One of Mexico and Central America’s most revered religious icons, Our
Lady of Guadalupe, has woven itself into all phases of popular culture
by the 21st century. While millions of the faithful will
attend church on December 12 in her honor, the influence of this Mexican
saint is evident all year long in home altars, clothing, tattoos, media,
jewelry, folkart and Latino literature. As sociologists have observed,
the Virgin of Guadalupe is the common denominator" uniting Mexicans.
Writing that Mexico is composed of a vast patchwork of
differences—linguistic, ethnic, and class-based— Judy King says "The
Virgin of Guadalupe is the rubber band that binds this disparate nation
into a whole.” The central American countries composed of indigenous
people identifyand embrace
her since the virgin was Indian.
Miracle
of the Lady of Guadalupe Religious Events Timeline:
1525
— The Indian Cuauhtlatoatzin is baptized by a Franciscan priest. He
received the Christian name of Juan Diego. 1531 — Year of Virgin apparitions to Juan Diego. 1567 — The new church building ordered by Archbishop Montúfar is
completed. 1666 — A formal inquiry and investigation was conducted by the
Church from 18 February to 22 March in order to give authority to the
tradition. 1946 — Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady to be the Patroness of the
Americas. 1976 — Dedication of the new basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
located four miles from central Mexico City. 1988 — The liturgical celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on 12
December was raised to the status of a solemnity in all dioceses in the
United States. 1999 — Pope John Paul II, during his third visit to the
sanctuary, declared the date of 12 December as a Liturgical Feast for
the whole continent.
Place tattoo pics 2, 3, 4
The Virgin of Guadalupe is a powerful cultural symbol of Mexican
identity and nationhood. In colonial times the Virgin of Guadalupe was
interpreted as a native, loving and forgiving mother, the intercessor to
God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ. Today Guadalupe has been
reinterpreted as an empowering symbol of liberation and action rather
than as female passivity. In contemporary society the populist appeal of
the image cuts across all sectors of Mexican life, and her image is
displayed not only in churches, but can also be seen in taxis, buses, on
tee-shirts, amulets and as tattoos. Chicano and other Latino societies
helped establish the Virgin of Guadalupe as an archetypal emblem of
mestizaje.
virgin belt buckle
Producing iconology for the population has been constant both in Mexico
and in the rest of Spanish America since the 16th century. The great
Mexican artists of the 17th and 18th centuries have left us many
paintings of this subject and, from the 17th century, more and more
churches were built in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Mexico and in
the rest of Spanish America and even in Spain. Of course the basilica in
Mexico City, on the original site of the miracle, sees millions of
visitors each year and has dramatic celebrations during December.
Insert church,paradechild being photographed w virgin image
According
to anthropologist Rose Anna Mueller, José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican
muralists, and other artists have used this image for its liberationist
and powerful meanings. Female artists have mined its potential as a
feminine symbol of empowerment. In some instances Guadalupe assumed a
more active stance than the prayerful pose of folded hands and downcast
eyes of the "standard image." She ceased to be an intercessor for her
son, becoming a potent and active woman in her own right. Two 1933
paintings by P. Gonzalo Carrasco, "The Virgin of Guadalupe Defending
Mexican Youth" depict a very active Virgin attacking demons while
keeping an infant in her arms, out of reach from demons.
In the 1960's César Chavez marched with the image when The United
Farm Workers went on strike. Ester Hernández's 1975 depiction, "The
Virgin of Guadalupe Defending the Rights of Chicanos" is a radical
interpretation of the religious icon as warrior-defender of minority
rights. The 1978 Yolanda López series of paintings and collages
converted the passive, colonial Guadalupe into a more relevant role
model for contemporary Chicana women. There continues an ongoing attempt
to rediscover the "indigenous" origins of Guadalupe, depicting her as an
embodiment of Tonantzin-Coatlicue, goddess of the cosmos, sacred
guardian and mother image for the Mexican nation.
Mexican writer, Carlos Fuentes, interprets the importance of the Virgin
of Guadalupe as becoming the divine mother to the orphaned children of
the New World through Juan Diego's apparition, allowing the Spanish
authorities to transform the Indian people from children of violated
women to the children of the pure virgin. Feminists who find it
difficult to accept a patriarchal God have appropriated Guadalupe as the
Earth Mother or the Great Mother Goddess who can heal the wounds of the
past. Along with Frida Kahlo's images, the Virgin of Guadalupe continues
to be a strong emblem of chicanismo, especially for females.
A symbol of popular religiosity, a proof of God's unconditional love,
and a feminine metaphor in the comprehension of the divine, The Virgin
of Guadalupe continues to convey a paradoxical message that can be
manipulated for political purposes. According to Octavio Paz "There are
two beliefs deeply imbedded in Mexican consciousness: belief in the
lottery and belief in the Virgin of Guadalupe.” Far from cheapening her
image, this proliferation of images personalize her and maintain her
presence in daily life; not just on December 12.
For Virgin of Guadalupe devotees, they
adhere to her universe where, by devotional contact, they empower
themselves and resurrect an identity grounded in a profound historical
context.
As you know, December 12 is an extremely
important day in Mexico, The Day of the Virgin.
To mark the occasion, and to learn more about this quintessential
Mexican tradition and the way it feeds into so many areas of life
and culture here, we are extremely privileged to have our own Virgin
expert, Susan Cobb, coming to give a preview reading from her
insightful, entertaining book, "Virgin on the Jetty"
SATURDAY EVENING, 7pm
Anyone who has been lucky enough to meet Susan, or to read any of
her book, knows that this is a rare privilege not to be missed!
We look forward to seeing you here at Xaltemba, at the hub of the
festivities tomorrow night!
(Second reminder... when we have had our fill of
Virginity and are ready to pollute ourselves once again...
CABARET SUNDAY! This week it is FREE to
all...!!! - come for the whole evening, or just pop in for a
drink
The restaurant is open for dinner as usual
and the show begins at 9pm... and then if anyone feels like
getting down on the dance floor...Our friends Rochi (la chica de
chiclet), Lorena, Alex and Omar will be here, and also a little
surprise... wink wink (at this very minute, I am dusting off my
vocal chords... sewing up the holes in my stockings... etc etc.)
