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El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
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PUBLISHER
Richard Tingen
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alejandro Grattan-Domínguez Tel: (01376) 765 3676, 765 2877 Fax: (01376) 765 3528 Associate Publisher David Tingen Graphic Design Roberto C. Rojas Sandra Hernandez Special Events Editor Sandy Olson Associate Editor Jim Tipton Contributing Editor Mark Sconce Theater Critic Michael Warren Art Critic Rob Mohr Roving Correspondent Dr. Lorin Swinehart Sales Managers Bruce Fraser Office Secretary Rocio Madrigal ADVERTISING OFFICE Av. Hidalgo # 223, Chapala Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm Sat. 9am - 1pm Tel. 01 (376) 765 2877, 765 3676 Fax 01 (376) 765 3528 Send all correspondence, subscriptions or advertising to: El Ojo del Lago http://www.chapala.com ojodellago@prodigy.net.mx Ave. Hidalgo 223 (or Apartado 279), 45900 Chapala, Jalisco Tels.: (376) 765 3676, Fax 765 3528 PRINTING: El Debate El Ojo del Lago aparece los primeros cinco días de cada mes. (Distributed over the first five days of each month) Certificado de Licitud de Título 3693 Certificado de Licitud de Contenido 3117.
Index...
FEATURE ARTICLES
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COVER STORY
Herbert Piekow takes a long look at the life of a homely young Spanish woman who led a fabulous life masquerading as a man in what was then called the “New World.”
8 Cover by Dani Newcomb
18 PROFILE
Zofia Barisas sums up the life and times of one of Lakeside’s finest writers, the late and deeply lamented Ken Clarke.
26 INTROSPECTION
John Thomas Dodds remembers how discovering that he had cancer years ago brought an “angel” into his life who taught him a very simple thing: how to listen.
COLUMNS THIS MONTH 6
Editor’s Page
12 Imprints 14
Uncommon Sense
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Hearts at Work
Ed Tasca reviews Neil McKinnon’s last novel, The Greatest Lover of Last Tuesday—and Ed’s summation is as much fun to read as the book itself.
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Profiling Tepehua
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Dear Portia
44 TRAVEL (sort of)
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Lakeside Living
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Welcome to Mexico
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Child of the Month
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Anita’s Animals
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LCS Newsletter
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Carol Bowman tells us the toughest thing about Vietnam—which with a population of 89 million and 37 million registered motorbikes—is simply getting safely across its roads!
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50 HISTORY
Dr. Lorin Swinehart peers closely at one of America’s most respected figures, and finds several blemishes in the character and history of Andrew Jackson.
Reserva al Título de Derechos de Autor 04-2011-103110024300-102 Control 14301. Permisos otorgados por la Secretaría de Gobernación (EXP. 1/432 “88”/5651 de 2 de junio de 1993) y SEP (Reserva 171.94 control 14301) del 15 de enero de 1994. Distribución: Hidalgo 223 Chapala, Jalisco, México. All contents are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of El Ojo del Lago. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or the Editor, nor are we responsible for the claims made by our advertisers. We welcome letters, which should include name, address and telephone number.
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COVER STORY
D IRE C TOR Y
LAKESIDE LIVING
VOLUME 32 NUMBER 1
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Editor’s Page
By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez For more editorials, visit: http://thedarksideofthedream.com
The Best Time to Have Come of Age!
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t all depends, I suppose, on our nationality and those fellow citizens one has most admired. A Frenchman might choose the tumultuous years of the French Revolution, while a Brit might select a time during which “the sun never set on the British Empire.” A Mexican could wish for the time of Benito Juarez, during what might be called Mexico’s own Age of Enlightenment. As one born and bred in the United States, and of American parents, I choose my own country during the mid-1940’s. For high drama, there have been few periods (or people!) in US history to match it. The stage had been set some five years earlier, and at stake was nothing less than the preservation of democracy itself. Rising to the occasion, the country came forth with a plethora of people now considered legends. Politicians? Franklin Roosevelt, today regarded along with Lincoln and Washington as one of America’s greatest presidents. Military Leaders? Eisenhower, MacArthur, Nimitz, Halsey, Arnold, Bradley, Marshall and Patton. No military leader since has come even close to matching their stature. As for science, the time gave rise to men of genius like Einstein, Salk, Avery and Seaborg. The field of literature saw the ripening of talents like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner and Thomas Wolfe, the theater world the maturing of writers like Eugene O’Neill, the emergence of Tennessee Williams and the teaming of Rogers and Hammerstein. The field of journalism brought forth stalwarts like Edward R. Murrow, Eric Severeid, Charles Collingwood and the much under-rated Martha Gellhorn. The world of dance was led by Astaire and Ginger Rodgers, as well as the brilliant
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choreographer Agnes DeMille. Hollywood was filled with stars today considered the best and most magnetic ever, men like Gable, Bogart, Colman, Stewart, Tracy and Flynn, while replacements have rarely been found for actresses of the caliber of Hepburn, Davis, Garson, Dunne and Stanwyck. But the best thing about the United States in the mid-40’s was its national spirit. In the lead-up to the war, its armed forces ranked 18th in total numbers. By the end of the Second World War, it had ten million men and women in uniform and had become the dominant military and industrial power of the entire world. It could never have been done, however, without an American home-front that had been inspired to rediscover the very best in its national character. Little things stick in my mind. Everyone shared in the sacrifice. Shoes had less leather, glasses less glass, faucets were made of cast iron instead of brass, bicycles could weigh no more than thirtyone pounds, fly swatters were made of wood, girdles went from rubber to whalebone, nylon went from women’s legs to parachutes, while war bonds, many promoted by film celebrities, sold in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Castor oil was used as a motor lubricant and even spider web thread saw duty as the cross hairs in gun sights.
Bigger things: almost every large industrial plant went into the production of the weapons of war: Chrysler made the engines for the famous PT boats, Willys turned out Jeeps by the hundreds of thousands, Firestone Tires made tens of thousands of anti-aircraft guns, while Ford was rolling off the assembly line a brand-new B-24 bomber every sixty-three minutes. Within less than two years, America was producing several times more war materiel than Germany and Japan combined. One payoff was that on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
the German Luftwaffe could get up into the skies over Normandy only 319 planes—compared to almost 14,000 Allied aircraft. Little wonder, then, that anyone would not have wanted to come of age in that most monumental period in all of the history of 20th century America. Alejandro GrattanDominguez
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The Soldier Nun By Herbert W. Piekow
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n 1589 Catalina de Erauso’s wealthy Basque family sent their four- year-old daughter to a Dominican Convent, where her aunt was the prioress. When Catalina was fifteen she escaped the convent when her aunt sent the novitiate to fetch a prayer book. Catalina spied the keys to the convent, brought her aunt the requested book, pleaded a cold, went back for the keys and let herself out into the world. Catalina knew that a single girl would come to no good end and so she hid out. While escaping the convent she stole some material, needle and thread, then fashioned herself some rough male clothing to disguise her
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budding femininity. In her biography she tells the readers that later, while in Peru, she applied a native poultice to reduce and almost eliminate her breasts, so she could more easily disguise herself in male clothing. She was an unattractive, big-boned
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girl, but as an educated boy who could read and write Latin, she easily found employment as a page to the King´s treasurer. When her father came to visit her employer, he did not recognize his daughter, but she realized it was time to move on and the New World offered her the perfect opportunity. According to her autobiography, “I enlisted as a cabin boy in the galleon of Captain Esteben Equiño (my uncle, my mother´s cousin).” The year was 1603 and Catalina had turned eighteen; during the journey to Cartagena she was promoted to her uncle´s personal service. He did not know that she was the runaway daughter of his cousin. Catalina adds thief to her survival skills when she steals from her uncle and after some adventures ends up in Lima, Peru where she easily finds a job as a manager of a dry goods business. For her pay she received quarters, clothing, had a cook and two slaves. She had a man’s temper and responded to a hot headed rival´s insults by accepting his challenge to a duel. Catalina was victorious, but she was brought to court for murder. Her employer struck a deal with the magistrate and Catalina found herself transferred to another city. According to her autobiography she was later caught with her hands roaming the body of her boss’s mistress and found it necessary to enlist in the king´s army, but only after she ran her sword through another man and killed him. Along with 1,600 soldiers Catalina was sent to the South of Chile to fight in a native uprising, known as the Arauco War, the natives were never fully subjugated. As if her soldier´s life of fighting and drinking weren´t enough for any young person she finds herself serving under Captain Miguel de Erauso, her brother, who did not recognize the sister he had not seen since she was a two-year-old. In later years, when she returns to Spain, she meets two more of her brothers and I wondered what they thought of their by then famous transvestite sis-
ter, turned soldier. During her years in South America, dressed as a man she used several male names, and only revealed her true identity when confronted with execution. Several years later she killed her brother when he saw her leave his mistresses home late one night and challenged the lieutenant to a duel. After killing her brother, an officer in the king´s service, Catalina managed to escape along with two renegade soldiers; “We travelled together in the cold, snow covered Andes of Chile.” Along the way they nearly starved; to survive they slaughtered one of the horses. Catalina proved to be stronger than her two male companions and the remaining two horses because they all perished of cold and starvation. “I recited the rosary and commended my soul to the Holy Virgin and her glorious husband Saint Joseph.” The Virgin must have taken pity because Catalina is found and taken to a hacienda where a widow restores the wayward soldier´s health. However, the widowed landowner wants Catalina to repay her kindness by marrying her half-breed daughter. “The daughter was very dark, and ugly as the devil, very contrary to my taste, which was always the pretty face.” These are Catalina´s words. As she was preparing for marriage to one woman she is pursued by another. In her best interests Catalina says; “I mounted the horse and disappeared.” More adventures, like helping to quell a rebellion, gambling and dueling, being condemned to death and receiving a last minute pardon all add to the unbelievable, but true tale of the cross-dressing nun. Actually she never took her final vows and so to call her a nun is technically incorrect, but in reading about Catalina she is often referred to as a nun, or former nun. Later, she is severely wounded when fighting ensues during a card game, where she killed another gambler. The treating physician refused to operate on Catalina unless she confess
to a priest in case she died during the operation. Accordingly she confesses her sins, including cross dressing. By order of the bishop of Lima, Peru two midwives came; “They examined me and found me to be a virgin, intact as the day I was born.” In 1624, at the age of thirty nine, Catalina returned to Spain where she secured an audience with King Felipe IV, who granted her a handsome yearly annuity because she had served his interests so well in the New World. After all, she was a decorated soldier, fought indigenous tribes who refused to become subjects of the King and follow the teaching of the Catholic Church, and she had helped quell a rebellion, explored the Andes and promoted the economic ties of South America with those of Spain. Who but Catalina would then dare to travel to Rome and petition for an audience with His Holiness Pope Urban VIII, who after listening to the tales of the former convent dweller, murderer, gambler and soldier, “Granted me permission to continue my life dressed as a man.” Of course the Pope did charge Catalina to “live honestly,” which by dressing as a man she felt she obeyed. While in Rome the Italian Pietro Della Valle described her as: “Fond of conversation, tall and strong with masculine looks... face is not ugly but worn by age... more like a eunuch than a woman. She dressed as a Spanish man, with a sword, more as a soldier than a courtier.” Of course Catalina could not stay in a civilized society; she craved the adventures of the New World and sailed to Mexico where during the final years of her life she successfully operated a transport company conveying goods by mule train from the Port of Veracruz to the Capitol of Mexico. As a mule driver she continued her life as man able to gamble, fight and earn a living. Catalina died on one of her business
trips, not from the sword of a quicker or more powerful person, but from contracting an illness. Much has been written about this unusual and strong woman and several movies have been made. Maria Felix starred as Catalina in The Soldier Nun, but because Maria Felix was so lovely and feminine the movie was not believable. During the 1980´s there was a television series and later a video game based on Catalina´s life called Unchartered Waters, which seems quite appropriate for the woman who lived life as she desired and without regrets. Herbert W. Piekow
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THE ENEMY IS NOT RUSSIA OR PUTIN: It’s Hypocrisy By Marcel Woland
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e: “Dictator Disease” (July Ojo), iconic of Ms. Harwood’s piece is a photoshopped image of her target, Putin. It has appeared in Gessen’s hatchet-job The Man without a Face; Harding’s narcissistic Mafia State: How One reporter became an Enemy of the Brutal New Russia; and Time Magazine’s Putin, Person of the Year. The CIA’s Chief of Covert Action said, while publishing Dr Zhivago, that books were “the most important weapon of strategic propaganda.” (The Zhivago Affair, Pantheon 2014) No evidence is given of Putin’s: “long-simmering ambition to become the most powerful leader in the world,” “coveting respectability”; being a “KGB
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thug” – who was a ‘desk’ lieutenantcolonel while Bush the First was Head of the CIA; “Imposter” - true of Harwood’s paragon, Catherine, who had no real claim to the throne. Yet Putin’s portrait acts subliminally, making unfounded slanders seem plausible. Some facts about Crimea: In 1779 Catherine took Crimea from the Turks. It remained part of Russia until 1954 when it was illegally handed to the Ukraine by Kruschev. In 1991, Crimeans held a referendum in which they voted for independence from The Ukraine: voter turnout 84%; for independence 94%. But to no avail. These results were amply confirmed in the 1994 and 2014 referenda. Putin bettered Catherine by help-
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ing Crimea free itself, not from the Turks this time, but from the US-sponsored Poroshenko junta in Kiev - without firing a single shot! http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article38760.htm What ex-Ukrainians want to get away from now is this: the CIA/USSD coup d’etat in Kiev which brought war, disorder and the loss of sovereignty. This is the inescapable fact from which all adult discussion must commence: The ‘Ukrainian government’ was installed by and is controlled by the USA. NulandPyatt leaked conversation _COMPLETE with SUBTITLES - YouTube I will skip lightly over the bodiceripper prose of Harwood’s article: Putin “brazenly invading” and “sidling into” Ukraine, (‘proof’ of which may be found “...in Tweets”); Angela Merkel’s fondness for hanging fellow-Austrian (‘Catherine’s’ real name was: Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg) dominant females on her wall ; and finally, breathless charges of “midnight Al Capone-style assassinations” of “the best and brightest” by “a jack-booted gangster.” Harwood is a hanging judge. But the darling Empress of Voltaire once opined: “It is better that a hundred guilty men go free than have one condemned unjustly.” How things change! The lynching continues with: “Dictator Disease has ruined Zimbabwe, North
Korea, seriously damaged Cuba, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, the Congo, Myanmar, and destroyed Libya and Iraq.” A defense attorney may point out that the common denominator in all these cases is not ‘dictators’, but the USA. And then ‘the drop’... “Yet, instead of pulling back troops, he’s fomenting [sic] a war in Ukraine and has convinced Russian citizens, even some living in Ajijic, that the U.S. somehow caused it.” The above smells less of Catherine’s boudoir than of McCarthy’s Senate Chamber. In Cultural Imperialism, Edward Said wrote of US global hegemony and its justifiers: “Worse yet has been the amazing (often passive) collaboration with these practices on the part of intellectuals, artists, journalists whose positions at home are progressive and full of admirable sentiments, but the opposite when it comes to what is done abroad in their names.” John Wight said in CounterPunch: “The US is a global hegemon, with over 1,000 military bases covering the planet, eleven navy battle carrier groups, and a military budget currently exceeding that of every other major industrialized nation combined [my italics].” Russia has three bases! Harwood’s article ignores not just “an elephant in the room” but a herd of them.
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IMPRINTS By Antonio Ramblés antonio.rambles@yahoo.com
Lush Luxembourg Garden
A cross between a botanical garden, a sculpture and art gallery, and a venue for performing arts and cultural events, the Garden always has plenty going on. Now over 400 years old, it was created by Queen Marie de Medici to showcase her adjoining Luxembourg Palace, and both were designed to evoke the atmosphere of the Pitti Palace in the queen’s native Florence. Today the French Senate meets in the former palace, and the 60-acre park is the property of the people of Paris, as it has been since the French Revolution. Perhaps, then, it’s no surprise that there’s an egalitarian feel to this place. It’s a destination for young and old, for the well-to-do and the rest, and for singles and couples and families. All sit side-by-side on park chairs and benches along gravel paths that pass among manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, elegant flowerbeds, and stunning foun-
There is something in most city dwellers which demands occasional respite from urban life, as if something in our genes reminds us that we are all descended from hunter-gatherers and farmers, and that cities are not our natural habitat. The Jardin du Luxembourg – the Luxembourg Garden – is where Parisians turn for such a respite. It’s a serenely pastoral urban space, and a national treasure that’s among the world’s finest urban parks.
