El Ojo del Lago - November 2012 by El Ojo del Lago

Saw you in the Ojo

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Saw you in the Ojo

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 Editors Kay Davis Associate Editor Jim Tipton Contributing Editor Paul Jackson Contributing Editor Mark Sconce Drama Critic Michael Warren Art Critic Rob Mohr Roving Correspondent Dr. Lorin Swinehart Sales Managers Omar Medina 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

Index...

FEATURE ARTICLES

COVER STORY

Mel Goldberg presents a compelling view of the history of Jews in Mexico— a country which has long been a haven for refugees from all over the world.

8 Cover by Dani Newcomb

LOCAL CHARITIES

Kay Davis tells us about a Good Samaritan, Tom Music, who with a shoe-string budget and a big heart is providing a marvelous service for the poor people of Lakeside.

COLUMNS THIS MONTH 6

Editor’s Page

Uncommon Sense

Bridge by Lake

Joyful Musings

Welcome to Mexico

Grape Expectations

Anyone Train Dog

Child of Month

Neil McKinnon, one of Canada’s bestknown humorists, takes a whimsical look at many things, but is especially amused by a particular word (?), “eh,” that seems most popular word in his native country.

Heart at Work

Thunder on Right

Lakeside Living

Magnificent Mexico

Stay Healthy

The Poet’s Niche

Focus on Art

Front Row Center

LCS Newsletter

HUMOR

John Ward files the second and final part of his rib-tickling account about his battle with US airport screening inspectors.

BIOGRAPHY

Fred Mittag, long regarded one of Lakeside’s leading political pundits, inaugurates his new column with a profile of Frederick the Great, one of history’s more compelling personalities.

MORE HUMOR

LOCAL COLOR

Antonio Rambles joined the Ojo last month with his piece on the Street Vendors of Ajijic. This month, he checks in with a stunning collection of the Murals of Ajijic.

NEW PERSPECTIVES

Kerry Watson, brand-new to our list of contributors and an author of some repute, offers another view of the Lakeside area, this one from the south side of the lake. Welcome, Kerry!

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. 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.

COVER STORY

PUBLISHER

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

LAKESIDE LIVING

 DIRE C TOR Y 

38 Jeritza J it McCarter M C t

MAGNIFICENT MEXICO

VOLUME 29 NUMBER 3

Saw you in the Ojo

Editor’s Page

By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez escape to mexico

exico has long been a haven for writers from all over the world, and was/is for many of them what Paris must have been to the generation of writers that included such famous names as Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Dos Passos. Mexico has also had its own big-name foreigners who found it fertile soil for their literary fantasies, famous writers such as Tennessee Williams, Somerset Maugham and D. H. Lawrence. However, a collection of short stories, Escape to Mexico—An Anthology of Great Fiction, has recently come our way, and the list of well-known writers who spent time in Mexico and later wrote about it is far more extensive than one might think. Smartly edited by Sara Nickles—who understands Mexico very well—her introduction immediately intrigues us: “’Come with me to Mexico,”’ says a character in Anais Nin’s short story. “’I want to wander about a little and find out who I am.”’ Nickles’ introduction continues: Mexico has long been viewed not only as a place but also a state of mind. It is a land of possibilities and extremes, of passion and intrigue, a land where you can lose yourself or find yourself, depending upon what you desire. The characters in these tales are both seeking something special in Mexico and leaving something behind. . . Some are trying to forget sadness, others are pursuing an endless fiesta. A partial list of contributors include Sherwood Anderson—author of Winesburg, Ohio and many other wellknown works; Stephen Crane—best known for his novel The Red Badge of Courage; Harriet Doerr—novels Stones for Ibarra and Consider This, Senora, both written when she was in her 70s; Graham Greene—The Power and the Glory and The Lawless Roads; Patricia Highsmith —wrote The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train, both turned into highly suspenseful movies, the latter directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Jack Kerouac—one of the originals of the ‘50s “Beat Generation,” wrote On the Road. Died at age 47; Malcolm Lowry—whose novel, Under the Volcano, is set in Mexico in the 1930s, and was later a John Huston

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

movie; Anais Nin—best known for her lifelong diary. Also wrote the novel The Four-Chambered Heart; Wallace Stegner—historian of the American West, and author of the novel Angle of Repose, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972. Somerset Maugham—wrote part of The Razor’s Edge while living in Ajijic, and previously gained early fame with his second novel, Of Human Bondage; B. Traven—best known for his novel The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, which later became an unforgettable John Huston film; Tennessee Williams— won the Pulitzer Prize for both Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire, an early version of which he wrote in Ajijic in the 1940s. Ms. Nickles’ marvelous introduction concludes with: They all {the characters} escaped to Mexico. What happens to them once they get there is often not what they expect, however, and therein lays the heart of these tales. It is not traveling in general that alters their perceptions and expectations and understandings, but rather the particulars of Mexico: the country is more than the location for each story—it is a character. Fortunately, neither the insights into the country nor its selections from the great writers in this volume can be reduced to a simple formula. They are gathered here so that we can join them in the varieties of experience, so that we can compare them with our own fantasies of flight, so that we can escape vicariously—or we can carry this book with us when we go. (Note: The anthology was published by Chronicle Books—San Francisco, and can be purchased on amazon.com)

Alejandro Grattan

THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY, AS WELL AS THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF ENGLISH:

Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things. 2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. 3. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. 4. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes? 5. The main reason that santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. 6. I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “where’s the self- help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. 7. What if there were no hypothetical questions? 8. If a deaf child signs swear words, does his mother wash his hands with soap? 9. If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation? 10. Is there another word for synonym? 11. Where do forest rangers

go to “get away from it all?” 12. What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? 13. If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? 14. Would a fly without wings be called a walk? 15. Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them? 16. If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is he homeless or naked? 17. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers? 18. If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? 19. Why do they put braille on the drive-through bank machines? 20. How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs? 21. What was the best thing before sliced bread? 22. One nice thing about egotists: they don’t talk about other people.

How sweet, how difficult their birth brought home, adored, unbundled, shrink-wrapped, received with joy, kissed and caressed and fondled – These lost abandoned children, shadows of former selves now left without a second glance alone, unread on loveless shelves. Michael Warren

Saw you in the Ojo

A BR BRIEF RIEF F HISTORY HIISTORY OF OF JEWS JEWS IN N MEXICO MEXICO By Mel Goldberg

rriving with the first Spaniards, Jews have lived in Mexico since the fourteenth century. Their history in Mexico may be divided into three significant time periods: the 14th, 18th, and 20th Centuries. THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY The first Jews arrived about thirty years after the start of the Spanish Inquisition, during which thousands of New Christians, or Conversos (Jews who had converted to Catholicism), were burned at the stake as heretics. Also known as marranos, they often continued practicing Judaism in secret. All practicing Jews were banished from Spain in 1492, many immigrating to Portugal. Historians believe some converted Jews came with Hernán Cortes when he conquered Aztecs in 1521. In 1531 a group of Spanish Jews and Conversos who had found refuge in Portugal immigrated to Mexico, then called Nueva

España and under the rule of Royal Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, where they believed they could retain their historical Spanish identity and continue practicing Judaism. Because Mendoza was a common name among Spanish Jews, some historians suggest the Viceroy had a Jewish or Converso background. Until 1571, those who had immigrated to the New World were able to practice Judaism openly. But that year

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

marked the beginning of the Mexican Inquisition, an extension of the one in Spain. Again both practicing Jews and Conversos lived in fear. However, the Mexican Inquisition was not as bitterly hostile as the Spanish Inquisition. Records indicate that fewer than one hundred were tortured and executed by burning. In 1579, King Philip II of Spain established the Kingdom of Nuevo Leon (present day Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and South Texas) a colony north of Nueva España to be governed by Luis de Carvajal, a Portuguese/Spanish nobleman who died in a Spanish prison as a heretic in 1596. To help populate the colony, both Conversos and practicing Jews were welcomed. Within sixty years, according to historical evidence, the descendants of the original settlers moved to what are now New Mexico, Arizona, and California, then still part of Mexico, bringing Judaism with them vestiges of which survive to this day. One recent manifestation is that of Father William Sanchez of Albuquerque. As a boy, he never understood why his Catholic family spun tops on Christmas, shunned pork, and spoke quietly about ancestors who left medieval Spain. After watching a genealogical television program, Father Sanchez tracked his DNA and discovered that he and his family were part of New Mexico’s crypto-Jews, descendants who maintain some Jewish traditions of their ancestors while adhering to Catholicism. THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY Two genealogical studies, Archivo General de la Nacion de Mexico and the Ramo de la Inquisition, suggest that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of Mexican Independence, had a Converso background and that Bartolome de las Casas, a Bishop who fought to free slaves in Nueva España, also had Jewish ancestors. Their families were sincere converts but it is ironic that the expulsion of Jews from Spain ultimately led to the Spain’s loss of Mexico. Many adventurous Jews immigrated to Mexico between 1700 and 1865 to escape the grinding poverty and anti-Jewish attitudes of life in the Old World. While they were not allowed to become citizens, a right granted only to Catholics, many who came during the one hundred sixty-five years became peddlers, similar to those who traveled to the West of the United States. On the backs of burros or mules, they carried house-wares, clothing and novelties to remote villages of Mexico. In 1865 Emperor Maximilian I issued an edict of religious tolerance and invited a number of German Jews to settle in Mexico. Yet as of 1867 there were only

about twenty Jewish families in Mexico City although there were probably more in the rest of the country. Following Maximillian’s execution by firing squad in 1867, Benito Juarez, the liberal President of Mexico, enforced the separation of Church and State. Non-Catholics were allowed to establish themselves in Mexico and in 1882, after the assassination of the Russian Tsar, Alexander II, significant numbers of practicing Jews from Russia entered the country. THE TWENTIETH CENTURY Large numbers of Jews arrived after World War I, fleeing pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe. Some, descendants from medieval Jewish communities along the Rhine were called the Ashkenazic, a term associated with northern Europe and Germany. They were fleeing pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe. A larger group, descendants from Jewish communities in the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain, Portugal, and Andorra) were called Sephardic, from sephardit which means Spanish in modern Hebrew. They escaped from the collapsing Ottoman Empire, many also from Turkey and Morocco. Because most of the Sephardic Jews had retained their Spanish heritage, they spoke Ladino, a dialect of Spanish, making life easier than for their Ashkenazic counterparts. All immigrants faced economically difficult lives and Jews faced the same financial problems as all Mexicans. But coming from a primitive part of the world, they had no difficulty in adapting to conditions in Mexican villages. In fact, Mexican Catholics and Jews accepted each other since in both groups, the family was the predominant social group. Why did Jews choose Mexico as a destination rather than the United States? Mexico was attractive to them. Many had relatives or friends already settled in the country. And in 1921 and 1924, United States enacted laws restricting immigration. From 1920 to 1930, Jews in Mexico enjoyed a period of stability during which they prospered. The only recorded incidents of anti-Semitism came in the 1930’s, when neo-Nazi right- wingers, financed from Berlin, staged antiJewish demonstrations in Mexico City. The demonstrators gained little support from the Mexican people. JEWS IN MEXICO TODAY Today, Mexico has a Jewish community of between 40,000-50,000 with about 37,000 living in Mexico City. The majority of them, Mexican citizens who practice Judaism, are descendents of people who, from 1881 to 1939, found refuge here. Because Mexican economic prosperity allowed religious tol-

erance, Jews enjoyed the same rights as any other Mexican citizen. In Mexico City there are more than twenty synagogues, several Kosher restaurants and religious schools where many Jewish youth receive their education. Jewish communities can also be found in Guadalajara , Monterrey, Tijuana, Cancun and San Miguel. In early March, 2000, Pope John Paul II called anti-Semitism “a massive sin against humanity” and the Holocaust “an indelible stain on the history of the last century.” In June 2003, President Vicente Fox passed a law that forbids discrimination, including antiSemitism, putting into the law what has been practiced for years. Jews have served in positions in the Federal Government. From 2000 to 2004, Jorge Casteñada Gutman was Foreign Minister. From 2000 to 2005, Santiago Levy Algazi was director of the Social Security Institute. Others are prominent members of the Chambers of Commerce in Monterey, Guadalajara, and Tijuana, whose former president of the City Council was Marcus Levy. David Saul Gaukil, a member of the Tijuana City Council, said, “No one [has ever] commented adversely that I am Jewish.” Although Tijuana has a population of 2,000,000, its Jewish population is only about 2,000. Tijuana also has Congregacion Hebrea de Baja California made up almost entirely of converted Mexican Catholics. Its nonordained leader, Carlos Salas, conducts spiritual outreach to Mexicans of Jewish ancestry and crypto-Jews practicing in secret. Jews and descendents of Jews in Mexico have been well-respected journalists and artists. Jacobo Zabludovsky became a much-honored Mexican journalist and the first anchorman in Mexican television with his program 24 Horas. Frida Kahlo was the daughter of Guillermo Kahlo, born Carl Wilhelm Kahlo in Germany after his parents moved there from Hungary. Emigrating to Mexico in 1891,

he changed his name to Guillermo. Frida, the lover of Leon Trotsky and a flamboyant artist, maintained that her father was a Hungarian Jew and never denied her Jewish heritage. In 1935, her husband, Converso descendant muralist Diego Rivera, wrote, “Jewishness is the dominant element in my life. From this has come my sympathy with the downtrodden masses which motivates all my work.” There was even a Jewish bullfighter, Sidney Franklin, born Sidney Frumkin in New York in 1903, who fought bulls in Spain and Mexico. Hemingway, in Death in the Afternoon, wrote “Franklin is brave, with a cold, serene and intelligent valor.” He died in 1976, after a career fighting bulls and presenting bullfights on American TV. In addition to Mexico City, substantial Jewish communities exist in Guadalajara and Monterrey. The Chapala/ Ajijic area is home to a group of ex-pat American Jews who hold religious services at their own synagogue and occasionally interact with their Mexican Jewish counterparts in Guadalajara. The combination of tenacity on the part of Jews and tolerance by Mexicans, both official and as individuals, has permitted Judaism to put down deep roots. Today, Jews have much in common with their fellow Mexicans. Both groups are sincerely religious and family oriented. Both were historically victims of oppression and tyranny. Ultimately, however, like all those who live in Mexico, their future depends on Mexico’s social and economic progress. It is easy to get frustrated. The only thing is to continue. In the end, everything will work out. If it does not work out, then it is not yet the end. (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) CHECK OUT MY NEW WEB SITE: http://www.wix. com/goldmiel/authormel Mel Goldberg

Saw you in the Ojo

UUNCOMMON NCOM MM MON CCOMMON OM MM MON SSENSE ENSE By Bill Frayer billfrayer@gmail.com

In Defense of Slow Bill Frayer

t’s no secret that we are addicted to speed. Life proceeds at a fast pace today. Perhaps it comes from the old saw: Time is money. Since the early part of the twentieth century when Frederick Taylor came up with the term “scientific management,” which led to Henry Ford’s assembly line, we have been trying to make work more efficient, faster, and productive. I am guilty of this focus on speed too. I eat fast, read fast, and find myself sometimes pushing to complete some chore so I can “get on to” the next activity. Of course, all this focus on speed and efficiency has a price. Modern humans suffer from time-related stress. They can develop physical disease from anxiety about time and work. Car accidents frequently occur because people are speeding or trying to do things to save time while they are driving (texting, eating, chatting on cell phones). As a result of this emphasis on doing everything quickly, young people, especially, have little tolerance for non-immediate gratification and become easily bored. One of the great benefits I experienced from moving to Mexico was that I learned to be more patient. No matter how quickly I thought something should happen, I had to learn to be satisfied with a slower, perhaps less efficient pace. In many ways, slower is better. A few months ago I wrote about the

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

value of reading literature. Reading good fiction or poetry necessarily requires us to read slowly. Eating slowly, preferably with family and good friends, leads to better digestion. Walking or driving slowly lets us see many interesting things around us. Moving slowly, deliberately, helps us avoid accidents and reduces stress. Focusing on living at a slower pace requires that we think differently about time itself. We often think of time as a limited resource which we do not want to waste. By consciously doing things at a slower pace, it may seem as though we are wasting time. If lunch takes three hours, we might run out of time to do errands in the afternoon. If we read more slowly, we will not be able to read as many books. If we spend a lot of time preparing a meal, we will, of course, have less time to devote to other activities. The question is, of course, what do we need this extra time for? What do we actually do with our extra time? The late sociologist, Neil Postman, criticized trans-Atlantic supersonic jet service. Getting to Europe in three instead of five hours saved two hours. He supposed that most people would spend the extra time watching television, such an excellent use of time! So, going slow is a qualitative decision. It presupposes that it is better to do less and do it with more pleasure than to hurry. The Buddhists have promoted living mindfully and deliberately. One cannot live mindfully, noticing and fully engaged every moment, and do it quickly. Jon Kabat-Zinn explains the goal of mindfulness: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment reality. It wakes us up to the fact that our lives unfold only in moments. If we are not fully present for many of those moments, we may miss what is most valuable in our lives.” I can’t think of a better reason to live slowly and mindfully.

