
so I love to make a combination of
spending some time on the beach,
having a great meal and do some
shopping before or after. After a
day like that I have a lot of energy
again, and I realize how cool it is that
I actually live in a place where this is
possible almost any day of the year!
Now that the Semana Santa and
Semana Pascua crowds are gone,
the beaches have again lots of space
for the locals. I really love to go to
Sayulita. I usually try to go early and
have breakfast at the Chocobanana
restaurant right at the main square.
Huge portions and good prices.
After that I go to the beach, spend
some time watching the surfers,
working on my tan, go in the water
but after two hours at the most I have
enough of the beach and want to do
something. And which place is better
than Sayulita to do that?
In Sayulita, there are wonderful
stores. I love the stores like La
Hamaca, with truly the best hand
made products that Mexico has to
offer, just before the main square,
and Esto es Mexico, which you
can’t miss on the main square. For
people who love the wonderful
bags and home decor items of
David Luna, there is now a store
with his originals, which is smaller
than the one in Tlaquepaque, but it
has still a great choice of products.
Furthermore, don’t forget the endless
jewelry stores, with beautiful, hand
made products. Speaking about hand
made products, the Huicholes on the
main square have some of the most
beautiful products that their tribe
makes. I can hardly leave Sayulita
without buying a bracelet with them.
As you can see, I can easily spend
more time shopping in Sayulita than
spending time on the beach!
If I get a bit hungry for lunch there
are wonderful fish tacos in Sayulita,
or if I feel like spoiling myself, I
will have lunch at Don Pedro’s, a
huge palapa on the beach. The tuna
tostadas there are to die for!
I never leave Sayulita without
eating at Chocobanana, and if I have
friends or family with me who are not
really familiar with the area, I take the
road back over Litibu to show them
the new developments and the beach
there. Although the road to Punta de
Mita has been in better conditions, I
always love to drive there - with great
views over our wonderful Banderas
Bay. As you can see, even on my
spare days off, I love to show people
around, interesting things and areas,
something I love to do most. Enjoy
Sayulita!
Astrid Van Dam
Every week, Mexico expert Astrid
Van Dam writes about different
destinations in Mexico. Astrid is a
Federally-licensed guide for tours
in the whole country (!) who has
guided hundreds of trips in Mexico,
Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.
For any travel advice in Mexico, or
if you have any questions about a
specific destination in Mexico, just ask
her! Feel free to send her an email to:
astrid@superiortoursvallarta.com
Your question -and her responsemight be published in one of the
next issues of the Mirror.
Issue 287
2014
10
The 7 Arts
Under the Lights
Cuates & Cuetes
…& a double dose of jazz
By Arlene Pervin
Belafonte is back this Saturday April
26th. The band led by Bob Tansen
produces a show that moves people in
a way that only an intimate theatre like
the Boutique can provide. Well known
around town as the band for performers
such as Kim Kuzma and others, the
show highlights the funnier songs that
Belafonte wrote. Come with a sense of
humour and enjoy this wonderful band
in concert. 7 p.m. $180 on-line.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
is wrapping up at the end of the month so don’t
miss out on this one! This show has been a constant
crowd pleaser with dynamic choreography, music
& vocals. Monday 7 p.m. $180 on-line.
Still Crazy for Patsy takes the best of
the Patsy Cline shows and presents them
in a nostalgic evening of songs from the
Queen of Country Music. Mikki Prost
has fans that attend her shows every
year and the Boutique is proud to host
her. Tuesday 7 p.m.
In Studio ‘B’ the Spanish comedy Princesas Desesperadas continues
to sell out every night it has performed. Adults $80, Students $50.
The story of 4 wilting princesses (including Snow White) 15 years
after their prime as directed by Ramiro Daniel is a hilarious look at
aging.Costuming and lighting are top notch.
Here’s this weeks line-up:
Saturday April 26th
Belafonte 7:00pm
Monday Apr 28th
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7:00pm
Tuesday Apr 29th Still Crazy for Patsy 7:00pm
Thursday May 1st
Studio ‘B’ Princesas Desperadas 8:30pm
Friday May 2nd
Studio ‘B’ Princesas Desperadas 8:30pm
Basilio Badillo at Naranjo Box
Office 044-322-728-6878
www.theboutiquepv.com
Issue 287
The
3rd Annual Celebration of
UNESCO-declared International
Day of Jazz will be hosted by
Cuates & Cuetes on April 30th.
&
nd
The 2 Annual Chamaco Jazz Fest
will be hosted by Cuates & Cuetes
on May 3rd, in celebration of El Día
de los Niños.
Dedicated to extending their
love of jazz and music, as well as
introducing a musical education to
the younger generation, the owner
of the popular Cuates & Cuetes
bar and several dedicated musician
friends will share their love of music.
On April 30th, the UNESCOdeclared International day of Jazz,
Cuates & Cuetes will have the
band Faralae, from Mexico City and
their “estrafalario” style as well as
musicians Martine Montenegro, and
Beverly and Willow, will entertain
the crowd, from 6 to 11 p.m. The
blend of saxophone, guitars and
vocal notes will fill the air, treating
everyone with their exquisite
musicianship and showing love of
their craft.
Another day of music will be also
be celebrated at Cuates & Cuetes:
Saturday, May 3rd will acknowledge
El Día de los Niños from 11 a.m. to
2014
2 p.m. Families are encouraged to
bring their children to this free event.
What better way than to infuse the air
with music and creative expression
on both of these days? The promoters
of both of these events aim to inspire
art and creativity to “los chamacas y
chamacos” - the younger generation
- and they are dedicated to instilling
an appreciation and knowledge of all
musical genres. A clay artist, as well
as others, will also share their talents
on this special day, dedicated to the
children.
It is a love, for Esther, Martine,
and for many others, promoters who
have a love of music and a deep
desire to share an exposure to the
arts with children and adults alike.
The language of music crosses all
boundaries. It brings people together
and takes them somewhere else.
The 7 Arts
11
Art for art’s sake at
The Loft Galería
At The Loft Galería we are observing our Eighth
Season in Puerto Vallarta and we are celebrating. Every year
is a milestone for us as we continue our love of fine art and
wonderful designs of unique and beautiful wearable art
jewelry.
Spring Has Sprung, and The Loft is pleased to continue
great end of season values. Old friends and new collectors
alike can expect to find significant well-positioned works of
value that will uniquely add to one’s everyday enjoyment for
years to come.
In a time in which the appreciation of painting, drawing
and fine printwork has seen a resurgence in the international
markets, The Loft Galeria continues to exhibit beautiful
works of art from some of the finest practitioners throughout
the Americas. New figurative paintings by Carlos Cortes,
Mario Cinquemani and Bill White, grand
jungle paintings by Nicola Wheston. Exquisite
landscapes of the South of France by Dean
Gazeley. Energetic, wonderful dancers and ribald
festival scenes by Susan Seaberry. Wosene
Kosrof’s stunning abstract work continues to
enthrall us and new to the gallery this year, Paulina
Vilchis delights with her unique hand rendered
printworks. These artists are truly making their
mark in expanding art circles and their works
are represented in significant public and private
collections throughout the world.
Visit us at The Loft Galería at 176-A Calle
Corona, just steps up from the Malecon in the
Central Historic District of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy
the variety of strong works of power and beauty that
have become its signature. Tel.: 222-6353.
Issue 287
Every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m.
