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December 29, 2008

Page 3 Features, Weather, Sports, Exchange, Community Calendar

The Almost Twice Weekly Newspaper for the Jaltemba Coast

Americans Prefer News From Web Than Newspapers
Agence France-Presse
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The Internet has surpassed newspapers as the main source for national and international news for Americans, according to a new survey.

Television, however, remains the preferred medium for Americans, according to the survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

Seventy percent of the 1,489 people surveyed by Pew said television is their primary source for national and international news.

Forty percent said they get most of their news from the Internet, up from 24 percent in September 2007, and more than the 35 percent who cited newspapers as their main news source.

Only 59 percent of people younger than 30 years old prefer television, Pew said, down from 68 percent in the September 2007 survey.

The latest survey was conducted December 3-7 and released on Tuesday. Pew did not provide the margin of error.

Matejas Beach Party blast

Click on smaller photos to view in larger format Bill Bell Photographs

Top Ten Facts about Mexico Real Estate

For more information about Mexico Alive Discovery Weekends, call Toll Free from the U.S. 1 (866) 978-8158 or Canada (800) 469-1037

Puerto Vallarta - Mexico Alive, a Puerto Vallarta-based real estate development company, has been hosting educational real estate seminars in various cities throughout Mexico for more than a year. These events are called Discovery Weekends and average about 40 attendees and $3.5 million in sales per event.

During the four-day, three-night events Mexico Alive representatives and third-party sources educate attendees about the vast investment, recreational and retirement opportunities awaiting real estate buyers in Mexico, discussing topics such as lending, insurance, local culture, health care, property value and appreciation.

Mexico Alive has found that Discovery Weekend attendees consistently ask the same questions, most of which are fueled by the current housing and economic crisis plaguing the U.S. In an effort to educate more people about the facts surrounding Mexican real estate purchases, Mexico Alive has decided to share the "ten things people don't know about Mexico real estate" � and didn�t think to ask until the recent housing and financial crisis.

1. Property in Mexico can be purchased with a self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) with no penalty, because buying foreign real estate is the same as buying a stock or bond. The only catch is the property must be treated as an investment.

2. Property values in some Mexican markets have doubled in the last five years�and continue to appreciate. Even markets experiencing a slower appreciation are still steadily rising. For example, properties in Mazatlan, Mexico, have appreciated an average of ten percent per year for the past ten years.

3. Of the 4.1 million Americans who reside in other countries, approximately one million reside in Mexico.

4. Some of the larger groups of Americans and Canadians can be found in Mazatlan, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara-Lake Chapala and Los Cabos.

5. The top ten fly-in destinations in Mexico are: La Paz, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Cancun-Riviera Maya, Acapulco, Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

6. Banking institutions like Wachovia (NYSE: WB) and Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) offer fixed-rate mortgages for properties in Mexico.

7. Mexican property can now be insured by US-based title companies, such as Stewart Title (NYSE: STC) and First American (NYSE: FAF). The cost for title insurance is estimated at about $5 per $1,000.

8. Non-nationals can now securely own Mexican real estate on or near a coastline or border with another country. The property is purchased through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation for foreign purchasers.

9. Properties in Mexico can be purchased with a reverse mortgage.

10. For a $140,000 investment, a buyer can own a view lot with a 900 square-foot home, a 1,200 square-foot patio and all household necessities (i.e. furniture, kitchen fixtures, etc.)

Mexico Alive�s Discovery Weekend events are offered in various cities throughout Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. In Mazatlan, the Discovery Weekends are hosted by the El Cid Resort and are all-inclusive affairs, featuring a tour of the historic city, visits to a variety of properties, sunset cruise, authentic Mexican fiesta and all food and beverages. The event costs $185 per individual or $250 per couple. Mexico Alive plans to expand its unique, educational concept of Discovery Weekends to a dozen Mexican destinations.

Visit GetIntoMexico.com for a free information kit that�s packed with facts about Mexico�s real estate opportunities and its cost of living, or visit MexicoAlive.com. Better yet, attend one of the upcoming Discovery Weekend events in Mazatlan for a full educational experience. Upcoming Mazatlan Discovery Weekend dates: January 29-31. Call 866-978-5427 for details.

Workshop Tuesday January 6 1-2:30pm at the Clubhouse La Penita RV Park

BLOGGING 101

In just one and a half hours, you will create your own free blog &
basic website and learn how to use it to share news and pictures with
family and friends while you're traveling. Impress everyone (even
the grandkids!) with your techno-savvy, and keep those communication
lines open! You'll also learn how to keep up with all the news your
family is sharing on their blogs in a fun, easy to use way. Only $15
for the course, and at the end you'll have a working blog and website
that's all yours! You need to bring your own laptop if you can - or
arrange to share with a friend. A couple of extra laptops will be
available to share - but book early! Contact Karen Stranaghan,
stranagh@island.net or at site #102, at La Penita Trailer Park for more
information
Want to learn more about Crystal? Check out her website at
www.cjstranaghan.com

Workshop Tuesday January 13 12-5pm at the Clubhouse La Penita RV Park

Tell YOUR story!

