Jaltemba Sol Ezine

The full moon tonight will be the biggest one of the year as Earth's natural satellite reaches its closest point to our planet.

Earth, the moon and the sun are all bound together by gravity, which keeps us going around the sun and keeps the moon going around us as it goes through phases. The moon makes a trip around Earth every 29.5 days. But the orbit is not a perfect circle.

The moon's average distance from us is about 238,855 miles (384,400 km). Tonight it will be just 221,560 miles (356,567 km) away. It will be 14 percent bigger in our sky and 30 percent brighter than some other full moons during the year, according to NASA.

Tides will be higher tonight, too. Earth's oceans are pulled by the gravity of the moon and the sun. So when the moon is closer, tides are pulled higher. Scientists call these perigean tides, because the moon's closest point to Earth is called perigee. The farthest point on the lunar orbit is called apogee.

Some other strange lunar facts:

� The moon is moving away from Earth as you read this, by about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) a year. Eventually it'll be torn apart as an expanding sun pushes the moon back toward Earth for a wrenching close encounter.

� There is no proof the full moon makes people crazy.

� Beaches are more polluted during full moon, owing to the higher tides.

The moon will rise this evening right around sunset, no matter where you are. That's because of the celestial mechanics that produce a full moon: The moon and the sun are on opposite sides of the planet, so that sunlight hits the full face of the moon and bounces back to our eyes.

At moonrise, the moon will appear even larger than it will later in the night when it's higher in the sky. This is an illusion that scientists can't fully explain. Some think it has to do with our perception of things on the horizon vs. stuff overhead.

U.S. car owners legalizing their vehicles in Mexico are increasingly becoming victims of fraud, reports La Opinion. People who pose as car customs agents are using fabricated forms to swindle car owners. Several alleged agents have opened offices in Mexico as well as in Southern California.

Car owners, such as Javier Ruelas, a resident of West Covina, lost two thousand dollars to an alleged broker. "People are looking to legalize their cars and take them with them to Mexico, but are unaware of the process and fall easily into fraud," said Maria Guadalupe Guerrero owner of America Auto Registration in Bell, Southern CA.

Mexican authorities and civil associations have recently launched a wake-up call to alert people of the alleged customs agents targeting car owners online, at border crossings and in Southern California"s Latino neighborhoods.

Crazy Nelly and Suzette invite you to Crazy Nelly's first anniversary bash this Sunday starting at 6 pm

When you meet any one of these ladies, you"re always greeted with a smile and hug. Pauline English-Gow, Ginger Payne, Jan Poteat, and Val Schrowe are more than just pretty faces seen around the Riviera Nayarit area, they are the epitome of good people. They know how to enjoy life but are quick to lend a helping hand to those in need. Each one is from north of the border but has chosen the Guayabitos area as home for more than 20 years. AARP should use these energetic ladies as poster gals for how to maximize your retirement years: their full lives are packed with friendship, community involvement, grandkids, and recreational activities.

One unique characteristic of this delightful group of friends is that they are original models-still participating seven years later- for the Mujeres a Mujeres charity Fashion Show. Jan explains how the idea got started, We are all golf buddies. Sam LeMay came up with an idea for the first fashion show.. Pauline continued, She approached the lady golfers at the Field of Dreams, asking them to be models and also help her to achieve her goal of a fashion show. Ginger added, It was decided that we should showcase only the Mexican designers. The women loved the idea! interjected the ever enthusiastic Val, and before we left the golf course that day, all of the women were buzzing about helping the local artisans showcase their original designs. What started out as women chit chatting at the Field of Dreams has evolved into a serious charitable entity

As these kind-hearted ladies tell about previous shows, their eyes twinkle as they relate having the jitters before hitting the runway. When asked if any had previous modeling or acting experience, the quartet burst into laughter. We"re just ordinary women wanting to have fun, Ginger said, The designers had to teach us how to walk and move to show off the outfits. While the initial fashion show luncheon served 50, the present show sells out 300 tickets well in advance of the February 10, 2009 event. Our goal has always been to benefit this community, so we will keep the fashion show here in town, Val explains. We could sell more tickets if we had a larger facility. But seating 300 is the maximum here. Pauline says that designers from as far away as Guadalajara and Mazalan, have asked to participate, But we stay loyal to our local talent.

Ginger and Val are wearing original outfits that they have modeled and purchased at previous fashion shows. Mexican-style haute couture incorporates fabrics and colors that are suitable to a tropical lifestyle. Intricate hand detailing, such as beads and beau

tiful embroidery, add flair. Best of all, each outfit is one of a kind! I am just so impressed with the talent these hard-working women designers have, said Ginger. It isn"t the same as the fashion world in other countries. The Mexican designers have the vision but choose to stay in their home town to support their families. The Mujeres a Mujeres annual Fashion Show is like a dream come true for them. It is an opportunity to share their creativity with an appreciative audience.