There will be Hula dancing... Romance...
Maracas... ra-ra skirts... girl power... excitement.... don't
forget, "outiside it is cold... but in here it is soooo hot!")
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Headline News
Mexico needs to defeat both poverty, cartels
Drug-related violence has killed more than 2,250 people this year in the
Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez. In 2008, more than 5,000 Mexicans
were killed in similar violence, mostly in battles between competing
drug cartels.
Yet just
a couple weeks ago, President Felipe Calderón announced that in the
second half of his six-year term he’d be switching priorities. Instead
of the war against drug cartels, he said, poverty would become his chief
focus……Go
to original article
Retrofitted Vehicles Offer Window Into Mexico’s Cartels
CULIACÁN,
Mexico — Federico Solórzano is no used car salesman, but he seemed to be
getting into the part as he made the rounds of a well-stocked car lot
the other day. “This is a 2009 Lincoln S.U.V.,” he said, gesturing
toward a decked-out vehicle to his right. “Over there, we have two
Corvettes. Here’s a Smart car.”
He was
dressed in camouflage, and affixed to his shoulder were a golden eagle
and single star, which gave away his real job as a Mexican Army general.
……Go to original article
Mexico's drug cartels siphon liquid gold
Bold
theft of $1 billion in oil, resold in U.S., has dealt a major blow to
the treasury Drug traffickers employing high-tech drills, miles of
rubber hose and a fleet of stolen tanker trucks have siphoned more than
$1 billion worth of oil from Mexico's pipelines over the past two years,
in a vast and audacious conspiracy that is bleeding the national
treasury, according to U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials and
the state-run oil company.
……Go to original article
Depp to play Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa
Johnny
Depp is to star as Pancho Villa in a new Emir Kusturica biopic about
Mexico's 19th-century bandit-turned-revolutionary, Spanish media
reported Wednesday.
Playing
opposite Mexico's Salma Hayek, the 46-year-old Depp will trade the
swashbuckling antics of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series for the
part of General Villa, El Pais newspaper quoted the Serbian director as
saying.……Go
to original article
Puerto Vallarta Remains One of the World’s Most Coveted,
Exotic Retreats
Puerto
Vallarta offers visitors a broad spectrum of authentic Mexican
experiences, with a wide range of spectacular landscapes, fantastic food
(and tequila, of course), and the chance to see some of the rarest
animals on land and at sea.
Rafael Acosta -- a.k.a. 'Juanito' -- quits as president
of Mexico City neighborhood
Reporting
from Mexico City - Rafael Acosta, the peddler-turned-politico whose
maneuverings have captivated Mexico City for months, quit as president
of its most populous borough Thursday amid allegations that he filed a
false birth certificate when he ran.……Go
to original article
Mexico Spending $90M on Ads for Tourism
Celeb ad
campaign with targets tourists scared away from Mexico by swine flu
If the
rich, famous and pretty are returning to Mexico's beaches now that
officials say the swine flu epidemic is waning, won't everyone else?
That's
the message of a $90 million campaign aimed at luring tourists scared
off by the outbreak, which has killed at least 83 people in Mexico. ……Go
to original article
Rights Group Report Faults Mexican Army’s Conduct in Drug War
The
steady drumbeat of complaints against Mexico’s army is expected to
continue Tuesday, when Amnesty International is scheduled to release a
report raising allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture and
arbitrary detentions against soldiers engaged in the nation’s drug
war…..go
to original article
Canadian mining firm at centre of Mexican murder
probe
Three
men with links to a Canadian mining company have been charged in the
killing of a Mexican activist, threatening already strained relations
between the countries on the eve of a visit to the same region by
Governor-General Michaëlle Jean……
go to original article
U.S. to use new drone to scour coast for
smugglers
U.S. federal border police will soon launch an
unmanned surveillance aircraft with marine radar to patrol the coastline
for drug smuggling boats, authorities said on Monday.
The remote-controlled plane acquired by the Customs and Border
Protection agency is an adapted and unarmed version of the Predator
drones built by California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Inc and flown by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan….go
to original article
Mexican president meets Canada's governor general on bilateral
ties
Mexican President Felipe Calderon Monday welcomed Canada's Governor
General Michaelle Jean at his presidential residence Los Pinos, praising
the bilateral efforts in forging close economic ties and combating
organized crime. …..go
to original article
Rethinking Trade Policy for Development: Lessons From Mexico Under NAFTA
Despite an increase in trade, foreign investment,
and productivity since NAFTA took effect in 1994, Mexico has been
disappointed by slow economic growth and weak job creation. In addition,
recession in the United States is hitting Mexico particularly hard,
given its dependence on its northern neighbor. …go
to original article
Gibson to make movie in Mexican prison
Mel Gibson will next year clear out a prison to
shoot scenes for his second movie in Mexico.
According to the governor of Veracruz, Gibson will
return to eastern Mexico where he shot the 2006 movie Apocalypto…..go
to original article
Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue
Advocating humane and healthy
practices for animals in the Jaltemba Bay area by promoting health,
education, sterilization, adoptions, foster care and positive
relationships with animals and their owners.
December 2006 to November
2009: Three years, 8 clinics and more than 1,340 animals spayed or
neutered in the Jaltemba Bay area!
JBAR UPDATE:
Tuesday Sayulita Express
Since our last clinic in
November where 128 animals were spayed and neutered, JBAR has been
taking 5 animals every Tuesday to be spayed or neutered down to the
veterinary clinic in Sayulita. The Sayulita clinic offers free spaying
and neutering for street dogs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Since we are taking so many animals to the clinic, we are offering a
donation of 150 pesos per animal to help them defray their expenses. If
anyone here who has a truck with a topper or a van/suv wishes to help
out with one-way transportation, please call Lacy 274 0102. So far we
have sterilized and additional 20 animals by making the weekly trip.