BRIDGE B RIDGE B BY Y THE THE LAKE LAKE By Ken Masson

hey say that a good start is half the battle. Don’t tell that to this month’s West who made an excellent lead in the diagrammed hand played at the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club, only for his side to come up short in the end. South dealt and opened the bidding 1 No Trump showing a balanced hand with 15 to 17 high card points. The small doubleton in hearts is not considered a deterrent in this situation. West, who was planning to open 1 No Trump himself, passed in tempo as he had no convenient way of entering the auction. Now North introduced a little toy he had recently discovered by bidding 3 hearts which purportedly showed 5-5 in the majors with invitational values. They say that bridge is a bidder’s game but to call this an invitation with threadbare values in the majors is stretching the definition just a tad. However, as luck would have it, South had a maximum for his opener so he was happy to bid 4 spades knowing his side had a 5-3 fit in trumps. Now West had to find a suitable lead. Unwilling to lead from any of his honor holdings into a strong no trump opener, he finally settled on the 10 of spades. This actually turned out to be a very good lead indeed as declarer won in hand to lead a heart towards the dummy in an attempt to set up some winners in that suit. West won the trick with the queen and fired back his remaining trump. South again won this in hand and led a second heart towards dummy. Declarer’s play so far virtually guaranteed that he only held 2 hearts so West ducked this to dummy’s jack and

East’s king. Now East paused to consider his options. It was apparent from his own holding and the cards in dummy that his partner held some considerable values. What if, he thought, West has the ace-queen of diamonds, it could be vital to switch to that suit while he was on lead for likely the only time on this deal. So without further ado, East led a low diamond. Unfortunately for the defense this was just the break declarer was looking for. In short order, he won the diamond ace, cashed the club ace, ruffed a club in dummy, ruffed dummy’s last heart with his last spade, entered dummy again with another club ruff, drew the last trump, cashed two good hearts and conceded a diamond in the end – 4 spades bid and made. Where did the defense go wrong? When East was in for the one and only time he should have returned his last trump, thus setting up an additional heart trick for his side and defeating the contract by one trick. What if West did hold the acequeen of diamonds and South the ace-king (and perhaps)-queen of clubs? Then declarer would certainly have played on clubs early on in order to rid the dummy of potential diamond losers before beginning his attack on hearts. This was not an easy hand for East-West to defend accurately– but then no one ever said bridge was an easy game! Questions or comments: email: masson.ken@ gmail.com Ken Masson

Saw you in the Ojo 11

THE GIRL IN THE DAISY HAT By Sandy Olson

wasn’t thinking about death the day we went to Carlos‘n Charlie’s bar in Ixtapa. I had plans with friends who also lived in Zihuatanejo, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, American expats in Zihuatanejo don’t have much interest in Ixtapa: the manicured lawns, the tourists with their “all inclusive” ID wristbands, or the timeshare salesmen on every corner. But Carlos ‘n Charlie’s is fronted on the beach, has a pool, and for the price of a hamburger lunch we local expats can and often do - spend the day. The waiters that day were professionally friendly as usual, the open air restaurant relaxing, except of course for the ever-present TVs and Mexican music, and my companions were as lovable as ever. Still, after a long game of dominoes I felt restless and wanted to take a break. I decided to stroll the beach alone. Swimming is not particularly safe in Ixtapa. The hotels face the open ocean and surf warnings are prominently and permanently posted--not on the Websites advertising the tropical vacation, of course. Nevertheless, there are always people in the water. Parasailing is also popular. Sometimes at the descent the tourist lands on the beach with an audible thud. Sometimes the tourist lies quite still for a while before getting up. Mexican operators do not carry liability insurance. That day was normal for Ixtapa:

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

beautiful sea and sky, the more affluent Mexicans enjoying their “vacaciones,” American tourists--pale or sunburned-strolling and jogging along the water’s edge. “Unsafe Surf” warning flags snapping in the wind. What was unusual that day was that there was a crowd gathered down the beach. Curious, and hoping for excitement, I picked up my pace and hurried to see--what? A beached whale? Some exotic flotsam? I joined a large quiet circle of people surrounding a man: flat on his back, large pale body, legs splayed and eyes shut. Balding, with a large pot-belly. A man in a blue uniform was pounding on the man’s chest. Several others in uniform were hovering, silent and intent and ignoring the silent crowd. Any noise came over the roar of the surf from a pudgy girl in a skirted bathing suit and a brimmed straw hat with a large bobbing daisy. She pulled on the man’s feet, screaming “Stay with us, Daddy! Stay with us!” Then she ran around his body several times more, pulling on his feet again, still screaming. His wife sat at his head, silently weeping. Two boys, young white-faced teenagers, stood by, stunned, shoulders tensed. Other officials eventually came running from the direction of the hotel with a stretcher. They loaded their victim’s body and they headed off, the family trailing behind. The crowd began to disperse. Some of us, young and old, looked at each other, in a moment of our common mortality. Nobody said anything. I headed back to Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, back to the music, drinks, food, and the handsome young waiters, where tourist life was going on as usual. I, feeling subdued and mortal for the moment, said to my friends, “I just saw somebody die, right here on the beach.” They were mildly interested but didn’t press me for details. It was too nice a day to think about death. But sometimes now I am reminded of that beautiful day on the beach in Ixtapa, the sunshine and surf, and the girl, and her dowdy bathing suit and silly little straw hat with the bobbing daisy.

Joyful Musings By Joy Birnbach Dunstan, MA, LPC, MAC Alcohol is Not an Equal Opportunity Beverage

hile the majority of people drink alcohol at least occasionally, very few people know much about it or how it affects their bodies. With the holiday season soon upon us, this is a good time to look at some of the ways alcohol affects different people in different ways. Unlike food, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream without needing to be broken down by digestion. Absorption begins almost immediately after a person starts drinking. A small amount (about 20%) goes directly from the stomach through the stomach wall and into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it eventually reaches every cell of the body. When consumed faster than the body can metabolize it, alcohol begins accumulating in the blood. It is this accumulation that produces the physical and emotional changes associated with drinking. Alcohol is definitely not an equal opportunity beverage: numerous factors affect the rate at which alcohol is metabolized and how it affects the body. While women are often smaller than men, which can raise their blood- alcohol concentration (BAC) more quickly, even a man and a woman who weigh the same and drink the same amount will not be affected similarly. Women’s bodies have more fatty tissue and less water than men of comparable size. When a woman drinks, the alcohol is absorbed into less water, raising the concentration of alcohol. Hormonal fluctuations also affect alcohol metabolism in women. During the pre-menstrual phase, a woman absorbs alcohol more rapidly, reaching a higher BAC than she would get from drinking the same amount at other times. Women taking birth control pills also absorb alcohol faster. Women experience certain medical consequences from drinking more than men. Alcohol-induced liver disease develops more quickly and after consuming less alcohol in women than men. Women have sig-

nificant risk of liver damage when alcohol consumption exceeds only 1.55 oz. per day compared with 6.2 oz. per day for men. Other areas of higher risk include brain damage, heart disease, and breast cancer. Female alcoholics have death rates 50 to 100 percent higher than those of male alcoholics. Several other factors influence the effects of alcohol regardless of sex: 1. Body weight – The heavier a person, the more water and blood there is in their body, thereby diluting the alcohol. Lighter people are more affected than heavier people by similar amounts of alcohol. 2. Food in the stomach – Food absorbs some alcohol briefly, slowing the rate of absorption into the blood. Don’t be fooled: this only delays the effect; it does not eliminate it. 3. General health – Malnutrition and illnesses such as liver disease, diabetes, and hypertension increase susceptibility to the effects of alcohol. 4. Drug interactions – Certain medications interact with alcohol in the body to make you feel drunker more quickly. 5. Age – The ability to metabolize alcohol decreases with age. 6. Carbonation – Because carbon dioxide causes pressure in the stomach, it moves the alcohol more quickly into the intestines, thus raising the BAC more quickly than noncarbonated alcoholic beverages. Used in moderation, alcohol can be a tasty and pleasant relaxant. One or two glasses of red wine daily has even been shown to have healthful effects on the body. But in excess, alcohol can be devastating. It only takes two to four drinks to be at the legal limits for driving in many areas. As we move into the season of parties and celebrations, be sure to keep your “spirits” up with a shot of common sense. Editor’s Note: Joy is a practicing psychotherapist in Riberas. She can be contacted at joy@dunstan. org or 765-4988. http://joydunstan. weebly.com .

Saw you in the Ojo 13

Operation O peration C Compassion ompa assiion Ministries By Kay Davis

om Music and Rich Bailey were concerned when they learned that children in San Antonio Tlayacapán were going to bed hungry. This was in January 2010, not the best way for these families to start the new year. So on February 1, 2010, the two men opened a “soup kitchen” to anyone who walked in and wanted a meal. They called it Operation Compassion Ministries. Soon afterwards, Rich Bailey died rather suddenly, but Tom had fallen in love with the gentle people who came to the kitchen between the hours of 1:30 and 3:30, and he decided to continue feeding them as long as he could. When I visited, there was a light crowd of mostly women and children, but some men sat at the back. If they had part time jobs, they felt lucky, but they needed food to go out and do other part time work to pay the bills. They were all clean and courteous, full of smiles despite their hardships. Tom said there is an average of 70 – 80 people per day, 100 on some days – they come, eat, and go – except for a handful of children who play “pick-up” soccer in the back after they’ve eaten. In addition to those who eat at the kitchen, there are another 30 deliveries each day. Tom had just returned from the Chapala tianguis where he could find fresh food for the soup. The chicken in

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

the vegetable soup came from Tony’s, parts that are hard to sell but still provide nutrition. The cookies were a donation from Marisa’s Bakery. Surtidor donates beans and rice in large sacks. Volunteers deliver the meals to the 30 housebound people. This day the meal consisted of spaghetti, fresh made vegetable soup with some chicken, and cookies. Sometimes there are cakes or jello rolls, but not this day. It had been a holiday weekend and stock was low. Tom is a kind man who has visited the homes of some of his regular visitors. He is amazed that people cramped into small spaces can be so polite, clean and happy. They deserve the help he gives them. I asked about donations. He has set up a tax exempt arrangement for American contributors, but at this time, contributions are running about half the costs involved. Winter is coming. Some clothing might be helpful besides cash for food, so if you can contribute, please contact Thomas Music at cell phone 331-5472726 or email him at tmusic3856@yahoo.com.

Saw you in the Ojo 15

By Victoria Schmidt

very now and then, living in Mexico leaves me with interesting logistical problems. One of the things that we sacrifice when we move to Mexico is the infrastructure of our more developed country of origin. We’ve all experienced problems here when our utilities stop functioning. Yet we’ve learned to adapt to it. When the water in the house stops running for some unknown reason, we’ve learned to find a city faucet somewhere close and keep pails of water handy for flushing the toilet. This is a problem I never experienced in the Twin Cities, but as a younger girl in rural Minnesota, we had our own sewer system, and I learned two things: When to flush, and that grass really does grow greener over the septic tank. Our electricity has quirks of its own. About every-other week, especially in the rainy season, we experience brown outs. Half our house works, the other half has no electricity. We compensate by using lanterns and candles. And usually, after a brief wait, electricity returns a few hours later. An inconvenience, yes, but again, we’ve adapted. Last year we moved and for some strange reason, our telephone went out and it took three weeks to get it to function again. That was extremely frustrating. After investigation, the telephone company told us that it was because someone had been taking the copper out of the telephone lines. And they had to replace entire sections up and down

our street. Last Wednesday, it happened again. Our Mexican landline went out—which meant that our Internet also went out. Which means our Vonage isn’t functional. OK, this is where I start to get a little wigged out. With all the volunteer work I do, I average 65 legitimate emails a day. I cannot afford to lose my Internet even for a few minutes, let alone for days. The next day, my husband went to Telemex and reported the problem and we were told it would be repaired in 24-72 hours. We’re well past that. Thank goodness that my neighbor has wireless Internet, and allows me access. But that doesn’t help my communication problem with the USA. I’ve missed calls on births, deaths, and legal situations. I know because the friend dealing with her legal problems sent an email to a friend, who forwarded it to another friend, who forwarded it me, demanding to know why she cannot reach me as promised. I responded… “I’m sorry, I live in Mexico. The lines are down.” So I try to make my calls while I’m at my volunteer job, but that isn’t always easy, because the phone lines are very bad there, and even worse after a rain. Sometimes we wait for hours to be able to use the phone until the lines dry. Of course, we’ve reported it… but, well, by the time the technicians come, they say. “No problema.” Because it’s always dry by then. It’s like taking your car to the mechanic because it is making a funny noise, only when the mechanic gets in and revs up the engine…no noise. This whole telephone outage has given my husband all the ammunition he needs for my least favorite “discussion.” Should we get a cell phone? He’s got a point, it would be handy now. But today was just too much. Someone had to deliver a message to the house from the United States about a death. We’re dealing with that, and we turn to the television for some mindless diversion….and Telecable was out. Somehow, we must have offended the utility gods! Victoria Schmidt

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Saw you in the Ojo 17

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS By Robert Kleffel and Noemí Paz

Happy Thanksgiving

hat’s For Dinner? This is a great time of year to be thankful and most of us have a lot to be thankful for, including our friends and families, and living in Mexico with our wonderful climate. The pilgrims, in 1621, had very little to be thankful for with the exception that they were alive. The pilgrims got some help from friendly Indians. For dinner they had wild turkey, fish, deer and maybe lobster. The wild turkeys eaten by the pilgrims are unrelated to the turkeys we commonly eat for Thanksgiving. They originally came from the country of Turkey and were introduced into Europe. The pilgrims weren’t fortunate enough to have wine with their Thanksgiving dinner as we have today. In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November by federal legislation in 1941 and has been an annual tradition in the United States by presidential proclamation since 1863 and by state legislation since the Founding Fathers of the United States. Historically, Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. In Canada, Thanksgiving Day occurs on the second Monday in October and is an annual Canadian holiday to give thanks at the close of the harvest season. Although the original act of Parliament references God and the holiday is celebrated in churches, the holiday is mostly celebrated in a secular manner. Throughout North America, turkey is the traditional meal for this holiday. Locally in the Chapala area, turkey is not readily available year around and it may need to be specially ordered. Pairing wine with a turkey dinner is virtually an impossible task because of the wide range of flavors within the meal. Starting with the meat, the turkey breast is very light and delicate whereas the legs have a rich meat flavor. Next, we have the stuffing which is a festival of various flavors including herbs, spices, fruit, nuts and bread. The white breast of the turkey is usually covered with

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Robert and Noemi thick gravy loaded with butter and other flavors. Side dishes, such as cranberry sauce, completely overpower the more delicate turkey meat. Often the addition of sweet potatoes adds another whole flavor sensation. The meal is typically concluded with pumpkin pie. So we go back to the question, “What wines will go best with this meal?” Here are a few suggestions: If you know your guests well, select wines which you know that they will like. When serving red wines, they should be medium bodied with low tannins. Additionally, with white wines, you may wish to consider wines on the sweet side. In either case, with red or white, keep the alcohol content well below 15%. Some of your guests will probably bring their own favorite wine. When you begin serving wine, instead of attempting to “pair” wines with the food, a good idea is just to ask your guests what they would like from the selection you have. That’s what would happen in a restaurant, and it will work perfectly in your home. In the list of wines below you will find a group of wines which have broad “pairing” appeal and are often recommended for turkey dinner. They would be wines that you would normally have on hand as they are good for many different occasions. Cono Sur - Merlot -Chile $136.50 Pesos/ Santa Digna- Carmenere Chile $154.00 Pesos/ Santa Alicia Reserva- Sauvignon Blanc - Chile $130.00 Pesos/ Blue Nun Riesling Germany- $136.50 Pesos/ Villa Golf -Pinot Noir - Chile $123.00 Pesos We wish all of our friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. Noemí Paz: licorespaz@hotmail.com Robert Kleffel: bkleffel@hotmail.com

Saw you in the Ojo 19

Anyone A nyone C Can an Train Train Their Dog By Art Hess artthedogguy@yahoo.com

Law Of Resistance

ll of us are familiar with the Law of Gravity and many understand the Law of Attraction—and that is the Law of Resistance. Simply put it says, “if you exert a pressure against something there will be a resisting force pushing back. If you pull on something there will be a similar force pulling in the opposite direction.” We can experience resistance mentally as well as physically. So what does this have to do with your dog? A lot more than you might think. Firstly, if you pull on the leash, the dog pulls back. If you push on the dog’s back to force him down, he resists with stiff legs and pushes back. If you get loud and aggressive with your dog you can be assured he will resist and counter your moves with flight and sometimes aggressive moves such as barking and growling and this could even escalate to biting. Keeping this in mind, use this to your advantage and go about training your dog. The most common situation is the dog that pulls on the leash. Firstly let’s clarify a few things. Training your dog to walk on a loose leash is different from taking the dog for a walk. Taking the dog for a walk is what you do after he learns to walk on a loose leash. We don’t use choke collars, pinch or prong collars, and you never use a harness. Harness’ are

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

for sled dogs and oxen. If you fasten your leash to the center of the dog’s back you empower him and in fact make him stronger so he can pull even more. The easiest solution is when the dog pulls you don’t pull. Walk your dog on a LOOSE LEASH. When you start this new process you put the dog on your left side in a sit. (You have taught him to sit on command, haven’t you?) With a loop of a few inches in the leash you say, “let’s go” and step off. If he goes to the end of the leash, you stop. Patiently wait for him to look your way and take a step back and put him back beside you where you reward him for coming back to your side. From now on you are teaching the dog that his place is at your side both when you are walking and when you have stopped. Every time he assumes that position he is rewarded. When he gets out of position you stop and put him back where he belongs and reward him when he is in the right place. This requires discipline and correction followed by rewards for correct actions. Initially this may take many starts and stops but eventually the light will go on and he’ll realize you want him to be beside him. Soon he will be walking short distances before he gets out of position and by now you can help him to stay in position by changing speeds and changing directions accompanied by stops and starts. So let’s review. Train with a flat collar and a LOOSE LEASH and a pocket full of rewards. Be persistent and teach small bites with successful positive results. Practice at least 3 or 4 times a day. Teach first and then go for the long walk. From now on he is never allowed to pull and walk at the end of the leash. If you compromise you’re simply telling the dog that he is doing it the right way and it’s okay to charge to the front Art Hess and pull.