2014
12
The 7 Arts
By Joe Harrington
The Amazing Spiderman 2
T
he opening scene of this movie
is exactly what you have a right to
expect when going to a flick based
on a Marvel comic. Action, action,
action, all driven by computer graphic
images used to the ultimate hilt. And
none of this opening has our arachnid
friend (except a brief bit where he’s
around five.) To protect Peter, his
mother and father leave him with
his aunt and flee bad guys. They are
in an airplane trying to download a
dangerous computer file when they’re
attacked. This is “edge-of- your-seat”
stuff, making one gasp for more.
The years pass and it’s high school
graduation day. Andrew Garfield
(playing Spiderman) has a love
interest, Gwen Stacy (played by
Emma Stone) who, as valedictorian,
gives a brilliant speech all the while
glancing at an empty chair in the
midst of the graduating class. Where
is Peter Parker?
Where else? Fighting bad guys
in the Big Apple’s Midtown. While
battling, Peter saves Jamie Foxx
- who is so avid a Spiderman fan
that the word adulation comes to
mind. After his heroics, Peter makes
it to the graduation just in
time to receive his diploma.
Question: He arrives wearing
his crime fighting outfit, walks
into a booth ala Superman,
and emerges wearing his
graduation cap and gown.
Huh? That Spiderman outfit
is tighter than Madonna’s
blouse - nowhere to hide
anything.
Then things drag, really bad
scenes involving pointless
dialogue. You can’t blame this on the
actors - they deliver in spades, it’s the
writing that sucks. Talk about forced.
This thing’s long - 142 Minutes. These
development scenes could have been
slashed dramatically and nothing lost.
Doesn’t anyone remember the mantra
of screenwriting: Show, don’t tell?
Sally Field plays Peter Parker’s
aunt this time around. As usual,
she’s not only great but shows selfconfidence at accepting that she’s
aging. She could have insisted on the
editing department using its magic
to make her look younger. But she
didn’t and comes across all the more
self-assured.
Issue 287
Things pick up again when Foxx
gets shot with electricity and then
falls into a tank of huge eels - electric
of course. He really gets zapped this
time around and ends up Electro Man.
I thought at the time, great, this guy
loves Spiderman and will team with
him to fight the villain. But nope, in
another forced scene Foxx gets mad
at Peter and demands satisfaction. In
fact, so much of this thing is forced
that the title could have been An
Amazingly Forced Spiderman 2.
Next up in the villain department
is the obscenely wealthy (200
Billion) Harry Osborn played by Dan
DeHaan. He gets mad at Peter in
another - what else? - forced scene
and becomes an enemy. DeHann does
a great job as a villain - reminding me
of Gary Oldman and how he throws
himself into any part where he wears
a black hat.
Peter begins a search for his past
and why his parents abandoned him.
Another question: Why didn’t his
aunt just tell him why they left and
spare him his anguish? And why
is she kept out of the loop as to her
2014
nephew being Spiderman? He trusts
Gwen with the secret but not his own
blood? His life would be a lot easier
if he had an ally at home.
To make sure I remembered
correctly, the Spiderman flicks
starring Tobey Maguire I watched
that’s series Spiderman 2. It has a lot
of action but does not rely on it to save
the day - which is one of the problems
with CGI and overuse. Tobey’s film
has some wonderfully funny shots.
Unfortunately, this time around
the attempt at humor is (what
else?) forced.
Something else has bothered
me from the very first Spiderman
comic book.
The spider is
methodical, patient, weaving its
web slowly and carefully. It does
not shoot its silk out and swing
hysterically about. It lures its
prey to it rather than chasing after.
Now Spiderman’s personality, on
the other hand… You get the point.
But fear not, you lovers of
Spiderman, you will flock to this
film and make it a huge success.
The producers of this movie are so
confident of that adoring audience
that, I predict, the ending this time
around will be the opening of The
Amazing Spiderman 3.
Joe
Is an internationally published
true crime writer and
documentary filmmaker.
Send comments or criticism to
JoeMovieMadness@Yahoo.com
Artwork by Bob Crabb.
Good Bites
13
The 10th Anniversary Edition of Restaurant Week is coming!
By Virtualvallarta.com
W
e are busy preparing for
the 10th Anniversary Edition of
Restaurant Week, to take place
May 15 - 31, 2014.
From New York to London,
dining events in which participating
restaurants offer a special, fixed
price menu during a week or two,
have become strong
magnets for people
wishing to visit
such cities. Known
in most places as
Restaurant Week,
these types of
events encourage
visitors and locals
to experience restaurants’ exquisite
offerings at reduced prices.
Following the trend of other
influential fine dining destinations
around the world, Vallarta Lifestyles
Publishing Group established
Restaurant Week in 2005 through
a two-week festival that takes
place every year from May 15 - 31.
Restaurant Week features many
of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera
Nayarit’s most coveted restaurants.
Participating establishments offer
innovative three-course menus,
with three options available for
each course. Since the prices are
often discounted by up to 50%,
dining out during Restaurant Week
is not only more fun, but also much
more affordable. In the upcoming,
10-year anniversary of Restaurant
Week, participating restaurants
can choose to offer their special,
Restaurant Week menu at $199 or
$299 pesos per person, tips and
beverages not included.
Restaurant Week is eagerly
anticipated by locals and gourmet
aficionados from around the world,
who plan an annual vacation in
Puerto Vallarta specifically for this
delicious festival. In addition to
other important festivities that take
place during the month of May,
such as the anniversary of Puerto
Vallarta’s foundation as a city and
as a municipality, Restaurant Week
has become an important event that
encourages visitors to choose the
month of May as an attractive time
of year to explore Banderas Bay.
Issue 287
Information for visitors
and locals
Vallarta Lifestyles publishes the
menus of participating restaurants
in a special, Restaurant Week Menu
Guide section of the May issue
of Vallarta Lifestyles magazine,
featuring the special menus offered
by all the restaurants. The Menu
Guide is also printed separately, and
is made available for distribution at
participating restaurants. And
for those with a tablet or smart
phone at their disposal, the
Menu Guide can also be viewed
online. To see last year’s menu
guide, please go to http://issuu.
com/vallarta-lifestyles/docs/
rest_week_2012/1
Restaurant Week enthusiasts
frequently take the opportunity to
schedule dining events with friends
and loved ones, checking out new
eateries together, and comparing
notes with one another, adding a
memorable social element to the
experience of enjoying some of our
destination’s finest establishments.
Intrigued? Check out our six tips
for memorable Restaurant Week
experiences at http://virtualvallarta.
com/puertovallarta/read/
readdining/six-tips-for-restaurantweek-vallarta-diners.shtml
2014
Are you a
good egg?
H
ere’s a great guide to
know how fresh your eggs are.
We carry fresh eggs in our
fridge at Mikey’s in case yours
don’t past the test – in addition
to homemade salads, breads,
fresh meat and cold cuts, etc.
Los Mercados is open
Monday to Saturday from 9
a.m. to 8 p.m. at 265 Aquiles
Serdan, between I.L. Vallarta
and Constitucion.
And while you’re at it, you
may want to drop in to our
other specialty shops: Cork &
Bottle for a fabulous selection
of wines & liqueurs, k’rico for
coffees & pastries, and Don
Fresco for fresh herbs, veggies
and fruit.
14
Issue 287
Map
2014
Map
Issue 287
15
2014
16
Vallarta Voices
Cross, then Cinco de Mayo, then the
2nd Annual Bougainvillea Festival
begins, followed by the Altruism
Festival, then Mother’s Day (always
celebrated on May 10th in Mexico),
By Anna Reisman
B
y the time you read this, the
throngs of tourists from all around the
country will be starting to pack their
things for their return trip to everyday
life. It’s been crazy. Sooo many cars,
so many people, so many multicolored
umbrellas along the beaches… (just
look at the photo, by Keith May).