Many thanks to Gayle Betzing
and her husband, Jim Stewart, Ana Lewis Julianna Bay and Susan Schrandt
for transporting home our sterilized animals.
Gayle Betzing and her husband
Also thanks to Sheila Soenen
who is visiting in our area who has helped us by removing the rope
around a dog’s neck in La Penita (it had cut into the throat). She
bought the antibiotics and has continued to treat the dog. Sheila also
helped make a splint for a dog hit by a car. She is a dog trainer on
vacation!
NOVEMBER FREE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC
For those of you who wish to
see photos of our last clinic, please click on the following link to the
clinic photo album:
The girls are now in
their own apartment and we wish to thank Geovanna de La Rosa for
providing them with free rent for a month. Suyin continues to attend
the university in Tepic on Saturday after working five days a week.
The younger girl, Kenia, is doing well in school.
Kind folks who wish to
remain anonymous are completing the work on the casa begun for Ana by
Habitat for Humanity; this is expected to take a couple of months. Then
the girls will move into their own new home.
We wish to thank the
following for their generous contributions:
Linda
Webb 650 pesos
Anonymous 500 pesos
Petra’s
jar 400 pesos
Breakfast
collection 345 pesos
Karen
Duffy 500 pesos
Franny Bischof
500 pesos
Rick
Echeverria 200 pesos
We purchased 400 pesos
of groceries for the girls in Mega this past week and were thanked
profusely. This week we will pay 1100 pesos for Suyin’s university
fees.
An anonymous donor has
offered to fund English classes for Kenia; she is also meeting with Hala
two afternoons a week to improve her skills in that language.
We regret to announce
that Susana has resigned from our committee due to other demands on her
time.
If anyone wishes to
assist Kenia in the afternoons please call either Jane Kelley at
274-2868 or Lupita Cuevas Geddes at 274-1252.
For more than 20 years internationally acclaimed artist Roberto Gil de
Montes has infused this rural beach town with enthusiasm for the arts.
Not only does he have a studio for creating his own work, but he has
been instrumental in improving the La Penita community, mentoring
numerous artists, and providing the area’s only fine art gallery,
Xaltemba. “I’ve been fortunate to live a life dedicated to art while
being active in the neighborhood-whereever I’ve lived” said Roberto.
Unlike many successful, big talents, Roberto is approachable and
personable, subtly articulate about a wide spectrum of issues including
Mexican art history or artistic expression or social problems of
immigrants. His complex intellect and world travels are evident in his
artistic work and professional achievements, yet to the Xaltemba
visitors and local residents, Roberto is just “that really interesting
guy in La Penita.”
Born in
Guadalajara, Mexico, a city that is seeped in outstanding architecture,
magnificent public sculpture and art, Roberto’s earliest memories were
of the José Clemente Orozco murals. When he was 15 (center photo, above)
Roberto’s family moved to the vastly different urban Los Angeles, USA.
As a result of “having one foot on both sides of the border,” Roberto’s
art expresses a bicultural perspective. After graduating from public
high school, Roberto spent two years at Los Angeles Trade Technical
College studying photography while taking classes at East Los Angeles
College. He began his BFA program at Otis Parsons Art Institute in
1972 and became friends with
Judithe Hernández and
Carlos Almaraz. The latter would become a mentor and friend for
life. After receiving his MFA from Otis Parsons in
1976, he took classes in Latin American Studies at California
State University, Los Angeles, from 1976
to 1978. There he met
Gronk, Willi Herrón,
and Harry Gamboa, and with them founded
Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), one of the most
innovative and imaginative exhibition spaces in Los Angeles.
In 1979 the Mexican magazine Artes
Visuales, affiliated with the Museo de Arte Moderno, invited Gil de
Montes to edit a special issue dedicated to Chicano art. He moved to
Mexico City, where he worked with the magazine and got involved in the
intellectual and cultural milieu of the city. Returning to LA, Roberto
focused on his painting and other artistic projects. Besides earning
critical acclaim, he was awarded the coveted mid career Getty Center for
the Arts fellowship.
A large component of Roberto’s work is characterized by modernist
figures in a style that is infused with Mexican mythology and landscapes
with an interjection of Los Angles attitude. Throughout his professional
career he has had many one man exhibits besides participating in
numerous group art shows. In addition to having his art shown in
prestigious galleries, such as Jan Baum Los Angeles, Gil de Montes’ art
appears in several respected art anthologies: Hispanic Art in the USA
(1987);
the European exhibition “Le Demon des Anges,” (1991);
Currents in Southern California Art (2000); and the Smithsonian
American Art Museum exhibition entitled Arte Latino (2005). Besides
producing a large body of provocative paintings, Roberto has created two
public art commissions: the 7th Street Metro Central Station,
entitled “Heaven to Hell”; and a ceramic fountain for MTA Gateway Park
(1995). Both, pictured below, are in Los Angeles.
Throughout his creative career, Roberto also taught fine arts at various
universities such as Monterey and UCLA. It’s no wonder that with such a
busy schedule Roberto finds the slower pace of La Penita, Mexico
inspirational and rejuvenating.
In
his quest for “experiencing a life well-lived,” Roberto has traveled to
Europe, Cuba, India (left photo) and Asia. This appreciation and
first-hand experience with the colors and nuances of other cultures
infuse his art with a global perspective and narrative quality. “I find
inspiration in the work of others,” said Roberto. Perhaps it is this
intellectual openness, coupled with Roberto’s innate generous nature
that has led to his long history of mentoring aspiring artists in LA and
Mexico. “It was Roberto’s encouragement to follow my heart that
motivated me to pursue my art fulltime, to stop working the job I hated;
to stop thinking, maybe someday…” said textile artist Ruth Suarez.
