Streamyx

I have no memory of Christmas, 2003. Now before you jump to one of those, "Oh, yeah we know," conclusions let me say that both my wife and I were deathly ill from some flu bug that we contracted while visiting San Miguel de Allende.

We spent Christmas, 2003, crawling to the bathroom and then back to bed. We were not even able to celebrate our wedding anniversary that was the day after Christmas.

This was to be our first Christmas in Mexico and we were disappointed to say the least.

Christmas, 2004, we were able to see a Mexican Christmas in Puerto Vallarta where we vacationed with some friends.

Christmas in Mexico is familiar and yet delightfully different--foreign. And, I must add, an exhausting month of celebrations.

The celebrations begin December 3rd with the LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE. This is the Patron Saint of Mexico whose celebration lasts until December 12th. They say The Virgin is "the Mother of God" as she appeared on Tepeyac, the pre-Hispanic site of the temple to Tontanslin.

Being more a symbol of Mexican nationalism, the Mexican devotion to her seems, at least to this author, to surpass the real religious veneration. The Virgin is what unites the normally strict and obvious social classes. She transcends class structure.

Though the celebration of the LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE seems foreign to the American's experience, the Mexican Nacimiento is all too familiar.

Spanish monks first introduced Nacimiento or The Nativity scene. It has since taken on some of the local tradition and influences.

For example, there is the "rooster crowing" to announce the birth of the Christ child. There is Satan lurking in his cave to tempt the shepherds on their journey to see the Christ child. There is also another uniquely Mexican twist to this Nativity:

"Foreigners are frequently confused when confronted by nativity scenes and other Christmas decorations all through January, and even into February. Even more puzzling to newcomers are 4 inch figures of Mary and Joseph and a nearly life-size Christ child. Nevertheless, there is tradition to explain this, too. On January 6, during the fiesta to honor the arrival of the Three Kings at the manger, a special ring-shaped bread called the Rosca?will be served. Baked into the bread is one or more small plastic figures of the Child God. The guests who find these images in their serving of bread are named the Godparents of the Christ Child from the Nacimiento. It is then their responsibility to host a party on February 2, El Dia de Candlelaria or the Day of Purification, the final celebration of a Christmas holiday which began on December 3 with the beginning of nine day celebration of The Virgin of Guadalupe." [1]

There are, of course, The Posadas. After the arrival of the Spaniards, this tradition of nine days of children's processions, a reenactment of the birth of Christ, the monks invented this as a means to evangelize the Aztecs.

"This procession symbolizes the journey made by Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem and Josephs search for shelter (Posada) at an Inn (also Posada). The peregrinos (pilgrims) include Joseph leading Mary on a burro, an Angel, shepherds, kings, and a large flock of excited, giggling, jostling, bumping, wiggling, shiny-eyed others, most with bright ribbon and flower decked shepherds?staffs which they tap in time to the music." [2]

The children march from house to house with "Joseph" asking for "room at the inn." They are refused until they hit the prearranged house where they are finally admitted and a party ensues.

There is so much more: The Piatas, The Pastorels, La Noche Buena, Navidad, the giving of La Flor de la Nochebuena, Dia de Innocents, and Ao Viejo and Ao Neuva.

Check out this web site for additional information:

http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/feature/xmasindex.html

[1] Christmas Hoildays in Mexico: Festivals of Light, Love, and Peace; by Judy King [2] Ibid

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico.

His new book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

One of the most frustrating things is missing a call, and then not recognizing the number afterwards. Or having the phone number of an old friend, but then not having the details of their new address should they move. Thankfully, with cell phone reverse number lookup, this is a problem that you can overcome much easier.

What Is Cell Phone Reverse Number Lookup?

Much like its residential sibling, cell phone reverse number lookup allows you to basically look up the name and address details of pretty much any cellular number that you may have. So, if you've lost the address details of an old friend, or are looking to find out whom the unrecognized call was from, help is at hand with a cellular reverse lookup.

However, this isn't quite as easy as using the same kind of service for residential phone numbers, since cellular carriers generally don't release these details into the public domain. Although that's not to say you can't find out the details you need - it just means that you're going to have to pay a small fee for cellular reverse lookup, as opposed to the free service for residential numbers.

How Do I Find Cellular Reverse Lookup Companies?

The first thing you need to do is find details of the companies that actually offer cell phone reverse number lookups, but this can be done easily and quickly by using any Internet search engine such as Google.

Although you may see adverts for companies that offer the service free of charge, don't be taken in by their promises, as you can pretty much guarantee that they're dummy ads, and are only there to lead you to the paying sites anyway. The good news is that, even though you have to pay for the service, it's a one-off amount, and you can then use the information as many times as you want.

What Are Some Of The Better Companies?

One of the best, and most respected, cellular reverse lookup companies is Reverse Phone Detective, which not only allows you to search for both residential and cell phone numbers, but offers full background checks, any criminal history, financial status and much more. Their fee is pretty fair too, with prices ranging from $29.95 per year to $39.95 for the deluxe lifetime membership.

Another highly popular provider of this type of information is Reverse Mobile, which has access to over 70% of all cellular numbers in the US, as well as over 95% of all unlisted phone numbers. They offer the same kind of information as Reverse Phone Detective, although the price differs slightly. You can have their premium service, which is the same unlimited lifetime one as Reverse Phone Detective and at the same $39.95, but their cheaper options only offer 3 months for $29.95 or 6 months for $34.95.

Whatever you need cell phone reverse number lookup for, it's good to know that you can get all the information you need for a small fee. Which, if you think about it, may just save you a whole lot more in the long run...

If you would like to try a reverse cellphone look up right now, check out http://www.ReverseCellPhoneLook-Up.com

Steve Somerton writes informative articles on various subjects including Cell Phone Reverse Number Lookup Companies. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

There are some movies that are not available for download because they are too old. This software will transfer your favorite movies to your ipod. You can put all your old and new DVD's right on your ipod to watch anytime.

Take your movies everywhere you go. Have you bought a movie and haven't had time to watch it? Easily convert a DVD to your ipod and watch it at home, school,work or take it on vacation for that long plane ride.

You can show your friends your favorite scenes without lending them your DVD. Because if you have friends like mine you will never get it back. You don't have to worry about losing your favorite DVD's if you convert them to your ipod because they never leave your house.

This software will convert DVD's to your ipod with just a couple clicks of your mouse. Clear images and sound. All encoders are built right in. Software is compatible with Windows 98/Me or Windows 2000/XP. Step by step instructions with pictures make this software consumer friendly. This software is compatible with Ipod, Iphone or Zune ,just to name a few.

This software is fast. You can convert files in just seconds. No more waiting hours to download your favorite movies. All settings and properties are displayed without opening another window. You will have easy instructions right at your fingertips.

This software is a movie lovers must have. You can begin watching your favorite DVD's even if you have to be somewhere. You will never watch movies at home on your DVD player again.

Lisa Read, I work from home. If you want to learn more click here:http://joliac12.blogspot.com