Very few foreigners around, I guess
they were really cocooning… made
me feel bad for the vendors at the two
Saturday markets.
On the upside, we’re coming to a
time of year that is so much fun in
Vallarta! Loads of things happening…
a little like November (my personal
favorite month of the year
in Vallarta), fundraisers and
holidays following one after
the other.
I don’t know if there’s
going to be a parade of any
kind for May Day, but the
block next to the Church of
the Holy Cross –Aguacate
& Venustiano Carranza- will
surely be closed to traffic for the
loteria tables, food stands and the
rides for the kiddies to be set up a few
days prior to May 3rd, the Day of the
Holy Cross, which falls on a Saturday
this year.
The entire month of April is
Mexico’s Month of the Child
and Monday, April 30th is
celebrated in many countries
as Children’s Day, though it
will probably be fêted this
weekend in PV. So, as the
slightly modified saying would
go, “When in Mexico, do as
the Mexicans do.” Celebrate
your children! Children are
the future of mankind. They
are meant to be hugged and
kissed and cherished. Show
your children how much you
love them, and if you don’t
have any of your own (or
even if you do), then maybe
it would make you feel good
to make other children happy.
That you can do easily by
donating some of your time or money - to one of the many
organizations in Vallarta that
work so hard to make the lot
of underprivileged children a
little better.
The day after is May Day,
then the Day of the Holy
Issue 287
then… Restaurant Week(s)! Also,
I shouldn’t forget to mention the
Vallarta Pride celebrations that will
run from the 22nd to the 26th. On the
31st, we celebrate the anniversary of
Puerto Vallarta’s foundation with
numerous public events and lots more
fireworks. See? I told you!
As the editor always used to
say, “It’s May, let’s play!”
Travel Weekly, “the travel
industry’s trusted voice”,
recently published an article
entitled “Praise for Vallarta
Nayarit rebranding” in which
the author talked in the most
positive, eloquent tones about
the $43.5 Million Dollar
campaign that was launched
last fall. It was nice to read, but truth
be told, the north coast is NOT Puerto
Vallarta, and many people are still
fooled into thinking that they’re five
minutes from downtown when they
reserve lodging over there… Last
Tuesday, they organized “A Virtual
Visit to the Mexican Pacific”. Their
promotion was: “Join Travel Weekly,
TravelAge West and the Mexico
Tourism Board as we explore the
beauty and adventure that awaits
visitors to Mexico’s Pacific Coast
region. Tourism officials from
Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera
Nayarit and Ixtapa will share updates
2014
on each destination. Explore the sun,
sand, history and culture and the taste
of Europe that has become a trademark
of Mazatlan; the new developments
in arts and culture along the Malecon
and the old historic beauty
that remains in the Old
Town of Puerto Vallarta;
the new and exciting resort
experience, nestled in
the western Sierra Madre
of Riviera Nayarit; and
the quaint and beautiful
beach towns of Ixtapa/
Zihuatanejo will share their
charm as well.” I don’t
know if they showed the
real distances between us
and the resorts in Nayarit,
I didn’t register for the
webcast.
The Kiosko on the
highway to Mismaloya must have
hired a “DJ” of sorts last Sunday
‘cause we could hear his endless
banter all the way up the hills of
Amapas… “Welcome to Kiosko…
We have every kind of beer you
can imagine… Corona, Pacifico…
Get everything you need
right here…” and then he’d
play another track of music,
the repetitive, hypnotizing
electronic stuff they play in
some uppity nightclubs and
lounges… Why or why do they
do that? My friends and I were
recently talking about noise
in PV, and not just the kind
everyone’s been complaining
about, i.e.: nightclubs. We
wondered why anyone would set up
humungous speakers in the parking
lots of shopping malls, turned up to
the max. We recalled how we actually
drove in, and straight back out, one
day, just so we wouldn’t have to risk
damaging our eardrums.
Ni modo. It is what it is, I have
chosen to live here, and I’ve never
looked back.
That’s it for now, dear friends. I
hope your holidays were all you
wished them to be, and that your
Mirror always reflects a happy,
healthy you.
Hasta luego. sheis@ymail.com
Health Matters
Body & Sol
By Krystal Frost
Neem: a local tree
and wonder remedy…
T
he Neem tree is originally from India, its
leaf, when taken internally, acts as a blood purifier
and tonic, supports healthy skin, immune system
response, healthy bowel function, and aids in the
maintenance of glucose stability. You can see the
serrated leafy light green tree gracefully shading
areas of Francisco Villa Avenue near Walmart. Los
Moros gated community has a virtual bank of the
ancient trees in their stock of greenery around the
homes. Little do the residents suspect that the key
to their bug problems is found in the shrubbery… as
Neem also is a powerful pesticide and repellent when
brewed and sprayed around homes and walkways.
External use in tea as an antiseptic, skin toner and
corrects the p.h. of the skin. Neem has been used for
thousands of years in Ayurvedic treatments.
Many of the claims for the neem leaf can be traced
back to this cleansing action. Healthier blood vessels
lead to more efficient blood flow to the extremities,
which aids in the healing of wounds. The improved
blood flow to the brain aids in combating anxiety and
other emotional disorders that result from stress or
severe emotional traumas, restoring a proper balance
to the production of neurotransmitters. Arthritis,
ulcers, and various types of digestive orders are also
thought to be treatable with the use of neem leaf
products.
Issue 287
17
Neem may become the first truly effective
birth control “pill” for men. In recent studies Neem leaf tablets ingested for one month
produced reversible male antifertility without
affecting sperm production or libido. In India
and the United States, exploratory trials show
neem extracts reduced fertility in male monkeys
without inhibiting libido or sperm production.
Well, I don’t know about that... but I do know
that when nothing else works, Neem works. When
all those antibiotics regimes come to naught... we
turn folks on to the neem regime. Tastes awful, just
like medicine should taste, but one ounce before
meals will just about neutralize any bug. Plus...
We use it as a pesticide in the garden with garlic
oil, spray once or twice a week early morning
before the sun hits the leaves, or at dusk.
Dosis:
Boil one quart of water.
When the water is boiling, add 3 tablespoons of
dried or better yet, fresh Neem leaf, cover and let
stand 20 min. Strain.
Store in the fridge in a glass jar with lid.
Internal dose is 1 oz before meals for stomach
problems and parasites and bacterial infections.
Cut the dose in half for children under 12, do not
give internally to children under 3.
External use as needed for sterilizing and healing
of external wounds, cuts, scratches, burns, and
rashes.
Solution to crossword on page 27
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 15 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
2014
Solution to Sudoku on page 27
18
Health Matters
Life is a process
By Giselle Belanger
RN, LCSW
I
will never forget when I was
going through a very difficult and
challenging time, a friend of mine
quoted something he had heard in
AA, that “life is a process, not a
series of events” impressing upon
me that things are not going to get
better over night and the answers
don’t always come as quickly as
we’d like. I’ve never forgotten that
and the more I experienced it, the
more meaning and truth it seemed
to have. I soon learned the depth
and value of staying in the process;
of permitting it and eventually of
actually inviting it. I learned to
embrace it.