Roberto’s
keen appreciation of cinema has a fascinating history. “I love good
movies and consider them not just a form of entertainment but a vehicle
for education and social change,” he said. “When you visit our
restaurant we show clips from movies, and music numbers, but from time
to time we play an entire film. In the future we would love to share
movies that have inspired us and maybe start a movie club.” When Roberto
was 17 he had a summer job at Twentieth Century Fox Studio working in
the story files department. “My job was to file the synopsis that the
studio writers would crank out. I was amazed that in an old Spanish
building in the lot, there were people whose job it was to just read
books then write reviews and recommendations for turning the book into
film.” Later on he worked at Universal Studios in the still photo
department. “I was just a gopher, taking film to the photographers on
the set and then picking up the shot film to take back to the lab for
developing. It was exciting to see a film actually being shot, or the
score music being played simultaneously with a film.” From this cinema
experience, Roberto learned the importance of lighting and design that
goes into creating the background for the narrative, elements that he
utilizes in his art. “I have many good memories of my experience with
movie production,” he said with a smile. “One highlight is that I saw
Burt Bachrach score the film for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,
which won an Oscar for best music.” Roberto is featured in three art
video cassette productions, all of which are still available through
Amazon.com.
A
firm believer in the importance of individual contribution to society,
Roberto and his partner, Eduardo Dominguez, (left) another dynamic
talent, are concerned with the quality of life in their south of the
border community. They were instrumental in impacting change through
community action: first by hosting meetings in their home, starting
educational programs in the local schools, and organizing a fund raising
event to accomplish the programs. These efforts have evolved into the
highly effective Los Amigos non-profit organization that has built a
recycling center, cleaned up the beaches, and financed local school
structural improvements.
The huge impact of Roberto Gil de Montes’ diverse talent will enrich
this Riviera Nayarit tiny community for generations. By making art
assessable in his Xaltemba gallery, mentoring local artists and
providing a venue for performing arts that encourages the friendship of
Mexican and international residents, this one low-key individual proves
that caring can make a significant difference in a neighborhood.
Roberto’s painting that is part of
the Xaltemba Arte Gallery and
Restaurant
In the Smithsonian Modern Art
collection La Penita, Nayarit
Jaltemba Cup Golf Championship proceeds go to
computers for Secondaria in La Penita de Jaltemba
Bill Bell (second from left) explains to school principal and over 400
high school children that the computers were just one way that the
Foreign visitors were giving back to the community that most call a home
away from home. Right to left Ginger Paine, Byron Paine, Larry Baron and
California George. The biggest cheer went out when Bill told the
audience that the current champions were the sole Mexican team that
played in the cup.
Marching for flag Day, the children attend this school come from
Lo de Marcos and as far north as Chacala
Jaltemba Cup organizers Byron, Larry and Ginger hand over the four
computers to the grateful young adults. This year's funds went to buy 5
computers (one was given to the Casa de Ninos in Lo De Marcos) as well
as a community sound system
Ginger presents one the computers to smiling girl while the
above fellow thank the Jaltemba Cup organizers and participants for the
computers. (Computers and this technology is our future and paves
the way for our success...gracias" he said.
El Gran Bazar a Huge Success
When almost five hundred people were waiting for
the gates to open at El Gran Bazar held by the Education Committee of
Los Amigos de La Peñita on Saturday,
December 5, we knew we had a big hit on our hands.
Although a final figure will not be known until our
raffles are finalized, our preliminary estimate is that the event raised
somewhere in the order of 15,000 pesos. This money will go directly
into projects designed to help improve schools in
La Peñita.
After the bazar, almost
two hundred people stayed around, despite the rain, for the
entertainment, which featured our Junior Charros, Ballet Iztacihuatl
from Las Varas,
Marion and Jeff Rogers,
Duane Flatmo, and Most Wanted.
The Education Committee would like to thank
everyone who made the event such a huge success:
the businesses who made donations to the
event-La Casita
Restaurant, Charly's Restaurant in Los Ayala, the Fitness Pad, La
Palapa de Guty, Piña Colada, Soleys Restaurant, Tonitas III,
Xaltemba Restaurant, Coca-cola and Pepsi;
Ken and Mary Alice Snyder, who donated a
dinner for four with cocktails and wine in their home;
Jaltemba Bay Folk and Jaltemba Sol, who help
to publicize the event;
the entertainers who gave so freely of their
time;
the people who generously donated items to the
Bazar; and
the many volunteers who did everything from
picking up and transporting items, pricing and selling them and
setting up and cleaning up the venue.
The draw for the raffle prizes will be held at the
next Los Amigos Meeting on Monday, December 14 at 7:00 at La Palapa de
Guty. Tickets will be available at the Tianguis on Thursday.
For more pictures of the event, you can go to
http://sites.google.com/site/ecoparksite/
The next meeting of Los Amigos de La Peñita will be
on Monday, December 14 at Restaurante La Palapa de Guty, Circuito
Libertad #4. There will be a social gathering at 6:30 with the formal
meeting starting at 7:00.
Key agenda items will be:
* Invitation to all to join Los Amigos
* Election of officers for 2010
* Latest developments in recycling
* Promoting donations of money and auction items
for Fiesta 2010
We will also be drawing the raffle tickets from El
Gran Bazar.
All are welcome.
Word to the Wise BUY NOW
Editorial-ita
by Dorothy Bell
The crazy season is almost upon
us. Not only is the market filling up every Thursday, but stores and
restaurants are getting more and more crowded. Half of the part time
residents seem to be here already; welcome back hugs to friends get more
frequent.
We have a vibrant and giving
community which has been very generous with the less fortunate. As most
of you know the calendar is crazy during the last week of January and
the beginning of February. The Jaltemba Cup Golf Tournament, Fiesta La
Penita, the Superbowl festivities, The Margarita Challenge, the
Horseshoe tourney, and of course, the Fashion Show. Everyone complains
that all the attractions take place all at once, yet every year many of
us attend or participate in nearly all of the events. Its what we do.
Well the word has caught on. The
Fashion Show has sold out of their tables for ten already and you can
now only purchase individual tickets. The Margarita Challenge ticket
sales are also moving right along and even though the event is in
February, over 1/2 of their tickets are committed. Patty at Hinde and
Jaimes says that her Superbowl event is getting "tight."