Do you have a story to tell? Maybe you've written a novel, or have a
collection of stories from your life that you want to publish and
share with others? Maybe you have some knowledge that you think
might help generate some extra income if it were in book form? Thanks
to some great new technologies, you can publish your book without
breaking the bank. Publisher, self-published author and publishing
consultant Crystal Stranaghan will be staying at the La Penita
Trailer Park during January 2009, and this is your chance to learn
all about how you can achieve your dream of publishing your book -
and actually enjoy the process! In the spirit of things being
cheaper in Mexico, you can take what is usually a $200+ workshop for
only $50. For more information, or to book your spot, please contact
Karen Stranaghan, stranagh@island.net or at site #102 at the Le Penita
Trailer Park or email crystal@gumbootbooks.ca

Want to learn more about Crystal? Check out her website at
www.cjstranaghan.com

SPORTS

Indigenous groups keep ancient sports alive in Mexico

Athletes file onto the field carrying a mystifying array of sporting tools: tree trunks, gourds, dried palm fronds and balls made of woven cornstalk. �.More

Should U.S. Play Mexico In Columbus?

Play it again, Uncle Sam - when it comes to facing Mexico in World Cup qualifying, the U.S. federation has christened Columbus, Ohio, as home, sweet home�..More

Hugo Sanchez In Talks To Become Almeria Boss

The Mexican legend is looking to strike a deal to become coach until the end of the season...More

Mexico dominates Centralia

Mexico Coach Brennan Scanlon sets a purposeful tone from the bench. Bulldogs guard Mike Howard does it on the court. �.More

Sunday golf winners with three under

Men's Darts Champs this holiday week

5 Destinations to Watch in 2009
Christine Sarkis - SmarterTravel.com
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Peru offers unforgettable destinations like Caral, the archeological ruins of what is widely recognized as the oldest city in the Americas. (Caral Project via AP)

A destination in the midst of inventing itself. Another preparing for its year in the world spotlight. Cities and regions gearing up for year-long parties. Our top picks for destinations to watch in 2009 are bursting with up-and-coming, you've-gotta-see-this attitude. Not only are these destinations on the rise, but each offers good value to travelers looking to vacation affordably in the coming year.

Plus, find out what cities and countries are celebrating big milestones and hosting major festivals. From Alaska's 50th birthday to the major party in London surrounding the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne, 2009 is ready to party. And festivals such as Homecoming Scotland 2009, which welcomes back people of Scottish heritage and "Heart Scots" who just really like the country, offer even more reasons to hit the road.

With this much excitement to come, 2009 just got a whole lot more interesting.

Riviera Nayarit

Riviera What? If you haven't heard of the Riviera Nayarit yet, that might be because it's just that new. The 200 miles of Pacific Coast and mountains north of Puerto Vallarta launched itself as a brand new destination just last year. Since then, it has been busy putting itself on the map, investing major time and funds into building new tourism infrastructures.

The region extends as far north as the colonial beach town of San Blas. Between Puerto Vallarta and San Blas, you'll find just about every vacation experience possible. From the bohemian surf town vibe of Sayulita to the luxury resorts and Jack Nicklaus golf course of Punta de Mita, the towns along the coast cater to all budgets and interests. Colonial towns and traditional Huichol villages in the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains offer a whole other dimension to the traditional beach vacation.

There's plenty to do, too. Endless beaches, six major golf courses, cultural experiences, archeological sites, and adventure activities like snorkeling, whale watching, surfing, and even swimming with dolphins and sea lions will likely start drawing bigger crowds as more people catch on to the appeal of Mexico's newest Riviera.

Since the Riviera Nayarit is so close to the major airport in Puerto Vallarta, it's easy to get to and airfares are competitive from departure points around the U.S. Southwest just announced a partnership with Volaris, which will extend Southwest's reach from points around the U.S. to Puerto Vallarta, though not until 2010.

There is also a wide variety of accommodations options offering something for every budget. For instance, at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, rates start at $535 a night. But at B&Bs in the smaller towns, rates start at around $60 a night. Vacation rentals can be even more affordable for groups traveling together. Plus, because it's not yet a major tourist destination like neighboring Puerto Vallarta, and because the region is spread out, it's easier to find affordable activities and food in the towns of the Riviera Nayarit.

Vancouver

With the 2010 Winter Olympics just around the corner, Vancouver is going all out with preparations for its time in the spotlight. By visiting in 2009, you can reap the benefits of all the new infrastructure developments while enjoying the city and everything it has to offer. And as a place voted Best City in the Americas by Conde Nast Traveller three years running, the expansions and improvements are really just icing on the cake.