Life is a process,
not a series of events
If we live from one event to
another, then we miss all of the
lessons from the experiences in
between, making it impossible to
appreciate how we arrived and
therefore impossible to gain the
knowledge, the lessons, nor the
insights which are essential to our
growth. The journey, the process,
is where the important substance
lies. In other words, “it’s the
journey, not the destination”.
Allow the process
We must allow the process and
stop trying to control it. We must
trust that we are supposed to go
through it. The process is necessary
for many reasons. We should not
try to rush it or make it end sooner.
The process brings us answers to
questions, provides experiences
which clarify, validate, and teach. In
order to allow the process, we must
be tolerant and patient. That does
not mean be passive or inactive. It
requires that we determine what is
in our control and what is not, so
that we do what we can during the
process while we wait for more to
be revealed.
How many of you feel pressured
to make a decision because you
feel so uncomfortable, anxious,
and frustrated with the situation
that you want to hurry up and get
Issue 287
it over with, and so you hastily
force a decision? People seem to
do this with some of life’s biggest
issues and challenges, like should
I get divorced, should I leave my
job, should I live somewhere else.
These are not the type of decisions
that should be rushed. A person
has to live with the consequences
of all of their decisions and these
consequences can be drastic and
sometimes catastrophic.
Respect the process
We must also learn to respect
the process. We must respect the
lessons and opportunities it brings.
Once you respect it, you will stop
trying to control it. If everything
happens for a reason, if there are no
coincidences, and we accept that,
then the next thing is to question and
discover the reasons, the answers,
the lessons and the insights. Once
we understand and grasp those
lessons and insights, we can move
on. If we do not learn them, then
we will repeat them. Life will bring
around other situations for us to
experience them again, except this
time much more intensely and more
painfully, until we learn the lesson.
It is amazing how many times some
us choose to go through something
before we learn from it.
Cannot control outcome
We cannot control outcome. We
all have the natural tendency to try
to control outcome by controlling
the feelings, thoughts and actions of
others. We have the need to get them
to do something or say something
in order to create a certain outcome
to make us feel better; less anxious,
less fearful. Many of us become
so obsessed with controlling the
outcome that we are not able to
even consider the possibility that
what we think we want or the way
we think things should be, may not
be best. Sometimes what we expect
is not in our best or highest interest.
Sometimes we don’t know what
2014
is best for us and we are unable to
remain humble enough to realize
that or to step back and allow other
information to be presented to us.
Tolerance
All of this requires varying
degrees of tolerance, patience, and
most importantly humility.
When you don’t know the
answer, when you are unsure of
what you should do, or are afraid
of what decision to make, you can
positively reframe it by telling
yourself that “the good news is
that I don’t have to know today”
confidently knowing that the
answers will come and you will
make better decisions because of
allowing the process.
Remain open
However, the key is to remain
open. So often, the answers,
messages, and lessons, may not
look, sound, or feel, the way we
expect and if we aren’t open we
will miss them, possibly even reject
them. In order to prevent this, we
must let go of certain images and
ideas and make the conscious effort
to step back and receive what is
presented without allowing fear or
preconceived ideas or judgments to
get in the way.
Look forward to each day
and what is yet to unfold with
joyful curiosity instead of feeling
anxious. There is as sense of calm
in curiously waiting to see what
happens next or what is revealed
next, instead of worrying about it
and being consumed with anxious
thoughts of “what if ”.
Giselle Belanger
RN, LCSW (psychotherapist)
is available for appointments
in person, by phone, or by
skype webcam. Contact info:
ggbelangerpv@gmail.com
Mex cell: 044 (322) 138-9552
or US cell: (312) 914-5203.
Legal Matters
Ask Luis
By Luis Melgoza
Dear Readers: Harriet Murray, a
local real estate professional and PV
Mirror contributor, kindly informed
me that: “(Foreign) sellers of Mexican
real estate, in order to have an
exemption of the 700,000 UDIS (on
the sale of their primary residence
every five years) you mention (PV
Mirror # 285), must prove their fiscal
residence with a constancia from
Hacienda (SAT). This is what the
notaries are requiring.”
Thank you, Harriet.
This is how to obtain the constancia
required by notaries from non-Mexican
residents of Mexico (Mexican citizens
by birth or naturalization are not asked
for this constancia):
Those who already have a Mexican
Tax-ID (RFC for its Spanish initials)
may print it from their SAT web portal
(RFC and FIEL required).
Those whose only income is a
pension or pensions wholly funded
by a foreign government (i.e. Social
Security, etc.), if that income is not
reportable to Mexico by bilateral
treaties between Mexico and the
respective country, may go to the SAT
offices —in PV, Avenida Francisco
Villa 1292, Ground Floor, Colonia
Aralias— to apply for a Mexican
Tax-ID without reporting obligations
(sin obligaciones) and, then, print
the constancia as above. In order to
apply, you should present proof of
admittance into Mexico (Immigration
card), passport (for identification
purposes), proof of address (i.e. utility
bill, predial —property tax— receipt,
bank statement, etc.)
Although the RFC without obligations
exempts you from filing monthly and
annual tax returns in Mexico, foreign
residents that only have income not
reportable to Mexico AND are not
residential fideicomiso beneficiaries
(or don’t own any residential real
property to sell) AND don’t have any
interest bearing accounts or accounts
that might bear interest in any Mexican
financial institution AND don’t engage
in any income generating activities in
Mexico (or anywhere else in the world
in the case of Permanent Residents
of Mexico), you need not aply for an
RFC.
In order to qualify for the 700,000
UDIS ($276,163.54 USD at the
Monday, April 21, 2014 official
exchange rate), the seller still needs
to meet all the other requirements
published in the PV Mirror #285.
Of course, if the seller has rented the
property being sold, even if for one
second, s/he does not qualify for the
exemption because renting a property
makes it commercial and not residential
property (a permanent business
establishment in Mexico, per Mexico’s
Tax Code).
If the seller has used the exemption
within five years of the sale, s/he doesn’t
qualify, either.
Dear Luis: What is Heartbleed?
Should we be concerned about it?
Dear Allan:
Heartbleed is a
catastrophic vulnerability in OpenSSL’s
cryptography library made public last
week (a fixed patch was released the
same day, April 17, 2014). At that time
it was estimated that 17% of servers
certified secure by trust authorities were
vulnerable (about 500,000 servers).
This vulnerability allows attackers
to capture any traffic between endusers and secure servers (those whose
addresses start with https, sftp, ftps
and mail accounts that use OpenTLS,
among others), and it can steal info from
both server and client.
Canada Revenue Agency informed
that attackers acquired Social Insurance
Numbers of 900 taxpayers during a
6-hour window on April 8. CRA is
Issue 287
19
offering free credit protection services
to affected taxpayers and extended the
filing deadline to May 5 from April 30.
If you have used a password to log
into any of the following websites
or checked your email with any of
the following providers, change your
passwords NOW!:
Government: Healthcare.gov and
Canada Revenue Agency
Financial:
USAA, Venmo and
American Funds
Social media, email and other:
Facebook, Google, Instagram, Pinterest,
Tumblr, Yahoo, GMail, Yahoo Mail,
Amazon Web Services (for website
developers, not the Amazon consumer
operation), Etsy, GoDaddy, Flickr,
Netflix, SoundCloud, YouTube, Box,
DropBox, GitHub, IFTTT, OKCupid,
Wikimedia (including Wikipedia, if
you have an account), Wordpress,
Wunderlist, Akamai, Ars Technica,
Bitbucket, BrandVerity, Freenode,
Internet Archive, Mojang, Mumsnet,
PeerJ, Prezi, Reddit, Something Awful,
Stripe, SparkFun and SourceForge.