Word to the Wise? Buy your tickets
now if you wish to attend any of the great functions that will be taking
place in January and February. Write or phone a friend and ensure you
have a place at the table, a spot on the team or a ticket to the event.
This season is lining up to be
hot, hot, hot.
Calderón: 2009 was 'The Year of Living Dangerously' Jaime Obrajero - The News
go to original
December 11, 2009
Speaking at a general
assembly meeting of the National Housing Fund for Workers (Infonavit),
the president said that the economy in the third quarter grew
2.9 percent, a turn-around from earlier this year. (Notimex/Alfredo
Guerrero)
México - President Felipe Calderón said Thursday that 2009 has been one
of Mexico´s worst economic years, but 2010 will be the year of
recuperation.
Speaking from Los Pinos presidential residence during a general assembly
meeting of the National Housing Fund for Workers (Infonavit), the
president called on the housing industry to expand its offerings and
provide easier access to housing.
Calderón said that the economy in the third quarter grew 2.9 percent, a
turn-around from earlier this year.
Calderón compared 2009 to the Charlton Heston movie, "The Year of Living
Dangerously."
"Paraphrasing some very famous movie from way back when, whose name I
don´t remember...It was more or like the year that we lived dangerously.
Practically all of 2009. It was, or still is a very complicated, very
difficult, very challenging year. The United States economy fell on top
of us, that´s why the damage here was worse."
However, beginning in June, Calderón said, Mexico´s economy saw small
signs of recovery. From January to November only 24,000 jobs were
created, but in November alone 106,000 new positions were created, he
said.
Those figures are true, he added, even though the country doesn´t
perceive it that way.
"(November had) the highest figure since 2007 in the country," Calderón
said. "It´s a real fact, incomparable, because the workers are
registered in social security with their name, surname and the amount
they´re paying for social security every six months."
The president also took the opportunity to yet again call on Ernesto
Cordero to take all of the needed measures to improve the economy.
Cordero is expected to ascend from secretary of Social Development to
secretary of Finance.
Calderón thanked the Organized Laborer Movement, especially the Mexican
Workers Confederation´s Joaquín Gamboa Pascoe, for the "enormous
responsibility with which they have managed their respective
organizations" despite the crisis and unemployment.
Having problems with Telemex? You can call an English speaking operator for
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To all who are
interested in viewing the Barbie Fashion Show. Dates and times for
viewing the barbie fashion show at Xaltemba Restaurant in La Penita is
scheduled to begin on Thursday, the 17th of December. The exhibition
will be open for viewing from 5.30 til 9. The same on Friday. Then
Saturday, the volunteer party, and the closing is Sunday. The Santa
event which is scheduled for Sunday, the 20th at 5:30. Santa will meet
the children in the plaza in La Penita at 5:15 and proceed with them to
the restaurant. We are expecting about 25 girls who will then be
presented with a gift from Santa. Tom Plattenberger, to curate Barbie Fashion show at Xaltemba
Restaurant, December 17th to 20th.
The Barbie Fashion Show, being guest curated by Tom Plattenberger,
is scheduled to open the evening of the 17th of December at Xaltemba
Restaurant and Gallery and close on Sunday the 20th about 6 pm. We
will be showing over 300 Barbie's, but expect to have a total of 650
dolls, which will then be given to area agencies for distribution to
the local children for Christmas. This show is the product of this
year's Barbie's Angel project volunteers. The show is open to the
public and is viewable any time the restaurant is open.
History
of the Barbie Angels Project
by Geri Demoss
I
have always crocheted and knitted since I was a young girl, although
during my working years I had not indulged in my craft. Consequently,
upon my retirement in 1990, I was looking for a hobby and returned to
crocheting afghans and doilies. After about 10 years of that pursuit,
all of the family had a generous supply of afghans and my husband said
we had enough doilies to put doilies on top of doilies. I had garnered
many blue ribbons from the county and State fairs, had sold and given
away many of my creations and was looking for another avenue in which to
use my crocheting expertise. Thus the beginning of the Barbie Doll
Adventure.
Mixed slowpitch is Wed at 11 AM at the ball diamond next to the
Guayabitos PEMEX. All welcome. We share gloves so even if you don't
have one come on out.
Any one seen these bikes?
Happy ending!
Santa Claus came early to the Paraiso del Pescador RV
Park!! The two stolen bicycles that were reported in the last
edition of the Jaltemba Sol were recovered today at the Police
Station in Guayabitos. Thanks for all who gave us advice and
support. Mary Jane and Jim
Mexico City has been certified by Guinness World Records as having
the world's largest Christmas tree.
The tree stands 110.35 meters high, has a diameter of 35 meters and
weighs 330 tonnes.
The new record exceeds by 24 centimeters the Christmas tree in
Aracaju, Brazil, the city that had held the record since 2007 with a
tree 110.11 meters high. Bill Bell Photographs
Did Nafta Actually Help Mexico? Elisabeth Malkin - New York Times
go to original
December 12, 2009
Nafta, signed by President Carlos Salinas
of Mexico, left, and President Bill Clinton, has been in
effect for almost 16 years. (Henry Romero/Reuters)
Who benefited from the North American Free Trade Agreement? Given
the continuing decline in American manufacturing jobs, many people
assume the winner in the accord must have been Mexico.
Unions and a portion of the Democratic Party have argued that the
accord helped push American jobs south of the border to Mexico,
where companies can take advantage of low wages and lax regulation.
When the issue emerged again last year during the Democratic
primary, the benefits to Mexico were never questioned.
But a study released Wednesday by the Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace finds that Mexico has fared poorly under the
accord.
“After 15 years, it seems clear that Nafta’s promise of broad-based
dynamic growth did not come true in Mexico,” write the study’s
authors, Eduardo Zepeda of the Carnegie Endowment and Timothy A.
Wise and Kevin P. Gallagher of the Global Development and
Environment Institute at Tufts.
In one crucial way, Nafta did deliver as expected: Exports and
foreign direct investment tripled from the early 1990s as Mexico
became a leading supplier of cars, electronics and a broad variety
of industrial parts to the United States. Productivity in Mexican
manufacturing rose 80 percent.
