Despite misperceptions abroad, Mexican people are even-tempered and gentle. They bring a calm, genial formality to their public appearances. There is rarely a public display of temper, frustration or emotion.

In an attempt to show his dedication to frugality, President Andres Manuel López Obrador has decided to raffle off the luxuriously-outfitted but unwanted presidential Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

North of the border, we toss around the word “stupid” a lot. It’s not always meant to be taken seriously; it’s often just a throw-away, as in, “that lamp looks stupid there” or “that argument was stupid.”

Not long ago, the bank ATM at the Ajijic plaza ate my debit card. For a frantic half-hour I tried to retrieve my card. I even considered calling the “bank machine hotline,” except that there is no bank machine hotline.

Not long ago, the bank ATM at the Ajijic plaza ate my debit card. For a frantic half-hour I tried to retrieve my card. I even considered calling the “bank machine hotline,” except that there is no bank machine hotline.

Given its influence on Mexican commerce, economy and culture, I will be the first to note that maybe the drug cartels should have their own drug cartel media.