Gaming (affected and fixed): Steam,
Minecraft, Wargaming, League of
Legends, GOG, Origin, SOE, Humble
Bundle, and Path of Exile
Operating Systems: Android 4.1.1
(Jellybean)
McAffee, in all its anti-viral
presentations and VMWare Horizon
products were affected, according to the
US Department of Homeland Security.
To regain privacy and secrecy, it is
necessary to shut down and restart any
computer not restarted since April 17.
All private or secret data must be
replaced because there is no way of
telling whether it was compromised.
2014
When in doubt, call PVGeeks. In light
of Heartbleed, we are making our full
array of penetration (intrusion) testing
and elimination expertise available to the
residential market at the reduced price
of $3,248.00 pesos, including all taxes,
through May 17 (these tools are usually
available only for businesses and start at
$32,480.00 pesos, including taxes).
The British security firm Netcraft
has released a Linux/Mac/Windows
browser extension for Firefox, Chrome
and Opera to identify vulnerable sites,
you may download it from “http://
toolbar.netcraft.com/install” (without
the quotes).
Send me your questions to askluis@
pvgeeks.com, I am not able to answer
each message privately due to the
volume of mail I receive. Should you
need personal attention, please call
me at (322) 164-4049 to schedule a
private consultation.
Luis Melgoza
Is a former PRI (Mexico’s ruling
party) Head Counsel and Legal
Adviser to the Mexican Congress.
Although retired from the
legal profession, he is a highly
respected consultant for both the
foreign and Mexican communities
in Puerto Vallarta. Luis’ PVGeeks
are the premiere commercial
and residential computer and
networks solutions experts in
Puerto Vallarta. For computer
or network issues, you can reach
Luis at lumel@pvgeeks.com
20
Real Estate
VIEWPOINT
By Harriet Murray
First quarter statistics 2014 - condos & homes
AMPI FLEX MLS
Bad news, good news
BAD NEWS:
Condos:
End of March 2014 we had
1,018 active listings, up 28.4%
more than 2013, same time
period.
In our slow buyer market,
absorption time is 60 months
or 5 years, a 59.27% increase
over the same 3 month period
in 2013.
Even with this increase in
inventory, we see a smaller
sold-to-list price ratio to 88.8%
sales price from listed price.
Active sales volume is $333,
200,000. US.
Total sold listings for first quarter
2014 were 35, down from 40 same
time last year, or -12.5% less. *
Homes:
We ended the first quarter 2014
with active listings of 515, up 5.3
% over 2013.
Sold to list ratio is 87.2% of listed
price.
The average sale price is now
624,862. US or -14.4% down from
$730,313. US in 2013 same period.
Days on the market is up 350, or
36.19% on the market from 257 in
2013.
Issue 287
Listed sales volume is $339,
078,000. US.
GOOD NEWS:
Condos:
Average sales prices were up
3.3% to $327,400. US.
Active sold price ranges were
99k, 200k-249k, 400-449k,450k499k, 550k-599k, 600k-649k,
650k-699k,900k-949k,
1.500m-1.999m**
DOM or days on
the market is 345, a
little less than year
prior of 355 days.
Homes
Homes reported
first quarter 2014
were 21 over 16 in
2013 or up 31.3%*
Absorption is at
62.93 months, down
from the prior year
of 71.11 months or
-11.49% less.
Active Sold price
ranges were 99k,
100k-149k,250k299k, 400k-449k,
800-849k, 1.m-1.49m, and 5
million US**
*Both reported sales of homes
and condos are dependent upon the
reporting of participating AMPI
Flex real estate agents and offices.
2014
Some offices do not participate.
Ask your agent if he participates in
reporting sold prices.
** Active price ranges for the
first quarter 2014 may be only one
sale in a price range.
This article is based upon
INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO
AMPI AGENTS PARTICIPATING
IN FLEX MLS. I recommend that
each potential buyer or seller of real
estate conduct his own due diligence
and review by asking many questions
to his listing or selling agent.
Harriet C. Murray
may be contacted at
harriet@casasandvillas.com
Real Estate
May in Puerto Vallarta –
what’s going on?
By Saskia Claudine Geul
W
ell, the crowds have left, the
pace has slowed down nicely, the
beaches are almost deserted. The heat
is starting to build and the water is
warm and inviting but the rains are not
yet upon us – May 17-31st… we have
restaurant week!!! This delicious
annual event is an eagerly anticipated
culinary highlight of the year for many
people and this year it celebrates its
10th anniversary. Locals and gourmet
aficionados from around the world
plan their annual vacation in Puerto
Vallarta specifically to participate
in this festival which sees many of
Vallarta’s most coveted restaurants
participating. Offering innovative
three-course meals at a set price
of either $199 0r $299 per person,
favorites like Hacienda San Angel,
Vitea, Archie’s Wok, Café des
Artistes, River Café and Daiquiri
Dick’s are regular participators. It’s
the perfect time to get together with
friends and loved ones, discover a
new restaurant and enjoy delectable
food at affordable prices.
Have we “whetted your appetite”
yet?! In that case, you will need
somewhere to stay and Vallarta
Getaways can help. We have a
wide variety of accommodation still
open for the summer in old town
Vallarta and El Centro (downtown),
and a number of selected properties
in surrounding areas. Whatever
your needs, we can help. Take
Condominium El Escondido, a
delightful, contemporary Mexican
development hidden just above Los
Muertos Beach. Nestled around the
pool and full of natural foliage and
sea breezes, bright colours and hidden
stairways, you will feel you are really
in Mexico here. Choose between a
tranquil penthouse apartment with
roomy open plan living space and
comfortable terrace or a cute first floor
apartment overlooking the pool.
For something a little more modern
in style, just two blocks of flat walking
from the beach, Posada Rio Cuale
offers a high level of comfort and
luxury at exceptional prices for oneand two-bed apartments. Luxury
marble kitchens, modern bathrooms,
elevators and underground parking
plus 24 hour security and a beautiful
pool, make Posada Rio Cuale one of
the best options in old town Vallarta.
On a different theme, as many of
you probably already know, the high
quality, comparatively low cost,
medical, surgical and dental treatment
available in Puerto Vallarta means that
it has already become a major medical
tourism destination. And what better
place to recuperate?! Take advantage
Issue 287
21
of lower cost accommodation this
Summer to schedule the treatment
you have been putting off. Vallarta
Getaways are experienced at helping
our clients to find the perfect place
to call home, according to their
individual needs. We can even help
put you in touch with the right medical
practitioner – please don’t hesitate to
get in touch with us to discuss your
personal needs.
A new venture for Vallarta
Getaways this year is to offer summer
courses – art, cookery and Spanish
language courses. Come and spend
the mornings learning invaluable new
skills in an informal, fun and inspiring
environment and the afternoons
relaxing with new friends around
the pool or exploring Vallarta. We
will take care of everything from
your accommodation, to your travel
arrangements, airport pick-ups, any
tours you may choose to do and of
course, your chosen course.
Or maybe you simply want a
vacation with loved ones, from a
romantic getaway to a family reunion.
2014
Vallarta Getaways offer a number of
deluxe condos such as Molino del
Agua, located over the Rio Cuale
bridge in old town. Set in a vast
manicured garden with direct access
to the Malecon and possibly one of
the best pools you are ever likely
to find, this is our recommendation
for the ultimate beachfront vacation
experience.