But annual economic growth averaged only 1.6 percent per capita
between 1992 and 2007 — low even by Mexican standards until the
1980s.
The authors blame several problems that contributed to the low
growth. While those problems are not exclusively Nafta’s fault, the
authors argue that they are part of a broader Nafta-based economic
strategy that shunned the public sector’s role in promoting growth.
For example, despite the increase in foreign direct investment,
domestic investment decreased.
There are several reasons for this. Local companies went out of
business because they could not compete with imports. Foreign
companies that invested in Mexico did not source from Mexico, and
Nafta’s conditions prevented Mexico from requiring local purchases.
At the same time, public investment fell because Mexico adopted
strict fiscal policies to achieve macroeconomic stability. The study
estimates that Mexico’s overall investment rate has hovered around
19 percent of gross domestic product, compared to China’s rate of
about 40 percent over the last two decades.
American jobs did move south, particularly into the export sector.
The growth in services — new supermarkets, banks, tourism — also
created jobs. But overall, Mexico was unable to create enough jobs
to make up for all the jobs lost because of competition from
imports, particularly purchases of subsidized grains from the United
States.
The oversupply of labor, along with government policies that
succeeded in keeping wages low, have led to a slight increase in the
gap between average wages in the United States and Mexico —
precisely the opposite of what Nafta was expected to do.
The authors conclude that “Mexico locked into place a set of
economic policies that collectively produced disappointing results.”
Mexico — and other countries seeking Nafta-style trade agreements
with the United States — should reframe policies in terms of broader
pro-growth strategies that channel the benefits from trade into
other parts of the economy, the authors write.
Mixed Slowpitch
Just a reminder that Mixed slowpitch is Wed at 11 AM at the ball
diamond next to the Guayabitos PEMEX. All welcome. We share gloves so
even if you don't have one come on out.
Coming December 12th Our Lady of Guadeloupe Day
Click the ad to go to our site
Amigos de Lo de Marcos Fundraiser
Date:
Saturday, 06 February 2010
Time:
15:00 - 22:00
Location:
Plaza Principal, Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico
This event raises funds that enable Amigos de Lo de Marcos to
help the community of Lo de Marcos. Amigos projects last year
included repairing bathrooms at the Elementary School, building
garbage collection centers, providing transportation for Senior
Citizens, building Recycling Bins, etc. There will be Live
Music, auctions, raffles, and Great Food!! Donations for auction
gratefully accepted!
Rafael Acosta - a.k.a. 'Juanito' - Quits as
President of Mexico City Neighborhood Ken Ellingwood - Los Angeles Times
go to original
December 11, 2009
Rafael Acosta gives a
thumbs up to the press as he sits in the offices of the borough
chief of Ixtapalapa in Mexico City. (Marco Ugarte/Associated
Press)
The erstwhile street vendor
is accused of falsifying his birth certificate when he ran for the job
in Iztapalapa. A months-long drama may have ended.
Mexico City - Rafael Acosta, the peddler-turned-politico whose
maneuverings have captivated Mexico City for months, quit as president
of its most populous borough Thursday amid allegations that he filed a
false birth certificate when he ran.
Acosta, a leftist street vendor who goes by "Juanito," delivered his
resignation after foes threatened to seek prosecution on charges that
his candidacy papers were falsified. Acosta this week gave reporters
conflicting birth dates, first saying he was born in 1958, then 1960.
His family background also has come under scrutiny.
Clara Brugada, who fought Acosta for the job, threatened to file a
criminal complaint. Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard will propose a
possible replacement to local lawmakers.
Acosta's resignation apparently ends the drama that has swirled since
July over Iztapalapa, a working-class community with nearly 2 million
residents. At that time, Acosta won election as delegado, a mayor-like
post, as part of a deal in which he would hand over power to Brugada,
who had been ruled off the ballot after a disputed internal party vote.
The arrangement ran into trouble after Acosta won July 5. He first
flirted with keeping the job, but then agreed to take a leave of
absence, clearing the way for Brugada to take over.
Then, last week, as Acosta's two-month leave ended, he announced he
would take the job after all. He fired Brugada and her team, and she
appealed to the Mexico City legislature to oust him.
Lawmakers were studying the matter when Acosta resigned. ken.ellingwood(at)latimes.com
Driving
Safely in Mexico
Driving safely in Mexico tips by Bill and Dot
Bell
1996 SUBURBAN, 150,000 MILES ENGINE
AND POWER TRAIN IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
Nayarit plates 40,000 pesos
274 0733 Jonathan Boston
FOR SALE: 1993 Suburban. 30,000 peso. Contact Amelia at Castle
Bungalows in LaPenita, 327-274-0958.
SE VENDE: 1993 Suburban, 30,000 pesos, Telephono Amelia en
Castle Bungalows en LaPenita, 327-274-0958.
FOR SALE: My husband died. Need to sell his boat with Honda
motor on a trailer. 55,000 pesos. Call Amelia at Castle
Bungalows in LaPenita, 327-274-0958.
SE VENDE: Launcha con Honda motor en remolque. 55,000 pesos.
Telephono Amelia en Castle Bungalows en LaPenita,
327-274-0958.
FOR SALE: Small freezer. Works good. 1,500 pesos. Contact
Amelia at Castle Bungalows In LaPenita. 327-274-0958.
SE VENDE: Confrilador, chico, 1,500 pesos. Telephone Amelia
en Castle Bungalows en LaPenita, 327-274-0958.
Click this ad for more information
Now you can report police and
government corruption in Mexico on line
click here
Your personal
information will be protected in accordance to
the Federal Law of Transparency and Access to
Public Government Information and Guidelines
Got a
question?
If you are
unsure of
how to fill
the
complaint
form,
complaint,
suggestion,
request or
recognition,
we advise
you 24 hours
a day 365
days a year.
or well, via the Internet according to the type of service:
To register a complaint against any service provider tourist area and send for Complaints and Suggestions SECTUR, just press the appropriate area below
We would like to rent a 3 bedroom
house on or very near the beach in Rincon de Guayabitos. Three
Canadian couples with no children and all non smokers looking to
rent from January 31, 2010 till March 15th 2010.