Saw you in the Ojo 21

CHILD

of the month

Rich Petersen Melania Díaz López

his very elegant little 6-year old is Melania Díaz López. Melania is the oldest of three children, including a new little brother Mauricio who is just three months old. Melania lives in Cedros, an area next to Ixtlahuacán, with her parents and siblings. As we at Niños Incapacitados have often seen here at Lakeside, Melania was healthy up until about age 3-1/2 when she suddenly developed a left hemiparesis (left-side paralysis) and at the same time began having convulsions—and not just one or two convulsive episodes per day, but up to one every 15 minutes. Her parents, Marla and Miguel Angel, took her immediately to the Hospital Civil in Guadalajara where a myriad of tests were run on the little girl, but nothing conclusive was diagnosed even though she continued to have convulsions and the unilateral paralysis. Mom and Dad had heard of a naturopathic doctor in Guanajuato and began to take Melania there. Think of the travel time and petrol expense! Fortunately this doctor was able to diminish the incidence and severity of the convulsions, but the travel time, etc. was becoming too much for the budget, and that is when they brought the child to Niños Incapacitados, By that time they had changed doctors at the Hospital Civil and were getting better results but still the expense of the anti-convulsive medications was beyond reach. Melania takes three different medications every day, at a cost of

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

between 800 and 1500 pesos per month, and needs an EEG every 3-4 months to assess brain wave activity. You can see by the photograph taken at our last general meeting how alert and well Melania looks. She is in school and learning how to read. (When we asked her what her favorite subject was, she said “recess.”) Her parents are so relieved that their child is improving and leading a more normal life. She has now gone more than three months without having a convulsive episode and of course we hope that continues to be the case. To meet other of “our” children and to learn more about what Niños Incapacitados does, please join us the second Thursday of each month for our members’ meeting. 10:00 a.m. at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta. A special and continued THANK YOU to all of you who have donated to our “Sustaining Niños” pledge program which allows us to continue helping sick children here at Lakeside, and a gentle reminder that it is time to renew those pledges for the upcoming year. Visit our website to learn how: www.programaninos.org

Saw you in the Ojo 23

Why W hy I wil will ll Ne Never eve er FFly ly Th Through hro ough the US Again By John Ward Part Two

TSA = Taze Suspect Air-travelers

y mouth felt dry after the “preliminary interview” so I popped two pieces of chewing gum onto my tongue to generate a little saliva as I prepared for my journey through the TSA gauntlet. As the line progressed I placed my carry-on onto the conveyor belt and passed through the metal detector. Despite the fact that nothing beeped I was approached by an agent with a wand. He told me to stand to the side in the “Christ on a Cross” position and ran the wand all over my body. The fact that I still didn’t beep seemed to raise further suspicion and I was told to “stand over there” where another agent told me to remove my shoes. As I did so I said “I suppose this is because of Richard Reid’s brilliant idea?” This solicited a blank stare. I continued: “I suppose because of Omar the Nigerian you’ll want my underpants too?” With that I reached in and extricated a spare pair of underwear I had hidden in my trousers as if it was the pair I was wearing. I assumed there would be gales of laughter as I whipped out the underpants, but the silence was deafening! Oh God, I had forgotten the cardinal rule about airport officials and their sense of humour – they’ve all had them surgically removed. The agent quickly placed his hand around my throat and called for back-up. The man he was calling looked like a trousered ape, in fact, he was examining a knuckle he had scraped on a floor tile and seemed not to hear the call. To ingratiate myself with the man who had my jugular in his hand I attempted a whistle to help draw the ape’s attention. Unfortunately my still soft and sticky chewing gum flew from my lips and onto the shirt of my captor. I tried to explain but it became increasingly difficult as he began to braid my esophagus into a reef knot. All at once two other TSA agents grabbed me and dragged me into a room by my kidneys. One stuck his tazer between my buttocks and

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

fired. To this point I had no idea that I was fluent in Klingon, but I started screaming in Klingon. This was a source of endless amusement to the agents who evidently were Star Trek Fans. At this point I felt all was lost and I determined, when able to use my limbs again, to force my hands into the position of an abject penitent begging for his life. All I could think of was the Polish immigrant killed in a Canadian airport by tazing enthusiasts. Although I was fairly dazed and confused by my complimentary electrical cell restructuring, I was able to note a degree of unbridled glee etched into the TSA agents’ faces while they searched my rectum with an office hat-rack. I was tempted to say: ‘Normally I insist on dinner before that orifice is broached…’ but - I held my tongue. After determining that I was, in fact, not a threat to the United States, the airport, the airline, the air industry, the TSA, the runway, the baggage handlers, the drug sniffing dogs and the janitorial staff, I was allowed to pass into an x-ray machine where I was irradiated for a very long time. This was a result of being unable to stand still and forced to dance an involuntary Mambo due to the tazing. Seeing me trying to look normal while twitching, drooling and convulsing in the passenger lounge would have made any self respecting terrorist balk at boarding my airplane. By the time I reached Amsterdam the convulsions had abated and were now limited to involuntary winking and an arm tick that made me give the fascist salute every twelve minutes. On the positive side I was able to use my laptop without recharging it for 27 hours and I did meet some interesting members of the Dutch Nazi Party.

John Ward

Saw you in the Ojo 25

Hearts at Work A Column by James Tipton “The Greater Ajijic Anxiety Festival”

, along with lots of those I love, seem of late to be lost in difficult and relentlessly demanding days, almost all of which are spent at The Greater Ajijic Anxiety Festival, which has been running now for at least a few years, and whose origins are, along with its original sponsors, lost in time. Yesterday, before being subjected once again to the hopefully skilled fingers of two retinal surgeons at Hospital Santa Lucia in Guadalajara, I studied some photos of bright orange circles with strange rivers, which were photos of the interior of my own damaged right eye, but which resembled rather closely those brilliant harvest moons, especially the full and lovely ones that we are sometimes blessed to see, that remind us that at the deepest level all is right with the world. I have written dozens of poems that have had moons rising inside of them, and of course not thousands but tens of thousands of poems and songs have been written about the moon and its subtle and seductive light. Readers perhaps remember Carl Sandburg’s “Under the Harvest Moon,” where “Love, with little hands, comes and touches…and asks you beautiful, unanswered questions,” and of course everyone remembers Henry Mancini’s and Johnny Mercer’s “Moon River,” which I believe was first performed by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and most of us can increasingly relate to Cat Steven’s “Moon Shadow.” I could continue this list for at least a hundred pages. But if we are ever really going to see the moon again--and many of us have not actually seen it in decades--we must forget, for the time being, all of those other, more concocted, moons. The poet Wallace Stevens helped me to rediscover the moon through his poem, “The Man on the Dump,” where we soon realize that we ourselves are the “man on the dump.” There all of our experiences seem to be worthless; all of the “images” of our experiences are on the dump, including the sun, the moon, the cat in the paper-bag, the box from Esthonia, the corset, the tiger chest, for tea. But, Stevens realizes, “The freshness of night has been fresh a long time. The

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

freshness of morning, the blowing of day….” remain always fresh when we stop pulling the day to pieces, reducing it to mere thoughts and images…when we refuse any longer to sit “among mattresses of the dead.” When we open ourselves to “the purifying change” we “reject the trash,” we stop living in the past that we have allowed to pile up inside of us. Stevens has offered us a way back into the present: That’s the moment when the moon creeps up To the bubbling of bassoons. That’s the time One looks at the elephant-colorings of tires. Everything is shed; and the moon comes up as the moon (All its images are in the dump) and you see As a man (not like the image of a man), You see the moon rise in the empty sky. We carry too much of the past with us and so most often we see some image of the world seen through some image of who we conceive ourselves to be. When one moves more deeply into the world before us: One sits and beats an old tin can, lard pail. One beats and beats for that which one believes. That’s what one wants to get near. To walk out of The Greater Ajiic Anxiety Festival that, like a painted lady, has seduced so many of us so long, we simply need to slough off the images of ourselves and the images we have of others and the images we have layered over the world itself. We must leave these images at the Festival, “on the dump,” and stride forth with new courage into the world of the “here and now,” which indeed has been “fresh a long time.” Jim Tipton

Saw you in the Ojo 27

THE GHOSTS AMONG US By Fred Mittag

Frederick the Great

rederick the Great (17121786) is compelling, both as a personality and as a statesman. He was a genius whose principal language was French, even though he was a native German speaker. He admired the French Enlightenment and enjoyed a correspondence with Voltaire that generated over a thousand letters, discussing the arts and philosophy. Frederick was fluent in several modern languages, as well as being a scholar in ancient Greek and Latin. He loved to write French poetry as a boy and to play the flute. He became one of the top flute virtuosos of all time, as well as an accomplished composer, and wrote countless sonatas for flute and several symphonic pieces. A regular listener

to a classical music station will from time to time hear his compositions. Frederick was homosexual. His father, known as the “Soldier King,” hated him and Frederick hated his father. His father was more the hunter and the military man. Frederick thought hunting was boorish and much preferred to read French literature and compose music, which he had to do in secret. His father complained about his son’s “unmanly, lascivious, female occupations, highly unsuited to a man.” The king called his son an “effemi-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

nate fool,” and frequently beat him in public to correct him by pain and humiliation. When Frederick was 16, it was well known in court circles that he was having a relationship with a 13-year-old boy named Peter, who was the king’s page. Peter, in his role as page, was constantly around the king and kept Frederick informed about what his father was doing. At the age of 18, Frederick had a foolish idea. He wanted to escape his father and persuaded his friend Hans to flee with him as refugees to England. They were caught and the king had both of them arrested and charged with treason. He wanted to sentence them both to death, but the court persuaded the king to spare Frederick. The king refused to spare Hans, however, and early one morning, under arrest, Frederick was escorted to the execution site to witness the event. When he grasped what was about to happen, Frederick blew a kiss to Hans and offered a thousand apologies. Hans answered, “My Prince, there is nothing for which to apologize.” Hans declined an execution hood and Frederick fainted when he saw Hans beheaded. He became delusional and had hallucinations for several days afterwards. Frederick’s father sent him to a military academy after the execution of Hans. It’s uncommon for people to excel with endeavors they hate, but Frederick became a military genius and a statesman. After Frederick became the king of Prussia, Voltaire, a frequent resident, described the court as “Sparta by morning and Athens by evening.” He meant that Frederick devoted the first part of his day to meetings that studied military contingencies and problems of state. He devoted the end of his day to intellectual conversations with friends like Voltaire, poetry readings, and to play music.

The Prussia that Frederick inherited was primitive. The currency was unstable, tax collection was inefficient, and the geography made Prussia vulnerable to attack. Frederick transformed Prussia into a model of efficiency, building schools, stabilizing the currency, creating new industries, and educating judges. He built thousands of miles of roads to facilitate commerce. He removed himself from the legal process and said the kingdom should be ruled by law, not the king’s dictates. Within his lifetime, Prussia was judged to have one of the finest legal systems in the world. His scientific approach to military contingencies planted the seed for the future German General Staff that would be copied by the United States, where we call it the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When Frederick led in battle, he chose only a simple, unadorned uniform. His soldiers affectionately referred to him as “Old Fritz.” Hitler tried to cloak himself in Frederick’s mantel as a propaganda gimmick, but the comparison was ludicrous. The Allies were persuaded, however, and to this day there remains a false association of the Nazis with Frederick’s Prussia. Frederick’s mornings of turning military studies into a science and his evenings of literature and music seem like split personalities, one forged from iron and the other cultivated from sensitivity. Historians regard him as one of history’s most enlightened monarchs. (Ed. Note: This is the first in a series of articles about intriguing historical personalities and the context in which they lived. Fred Mittag is well-known to our readers for the many probing political articles that he has written for the Ojo.) Fred Mittag

By Paul Jackson paulconradjackson@gmail.com

am asked to write about the similarities between American and Canadian national election campaigns. That would be difficult - there are no distinct similarities. A Canadian federal election campaign starts almost overnight with no - or little - advance warning, and lasts just six weeks. There are no primaries in Canada, no pre-election nomination battles for who might head up the parties, and no Electoral College. Federal Canadian governments are basically elected for five years, but in the fourth year the Prime Minister and his aides start studying the opinion polls. If the signs look positive the Prime Minister goes to the Governor General - Queen Eizabeth’s representative in Canada, for we are a Constitutional Monarchy - and asks him to dissolve Parliament and we are off and running. In another scenario, if the sitting government loses a confidence vote in the House of Commons - especially on a budget bill - the Prime Minister has to

Paul Jackson go to the Governor-General and again ask him to dissolve Parliament so that he can “go to the people and seek their confidence”. Here the Governor-General has the right to refuse that request and ask one of the Opposition parties to try and form a government. That hasn’t happened since the 1920’s, but almost happened three years or so ago, and with that, the current Prime Minister, Conservative Stephen Harper hinted he would fly to London, go to Buckingham Palace and make his case directly to Queen Elizabeth, the Head of State of Canada. There are other differences. For instance, once an election has been called each political party and all its candidates combined - and there are four main political parties - Liberal, Conservative, New Democrat (Socialist) and the French-Canadian separatist

party, the Bloc Quebecois - are limited to spending just $23 million during the campaign. In the USA, which has 10 times the population, that would be just $230 million for each party and all their candidates combined from coast-tocoast. Add to that, during the campaign no third party - special interest groups such as lobbyists, environmental outfits, churches, business organizations and unions - can spend a dollar on advertising. By law, they have to stay out of the campaign. No Super Pacs. This law is meant to ensure that money can’t buy an election and all parties are on a level playing field.

A humorous touch: When I first started covering federal politics and the election was called, as I was about to hop on the campaign aircraft and start criss-crossing the country, the president of my newspaper chain phoned and said, “Paul don’t write too much for the first two weeks. No one really gets interested until the last four to three weeks. Just enjoy the expense account living, and be a tourist!” Here I should say, only about 3% of Canadians belong or contribute to a political party. Yup, not much frenzy in Canadian politics or national elections. Or should I say, not much thunder.

Saw you in the Ojo 29

ON BECOMING CANADIAN By Neil McKinnon

recent newspaper carried an item about new Canadians complaining that their citizenship test had been too difficult, that even people born and raised in Canada would not be able to answer the questions. New Canadian, Aristotle “Limey” Woo-Alley-Sing agrees. “Even people born and raised in Canada would not be able to answer the questions,” Woo-Alley-Sing says. There was also commentary by other Canadians who dismissed the complaint by saying that potential citizens should have to study and learn something of the country’s history before they are allowed to gain citizenship. Jeremy Riverbottom, a long-time Canadian, commented while skinning a beaver with the curved blade of his son’s hockey stick. “Potential citizens should have to study and learn something of the country’s history before they are allowed to gain citizenship,” Riverbottom says. “I mean, how difficult is it to remember that Justin Beiber is a Canadian.” After listening to both sides, I’ve decided that Riverbottom is wrong. These immigrants deserve their new status, not because of any ability to regurgitate founding facts, but because of their instinctive recognition of the one characteristic, shared by all Canadians, that contributes most to binding us together as a culture and as a nation—our universal love of whining, bellyaching and complaining. I believe that this is the only relevant requirement for citizenship and that the recent grumblings have aptly met that criteria. However, this does lead to a question. What is it that makes a Canadian? What unique traits define us and make us different from other cultures? After pondering this through most of my last coffee break, I believe that I have isolated two qualities. The first is well known—my and every other Canadian’s predilection for saying “eh.” “Eh” is more than a sound. It’s a statement of opinion, “Eh Bob... she’s

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

a fast one, eh.” It’s a question, “She is, eh?” It’s a fixed expression, “Eh Bob ... I’d run around her block, eh.” It’s an exclamation, “Effin-eh ... maybe a marathon on ‘er mattress, eh!” It’s a statement of fact, “Eh Bob ... I did it, eh. I chalked a story on her blackboard, eh.”” It’s a command, “Tell me the story, eh.” It’s a narrative, “Eh Bob ... we were dancing, eh. We went out for a smoke, eh. We got in the back seat of my car, eh. I wrote my story, eh.” It’s an accusation, “Hold on, eh. You’re lying, eh. You ain’t got a car, eh.” It’s an insult, “Eh Bob ... Maybe no car, eh. But I got the chalk, eh ... and you don’t, eh.” Eh is also an affirmation, a descriptor, an adjective, a salutation and a signifier of agreement. As such, it is almost as useful as the f-word. In fact, there is nothing more powerful in the language of a Canadian than the two used together. “Effin-eh” is as close as two Canadians can get to a meeting of the minds. “Eh” also has a number of punctuational functions, often taking the place of a question mark, an exclamation point or a period. Eh is actually added because of uncertainty. Once you get to know a Canadian you will discover that he or she is uncertain about everything although often we cleverly disguise this fact with belligerence and insults to Americans. The speaker is really trying to ascertain the level of comprehension, interest and agreement veiled within the listener. When I ask, “What constitutes a Canadian, eh?” It’s a question but I also want affirmation that it is a legitimate question. When I say, “She’s gained a lot of weight, eh.” Or ... “You know George, eh ... well, he got drunk, eh ... fell in the river, eh ... damn near drowned, eh,” I’m looking for affirmation that your following my drift, but I’m also looking for agreement that what I’m telling you is legitimate and

that I’m not wasting your time. I’m actually inviting a supportive noise ... which can be “eh.” Before I dispense with the topic of “eh,” I wish to shine a light on a couple of ugly rumours that have no doubt been spread by jealous Americans: It is not true that Canada’s Olympic contingent is known as the “EH” Team. It is false that we came up with our country’s name by putting all the letters into a bag and then choosing at random ... picking out a C, eh ..., then an N, eh ... and then a D, eh. When performed in Canada, Take the A Train, made famous by Duke Ellington, is not known as Take the Train, Eh. The use of “eh” is a natural outgrowth of the second uniquely Canadian characteristic—namely the tendency to preface every action and sentence with an apology. If someone bumps me in a crowd, I say, “I’m sorry.” “I’m sorry I left my shin where you were going to kick.” “I’m terribly sorry but I stepped right where your dog just defecated.” “Please accept my apologies for putting my ribs in the way of your elbow.” Therefore, there are only three hurdles for new immigrants. The first

is to complete an intensive language training program so that they come to understand that without the constant use of “eh” they will never be able to fully communicate with others in their adopted land. Second, they must be taught to apologise in all situations. There is no circumstance where it is not appropriate for a Canadian to apologise. Third, they must be taught how to gripe like other Canadians. They can start simple, by whining about the weather, gradually getting into complex bitching about the government and eventually graduating to a higher level of sophistication by complaining about Americans. The next time you meet Aristotle “Limey” Woo-Alley-Sing, though he may be wearing a burka, if he says how sorry he is that you spilled hot coffee on his lap, or he comments that it’s been too cold, eh and it’s America’s fault, eh ... know then that you are in the presence of a bona-fide Canadian. *** I’m sorry that this piece is not very good, eh ... but I was distracted, eh. I thought the U.S. was about to invade Saskatchewan, eh. (Ed. Note: Neil is a long-time favorite with our readers and is also, we hasten to add, a Canadian!)