Luxembourg Garden, Paris
Luxembourg Palace and garden pool
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tains. There are also walkers, joggers, and plenty of people just reading newspapers or books in the great outdoors. The centerpiece basin runs along a line from the Palace to the Paris Observatory, which lies a mile away beyond the park boundaries. The basin ends in the spectacular Observatory Fountain, the collaborative work of
four different artists. On a Sunday afternoon, children float miniature sailboats in the Garden’s centerpiece basin. The foliage screens out the city, and the garden is a tranquil place in which everyone seems to respect everyone else’s space. The Garden’s boundaries have grown and shrunk over four centuries, and it fell into disrepair in the years leading up to the Observatory Fountain, Luxembourg Garden French Revolution. It was not until the last half of the 1800’s that it was fully restored and expanded to its present footprint. Later additions include a new and more formal garden à la française, and a pond and statuary at the famous Medici Fountain. A diagonal alley from the Fountain reveals a view of the Pantheon, located less than mile to the east. Late in the nineteenth century, the park became the home to a Luxembourg Garden pool, Sunday after- large population of statues that innoon clude the queens and other famous women of France. Other sculptures are monuments to French writers and artists, and there’s also a small-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty. In the southwest corner of the Garden is an orchard of apple and pear trees, and a large fenced-in playground for young children. Nearby is the théâtre des marionnettes – the puppet theater- and a vintage carousel. Art, photography and sculptures are displayed in the park’s Orangerie. Free musical performances are often presented in the gazebo and there is a
Medici Fountain, Luxembourg Garden, Paris small cafe restaurant on the grounds nearby… …or instead sit over coffee or an aperitif facing the Boulevard Saint-Michel sidewalk at the Cafe Le Luxembourg, just outside the park. Hours for the Luxembourg Garden vary seasonally. In summer it opens at 7:30AM and closes at 9:45PM, and in winter it opens at 8:15AM, and closes at 4:45PM… dawn to dusk. Next up for 10 Days In Paris are highlights Statue of Liberty, Luxembourg from select museums. Garden Antonio Ramblés
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UNCOMMON COMMON SENSE By Bill Frayer billfrayer@gmail.com The Elephants Are in Control
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y daughter recently loaned me a copy of Jonathan Haidt’s 2012 book, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. It’s an interesting study about why intelligent people can view the world so differently. It’s an interesting subject he’s written about before, and it’s worth considering. But I was taken with his point, early in the book, where he discusses the way people make moral decisions. He uses the metaphor of a person riding an elephant. The elephant represents our emotions, and the rider represents our rational thinking. Contrary to what most rationalists might think, he suggests that the elephant is actually in control. In other words, when we are faced with making an important assessment, we immediately “know” what we think, based on our intuition and emotion. We then use our rational thinking to explain, or justify, our decision. This happens with practical decisions as well. For example, car salespeople understand this. When we buy a new vehicle, we frequently make the choice with our gut. We see a car we want and decide to buy it. We may lay out the logical reasons why buying this car would be a logical decision, but the decision to buy it was made rather easily by our emotions. As I am writing this column, the Republican Party in the US is struggling with the surging presidential candidacy of Donald Trump. Many people, Republicans and Democrats alike, are dumbfounded that Trump could actu-
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Bill Frayer ally be leading all other candidates in the polls. By the time this column appears in September, his candidacy may have faded, as it must. But how can we explain the immediate popularity of this superficial, pompous blowhard? If voters would evaluate Trump’s candidacy on the basis of logic, it would make no sense. He’s going to build a wall covering the entire USMexican border, and have Mexico pay for it? Seriously? Most of what he says makes no sense. So why are people flocking to him? It’s their elephants. Many in the US are angry at politicians, frustrated at the economy, and unhappy with the rapid rate of change. Along comes Trump, the un-politician, and speaks, however irrationally, to their emotions. Their elephants are responding. They may need to work overtime to justify their decisions rationally, but most won’t bother. Many of us on the left could not understand how George W. Bush could be elected again in 2004 after leading the nation into the obviously disastrous Iraq War. People were voting for the guy with the bull horn, the regular guy, not too smart, who they could relate to, who stuck to his guns, perhaps in spite of the facts. Kerry was seen as an elite snob who windsurfed. Many could not relate to him. So they voted with their gut feelings for who they liked. If we think about it, the evidence is everywhere. Scientists filter data through their biases, often ignoring results which do not conform to what they want to see. We buy things impulsively, then justify the decision by rationalizing later. People see the poor buying food with welfare assistance and feel angry that “those people” get something for free. Politics has become an emotional team sport. We like liberal or conservative politicians because they’re on our team. We like people who are like us. The anger at immigrants is based on this emotional reaction to “otherness.” We may justify our choices with logical reasoning, but our emotional elephants are really in charge.
THOUGHTS ABOUT GETTING OLDER...
• The biggest lie I tell myself is ...”I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it.” • Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller! • Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven’t met yet! • I don’t trip over things, I do random gravity checks! • I don’t need anger management. I need people to stop pissing me off! • Old age is coming at a really bad time! • Lord grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the friends to post my bail when I finally snap! • My ‘people skills’ are just fine.
It’s my tolerance for idiots that needs work. • Teach your daughter how to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper. • If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would’ve put them on my knees. • The kids text me “plz” which is shorter than please. I text back “no” which is shorter than “yes.” • I’m going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I’ll do that second week. • Even duct tape can’t fix stupid— but it can muffle the sound! • Of course I talk to myself! Sometimes I need expert advice. • At my age “Getting Lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.
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ALL OUR WORDS NEEDED SAYING: An Anthology of Women’s Writing Edited by Patricia Hemingway, Zofia Barisas & Carol D. Bradley Reviewed by Dr. Amelia Stevens
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ight Lakeside women writers have created a striking, heartfelt and provocative collection. The twenty-one works of fiction, creative nonfiction and memoir, each followed by a poem, reflect a woman’s authentic experience. The diversity of voices reveal—in writing that is strong and clear and sometimes superb— the connections of love, friendship, sexuality, and family. They tell of surviving mental illness, war, grief, and the violation of childhood. Truth is evident in the recounting of critical events in women’s lives: birth, abortion, and mothering. There is no shroud of prettification or false sweetness in this anthology.
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Poems, the majority by Margaret Van Every, reflect the impact of each story. Patricia Hemingway’s mysterious and evocative opening piece, “Leona,” relates the story of an isolated and damaged young woman who finds freedom as she transforms herself into a bear. “We Are Wet Garments,”
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Van Every’s poem, provides the perfect punctuation: “the shapes we assume/depend on how we are pinned/ and the merciful whip or absence of wind.” Hemingway’s “21 Valerian Street” is a moving story of same-sex love set in San Francisco in the 1980’s. Zofia Barisas asks in “The One Spot of Color,” her poignant story of abortion: “Wars, revolutions, inquisitions, exterminations, witch hunts, executions, genocides, lynchings, murders, suicides, and in this vastness of dying, what part did my act play?” I found her recounting of the abortion very moving. “My Mother, the Thief” is Barisas’ raw and tender memoir about her love for her aging mother. As she washes her mother, Barisas writes, “The strength of life, its tenaciousness and its fragility, are written here in gathering folds.” “Spanish Taxco” is the only comic piece in the collection. In English translation, Ilsa Picazo’s story retells the dark and stormy night of an illicit tryst. Each hilarious, frustrating obstacle drives the tension forward toward the climax. In “The Shadow of a Star Chief,” Carol D. Bradley describes “lonely, desperate women trapped in circumstances over which they have little control.” A worldly woman who has led a life of freedom is blamed for the break up of a marriage. In “Three on the Tree,” Bradley adeptly tells the 1960’s story of a teenage girl who could not free herself from “the boy with the handsome round face and dark eyebrows” who was “unlike the decent boys in school.” In these stories, so different from one another, I was struck by the impact of each of them in portraying a woman coming into her own strength. Glenda Martin Roman’s selection “Mrs. Brock Left Her Mark” is a taut recounting of the effects of a mother’s mental illness on her children. Tensions arise between the absent moth-
er and the influence of a “One True Christian” who chopped off my [dress] sashes, snipped the elastic and tore down my hems to send me to school pure and shapeless.” Margaret Van Every’s historical fiction, “A Mother’s War,” is told in first person by a mother in a Ukrainian village during World War II. Her sons and husband have gone to war and four young German soldiers invade her home, demanding food and shelter. In “Rescuing Specks,” Janice Kimball narrates the survival of a teenage wife locked inside an abusive relationship. In recounting metaphorically the rescue of the family dog, the young woman saves herself. What I found missing in the collection are more experiences of Mexican women, especially from the perspective of a non-educated Mexican woman. Such additional stories would have provided a broader representation. Today, innovative women writers are in the forefront of the literary world. A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride; the memoir H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald; and Marilynne Robinson’s Lila, the recent addition to the Pulitzer prize winning Gilead and Home, are a few examples. Poet and essayist Adrienne Rich, who published for fifty years from the 1960’s onward said: “It is only the willingness of women to share their private and often painful experiences that will enable them to ... free and encourage one another.” All Our Words Needed Saying is a treasure trove of that willingness. (Ed. Note: Dr. Amelia Stevens, a psychiatrist, practiced for 20 years in Massachusetts. She wrote a column for the Lake Chapala Review titled “Neuro Notes.”) Note: Join the writers at their group reading and book launch on Thursday, September 17 at Maria Isabel (The Old Posada) in Ajijic. Time is 3:30-5:30p.m. and 2 X 1 drinks will be served. Books will be for sale for 200 pesos.
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KEN CLARKE —A Man for all Seasons By Zofia Barisas
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en Clarke (1938 – 2012) was born in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. The family moved to Bodmin, Cornwall when he was three. His love of Cornwall remained with him all his life. At 16 he went to the School of Navigation in Plymouth from which he graduated as an apprentice officer. He spent the next seven years in the merchant navy with Canadian Pacific Line. When the shipping season closed for the winter he worked as an officer on Canadian Pacific cruise ships. He met his wife, Lise Godbout, in the New York City harbor where his cruise ship was docked, ready to set sail for the Caribbean Islands. Ken was standing at the top of the gangway, with another officer, greeting arriving passengers when he saw Lise coming up with a girlfriend. He fell in love at first sight. They married soon after in 1962. They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary when Ken died of a heart attack at Salvador’s restaurant in Ajijic. The romantic story of how they met and how he proposed is in his book Seven Years a Mariner. Soon after the marriage Ken got a job on the Montreal harbor, Quebec, with B&K Shipping Co. From there he moved on to start his own shipping container company into which he poured all his energy and made a success and which he sold in the 1990’s and retired. As in everything else he did, he researched what would be the best place for him and Lise to live. He considered South America, flew to Brazil, researched Portugal, looked into Mexico – Puerto Vallarta, Ajijic – fell in love with a big house in Villa Nova, with great views of lake, garden, swimming pool, tool cabin, another house on the grounds, put a deposit on it, flew home and told Lise he’d found the place where they would retire and that she would love it. And she did. They moved to Ajijic in 1999. Ken loved beauty: in the young woman he married, in the house he bought, in the time-share in Puerto Vallarta, in the furnishings and art he bought for their house, the rows of beautifully bound books, the expensive equipment he bought when
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he took up photography, the expensive equipment he bought when he took up carpentry, the equipment he bought when he took up writing. He researched in depth every new interest, talked to carpenters and watched them work. He knew no strangers. Everybody was a friend. After he mastered an interest he moved on to another. He liked obscure topics in his writing, ancient wars in Afghanistan, the search for the Holy Grail. He wrote poetry in the style of Rudyard Kipling. He had a good singing voice. Whatever he chose to do and research – he loved doing research – he did well. And the knowledge he accumulated he shared with open generosity and limitless patience. He helped me many times with my computer and to set up my Kindle. He talked a lot. But he also listened well without judgment and gave feedback from the heart, thoughtfully. In the times I spent with Ken and Lise I never heard them say anything negative about other people. Nor did I hear any gossip about them. Ken was, and Lise is, genuinely good people. They had two daughters and one son. A daughter died in childhood from an incurable illness and the other daughter died in her forties in a headon collision in California. It was a terrible blow to them. When I asked Ken some weeks later – not sure if my asking would be okay – how they were coping, he said: “I believe the body dies but the energy lives on. The energy that was her life lives on somewhere.” Ken’s brother and family flew over from Cornwall for the celebration of Ken’s life at the American Legion in Chapala. He also knew no strangers and had the
same smiling friendly face and open disposition that Ken had. Some people come and go and leave little mark of their passing. Ken was a friend, a big brother, always there for anybody who needed him. His energy touched the lives of those who knew him and loved him. He is missed. Lise lives on in the big house with her memories of the man she married when she was 23. Zofia Barisas
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DEFIANCE: A Chronicle Of Courage By Chance DeWitt (AKA Tom Eck) Amazon.com Kindle $4.99 Review by Mikel Miller
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his true story of Zahra chronicles her struggles to escape oppression in Iran and build a new life in the USA. As the Foreword says: “It is the story of one woman’s courage, perseverance and honor, both inborn and acquired. It is a chronicle of virtues we all pursue but seldom, if ever, fully achieve.” The author’s writing reads like a movie script, filled with tension that rises and falls from scene to scene, and I can see those two sentences scrolling across the big screen. The book reminds readers how the CIA can help overthrow foreign leaders, sometimes at cross purposes with the U.S. President. But the author also includes the chilling account of how the U.S. government can pursue alleged criminals at home with arrest,
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intimidation, freezing all assets, and manipulating false witnesses in court. Zahra’s story could come from today’s headlines but it began in Iran during the 1970s, when her stepfather was a general in the Shah’s inner circle. Connections with international partners helped him amass a fortune but, in early 1976, he sensed trouble was coming. “I have reports that the Ameri-
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can CIA is now involved with the mullahs,” her stepfather explained to her. “In fact, one of the mullahs whom the Shah exiled to France almost eight years ago is working with the CIA. His name is Khomeini.” He and his partners began liquidating assets, and Zahra helped smuggle almost $1 billion in U.S. currency and diamonds into foreign countries. Informed readers may recall the Carter White House efforts to save the Shah, and the humiliation of U.S. hostages after his exile. “Power does strange things to people,” Zahra’s stepfather warned her. “Right now, I cannot tell you what will happen, but I think we should prepare for the worst.” Her stepfather and mother fled Iran, but she and her husband remained. Authorities confiscated their home and, after two years of hiding, they paid a guide $300,000 in U.S. dollars to help them and their two small children cross the rugged mountains into Afghanistan. Opportunistic associates killed the guide, took their vehicles, and they continued on foot. Dehydration and starvation forced them to stop, and she thought her infant son would die. Throughout the book, the author helps the reader feel Zahra’s anguish. “She took the faintly breathing Ali into her arms and clutched him. He did not
move and was now so light she thought of him as a feather about to drift away forever. ‘Mommy, do you remember when you said that we would not die unless we wanted to?’ asked Maryam. ‘I do, my little lamb,’ Zahra responded. ‘Mommy, I think…I want to die now.’” A well-armed search party led by her stepfather crossed the border region into Iran and found them. After they fled to Spain, the stepfather agreed to pay $1.5 million to become legal U.S. immigrants, plus a $60,000 cash bribe to an official of the American Embassy in Madrid to expedite their paperwork. Arriving in Los Angeles, they began rebuilding their lives free from government oppression—or so they thought—but their nightmare lasted another six years. As the author writes at the end of the Foreword: “We can all learn from Zahra. Not what it takes to muster the resolve to resist, but of what we should heed in the despotic direction of governments in general.” That would also look good scrolling across the big screen. Meanwhile, you can buy the book on Amazon Mikel Miller
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RAMBLINGS FROM THE RANCH By Syd Sullins
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wo years ago a body shop in San Antonio went out of business and double padlocked their gate – with three dogs left inside. It’s difficult to see through the gate and two of these dogs starved to death before anyone noticed. One day, a carpenter who works nearby, noticed two women peering through the gate and overheard them saying “he hasn’t died yet.” He went over and looked for himself and saw a beautiful young dog, apparently a yellow lab mix. For two years this carpenter has climbed that barbed wire topped fence to provide this dog he has named Lobo with food and water. About once a week he’d enlist the help of a neighbor and they managed to lift Lobo over the fence so he could walk on the malecon. With too many dogs at home, he knew he couldn’t accept Lobo into his home. With a move coming, the carpenter
worried what would become of Lobo. He reached out to local animal advocates who contacted the Ranch. No, we didn’t really have room for another dog but we knew we had to make it work. To help a dog in this very dangerous situation is exactly why the Ranch was founded. So we met the carpenter at that gate and he lifted sweet Lobo from behind that locked fence one last time. While the owner of that body shop showed the worst of human nature, this carpenter demonstrated the best of humanity. Shouldn’t this dog be damaged? Yes he should be, but miraculously he’s not. He’s loving, calm and happy. And he will never be without food, water and love again. To find out how you can be part of helping dogs like Lobo, please contact the Ranch (Lakeside Spay and Neuter Center) 331-270-4447 or www.lakesidespayneutercenter.com
Rain
By Kathy Koches
Sprinkles, splashes, misty dew, torrential downpours, showers too, cooling, calming lovely rain, I’m so glad you’ve come again. Kiss the mountains, fill the lake, such a lovely sound you make. Wash my body, clear my mind, peaceful moments I can find. Clouds above me softly weep, lull me gently off to sleep. As I slowly close my eyes, Sing your soothing lullabies.