Email brian@robgrey.com
LOOKING TO BUY VEHICLE in
the Guayabitos area, 4 door and must be in good running order.
Also must have Nayarit plates. Will be in Guayabitos at the end
of Oct. 2009. Please email pictures and price to
jc@sunwave.net.
MIRAR PARA COMPVAR UN VEHICULO en el
area de Guayabitos, 4 puerta y debe estar en correr bueno
orden.Tambien debe tener platos de Nayarit. Estara en Guayabitos
a fines de octubre 2009. Mande un correo electronico por favor
cualquier imagan y valore a
jc@sunwave.net.
FOR SALE: Hughes DW7000 Satellite Unit $450.00 USD
A new and complete (modem, dish antenna and all mounting
hardware) Hughes DW7000 Satellite unit still in the box for
anyone wanting to have their own private system.
Mexico: Are Safety Concerns Fact or Fiction? Glynna Prentice - International Living
go to original
December 03, 2009
Mexico's real estate
market and tourism industry have been hard hit by the
global recession, concerns of drug violence and the
swine flu. Are the safety concerns legitimate, or a myth
reinforced by the media?
Mazatlan, Mexico - Part of my daily routine here in Campeche,
where I live in the Yucatán Peninsula, is to stroll to the
historic center and chat with friends who own shops on the main
street. I usually go in the late afternoon when the air is
cooler and long shadows stretch across the cobbled streets and
colonial buildings. It’s a nice walk, and very peaceful.
I used to pass lots of tourists along the way, but I don’t
anymore. These days my friends mostly talk about how tourism is
down, and with it their sales.
Tourism all over Mexico has slowed to a trickle this year. Part
of this is due to the global recession, which has left people
with less money to spend on travel. But mostly it’s due to bad
press, to fears of swine flu and of drug violence. And it’s a
shame, because it’s both inaccurate and undeserved.
It’s doubly a shame because those fears are making folks miss
out on some exceptional bargains. Right now, you can get big
savings on Mexico travel deals - discounts on hotel stays, air
fares, restaurants and the like - to entice tourists back. The
tourists who come all have a great time.
Mexican authorities shut down
Blackfire mine
The
Canadian mining company entangled in a murder
investigation of a local activist has had its
mine shut down by Mexican authorities because of
environmental violations.
The Ministry of the
Environment for the state of Chiapas has
temporarily closed a barite mine owned by
Calgary-based Blackfire Exploration Ltd., citing
several infractions, including pollution and
causing toxic emissions, a government
spokeswoman said yesterday.
Three men linked to Blackfire,
including a current employee, were recently
arrested in the Nov. 27 slaying of activist
Mariano Abarca Roblero, who had publicly
protested against the mining operation located
in Chicomuselo, Chiapas. Ministry spokeswoman
Carolina Ochoa denied the mine closing had
anything to do with the killing.
Brent Willis, president of
Blackfire, said the company has not been told
why the mine, which has been operating since
November, 2008, was closed.
“The government asked for it
to be shut down today … we don't have an
understanding of why it was shut down,” Mr.
Willis said in an interview.
Privately held Blackfire,
which is controlled by Mr. Willis, his brother
Brent and Mexican investor Emiliano Canales
Avila, has denied any role in the death of Mr.
Abarca, who was gunned down in a drive-by
shooting outside his home.
Mexico's Attorney-General has
said that all three men arrested in the murder
are linked to Blackfire. Mr. Willis denied this.
He said one man, Caralampio Lopez Vazquez, works
for the company, but that the other two are no
longer employees.
“We were not involved in the
incident in any manner,” Mr. Willis said.
The mine shutdown and murder
investigation comes as Canadian Governor-General
Michaëlle Jean visits Chiapas on a diplomatic
tour and as Parliament considers Bill C-300, a
private member's bill that would impose
sanctions on Canadian resource companies that
violate human rights and environmental standards
in foreign countries.
The powerful mining industry
is lobbying hard to quash the bill, introduced
by Liberal MP John McKay, but concedes the
Blackfire situation is unlikely to help its
cause.
“It is a serious situation
and it is a tragic situation,” Gordon Peeling,
president and chief executive officer of The
Mining Association of Canada, said of the
murder.
“It is not helpful in terms
of the dynamic of the discussion for those that
want to link these things. Their thinking is
flawed if they try to link it to C-300,” he
added.
Roger Maldonado, another
activist in Chiapas who knew Mr. Abarca, said
Blackfire has been accused of causing
environmental damage and bribing local officials
and that anti-mining activists have faced
threats and retaliation from mine employees.
“They feel their jobs are
jeopardized by somebody protesting against the
mine,” Mr. Maldonado said in an interview.
Ms. Jean and Peter Kent,
Canada's junior foreign minister for the
Americas, were touring in Mexico yesterday as
the Blackfire mining operation was being shut
down.
A spokeswoman for Ms. Jean
said the Canadian delegation was not targeted by
protests related to either the environmental
accusations that have dogged the mine or the
murder charges pending against people linked to
the Canadian company.
But in Canada, federal
opposition members say there must be some
controls placed on Canadian corporations
operating abroad.
Mr. McKay, the author of Bill
C-300 said allegations like those levied against
Blackfire, even if unproven, damage the company,
the industry and the reputation of all
Canadians.
Peter Julian, an NDP MP who
has put forth his own bill that would allow
people who have been harmed by Canadian
corporations operating in other countries to
seek redress in a Canadian court, says Mr.
McKay's bill does not go far enough.
“The actions of a Canadian
company, good or bad, have an impact on Canada
as a whole,” said Mr. Julian, whose proposed
legislation is unlikely to get as far as Mr.
McKay's.
“There is no doubt that there
are a number of Canadian companies that have
been irresponsible,” he said. “That,
unfortunately, gives a black eye to the whole
industry and does have an impact on Canada.”