Saw you in the Ojo 31

The Day I Spoke My Truth The day I spoke my truth was the day I told Mrs. Priestly, the 6th grade Sunday school teacher, I thought God was bunk. I didn’t believe in the six-day creation or that I was made in His image and likeness. I didn’t understand why He changed His mind and started over so many times if everything He’d made was perfect to begin with. And furthermore I didn’t believe in prayer or that anyone was up there listening and granting, for if He was omniscient what was the point in our telling Him what He already knew and why would we propose our own self-serving revisions to His providential plan. I was relieved after parting my own Red Sea to plant my feet on the other side. Now I could never go back. I only regretted having caused the tears that cut a moist path down the powdered cheeks of Mrs. Priestly, who had done her utmost to propagate the myth, whose Goliath faith was no match for a child’s sling-shot logic. Her Tower of Babel aspiring to Heaven collapsed and fell to pieces the day I spoke the truth that set me free. Margaret Van Every -margaret.vanevery@gmail.com

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

QUIZ SHOW

(

d. Note: A quiz for people who think they know everything! I found out that I

didn’t.) 1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. 2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward? 3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables? 4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside? 5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn’t been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside

the bottle? 6. Only three words in English begin with the letters ‘ dw’ and they are all common words. Name two of them. 7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them? 8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh. 9. Name six or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter ‘S.’ Answers To Quiz: 1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends: Boxing 2. North American landmark constantly moving backward: Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the mil-

lions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.) 3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and rhubarb 4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry 5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems. 6. Three English words beginning with

dw: Dwarf, dwell and dwindle 7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar: Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation mark, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses 8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh: Lettuce. 9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with ‘S’: Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

Saw you in the Ojo 33

“TOWN AND COUNTRY” By Peter E. Gibbons

hen Hitler’s Luftwaffe intensified the night time bombing raids on London, the British Government decided to evacuate the children to country areas. I lived in Maidenhead, a river-side town bisected by the A-4 major trunk route from London to Bristol. This two-lane highway passed through the heart of the town, traffic competing with parked local vehicles. Our house had sufficient room to accommodate two little evacuees and they jumped off the truck with only a paper bag containing their belongings and a boxed gas mask slung over their shoulders. The milkman had just made a delivery and there were three bottles of milk on the front doorstep. Seeing them, Ronnie Barrat, one of the siblings, said. “Is that a cow’s nest?” Thinking it rather funny, my father replied, “Yes. The cows come around every morning and lay three bottles for us.” Almost immediately Dad realized he’d lacked compassion. The evacuees had just been uprooted from their family, school and friends and trucked to an alien territory. He was also aware that East London was hardly Calcutta or Bombay and the cockneys would never have seen a cow and therefore he started to enlighten them. “A cow,” my dad explained. “is ob-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

long-shaped with a leg at each corner. At one end there’s a head with little horns and gentle eyes, and at the other, the tail which is not used for pumping out the milk.” He paused and was pleased to see the children smile. “Just in front of the back legs, under the belly is a bag called an udder. It has what are known as teats, like little fingers.” He was interrupted by Ronnie, who excitedly said, “I’ll bet that’s where the milk goes into the bottles, right, guv?” Dad smiled and replied. “Please call me uncle and not ‘guv,’ but you’re right. The milk does come from there, but not into bottles. “Then ‘it get in ‘em then, uncle?” “The milk is squeezed by hand or pumped by machines into big containers to make it safe for us to drink. It’s called pasteurization named after a French chemist.” “’OId on ‘alf a mo. You mean to tell me that milk can only be drunk if it goes through that French geezer’s machine?” Dad smiled down at the little boy and slowly moved the palm of his hand across his face. “If you do it, Ronnie, your hand will go past your eyes. Pasteurize is what the Frenchman invented.” The evacuee nudged his sister as he learned a new word telling her to do it. It was explained to them that peo-

ple on farms and in country parts drank milk without it being pasteurized. They also made cream, cheese and butter. That really got their attention. “Come orf it, er uncle. All them things come from a bleeding cow? I don’t believe it. Pull the other one, it’s got bells on it! “With or without bells on your legs, they do come from cows, and shaking one will not produce cream, either.” Dad joked. “Nearly all dairy products are imported as we cannot produce enough. The war is preventing what we’d like and so there’s rationing, as your mum knows.” The boy and his sister drew closer together and touched hands, looking down at their feet. They were remembering why they were away from their family, home and friends. Dad broke the silence by gently mussing Ronnie’s hair. “Do you know you have a cowlick? That’s considered very lucky.” “It aint been so far, uncle, or we wouldn’t be ‘ere, would we’?” After a few minutes of silence, Dad said very quietly, “Whatever the reason children, we have been lucky in having you two here to stay with us and be part of our family. When the war’s over and you go back home, don’t forget us. You’ll always have another home in the country with real cows, horses, chick-

ens and rabbits. The little boy fingered his cowlick and looked up. “I would ‘alf like to see them farm animals before we go ‘ome.” “And so you shall,” Dad replied. “Our children’s grandparents live on a farm way out in the countryside. We’ll all go there one Sunday. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” The mixed emotions and excitement nearly brought tears to his eyes as they hugged his legs. “When? When?” The little girl asked. “During the autumn when it’s time for the harvest. You’ll see everything then.” They never did. During the summer, both children had been caught stealing from Woolworths and were taken away. We never knew where. Their mother did write a “Thank you” note from a bomb shelter in London. Her home had been destroyed by the Luftwaffe. We never learned if the evacuees really believed cows laid milk in bottles or were just “having us on.” But we certainly were aware there’s a difference between “town and country folk,” to say nothing of the spoken language! Peter E. Gibbons

Saw you in the Ojo 35

FLIR RTIING G IN N SPANISH: What Mexico o tau ugh ht me abou ut lo ove, liiving and d forgiv vene esss By Susan McKinney de Ortega Reviewed by James Tipton (Courtesy of Carol Wheeler, mexico@mexconnect.com) Antaeus Books, Inc., 2011 Available from Amazon Books: Paperback

lirting in Spanish is not a “how-to-do-it” book. It is the true story of Susan McKinney, the 33-year-old daughter of former NBA coach Jack McKinney, who moved to Mexico to write, but soon met and “fell hopelessly and utterly in love” with Carlos, a poor Mexican teenager. The story began in 1992 in San Miguel de Allende. Susan, in Mexico less than three months and having “decimated whatever savings I once had,” was no longer “The coach’s daughter cruising the streets of Portland, Oregon on the back of a convertible showered with confetti and roses after the Trailblazers won the NBA championship. Now I was the Girl Who Took her Clothes off for Five Dollars an hour,” modeling in the nude for three hours a session twice a week. To supplement that meager but easy-earned income, Susan began teaching English “a few hours a week for less than minimum wage.” Carlos, the poor Mexican teenager, was indeed wise for his years; after her first class was over, he alone “remained, still seated at the second desk in the middle row, watching me.” Immediately attracted to him — and he to her — Susan began to go out with Carlos in the evenings to meet other young Mexicans, including a few of her students. Before too long, in this new world of the Mexican young, a world of “pure sensation,” “cheeks slid until our lips touched,” and “We kissed, slowly, slowly, suspending the moment into one long taffy pull of time. Just a girl kissing a boy.” But by Monday, filled with “excitement and dread,” she wonders “What happened in Mexico to someone who had kissed a student? I would be handcuffed, jailed, made to appear before parents for stoning.” Only months earlier, back in the states, Susan “gave up chasing bus-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

boys” but soon fell in love with her handsome, intelligent, courteous, and tender young Mexican student. Carlos, almost unique among young Mexican men, had no interest in casual sex, in “seducing the gringa,” the sport of so many young Mexicanos who have discovered gringas to be “easy.” A friend of Carlos ranked the gringas this way: “on a scale of one to ten, if a guy can sleep with a gringa, it’s a two, with a Chilean, it’s a six, and with a Mexican fresa, it’s an eight and a really good-looking fresa, a nine.” Months pass before Carlos invites her to his home to meet his family. It is a very modest home but soon she finds herself living there, trying hard to adjust to the difficult living arrangements where everyone’s belongings belong to everyone, and this includes her expensive motorcycle boots, her sweaters, even a treasured belt that gets another whole punched in it by a brother of Carlos. “We had no phone, no hot water, no space, and little money. The kids on the hill sucked fried chicken feet and didn’t wipe their noses. I was five months pregnant and fretted daily about what kind of life we would be offering our child.” This is an unusual love story, one fraught with difficulties: different cultures, different social classes, different languages, different ages. The note on the front cover tells it all: “What Mexico taught me about love, living and forgiveness.” Kudos also should go to Amy McAdams, who designed the book. From the exciting front cover, through the story itself, to the back cover, it is a joy to hold.

When chemists die, they barium. Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down. I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words. They told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Type-O. PMS jokes aren’t funny; period. Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations. We are going on a class trip to the CocaCola factory. I hope there’s no pop quiz. I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me. Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils? When you get a bladder infection urine trouble. Broken pencils are pointless. I tried to catch some fog, but I mist. What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest. I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx. All the toilets in New York’s police stations have been stolen. The police have nothing to go on. I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough. Haunted French pancakes give me the creepes. Velcro what a rip off! A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy. Venison for dinner again? Oh, deer! The earthquake in Washington obviously was the government’s fault. Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too.

Saw you in the Ojo 37

Kay Davis Phone: 376 – 108 – 0278 (or 765 – 3676 to leave messages) Email: kdavis987@gmail.com

PAST EVENTS At the Ajijic Art Festival October 13, local authors Robert Drynan, Margaret Van Every, Met Goldberg, Jim Tipton and Roberto Moulun had books for sale. Recently Roberto Moulun announced the release of his book of short stories on village life in Guatamala, beautifully written and heart touching. Robert Drynan wrote two historical novels about how volatile international misunderstandings can become. Look for their books locally, all good reads. Jeritza McCarter, popular Lakeside enter- Sonny Matthews plays ukutainer, has been lele and sings ill recently, but she fought back and is currently much better. To celebrate, friends surprised her with a Tiara and a sparkly cape making her “Queen for a Day”. At a thrift store they dressed her in “queenly attire” for a foray to Super Lake and a walk around the store greeting people in a royal manner, and giving Pancho a royal kiss. At Los Telares restaurant “Her Majesty” opened silly presents and ate a delicious lunch. AfterJeritza, Queen for wards, her coach took her home for an afternoon rest. She waved a “Queenly toodle do” and thanked all for a special a Day day. UPCOMING EVENTS Free Spirit Playpark (& Training Center) for dogs and horses is located in San Antonio Tlayacapán at Ramon Corona #166. It’s behind WalMart but closer to the water. The advertisement in October’s El Ojo del Lago displays their operating days, hours and phone numbers, also at the gate: run and fun, socialization, exercise, obedience, agility, horse boarding, horse riding lessons. My own dog is learning not to fear bigger dogs as she develops friendships with other dogs, and she enjoys jumping hurdles or just chasing a ball. These facilities were needed. Pat Lawrie, whose dream for a dog and horse facility also works with the animals. Check it out: www.freespiritplaypark.com. Max Bird Email: freespiritplaypark@gmail.com. On November 9, 4 – 8 p.m. Janice Kimball will hold a book signing at Aztec Art Studios across from Rancho Del Oro on the carretera just east of Rio Bravo. The new book is Three in a Cage. Jim Tipton and the book’s main character, Max Bird, will MC two impromptu readings. Margaritas and refreshments will be served. In addition, Janice will also present the book at Open Circle on December 9. On November 10, 4 – 8 p.m. Galeria de Arte Axixic presents its 3rd annual Lakeside artists’ show opening reception. This will be at Jesús Lopez Vega Gallery on Rio Zula #1 & Ocampo just below Plaza la Riviera (formerly Sol y Luna). The following artists will be featured:

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Judy Dykstra-Brown, Francisco Gonzalez Linda Richards, Jesús and Antonio Lopez Vega, Pat Apt De Paul Duham, Isidro Xilonsochitl, Mayor Benton Gabriel Mariscal, Milo Needles, Cathy Seaboger There will be live music and cocktails. For further information, contact Jesús Lopez Vega, arteajijic@hotmail.com or cell phone (045) 331-103-8380. November 13, 4 p.m., Storytellers will present “Family Matters” in the Gazebo at Lake Chapala Society. This consists of original works by Lakeside writers. Voluntary donations will be given to the LCS Student Aid Program (It Pays to Keep a Kid in School). November 16 – 18, 10 – 6, Sunday 10 – 4, the 11th Annual Maestros del Arte Fair will be at a new location: Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna) in West Ajijic. Entrance will be $50 pesos. This is the premier Feria Exposición del Arte AC Inc., a non-profit in both Mexico and the US. Held yearly in Chapala, this art show promotes the rapidly

Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic Dinner/Concert Poster

An intricate rug weaving, dyed from natural sources and woven by hand, the artist wins competitions

disappearing folk and indigenous art (artesania) of Mexico. December 1, Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic is throwing their 3rd Annual Fundraising Dinner and Concert, featuring the music of Anikan. Tickets are $250 pesos for Tony’s famous ribs and chicken plus one margarita or soft drink. The Benefit will be held at the Lake Chapala Society from 4 – 11 p.m. Tickets are available at LCS, Diane Pearl Colecciones on Colon, Actinver Ajijic, NCA Bazaar, Salvadore’s on Wednesdays only, or by calling 765 – 7032. Reserve tables for four or more. Leave contact information (name, telephone, email, number in party) with ticket sellers. Additional information at www.LakesideNinos.org. December 3 Lakeside Friends of the Animals will have “1001 Arabian Nights” fund raising event at Rober-

to’s Restaurant in Ajijic. Guests will enjoy a middle eastern buffet in an atmosphere inspired by belly dancers. Event kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $300 pesos, available at Roberto’s Restaurant, Edith’s Hair Salon, Zaina’s Boutique in the Bugambilias Plaza in Ajijic and Diane Pearl Colecciones on Colon. For questions, contact Ellie McEvoy at elynmcevoy69@gmail.com. The Lakeside School for the Deaf & Children with Special Needs sponsors home tours, escorting participants to several very special Lakeside homes. The tours run from the Fall of 2012 and through March 2013. Mark the following dates: November 15, December 13 (Christmas Home Tour & Party), January 24, February 28 and March 28. Tours, approximately two hours in length, begin at 10:30 a.m. at the foot of Colon in Ajijic. More details soon! Ajijic Rotary Dog Assisted Therapy (ARDAT) is a community program providing

Saw you in the Ojo 39

he General Assembly of the United 1DWLRQV KDV DIĂ&#x20AC;UPHG DV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO Year of Cooperatives. Their goal is to EULQJ DWWHQWLRQ WR WKH PDQ\ EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV DQG contributions to economic development WKDW DUH PDGH WKURXJK FRRSHUDWLYHV ,Q support of this UN initiative, Feria Maestros del Arte will bring fourteen cooperatives from around Mexico to $MLMLF IRU WKH )HULD WR EH KHOG 1RYHPEHU DW 3OD]D GH OD 5LEHUD 5LR %UDYR :HVW $MLMLF $ FRRSHUDWLYH LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QHG DV Â´D EXVLQHVV WKDW LV RZQHG DQG UXQ MRLQWO\ E\ LWV PHPEHUV ZKR VKDUH WKH SURĂ&#x20AC;WV RU EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV Âľ 7KLV LV WKH SXUHVW W\SH EXW WKH PRVW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR develop. Members need legal and marketing knowledge to VHW XS DQG SURPRWH WKHLU EXVLQHVVHV ,Q 0H[LFR FRRSHUDWLYHV often begin with a founding member. There are some cooperatives where one individual has expanded a business to employ others, allowing for several artists to make a living with their art and teaching novices an artistic trade they had no prior access to. 7KH )HULD LV SURXG WR VXSSRUW WKLV \HDU ORQJ ZRUOG wide UN endeavor by bringing the following cooperatives to lakeside: x Tilcajete, alebrijes from Oaxaca x Artesanias Campesinas (ARTCAMP), weaving from Guerrero x Artesanias Zani ZRYHQ SDOP Ă&#x20AC;JXUHV DQG MHZHOU\ IURP Jalisco x Cooperativa Jolom Ancianos Mayaetik, clothing and weaving from Chiapas x Centro de Intregracion Tapalpa, paper mache from Jalisco

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

x Corporacion Equipales, equipales from Jalisco x El Jorongo, woven clothing from MichoacĂĄn x Huichol Center for Cultural Survival & Traditional Arts, Huichol jewelry from Jalisco x Instituto Casa de Chiapas, fine amber jewelry from Chiapas x I n s t i t u t o D e s a r r o l l o Artesanal de Zacatecas, textiles from Zacatecas x Original Friends Prison Project, dolls made by female prison inmates from Jalisco x Taller LeĂąateros, handmade paper and books from Chiapas x LCS Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Program, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art from Jalisco x Projecto Tarahumara, folk art from Chihuahua.

Here are two in detail. Tilcajete Carved Wood Alebrijes â&#x20AC;&#x201D;This workshop from Oaxaca is an example of the commerce style of cooperative started by one artist, Jacobo Angeles 2MHGD ,W QRZ HPSOR\V WR SHRSOH

Saw you in the Ojo 41

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Saw you in the Ojo 43

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

At an early age, Jacobo began practicing the craft of ZRRGFDUYLQJ ZLWK KLV IDWKHU :KHQ KH ZDV WZHOYH \HDUV ROG his father passed away and the responsibility for providing for the family fell on Jacoboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young shoulders. Jacobo is an extremely talented woodcarver of folk art animals and creatures called alebrijes. His hand carved creations with KXPDQ IDFHV UHĂ HFW WKH 1iKXDWO EHOLHI WKDW KXPDQV WUDQVIRUP into animal spirits at night. Originally, Jacobo collected his copal wood in the mountains and preferred twisted branches because they gave the pieces movement.

His pieces often require a monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to produce because of their delicate painting, as well as his practice of drying them in the sun for long period of time, the best protection against later infestation of the wood by insects. One of Jacoboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialities is painting using Native American decorative elements. His wife, MarĂa, learned to paint as a child and is currently learning this special technique. He keeps his family tradition alive by working on the table that his father worked RQ \HDUV DJR Taller LeĂąateros Mayan Cooperative of Paper Makers & Artists of Nature Taller LeĂąateros is an alliance of Mayan and mestizo women and men, IRXQGHG LQ E\ WKH 0H[LFDQ SRHW $PEDU 3DVW $PRQJ LWV REMHFWLYHV LV WKH GRFXPHQWDWLRQ DQG GLVVHPLQDWLRQ RI ,QGLDQ DQG SRSXODU FXOWXUDO YDOXHV found in song, literature and folk art. They rescue endangered techniques such as the extraction of dyes from wild plants, generating worthwhile, GHFHQWO\ SDLG HPSOR\PHQW for women and men.

teach the arts of paper making, binding, solar silk screening, woodcutting and the manufacturing of natural dyes. They recycle agricultural and industrial wastes in order to create crafts and objects of art. ,Q WKHLU JURXS DOO WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH :RUNVKRS SDUWLFLSDWH LQ GHFLVLRQV FRQWULEXWLQJ ZRUN SURSRVDOV LQ RUGHU WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W both individuals and the group. Although they are not all from one same culture and speak different languages, they are committed to a common project. 2QFH VHUYDQWV ZDVKHU ZRPHQ ZDQGHULQJ YHQGRUV RU WKH unemployed, they now own their own business. 7KH PHPEHUV FDOOHG :RRGODQGHUV JDWKHU GU\ branches and deadwood from fallen trees and collect Ă&#x20AC;UHZRRG ZLWKRXW FKRSSLQJ GRZQ WKH IRUHVW 7KH\ FRPH down from the mountains, carrying bundles of pitch pine for the hearths of the city of San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas. They lead their burros through the morning mist, VHOOLQJ Ă&#x20AC;UHZRRG IURP KRXVH WR KRXVH RIIHULQJ SLQH QHHGOHV WR VSUHDG RQ WKH Ă RRUV SOXV PRVV EURPHOLDGV DQG RUFKLGV They collect withered flowers from the churches, and pine needles trampled in yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival. They JDWKHU UDWWDQ OLFKHQ EDQDQD OHDYHV FRUQ KXVNV EULGDO YHLO mahagua EHDQ SRGV maguey WRQJXHV UHHGV FRFRQXW VKHOOV JODGLROD VWHPV SDOP IURQGV JUDVV SDS\UXV FDWWDLOV pampas grass and bamboo, along with recycled paper and old clothes; raw materials deemed useless by others. The natural world inspires them: objects like the fossil of a tropical leaf or the texture of a seashell. Come to the Feria this year to be inspired by the beautiful crafts developed by these special Mexican cooperatives. Your support will impact an entire community!