These modest ladies are proud that the support of the foreign community that has made the Mujeres a Mujeres Fund such a success. We have taken care to be totally accountable for the funds raised, Jan said. All agreed that it was the best thing we ever did by aligning with the independent, impartial Jaltemba Bay Foundation. The Foundation has worked very hard to obtain tax-free status with Mexican, Canadian, and US governments, which ensures that our fund raising efforts truly go entirely to legitimate local charities. The Mujeres a Mujeres fashion show is composed solely of volunteers, as is the Foundation. It is so sad that there are unfounded, negative rumors about what happens to the donations, Ginger said. People need to realize that there aren"t any charities NOB that have zero operating costs. Anyone wanting to apply for support of a worthy cause should c

ontact the Jaltemba Bay Foundation: glent232000@yahoo.com or telephone Dot Bell 327-274-3356.

It"s amazing that these active grandmothers (with a total of 28 grandkids all over the North American continent) are never too busy to pitch in and help others. It is a shared positive outlook on life and an appreciation of our wonderful Mexican community that unites these diverse personalities. Watching the four long-term friends interact gives credence to the expression women friends are chosen sisters. They do indeed form a family that laughs and works together to make a difference to their adopted extended family, the Riviera Nayarit community. Hats off to all these delightful, generous volunteers!

All tickets sold ONLY in advance for the 2009 Women to Women Fashion Show! Ginger 322-228-4318

Premiering November 2, 2008

An Exclusive Bed & Breakfast in a quaint, Mexican beach town.

Tropical Manor House

www.tropicalmanorhouse.com

Come stay with us a while, and discover the true pleasures of a tropical vacation get away, as it should be. We pride ourselves on providing "Personalized Vacation Experiences", comfortable accommodations with a touch of luxury, in lush surroundings.

Pre-Select your delicious breakfast from our varied menu, indicating your preferred breakfast time and we will serve it to you on your private patio, or on the main terrace overlooking the sea. Experience "Sitting in the Sky" on our pool patio before taking a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool. For your pleasure we also serve cocktails on the ocean view terrace, in the afternoon or evening depending on the day's activities.

The perfect get away for a romantic honeymoon, family vacation, or simply a great spot for friends to share an active vacation. Come and experience authentic Mexico without sacrificing creature comforts.

Be our guests, our only guests, and let us strive to anticipate your every need and fulfill your every wish.

Accepting reservations for the 2008/2009 season, now!

Promotional Introductory Rates $700 USD per week, including taxes. Based on double occupancy.

Email: tropicalmanorhouse@gmail.com

Tel: 327-274-3516

Happy Hanukah!

Hanukah starts on Dec. 21st. We want to have a celebration with anyone so inclined within driving distance! We have room to sleep 4 guests. I'll make latkehs and apple sauce; otherwise, potluck, byob, byom+c (menorah and candles) if you have them, guitar/other music makers welcome! RSVP asap 327-274-3417 or marionrogers@prodigy.net.mx

Buy your Fashion show ticket on line now! $25 us

Learn Spanish Today - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.

Photography by Bill Bell to view Mexico Photography click below

Colonial Cities and Towns

Archeological Sites

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dorothy,

We are planning an extended trip to Mexico in our 34' motorhome in January. We want to leave from McAllen, TX and travel along the Gulf Coast, down to Chiapas, west along Southern Mexico to the Pacific Coast, then north along the coast and return to the U.S. We can not decide whether we want to take our tow vehicle with us. Can we rely upon buses, taxis, and rental cars to "get us around" once we settle into a campground?

By the way, we have enjoyed your newsletters and website. The information is invaluable. We have purchased some of your downloads and appreciate the work you have done to make our journey more enjoyable.

Herb and Cindy Garvin
Texas Wanderlust Fulltimers
(580) 470-5250
hmgarvin@hotmail.com

Kenny and Jomie

We have been in touch with Stan and Eleanor at Kenny and Jomie's home, so we are about as up to date on what is happening as can be expected at this time. But I was wondering if there is a board up anywhere with messages etc., maybe at Hinde and Jaime's or Bavarian Gardens...anyway, if you are going and if it isn't too much trouble, this is a picture that I took of them at Valentine's 2005, just before we went to work at Bavarian Garden's. Kenny had come home with flowers for Jomie that year and she was wondering what trouble he had been in to be bringing her flowers....but no, he just wanted to, and they were beautiful. It is a great picture of them both.