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The Tianguis And The Seven Deadly Sins By Sandy Olson
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don’t know why the Seven Deadly Sins came to mind when I was walking down that dusty street in La Manzanilla on my way to the Friday tianguis, but there they were: Pride, Anger, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Lust and Sloth. There’s an acronym that helps me to remember all of them: P-A-G-G-E-L-S. “Why try?” the reader might ask. “How clever,” another says. “Who cares?” dismisses a third. While pondering the Sins I spotted my friends clustered around one of the first tables at the tianguis. I walked faster. What were they looking at? If they wanted what was on the table I wanted it too. It turns out they were looking at silver jewelry. My new friend Judy had picked up a silver ring with a large moonstone. “I wanted that,” I said to myself. I left the group and walked on so I didn’t have to watch her paying for my ring. Still thinking about the Seven Sins, I remarked to myself that Lust wasn’t in it today. It was too hot to think about sweaty sex, not to mention I could sense the rampant lack of interest on the part of any of the young men lolling around behind the display tables. And Sloth. Would moving faster prove anything? I jumped as lively as I
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could over a muddy stream crossing the road, redolent of a Tijuana gutter in the 1960s. I moved on in though. As the tianguis goes, this one was modest. I gave up the idea of scoring any treasures. There was a little shop called Ada’s Boutique. I went in and browsed around, moving close to a dumpy woman from Orcas Island, she said. I watched her rummage through a stack of colorful skirts and tops, imported, the clerk said from a respectful distance, from Guadalajara. She rooted through the clothes like a starving wart hog, throwing size small items over her shoulder. I saw that I wasn’t going to get in there too. “What does she see when she looks in the mirror?” I wondered. “She’s FAT and those clothes won’t fit her. I’m not fat,” I said, having just bought a pair of size large nylon shorts, formerly from JC Penney. “Well, not that fat.” I was starting to feel a little uneasy for some reason. It was time to join my friends and go have that big lunch I was looking forward to, and the afternoon nap. I didn’t want to think about this anymore. I have my pride, after all. Sandy Olson
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IN-BETWEEN BEFORE AND AFTER By John Thomas Dodds
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was floundering on, as usual, until she gave my soul a slap—well deserved at that. I dug myself out of the fiction of life and devoured the books on enlightenment she gave me to read. She wondered if I had the will power to see the light. It was all candlelight at first. Then slowly, over time, my mind’s eye adjusted to the sunlight that entered my life. Maybe it helped, maybe it didn’t. I hit bottom and bounced back. I got a job with dental coverage. If that wasn’t bait enough to entice her to give it another go—I finally had a place for her to come back to. I was still dubious about whether angels actually existed, at least in my dimension. Until that is, I decided to quit smoking. I did it the hard way—lung cancer. And those new age guru quantum mystic holistic health specialists she turned me on to—maybe they helped, maybe they didn’t, but at least I’m not now working on re-incarnation therapy. She was a reluctant angel, but she saved my life. Because of her I learned to listen. What baffles the body at times undermines the spirit. Yet the body-mind intention is ever clear. The essence of some sensibility so out of place, so foreign in a private space was there—and wanted me to be aware. I had come to understand that what is received by one cell, entering the vast emptiness, is complete in every sense. Nothing enters the body and is not heard, and I heard the cancer deep in the dark recesses of my lung. Everybody knows about the hole in the bucket. It’s where reality, the visible world on the other side of the plate glass window of your mind, slowly leaks into the emptiness of time and
space. Until one day you find you have arrived in the here and now, and the bucket’s empty. How was it that the illusion of happiness, the lingering smell of sweat and damp sheets, the cocoon of comfort wrapped around my brain, could, in the course of a conversation, over a cup of coffee, or sitting on the edge of the bed, turn into an aloneness, without substance, an accumulation of a lifetime of togetherness with nothing to hold onto. Waking to nobody’s home anymore meant I was left with my own rewards. She had told me it was never complicated—if you can’t cook, stay out of the kitchen. If you don’t love yourself, leave romance well enough alone. I had put her emails in a folder in my memory box along with the record album of the music we loved—it had a groove in it where the heartache began. That was in-between before and after. After, the lung grew back nice and white like a nun’s wimple. I learned to cook, and felt good about shaving the face in the mirror. John Thomas Dodds
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT The 21th Annual Ojo Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, the 22nd of September, 12 noon at the Ajijic Tango Restaurant. All those who contributed to our pages from October 2014 through September 2015 are cordially invited and encouraged to bring one guest. All the food, drinks and entertainment will be provided by the Tingen Family, that as always wishes to express its gratitude to the many talented writers who are the main reason for our magazine’s success. We’ll see you there!
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Hearts at Work A Column by Jim Tipton
“We are disturbed not by what happens to us, but by our thoughts about what happens.” --Epictetus, Greek philosopher One sunny afternoon some years ago I picked up in a little mountain bookstore in western Colorado, Loving What Is, by Byron Katie, a woman who depressed and desperate woke up one morning “in a state of absolute joy.” Byron Katie reminds us of what philosophers throughout the ages have understood: The problem does not cause our suffering, but the way we think about the problem. The subtitle of Loving What Is is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life. Byron offers us a few simple principles and then proceeds to demonstrate how these actually might work in real life with real people who are struggling with all sorts of relationship problems. She suggests people go to her website, “The Work of Byron Katie” (www.thework.com) and download several useful forms, including: “Judge Your Neighbor Worksheet,” “Judge Your Body Worksheet,” and “Instructions for Doing the Work.” Once you have identified a negative judgment you have made about others or about yourself, you then proceed through “Four Questions”: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it’s true? How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought? Who would you be without the thought? For example: “Is it true that he should understand you? Ultimately can you really know what he should or shouldn’t understand? Can you absolutely know what’s in his best interest to understand? What happens when you believe ‘Paul should understand me’ and he doesn’t? Do you experience anger, stress, frustration? Do you give him ‘the look’? Do you try to change him in any way? How do these reactions feel? Does that thought bring stress or peace into your life? Be still as you listen. “What would you be without the thought? Close your eyes. Picture yourself in the presence of the person you want to understand you. Now imagine looking at that person, just for a moment, without the thought, ‘I want him to understand.’ What do you see? What
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would your life look like without that thought?” Following the Four Questions you turn your statement around in The Turnaround. “For example, ‘Paul should understand me’ turns around to: Paul shouldn’t understand me. (Isn’t that reality sometimes?) I should understand me. (It’s my job, not his.) I should understand Paul. (Can I understand that he doesn’t understand me?)” Do you need a class, a workshop, a teacher? Byron Katie assures us that “No teacher is necessary. You are the teacher you’ve been waiting for. You are the one who can end your own suffering.” As you proceed to clean up your thoughts, remember that “Behind every uncomfortable feeling, there’s a thought that isn’t true for us.” Begin filling out worksheets for people you haven’t yet totally forgiven. (That means if you’ve only forgiven 99% you still need to do it.) Be “judgmental, harsh, childish, and petty. Write with the spontaneity of a child who is sad, angry, confused, or frightened. Don’t try to be wise, spiritual, or kind.” As you go deeper and deeper into the inquiry process you will begin to discover who you really are. Eventually you “may notice that you’re meeting every thought, feeling, person, and situation as a friend.” The Introduction, by her husband Stephen Mitchell (author of The Gospel According to Jesus), begins with these words by Baruch Spinoza: “The more clearly you understand yourself and your emotions, the more you become a lover of what is.” Let’s all work harder to become “lovers of what is.” Jim Tipton
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PROFILING TEPEHUA By Moonyeen King
President of the Board for Tepehua
moonie1935@yahoo.com
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raveling through back streets of Tepehua five years ago could be a hazardous journey, a journey undertaken by a small group of women who were going to start a Community Center, full of enthusiasm they explored to see the need of the people. Obviously unwelcome by the inhabitants...a home-made knife was thrown that embedded itself into the tire well of their car. It took awhile to break the point off the knife to remove it so that the wheel could turn without scrapping the tire. The writer doesn’t remember fear, just surprise. And had the audacity to question why some-one would do that. The photo above is the souvenir of the time before small change made big changes. It took small change to make the once a week breakfast in the Tepehua Community Center....but since then the dynamics in every aspect of the families lives are different. Not all of course...but most, with tragedies and joys along the way. Those young teens who threw the knife now play soccer at the Center. Alcoholism and poverty are bed fellows in Tepehua, but the introduction of a better way has slowed that down, although still losing teens in that direction. In the Santa Cruz rehabilitation Center the youngest inmate is 12. He was admitted by loving par-
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ents...most teen alcoholics belong to dysfunctional families in Tepehua, so there is no intervention. Forty-year- old Maria was an alcoholic, it helped her make money on the mean side of the streets as a prostitute...by 45, her organs were closing down due to poisoning of the system and she was slowly dying of cirrohosis of the liver. In her damp cement room with no windows and only a door for ventilation, Maria lay waiting. A young man and close friend, drinking buddy, helped with her medication... this writer visited daily bringing medication and soup. A final dose of morphine helped her let go of a life that had been less than kind, and a family mourned. But in her death she saved lives. Those that helped her die...also alcoholics, they checked into the Santa Cruz rehabilitation center, and have been there for two years. One is now running his own little business from a beat-up old truck. He had lost his entire family to alcohol, but now has the right to love his children again, not from afar but visitations, which take place at the center. People who suffer from inequality due to their financial status and social standing are those “in poverty,” meaning those who live in a substandard state according to normal society. Alcoholrehab.com states: Research has it there is a strong association between poverty, social exclusion and problematic drinking, long term unemployment, no access to health facilities, general despair and depression, all a factor that is the cycle of destruction, when you have nothing and no future, there is nothing to lose. The Communty Center of Tepehua has proved that just one person reaching out to another can make a difference. No matter how big the problem, one small gesture can change some-one’s life forever. Please reach out. The life you save could have been your own. Moonyeen King. President of the Board for Tepehua
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DEAR PORTIA Advice to the Lovelorn, the Drastically Distracted and the Deeply Disgruntled
Dear Portia, I know you avoid politics, but I simply can’t! Is the Donald the terrifying redeemer of America, or is he the defiant destroyer of the system? Polly Ticks Dear Tics, Mr. Trump is simply the embodiment of the long awaited merger of the political and entertainment industries, which will be known as entertainitics or politainment, depending on tweet results. We are at the brink of a new era when the Inauguration, the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards will all be celebrated on the 4th of July, in a great national frenzy. Fortunately none of us will have to interact with the crazed crowds of strangers, as the entire extravaganza will be streamed to the device of your choice. I’m stocking up on tequila and junk foods with a long shelf life just in case the apocalypse is now. Dear Portia, My coffee group was discussing reptile dysfunction yesterday. I was shocked. These people have Waaaaay to much time, and perverted interests, right? Dissed Dear Dissed, I AM WRITING IN CAPS TO MAKE SURE YOU HEAR ME! ONE MORE
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The New Portia! HINT… YOU CREATE YOUR OWN REALITY! Next time the topic comes up, I suggest you stay and ask many questions. Seems like you may be afflicted, as cranky as you are! Either that, or focus on the upcoming presidential erection! Dear Portia, Q. My hair is now sprouting vigorously from my nose and ears. Sadly it avoids my head. What can I do? Misplaced Dear Placed, I just hate to diagnose without seeing (and charging) you; however, when I dabble in diagnostics, I generally recommend a transplant. I have a friend who has had amazing success putting things where they weren’t. Contact my email and with any luck you will end up with a Donalddoo. You will then have the whole tanning lotion, hair tinting thing to keep up with. But you’ll be Sexxxeeee!
