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.

As everyone who has been to Lakeside knows, the Carretera is the only artery to thread through all the many small villages that surround Lake Chapala, and, as a result, is often choked with traffic, traffic signal breakdowns, cement trucks driven by former stunt drivers, and, currently, roadside excavations resembling World War I trenches.

It’s that time of year when the world falls in love, over-indulges and then has to resolve in the New Year to go on diets. And, of course, jolly St. Nick represents our children’s role model for giving – and, based on his pants size, consuming.