Our concierge service can take care
of all your arrangements from prearrival services such as stocking the
bar and fridge and providing fresh
flowers, to arranging a private chef or
even a massage or a baby sitter. Just
let us know what you are looking for
and we will be happy to make your
perfect vacation dream come true.
So whatever your reason, if you are
looking for affordable accommodation
in Puerto Vallarta this Summer and
you prefer to deal with professional,
friendly staff who are knowledgeable
and thorough, then please get in touch
with us right away.
22
Issue 287
Calendar / Directories
2014
Fish Tales
Seasonal transition fishing,
conditions improve slightly
By Stan Gabruk
Owner of Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle
Compared to what the fishing was
like last week, we’ve improved. Not
greatly, but we’ll take it an inch at a
time if we have to. Fish are still in
a transition period between summer
and winter where breeding in spring
takes precedence over feeding.
Which of course means it can be
frustrating when you see the fish,
you know they’re there, but they just
won’t pay a speck of attention to your
trolled masterpiece (bait). Along with
the change in seasons come water
temperature swings. The summer
currents don’t just take over, they
mix in with winter currents and this
creates a swirling affect which can
make experienced captains pull their
hair out. This is where even cheap
electronics will tell you the water
you’re in is either warmer or cold.
When you can’t see or find fish, trolling
in the warm streaks and currents
greatly improve your chances. Cheap
boats = no equipment = no fish, it’s
that easy. This is nothing new, having
an experienced captain with a full bag
of tricks (lures and baits) as well as a
radio and electronics to me are basics
clients should not have to ask about
or for. Better boats will already have
them in an effort to win your future
business. Fly by the seat of their pants
type boats and owners will find fish,
but it’s only luck so keep this in mind,
it will ultimately help your cause.
On the positive side water
temperature are up slightly, clear green
water conditions are still present,
not a bad thing. Bait has started to
return, especially near the point of
Punta Mita in the form of Sardines.
Rooster fish are still chasing these
Sardines, so you’ll find Roosters near
the reef of Anclote off Sayulita. With
Issue 287
23
the chilled waters, Dorado have not
shown any signs, but Snapper to 35
lbs. are coming up and taking trolled
baits. Pompano in the 45-lb range and
of course, Rooster fish over 35 lbs.
are not exactly abundant, but they are
around. For now, no Sailfish, but this
will change soon, Sailfish normally
move into the area around late April
to mid-May.
The Marieta Islands are still seeing
sketchy fishing. Some days plenty
of fish, other days will make you
pull your hair out. Mackerel of the
Sierra variety, Bonito, Skip Jack Tuna,
Snapper in the 35-lb range coming to
the surface, Amber Jacks in the 40-lb
range, Rooster fish if Sardines are in
the area, and of course, Jack Crevalle,
the standard day saver fish. All in all,
nothing too spectacular, but for the
visiting angler it’s the place to be to
catch fish.
Those of you interested in off season
fishing for Yellowfin Tuna can find
satisfaction at the Tres Marias Islands.
Again, these are protected fisheries,
breeding grounds that surround a prison
island that holds hardened criminals
here in Mexico. As long as you stay
outside of the restricted area, many
call this the ¨buffer zone¨, you won’t
have problems with the Federales or
other local authorities. Inside, well,
you’ll be chased like all the other guys
¨cheating¨ the boundaries. Yellowfin
Tuna are running anywhere from 125
to 275 lbs. right now. Bait swarming
around the rocky areas makes this
heaven for Yellowfin Tuna. It’s a
long haul and an overnight trip is
what makes the most sense, double
the opportunities for double the price.
The travel time is what kills you so get
up with the bite and hook into a finned
fantasy. Again, respect the boundaries
and you’ll have fun.
2014
Inside the bay is still on the short
side. Skip Jack Tuna, Bonito, Jack
Crevalle, Sierra Mackerel and that
is about it. Naturally you’ll find all
kinds of species around structures and
a skilled captain with experience will
always have his own secret spots.
With the full moon phase out of the
way, you’ll remember the red moon, the
bite is inching its way to mid morning.
My suggestion is leave Marina Vallarta
at or about 7 a.m. and you’ll be right
on time. As far as bait goes, most of
the natural bait has moved out of the
bay for the moment, but as stated
earlier, Sardines are coming back
slowly so I expect things to pick up
nicely by the time you read this article.
Water temperatures are still chilly,
but the sun is higher in the sky daily
as summer gets closer by the day. So
don’t be discouraged, you’ll catch fish,
but it’s going to be work, amigo. For
now your best bet is still in the Punta
Mita / Marieta Islands areas until the
deep water locations of El Banco and
Corbeteña begin firing again.
Until next time don’t forget to kiss
your fish and remember: at Master
Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle “We
Won’t Jerk You Around!”
Master Baiter’s has changed
locations in Marina Vallarta between
docks A and B on the boardwalk. Email
your questions to me at: CatchFish@
MasterBaiters.com.mx
Web page:
www.MasterBaiters.com.mx , Local
Phone at: (044) 322 779-7571 or if
roaming: 011 521 322 779-7571 cell
phone direct. Facebook: http://www.
facebook.com/pages/Master-BaitersSportfishing-Tackle/88817121325
The trade name Master Baiter’s ®
Sportfishing and Tackle is protected
under trade mark law and is the sole
property of Stan Gabruk.
24
Hi-Tech
Good-bye XP… Kinda… Sorta
A
fter numerous extensions for
customers outraged by the idea of its
impending demise, Microsoft finally
ended official support for Windows
XP earlier this month. All this means
is that Microsoft will stop providing
updates after more than 12 years
in service. That’s the computing
world’s version of living to your 120th
birthday!!
I received a lot of calls and emails
when this made the news the last
few weeks. Some people actually
thought this news meant their XP
computer would actually just not turn
on anymore. Now I know Microsoft
is powerful but fear not, there is no
magic “off” switch for XP computers.
Windows XP hit retail shelves
October 25, 2001, just in time for
the Christmas season. It was the
prodigal son of Windows Millennium
and Windows 2000. From that
point forward, it reached a peak of
running on 76.1 percent of computers
worldwide in January 2007.
Windows XP was Microsoft’s most
popular operating system to date.
It finally began slipping from the
number one rank worldwide when
Windows 7 arrived, but it’s still in use
on 25% of computer systems. There
are a few key holdouts: corporate
computers and China.
The word XP will now not even be
in Microsoft’s vocabulary. It means
as of April 8, 2014, there will be no
new security updates or hotfixes. It
means if you try to call Microsoft to
get help (I made a funny), they won’t
even have XP in their system to be
able to help you.
Lots of businesses won’t upgrade
computing systems unless they
absolutely have to. It’s that old “if
it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.
Replacing Windows XP with
something newer can cost a business
more than just money. There’s also
the potential for lost productivity
which, of course, ultimately translates
to money and end-user frustration,
which translates to lost productivity.
HP is expecting Windows XP
finally being killed off to have more
of a positive impact on its PC sales
Issue 287
than Windows 8 did, with the OS
retirement expected to open up a
huge market of upgraders who have
so far held off from buying fresh
hardware. The changes as Windows
XP extended support finally ends
will see many users, particularly
businesses, finally replace their PCs.
HP and other companies are hoping
to capitalize on this event.
At home, many users don’t give
a second thought to what operating
system they’re using. If it still
connects to the Internet and plays
solitaire, it’s just fine. Why spend
money on a Windows upgrade or
spend several hundred dollars on a
new computer when your old one is
doing what you need it to do?
Now your XP computer will
become less reliable over time.