The government needs a means
of address for these kinds of issues to ensure
that Canadian companies are always acting in a
socially end environmentally responsible manner,
Mr. Julian said.
Eleanor Johnston, a
spokeswoman for Mr. Kent, confirmed that no
protesters greeted the Canadian dignitaries
yesterday. “A crime has been committed and the
appropriate Mexican authorities are
investigating,” said Ms. Johnston.
With files
from The Canadian Press
Become a Friend of Nayarit on Face book
click here Wanted Wanted: Looking for second hand woman's bicycle.
Prefer a cruiser type, appearance not important, working order or not.
e-mail bochar22@gmail.com
Busco una bicicleta para mujer.
Prefiero el tipo cruzer de playa, en servicio o no.
correo electronico bochar22@gmail.com
Learn
Spanish Today
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Can you Speak Spanish? How long have you been studying
Spanish? Between high school classes, college classes
and you own efforts you could easily have a couple years
already under your belt. During this time you have
likely built up a good Spanish vocabulary, along with a
basic understanding of Spanish verb conjugation. But can
you speak Spanish?
Why is speaking Spanish
so hard? Would you feel comfortable approaching a native Spanish speaker
and starting a conversation? Why not? Why is it so hard to speak Spanish
evenBeginning high school and college Spanish classes, as well as most
self study Spanish courses start off by teaching vocabulary and verb
conjugation. You practice speaking, but the focus is on the individual
word or phrase. Lists of words are memorized and tests are given on verb
conjugation. So when it comes time to speak, the words and phrases are
separate in your mind. It becomes a matter of trying to pull all the
pieces together and form them all into a sensible sentence, not just
speaking.
The key to becoming more
comfortable in speaking situations is to practice and learn the
sentences as a whole, not in separate pieces. This way when you are
trying to remember what to say, the whole sentence pops in your mind,
not just one word. You will speak Spanish more correctly, more fluently
and more confidently than ever before.
The Visual Link Spanish
Course allows you to utilize this effective way of learning and practice
speaking Spanish. In our
free online demo lessons, you can see
how we utilize these strategies to truly teach you to speak Spanish. You
will be able to recall everything you learn and words will come into your
mind as a complete sentence not separate individual words. You will already
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Learn
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audio/visual lessons.
New with travel guide information added!
Pacific Coast Road, Driving and Travel Guide Log 2010
Driving in Mexico just got a little safer with the
release of México Road Logs - A comprehensive compilation of road logs
of the Mexican Highway system researched and created by Bill and Dot
Bell (www.ontheroadin.com).
They have just released the updated version of their successful Nogales
to Puerto Vallarta road Log and Travel Guide.
The Mexico Road Log and Driving Guides give details
of what to expect along major travel routes when visiting different
areas of Mexico. "Far more than a simple map, these road logs detail
intersections, driving directions, points of interest, and provide
important information on driving hazards that even current GPS systems
do not track" said Dot Bell. "The Road Logs are a must for those who are
driving throughout the Baja, Pacific, Gulf Coast, and the Interior of
Mexico."
According to Insurance Guru Jim Labelle President
of Mexpro (the largest insurance supplier to Canadians and Americans
entering Mexico ) the Road Logs will make car and RV travel in Mexico
less intimidating. "For years, our clients have asked us for updated
road logs of Mexico," Labelle said.
"The Mexico Road Logs provide our customers with
additional peace of mind and will allow them to have a more enjoyable
Mexico travel experience. They may even prevent U-turns and collisions!
By using the Mexico Road Logs, our clients will experience less stress
and have a more relaxed driving experience, which should also help
Mexpro with reduced claims that in the past have resulted from customers
getting lost or losing their composure," Labelle said.
The Mexico Road Logs are updated, simple to read,
easy to use, and offer the perfect solution to people who want to drive
and enjoy Mexico.
The Bell's originally designed the Mexico Road Log
for a Caravan they were leading down Mexico's West Coast. "We wanted to
list every individual gas station and identifier so folks wouldn't get
lost. We wanted to warn them of every turn and hazard along the way,"
says Bell. "They were such a hit and even the people who have driven
Mexican Roads for years were asking for them. They wanted to be reminded
where the next gas station was, if it sold diesel or where the next
Military checkpoint was likely to be."
The Bell's are experts in Mexico Travel and have
led conferences, seminars and special classes about driving and travel
in Mexico throughout Canada and the USA. They have the most
comprehensive travel website on Mexico Driving, RVing and Camping and
are now working with Mexpro to distribute Mexico Road Logs in an
easy-to-use interactive download.
Available at http://www.ontheroadin.com.
How to download and buy the Road Log
Click on the buy now button and you will be directed to a merchants page.
Once you pay for the road log you will redirected to an easy to use download
page where you will be able to receive your product immediately. Now only
$9.99
![virgin-of-guadalupe-3[1].jpg](Decembe13_files/image002.jpg)
![tattoo[1].jpg](Decembe13_files/image004.jpg)
According
to anthropologist Rose Anna Mueller, José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican
muralists, and other artists have used this image for its liberationist
and powerful meanings. Female artists have mined its potential as a
feminine symbol of empowerment. In some instances Guadalupe assumed a
more active stance than the prayerful pose of folded hands and downcast
eyes of the "standard image." She ceased to be an intercessor for her
son, becoming a potent and active woman in her own right. Two 1933
paintings by P. Gonzalo Carrasco, "The Virgin of Guadalupe Defending
Mexican Youth" depict a very active Virgin attacking demons while
keeping an infant in her arms, out of reach from demons.
![rgdmontes_375x287_dolorespa[1].jpg](Decembe13_files/image018.jpg)
Angeles.
In 
_(LOC).jpg/180px-New_York_Giants_Opening_Day_line-up_at_the_Polo_Grounds_New_York._Left_to_right_Fred_Snodgrass,_Tillie_Shafer,_George_Burns,_Larry_Doyle,_Red_Murray,_Fred_Merkle,_Buck_Herzog,_Chief_Meyers_(baseball)_(LOC).jpg)
Complaints Against providers of tourist services
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Learn
Spanish Today 
- Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.
