Local Buzz

It gets worse! McDonald’s will open soon here. The good news is that they have picked a rather inconspicuous local in the new mall on the outskirts. Subway has a small storefront already in downtown. Wal-Mart has building plans so Costco can’t be far behind. We have definitely gone middle class. I actually drop into McDonald’s from time to time, (there is one in Celaya), when I am in a rush. The only noticeable difference is the free choice Jalapeno chilies and chili sauce available to give the old hamburger a little horsepower.

Carlos Slim remained number 3 on the latest Forbs’ list of the richest people in the world. But his growth in wealth over the past year at around 60% leaves Bill Gates and Warren Buffet in the dust. Born of relatively poor Lebanese immigrants he made his first investment at age 10 and has never looked back. He is the local wonder boy that Mexicans love to hate. It is hard to live a day in Mexico without buying something from one of his many holdings in telecom, retailing, food and finance. By contrast his philanthropic efforts pale compared to the other leaders on the list.

George Dubbya is on his way to Mexico via Brazil and Columbia. He is attempting to dampen the noise from that troglodyte Chaves who is quickly running his country into the ground. George will be pushing for some opening of the Mexican oil industry to outside investment. Pemex, the local petrol monopoly has been financing the government for many years and as a result has not been able to reinvest in the industry at anywhere near the rate necessary even to sustain it. So the climate is definitely right if they can get around the politics – and that will not be easy, necessary though it may be. Mexico and Canada together supply 60% of US oil imports. Mexico's potential is reportedly enormous but more exploration and recovery is required and it is becoming urgent.

And on the home fornt - I have been using my hot water from the solar heater regularly. It is nice to have a warm shower on my deck in the morning. My eyes were probably a lot bigger than my appetite as I think I may have enough hot water for the whole neighborhood. Ergo – plans for the hot tub are brewing.