The end of support is effectively
the retirement of Windows XP in
Microsoft’s eyes. The problem that
some XP users have is that they’re so
in love with the way that Windows
XP does things that they’re reluctant
to change, especially to Windows 8.
But Windows 7 is a good alternative
that offers a similar look and feel to
XP.
Future software is unlikely to run
on XP (Internet Explorer 10 &11 is
already not compatible with XP),
and older software will eventually
stop working too. Most importantly,
though, it means Microsoft will
no longer fix any future security
vulnerabilities that might be found by
hackers, exposing you to the risk of
data loss or theft.
Having good anti-virus software
2014
will help, but that alone isn’t enough
to make your computer safe to use on
the Internet. It’s a little like driving
around in a car that’s 20-30 years old.
If well maintained, it will still get you
from point A to B. But there’s no
comparison when it comes to safety.
So what are your options if you’re
still running XP? If you really don’t
want to invest in a new computer, then
you should at least invest in getting
your system upgraded to Windows
7. But you hardware will determine
if that is possible or not. If you can’t
or don’t want to upgrade from XP
and find webpages not displaying
properly, it’s because your Internet
Explorer is old - but fear not.
As I mentioned, the newer versions
of Internet Explorer (10 & 11) cannot
be installed on XP computers, but
you can install Google Chrome
(www.google.com/chrome).
This
will give you a modern browser and
as of now still compatible/useable
with Windows XP.
That’s all my time for now. See
you again next week. Until then,
Remember… only safe Internet!
Ron
Can be found at CANMEX
Computers. Sales, Repairs,
Networking, Wi-Fi,
Hardware upgrades, Graphic
Design, Data Recovery,
House-calls available. www.
RonnieBravo.com Cellular
044-322-157-0688 or just
email to CanMex@Gmail.com
Nature’s World
The rabbit,
luck and the moon
By Dr. Fabio Cupul
The
rabbit is a mammal,
recognized by its long ears, thick
smooth fur, cotton ball-like tail, its
sexual precociousness (it can start
mating as early as four months of age,
though this varies with the species),
and high rate of reproduction. Each
female can give birth and feed four
litters of 10 to 12 baby rabbits each,
in one year.
It is precisely this fecundity that
has led the rabbit to be considered
a symbol of fertility and thus, good
luck. That is surely the origin of the
superstitious belief that a rabbit’s
foot, also seen as a phallic symbol,
would attract good luck. It is
believed that as rabbits use their feet
to excavate their dens underground,
or to thump on the ground to alert
their companions of something bad
nearby, they would also have the
“magic” power to banish the demons
living below the surface of the earth,
in the underworld.
It is also said that actors are
superstitious people, which is why
they used a rabbit’s foot to apply
their make-up before going out on
stage to play their parts. In Wales,
a known superstition is that of
rubbing a newborn’s forehead with a
rabbit’s foot to ensure its good luck
throughout its life, and hanging the
foot in its crib to protect the newborn
from the “evil eye”.
The rabbit was a symbol
of fertility before the
Christian Era, and the month
of April was dedicated to
the Germanic goddess of
fertility, Eastre or Eostre
(thus our English word,
Easter). The relationship
between the rabbit and the
Christian Easter may be
explained through some
ancient legends.
The
most common tells of
the presence of a rabbit
in the cave where Jesus
of Nazareth was buried. Having
witnessed the resurrection, the little
animal wanted to spread the good
news but as it could not speak, it
went about distributing painted eggs
among the houses, as symbols of life
and resurrection.
Another characteristic by which
we recognize rabbit is their long
incisive teeth. In fact, it has four
upper incisors, two more than
rodents (like squirrels, rats, mice
and moles). The pair of frontal teeth
is very long and presents ridges on
their external surface. The second
pair of teeth is located behind the
first, much smaller, in the shape of
nails. The lower jaw also has a pair
of long incisors.
The rabbit’s teeth never stop
growing throughout its life, which
Issue 287
25
is why it must chew constantly in
order to keep them properly aligned
and worn down. Rabbits use their
incisors to cut or gnaw their food,
which is why they were thought to
be rodents. Nevertheless, rabbits
belong to a very different zoological
group, the Leporidae, i.e.: “those in
the shape of hares”.
Interestingly enough, doctors took
the scientific term “leporine” from
Leporidae, to name a congenital
defect seen in humans as a facial
fissure that separates the upper lip,
which can also extend to a crack in
the palate of newborns (cleft palate),
resembling the characteristic divided
upper lip of rabbits and hares.
Among the myths of pre-Hispanic
Mexico is one that says that, at the
beginning, the gods created the sun
and the moon so that men would have
light during the day and the night.
So they made a huge bonfire and
2014
asked two gods to throw themselves
into it to turn into the two celestial
beings. The first to jump in was
Nanahuatzin, “the pustulent” (for the
deformities on its body in the shape
of blisters), to emerge converted into
the shining sun. Tecuciztécatl, “the
sea slug”, followed to come out of
the flames as the great full moon.
However, as both shone intensely
brilliant, the gods decided to throw a
rabbit at the moon in order to lessen
its luminosity. That is why the moon
shows a silhouette of a rabbit on its
face.
Aztecs had a deity of drunkenness
and those who made and sold pulque,
an intoxicating drink extracted from
the maguey cactus that held
great importance in rituals.
They called it Ometochtli
or “two rabbits”. There
was also another group
of secondary gods known
as centzontototchtin or
“400
or
innumerable
rabbits”, one for each type
of drunkenness and each
drunk. Thus, those unlucky
enough to be born on the
day of the “two rabbits”
would be lost drunks for
their entire life.
Dr. Fabio G. Cupul Magaña
Coastal University Center
(CUC) of the University
of Guadalajara Email:
fabio_cupul@yahoo.com.mx
26
Nature’s World
Planting Roots
in Mexico
By Tommy Clarkson
Photos by Paul Crist
use(s) a mild preventive insecticide
containing pyrethrins, which is an
extract of chrysanthemums. (It) is
a fast-acting poison which disrupts
the nervous system and causes
paralysis of the insects, while at
the same time being non-toxic to
warm-blooded animals. (It is) also
biodegradable and breaks down
Gardenias
Family: Rubiaceae
(In this I am going to liberally
share sound advice kindly provided
to me by Paul Crist – a successful
grower of these beauties who
lives in the Puerto Vallarta area.
In all candor, regarding these
magnificent flowers, he is more
experienced and conversant on
them than am I. Accordingly, I tip
my Ola Brisa Gardens hat to him in
grateful appreciation for his input!)
Gardenias are a genus of
flowering plants comprised of
about 142 species. These evergreen
shrubs are indigenous to the tropical
and subtropical areas of Africa,
Asia and Australia. In that natural
habitat, they can grow from
two to twenty feet or more in
height.
Their leaves are glossy,
dark green and, depending
on the species, can grow
from about one to ten inches
(2½ to 25½ cm) long. Their
flowers – many of which have
an intoxicatingly sweet scent
- are white or yellow and
develop either a single or a
cluster of blossoms.
But, around here anyway,
they are not the easiest of
flowers to keep happy! Given their
“druthers”, gardenias prefer moist,
well-drained, acidic soil that is rich
in organic matter. If it’s not acidic
enough the leaves will turn yellow.
And water? I like the way Paul
said it, “(I use) insane amounts
of water during the dry, winter
season”. He finds it “useful to
(employ) an oscillating sprinkler
underneath the plants (with) the
underside spray helping to keep
down the spider mites that attack
gardenias during the dry season.”