Taller LeĂąateros has created a space IRU DUWLVWV DQG DUWLVWV W R E H Z K H U H W K H \

Saw you in the Ojo 45

therapeutic dog visits to institutions as well as education to increase respect for animals, preventing animal cruelty in the lakeside area. The objective is to use dogs in a way that provides joy, comfort and motivation to those who are sick, mentally or physically handicapped, or have emotional problems, and to victims of disasters. It has been proven that great emotional and physical benefits are achieved through petting, stroking, and talking to dogs. Multiple Events: The American Legion post #7 schedule for October: Sundays: 12 – 3 p.m. Legion grill burgers Nov 8 – 1:30 p.m. Fall Frolic Fashion Show for Hot Looks on Cool Nites Tickets $120 pesos incl. glass of wine, other goodies Sponsored by Terry’s Tianguis and Ladies Auxiliary Nov 11 – 5 p.m. Veteran’s Day, $130 pesos pig roast dinner Nov 28 – 5 p.m. Thanksgiving (US), $150 pesos (sign up early) For information, call 765 – 2259 or www.americanlegionchapalapost7.org Lake Chapala Society is offering Intro to Word, the word processing program on computers, tablets, cell phones. If you want to learn more about it, there is a 1-hour weekly class beginning November 6, running every Tuesday through November 27 from 3 – 4 p.m. for $450 pesos. You must be an LCS member. Sign up in the LCS services office. Casi Nuevo Thrift/Consignment Store Update: Accepting consignment items has been a huge success! Sales have been doubling every month. Stock includes sofas, love seats, tables, a queen size mattress, headboards, lamps, candle holders, a refrigerator, desk, daybed, TV, etc. We want to serve you, so please let us consign your unneeded items. Our split is 70% to you and 30% to charity. Contact Jacqueline at smithjacqueline55@gmail.com or call 766 – 1303. The delivery man Aurelio will pick it up and can also deliver to your house from the store. Small items may be deposited in the drop box outside the LCS library. Store hours are 10 – 3, Monday – Saturday. Casi Nuevo is the corner store with the red door across from 7-Eleven on the carretera in Riberas del Pilar. Friendly faces are needed to help us; we train and hours are flexible. Our well-deserved charities are the School for the Deaf and Children with Special Needs, Have Hammers…Will Travel, and the LCS Community Education Program. Lakeside Little Theatre news: Tickets are $200 pesos per seat, $250 for the musical. For the full listing of shows, box office and ticket information and to get email updates, go to www.lakesidelittletheatre. com. Box office hours are 10 – 1 and one hour prior to each performance. Sunday box office access is just prior to a show. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, by Peter Colley is directed by Roseann Wilshere. Performances November 3 – 11. Jan’s husband brings her to an isolated farmhouse to recover from a nervous breakdown. However, after a local farmer reveals unsettling tales about the place, strange and frightening things begin to stir. For information, contact Roseann at roswilshere@gmail. com. Singers, Dancers, Actors - Lakeside Little Theatre’s auditions for its annual musical and more will be held on November 16 & 17. Needed are 12 men, 9 women, all ages, some non-singing roles. Auditions are at 10 a.m; register at 9:30. This year’s show is The Drowsy Chaperone to show February 16 – 26. Contact Director Dave McIntosh for further details at davewin@shaw.ca. Barbara Clippinger is the Choreographer I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, a and Judy Hendricks is Musical Director. To volunteer behind the scenes, the LLT comedic thriller is always looking for people to train. Contact Don Chaloner at 766 – 1975 or email at 77dondo@gmail.com. MAS (Music Appreciation Society) has voted to cancel the current season due to delays in renovation of the Auditorio and community reluctance to buy season tickets. An Appreciation Party was scheduled for season ticket holders and their guests on October 30 at La Nueva Posada. Ticket monies were to be returned at the party or, if you could not attend, at your convenience. Please RSVP to Kathleen Phelps at 766 – 0010 or kphelps1@aol.com. Entertainment may be resumed when the renovation is

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

complete. However, the MAS board has shrunk to four volunteers and more assistance is needed to continue MAS’ great tradition of providing wonderful cultural events to the Lakeside community. If you can, please contact Kathleen Phelps at 766 – 0010 or cell 331-461-1309 or visit www.masajijic.com. My, My, How Nice! Productions presents the longest running musical in the world – The Fantasticks. Cast includes three Mexican natives, including two teenagers in stage debuts. My, My is very excited to introduce Marie Claire Figadere and Christian Garcia Durán in the roles of Luisa and Matt and the fabulous Eduardo Muñoz Zúñiga as El Gallo. Roger Larson, who performed and directed The Fantasticks in San Francisco and San Diego for over 1000 performances, directs this Lakeside premiere and reprises his role as Henry. Rounding out the cast are Fred Koesling and John Ward as Huck and Bell, the two fathers, Val Jones as the Mute and Ken Yakiwchuk as Mortimer. Music direction is by Timothy G. Ruff Welch and Judy Hendrick. Performances are November 23 at 7:30 p.m., November 24 – 25 at 3 p.m., November 30 at 7:30, December 1 – 2 at 3 p.m. at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna). Tickets are $250 pesos available at Diane Pearl Colecciones and Mia’s Boutique or by emailing mymytickets@gmail.com. The Fantasticks poster Los Cantantes del Lago Christmas concert ¡Una Navidad Magnifica! with Music Director Timothy G. Ruff Welch is almost upon us. The popular choir will be performing the Bach Magnificat as well as Mexican carols specially arranged. This will be a joint event with CREM (Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales, Music Director Emmanuel Medeles). The concert is always a crowd favorite, signaling the spirit of the coming holidays. Performances are on December 14, 7 p.m., and December 15, 4 p.m., at the Auditorio de la Ribera. Tickets are $250 pesos available at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutique, from any Los Cantantes member or by emailing cantantesdellago@gmail.com. Niños Incapacitados del Lago Schedule: So far in 2012, Niños has assisted 124 children and Young people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, diabetes, cáncer and birth defects. In addition to paying for wheelchairs, orthopedic braces and other medical equipment, the organization pays for medications, x-rays and diagnostic tests not covered by family insurance. Upcoming events: January 15 – Trivia Quiz Event at Real de Chapala January 25 – Robbie Burns Night March 14 – Major fundraiser “All Aboard the Orient Express” VIVA! La Musica Fall Schedule: Bus trips to “Live from the Met” Opera continues and they are filling up fast. Call Marshall Krantz at 766 – 2834 or email him at MAK1939@gmail.com to get on the list. You can buy tickets at LCS on Thursday and Friday mornings 10 – 12 at $250 pesos for members or non-members for the Jalisco Philharmonic and $300 pesos for memThe Tempest bers, $400 for non-members for Opera. Remember: Viva buys the right number of tickets 7 – 10 days before each event. Nov. 9 Sibelius Symphony No. 5 (Oriol Sans conducting) – 4:30 depart Nov. 10 The Tempest (Thomas Ades) – 10:30 departure Nov. 18 Dvorak Symphony No. 8, Sibelius Finlandia – 10:30 departure Nov. 23 Brahms Symphony No. 4, Stravinsky Pulcinella – 4:30 depart Nov. 30 Mahler Symphony No. 4, Grieg Piano Concerto – 4:30 depart Dec. 1 Mozart’s La Clenenza de Tito – 10:30 departure Dec. 2 Mahler Symphony No. 4, Grieg Piano Concerto – 10:30 depart Dec. 8 Verdi’s Un Ballo en Maschera – 10:30 departure Dec. 15 Verdi’s Aida – 10:30 departure If you would like more information about Viva or would like to be added to the mailing list or to reserve tickets, call Rosemary Keeling at 766 – 1801.

Saw you in the Ojo 47

The Hero’s Journey, Good Stories, and Your Life By David Bryen

ow to read a book Every good story reminds you of the life you’d like to have, or the life you’d like to avoid. Joseph Campbell coined the phrase “The Hero’s Journey” to describe the journey each man and woman must make in their life. Stories have always been used to provide clues as to how we must live to satisfy the deeper aspects of existence. The tales that work all contain the same elements even though may be arranged in different ways by the author. If these elements are missing or not developed we walk away from the story unsatisfied, feeling that something is just not right. First, a Herald calls our hero or heroine to step out of the ordinary world to solve an essential problem. A dream, a trauma, a collapsing belief system, a threat, or a love affair all may serve to imbue them with the idea that their participation is required. Because they are still caught in the ordinary world, they must Refuse the call, hiding behind their own unworthiness, unwillingness and inability to do what is required. The resistance is dissolved when the Mentor, in the guise of wise old man or woman, magic animal, or oracle offers to be a guide for what is to come. Once our main character crosses into the new territory, various Allies, and Friends, come along side to offer immediate companionship and promise help in the future. The bulk of the story takes place here and it is in this section where man and woman come together to highlight the age old tensions of love, differences, and loyalty. A series of tests face our champion, and as each test is encountered, some rendition of a Threshold Guardian stands at the door refusing entrance to the next level if they fail the task. These guardians are not always people, but could be weather, bad luck, foibles, confrontations with inner demons which suffice as complications that intrigue the audience. Often in a seedy bar s/he meets their Shadow, the evil, the dark, the sociopathic enemy that proves to be invincible. A story is only as good as its villain, and the listen-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

ers know that a successful outcome must solve the shadow problem. A life and death battle ensues. These fights are always in the dark, the dangerous, the swamps, the dark parts of the inner city. This is the black moment--filled with suspense and tension. In romantic dramas, this is the end of the relationship. All hope is lost. Something must die. The audience feels the emotional collapse into the dark and death and the apparent victory of evil over good. Now the stage is set for the Resurrection and victory in the Supreme Ordeal. With the victory over the Shadow, the reconciliation between the masculine and feminine, or the resolution with the father or mother, the Reward is offered. It may be a magic sword, wisdom, an answer to life’s questions, achievement of the Holy Grail, an elixir, or knowledge that will save the world. But our hero is not done. One last stage remains: The Return. To the degree there are unreconciled elements, the opposing forces will come raging back and what the hero has learned will be tested by fire. Eventually, the hero or heroine returns with a Boon for the community and lives a life of service. This is also the story of our lives. We are called out of our ordinary world to accomplish the task of finding meaning to our lives, developing the character traits that await us and then, return back to the community to offer what we have learned to the world. David Bryen

CHASING THE WAVE By Margie Keane

oe lay on his board, rocking gently on a blue satin sheet of ocean, hoping for one more ride before leaving Bali. The surfing here was awesome. Uluwatu and PadangPadang were always bitchin’ even with the crowds. Thanks to the locals and his gift to them of a case of beer, he found some beaches known only to serious surfers. Those were perfect days. Panaitan Island, near Jakarta had been pretty exciting, but Fiji had been the ultimate. The breaks at Namotu, especially at Cloud Break were so extreme he became totally fierce in his endless efforts to master them. Over and over again, each time he grabbed

a wave, he knew he could get seriously cranked as he shot the curl, fighting to stay in the middle of the face. With every ride he knew a wipe out on those 18-foot waves could end his dream, maybe his life but the thrill of it kept him going back for one more ride. Next destination was Sumatra, and then he was heading home. Turning his head he saw a vision that took his breath away. It eclipsed all his thoughts about big waves. Floating next to him was this gorgeous, silken beauty. She was long and lean, with just the right curves. Her honey colored skin gleamed golden in the sun. He wanted to run his hands over this elegant beauty. He wanted to hold

her, feel her next to him. He would have made a move, but she was with this great big dude who had her wrapped in his arms. He caught Joe staring. “You like her, dontcha?” “Yeah, man. She’s sweet!” “Wanna take her for awhile?” “You kiddin’ me?” “No, dog, I gotta take a break.” I couldn’t believe it. Oh, man! On shore, the big dude handed her over to me. I held her gingerly, shyly. I stroked her reverently. We became one immediately. I was in love. We were out on the ocean

together for about an hour, waves lifting us up, we rode them with abandon, in tune with the ocean and each other. I wanted this to go on forever. Wasn’t gonna happen. A sharp whistle ended the magic. Glancing toward the beach I saw the big dude motioning us in. With a sigh we paddled towards shore. I pressed my body against her, sliding my hands over her one last time, before he let her go. The big dude put his arm around her. “So whaddya think?” With a smile, I replied, “Man, she is one hot board!”

Saw you in the Ojo 49

ATLAS A TLAS W WAS AS D DRUGGED! RUGGED! By Beverly Bandler

t is not surprising that the ultra-right conservatives of the Republican Party and their Tea Party minions have a love affair with Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (19051982). Their embrace of uninformed conceit, ignorance of philosophy, history, economics, and infantile extremism is unbounded. The United States has already had an Ayn Rand laissez-faire world: The Gilded Age, which ran from the 1870s through the 1920s. It wasn’t pretty. It ended with the Great Depression that it caused. It ended with the kind of economic and social disaster that was responsible for the very Bolshevik revolution that traumatized Rand. Why didn’t America experience a similar revolution? Because Franklin Delano Roosevelt became president in March 1933 and led the New Deal. FDR has been credited with saving capitalism in the U.S. The right, the Republicans, the libertarians, the conservatives, those who prefer misery to joy (particularly for others), and those who are seduced by the perception of the easy certainty of authoritarianism, simply cannot recover from the truth and the lessons of this history—it appears they resist the lessons of any history. Rand was a Russian émigré from a Jewish family that had been victimized by the Bolsheviks (they had already been victims of the anti-Semitism of imperialist Russia). Her philosophy was heavily influenced by Nietzsche (she was enthralled by the serial killer William Hickman). There appears to be no evidence that Rand read any of the historians and philosophers who influenced the Founding Fathers of her adopted country (which happens to be ours): Greek and Roman classicists, Charles de Montesquieu, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and others. They certainly did not influence her thinking or her writing. Today’s gullible and easily manipulated ultra-right conservatives are prime examples of motivated reasoning—they come to a conclusion and choose the book that supports their conclusion—

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Atlas Shrugged that glorifies unfettered capitalism and greed fits their bill. It would be more accurate to say conservatives have two books now: the Bible which they cherry-pick and Atlas Shrugged. The “inconvenient truth” that they have to face is that the latter is in conflict with the best principles of the former. Also, Rand was an avowed atheist and has been described as a “libertine.” Good grief, how does the right reconcile those conflicting truths of their two “bibles?” The extreme right’s talent for gross over-simplification and sophomoric concepts may be of help to them. The right must also cope with the fact that Rand didn’t base any of her over-blown, clap trap fiction and essays on any of the influences that brought us the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution (the latter being the law of the land). The incessant Republican Noise Machine with its irresponsible distortions, lies, and glorification of both repellent selfishness and ignorance, the latter of which Ayn Rand is a superb example, is getting tiresome. As one writer puts it: “You shouldn’t condone sociopathic greed, much less succumb to it. To do so is to violate the very moral precepts that make our civilization possible.” It is time to stop this Ayn Rand and right-wing destructive nonsense. Stephen Goldstein’s unflinching satire Atlas Drugged is a needed relief for those of us still grounded in reality. For those who remain in arrested intellectual development, abide in an alternative reality, and who have been lobotomized to think that Rand’s belief system should be taken seriously, Atlas Drugged will help set them straight. They also should consider reading the tens of thousands of books that have been written by philosophers, economists, historians, and novelists who have been judged favorably according to the highest standards of their respective disciplines by respected peers. Ayn Rand is not in the latter category. Put her back on the shelf with the other comic books from your fondly-remembered teenage years.

Saw you in the Ojo 51

STAY HEALTHY! By J. Manuel Cordova, M. D. Internal Medicine & Geriatric Specialist Mdjmcordova1204@yahoo.com

Medicine For The Aging

et the most benefit with the least risk from your medications and your provider. As you age, your body becomes more sensitive to medicines. Most older adults are likely to take multiple medicines at the same time. How your body responds to certain medications may be different than another person. It’s important for you to know what is normal & what results you should expect. One medicine may cause side effects and create problems if taken with other medicines. One medicine may also increase or decrease the effect of another. What you eat or drink while taking certain medications can make a difference as well. The more medicines you take, the more likely the possibililty of having problems....Never take a medicine because a friend took it and got good results. Always ask your physician. ....Always take your medicine in the proper dosage and at the correct time. I advise my patients of the importance of timing & dosage, and with, or without, food. If you’re taking antibiotics, it is very important to take them at the precise time prescribed to achieve best results. Don’t stop taking your antibiotics until they’re all gone, even though the symptoms may seem better. Make a list of everything you take and keep a copy with you at all times. Include vitamins, supplements, herbs & non-prescription medications, as well. They can have major effects on the body and possibly cause problems if combined with certain other medications. Every time you visit your doctor, review the list and discuss it with him to make sure he’s in agreement. You can also ask your doctor if there are medicines, or other things you should avoid that may cause a problem if taken with certain medications. For example, if you’ve had heart failure or kidney disease you should not take ibuprofen (advil, motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Grapefruit juice is also known to cause problems with some medica-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

tions and there are many other examples. You know your symptoms & reactions to medications better than anyone. Document. Keep a Log of any changes you experience when you take, or don’t take, certain medications, food, drinks, etc. This will help your doctor very much in determining your prognosis and what recommendations to make. Even laboratory tests will not answer these questions for your doctor. Not all doctors are qualified to evaluate and respond correctly to medication issues. Only a licensed medical doctor, preferably a licensed specialist in Internal Medicine and/or Geriatrics is the best if you’re over age 50. General Practice Doctors, Homeopathic and other non-related specialists are not trained or licensed in Internal Medicine or Geriatrics; yet, many providers will perform treatments or prescribe medications without the proper knowledge to fully understand the risk factors for the patient. Geriatric specialists understand the difference of dealing with problems unique to patients over 50. As you age beyond your 40’s, your body needs and responds differently than a younger person. Medication prescribed for you, and your reaction to that medication, will be different than that of a younger person. In fact, the aging process and changes in body metabolism usually starts in your 30’s. Dr. Cordova

MEMORIAM

—Marni Johnson— 1926-2012

Marni Johnson was born Margaret Dorothy Hoover in Muskegon, Michigan in 1926. She was educated at Western University and moved to Chicago to become a social worker. There she met Henry Grady Johnson, a pharmacist and jazz musician. They were married in 1955. The union produced three children, Lisa, Leslie, and Christopher. They divorced in 1963. Marni worked for the University of Chicago as well as the Journal of the American Medical Association as a proofreader for many years. She also started writing travel articles. She traveled all over the world. But Mexico was particularly special because of her love of the Maya. She also loved literature and art. While in Mexico, many of her paintings reflected Maya culture. In 1992, she moved to Guadalajara and retired. She loved Lake Chapala for its bevy of artists and writers. She was very connected to the American Legion in both Guadalajara and Lake

Chapala. l She h was very passionate about writing, the Maya, travel. And great margaritas. She wrote a column for the Lake Chapala Review and articles for El Ojo del Lago. She also wrote a number of short stories. She was a member of both the Ajijic and Chapala Writers Groups and was also involved with her bridge group. Her last years included illness and she only recently learned that she had cancer. She passed away on October 13, 2012. She is survived by her three children and two grandchildren, Jonathan Piotrowski and Grady Page. Submitted by Leslie Piotrowski (Marni’s daughter)

Saw you in the Ojo 53

Ajijic’s Mural Art By Antonio Ramblés AKA Tony Passarello www.antoniorambles.com antonio.rambles@yahoo.com

exican art is blessed by the rich muralist tradition of Rivera, Orozco, and

Siqueiros, and even today murals remain a prominent feature of Mexican public art. Murals are so commonplace in Ajijic as to be taken for granted, but they’re

as much a signature part of the village’s character as spring blossoms or street vendors or views from the malecon. It’s hard for anyone on the Ribera not to pass at least one daily, and each image indelibly anchors the memory of everything that happens beneath it to a single spot. Murals made perfect sense as a way to present ideas and to perpetuate sense of history throughout Mexico’s illiterate past, but the art form is as fresh

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

today as ever. As similar as some murals may seem at first glance, their form is far from formulaic. The topics may be patriotic or otherwise political, and they’re often historical. Sometimes, though, the primary object seems to be only to create pleasant diversion for the eyes and to adorn an otherwise unmemorable spot. Their forms are remarkably diverse, ranging from dayglo-bright ribbons to simple black-and-white images. Some borrow their style from Europe and others are purely indigenous. Some are painted and some in relief. Some have a commercial agenda. Many – but not all – are outdoors. The one below adorns the interior stairwell of the Cultural Center. They all, however, have a couple of things in common. One is that each is an original work of art. Some are permanent – or at least as permanent as paint on stucco can be in the Mexican sun – and others only long-lived enough to commemorate a passing event. These aren’t billboards replicated ad nauseum. Another is that they all tell stories. Some are short and simple. Others are like scrolls unrolled, so panoramic that each new look uncovers some detail earlier unseen, like the

three panels of the mural reading left to right. There was a time when billboard painting was an art north of the border. These days billboards are created in Photoshop, digitally printed by the dozens onto vinyl, and stretched over the frames of boards that were once signpainters’ canvasses. One thing’s for sure. It’s impossible to visualize Ajijic without picturing its public murals!