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Sandy Olson
Phone: 331-283-8529 Email: sandyzihua@hotmail.com
YOU CAN SEE IT IN OCTOBER Last month the Lakeside Little Theatre hosted the children’s theatrical performance of “The Legend of Queen Xochitl-MichCihualli.” Local artist Antonio Lopez Vega authored and narrated the legend of the naming of Ajijic. He was inspired by his grandmother’s story. Over the past year, 48 volunteers were joined by Ce-Olin, a professional pre-Hispanic dance troop from Chiapas, and puppet maestra Abril Iñiguez. The two-week theatre camp was co-sponsored by LLT and LCS; 34 children participated. Only volunteers, families and a few lucky ones were able to see this show, but it will be reprised on October 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Auditorio. Tickets will be on sale at Diane Pearl Colecciones and at the Audiorio, 200 pesos in advance and 250 at the door. Check www.cocheracultural.blogspot.com for more information OPEN CIRCLE Sunday morning finds many Lakeside residents at the Lake Chapala Society and Open Circle. A social hour with coffee and snacks at 10 is followed by an interesting lecture and discussion at 10:30. Here’s the program for the next month. September 6 David Bryen. “Brothers and Sisters: Inside the Intricate Tangle of Love, Duty, and Resentment”. David will explore how the complicated relationships between siblings shape our lives, our loves, and the way we relate to the world. September 13 Manu & Meryl. Two powerful women from New Zealand, Manu and Meryl, will share their knowledge of healing, harmony, and passion. September 20 Rachel McMillen. “And to all my relations . . .” That greeting is part of every welcome and every introduction in every native tribe or band that she visited in her thirty-plus years of sailing the Northwest coast. September 27 Mahadevi Prem. Mantra, the Power of Sound and Words. Every element of the universe is in a constant state of vibration manifested to us as light, sound and energy. BRAVO! THEATRE The September Bravo! production will feature two plays: The Way of All Fish by Elaine
From left: Bernadette Jones, Director, and Actors Roseann Wilshere and Jayme Littlejohn May and Two Sisters by Caroline Harding. They’re dark comedies about power, passion and possibly more than one murder. Dates are September 10-13 and September 17-20. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays are at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are 250 pesos and are available at Mia’s boutique, Diane Pearl Colecciones or by emailing mymytickets@gmail.com. The Bravo! Theatre is at Rio Bravo #10. ALL OUR WORDS NEEDED SAYING….. … is the new anthology of 21 stories, plus poetry, by eight Lakeside women writ-
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ers: Patricia Hemingway, Zofia Barisas, Carol Bradley, Margaret Van Every, Janice Kimball, Rachel McMillen, Ilsa Picazo and Glenda Roman. These are well crafted stories that speak to a woman’s experience “from the inside out.” Patricia Hemingway says, “The writer reaches inside herself—into her own memories and emotional experience—to create authentic stories, both fiction and creative nonfiction.” The book launch is set for Thursday, September 17, during Maria Isabel’s Happy Hour (3:30 – 5:30 pm), with 2 x 1 drinks. You’re are invited to enjoy this reading and to meet the writers. The anthology will be for sale for 200 pesos. After the launch it’ll be on sale at Yves’ Restaurant. LAKESIDE LITTLE THEATRE Season tickets are now available for the LLT 201516 season, which also promises to be exciting. The plays are as follows: October 2-11 Murder by Misadventure November 6-15 Stepping Out December 4-12 Rumors January 15-24 Good People February 19-March 6 Nunsense March 25-April 3 Other Desert Cities To reserve season tickets, email tickets@lakesidelittletheatre.com or contact the Box Office at (376) 766-0954. The 1100 peso prices includes an annual membership and a reserved seat at each of the six shows. THEY’RE ON THE FAST TRACK We heard from Linda Buckthorp, Community Facilitator of Jaltepec Centro Educativo. “Today I witnessed the graduation of nine students who attained their Preparatoria in one year, passing the 22 exams required by the Secretariat of Public Education.” Jaltepec hired five teachers and condensed the three year program, equivalent of Grades 10 through 12, into one year. Now students in this program who want to attain a Technical Degree en Hoteleria can do it in three years, Preparatoria and the two-year Jaltepec program., and can enter the Back: Ilce Guerrero Galvez, Monica Rios work force two years earlier. Llamas, Adilene Suares Aceves, Alberta This is just one of the changes Cortes Hernadez, Arecely Pinto Santana. taking place at Jaltepec. For more Front: Monserrat Valle Orozco, Kathia information, contact Linda at 7661631 or email her at buckthorJocobo Sanchez, Paulina Ramos Valle plm@gmail.com. NEWS FROM VIVA MUSICA Here are upcoming activities from Viva Musica. Thursday September 24 The Russian State Ballet at the Diana, (bus leaves at 6.30 p.m.) Double bill: Carmen by Plisetskaya, banned by the Soviet Union because of its eroticism, and Bolero by Ravel: two lovers in high voltage action. The bus leaves at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are 550 pesos, 650 for non-members, and are available at the LCS Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to noon. The Metropolitan Opera at the Diana Viva will run bus trips to the following “Live at the Met” offerings: Saturday October 3 Il Trovatore (The Troubador) by Verdi; with world renowned Anna Netrebko as Leonora. This popular opera has been performed by the Met 615 times. Bus departs 10.30 a.m. Saturday October 17, Otello by Verdi, featuring tenor Aleksandr Antonenko in the title role in this tragic opera based on Shakespeare’s play. Bus departs 10.30 a.m. Saturday October 31, Tannhauser by Wagner; with Wagnerian tenor Johan Botha in the title role and soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek as Elisabeth in this most understandable of Wagner’s great operas. (4.5 hours). Bus departs 8.30 a.m. Saturday November 21, Lulu by Berg; with soprano Marlis Petersen in the title role of the demented femme fatal; a tale of love and obsession. Bus departs at 10.00 a.m. Tickets are 300 pesos, 400 for non-members, available at the LCS Thursdays and Fridays, 10.00 a.m. to noon. The buses depart from the carretera, just east of Farmacia
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Guadalajara in Ajijic. HAPPY NEWS Our Ojo del Lago Editor-in-Chief Alejandro Grattan has received notice that the last movie he wrote and directed was recently sold to TCM (Turner Classic Movies). To check this out, go to TCM-Only Once in a Lifetime. He says “Sadly, I sold out my financial interest many years ago, but needless to say I was very happy to hear this news.” The movie premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and was later selected as one of four movies to represent the United States at the Deauville Film Festival in France. We might get a chance to see the movie down here. There’s a plan in the works to present it as a charity fundraiser. NAKED STAGE IN SEPTEMBER An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly, is the next show at Naked Stage. It’s directed by Michael Warren. Dates are September 25, 26 and 27. A middle-class English family is visited by a man calling himself Inspector Goole. He questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman. They are interrogated and revealed to have been responsible for the young woman’s exploitation, abandonment and social ruin, effectively leading to her death. The e-mail address for reservations: nakedstagereservations@gmail.com. Reservations guarantee a seat until 3:50, after which seats will be sold to those waiting without
The Cast (left to right) Douglas Pinkerton, Rosann Balbontin, Geoff Long, Kevin Leitch, Florette Schnelle, Director Michael Warren and Al Kirkland reservations. Naked Stage is located at #10A Rio Bravo. Directions: west on the carretera from Ajijic, south on Rio Bravo, about two blocks down behind Daniel’s Restaurant on the east side. Daniel’s is open for lunch and dinner with a no host bar available at 3:00 p.m. The box office opens at 3:15 and the show starts at 4:00 p.m. WE HOPE WE WON’T NEED IT BUT WE’RE GLAD IT’S HERE Medical emergencies happen! What will you do? Probably call your personal doctor or Cruz Roja. Like water supply and electricity, Cruz Roja is part of the infrastructure that makes living in Lakeside possible. Cruz Roja services are at the ready, 365 days a year, 24/7. The CR Chapala Clinic is in greatest use on weekends by families and in response to car accidents. However, since serious falls, scorpion stings, cardiac and other medical events are both unpredictable and almost inevitable, the Clinic is open all night and all day, every day. The staff of forty professionals operating in shifts serve all emergency patients, regardless of their ability to pay. The Clinic couldn’t offer these services without local support. Costs for staff salaries; medical supplies and equipment such as defibrillators, x-ray services, Jaws of Life, and pharmaceuticals; fuel and maintenance for ambulances average about 10,000 pesos per day. It receives no government subsidies, but does get occasional assistance from Cruz Roja Jalisco, such as a 50% grant towards the
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purchase of an ambulance. Few of us could live at Lakeside without water, electricity or ambulance and emergency medical services. Cruz Roja is here . . . whenever we need it. SHE JUST KEEPS BRINGING IT ON! This is one talented and busy lady. Jayme Littlejohn, is well known as an actor and singer, founder of My My How Nice! productions, and also the founder of The Bravo! Theatre. In addition to theatrical performances, she has also organized classes that are open to the pubic. Here’s the current schedule: Tap Dancing with Instructor Val Jones Monday, 11:00 p.m to Noon Thursday, 1:00 p,m. to 2 p.m. Acting/Scene Study Workshop with Instructor Roseann Wilshire Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Improvisation Workshop with Instructors John Ward and Jayme Littlejohn Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Coming Soon Voice Technique for the Stage - Instructor Timothy G. Ruff Welch Core Training - Instructor Anne Roche The classes are held at Rio Bravo #10. For information or registration email: thebravotheatre@gmail.com. The fee is 50 pesos per class or 250 pesos for six classes. CONNECT FROM THE HEART And this can happen from taking tango lessons! Enthusiastic students are talking about other benefits in learning to tango: good posture and alignment, flexibility and Jayme Littlejohn creativity. Not to mention it’s fun. The class meets on Saturdays from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Jazz Dance Studio at Cinco de Mayo #260 (upstairs) at the corner of Lopez Cotilla in Chapala. The group lesson is 60 pesos per person. Private lessons are also available. For information, email sterncarole@yahoo.ca. Upcoming Productions at The Bravo! Theatre November Gypsy, a concert version. This is a fundraiser for Los Cantantes del Lago January Glengarry Glen Ross, by David Mamet. The all female version. March I, Claudia. A reprise performance of the one woman show. Directed by Lyn Phelan. With Jayme Littlejohn Next Season Vanya and Sonia and Masha & Spike by Christopher Durang. Directed by Lyn Phelan The Bravo! Theatre is at Rio Bravo #10. For reservations, send an email: thebravotheatre@gmail.com WHAT? FRIDA KAHLO? Visitors to the Tuesday Organic Market may do a double-take, thinking they have spotted the enigmatic Mexican artist, revolutionary and feminist Frida Kahlo. But she is not a ghost. This beautiful lady is Maria del Carmen Salazer Gonzalez, a frequent vendor at the Tuesday market. In addition to sharing Frida’s striking looks, she also had a tumultuous marriage to an artist, filled with the same clamor and passion as that of Frida and Diego. Frida’s death is an event which still is shrouded in an aura of mystery. Her public cremation became a startling piece of performance art, as the oven exploded causing her body to sit up with ghastly visage and fiery hair—or so they say. GROW YOUR OWN…. …vegetables, that is. The Ajijic Organic Vegetable Growers meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 10 at the gazebo at Tabarka Restaurant, Rio Zula #7. The next meeting will be on September 9. New members are welcome. They can contact John at mcwilliamsmx@gmail.com or by phone at 376-766-0620. There are two websites that gardeners will find very informative: growingyourgreens. Photo Courtesy of Bruno com and smilinggardener.com/introduction/whyJoachim grow-a-garden.
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Sage Advice By Kathy L. Price katcandu@ymail.com
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lack asphalt bisected the desert landscape. It lay there in a perfectly straight line, shimmering in the heat, and offered both a mix of dismay at the distance yet to be traveled and a beckoning into the mountains beyond. The late afternoon sun hung just above the ridge line - too low in the sky for the visors in the car to be of any use. Even with dark glasses, Beth found it a struggle to keep her eyes on the road. The sun was just too bright. If she focused on the edge, though, it wasn’t too bad. She kept up her speed, hoping to make San Isidro before it was completely dark. Besides, it wouldn’t be long before the sun slid behind the mountain and it wouldn’t be so blinding. Beth didn’t see the cow until it was airborne. In the split-fraction of a second before the air-bags deployed, Beth saw a big hump between its shoulders and a pair of gracefully curved horns; a hide beautifully striped in rich mahogany and black, with scattered flecks of tan. Beth thought how attractive it was then remembered the one big thing her high school driver’s education teacher had emphasized: no matter what, you should “never, never, never hit a cow.” His description of what would happen turned out to be spoton: the bumper had struck the animal about knee height and launched the beast up into the air, over the hood,
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and into her lap. When she finally woke, she heard electronic beeps and the rhythmic clicking of monitors keeping track of her vital signs. She ached all over. Her right arm was in a cast and she couldn’t move it, so slowly, painfully, she lifted her left to touch the massive bandages around her head. Her jaw throbbed and was evidently wired shut since she could not open her mouth at all. Beth did manage to open her swollen eyes but only a tiny bit, yet she was still blinded by the harsh lights. Vaguely, she recalled the explosion of the airbags, the searing pain and blackness, then waking to a loud and unidentifiable noise. It had sounded like a chain saw, but that couldn’t be right. She remembered hearing voices and feeling strong hands pull at her, then excruciating pain, sirens, and more pain followed by blessed darkness. The doctor explained later that most of her injuries occurred as the cow thrashed around inside the car. It had been badly injured and in its efforts to escape the highly confined space, its flailing hooves had broken her right arm and several ribs. She had been kicked repeatedly in the head and had a severe concussion. One of its horns had ripped her right cheek and she had lost a lot of blood. The animal had to be killed and pulled out of the car in pieces before they could even get to her. It was a miracle she’d survived. The biggest shock of all came when Beth learned she’d been in the hospital for a week. She knew there had been something important she had to do but it hurt to think. Oh – the big meeting in San Isidro and she would have missed her subsequent flight back to the States, too. A million concerns flitted through her mind before another dose of morphine eased the pain and allowed her to drift back into sleep. She’d have to deal with it all later. Her last thought was a flashback to high school and thinking how her teacher had been right: No matter what, never, never, never hit a cow.
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The Greatest Lover Of Last Tuesday By Neil McKinnon Book Review by Ed Tasca
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eil McKinnon blessedly answers for this writer the mysterious mathematical enigma: whatever happened to male-female comedy duos. The answer seems to be that they’ve gone literary, and appear as the two principal characters of Neil’s new book, The Greatest Lover of Last Tuesday. Alberto and Adriana are the literary progeny of George and Gracie, Nichols and May and Stiller and Meara, not to mention our perennial comedic favorite, Adam and Eve – all with material provided by another great comedy team, Masters and Johnson. Octogenian Latino, Alberto, has filled his life with a serial phylogeny, and has claimed more grievances than a small claims court and just as many false oaths. His journey into the past is a search for meaning in his sexual his-
tory, his failure to find love and, by extension, his aimless, pleasure-seeking existence. It unfolds as an odyssey of oddball sexual encounters peopled with eccentric characters in hilarious situations. Alberto shares with us and Adriana, his boar stud’s depth of understanding of these encounters with comic notices such as: (concerning sexual protocol) “it is inappropriate... for a man to begin (sex) before the
woman is present.” Adriana, the provocateur, antagonist and counterpart to Alberto has figured romantic shenanigans all out. Her worldly wisdom is sharp, biting and lucid; and, during their many quiet meetings and spicy chats, she persists throughout in pinching Alberto’s cheek with spiteful, mischievous affection aimed at trying to clue him on the gender politics that elude him. This work is more than “satire.” I found it a layered confection, based on the comic idea that you can guffaw over human sexuality, while at the same time attempting to deconstruct and explain its silliness – the sexual and romantic floundering, naiveté, hypocrisy, myths and illusions. The book is structured as individual episodes, each telling of erotic adventurous or romantic encounters or struggles (either reminiscent or contemporary), from the ecstatic to the unrequited to the pitiable. The prose overflows with a piercing intelligence, memory-etching insights and observations; and troves of clever images, metaphors and analogies. Mind this one: Alberto explains after one of his failed flings: “I was left with no purpose... paralyzed by the notion that I was destined to perform the same role porn does for the eunuch.” The writing
rolls and bounces over lines like these page after page. Regrettably, as this reader tried to lock on to some empathy for Alberto and Adriana, the writing bombards throughout with the command not to take any of this seriously. Character names and local place names are self-contained jokes. Adriana punctuates conversations with playful insults by addressing Alberto as “you puerile prognosticator” or “wrinkled astral body” (he does the same to her). The work’s tone sticks at an “anything-forlaughs” level and, as a result, empathy is smothered and the work stands not as a revealing battle of the sexes but rather as a grudge pillow fight. In what is a novel-length work, more in character dimension, more in authenticity – the principals never seem to have the voices of Latinos – and more in longer standing dilemmas and narrative continuity could give such a story swifter legs, propelled by the great gushing comic writing. The Greatest Lover of Last Tuesday delivers a comedic wallop, but as Alberto admits, he suffers from the problem of “derailing my communications.” His and Adriana’s story-telling seems to suffer a similar fate. Characters and situations are introduced, and then dropped within one or two pages. The Greatest Lover of Last Tuesday creates a dialectical cloud of sexual and romantic politics and their gender-perceived differences right to the end. The wit and the insights are vast, often brilliant and repeatable. So much so, that by the end of the read, I wasn’t sure whether I should be laughing or taking notes. (Reviewer Ed Tasca has been writing humor for 57 years, starting with his appeal letter to Father Fenney, explaining why he wouldn’t make a competent altar boy.) Ed Tasca
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By Victoria Schmidt “It only leaks when it rains.”
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exico in rainy season; the mountains are a lush green, flowers are blooming, bugs are flying, and the rain has been fairly constant this year. Everyone says “Es bueno para el lago.” (It is good for the lake.) Having lived in Mexico for quite a while now, I can honestly say I don’t believe any house can be completely leak proof. Every house we’ve lived in, and almost every building I enter has some problem with leaking. After a bad rainstorm—called “tormentas” by the locals, rain leaked through our windows around our courtyard. We ended up with towels all around on the floor to soak up water. As a dutiful renter, I sent our landlords an email. They are great! You probably couldn’t ask for better landlords. But the email response to me the next day was “It only leaks when it rains.” I think they were having a bad day! In an active rainy season, it rains every day, usually in the evening, but not always. When a big storm starts, we usually shut the windows, and stuff things under the doors, as we live at the bottom of a large hill. Sometimes the water volume coming down the mountain has covered the hubcaps of our car, and also leaks into the garage. My husband has put an elaborate water diversion concoction in our garage to prevent the water from leaking into the house. Recently during a bad storm, he was sweeping water out of the garage as fast as possible. He accidently dropped his squeegee, and had to run to chase
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it down because the water current was carrying it away! The same storm also brought down trees in our back yard. A simple call to our handyman, and it was all cleaned up, cut up, and carried away within an hour. I remember while living in the USA waiting weeks to have damaged trees removed, and paying a fortune for that. Living here has taught me to be prepared for rainy season. DVD’s for when the satellite can’t receive its signal due to rain, lanterns for when the electricity goes out, and an attitude of appreciation when it does rain and relieves the higher temperatures of the day. Between morning and evening, the temperature can vary up to 20 degrees. We have learned to dress in layers during this time of year. Light sweaters or jackets, slacks versus shorts. By mid-day the jackets and sweaters are gone and the shorts are out. The one complaint I have about rainy season is the puddles. Those evil puddles hide the depth of the potholes in the road. Water and debris often fill the streets, and when walking on the sidewalk, I carry an umbrella to put to the side of me as the cars drive by creating a spray of water. Oh yes, and shoes… I suggest wearing washable shoes. I remember attending an event at LCS and there was water up to my ankle as I crossed the road. I was happy that I’d been wearing flip-flops! Living in Mexico has taught me many things. Patience is the greatest of these lessons. I no longer have those nasty USA habits of tapping my feet when I wait in line, or blowing a car horn, or demanding the check is at the restaurant table before I finish my last bite. The pace of life here is much slower. And to me, it’s a world where I can now shrug my shoulders and say, “It only leaks when it rains.” Victoria Schmidt
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How A Chicken Gets Across The Road By Carol L. Bowman
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y heart pounded. I struggled for the courage to cross like a local. Stepping from the curb, I focused on the opposite side and walked and prayed and kept walking, waiting to hear the crunch of metal meeting bone. The trick—never look to your right or left, because the sight of oncoming traffic bearing down upon you contradicts everything your mother ever told you. I concentrated on the day’s events to block out the mushrooming fear. The travel brochure I picked up at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport scared the hell out of me. It identified in bold print the number one tip for surviving Vietnamese cities—How to Cross the Street and
Live to Tell about It. INSTRUCTIONS for CROSSING the ROAD: Step from the curb, walk slowly and deliberately at a steady pace. Never stop moving. Never retreat. Make no jerky movements. Don’t run. Raise your hand lower than your shoulder to signal that you are advancing. The reason for the alarm remained a mystery, but reading between the lines: If you’re feeling vulnerable, if your legs are wobbly or if you’re just chicken, enjoy your vacation from the sidewalk. If you want to explore, wear a good luck charm, hang on to it for dear life and go. The airport cab zipped us along to Hanoi, this country’s ancient capital.