San Pancho AA

Alanon Monday at 5:00pm, CoDA Wednesday at 5:00pm, and AA Friday at 6:30pm in San Pancho in the museum on main street, between Galeria Corazon and San Pancho Cafe. Info at devasaya@gmail.com email or 311-258-4243.

JUANITO'S RV PARK A quiet, friendly park just one block from beautiful playa Lo de Marcos. Lo de Marcos, Nayarit Type of Hook-up - Full Total # of Sites - 12 Electricity/AMPs - 30 Washroom Internet Rates: $25/day - $160/week - $525/month $500/month for 4 months or more Phone: 011-52-1-322-117-0332 - mx. cell/ 011-52-1-322-117-2866 mx. cell Email: johnjsommerville@hotmail.com Directions: Hwy 200 between Sayulita & Rincon de Guayabitos @ km 108. Turn west towards the beach & proceed past the plaza. Turn left at 3rd road past the plaza (look for sign to Playa Los Venados). Second RV Park on the left at the 2nd tope.

Speak Spanish - That Should be Your Goal!

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Beginning 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 be on your way to speaking Spanish more fluently and more confidently.

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Page 1- Mexico News, Features Page 2 - Features Page 3 - Features, Weather, Sports, Exchange, Community Calendar Page 4 - Classifieds Page 5 - Real Estate Jaltemba Travel Mexico Click on ad for more information Go here for details on this home or Go here for more Real Estate	December 12, 2008 Whale of a tail while fishing...Bill Bell photo December 12 Guadalupe Day Start of the Mexican Holiday Season By Tara Spears Without a doubt, the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico's most important religious holiday. On this day people from all over Mexico travel to the chapel on Tepayac Hill in Mexico City or attend their local church to honor Mexico's Patron Saint with parades and prayers. The site of the Basilica de Guadalupe is where the mother of Jesus is said to have appeared in 1531 to a poor Aztec Indian Catholic convert, Juan Diego. As the legend goes, Juan had a vision of a beautiful young woman surrounded by bright light, who announced her identify as the Virgin Mary. She instructed Juan to go to the Catholic bishop and ask that a church be built on the hill so she could be close to her people. The skeptical bishop wanted proof of this vision; he asked Juan to have the Virgin perform a miracle. Mary appeared to Juan a second time and also provided him with a miracle. On the freezing hillside there had appeared a bloom of roses which she instructed Juan to gather and take to the bishop. Juan did so by removing his poncho (or cape) and gathering the flowers into it. Once again Juan came before the bishop, opening the poncho to let the flowers fall out. But it was not the flowers that proved to be the miracle. Instead, imprinted on Juan's poncho was an image of the Virgin Mary, just as Juan had described her. This image is still preserved on that poncho in the Basilica de Guadalupe. In 1810, this very same image also became the symbol for Mexican independence when a patriot-priest used it on his banner. The name �Guadalupe is a bit mysterious as there was no town by that name near where Juan had the vision. It is thought that the word derives from a Nahualtl word, coatlaxopeuh, that sounds like Guadalupe in Spanish, and means something like "the one who crushes the serpent." Huge fiestas are held all over Mexico and Central America to honor the day of Mexico"s Patron saint. Throughout the day, people come to church to pray. Many of them pin milagros (which means miracles) near the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. These small silver or tin objects are shaped like hearts, arms, or legs, and symbolize the giver"s thanks for a cure. It is not unusual to see groups of dancers and musicians that have come to offer their art to the Virgin. Many devout Mexicans put up a home altar to honor the Virgin with candles and flowers. By the early hours of the December 12 morning, in every small village and urban areas of the country, the burst of fire crackers is heard and their brilliant lights crown this great fiesta dedicated to the Mother of all Mexicans...Our Lady of Guadalupe. Contact Tara: terri_sprs@yahoo.com Slideshow of celebration by Bill Bell Benefit Concert For Kenny and Jomie Friends of Kenny and Jomie are planning a benefit/concert to assist Jomie with medical expenses. If you are interested in helping plan this event, please come to our first meeting Saturday December 13 at 10 am ay Hinde and Jaime. All friends welcome including restaurant, bar and store owners etc. If you would like to help at the actual event please write editor@jaltembasol.com To view the many other photographs, posts and condolences please click here Please post condolences and notes to Kenny"s family on the Riviera Nayarit Board. Please click here. Mexico News Processions, songs, Masses to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe When Jaime Hernández was a boy growing up in Mexico, he and his family spent the night of Dec. 11 singing songs in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe and attended a pre-dawn Dec. 12 Mass at the village church in Michoacan...More Hotel California - Condos for Sale Call Dorothy 327-274-3356 Tooth tourism booms as dental patients flock abroad GENERALLY SPEAKING, a trip to the dentist