Saw you in the Ojo 55

THOSE DAMNED PILGRIMS—European Invasion of North America Continued at Plymouth Rock By Dr. Lorin Swinehart

s the old pickup truck bumped its way down the rocky trail beneath the spectacular New Mexico skies, the blazing sunset turning the red rock cliffs to glorious gold, my Navaho friend Gene asked, “So, did you have a good time today?” We had experienced a wonderful day, catching our limits of scrappy rainbows from an icy lake in the Chuska Mountains and eating fresh trout cooked over a campfire, beneath a lashing hailstorm. “This was the best day of my whole life,” I answered. Gene smiled quietly to himself. “That’s the way it used to be all of the time, before you guys came over here and ruined it for us. If I had been at Plymouth Rock, I would have handed those damned Pilgrims visas and told them how long they could stay and when they were going back to where they came from.” While we may owe a debt to the Pilgrims, we owe a greater one to the Native Americans. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberries, none of which were familiar to Europeans before their contact with Native Americans. Thanksgiving did not begin with the Pilgrims. Algonquian speaking Native Americans traditionally had celebrated the Green Corn Festival each autumn, a time of celebration and feasting, to show gratitude to the Great Spirit for a bountiful harvest. The so-called “Pilgrims” arrived uninvited in 1620 after surviving a harrowing 65 day voyage across the wintery Atlantic, 102 men, women and children stuffed into the middle deck of a the Mayflower, surviving on spoiled food and contaminated water, surrounded by festering chamber pots. Seasickness was continual. Three of the women were pregnant, one giving birth during the voyage. Later, half would succumb to sickness and starvation. They were Sepa-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

ratists, their religious zealotry fueled by animosity toward the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. Recalcitrant and intolerant, they had thus far failed to get along anywhere. Spaniards and others had already staked their claims to large swaths of the new continents, and Englishmen had previously established a colony on nearby Cuttyhunk Island in 1602 to harvest sassafras, thought to be a cure for syphilis. Upon learning that the Patuxet people had earlier been decimated by an epidemic, the Pilgrims thanked their God for ridding the region of “savages” so that they might have their lands. The first Native American they met was Samoset, who immediately asked for a beer. The great Wampanoag sachem Massasoit, they believed, had been sent by God to assist in their undertaking. To their credit, the first generation of Pilgrims wanted to maintain friendly relations with their hosts. Not so the succeeding generation and the wave of Puritan “strangers” who flocked to New England during the years leading up to the English Civil War. Tensions would build, leading to King Philip’s War, proportionally the bloodiest and cruelest conflict ever fought upon North American soil. The causes involved Pilgrim/ Puritan encroachment upon Native lands. Puritan towns denuded nearby forests for firewood and destroyed habitat for game animals. Native Americans were being marginalized in their own country. There were religious conflicts as well. The new people preached freedom of religion, but generally failed to extend the concept to those outside their own cult. Native Americans were prosecuted in Puritan courts for hunting on the Sabbath or practicing their ancestral forms of medicine, often more effective than European efforts to combat illness. Native Americans could even expect the death sentence for denying the Christian faith.

The war lasted from 1675 to 1678. Metacomet, known as King Philip, the son of the late Massasoit, commanded Native American forces. Six hundred colonials and 3000 Native Americans would die before it ended, some burned live in their wigwams, and twelve New England towns would be destroyed. With the full approval of their religious leaders, who proclaimed that slavery existed in the Old Testament, Pilgrims and Puritans sold Native Americans of all ages and genders off into lives of drudgery and despair in the Caribbean. Even Philipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and son were sold off to Bermuda. In 1676, the British ship Seaflower, less exalted by folklorists than the more famous Mayflower, transported 180 Native American slaves to the Caribbean. Plymouth alone shipped over 500 slaves south. Philip was shot to death, beheaded, drawn and quartered, his head displayed on a pole in Plymouth for the next twenty years. Underlying the myth of homeless strangers seeking sanctuary in a hostile land and storybook portrayals of the first Thanksgiving lurks an arrogance originating with the Aristotelian view that there exist those less than human, who can be robbed of their ancestral lands and livelihood,

enslaved and even murdered in the most gruesome manner in order to foster a program of territorial expansion, contributing to the enduring delusion of American exceptionalism. Those who so solemnly professed Christian ideals in the high sounding phrases of the Mayflower Compact and the City on a Hill speech, in reality, fostered a tradition of greed, cruelty, bigotry, intolerance and destruction. Lorin Swinehart

Saw you in the Ojo 57

Parting With The Poet…. By Jim Rambo

She desired the poet More than anyone she had wanted In her life. Her heart raced when he read aloud To the group she had joined Just months before…. for intellectual stimulation. His deep voice boomed with lyrical rhyme Covering all in a word mantel of wisdom. He was uncharmed by bright skies and butterflies. And she even quivered a bit as he read While his long, silver- gray locks reflected the morning sun. Was it love, lust or another form of poetic license? she mused. In time she had her way with His Rhymeness. Her adulation and repetition of his language of love, of blossoming bosoms and skin-tight jeans Wove a seamless web around yet another victim of his own verse. They togethered a year, two at most And she discovered that the prize, her poet, Was, within, a lesser gold than the promise of his lyrics. So it became necessary that she, The non-poet, the weaver of webs, the seeker of lasting love Craft the final lines in their in their own verse, and so she did: “Alas, my bard, I fear we must part For your words of lust Come not from your heart But from paperback books I found at Walmart!” (Credit to Margie Keane for the closing lines.) rammymex@gmail.com

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Saw you in the Ojo 59

The Poets’ Niche

By Mark Sconce msconce@gmail.com

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) I hold in my hands, and reverently too, a First Edition of o Co Conversation C nvver ersati t on at Mi M Midnight dnig ghtt (1937)* by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Her small, tight, controlled signature attaches to the title page. I reflect that some poets just have classier names than others. There’s Mexico’s own Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the diminutive e.e. cummings, and of course the inimitable Lord Byron (nobody called him George). In Edna’s case, it was a stroke of luck, for her middle name derives from St. Vincent hospital in Rockland, Maine where she was born in 1892. Family and friends called her Vincent. But does a classy name imply a classy lady—a name one lives up to, so to speak, like Jesús? You be the judge… By the age of thirty-one, Vincent had already attained a reputation as one of the great poets of the Jazz Age. Through her countrywide recital tours and live radio broadcasts she reached millions of listeners “with a mouth like a valentine.” They wanted to hear a very different kind of voice, and she was the “It girl” of Poetry. What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why, I have forgotten, and what arms have lain Under my head till morning; but the rain is full of ghosts tonight that tap and sigh Upon the glass and listen for reply, and in my heart there stirs a quiet pain For unremembered lads that not again will turn to me at midnight with a cry. Thus in the winter stands the lonely tree, nor knows what birds have vanished one by one, Yet knows its boughs more silent than before: I cannot say what loves have come and gone, I only know that summer sang in me a little while, that in me sings no more. A graduate from Vassar (paid for by admirers), a star among Greenwich Village writers, artists, and sundry bohemians, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for poetry (first woman to receive the honor), Edna loved the limelight and performed on cue as her candle burned at both ends. The party was extravagant! Mad gaiety! My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends It gives a lovely light. The party ended with her car accident in 1936 that led to a morphine addiction. That, along with cigarettes (Egyptian), alcohol (Gin Rickeys) and sex (men and women, single or married) helped dull her excruciating back pain. On top of that, like food, she needed adulation, recognition, and an adoring public, but her popularity waned as modernism in poetry gained strength and her manicured sonnets no longer sang so true. She turned her attention to human rights issues and international politics, vilifying European fascism. But she still cherished her amorous memories: RECUERDO We were very tired, we were very merry -We had gone back and forth all night on the ferry; And you ate an apple, and I ate a pear, From a dozen of each we had bought somewhere; And the sky went wan, and the wind came cold, And the sun rose dripping, a bucketful of gold. We were very tired, we were very merry, We had gone back and forth all night on the ferry. We hailed, “Good morrow, mother!” to a shawl-covered head, And bought a morning paper, which neither of us read; And she wept, “God bless you!” for the apples and the pears, And we gave her all our money but our subway fares. *Thank you Malcolm Otis Delano of Ajijic for gifting me your treasure.

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Mark Sconce

MAN’S M AN’S B BEST EST F FRIEND RIEND By Lori Geiger

n the USA, approximately four million dogs are euthanized every year; in a study, it was established that about 20% were adopted from a shelter, 18% were found as strays, and 62% purchased from a breeder, or pet store. Sadly, in a separate study it is believed that over a million dogs are abused and /or seriously neglected every year. In a recent spay and neuter workshop in Puebla, the vets concurred that there are about 18 million dogs in Mexico; 30% have owners, the majority have part time homes or live on the streets. Less than 50% of the dogs that have owners are spayed or neutered.

With the majority of dogs being able to reproduce, the numbers could be much higher. In the municipalities that do have some sort of shelters, the majority of dogs “rounded” up are euthanized by gas or decompression; both methods are horrible ways to die. While the exact number is unknown due to lack of records, the number is much greater than four million— not to mention the number of dogs that are hit by cars, poisoned, or otherwise killed every year. The vets all agreed the numbers are staggering. Those who adopt /sell dogs who are unspayed or unneutered are part of the problem.

Saw you in the Ojo 61

THE OJO INTERNET MAILBOX (Wherein we publish some comments about our previous issues.)

OUR LITERARY AWARDS—CIRCA 2012 John Ward What illustrious company! I am amazed and humbled and honored to be even considered in such a group of astoundingly talented writers. Look! I’m even red from blushing! SYGENE 28 September 1936 – 7 February 2011 - March 2011 Ray Dear Sir: I have just now read your heartfelt tribute to Sygene, your wife. I’m sad to hear of her passing. I knew her in another lifetime, but am glad she found happiness. My condolences to you and your family. “¡OBAMANOS!” Carolyn Lucet Your observations are so correct. How could any intelligent person that is not in the 1 percent consider supporting Mitt and Ryan. They have made it clear that they have no interest in the fate of the middle class, the poor, women and those disabled or elderly. MITT VERSUS BARACK—No Contest! Michael Mclaughlin There is no known experience that qualifies you for president of the United States. Sorry. Soldiers like Grant failed, and so did Taft and Coolidge, both business men who failed. Career politicians failed like Nixon. Lawyers? The worst of the lot. I’m afraid no US president can do much about economics, now that it is a WORLD economy. Mitt’s problem is you can’t live an entire life of privilege and know what is going on. I really believe that if you

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

asked Mitt what a gallon of milk cost he wouldn’t know. UNCOMMON COMMON SENSE SEPTEMBER 2012 M.A. Porter I’m not so sure that I agree with the chirpy “why me worry?” nature of this column. Seems to me that the day that every book goes digital is the day that humanity’s collective knowledge is at its greatest risk. Just one ‘zap’ of super-electromagnetism and everything digital goes dead ... but the printed page lasts forever. Besides, digitizing is cheap - do you think that once government realizes this that they’re going to pay to stock the libraries with ink-on-paper? Noooo ... most community libraries are already suffering from budget cuts. “THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS” M.A. Porter A “well-regulated militia” can be defined in many ways. Citizens who mistrust the government would naturally define a grassroots group of gun owners to be a “militia” of sorts, ad-hoc though it may be. Billy-Bob and Joe-Frank over there as the leaders would be considered as “well-regulated,” especially if one of them is the county sheriff. So let’s stop moaning about the National Rifle Association, because the problems of the 2nd Amendment are semantic, and semantics are wholly contextual and largely cultural. My well-regulated militia is your whipping boy for everything that ails the USA. Better to focus on the root problems of gun violence - ignorance and racism, underestimated mental health problems and their underfunded treatment options, the ever-widening economic gap and greed, and encroaching totalitarianism and apathy about it.

ODE TO A SLOW DUSK

In her own determined and sweet, nearly tortuously delicate ascent, her pomegranate ruffled skirt moved toward the ruby magenta of a hummingbird’s heart. While we, the reverent, the rested, reflective like the ocean settled the wide web of our roots deep into the underside of this tropical island, each to reach what only the ancient redwoods know as they feed themselves as close to the center of the earth as possible. It takes such an anchor to stand close enough to absorb the Glory of such a smoldering coal. David Bryen

Saw you in the Ojo 63

Focus on Art By Rob Mohr robmohr@gmail.com

Ken Gosh –Amplifying Nature With Genteel Abstraction

osef Albers, one of the great non-figurative painters of the 20th century, wrote, “Abstraction is real, more real than nature. I prefer to see with my imagination.” Seeing with his imagination, Ken Gosh’s intricate paintings, imbedded with dragonflies, roosters, and fish, come to life in abstract settings layered with texture and color. Ken’s art -- informed by the broad reductionist landscapes of Richard Diebenkorn (1922–1993) and the sensual details of flowers painted by Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) -- compresses his reactions to nature into simple, vibrant forms that capture the natural ambiance in ways representation

cannot. His radical transformation of natural forms results in the creation of a rich organic world given life through distillation and the harmonic interaction of color, texture, pattern, and form. When abstracting, the visual artist has to pull the viewer along with clues that reflect the artist’s intention. A rooster, fish, plant or a fruit, serves as a vehicle to carry the viewer into the world of ‘pure art.’ In contrast, nonfigurative art offers no clues to help the viewer. The value of pure abstraction can only be accessed through the interaction of the visual elements. But, when an abstract painting is the result of observation of the natural world --

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

something Ken does extremely well -- the natural subject is integrated and intensified within an environment created by the artist. Both the perceived world and the imagined world are united to establish a visually exciting and satisfying work of art. (photo) For example, in Ken’s painting of the carp, there are no clear boundaries within the abstract environment, Yet, his clues are sufficient to enable the viewer to suspend belief and easily enter a created world whose final form has little to do with realism. (Photo) Like many artists at Lakeside, Ken has deepened his understanding of abstraction from nature by observing the rich iconography of indigenous Huichol artists. Bound up with rituals, Huichol art become a living reality that magically links the spiritual world to their community. In contrast to Ken’s aesthetic abstracting from the environment, Huichol works narrate the mythology and cosmogony of humanity’s relationship with the gods. To achieve the clean, rich texture and pattern typical of his watercolor paintings, Ken first lays down watercolors that tend to bleed, and then overlays more stable, transparent colors. His practiced understanding of how each color responds enables

him to keep the painted environment bright and clean. His richly textured paintings, filled, subtle changes in hue and intensity -- their focus on beauty, make clear the contrast between Ken’s universally informed works and the magical, symbolic works of the Huichol. The freshness and clarity of Ken’s paintings are only possible for artists who have developed great skill in the medium -- which is why Ken is an excellent teacher for Lakeside artists who want to paint with watercolors. “I am happy here. I take what I see and make it my own. My paintings are happy paintings.” Ken Gosh continues to play an important role in the life of the art community at Lakeside, as a teacher, participant in local art groups and guilds, and as patron to those in need. His art, his efforts to broaden the Lakeside art community, and his support for local charities have garnered the respect of this writer. Enjoy seeing Ken’s paintings during the opening and receptions on November 16th and 17th from 11AM until 4PM at Galleria El Gallo -Guadalupe Victoria #30, Ajijic. Wine and hors d’oeuvres. Rob Mohr

Saw you in the Ojo 65

OUT OF CONTROL By Carol L. Bowman

t’s the sound. The sound that never leaves me; the sound that frightens me every time I relive those moments thirty-two years ago; the sound that forever pierces and never fades. It was supposed to be a day of celebration, that 4th of July in 1980. My husband, my son and I, my three sisters and their families all converged on our parents’ farm for our mid-summer annual picnic. Anticipated pleasant images of sparklers crackling and hamburgers sizzling on the grill were replaced with relentless memories of a few seconds of horror that continue to haunt me. The preceding day, I had driven my father for his radiation treatment and he and I talked alone for the first time since the surgery his malignant brain tumor. I felt uncomfortable and sad as this once burly, 200 pound, confident man needed my physical support as he weaved and swayed on the sidewalk back to the car. Although only 58, his frame felt frail to me, his clothes bunched up from weight loss, his belt cinched in the last hole. Where thick brown hair once curled, he now wore a hat to cover the scars of the vicious intrusion. In his hand, he clutched the card that the nurse had instructed him to carry, alerting authorities that his imbalance in walking was due to his medical condition and not inebriation. He did indeed appear to be drunk. How I wished it had been that simple. I wanted to say so much to him, but I didn’t. He was too proud and too tenuous and I was too afraid. We turned onto the dirt lane and drove the mile to the farmhouse, nestled in the center of the twenty-acre tree nursery where I was raised. He poked my arm with a tender jab and said, “Hey, kiddo, don’t worry. Your old man is going to beat this thing.” I couldn’t look my father in the eye. He knew it. I lowered my head and said, “Of course you will, Daddy,” as an image of his sister, who died many years before from a similar brain tu-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

mor, flashed through my mind. I silently processed the prior day’s sad interaction with my dad, while we prepared for the picnic. As I tossed the potato salad and watched mom cutting onions and juicy red tomatoes from their garden, I wondered what she was thinking. She never voiced her own fears about my dad’s illness. We were the family of ‘Great Pretenders.’ Uttering feelings about anything was considered idle chatter. We learned to deal with the situation at hand, solve it and move on. Reality of managing the basic daily grind silenced expression of doubts, worries and disappointments. There was never any time for sniveling. Reflections interrupted, my tenyear old son raced into the house. I saw in his sweet face a fear no mother wants to see from her child. ”Mom, come quick, it’s Grand Pop.” We dashed out, but it was too late. Apparently, wanting to cut up a fallen tree branch, my father zigzagged down the sidewalk, brandishing a chainsaw. He had already pulled the frayed cord to start the gas-powered machine. The momentum of the motor turning over knocked his fragile equilibrium into a stagger. He instinctively had his finger on the saw’s trigger, a maneuver he had mastered over the years, removing downed trees. In attempting to regain his balance, the impetus of the motion sent him spinning out of control, his finger locked on the mechanism to engage the blade. The lethal metal teeth of the revolving chain, whirring around, waited to cut on contact. I wanted to scream, but the horror paralyzed my voice. My mother wailed; the grandchildren, whom we moved away from the dangerous path, looked on, mouths agape, eyes bulging; a family frozen in place by fear. No one dared approach. Rex, my father’s German shepherd and faithful companion sensed the panic. He raced back and forth, barking, crazed as to what to do to protect

his master. The dog darted in and out, desperate to dislodge the menacing weapon from his pal’s hands. Rivulets of gasoline spewed from the screw top on the saw’s petrol container. The grinding sounds of the chain, gnawing in continuous motion, made me wish I were deaf. As my father spun like a wobbly top, his dignity, his independence, life as he knew and my mother knew it, seemed to fly off the blade’s callous edge. Daddy finally relaxed his finger from the trigger. The machine slowed and the whirling blade stopped, but the running motor still growled

dangerously. My brother-in-law cautiously approached and coaxed the chainsaw from my father’s trembling hands, his fingers still twitching. I watched as he looked at his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren and even his dog for one painful instant. Then exhausted and humiliated, he stumbled to the ground. That evocative image of a disease out of control, proved to be the turning point. For the next four months before his death, my father continued to console me with those words, ‘Hey kiddo, don’t worry,’ but only in a whisper.