He continues saying that
“Watering deeply … helps
establish deep roots and grows
a more hardy plant. Moistening
the surface of the soil without a
good drenching can result in a
plant (having) more surface roots,
which are more susceptible to
drying out (this should never be
allowed for gardenias).” And,
he is absolutely correct when
he says that ”Gardenias like the
cooler, moister soil that is at least
six to eight inches underground
in a well-tended planting bed.”
In his care for gardenias he “regularly
Issue 287
quickly in sunlight, moisture and
oxygen.” He adds that, “When
using insecticide, (strive) to
cover all surfaces, including the
undersides, of the leaves and stems.”
He then says that “Leaf cutter ants
adore gardenias, and can strip a
plant bare of leaves in one night.”
To thwart them he uses “Trompa”
which are pellets that ants find
to be delicious. They take these
pellets back to their nests, for a
“last supper, as it were.” (I
concur that this is the best
local product for these little
nasties!)
He suggests that “If you
see damage from leaf cutter
ants, go out at night, around
eleven PM, with a flashlight
in hand, and look for the
column of marching ants.
Follow them back to the
nest, and sprinkle Trompa
liberally around the nest.
One or two treatments
usually will “do the job”.
He says that he also” use(s) lots of
Miracle Grow (by) drench(ing) the
plants and soil every two weeks”
and he advises that the “nutrients
are absorbed through leaf pores as
well as through roots.” Obviously
well knowing “his stuff”, he
continues with “Miracle Grow
2014
has a good mix of trace minerals
such as magnesium, which helps
distribute phosphorus throughout
the plant, so it is, in my opinion,
the best water soluble fertilizer for
gardenias.”
To this he adds, “I also add a bit
of granular fertilizer around the
base of the plants about once each
month. You don’t need to use
much, as it’s a supplement to
the Miracle Grow that provides
a more continuous feeding.
Use a granular with high
phosphorus (rose fertilizers
work well).
In selecting
fertilizers, the middle number
is phosphorous (e.g. 5-10-5).”
He correctly suggests that one
“Go for a big middle number.”
In closing he said that to
obtain the very best results, the
“Gardenias need full sun … all day
long. They’ll survive some shade,
but won’t bloom. And be sure to
pluck or clip dried blooms, which
helps to encourage more flowering.
Gardenias are a challenge in
western Mexico, where the dry
winter season means more care for
a spectacular plant. But the scent
and beauty of these regal plants is
well worth the effort.”
Tommy Clarkson
In Manzanillo, visit Ola Brisa
Gardens, Tommy and Patty’s
verdant, multi-terraced tropical
paradise nestled on a hill
overlooking the magnificent vista of
Santiago Bay. Leisurely meander
its curved, paved path, experiencing,
first hand, a delicious array of palms,
plants and flowers from all over the
world. Or, e-mail questions to him at
olabrisa@gmail.com
For back issues of “Roots”, gardening
tips, tropical plant book reviews
and videos of numerous, highly
unique eco/adventure/nature tours,
as well as memorable “Ultimate
Experiences” such a Tropical Garden
Brunches and Spa Services, please
visit www.olabrisagardens.com
39. "What
time/ ___?"
M. Francis
Vuolo
Will Shortz
©New
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lake York Times
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36.
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Oscar
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25. Pilgrim to Mecca
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44. Jazz's Chick
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53. Sharpton
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Seven Hills city
Hills
city and
8.Seven
Great
Plains
Indian 26. Love in l'après-midi
39. "What time ___?" 1. Rev.57.
overseas
bibliographies
Toledo's
lake26. Love in l'après-midi
49. Brontë
28. Pixie-sized
others
44. Gave lines to
others
44.
Gave
lines
to
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48.cut?
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27. Oven
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Put up
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50. Short
43.29.
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58. Primitive fishing
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2. Prejudice
45. Peter
Fonda
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Jim 27.
at the
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___
2.
for horse-racing
Prejudice
45. Peter
role
49.
Brontë
heroine
28. Fonda
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49.and
Brontë
41.
Receiver of
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Carrie
46. Government
support
51. Knox
Dix: heroine
Abbr.
13.4.Retired
59.equipment?
speedster
Comedic
Laurel
50.
Short cut? Carrie 30. ___-France
Surrealistic
3.
Suffragist
46.
Government
support
29.
Jim
at
the
Alamo
Chapman
___
for
horse-racing
Apr. checks
44.
Jazz's
Chick
50.
Short
cut?
21.5.Trailblazing
60.51.
Daniel
Iron
pumper's
51.of
Knox
and
Jim atasteroid
the Alamo54. "You bet!"
Plant
Chapman
___Dix: Abbr.
equipment?
forlife
horse-racing
31. First29.
known
30.count
___-France
Stay out
sight
4. Surrealistic
42.
Closely
related
45.
Abbr.
on
a
food
label
51. Knox and Dix: Abbr.
54. "You bet!"
equipment?
51. Plant life
22.asteroid
30. ___-France
Sharer's
word
31. First known
5. Stay out52.
of sight
Surrealistic
33. Hard-working
6.External
Runs4.
without
moving
Down moving
43.
Is on the
same page,
52. Sharer's
46. Horse's footfall
word
33. life
Hard-working
51.before
Plant
6. Runs without
25.7.Pilgrim
53. Abbr.
ZIP
Mecca
FirstFamily"
known asteroid 54. "You bet!"
5. to
Stay
out of sight 34. "All31.
in the
Suburban
tunneler
so
to
speak
Sudoku
is
a
logic-based
placement
puzzle.
53. Abbr. before ZIP
1. code
Rev.
Sharpton
and
34.
"All
in the Family"
7. Suburban
tunneler
10001
47.co-star
Seven33.
Hills
city
52. Sharer's
word
26.8.Love
in
l'après-midi
Hard-working
6.Plains
code 10001
Runs Indian
without moving
Great
co-star
others
44.
Gave lines to
8. Great Plains Indian
48. Minor34.
hit "All in the Family"
27. Oven 7.
appurtenances
Suburban tunneler
2. Prejudice
45. Peter Fonda role
code
10001
49.
Brontëco-star
heroine
he aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit
1 8.
through
9 in each
row,
28.from
Pixie-sized
Great Plains
Indian
3. Suffragist Carrie
46.
Government
support
column and group of squares enclosed by the bold29.
lines
Each
Short cut?
Jim(also
at thecalled
Alamoa box). 50.
Chapman ___
for horse-racing
box must contain each number only once, starting with various digits given in some
51. Knox and Dix: Abbr.
equipment?
30. ___-France
Surrealistic
cells (the “givens”). Each 4.
row,
column, and region must
contain only one instance of
51.
Plant
life
31. First known asteroid 54. "You bet!"
each
numeral.
Completing
patience.
5. the
Staypuzzle
out of requires
sight
52. It
Sharer's
word
is recommended
as therapy
becausemoving
some studies
have suggested they might
33. Hard-working
6. Runs without
improve
memory,
attention
and
problem
solving
while
staving off mental decline
34. "All in the Family"
7. Suburban tunneler
and10001
perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
code
co-star
8. Great Plains Indian
The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle
SUDOKU!
T
Solution to Sudoku on Page 17
Issue 287
2014
Issue 287
2014

www.pvmcitypaper.com Issue 287 Saturday April 26 to Friday May 2

Transcription

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241 - pvmcitypaper

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions

Mexico File

186 - pvmcitypaper

Puerto Vallarta - Royal Caribbean International