New hotels�including The Loden Vancouver, Shangri-La Hotel, and the Fairmont Pacific Rim�are opening around the city in anticipation of the flood of Olympians and fans. Nearby Cypress Mountain ski resort has added nine new runs, new ski and snowboarding features, and a new lodge. And the rail extension connecting Vancouver's airport and downtown will open in late 2009.

Even though the Games don't begin until February 2010, you can catch some pre-Olympic action in 2009 at events such as the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, the FIS Freestyle World Cup, and the World Junior Curling Championships. Yes, that's right, there are junior curlers out there and they're gearing up to compete. In February and March there's also a Cultural Olympiad featuring more than 400 art, dance, music, and other events, many of which are free.

Vancouver provides solid vacation value as well. The exchange rate isn't as good as it used to be, but after hovering close to equal for a stretch, the U.S. dollar seems to be gaining the advantage again, meaning U.S. travelers' money goes farther. The city is served by a range of carriers, including Alaska Airlines, and Southwest has announced it will team up with Canadian carrier WestJet to fly to destinations in Canada. WestJet already serves Vancouver, so it seems more than possible that sometime next year passengers will be able to book a flight to Vancouver through Southwest.

Interested in visiting during the Olympics? Then you should know that more than 100,000 tickets will cost just $25, and that half of all the Olympic Winter Games tickets are priced at $100 or less.

Kansas City

Never considered Kansas City as a vacation destination before? Over the past few years, the city has been working hard to make itself a destination worth the trip. And the effort is paying off big time during 2009 when more than $9 billion in major improvements will be reinvigorating its downtown area and lending major credibility to its arts and dining scenes.

Recent developments include the new nine-block Power & Light District, downtown's newest mixed-use neighborhood packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment and performance venues. There's also an outdoor stage featuring live entertainment more than 150 days a year. The Crossroads Arts District hosts one of the largest art walks in the nation from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Downtown, there's also the new Sprint Center, which hosts large concerts and special events, and the College Basketball Experience, a giant entertainment facility with interactive exhibits and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Beyond downtown, revitalized and expanded attractions draw crowds as well. The well-known Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art just finished an expansion last year. Already ranked among the top art museums in the country, the new expansion increases the museum's exhibition space by one third, and makes more room for the museum's collections of modern and contemporary art, African art, and photography. And just in time for its 100th anniversary, the Kansas City Zoo has also undergone a major renovation.

As if that isn't enough, Kansas City is expanding its culinary reputation. Long known as a mecca for barbecue, a number of Kansas City chefs and their fine dining establishments�including Bluestem, American Restaurant, and Michael Smith�have recently received national recognition as well.

Even better (especially this year), Kansas City is one of the country's most affordable major cities to visit. It's well-served by airlines including American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. So much service means prices tend to stay competitive. Hotels, dining, and attraction costs tend to be less expensive than in many other cities around the country as well. In fact, Hotwire.com recently ranked Kansas City as one of the top value-priced destinations in the U.S. based on airfare, accommodations, and entertainment prices in 50 U.S. cities. Plus, there are dozens of free museums and attractions to visit.

The reasons to come will just keep expanding. 2010 will bring the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the unveiling of a newly renovated Truman Sports Complex (home of the Kansas City Chiefs).

Peru

More people are visiting Peru every year. In fact, the country has the second highest tourism growth estimate in Latin America, and online travel provider Opodo reports that bookings to Lima, Peru, are up 98% over last year. Peru is supporting that growth with major funding of tourism infrastructures and projects.

But because Peru is home to Machu Picchu�a destination already feeling the ill-effects of overtourism�the country as a whole is invested in building a sustainable tourism program focused on creating and fostering destinations around Peru so that as visitor numbers increase, tourism doesn't endanger the very sites and cultures people come to see. And, capital city Lima is expanding and solidifying a place as a destination in itself, not just a portal to the rest of the country. New hotels are opening, and the government is investing heavily on tourism infrastructure developments in Lima and its environs.

Lima concentrates the appeal of Peru into an urban center. Rich in museums celebrating the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of the country, it also has colonial architecture, archeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and even beaches. Beyond Lima (and Machu Picchu), Peru offers unforgettable destinations like Caral, the archeological ruins of what is widely recognized as the oldest city in the Americas. Older than Machu Picchu, Caral is within driving distance from Lima and can be a day trip from the capital.

There's also Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water, known for its floating islands housing entire communities of people; Colca Canyon, a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon; and hundreds of other destinations worth exploring.

Compared to its neighboring countries, Peru can be a more affordable destination to fly to from the U.S. Why? Well, in addition to being served by American, Continental, Delta, and other large airlines such as TACA, Lima's airport is also served by low-cost-carrier Spirit Airlines, with service from Ft. Lauderdale.