Saw you in the Ojo 67

FRONT ROW CENTER By Michael Warren

Quartet by Ronald Harwood Directed by Ann Swiston

our aging opera singers are residents in a Retirement Home for musicians and performers, and this play revives their memories of long-ago rivalries and triumphs. As usual with Harwood, the writing is wordy and sometimes pretentious – however, first-time director Ann Swiston and her team of experienced actors maintain an excellent pace with quirky characterizations through a long first Act. The second Act is more entertaining, and we long for and finally receive a reward in the form of a magnificent quartet from Rigoletto. I congratulate Ann Swiston for her work in making this difficult play into a successful study of character and old age, and in particular for her perfect handling of the ending when the actors lip-synch the quartet which makes such a splendid finale. Ann eliminates the fourth wall and actually seeing (and hearing) the performance is a brilliant coup de theatre. It simultaneously gives us a sense of nostalgia while it brings the audience to their feet. The play opens in an attractive garden-room where three of the former opera-singers are quietly relaxing. “Reginald,” played with understated skill by Roger Larson, is reading while “Wilfred” makes lewd suggestions to “Cissy.” I particularly enjoyed Dave McIntosh’s jovial and very believable interpretation of Wilfred, while Kathleen Carlson is delightfully distracted as Cissy. She can’t hear Wilfred anyway as she listens to music on her headphones. After a period of mildly amusing banter we hear the news that “Jean Horton” will soon be arriving, and Reginald becomes extremely upset. Jean was a major star in her day and we also discover that she and Reginald were once unhappily married. Peggy Lord Chilton plays Jean with an appropriate level of prima donna bitchiness that makes us sympathize with poor over-sensitive Reg-

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

gie. She can’t sing any more, but she still wants to rule the roost. A gala concert is about to take place at the retirement home in honour of Verdi’s birthday, and three of the four ex-singers are keen to recreate the third act quartet from Rigoletto. Naturally, Jean refuses to take part. There is little tension in the play – however, this conflict does enliven the second Act. Quartet has a bittersweet quality, and all four actors do a great job in bringing their characters to life. Throughout the play there is a subtle contrast between the happiness of non-stressful retirement and the sadness of losing once-perfected skills and talents – no doubt there are some in the audience who can relate to these feelings. We laugh a little and sigh a little, as the four players face up to the problems of old age and mortality. The set was perfectly adapted to the play, and the lighting (in particular the beautiful sunset in the second Act) deserves a special mention. And the sound was wonderful – I could hear every word, and left the theatre with the quartet ringing in my ears. Congratulations to Ann Swiston and her team for successfully bringing Quartet to the LLT stage. Win McIntosh was Stage Manager and Daphne Peerless was her Assistant, while Phil Shepherd was Production Assistant. It’s not the easiest of plays, and to bring it off is a minor triumph of skill and hard work. Next up is something completely different – a spooky thriller I’ll Be Back Before Midnight by Peter Colley, directed by Roseann Wilshere, opening on November 3rd. Michael Warren

Saw you in the Ojo 69

The Ojo Crossword

Across 1 Mythical deity 6 Future Farmers of America (abr.) 9 Roman garments 13 Orderly arrangement 14 Container top 15 Plazas 16 Greek government 17 Less than two 18 Sandwich cookies brand 19 Tactic 20 China stone 22 Possess 23 Eastern Time 24 Animal doctor 25 Parlay 27 School assignment 29 European island neighbor 33 Hellos 34 Those who make the food laws (abbr.) 35 Sailors “hey” 36 Desert animal 39 “To the right” 40 Slat 41 Chose 42 Teeny 43 Downwind 44 Goaded (2wds.) 46 Fertile desert area 49 Enjoy 50 Tangle 51 Newsman Rather 53 Compass point

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

56 Homily 58 Color 59 Barried shrub 61 Cause of sickness 62 Chop up 63 Pilfers 64 Type of partnership 65 Longed 66 Roman emperor 67 Pigpen 68 Snappy Down 1 Sword 2 Elicit 3 Relies on 4 Harvard´s rival 5 Grain 6 Drift 7 Dry sherry 8 Capital of South Australia 9 Sticky black substance 10 Fake butter 11 Emit light 12 Association (abbr.) 15 _ Carlo 20 Lock partners 21 Ancient Indian 24 Famous ski resort 26 Excites 28 Mark 30 Expression of surprise 31 November (abbr.) 32 Henna 34 Fixed charge 36 Computer part 37 Atmosphere 38 Microgram 39 Army leaders 40 Lounge 42 Came out of sleep 43 What a bank gives 45 Records 47 Loafing 48 Cup holder 50 Musty 52 Homeless 53 Sports channel 54 Positive 55 Native ruler in Asia 57 Baseball glove 58 Blintz 60 Gone by 62 Resort hotel

View From The South Shore

By Kerry Watson kwatson@oscmanuals.com

n my ten years of summering here each year “to finish a book,” always my excuse to leave the brutal Texas heat far behind, I have long been intrigued by the South Shore. Looking over from the summer places I’ve lived in from Chapala to Ajijic, I see a tranquil lakeshore dotted by only a few tiny groups of lights. It looks so fresh and pure. I am curious about what it is like. What do they see when they look over at us? Over the years I hear references to a few Americans living “over there” but it seems to be like a remote wilderness. I join an e-mail group or two for those intrepid souls or wannabes, but they talk about power outages, no Telmex at all, difficulty with satellite Internet - stop right there, I am not yet retired, and I need the Internet to make my living. Last summer the Texas wildfires came within a few miles of our home and I couldn’t bear to see that, so I just never went back. The news showed black ugly scars in the hill country that I loved, versus remaining in paradise, hmm. I lived near San Juan Cosala where it was semi-rural and I could ride my horse anywhere I wanted. In the dry season we rode along the lakeshore from restaurant row to the Ajijic malecon, always watching the south shore. Gazing towards the south shore at night there are a few more dotted lights than when I first started watching. They are creeping closer to each other, but they twinkle off as the night progresses. I want to be one of those twinkles. I keep exploring the lake, driving my Jeep around to the nooks and crannies that Google Maps is so kind to highlight for me. The people I meet treat me like a normal person, not as a “mark” for selling goods. No trays of bobble-head animals, baskets, coffee, treasures that tourists need to complete their visit. I almost feel invisible as I walk down the street because sales folks don’t veer towards me when they see me coming. There aren’t roving sales people at all! The view from the south shore is, well, the opposite of the pastoral

grassy vision towered by Mt. Garcia: it looks like one big long scar of a city, hunkered down along the water as far as the eye can see. At first I am disgusted by the look of urban decay; how could I possibly look at that every day? At night, it is a long blaze of nearly uninterrupted lights that only dim slightly as the night goes on. But eventually the lure of the people, birds, wildflowers, whispering grasses, and the waves lapping upon the south shore mesmerize me. The infrastructure I need to make a living there finally comes, as super-fast 4G cellular wireless comes to the area. When at last I find a house on the water for a fraction of the cost it would be in Ajijic, I take the plunge. A country girl at heart, I am home at last. Today I love gazing at the vast, silent city on the north shore. It is near, yet thankfully so far away. My panoramic view goes from Jocotopec to Chapala. As the sun rises I watch the shadow of the mountains lift from Chapala to Joco, then back the other way as the sun sets. I am so glad to live on the south shore and share it with you. (Ed. Note: Kerry Watson is an author of an armload of non-fiction books who is branching out into more creative works. You can reach her at k e r r y. r. w a t s o n 1 @ gmail.com.) Kerry Watson

Saw you in the Ojo 71

THE QUIXOTIC OROZCO By Gary Donaldson Donalds

s of late, and via an attempt to understand and hopefully blend more Into my soon-tobe adopted home in Mexico, I have taken to the history books and discovered an extremely complicated, rich in folklore, and often at times downright incredible morass of textured historical events that often border on the macabre. Mexico is not lacking in chaotic adventures, tragic catastrophes, or in flamboyant characters that participated in the overall insanity, that more often than not, was not part of any original idea or plan. Stuff just happens, and mañana is another day. I find this part of the Mexican psyche endearing and often, comical Mexico is surreal. It was during these forays into the history books that I discovered a monumental character of such importance to Mexican culture that I find it heartbreaking that his country of birth misunderstood his prose, and often felt it necessary to remind him

that perhaps his skills as an artist, and talents as a writer, may well be better served under the protective wing of his neighbors to the north. So it is, in fact, possible to derail an individual’s life, and career with all the tact and decorum of a runaway train, and send them scurrying off to places unknown, and still get a good night’s sleep. Tyrants rarely suffer from insomnia. Jose Clemente Orozco was as abstinent an individual as ever to make his life in and around the Sierra Madre’s of his birthplace, in the real estate we know as Mexico. As with his opponents, tact and decorum were not Orozco’s most endearing qualities. These attributes or shortcomings, depending on your perspective, would later prove to be a thorn in the side of many an ambitious political. Twice Orozco had to flee his homeland and take refuge in cities like New York and Los Angeles, where his genius as an author/artist was not lost because of bureaucratic malfeasance.

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

While studying to become an architect, Orozco had lost his hand in accident. With his knowledge of design and engineering, he switched his studies to art. Orozco would soon become one Mexico’s pioneer muralists, and would one day mentor the now infamous Diego Rivera. His unapologetic and realistic depictions of life in and around Mexico City and Guadalajara were often more than the puritanical collaborators of chaos could tolerate. His murals of brothels were the bane of the society muckedy-mucks, and were regularly ordered destroyed. Any and all murals on and in government buildings were ordered to be whitewashed. It was only luck that preserved some of these masterpieces. When the government decreed that Orozco’s work was an atrocity against art and culture, in what can only be described as an assassination of spirit, did the gods of justice and passion intervene. While the government-conscripted painters were mixing up their pails of whitewash, there was, at the time, a group of foreign art dignitaries in the capitol. The audible collective gasp of the artisan elite could quite possibly be heard as far away as Monterrey. The indignation was certainly not lost on the high society lords, and ladies of the time, who finally capitulated. During the revolution years in and around 1910, a more hospitable, albeit just as bloodthirsty, Mexican milestone was taking place. Tierra y Libertad was all the rage,

and the up and coming recipients of the new era wanted it documented. Enter Jose Clemente Orozco to keep the folks at home apprised of all the triumphs of Pancho Villa. Orozco was one of the first war correspondents of the time. But the love affair would not last long. Orozco did what he had always done as an artist and writer, (and to paraphrase the baseball idiom), “He called ‘em the way he saw ‘em.” At times Orozco was so critical of Villa’s exploits that he feared for his life. He would at times refer to Villa’s assaults on the villages he rode into as not much more than an adolescent foray into the unassuming public populace, who quite often did not know what all the fuss was about, and at times, a chaotic escapade with little plan and seemingly smaller purpose. Mexicans are for the most part deeply romantic, but heroes in their history are few and far between. Pancho Villa stands tall among them. Orozco had crossed the line. He was buried in Mexico with only a few friends in the artistic community and his direct family in attendance, Diego Rivera among them. No one from the government of any political persuasion dared attend. But Orozco left his mark and we are all better for it. He deeply loved his country as much as all Mexican people do, and even when he was critical of them, only wanted what he felt they deserved, and were entirely capable of handling.

The

LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY

News MEMBERS, it is time to renew! We are heading into the next high season and the deadline to renew is December 15, if you want your name in the annual directory. Please be sure to update and correct any information you have at the time of renewal. If renewing in person, please let the membership volunteer know if you want your name omitted from the directory; your e-mail omitted from the directory; and if you prefer to receive our newsletter by e-mail. This year, renewal is even easier using our website and Paypal. The membership fee you pay is now calculated directly in pesos at current rates, and you can even update your address, phone, e-mail, and directory preferences when you renew online. Note that there is a $50 peso administration charge added to the transaction. Membership rates remain the same as last year. The rates have not changed since 2008. However, a lot of discussion has occurred regarding discrepancies between the cost of a single vs. a multiple membership. This is one concern that the survey from last year focused on. The Program Committee’s recommendation on this subject, accepted by the board, asks that when membership fees are raised, that the difference in cost between single and double memberships be reconciled and reflect a fairer balance. Don’t forget, any changes in membership dues have to be approved by the membership at the Annual General Meeting held in the first quarter of each year. 2013 membership rates are: $500 Single $800 Double $1100 Triple $1400 Quadruple (Remember, multiple memberships are only for people living at the same address.)

LCS is CLOSED November 19, Revolution Day & November 22, U.S. Thanksgiving

November 2012 This

From The Directors Desk

month I would like to recognize the LCS Volunteers. Simple calculations show that almost 4000 volunteer hours are given to LCS weekly. That’s amazing! The success of an organization as large and complex as LCS requires the loyalty, dependability and good nature of each and every volunteer. Though criticisms come often, and compliments are few, I congratulate and thank each and every one of you for doing the best job you can. Members and I rely on you, and day after day, week after week, you rise to the occasion and meet our needs. The high season is just around the corner. Volunteers, please continue doing your job, ask for membership cards, require that rules and policies are being followed, and treat everyone with a cool and fair attitude. You are the face and the success of LCS.

It seems that recently the local web boards have been buzzing and LCS is being bashed around. LCS has a policy that we do not respond to comments via a web board. If a topic requires a public response the response will appear either here or on our website. Members can rest assured that LCS is here to meet your needs. It should go without saying that each member has different needs and that with the diversity represented by roughly 3000 members, dichotomies will exist - bottom line: we can’t please all of the people all of the time, no matter how much we want to. Members can also rest assured that LCS tries to find something constructive in criticisms aimed our way. LCS has proven that it can adapt and change policies or processes when appropriate. LCS is very receptive to the diverse points of view represented by our membership and asks that you give us the benefit of the doubt, come and talk to us directly, and take the chatter on the web boards with a grain of salt. LCS is looking to the future. The Board realizes that technology is changing our world, and change represents both opportunity and threat. Our Exploratory Committee is considering our challenges, from parking to new facilities to forecasting what the priorities will be for the next generation of Lakeside immigrants. How will the LCS of the future remain relevant? What resources will be required to make a paradigm shift? When and where do we start? I say Godspeed with your work, I think we all look forward to your recommendations. -- Terry Vidal, Executive Director

Saw you in the Ojo 73

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH CLASSES Classes are held each month in the LCS Gazebo. Starting the first Tuesday of the month, lasting for three weeks, from noon to 1:30 PM. Learning materials are provided and tuition is $150 pesos. LCS members only.

LCS Learning Seminars November 2012 (via TED Internet podcast) All Seminars in the Sala on Tuesday at Noon LCS Members Only November 13, chaired by Fred Harland, featuring Yoav Medan a specialist in MRI-guided focused ultrasound technology, shows how MRI can locate trouble spots such as brain lesions and cancer and how ultrasound can treat them, raising the possibility of surgery without knives. November 20, chaired by Ron Mullenaux, featuring Andrew McAfee: Are droids taking our jobs? Andrew McAfee walks through recent labor data to say, “we ain’t seen nothing yet.” Then he steps back to look at big history, and comes up with a surprising and even thrilling view of what comes next. November 27, chaired by Fred Harland, featuring, Bill Doyle demonstrating the use of electric fields to interrupt cancer cell division. Raising the possibility of treating cancer without loss of quality of life.

Beginners iPad Classes Beginners iPad Classes are filled through December.

Children’s Art Collection Comes to LCS Liz Drummond and Judy Boyd, daughters of the late Mildred Boyd have placed their collection of Children’s Art, spanning over 50 years, in the stewardship of LCS. This is an amazing collection, numbering in the thousands, that show the history of Ajijic through the eyes and hands of its children. Would like to help catalog the collection? Do you have interest in helping curate the collection? If so, contact Terry Vidal in the Services Office.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN ENGLISH? On Wednesday, October 31 we will be testing and registering students (15 years old and up) for the Wilkes ESL program from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the LCS Wilkes Biblioteca. For more information contact inezme@gmail. com

Volunteers Needed for the Following Positions! • Buildings and Grounds Coordinator • Public Relations Manager • Data entry If you are interested please come to the office and ask for Mary Alice Sargent or Terry Vidal.