Bucolic scenes in adjacent fields unfolded as cone-shaped hats atop Asian pajamas bobbed up and down in a sea of green rice stalks, while trusted water buffalo waited for duty. What’s the problem with crossing the street? This looks easy, compared to the Hong Kong traffic we just left, I thought. As we neared the city’s fringe, the serenity vanished, replaced by a nightmare of swarming vehicles. Motorbikes, mopeds, motorcycles, twowheeled contraptions of every cc and size emerged from everywhere. Some even traveled opposite to the flow. The mayhem didn’t faze our driver, but the staggering buzz of motor-bees triggered my ‘chicken’ instincts. I pulled out those instructions to reread them before the test. A 125cc Honda, carrying a family of four, hugging tightly with flip-flops dangling from their feet, overtook the taxi and darted directly across its path. Brakes squealed, whitened knuckles dug into the armrest. At this point, crossing the street seemed irrelevant; making it to the hotel alive took precedence. Motorbikes ruled the road. Traffic regulations didn’t exist or went ignored. Welcome to Viet Nam. The taxi veered onto a narrow street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The mental impact of thousands of motorbikes coming straight at us seared an image like the imprint of a branding iron. Men, women, teenagers, business suits, high heels, and funky outfits made up this ‘motor madness.’ Covered from head to toe, only the riders’ eyes peered out above cloth face masks and under newly required helmets, which they call ‘rice-cookers.’ I asked the driver why the riders had every inch of body concealed. “To protect from the sun; they think, the whiter their skin, the better,” he said. On the frenzied route to the hotel, I saw no traffic lights. No stop and go, no slowing, just bikes carrying people and cargo, avoiding obstacles in constant near-miss collisions. Innovative Vietnamese have turned these cheap,
easily maintained modes of transportation into delivery vans, mobile businesses or open-air taxis. Bikes whizzed by loaded down. One had 30 bird cages, each with its own live bird, in a six-foot high tower that encased the driver, leaving only his face and arms visible; a woman with a washing machine strapped to her seat; a young girl, sandwiched between a huge computer box in front of her and a desk, chair and shelves secured to the rear; a fisherman with live fish sloshing about in plastic containers fastened to his scooter. Viet Nam has an estimated population of 89 million and 37 million registered motorbikes. Elders, using rusty, worn-out bicycles must share precious road space with the motorized ones. Just then, a moped crashed into an old woman peddling her overloaded push bike, sending her and mounds of radishes to the street. No one helped to upright her transport and wares. There is no stopping. The number of motorbikes had tripled for a Saturday night of bike cruising in Hanoi. It would take three street crossings to reach the restaurant. ‘Chicken queasiness’ stirred. The city sizzled, its excitement brewed contagion. Smells of crayfish hissing in garlic, herbed oil, slick night-market vendors offering knock-offs, and the zoom-zoom of Scooterville electrified me to ‘take the road test.’ After that first frightful scurry, I pretended to be blind for street-crossing. I just went—in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, DaNang and the grand prix of all motorbike cities, crazy Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Here five million bikers turn wide boulevards into chasms of fear. Riders drive on the sidewalks, through the central market and straight into shops. Here, chickens become breakfast— Vietnamese Pho Bo Carol L. Bowman soup.
READER ADVISORY! The Woman Who Wore Hats is Rob Mohr’s tender and enticing story about two people who meet in Mexico and are destined to fall in love—but only after they solved one important mystery. The article can be found at http://chapala.com/elojo/index.php/ mid-month-articles Each mid-month, we offer superb articles that while a bit too long for our print version are perfect for our digital format. Check it out!
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CHILD
of the month
By Barb Corol Christopher R. V.
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rograma pro Niños Incapacitados del Lago’s column was “on vacation” over the summer, but there was no vacation for those volunteers who work at the “clinics” every other week to reimburse our families for their medical expenses. Illness doesn’t get a vacation, unfortunately, and the Program has enrolled approximately ten new children over the summer. This little bundle pictured here is Christopher, now 1 year 2 months old. Christopher’s parents enrolled him with us in July 2014, but we weren’t able to actually see him until late February of this year. Why? Because he was in the hospital all of that time fighting for his life. Christopher was born with a con-
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dition known as gastroschisis; in laymen’s terms the intestines are outside the abdominal wall. This is caused by the failure of the abdominal wall to fully close during gestation, occurring in 1 out of 5000 births. There is no known cause, but many babies with this condition are stillborn. Here is the kicker: an ultrasound was done during pregnancy but the condition somehow was not “seen” and not repaired in utero as is very possible. Thus, the poor tyke almost
El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
didn’t survive. As I said, he spent the first nine months of his life in the hospital and had his first surgery at five days old. A second surgery was required to retie the colon, but Christopher developed so many other complications that this procedure had to be postponed until December --with a successful outcome. He developed an eye infection (and several other infections), high fever, and had to have a feeding tube placed for nourishment and another catheter for his medicines. His father told us there were “tubes everywhere.” To treat the eye infection his eyes were kept bandaged for almost a year, and to this day he can’t tolerate bright light. His parents and grandmother were with him 24/7 during those first nine months. Once home in late February his mom and dad had to be constantly vigilant for any sign of problems with his surgeries and eyes, and if there were a problem, the doctors told them to bring the baby back to the hospital immediately. You can imagine the many late-night trips back and forth to Guadalajara. Fortunately and thankfully Christopher’s doctors and other caregivers were excellent. One of his
doctors started calling him “my miracle baby” because he was so close to death many times, but each time was able to rally. In April he was finally able to tolerate lactose-free formula and began gaining a bit of weight. The eye infection, however, was still active and some ulcerations developed on the cornea of one eye. He was given morphine to help with the pain but as is the case with most patients, he started to become addicted to it so had to be withdrawn gradually from the drug. (He is fine now with regard to not needing morphine anymore.) Christopher’s parents are delighted with his progress but know there is a long road ahead until the little boy is completely healthy. We certainly hope to see him in that state very soon. If you would like to meet one of the children we help with medical expenses, please attend our monthly meetings the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in one of the conference rooms at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta. You do not have to be a member to attend and you may even wish to help us as a volunteer.
Dear Sir, The association between El OJO del LAGO and NCA (Los Niños de Chapala y Ajjijc A.C.) is of long-standing, and immensely valued. Lakesiders are by nature a compassionate and generous group, needing simply to be aware of the need in order to extend a helping hand. NCA’s continuing presence in your fine publication has been of inestimable value: sponsors are spontaneously step-
ping up and asking how they can help a bright and deserving student. “Getting the word out” is never easy or simple, but the OJO’s loyal support has made a huge difference. NCA’s students, future achievers of Lakeside, thank you, as do we. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: “El Ojo, may you live long and prosper!” Thank you. Amy Friend, NCA Secretary.
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Anita’s Animals By Jackie Kellum
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hey’re cute, loving, and greet you when you walk through the door. Dogs may even help reduce your blood pressure, improve your mood and provide a few laughs every now and then. If you are ready to invest some time, patience, and love, the ‘rewards’ they provide await you. This is especially true of adopting a shelter dog. They know and appreciate you have chosen them and are giving them the opportunity for a new and better life than they have experienced before. Here are a few helpful tips to consider before adopting any dog. First you must be ready to make a life’s commitment to this new pet. This is not an action to be made on a whim, or lack of planning. You need to consider your life style and daily routine. Be honest about your physical abilities, your willingness or not to take the dog on walks, your ability to lift this dog into a car if needed, how much of your day involves home away time activities, the size of your home’s outside space, your patience in puppy training, available time and money needed for grooming, etc.. If you enjoy walks, an active dog may be a better option. People who are inactive or pretty much couch potatoes, should select a pooch that is calm, and wants to be a ‘lap dog’. Some dogs require a lot of grooming. Consider the amount of upkeep you are prepared to provide yourself or pay a professional. Learn as much as possible about the dog’s previous life’s experiences.
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Some rescued shelter dogs arrived with little known information, while some arrive with previous abusive / neglectful behavior from humans. This may help explain why some dogs are more shy or frightened than others. Much like dealing with a shy person, you approach and interact with these dogs in a slower calm manner. Fortunately, most dogs are forgiving of human negative behaviors. Do not place unrealistic expectation on the new family pet. It may take a little time and understanding for the dog to know where and when you want him to go to the bathroom. If the dog has spent any time on the street or was in an abusive situation, extra time is needed for him to learn the social manners a dog must have. These areas might include, learning how to eat commercial ‘croquette’ dog food versus food scraps, there is no need to ‘protect’ his food, sharing toys, playing with others, and being inside a house now versus living totally outdoors on the street. Be patient; give your dog time to get used to his new home, allowing his personality to come forward and for you to know him better. During your search you are looking for the best ‘match’ that will merge easily with your daily life and his future housemates. When you get your new family pet, like your other pets, they should each wear a collar and ID tag at all times. Dogs get out, they get lost. Make it easier to have them get back to you safely and quickly. A reminder, be a responsible pet parent, make plans for your pet in the event you can no longer care for them, before it happens. Anita’s “Pet Godparents” New information on Anita’s website: “Should I rescue that Street Dog?” “Foster Care Vs. Rescue care – the difference” , “What to do if your dog gets LOST,”, and “What to do if you FIND a dog.” www.anitasanimals.com
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JUNALUSKA AND ANDREW JACKSON: A Hero and a Scoundrel By Dr. Lorin Swinehart
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uring the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama, a Creek POW being interrogated by Major General Andrew Jackson lunged at him with a knife. The Cherokee chief Junaluska tripped the attacker, saving Jackson’s life, an act of heroism that he was later to repent. In 1811, ignoring the entreaties of the great Shawnee leader Tecumseh that all native peoples must stand together in opposition to white intrusion, many of the five so-called “civilized” southern tribes, including the Cherokee and the Lower Creek, believing themselves safe because they had adopted the ways of invading Europeans, joined the 39th US Infantry, commanded by Jackson. The Upper Creek, known as Red Sticks for their brightly colored war clubs, instead, chose war and began attacking settlements, firing the bastion inside Fort Mims where up to 517 people had sought refuge, and spreading panic among the white population. The US military responded with even more heinous actions, defeating the Red Sticks at Horseshoe Bend. After the battle, Jackson supervised the mutilation of 800 corpses, cutting off tips of noses to record the number of dead and slicing long strips from human bodies to tan and turn into reins for horses. According to Da-
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vid Crockett, one platoon of Jackson’s soldiers set fire to a house and burned 46 Creek alive. Later, they cooked potatoes in human fat and ate them, adding cannibalism to their offenses. On the way home from the war, Jackson permitted his troops to shoot Cherokee livestock and terrorize Cherokee civilians. He stole 2,000,000 acres of Cherokee land for himself. He spent the next twenty years in a quest to totally rid the nation of all Native Americans, including the Cherokees and Choctaws, who had been the most loyal to the US. Jackson once ordered his troops to kill all the Indian children they could find. Failure to do so would cause group survival. After leaving the presidency, Jackson continued to urge the slaughter of Indian children in order to totally eradicate Native Americans. He always referred to Indians as “savage dogs” and bragged, “I have on all occasions preserved the scalps of my killed.” Jackson owned slaves and regarded those of African descent as lesser humans. Of Native Americans, he argued, “They have neither the intelligence, the industry, the moral habits, nor the desire of improvement which is essential to a favorable change in their condition.” Jackson was responsible for the Trail of Tears, when thousands of Cher-
okees were removed from their Georgia homeland and forced to march west to what is now Oklahoma, causing the deaths of 50% of the men, women and children. When the Supreme Court decided in favor of the Indians in the 1832 case of Worster v. Georgia, Jackson committed an impeachable offense by refusing to enforce the law. Former President Adams, then serving in Congress, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Congressman David Crockett vehemently opposed the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Junaluska met with Jackson to plead on behalf of his people, reminding him that he, a Cherokee, had once saved his life. Jackson coldly responded, “Sir, your audience has ended, there is nothing I can do for you.” Junaluska was imprisoned in a concentration camp at Fort Montgomery before being forced to trek westward to Oklahoma. He later returned to North Carolina, where he was made a citizen and granted land as a reward for his military service. He rests in his beloved homeland. Jackson returned home to his plantation to die in his own bed, unrepentant to the end. His image on our currency should be as offensive to African-Americans and Native Americans as the likeness of Heinrich Himmler printed on a Euro would be to Jews. Junaluska’s name graces a beautiful mountain and lake in western North Carolina. It has been suggested that the picture of Alexander Hamilton be removed from our currency and replaced by that of a woman. Perhaps it is time to consider removing Jackson and replacing him with either his longstanding adversary John Quincy Adams, a man of intellect and integrity, with Junaluska, the man he so cruelly betrayed, or even with Dr. Lorin Davey Crockett. Swinehart
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LONNY RIDDLE SHIHAN—Honoring the Life of a True Samurai
Most Lakesiders are unaware that for more than a generation, in the Sierra Madre mountains surrounding Lake Chapala, there lived a true, modern-day Samurai. His name was Lonny Riddle, but most of the time, others called him by his title, Shihan, which means “past master.” In 1979, he founded Do No Kai Martial Arts Temple in the hills just outside of Chapala Haciendas. On August 18, 2015, he passed away of COPD complications in his home next to the dojo where he taught five complete systems of martial arts for some 36 years. Before coming to this area, Lonny was also a teacher. He coached two underdog football teams to state championships, and taught high school classes in physical education, industrial arts and mathematics. His students invariably talk about how he changed their lives and guided them to become stronger, happier human beings. Along with the never-ending duties required to create a martial arts temple, Lonny found time to entertain Lakesiders with several stage performances at the Lakeside Little Theatre, the Ajijic Auditorio, and other venues. Among the most memorable was his last show, “Greater Tuna,” but he also portrayed Geoffrey in an early LLT version of “Lion in Winter” and co-star Danny in “Janus,” and co-produced “My Fair Lady,” “Sound of Music” and “Musical Monuments.” For decades, Lakesiders only
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knew him as the Tai Chi teacher in Ajijic. There, he shared his wealth of information about martial arts, taught Tai Chi and Chi Gung, and helped students find their balance on many levels, bringing the healing art of Tai Chi to those who could not come to the Temple to train. Many others only knew Lonny as the Gringo who could fix back pain. He became well-known for his uncanny ability to correct spinal problems through quick manipulations and spot exercises. He was invariably available and affable, and never charged a cent or a peso for healing. He leaves behind thousands of grateful students who loved and respected him, two daughters and a first wife, and his life partner of 37 years, Cindy Paul. He also leaves a stunning legacy: one of the few authentic martial arts temples in the world. If you would like to see more about the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind, go to http://www.donokaimartialarts.com/ See a tour of the temple. Submitted by Cindy Paul
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The Ojo Crossword
Across 1 Present 6 Pad 10 Mutton 14 Sea snail 15 Hick 16 Lotion ingredient 17 Eagle’s nest 18 Aegis 19 Jetty 20 Element 21 Catches some Z’s 23 Cow sound 24 Adze 26 Chinese tea 28 Brittle, as in food 31 Sole 32 Atmosphere 33 Jewish scriptures 36 Takes 40 Secure 42 Aurora 43 Doctor’s picture 44 Volcano 45 Distances from the surface 48 Ancient Measure 49 Skier’s need 51 Strong chemical base 53 Illustrations 56 Eye infection 57 Throw 58 Ghoul 61 Raised
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65 False god graven image 67 Healthy 68 Before 69 Roman emperor 70 Cranny 71 Insert (2 wds.) 72 Dorothy’s dog 73 Southwest by south 74 Choose DOWN 1 Cob 2 Formal “you” 3 Air (prefix) 4 Shines 5 Stretch to make do 6 Hair care product brand 7 Sled 8 Off-Broadway award 9 Lose courage 10 Rule 11 “Remember the __” 12 Imbecile 13 Confuse 21 Soybean 22 Sun’s name 25 Decide 27 Wildcat 28 It__ Upon a Midnight Clear… 29 Revel 30 Cast metal 31 Remove from office 34 Dregs 35 Wipe 37 Domain 38 Glob 39 Monetary unit 41 Grating sound 45 Disinherits 46 Scorn 47 Cunning 50 Radio Frequency 52 Containerful, like beer 53 Flash 54 Cowboy show 55 Terminate 56 Fancy materials 59 Cat´s cry 60 Spot 62 Memorization 63 Little Mermaid´s love 64 Left 66 Toilet 68 Imitate
THE DEARLY DEPARTED By Katina Pontikes
I
am one of those people who read the death notices regularly. I want to know if acquaintances of mine have departed this earthly existence, and what circumstances caused them to win the Daily Death Lotto. It pays to check the paper each day for news of those no longer with us. The knowledge acquired can prevent embarrassing cocktail party moments, such as asking where someone’s husband is, when the chap expired eight months ago. When I recognize someone in the obituary section, I experience feelings of sadness and regret. If the person is young, the sadness is accompanied by a sense of great injustice, as the person has been robbed of vast experiences such as falling in love and having a family of their own. I am reminded of the fleeting nature of existence. Imagine my surprise when one day my eyes rested on the photo of an icyeyed older woman staring back at me from the inked pages of the daily paper. My heart leaped a bit, and I experienced a small burst of adrenaline, or perhaps it was endorphins rushing through my blood. I was definitely delighted as I shared with my husband that we would no longer cross paths with the Wicked One. Perhaps I can enlighten you with a bit of background information. I had recently married my husband, a second marriage to which I had brought my eleven year old son. I knew the transition to a new life would be challenging for my boy, and I wanted terribly for him to like our changed life. We had just moved to our new home which was surrounded by a four feet high brick wall, about eight inches deep. My son took no time at all to figure out he could hop up on the top of the bricks and prance down the length of the partition, in a sort of boyhood gymnastic feat. I wasn’t concerned about any dangers with the short wall. Out of seemingly nowhere came a streak of horror, screeching at the top of her lungs. The woman didn’t see me in the distance as she pounced at my son, reprimanding him to get off the wall, and telling him he was on private property. He hopped down obediently, disappointed nonetheless. I comforted him by telling him that she must have been concerned for his safety. We agreed she was quite the witch. Shortly after this incident, my son
and I were swimming one day in the townhome complex pool, which was usually more of a water feature as it wasn’t used often. Here came Ms. Busybody, a lightning bolt of vigilance. “Can I help you?” she shrilly asked me. I was perplexed. She wanted to help me swim? “Pardon me?” I shot back. “This is a private pool!” she announced with great authority. “We live here, in number fifteen,” I offered helpfully. “Oh, well… alright then,” she stated with her face moving from a threatening grimace to a smirk of disappointment. She turned on her heels and stomped away. There was no “Welcome to the neighborhood.” This woman never corrected her earlier messages to my son and me. We were always the outcasts, and my son was made to feel particularly unwelcome as the only child in a small complex of residents. So even though many years had passed, as I saw the woman’s obituary portrait, I smiled Katina Pontikes smugly.
