Remember that priceless scene in the 1967 film classic “The Graduate” when a zealous businessman collars the naïve protagonist Benjamin Braddock to offer a “just one word” of career advice? “Plastics,” declares Mr. McGuire. “Exactly how do you mean?” Benjamin asks. “There’s a great future in plastics,” McGuire replies solemnly.

Political analysts have kept themselves busy assessing the achievements (or non-achievements) of Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval, as the 42-year-old who ended 18 years of conservative rule by the National Action Party (PAN) hit the 100-day mark of his administration June 1.

Rain, thunder and plenty of man-made commotion are hallmarks of the traditional festivities held from June 5 through 13 in San Antonio Tlayacapan in tribute to the town’s religious patron, Saint Anthony of Padua.

Some staff at the Centro de Estudios Teológicos de San Andrés (St. Andrew’s Center for Theological Studies) in the Guadalajara area say that mainline Protestant denominations could be poised on the brink of an increase of interest among Mexicans as alternatives to Roman Catholicism and a concomitant increase in the means to educate new clergy.

A stone’s throw from the Tapatío landmarks Teatro Degollado and Hotel Frances, a unique retail store with a long and interesting history peeks out beneath graceful, yellow and white arches. 

The suffocating heat of late May tends to curb both my appetite and any inclination to slave at the stove. This week’s keep-cool approach to menu planning?  Gazpacho!

Tuesday morning I headed over to Lakeside’s best source for fresh and healthy produce, the weekly farmers market at the La Huerta de Serna events salon, making a beeline for the Gomis Gardens veggie stand to stock up on my main ingredient – luscious tomatoes just off the vine.