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Casi Nuevo Thrift & Consignment Shop Casi Nuevo and its volunteers are devoted to the education of Mexican youths. Because of your generosity with donations and consignment items, we are able to give these charities much-needed financial assistance. Each consecutive month, since our store in Riberas del Pilar has begun to accept and sell consignment items, we have been able to provide increasing assistance. Muchas Gracias to all of you that have contributed to a brighter future for the more than 300 Mexican children that we support. We are accepting non-clothing, consignment items with a minimum sales price of 100 pesos, including household and pool furniture, kitchen appliances, paintings, silverware, vases, rugs, lamps, desks, TV’s, tools and similar items. We offer a competitive split of 70% to you and 30% to our charities. We have pickup and delivery service available. Of course, we still need and are happy to receive donations of any kind for the store, including clothing. A Drop Box is located next to the LCS Video Library for your convenience. We are open 10AM to 3PM, Monday through Saturday. Phone: (045) 33 1064-0117 We are also in need of volunteers to work flexible hours as sales assistants. Spanish language ability is helpful but not necessary, We will provide training and you will work alongside other volunteers. If you would like to brush up on your Spanish and meet new and interesting people, please contact Jacqueline at 766-1303. Our charities are: School for the Deaf and Children with Special Needs; LCS Community Education Program; Have Hammer...Will Travel.

STORYTELLERS PRESENTS “Family Matters” on Tuesday, November 13 at 4 PM in the LCS Gazebo (cash bar opens at 3.30 PM). Stories and poems will be on the theme of family - husband, wife, mother, father, and children. Readers include Judy Dykstra-Brown, Mel Goldberg, Margaret Van Every, and Michael Warren. Voluntary donations will be accepted for the LCS Student Aid program - “It Pays To Keep A Kid In School”

SINGING FOR THE BRAIN RESUMES The second season of the popular weekly sing-along resumes Monday, November 5, from 2pm to 3pm. The main purpose of the sing-along is to give the brain a one hour workout by energizing parts of the brain that activate memory, rhythm, speech, melody, pitch and emotion. The songs are mostly from the fifties and sixties, from The Sound of Music to Mack The Knife. This is a lighthearted exercise program, all levels of voice fitness are welcome. For questions call Antonia at 766-3359.

www.lakechapalasociety.com

NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES

VIDEO LIBRARY NEW ADDITIONS FOR NOVEMBER

*OPEN TO PUBLIC - ** US CITIZENS CRUZ ROJA * Cruz Roja Sales Table 10-12 Cruz Roja Monthly Meeting 1st W 1:30-4 HEALTH INSURANCE * IMSS M+T 10-1 Mexico Protect Insurance T+TH 11-2 San Javier Health Benefits TH 10-12 Blue Angel Insurance Solutions F 10:30-1 HEALTH & LEGAL SERVICES * Becerra Immigration F 10-12 Blood Pressure F 10-12 Blood Sugar Screenings 2nd+3rd F 10-12 End of Life Documents F 10-12 Free Skin Cancer Screening 2nd+4th W 10-12 Sign-up Hearing Services M & 2nd+ 4th SAT 11-3 Sign-up Information Desk M-SAT 10-2 Loridans Legal T 10-12 Optometrist TH 9-4 Sign-up US Consulate 1st W 10:30-12:30 Sign up 10AM ** LESSONS Children’s Art SAT 10-12 * Country Line Dancing T+TH 10-11:15 Exercise M+W+F 9-10 Have Hammers T 10-12+ TH 3-5 * Intermediate Hatha Yoga T+TH+SAT 2- 3:45 Conversaciones en Espanol M 10-12 Grammar Required LIBRARIES Audio TH 10-12 Book & Video M-SAT 10-2 Talking Books US Library of Congress TH 10-12 ** Wilkes M-F 9:30-1:30, SAT 9:30-1 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Beginners Digital Camera W12-1 Beginners iPad W 1-2 Registration required Computer Windows Club F 10:30-11:45 Digital Camera Club W 10:30-11:50 Discussion Group W12-1: 30 Everyday Mindfulness M 10:30-12 Film Aficianados 1st & 3rd TH 12-2 Film Aficianados 2nd+4th +Last TH 2-4 Genealogy Last M 2-4 iPad/iPod/iPhone F 9:30-10:30 Learning Seminars T 12-1:30 Beginning 13 Nov. Mac OS 1st M 12-1:30 Mac User 3rd W 3-4:30 Mah-Jonng F 10-2 Needle Pushers T 10-11:45 Pathways to Inner Peace SAT 2-3 * Scrabble M+F 12-2 Singing For The Brain M 2-3* Story Tellers 2nd T 3-6 * Tournament Scrabble T 12-2 SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS * AA Lakeside M+TH 4:30-6 AL-Anon/Al-aTeen M 4:30-5:30 Gamblers Anonymous W 11-1 Green Group 1st T 3-4:30 MS Support Group 3rd W 3-4:30 Niños de Chapala & Ajijic F 10-1 Open Circle SUN 10-12:15 SMART Recovery W 3-4 TICKET SALES M-F 10-12 *

We have new episodes for several of the popular TV Series: DAMAGES, DEXTER. FOYLE’S WAR, GARROW’S LAW and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. HATFIELDS AND McCOYS Ref #5966 A new miniseries, a dramatization of the bitter blood feud between the two families on the West Virginia/Kentucky border in the years after the Civil War. KEVIN COSTNER TOM BERENGER 8.2 on scale of 10 BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE Ref #5953 A comedic drama set in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury area of the early 70’s. A blind man moves into his own apartment against the wishes of his overprotective mother, and befriends the freethinking young woman next door. Eileen Heckart, won an Oscar for best supporting actress in this film. GOLDIE HAWN EDWARD ALBERT JR. EDDIE IZZARD DRESS TO KILL Ref #5959 This guy is funny!! Eddie Izzard is the most refreshing, talented, hilarious, sexy, amazing, quick-witted, sharp, stylish, beautiful man to come down the path in quite some time! His magnificent vocabulary and flowing verbal style show off a greatly inventive mind and when his love of history, religion, and larger-than-life characters combine with his razor-sharp instincts Dress to Kill becomes one of the most unique stand-up shows ever. 8.5 on a scale of 10 FINDING NEVERLAND Ref #5943 The movie details the experiences of “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie, which led him to write the children’s classic. He got to know four children who have no father. Drawing from his time with the kids, he writes a story about children who don’t want to grow up. JOHNNY DEPP KATE WINSLET 7.8 on scale of 10 PROJECT NIM Ref #5946 From the Oscar-winning team behind MAN ON WIRE comes the story of Nim, the chimpanzee who in the 1970’s became the focus of a landmark experiment which aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child. Following Nim’s extraordinary journey through human society, and the enduring impact he makes on the people he meets along the way, the film is an unflinching and unsentimental biography of an animal we tried to make human. What we learn about his true nature - and indeed our own - is comic, revealing and profoundly unsettling 7.5 on scale of 10 KINGS AND QUEENS Ref #5939 Parallel story lines tell the current state of affairs for two ex-lovers: Nora’s a single mother who comes to care for her terminally ill father; holed in up in mental ward, Ismael, a brilliant musician, plots his escape. EMANUELLE DEVOS GEOFFREY CAREY Foreign/Comedy French sound track English subtitles 7.1 on scale of 10

If you have VHS tapes that are old and brittle and would like to have them transferred to long lasting, space saving DVDs, we can do that. Cheap, too – 50 pesos per tape.

Saw you in the Ojo 75

Film Aficionados

Annual Arts & Craft Fair and Children's Art Contest

Thursdays in November Members only - No Dogs

November 3, 10 AM to 3 PM

1 NOVEMBER - NOON MARGIN CALL (2011) The 2008 financial meltdown turned into a compelling movie. A great cast; brilliant, intense and scary!

On the back lawn will be a variety of talented local artists and artisans displaying their work. Everything will be for sale ... a good opportunity to give your holiday gift shopping serious thought.

8 NOVEMBER - 2:00 PM ARBITRAGE (2012) A gripping financial thriller about the workings of a hedge fund manager. Richard Gere in his best role ever!

The youngsters who participate in the LCS Saturday Children's Art Program are taking over the Gazebo to showcase their paintings and sell their charming cards.

15 NOVEMBER - NOON SILENT SOULS (2011) A lyrical drama from Russia about love and death played out in the folkways of the Merja people, an ancient Finno-Urdic culture struggling with entry into the modern world. 22 NOVEMBER - NO MOVIE HAPPY THANKSGIVING 29 NOVEMBER- 2:00 PM GOODBYE FIRST LOVE (2012) Love can be painful, especially when you’re a teenager. This small, charming film tells an old tale with some new twists. ALL SHOWINGS IN THE SALA PLEASE BE ON TIME...

The Canadian Consul Invites You to Meet COLONEL JAMIESON CADE, Canadian Military Attaché November 16, at the Nueva Posada. A no-host bar begins at 3 PM, Colonel Cade will speak at 4 PM.

DON’T FORGET LCS BUS TRIP to: TONALA & TLAQUEPAQUE November 14 $200 pesos per person, see June Cooper in Patio Sales.

We are excited about the juried Children's Art Contest which will be held during the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries: the winner goes on the cover of the annual Membership Directory! For further information regarding booth space or this event, please contact Maria Huerta at (376) 766-4217 (LCS Wilkes Education Centre) or the LCS office at (376) 766-1140.

"ART THROUGH THE AGES" Friday, 14 December 2012 LCS Sala, 2-3:30 REMBRANDT... His Life... His Work... His Time. Presented by Dimitar Krustev, a graduate of the Bulgarian Academy of Art. Open to the public

LOOKING FOR A WORKER??? (ANY KIND OF JOB, FOR THE WHOLE LAKESIDE AREA, SHORT OR LONG TERM) CONTACT ELBELGICANO@YAHOO.COM AND HE WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND YOU A LIST WITH PEOPLE THAT YOU CAN CONTACT. HE HAS A DATABASE WITH ALMOST TO 1200 JOB SEEKERS. IT IS A FREE SERVICE BUT YOU SELECT THE PERSON.

THE LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY, A.C. 16 de Septiembre #16-A, Ajijic, Jalisco LCS Main Office: (376) 766-1140 Office, information and other services open Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Grounds are open until 5 PM LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Howard Feldstein (2014); Vice-President - Fred Harland (2013); Treasurer - Paula Haarvei (2013); Secretary - John Rider (2014); Director - Karen Blue (2014); Director - Lois Cugini (2013); Director - Aurora Michel Galindo (2013); Director - Cate Howell (2013); Director - Ann D. Houck (2014); Director - Wallace Mills (2013); Director - Erik Slebos (2014); Director - Ben White (2013); Executive Director - Terry Vidal ◊ THE LCS NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY. ◊ Deadline for submissions is the 17th of the month preceding publication. ◊ News items can be e-mailed to Reba Mayo rebaelizabethhill@yahoo.com; cc to Terry Vidal tqv56431@yahoo.com ◊ Note: The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions. ◊ Articles and/or calendar of events will be included according to time, space availability and editorial decision.

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Saw you in the Ojo 77

Service - EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 765-3676

Pag: 70

* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP - CLINICA VETERINARIA SAN ANTONIO Tel: 766-0808 Pag: 18 - DEE’S PET HOTEL Tel: 762-1646 Pag: 74 - PET FOOD AND GROOMING Tel: 766-3062 Pag: 68

* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS Pag: 72

Pag: 19 Pag: 58 Pag: 14 Pag: 50 Pag: 51 Pag: 76 Pag: 57 Pag: 49 Pag: 75

Pag: 20

Pag: 12 Pag: 18

* BLINDS AND CURTAINS - HUNTER DOUGLAS Tel: 766-0026

Pag: 05

- DR. FRANCISCO CONTRERAS Tel: 765-5757 - DRA. ANGELICA ALDANA LEMA DDS Tel: 765-5364 - DRS. MEDELES & BODART Tel: 766 5050 - HÉCTOR HARO DDS Tel: 765-3193 - INTEGRITY Tel: 766-4435

Pag: 09

- FUMIGA Tel: 766-6057 - FUMI-TECH Tel: 766-1946

* BOOKSTORE / BOOKS - SANDI Tel: 01 (33) 3121-0863

Pag: 18 Pag: 14 Pag: 12

Pag: 69 Pag: 58

Pag: 41

- LOS SAUCES Pag: 71 Tel: 108-0376 - TEMPUR, MATTRESS AND PILLOWS Tel: (52) 333-629-5919, (52) 33 3611-3049 Pag: 65

* GARAGE DOORS OPENERS Pag: 52 Pag: 03

- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Tel: 766-4973 Pag: 68

Pag: 17

* GARDENING

Pag: 19 Pag: 67

- L & R WATER GARDENS Tel: 766-4386 - STIHL Tel: 3619-2447 Cell: 33-3100-1860

* CASINO - FOLIATTI CASINO

Pag: 44

* FURNITURE

* BOUTIQUE / CLOTHING STORES - ARATI Tel: 766-0130 - CUGINIS OPUS BOUTIQUE Tel/Fax: 766-1790 - FIAGA BOUTIQUE Tel: 766-1816 - LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 766-5131 - MI MEXICO Tel: 766-0133

Pag: 16

* FUMIGATION

Pag: 69

Pag: 14

Pag: 29

Pag: 62 - COMPLETE SET OF GOLF CLUBS Tel: 331-751-7520

Pag: 52

- TETÉ Tel: 766-1321

* CONSTRUCTION Pag: 53

- NAPOLEON Tel: 766-6153

* BEAUTY - AFRODITA Tel: 766-6187 - BLUE MOON Tel: 766-0937 - FRESH BEAUTY SALON Tel: 766-4596 - GLORIOSA Tel: 766-3372 - JAMES DON SALON Tel: 766-4073 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000 - MAR D’CAM Tel: 766-0087

Pag: 65 Pag: 50 Pag: 75

Pag: 17

Pag: 22 Pag: 21 Pag: 56

Pag: 26 Pag: 11

- AJIJIC DENTAL Tel: 766-3682 - C.D. MARÍA LUISA LUIS VILLA Tel/Fax: 766-2428 - C.D. SANDRA ANAYA MORA Tel: 765-3502, 765-5444 - DENTAL EXPRESS Cell: (045) 331-121-6518 - DENTAL HEALTH ONE Tel: 1060-826 - DR. ALBERTO DON OLIVERA Tels: 765-4838, 765-4805 - DR. CARLOS CERDA VALDÉZ Tel: 766-0336

El Ojo del Lago / November 2012

Pag: 13

- NATURAL SOLUTIONS Tel: 765-5666 - MAR D’CAM Tel: 766-0087

Pag: 61 Pag: 56

* HEARING AIDS - LAKESIDE HEARING SERVICES Cell. (045) 33-1511-4088

Pag: 75

- ELECTROVENTA Tel: 765-2222

Pag: 73

* HOTELS / SUITES

Pag: 10 Pag: 74

Pag: 37 Pag: 55 Pag: 74

- BLUE ANGEL Tel: 766-0547 - EDGAR CEDEÑO - MEXICO PROTECT Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982 - PARKER INSURANCE SERVICES Cell: (33) 3809-7116 - PROTEXPLAN U.S. Toll Free 1-800-608-5743 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-681-6730 - RACHEL’S INSURANCE Tel/Fax: 765-4316 - SEGUNET Tel: 766-5974 - SKYMED Tel: 766-0096 - TIOCORP Tel: 766-3978

Pag: 20 Pag: 12 Pag: 61

Pag: 58 Pag: 32 Pag: 37 Pag: 65 Pag: 19

Pag: 27

- MAGO’S OFFICE Tel: 765-3640 - LAW OFFICE RINCON SALAS & CO Tel: 766-4714, 766-4813

- ADOBE WALLS INN Tel: 766-1296 - DOLPHIN COVE INN Tel: 01-800-713-3250 - ESTRELLITA’S INN Tel: 766-0917 - HOTEL LA CASONA Tel: 01-800-700-8877 - HOTEL PERICO

Pag: 08 Pag: 55

- QUICK BLINDS Tel: 765-5067

Pag: 58

- CENTRO LAGUNA Tel: (376) 766-5514

Pag: 02

- AJIJIC MEAT CENTER Tel: 766-45-54 - PURITAN POULTRY Tel: 765-4399 - TONY’S Tel: 766-1614, 766-4069

Pag: 57 Pag: 48 Pag: 22

* MEDICAL SERVICES

Pag: 15

Pag: 27

Pag: 76

* MEAT/POULTRY/CHEESE

Pag: 07

Pag: 47

Pag: 64

* MALL / PLAZA

- FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440 Pag: 82 - REAL ORTEGA-Hardware for Carpenters Tel: 765-7556 Pag: 62

* HOME APPLIANCES

Pag: 16

* BED & BREAKFAST - CASA DE LAS FLORES Tel: 766-5493 - CASA DEL SOL Tel: 766-0050 - CASA TRES LEONES

* DENTISTS

Pag: 03

* LIGHTING

* HEALTH

- ARELLANO CORPORATION GROUP Tel: 766-4696, Cell: 333-954-1264 Pag: 42 - CABO DO MUNDO- INTERIOR DESIGN Tel: 766-0026 Pag: 09 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Tel: 765-2224 Cell. (045) 331-135-0763 Pag: 48 - ZARAGOZA SERVICE-Plumbing & Electricity Tel: 766-1480 Pag: 63

Pag: 69

* INSURANCE

* GRILLS

* HARDWARE STORES

Pag: 13

Pag: 35

* LEGAL SERVICES

Pag: 83 - MAILBOXES, ETC. Tel: 766-0647, Fax: 766-0775 761-0363, Fax: 761-0364

Cell: 333-142-0012 - LA CASA DEL ARTISTA Tel: 01 (314) 334-4704 - LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, Fax: 766-2049 - LA MANSIÓN DEL SOL Tel. (33) 3647-4762, 01-800-715-9339 - LOLITA’S INN GALLERY Tel: 766-1857 - QUINTA DON JOSE Tel: 01-800-700-2223 - THE PENTHOUSE Tel: 765-4521 - VILLAS DEL SOL Tel: 766-1152

Pag: 39

* GOLF

* COMMUNICATIONS

766-1760 765-4444 766-5555

- PRECIOUS METALS WARRANTS THE GREEDY GURU

- SONIGAS Tel: 765-3328

* CLEANING SERVICE

066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615

INVESTMENTS/NEWSLETTERS

Pag: 82

* CHIROPRACTIC

EMERGENCY HOTLINE AMBULANCE - CRUZ ROJA FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE Ajijic Chapala La Floresta

Pag: 44

* GAS

- PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING Tel: 765-4507 Pag: 34 - SPRING CLEAN Tel: 765-2953 Pag: 60

* BAKERY

Pag: 41

- BETO’S WINE & LIQUOR Cell (045) 333-507-3024 - LICORES PAZ Tel: 766-0292 - MODELORAMA Tel: 766-2678, 765-2055

- DR. VICTOR J. YOUCHA Tel: 766-1973

* BANK INVESTMENT - BANCO MONEX Tel: 765-8100 01 800 0036 663 - INTERCAM Tel: 766-5978 - MULTIVA Tel: 766-2499

Pag: 15

Pag: 52

* AUTOMOTIVE - LINEA PROFESIONAL Tel. 766-2555, Fax. 766-0066