Peru is an affordable country on the ground as well. The Peru Tourism Board estimates that a basic lunch costs $3 U.S., while a more elaborate meal is about $12. Accommodations range from $5 per night for super-budget to $90 for luxury properties. Not bad if you're trying to stretch those vacation dollars.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Each year, the E.U. bestows the title Capital of Culture to one or more European destinations. The cities celebrate the designation with a year of major arts and culture events and by hosting exhibitions. This year, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has the honor along with Linz in Austria.

Vilnius is putting on quite a show in 2009 with 120 art and culture projects and 900 events. The city will also be part of a countrywide celebration of Lithuania's millennial year, as 2009 marks 1,000 years since the first known mention of the country in written records.

Two of the biggest events for the year take place in spring. On May 2 during Street Musician Day, amateur and professional musicians will flood into the city's streets, alleyways, and parks to play music ranging from rock to classical and folk to jazz. June 20 is Culture Night: Let There Be Night, when the city erupts into an all-night culture fest. The 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. event features night dance lessons, open-air movies, church concerts, fashion shows, museum exhibitions, and more. Other events and exhibitions will be on at different points throughout the year.

Though it's a member of the EU, Lithuania doesn't use the euro as its currency, which makes travel expenses such as accommodations, food, and activities more affordable. Add to the calculation that two-thirds of the events during the year-long celebration will be free, and Vilnius starts to look pretty affordable. Plus, the Old Town of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, so walking around and soaking up the scenery is one of the best, and cheapest, things to do.

Anniversaries and festivals

Big anniversaries and festivals offer yet another reason to travel in 2009. And, since many such celebrations include free events, it's a great way to get more for your money. Just remember to book accommodations early, since the events are likely to draw crowds.

Major anniversaries in 2009 include:

� 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne. Expect major festivities at Hampton Court Palace and beyond.

� 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens. Special exhibitions will commemorate the event.

� 20th anniversary of fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. There will be special exhibitions, memorials, tours, and walks. The Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism in 2009.

� Alaska's 50th anniversary of Statehood. The Alaska Railroad is offering a free one-day pass anywhere the train travels to anyone who will turn 50 in 2009.

� Missouri Botanical Garden's 150th anniversary. One of the top botanical gardens in the world, it's also the oldest public garden in the U.S.

� 400th anniversary of Bermuda. The island will celebrate with special events.

� 200th anniversary of Edgar Allen Poe's birth. Baltimore is celebrating with Nevermore 2009, a year-long citywide festival.

Major festivals in 2009 include:

� Manchester International Festival 2009: The second biannual festival features original and new works of performing, music, and visual art.

� Homecoming Scotland 2009: Scotland is celebrating the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and Scotland's contributions to the world, including golf, whiskey, and Scottish heritage. Events take place all year.

� July 2009 XXV Song Celebration in Tallinn, Estonia: Estonia has a proud heritage of massive singing festivals, the next of which takes place from July 2 to 5.

� Holland Art Cities: Boasting more art and culture per square mile than anywhere else on earth, the two-year Holland Art Cities is an event hosted by ten of the top museums in four of Holland's largest cities. Two museums (including the Hermitage Amsterdam) will open as well.

� Around the world, demand is down and destinations are pushing hard for more visitors, so unusually good deals should be easy to find, at least through the first half of 2009. These and other emerging destinations provide added value since they tend to be even more affordable than more popular, established destinations. If you're looking for an affordable vacation in the coming year, an up-and-comer could be just the ticket.

SmarterTravel.com features expert travel advice and unbiased coverage of travel deals

WEATHER

SAN Pancho Weather www.sanpanchoweather.com

Weather in Mexico

Acapulco

Loreto

Puerto Vallarta

Aguascalientes

Los Mochis

Queretaro Airport

Cancun

Manzanillo

San Felipe

Cozumel

Mazatlan

San Jose Del Cabo

Cuernavaca

Merida

San Luis Potosi

Durango

Mexico City

Santa Rosalia

Ensenada

Monterrey

Tampico

Guadalajara

Morelia

Tepic

Guanajuato

Oaxaca

Veracruz

Bahias De Huatulco

Puebla

Zacatecas

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Puerto Escondido

La Paz

Puerto Penasco

Currency

Last Week

Eric Nice Plays every Thursday at Mateja's

Most Events are Clickable

DECEMBER 2008

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

29 30 31

2009

JANUARY 2009

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4

A�o Nuevo
Market Day

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

D�a de los Reys

Market Day

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Market Day

D�a de San Antonio Abad - Feast of San Antonio Abad

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Birth of Ignacio
Allende (1779)

Market Day

26 27 28 29 30 31

Market Day

Go to the rest of the 2008 Calendar

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