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“People Helping People”
The
Lake Chapala Society
News
www.lakechapalasociety.com
President’s Progress Update LCS Plans for the Next 60 Years
Over the summer, your board of directors and its standing committees have made significant progress toward meeting our strategic goals of optimizing programs to assure LCS’ continued relevance, re-engineering the campus to meet our current and future needs, and improving community and member perceptions of LCS. On August 18, LCS purchased Calle Riberas del Lago #50, formerly owned by LCS member Ruth Darling, located directly behind LCS behind the Children’s Art bodega and the gardener’s bodega on the south end of the property at the lake. Two donors saw the potential benefits this acquisition: the expansion of our outreach to the Mexican community via our education programs, as well as additional space for new offerings for our members; opportunity to improve parking for members, including provisions for handicapped parking; and the preservation of green space as we add additional capacity. They donated $380,000, including a short term loan of $30,000, to make this acquisition possible. Ruth, a long time volunteer and a strong supporter of our outreach to the local community, said, “I am so happy that LCS was able to purchase this property. I think it will be a great opportunity.” At the August 20 board meeting, three important milestones were achieved. The Community Committee presented a comprehensive marketing plan designed to increase the level of awareness and create a positive image of the LCS in the ex-pat and Mexican communities focusing on the charitable, educational and cultural contributions that LCS provides to members and nonmembers alike. This marketing program, unanimously approved, focuses on four marketing “segments”: Soon-to-be retirees - focusing on those who are investigating Lakeside as a possible retirement destination or have newly arrived Lakeside residents – to engage or re-engage longer term residents by emphasizing the economic, intellectual and philanthropic advantages of belonging to LCS The Mexican business and professional community – to emphasize the economic benefits of contacts with the ex-pat community and the cultural benefits of bringing the two groups together Mexican families living at Lakeside – to encourage participation in the outreach programs the LCS currently offers Next, the Campus Committee presented four “conceptual” options for redesigning the current campus that integrate the current Wilkes functions, including the Neill James Biblioteca de Ajijic and the ESL program, into the main campus. The options presented were based on input from the board, focus groups and wide-ranging opinions gathered from LCS members and other interested parties.
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El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
September 2015
LCS Health Days Return
LCS’ popular community health days program returns Wednesday and Thursday, September 23 and 24. Open to the public. Wednesday, September 23 Shots (pay when administered) Gazebo 9:30 - 1:00 *Note: Flu and pneumonia may be taken together *Shingles and hepatitis can’t be taken with other shots *Note: Preference will be given to those who have signed up for Shingles shot until 11 a.m. Zostavax (Shingles vaccine) 2,300 pesos *Sign-up required Flu To be determined Pneumonia for Life (Prevenar 13) 1,600 pesos *Sign-up required Pneumonia - 5 year 350 pesos Hepatitis A & B series 1,000 pesos each 1st shot, then 2nd shot 1 month later; booster any time after 6 months. MUST have all three shots. Skin Cancer Screening: 10 -12:00 Clinic Free Diabetes Screening: 9:30 -1:00 Patio Free *Note: Eat a high carbohydrate meal two hours before test (pancakes, oatmeal, granola, fruit, juice or fast) Blood Pressure: 9:30 - 1:00 Patio Free Medication / Supplement Consult : 9:30 -1:00 Patio Free\ Lecture: “All About Shingles” Dr. Luis Eduardo Moch Z 10:00 Sala Free Thursday, September 24 Shots, diabetes, medication/supplement consult and blood pressure: schedule, costs ad locations same as Wednesday Lecture: Memory Minders’ “Dementia Support” by Valerie Rhoda 11:00 Sala Free
Progress Update Continued
The board asked the committee to share these options to other stakeholders, including LCS volunteers, members, and other key community members and report to the Board on its findings next month. Finally, the board approved the formation of an ad-hoc Capital Campaign Steering Committee to start organizing for a Capital Campaign to support the campus redevelopment. Board members agreed to donate “seed money” to be used to hire support staff and develop promotional materials. More news will be forthcoming on the campaign as the committee is organized and decisions relating to specific objectives are made. The board is excited about recent progress and is committed to the success of these extremely important objectives. ---- Ben White, President
We Need You!
Contact or visit the Service Office for volunteer opportunities. The membership desk, the service desk and the English as a Second Language Program need volunteers as does the LCS blood pressure group. If you have experience or medical/nursing training and practice taking blood pressure, we need you. The Talking Books Library, an essential component of the LCS library group, needs donations to add to our inventory. If you’d like to contribute recorded books on tape or CDs, contact the Service Office or stop by the Talking Books Library any Thursday between 10 and 12 p.m. They’re located on the Back Patio near the kitchen. Look for the blue doors. The upcoming Seniors’ High Tea project needs a manager and volunteers to organize and run this program Tuesday afternoons. This program is an opportunity for seniors and shut-ins to gather in the garden for conversation over a cup of tea or coffee and a traditional scone with strawberry jam and cream! The Information Technology Department needs full-time resident volunteers experienced in building computers, installing software, and working with networks including overall troubleshooting. This position involves climbing stairs several times a day. We also need software designers and developers. Contact: lcsitmgr@gmail.com.
Introduction to Spanish Classes
This casual class for novices covers the alphabet, simple vocabulary, phrases you can use about town, and useful information about Lakeside and the Mexican culture. Cost is $175 pesos. Sign up in the Service Office. Your member number is required for registration. Classes are held on the Gazebo the first three Tuesdays of the month from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
The Library Corner
Many of our patrons tell us they are using eReaders, Kindles, etc. as well as real books they check out of our library. We who select the materials for our library are aware of this. Since we are not a municipal or university library with a corresponding budget, we are unable to provide service to eBook readers because both licensing issues and costs are prohibitive. We make an effort to bring in books that are both current and topical, but not necessarily best-sellers. Our younger generation is interested in non-fiction such as politics, economics, social psychology, science, travel and exploration, personal finance, and biographies of 20th century celebrities. The majority of the books in our collections are donations our members and friends provide us. We appreciate the excellent quality of these materials. If you haven’t been in the library recently, or if you’ve forgotten how our library operates, our volunteers will be happy to show you around, explain the computerized card catalog, and help you find something you’re looking for!
Film Aficionados
No PETS - Please Show Membership Cards 3 September - 2:00 PM LIVING IS EASY WITH THE EYES CLOSED - 2014 - Spain. In Spain during the year 1966, an English teacher picks up two hitchhikers on his quest to meet John Lennon. 10 September - 2:00 PM DANNY COLLINS - 2015 - USA. Al Pacino stars as an aging rock star who decides to change his life style after he discovers a 40-year old letter written to him by John Lennon. 17 September - 2:00 PM PHOENIX - 2014 - Germany. A disfigured concentration camp survivor (Nina Hoss), unrecognizable after facial surgery, searched ravaged postwar Berlin for her husband who might have betrayed her to the Nazis. Directed by Christian Petzold. 24 September - 2:00 PM SERIAL WEDDINGS - 2015 - France. The French title -"Qu'est-ce Qu'on A Fait Bon Dieu?" A devout Catholic couple see their lives turned upside-down when their daughters get married to men of different faiths and origins.
ESL Classes Start This Month
LCS kicks off its 16th year offering English as a Second Language classes to Mexican adults. Students from all walks of life, ages 15 to 75 and English skills ranging from basic to advanced will be welcomed into freshly painted classrooms. This year 30 individual classes, limited to 20 students each, will be offered. 21 of the 30 classes will serve Level I through Level II, thus we hope to serve over 400 residents whose English skills are newly acquired. The remaining nine classes are slated for advanced English students. The Restaurant and Service Industry English class returns Fridays, beginning September 25. Program materials are designed for wait staff and service workers who deal primarily with English speaking clients. With such an ambitious schedule, teachers and substitutes are always needed. Please email Inezme@gmail.com for further information.
Opera, Anyone?
“The Nature, Structure and Operation of Classical Dramatic Opera” will focus on the life and career of the prima donna Maria Callas, who changed the way opera is performed in the 20th century. Enjoy some of her magical performances on film. Led by Arnold Smith, the course will be in three sessions, September 8, 15 and 22, starting at 12:15 p.m. in the Sala.
Beginner’s iPad Classes
The next session of iPad Classes for Beginners starts on Thursday, October 1. Each session consists of four classes commencing at 10 a.m. and ending at 11:45, held on consecutive Thursdays. The class is limited to 15 to 20 people. For more information and to register lcsipadclasses@gmail.com. Registration can only be done by email. You cannot register by phone or in the LCS Service Office. Please note: these classes are for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone only.
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September Activities
*Open to the Public ** US Citizens (S) Sign in required (C) Membership card required CRUZ ROJA * CRIV (Cruz Roja) Sales Table Tues+Wed+Fri 10-1 CRIV (Cruz Roja) Monthly Meeting 2nd Wed 2-5 HEALTH INSURANCE * IMSS & Immigration Services Mon+Tues 10-1 Lakeside Insurance Broker Tues+Thur 11-2 HEALTH & LEGAL SERVICES * Becerra Immigration Thur 10:30-12:30 Blood Pressure Fri 10-12 Hearing Aid Services (S) Mon, 2nd+4th Sat 11-4 Ministerio Publico Wed Sept 23 12+26 10-2 My Guardian Angel Mon+ Tues 10 - 1 Claravision Optometrist (S) Thur 9-4 Skin Cancer Screening (S) 2nd + 4th Wed 10-12 :30 US Consulate** Wed Sept 2 10-12 Sign up 10-11:30 LESSONS (C) Children’s Art Sat 10-12* Children’s Reading Program Sat 9-10* Exercise Mon+Wed+Fri 9-10 Fitness and Strength Thru Yoga Mon+Fri 2-3:30, Sat 1-2:30 Line Dancing Tues+Thur 10-11:15 Strength and Balance Exercise Tues+Thur 9-9:50 Hatha Yoga Tues+Thur 2-3:30 LIBRARIES Audio Thur 10-12 Book & Video Mon-Sat 10-2 Library of Congress Books**/ Talking Books Thur 10-12 Wilkes Mon-Fri 9:30-7, Sat 9:30-1 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (C) All Things Tech Fri 9:30-11:30 Beginner’s iPad Thurs 10-12 begins Aug 27 Bridge 4 Fun Tue + Thur 1-5 Conversaciones en Espanol Mon 10-12 English/Spanish Conversation Sat 11-12 Everyday Mindfulness Mon 10:15-11:45 Film Aficionados Thur 2-4:30 Genealogy Forum Last Mon 2-4 Mac OS 1st Mon 12-1 Mac User Group 3rd Wed 1-2 Memoir Writers 2nd Wed 2-4 Needle Pushers Tues 10-12 Open Gaming (open to the public from 2) Mon 1-4* Scrabble Mon+Fri 12-1:50 Tournament Scrabble Tues 12-1:50 SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS * Have Hammer Workshop Demo 1st 3rd Mon 10-12* Information Desk Mon-Sat 10-1 Lakeside AA Mon +Thur 4:30-5:30 Ninos de Chapala y Ajijic Fri 10-12 Open Circle Sun 10-12:30 Toastmasters Mon 7-8:30 p.m TICKET SALES MONDAY - FRIDAY 10-12 *
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El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
Video Library Additions - September The items listed below are some of the September movie additions. Please see the LCS web page or the display boards at the Video Library for other films. See the LCS web page for more new additions. The video library can transfer your VHS tapes to DVDs for 50 pesos per tape – that’s cheap. God Bless America #7003 Gotta get into it to appreciate the humor. Kingsman #7019 Colin Firth in an Action/Comedy unlike his usual films Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel #7024 Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy Still Alice #7021 Serious drama with Julianne Moore and Alec Baldwin Woman in Gold #7022 Drama with Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds Danny Collins #7020 Al Pacino as a washed up rock star you love to hate. Death Becomes Her #7014 A weird comedy The Harvest #7018 A documentary about children field workers in the U.S. Little White Lies #7009 A French comedy with Francois Cluzet and Marion Cotillard Stepmom #7016 A comedy with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon Empire Falls #7015 A drama with Ed Harris, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, et. al. Entre Nos #7025 A story based on facts which offers a fresh take on the issue of new immigrants in the United States. Newsroom #7026/27 Unfortunately, the last of a great series.
Please note:
Conversaciones en Espanol resumes its regularly schedule September 7 from 10 to 12 in the Sala. Call Karl Homann at 766-3766 for more information.. The Cruz Roja table will resume its regularly scheduled operations Monday through Friday from 10-1 p.m. in October. Look for more updates in upcoming LCS newsletters editions.
Follow Us on Facebook
Now you can follow us on Facebook. Keep up on all things LCS - programs, activities, special events, updates and news. Like us at www.facebook. com/lakechapalasociety.
Productos Corazón - LCS‘ New Cafe
A warm welcome to our new partners, Productos Corazón who will be providing an exciting menu of healthy breakfast fare, traditional Mexican and international food on our Cafe Patio. Alejandra and Mark Foster, the enterprising duo responsible for Corazón’s concept of providing healthy, delicious meals and snacks, are expected to open the new cafe on September 1. Hours will be 9:30 to 2:30 Monday through Saturdays. Corazón will offer a variety of teas and coffees, salads, desserts, and soups made fresh daily. All ingredients are fresh and locally produced. To paraphrase their concept, “Eating for the heart is always a good choice.”
Chapala H.S. Looking for Volunteers
LCS is working with the Preparatoria Regional de Chapala for the next career day and were asked to help find volunteers for its newly formed English conversation clubs. A morning club meets from 11 a.m. until 12 noon and another in the afternoon from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the high school. No Spanish necessary, but a great opportunity to work on your Spanish while helping students with their English. Contact Terry Vidal, executivedirector@lakechapalasociety.com for details.