is rarely a highly anticipated event but in the United Kingdom, any fear of needles and drills is further heightened by waiting week long and bills that are prohibitively expensive. Hence, the birth of a burgeoning trend in dental care known as tooth tourism...More Drug Plane Pilot Captured In Mexico The man who eluded capture after crashing an airplane loaded with 520 lbs. of cocaine on Dec. 18, 2004 near the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport has been caught by federal marshals...More Mexico pledges greenhouse gas cuts Mexico says it will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from 2002 levels by 2050...More Donated ambulance, medical supplies sent to Mexico This may be one of the larger Christmas presents given in north Utah Valley this year. A donated ambulance stuffed with donated medical supplies was expected to leave Alpine this morning, heading to a small town in Mexico. ..Mor Mexico says oil exports to fall sharply by 2017 Mexico said Wednesday that rising domestic consumption will cause oil exports to drop by about 5.3 percent annually over the next decade, although the country hopes to increase crude production to just over 3 million barrels per day by 2017..More Prosecutor: Mexico not so dangerous for reporters Mexico's special prosecutor for crimes against journalists says only three of 25 reporters who died violently in the last two years in Mexico were killed because of their work...More Women's activist wins Mexico national rights award A women's rights activist who first drew attention to the slayings of young women in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez today has been named the winner of Mexico's National Human Rights Award...More Credit debacle an opportunity for Mexico's Slim Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim has taken advantage of market turmoil caused by the global credit debacle to place heavy bets on hard-hit companies, an old strategy that has made him one of the world's richest men...More Mexico peso soars, bond yields hit low; stocks fall Mexico's peso firmed sharply on Thursday and debt yields hit their lowest in 6-1/2 months as investors bet efforts by the world's central bankers were thawing credit markets..More Mexican Government to Provide More Support for Tourism Presidency of the Republic At the close of the 8th International Tourism Congress, Mexican President Felipe Calderón declared that given the current worldwide economic downturn, tourism must become one of the key engines for maintaining the country's economic growth...More Face to face with a great white shark In a scene that could have come straight out of Jaws, two scuba divers in Mexico had a heart stopping experience when a 15ft great white shark slammed into their metal shark cage and ripped it open, leaving them stranded as bait. ..More Some in Mexico want the death penalty reinstated The increase in slayings and kidnappings related to the nation's war on drug traffickers has created a climate of fear. Legal experts see too many obstacles to restoring capital punishment...More Mexico Senate votes to authorize undercover agents Mexico's Senate has passed a bill authorizing police to use undercover agents against drug cartels and organized crime. ...More Exported Canadian jobs offer hope in Mexico Eight a.m. and one degree Celsius. Unusually chilly for this time of the morning, even for a landlocked city perched a couple of thousand metres above sea level, a couple of hours north of Mexico City. ...More Mexico gives Richardson warm welcome, doubts NAFTA will be re-negotiated President-elect Barack Obama's pick for commerce secretary, Bill Richardson, got a warm welcome Thursday during a visit to Mexico, where government officials said they doubted Obama would follow through on a campaign pledge to re-negotiate NAFTA. ...More Mexico sends Cubans home under new accord Mexico sent home the first group of illegal Cuban migrants under a new accord aimed at cutting off an increasingly violent human-trafficking route to the United States, the government said Thursday. ...More RIGHTS-MEXICO: Children Paid to Strip at Rural Fair Four indigenous boys took their clothes off for money in front of a large crowd at a rodeo, who laughed and made fun of their genitals. The mayor of the farming town in the Mexican state of Puebla where the incident occurred was in the audience. ...More Pain and Protest on the Day of the Butterflies: Violence Persists Against Women in Mexico A 1995 novel by writer Julia Alvarez retold the story of the three Mirabal sisters brutally assassinated by the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Decades later, the date of the murders, Nov. 25, was declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the United Nations. ...More New Rules for Travel to Mexico Mexico's customs agency has announced new regulations for those traveling by land to Mexico over the holiday season..More Mexico; The Next Disaster Narco violence is exploding--just as oil prices are plunging and Mexico is bracing for a deep U.S. recession. ..More Madonna, A-Rod In Mexico City N.Y. Yankees Star Was There The Same Time The Pop Star Was Performing, But It's Unknown If The Two Met...More Dead whale beaches at Rincon de Guayabitos Photography by Bill Bell click on smaller photos to view in larger format