Roots Run Deep
Our beautiful Canadian maple tree recently donated to LCS by the Canadian Consulate in honor of 60 years working with Mexico. The Charlie Brown style tree, just a seedling, was originally located near the front gate for ceremonial purposes. It has now grown strong enough to be moved to its permanent home. It now flourishes near the Gazebo on the LCS campus. Maple syrup anyone?
Put An Angel in Your Pocket
What would happen if you ever had a medical emergency or an accident and you were unable to provide emergency personnel or your caregivers crucial information about your existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, personal data, or emergency contacts? My Guardian Angel, developed by Vickie Todd Gay, offers wallet-size and large format cards with information that could prove vital! My Guardian Angel has partnered with LCS by giving our members a discount. More information and details regarding the MGA program are available in the Service Office.
Attention all members!
Membership needs your help: 2016 is the year new LCS membership expiration dates will go into effect. Memberships will be based according to your birthday. You can help us facilitate the renewal process by providing information now. Please e-mail Operations Manager Adela Alcaraz at administracion@lakechapalasociety.com with your name, birthdate, member number, and any changes you’ll be making when you renew. Your timely response will help us improve our services during this transition. If you plan to renew on-line, you can ignore this announcement.
Bus Trips for September
Wednesday, September 9 Tonala/Tlaquepaque. We leave the sculpture on the carretera in La Floresta promptly at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 24 Our regular bus trip to Galerias Mall. Shop major retailers like Liverpool, Best Buy, H & M, Sears and nearby Super Walmart, Costco and restaurants like P.F. Chang, Chili’s, Appleby’s and Outback Steak House. We meet at the sculpture on the carretera in La Floresta at 9:30 a.m. Buy your tickets at the LCS Service Office at $250 pesos for members and $300 pesos for non-members. Remember: no refunds or exchanges.
Volunteers Mail Couriers Needed
We need volunteer couriers to carry mail to the border. If you, or a member you know, is traveling north please stop in the Service Office to pick up mail that can be dropped in US Postal Service mail boxes on your way. Your assistance is always appreciated.
THE LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY, A.C. 16 de Septiembre #16-A, Ajijic, Jalisco LCS Main Office: (376) 766-1140 Office, information and other services - Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grounds open until 5:00 p.m. LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. President - Ben White (2016); Vice-President - Cate Howell (2017); Treasurer - Michael Searles (2017); Secretary - Carole Wolff (2016); Directors: Matthew Butler (2016); Lois Cugini (2017); Ernest Gabbard (2016); Fred Harland (2017); Barbara Hildt (2017); Yoli Martinez (2017); Garry Musgrave (2017); Pete Soderman (2016); Joan Ward (2016); Immediate Past President: Howard Feldstein. Executive Director - Terry Vidal
The LCS Newsletter is published monthly. Deadline for submissions is the 17th of the month preceding publication. Submit all news items to newsletter@lakechapalasociety.com Note: The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions according to time, space availability and editorial decision.
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El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
Saw you in the Ojo 61
Service * ADVERTISING / DIRECTORY
Pag: 54
* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP - CLINICA VETERINARIA SAN ANTONIO Tel: 766-0808 Pag: 07 - DEE’S PET HOTEL Tel: 331-765-7074 Pag: 57 - LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS AC Tel: 765-5544 Pag: 25 - MASKOTA’S LAKE Tel: 766-0287 Pag: 42 - PET PLACE Cell: 333-1964-150 Pag: 40 - PET FOOD AND GROOMING Tel: 766-3062 Pag: 57
* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS Pag: 66 Pag: 38 Pag: 15 Pag: 32
* AUTOMOTIVE - BARRAGAN ISOARD & ASOCIADOS - Vehicle Import & Nationalization Tel: 766-1952, 331-8198-175 Pag: 49 - FRATS Tel: 765-2505, 331-597-0710 Pag: 41 - LINEA PROFESIONAL Tel. 766-2555, Fax. 766-0066 Pag: 14
* BAKERY - SCANDINAVIA - Sourdough Bakery Tel: 766-0604
Pag: 39
* BANK INVESTMENT - INTERCAM Tel: 766-5980 - MULTIVA Tel: 766-2499
Pag: 21 Pag: 10
Pag: 51 Pag: 22 Pag: 46 Pag: 29
* BED & BREAKFAST - CASA DEL SOL Tel: 766-0050 - CASA FLORES Tel: 766-5493
62
- BETO’S WINE & LIQUOR Cell: (045) 333-507-3024 - LICORES PAZ
Pag: 58 Pag: 32, 45
* BOUTIQUE / CUSTOM SEWING Pag: 03 Pag: 53 Pag: 40
* CHIROPRACTIC - DR. VICTOR J. YOUCHA Tel: 766-1973 Pag: 19 - INTERLAGO CHIROPRACTIC Tel: 766-3000 Pag: 27, 32, 33, 59
* COMMUNICATIONS - ISHOPNMAIL
Pag: 06
Pag: 30
* COPIES / STATIONER’S SHOP - CRISTINA Tel: 106-2100
Pag: 57
* CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL HOME SERVICES - Amancio Ramos Jr. Cell: (045) 331-520-3054 Pag: 52 - MARBLE & GRANITE Tel: 766-1306 Pag: 35 - ONLINE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY Tel. Office: 765-7123, Cell: 331-252-1613 Pag: 57 - ROOFING & WATERPROOFING SPECIALISTS Tel: 766-5360, Cell: 045 331-282-5020 Pag: 42 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Tel: 765-2224 Pag: 56
Pag: 11 Pag: 24
- AJIJIC DENTAL Tel: 766-3682 - C.D. MARÍA LUISA LUIS VILLA Tel/Fax: 766-2428 - C.D. SANDRA ANAYA MORA Tel: 765-3502, Cell: 331-218-6241 - CHAPALA DENTAL CARE Tel. 765-5584, 766-3847 - DENTAL EXPRESS Tel: 106-2080 - DENTAL HEALTH ONE Tel: 1060-826 - DENTAL PLASTICA LIFT Tel: 108-0595 - DR. ALBERTO DON OLIVERA Tels: 765-4838, 765-4805 - HECTOR HARO DDS Tel: 765-3193 / 6410 / 6974 - ODONTO CLINICK Tel: 766-5050
El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
- EFFICIENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT Tel: 766-2230
Pag: 17
* FITNESS - SKY FITNESS Tel: 766-1379
Pag: 33
Pag: 58
* FUMIGATION Pag: 59 Pag: 53 Pag: 21
* FURNITURE - HOMEDECOR Tel: 106-0856 Pag: 53 - TEMPUR, MATTRESS AND PILLOWS Tel: (52) 333-629-5919, (52) 33 3611-3049 Pag: 35
- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Tel: 766-4973 Pag: 38
* GARDENING - AJIJIC WATER GARDENS Tel: 766-4386 - GARDEN CENTER Tel: 765-59-73
Pag: 07 Pag: 11 Pag: 22 Pag: 18, 37 Pag: 14 Pag: 19 Pag: 12 Pag: 43 Pag: 19
Pag: 57
Pag: 39
Pag: 35
* GRILLS - NAPOLEON Tel: 766-6153
Pag: 28
Pag: 59
* GRANITE & MARBLE - MARBLE & GRANITE Tel: 766-1306
766-1760 765-4444 766-5555
- LAKESIDE HEARING SERVICES Cell. (045) 33-1511-4088
- ADOBE WALLS INN Tel: 766-1296 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, Fax: 766-2049 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152
Pag: 58
Pag: 17
* HARDWARE STORES - FERREELECTRICA PROVIDENCIA Tel: 106-0886 Pag: 57 - FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440 Pag: 66
* HEALTH - LCS HEALTH DAYS Pag: 33 - LIVEO2 Cell. 333-100-9934 Pag: 51 - LAKE CHAPALA CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Tel: 766-0920 Pag: 59 - YOGA & CULTURAL RETREAT Cell: 315-107-0836 Pag: 59
Pag: 09
Pag: 03 Pag: 56
* INSURANCE - LAKESIDE INSURANCE - EDGAR CEDEÑO Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982 Pag: 16 - PARKER INSURANCE SERVICES Tel: 765-5287, 765-4070 Pag: 43 - PROTEXPLAN U.S. Toll Free 1-800-608-5743 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-681-6730 Pag: 21 - TIOCORP Tel: 766-3978 Pag: 20
* LUMBER - REAL ORTEGA & SONS-Hardware for Carpenters Tel: 765-2404, 765-3404 Pag: 50
* MALL / MARKET - CENTRO LAGUNA Tel: 766-5514
* GOLF - GOLF TOURNAMENT 2015 Tel: 766-4481, 763-5126
066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615
* HOTELS / SUITES
* FREELANCE COPYWRITER
- EXTERMINIO DE PLAGAS Tel: 765-3237, Cell: 331-102-0834 - FUMI-TECH Tel: 766-1946, Cell (045) 333-369-3737 - TOTAL MOSQUITO CONTROL Cell. 333-459-8103 Office: 766-2520
EMERGENCY HOTLINE AMBULANCE - CRUZ ROJA FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE Ajijic Chapala La Floresta
* HEARING AIDS
* GARAGE DOORS OPENERS
* CONSIGNMENT SHOP - TEPEHUA TREASURES Tel: 763-5126, 763-5147
* FINANCIAL SERVICES
- TEACH COPY WRITING
- CUGINIS OPUS BOUTIQUE Tel/Fax: 766-1790 - MI MEXICO Tel: 766-0133 - OLGA’S Tel: 766-1699, Cell: 331-341-4694
* DENTISTS
* BEAUTY - CRISCO SALON Tel: 766-4073 - GLORIOSA Tel: 766-3372 - GLOSS - Nail Salon Tel: 766-0375 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000
Pag: 13
* BEER & LIQUOR STORES
* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
- ART HOUSE Tel: 765-5097 - ALFREDO’S GALERIA Tel: 766-2980 - DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES Tel: 766-5683 - SOL MEXICANO Tel: 766-0734
DIRECTORY
- CASA TRES LEONES Cell: (045) 331-350-6764
- EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 765-3676
- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 766-5961
www.tel.chapala.com
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Pag: 02
* MEAT/POULTRY/CHEESE - NEW YORK STYLE CORNED BEEF Tel: 766-5063 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614
Pag: 39 Pag: 15
* MEDICAL SERVICES - ALTA RETINA - Dr. Rigoberto Rios León Ophthalmic Surgeon Tel: 766-1521 Pag: 29 - CASITA MONTAÑA MEDICAL CENTER Tel: -766-5513 Pag: 37 - CHAPALA MED Tel: 765-7777, Cell: (045) 33-3950-9414 Pag: 25 - DERMATOLOGIST Tel: 765-2400, Cell: (045) 333-170-6570 Pag: 52 - DERMIKA-Dermatologic Center Tel: 766-2500 Pag: 20 - DR. GABRIEL VARELA Tel: 765-6666, Cell: 333-128-6347 Pag: 37 - DR. JAMES JARAMILLO CHAVEZ M.D. Medical Psychiatry Tel: 765-4805, Cell: 331-571-0789 Pag: 39 - DR. JULIO CESAR MORENO FLORES Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Pag: 35 - DRA. CLAUDIA L. CAMACHO CHOZA Ophthalmologist Tel: 765-5364 Pag: 26 - DRA. KAREN GONZÁLEZ - General Physician Cell: 33-1158-4236 Pag: 35 - DRA. MARTHA R. BALLESTEROS FRANCO Cell: (045) 333-408-0951 Pag: 17 - GO LAB Tel: 106-0881 Pag: 29 - HOSPITAL ANGELES DEL CARMEN Tel: (01) 3813-0042 Pag: 08
- ISILAB Tel: 766-1164 Pag: 14 - LAKESIDE CARDIOLOGY CLINIC Tel: (387) 763-0665 Pag: 31 - LAKESIDE MEDICAL GROUP Tel: 766-0395 Pag: 45 - MED INTEGRITY Tel: 766-5154 Pag: 49 - MEDICAVITARE Tel: 01 (33) 3813-5879 Pag: 51 - PLASTIC SURGEON-Sergio Aguila Bimbela M.D. Tel: 108-0595 Pag: 19 - PLASTIC SURGERY - Dr. Benjamin Villaran Tel: 766-5513, Cell 044-333-105-0402 Pag: 37 - QUALITY CARE Tel: 766-1870 Pag: 41 - RICARDO HEREDIA M.D Tel: 765-2233 Pag: 42 - VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT Tel: 765-4805 Pag: 24
* MOVERS - LAKE CHAPALA MOVING Tel: 766-5008 - STROM-WHITE MOVERS Tel: 766-6153 - THE MOVERS LAKESIDE Tel: (045) 555 478 6608 Cell: (045) 33-1301-1441
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* MUSIC / THEATRE / EVENTS - D.J. HOWARD Tel: 766-3044 Pag: 46 - THE NAKED STAGE READER’S THEATRE Tel: 765-3262 Pag: 11
* NURSERY - LAS PALMAS Cell: (045) 33-3170-1776/33-1195-7112
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* PAINT - QUIROZ-Impermeabilizantes Tel: 766-2311 - QUIROZ-Pinturas Tel: 766-5959
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* PERSONAL ASSISTANCE - NEWCOMERS - ILSE HOFFMANN ilsecarlota40@gmail.com, www.guadalajarachapalatravelguide.com Tel 01(33) 3647-3912 Cell (045) 33-3157-2541
* PHARMACIES - FARMACIA CRISTINA Tel: 766-1501 - FARMACIA EXPRESS II Tel: 766-0656 - FARMACIA MASKARAS Tel/Fax: 765-5827 - FARMEX Tel: 765-5004
* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, movile: (045) 33-1175-9632 Pag: 54 - FOR RENT Tel: 765-2671 Pag: 48 - JORGE TORRES Tel: 766-3737 Pag: 27 - MANZANILLO VACATION RENTALS Tel: (314) 100-6773 or (314) 109-0657 Pag: 47 - RENTAL LOCATERS Tel: 766-5202 Pag: 50 - SANTANA RENTALS Cell: 315-104-3283 Pag: 44 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152 Pag: 56
* RESTAURANTS/CAFES Pag: 53 Pag: 56 Pag: 58 Pag: 44
* POOL MAINTENANCE - EQUIPMENT AND POOL MAINTENANCE Tel: 766-1617 Pag: 42
* REAL ESTATE - AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS Tel: 766-2836 - ALL IN ONE REAL ESTATE SERVICE Tel: 766-1161 - BAP INMOBILIARIA Tel: 33-3915-0589, Cell. 333-954-2239 - BETTINA BERING Tel: 765-3676 - BEV. & JEAN COFELL Home 766-5332,Office 765-3676 - CHULA VISTA NORTE Tel: 766-2177 Cell: (045) 33-3841-8867 - CIELOVISTA Tel: 766-4867
- COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 766-1152, 766-3369 Fax: 766-2124, Tels: 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528 Pag: 68 - CONTINENTAL REALTY Tel: 766-1994, Cell: (33) 1366-2256 Pag: 28 - CUMBRES Tel: 766-4867 Pag: 05 - EAGER & ASOCIADOS Tel: (376) 766 1917, 1918 Pag: 67 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel. 766-2198 Pag: 49 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel. 331-833-3095 Pag: 42 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Cell: 333-952-5225, Tel: (01) 387-761-0987 Pag: 52 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: 33-1483-0134 & (33) 1676-4374 Pag: 52 - GEORGETTE RICHMOND Tel: 766-2077 Pag: 11 - JUDIT RAJHATHY Cell: (045) 331 - 395 - 9849 Pag: 47 - LORENA C. BARRAGAN Cell: (045) 331-014-5683 Pag: 41 - LINDA FREEMAN Cell: (045) 333-661-6386 Pag: 03 - LUCI MERRITT Cell (045) 331-545-6589, Office: 766-1917 Pag: 29 - MPR REAL ESTATE Tel: (315) 351-5167 Pag: 44 - NOÉ LOPEZ Cell: 331-047-9607 Pag: 23 - PETER ST. JOHN Tel: 765-3676, 331-323-0893 Pag: 16, 38, 48 - RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925 Pag: 03 - SANDI ALLIN BRISCOE Tel: (376) 765-2484, Cell: (045) 331-563-8941 Pag: 31 - VISTA ALEGRE Tel: 766-4867 Pag: 05
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- AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 766-2458 - ALFREDO’S CALIFORNIA Tel: 331-301-9862 - CAFE PARIS - CASA FUERTE Tels: 3639-6474 / 81 - COLIBRI GARDEN Tel: 765-4412 - CASA FUERTE Tels: 3639-6474 / 81 - GO LE CLUB Cell: (045) 33-3502-6555 - HUERTO CAFÉ Tel: 108-0843 - JASMINE’S - Classic India Tel: 766-2636 - JOHANNA’S - German Restaurant Tel: 766-0437 - LA CASA DEL CAFE Tel: 766-2876 - LA CASA DEL WAFFLE Tel: 766-1946 - LA MISION Tel: 108-0887 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, 766-2049 - “ LA TAVERNA”DEI QUATTRO MORI Tel: 766-2848 - LOS MOLLETES
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Tel: 766-4296 - MEL’S Tel: 766-4253 Cell: 331-402-4223 - MOM’S DELI & RESTAURANT Tel: 765-5719 - PIAN THAI RESTAURANT Tel: 766-2020 - PIZZERIA TOSCANA Tel: 765-6996 - SAN FERNANDO CALIFORNIA Tel: 3615-3473 / 3219 - ST. REMY Tel: 766-0607 - THE PEACOCK GARDEN Tel: 766-1381 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069 - YVES Tel: 766-3565
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* RETIREMENT/REST/NURSING HOMES - ALICE NURSING HOME Tel: 766 1194, 766 2999 Pag: 47 - NURSING HOME LAKE CHAPALA Tel: 766-0404 Pag: 46 - LA CASA NOSTRA Tel: 765-3824 Pag: 03 - MI CASITA - Nursing Home & Assisted Living Center Tel. 106-2081, Cell. 045 33-1115-9615 Pag: 53 - THE BLUE HOUSE Tel: 766-1695, Cell. 331-207-6464 Pag: 51 - OHANA Tel: (01387) 761-0403 Pag: 40
* SATELLITES/ T.V. - AJIJIC ELECTRONICS S.A. DE C.V. Tel/Fax: 766-1117, 766-3371 - SHAW SATELLITE SERVICES Tel: 33-1402-4223
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- LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY Tel: 766-1140 - LOS NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC Tel: 765-7032
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* SOLAR ENERGY - DESMEX Cell: 044 (333) 100-2660 - GREEN HOME Tel:108-0912 - ESUN Tel: 766-2319, 01-800-099-0272
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* SPA / MASSAGE - RESPIRO SPA Cell: 33-3157-7790 - TOTAL BODY CARE Tel: 766-3379
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* TAROT - TAROT Tel. 36-400-602, Cell. 55-6038-7350
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* TAXI - ARTURO FERNANDEZ Cell: (045) 333-954-3813
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* TOURS - CHARTER CLUB TOURS Tel: 766-1777 - WANDERNOW Tel: 333-481-9310
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* TREE SERVICE - CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Tel: 762-0602
* SCHOOL - INSTITUTO TERRANOVA Tel: 766-2401, 766-3033
* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
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* SELF STORAGE - SELF STORAGE-BODEGAS CHAPALA Tel: 766-0661, Tel/Fax: 766-1045 Pag: 24
The Ojo Crossword
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Saw you in the Ojo 63
CARS
FOR SALE: 2011 Dodge Journey, 3.6L, V6, 55,000 km, one owner, original factura, plus all maintenance records, always parked in covered garage. Bought at ROCA motors in GDL, 30 June 2011. Cherry Red Exterior, Black interior. Fully loaded – Black leather seats, large video screen with rear camera, GPS system, Bluetooth for hands-free calling Seating for 7 people. Great stereo system (MW/FM/CD/DVD/MP3) with 6 Alpine speakers. 19 in. wheels. Price: $250,000 pesos. Call: 045-331-3824771. FOR SALE: 2003 gold met. Lincoln Aviator, V8, AWD, one owner, mx. plated, 30,000 mi. excellent condition leather, loaded, no accidents, garaged, locally serviced, heavy duty tr. hitch plus car carrier $10,999 US/pesos eqv. Serious callers only 387-761-0472. FOR SALE: Ford Fiesta 2012 Hatchback. Cheap on gas with a 1.6 L engine, new tires and wheels, reverse camera. Price: $115,000 pesos. FOR SALE: Mexican Honda Odyssey LX 2006. One Owner, Honda Serviced, new tires, new shocks, new motor mounts, new brakes, DVD, cruise control, VSA, Airbags, Jalisco plates are included. Price: $140,000 pesos. Call: 331-269-2696. FOR SALE: 2005 Ford Expedition. 2005 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x2. Excellent condition, tires have 20K miles, seats 8 w/ 3rd row fold down seats. Very clean vehicle. Pics or showing on request. Price: $8500 USD OBO. Call: 376-766-4712. WANTED: Roof rails and basket. I am looking for Genuine Honda cross rails and a cargo basket for a 2007 CRV. FOR SALE: 2000 Honda Accord, 4doors, 4 cyl V-Tec Motor with 124,000 miles, 5 speed, A/C, silver color, body & paint good, cloth interior good, 30 mpg on highway. Runs & drives great. Jalisco licensed and plated. Call: 333274-4576 or email swright@email.com for pictures. Price: $3500 USD FOR SALE: ´08 Honda Element. Great condition, 38,500 miles, just checked out by mechanic. California plates perfect tires for cobblestones. Must sell asap. Price: 8´500 US. Call Susan 331-398-8782. FOR SALE: Miata MX-5 Special Edition, Convertible, Automatic Transmission, rich Burgundy color with camel top and interior. Wonderful running, trouble free, show-stopper car. Made in Japan. Can not be Mexican plated. Price: $5,000 USD or MX eqv. Call: 376-763-5038. FOR SALE: Universal automobile tow bar. Up to 5000 lb. capacity. $4000 pesos. Call: 766-1994. WANTED: Want to buy class a motor home in excellent conditions in/out. pls. only in almost new conditions. Call: 333662-3040.
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COMPUTERS
FOR SALE: I have just found another 6 cartridges that I had for the printer that I have recently replaced. They are 3-#225 Black and 3-#226 Cyan, with chip. Price: $400 pesos. FOR SALE: HP 17 “. Only used 3 months bought a laptop paid $2000 pesos. Price: $1175pesos. Call: 766-2137.
PETS & SUPPLIES
FOR SALE: Samsonite Airline Pet Carrier. 18” X 10” X11” Excellent condition. Price: $250.00 firm price. Call: 376-765-63-48.
GENERAL MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE: Unusual, very original dining table, zinc top, distressed grey wood painted legs. 39” X 69” (1m. X 1.75m.). Price: $4,500. Pesos. Call: Pierrette at Cell: 315-107-0836. FOR SALE: 18 speed Mountain bike. Good tires, new tubes and rides good. Price: $2000 pesos or best offer. Email swright@email.com for pictures or call Mike at 333-724-4576. WANTED: Looking for chest freezer in good condition. WANTED: Looking for a telescope. Not for star gazing, but to look out on lake activities from my patio. Binoculars aren’t getting it done. Call: 765-5046 FOR SALE: LG 39” HD Smart TV. Like new 1 yr. old. She wants a bigger one. Inputs: 3 HDMI, 3 USB, RCA, Video and Ethernet. Model 39LN5700 for looking up on the internet. Price: $5000 mx. FOR SALE: 1500W Delonghi Oil Filled Room Heater $600 pesos. Price: $600. Call: 766-2230. FOR SALE: 6.0 cu ft chest freezer o/d 31”W X 35”H X 24”D. Price: $2,000 pesos. Call: 766-2230. FOR SALE: Complete Shaw Satellite System. Includes Shaw Receiver HD DSR-600 and 1.2 meter dish. Less than 2 years old; paid $850 USD, asking $450 USD. Call: 376-7664712. FOR SALE: Brunswick 4x8 SLATE pool table in very good condition. New cloth. Includes cues & balls. Price: $550.00 USD. FOR SALE: Tennis Racquets. 3 Wilson. 2 Prince. 1 Babolat. These are for beginner to advanced intermediate players. The racquets are five years to two years old, all in very good condition. Price: 765-3668. FOR SALE: 2 TVs. One TV is a Pioneer 48 inch flat screen for $7000 pesos and the second TV is ATVIO 32 inch flat screen for $3500 pesos. Both are still under purchased replacement-repair warranty. A Blu Sens DVD player with 6 speakers and base unit plus 200 DVDs in English (but can be programmed to Spanish) PG to PG13 for $3000 pesos. Call: 333-274-4576 or email swright@ email.com for pictures. FOR SALE: An overstuffed comfort-
El Ojo del Lago / September 2015
able brown chair $3500 pesos; brown & glass patio table & 2 matching chairs 1000 pesos; beautiful wood writing desk Aspen Home 5000 pesos; 5 large wall pictures for $3500 pesos; beautiful 80 inch scrolled wood floating wall shelf for $3000 pesos. Everything in excellent condition, email for pictures to sherry@ email.com. or Call: Mike at 333-7244576. FOR SALE: White Vinyl Patio Furniture. 50” Octagonal Table with 4 chairs and chair pads $2,000 pesos; 46” Round Table with 3 chairs and chair pads $1,200 pesos; 2 Chaise Loungers with pads + 1 side table $1,800 pesos. Call: 766-2230. WANTED: 3rd Person share MBE mailbox. Have 2 light users on a 2kg mailbox at MBE. Looking for 3rd light user--mail plus 1 magazine/month. Prorated until April when must pay for another year. If interested, Price: $400 UDS/yr shared. Call: 333-488-2773. FOR SALE: Chi Machine - used only twice. Open to an offer. Price: $1800 pesos. FOR SALE: Good bicycle made of Aluminum for tall people. Price: $85 USD. Call: (376)763-55-27. FOR SALE: Walker With Sit down feature. Price: $85.00 USD. Call: (376)763-55-27. FOR SALE: Water pressurized system. Franklin triple seal pump with less than a year use. great deal. Price: 5,000.00 MX pesos. Call: (376)763-5527. WANTED: Weights and other gym equipment in good condition. FOR SALE: Beautiful wood free-hanging decorator shelf with ornate edging. Price: $2000 pesos. Call: 333-274-4576 or email swright@ email.com for pictures. FOR SALE: Wood writing desk by Aspen home for $4500 pesos. Center desk drawer or computer keyboard drawer with built-in computer cord placement. A beautiful fine piece of furniture, moving and can’t take with us. Call: 333-274-4576 or email swright@ email.com for pictures. FOR SALE: House and Patio Plants. Many large and various plants for house or patio, all in pots, nice variety, many blooming $3000 pesos takes all. Call: 333-274-4576 or email swright@email. com for pictures FOR SALE: Computer parts. 634250-005--750GB SATA hard disk drive - 5,400 RPM, 2.5-inch form factor, 9.5mm height (raw drive) $220 USD. 746641-001--Battery pack (Primary) - 3-cell lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2.8Ah, 31Wh, $100 USD. 2 sets of Windows 8.1 System Recovery DVD for HP or Compaq $100.00 USD. Call: 333-2744576 or email swright@email.com. FOR SALE: Dining room table with glass topper and 6 matching chairs for $6500 pesos; Buffet table $4000 pesos; Queen mat-
tress and with base $5500 pesos; wood desk $2500 pesos; drawers on rollers and book shelf $800 pesos; nice patio furniture $4000 pesos; living room furniture with couch, love seat, chair and table $5500 pesos. Email for pictures to swright@email.com. FOR SALE: 2007 Ajijic artist Javier Zaragoza oil painting. Price: $6000mx. FOR SALE: $12,500 Pesos or best offer christal glazier/christalero = 185x40 cm plus table/mesa= 1x185cm y 6 chairs/sillas. Call: 045-331-460-5733. FOR SALE: Complete set of hand painted Mexican Crockery consisting of: 20 large, medium and small plates, bowls, plus some extras. Large and small coffee cups for 10 people plus some extras. 2 large jugs, 1 large coffee pot, 1 large tea pot, 1 large Tureen and 1 serving plate. Price: $650 USD. Call: 333-559-1733. WANTED: I am collecting gardening tools for Operation Feed in Jocotepec. Any used tools would be welcome. Also need a garden cultivator. Call: 333-8157436. FOR SALE: 30 Golf Balls. Price: $200 Pesos. FOR SALE: Telephone Vtech Cordless model LS6115-2 Dect 6.0 technology, dual handsets. Caller ID, call waiting, plus many more features. VG condition. Price: $550 MXP Call: Walter 333-444-7868 or 376-7665452. FOR SALE: Cargo Trailer 6.5 x 10 Feet, this trailer is Jalisco plated!!! Back 45 inches are open-top for better access to contents of trailer. Front 75 inches have metal top for protection from rain. Price: $1,800 usd or $29,000 pesos. Call: 765-3668 in Chapala. FOR SALE: Horseshoe Game. Game kit is complete in original case ready for some gentle to use Test your skill. Price: $500 pesos. Call: 766-2137. FOR SALE: Kindle. Bought in USA Never learned to use it Kindle Fire HD. Price: $100 US. Call: 766-2137. WANTED: Heavy Duty “Weed-o” weed whacker. Gasoline engine model in good condition. To be used on a ranch so heavy duty is a must. FOR SALE: Christmas Tree – Artificial. App. 75 inches from the base to the tip. Price: $600 pesos. Call: 7654667. FOR SALE: Vita Hot Tub, American made, self-contained, new cover with marine grade vinyl, jet settings include aromatherapy and energy saver. Seats 6 easily. Includes ornate, iron step ladder, for ease of entry. Price: $3,299.00. Excellent condition! For photos or to view, Call: 376-762-1628 or email us at heltonbcs@aol.com. FOR SALE: Shiatsu Massaging Cushion by Homedics. Price: $600 MX. FOR SALE: Fluorescent light fixtures with bulbs 2 x 48” lg and one x 24” lg. Like new. All three fixtures $500 MXP.
Call: Walter 333-444-7868 or 766-5452. FOR SALE: Beautiful dark green vase, glazed and fired, 92cm tall, 50cm diameter (from Vietnam). Price: $900 mxp. Call: 766-5299. FOR SALE: Lovely brown colored over-stuffed living room chair. Excellent condition, purchased new in May. Very comfortable. Well made. We would love to keep but moving and can’t fit in our suitcase. Riberas is between Chapala and Ajijic. Price: $3,500 pesos. Call. Mike at 333-724-4576. FOR SALE: 4 newly upholstered dining/game table or living room chairs, orange color, $1,200.00 MP each. Very nice looking, pictures on request. Contact: 376-765-3170. FOR SALE: I have 2 pumps. One used in fine condition. $600 and one with metal to PVC transition. $725.00. You pick up in Chapala Haciendas. FOR SALE: Folding Card Table, rectangular. Price: $400 mxp. Call: 7665299. FOR SALE: Two teak pool side (or Patio) end tables from Thailand. Price: $1,000 mxp for two. Call: 766-5299. FOR SALE: Black wrought iron sofa table with beveled glass top (rectangular). Price: $500 MXP. Call: 766-5299. FOR SALE: Large beveled mirror, 1.52 x 1.23 meters. Price: $900 MXP. Call: 766-5299. FOR SALE: Sofa, loveseat & Chair in soft, tan leather. Like new. Purchased 2 yrs ago for MXP $78,000. Can provide photos. Price: $35,000 mxp. Call: 7665299. FOR SALE: Set of 2 lamps Pacific
coast lighting AFG – Model 4.0 AE (bedroom, living room, office) FOR SALE: AFG 4.0 AE Elliptical, like new + Super mats Heavy Duty P.V.C. Mat for elliptical + Elliptical Machine Cover/Rear Drive. Price: Best offer. FOR SALE: Auto accessory. Auto cover for VW Beetle 2010 in mint condition. Fleece lined, waterproof, tie down straps and buckles. Located in Chapala. Price: $700 pesos. FOR SALE: WAGAN AC/Inverter. Just plug it in and you have 115V power. 150W w/500W peak surge. Works fine but airlines now use regular 3-prong receptacles. Price: $200.00. Call: 376765-63-48. FOR SALE: I have two electric motors for water pumping. One is NIB with a transition adaptor from metal to PVC. The other is used and works fine but no transition. Pick up in Chapala Haciendas. Price: $60 US or $50 US or pesos. Call: 376-765-63-48. FOR SALE: KitchenAid hand mixer. Sealed in Box. Red. Beaters and Whip. Brought from the states. Cost is $60 US. Price: $650 Pesos. FOR SALE: furniture, linens, safety box, kitchenware & utensils. Tables and chairs, gardening umbrella. Call: 376766-1157 email: berame@hotmail.com. FOR SALE: Romertopf Clay Cookware. Received two as a wedding gift. $1,000 pesos new. Price: $400 pesos. Call: 376-766-1132.
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El Ojo del Lago / September 2015