Pictures worth a thousand words, Aug 25, 2006

Guillermo Méndez on the Codex Mendoza Wednesday, August 30, 3pm, Teatro Santa Ana, Insurgentes 25, 50 pesos

One of the most fascinating documents of the immediate post-Conquest era in Mexico is the Aztec book known as the Codex Mendoza. The codex was commissioned by the first viceroy of New Spain (Mexico), Antonio de Mendoza. It was made by Aztec scribes in the Aztec style of the early 16th century. Since the Aztecs had no written language, their books contained only images. Nevertheless, they were able to communicate a great deal, as the Codex Mendoza reveals. The codex was made at about the same time that San Miguel was founded: 1541-42.

With a little knowledge it is possible to "read" this document and gain considerable insight into the culture of the reigning indigenous powers in central Mexico in the early 16th century. 

The codex contains sections on the history and conquests of the Aztec kings, the tax or tribute lists of conquered cities, and, perhaps most interesting of all, a section on Aztec daily life, including birth ceremonies, marriage rites, child-rearing practices, education, warfare training and customs.

Retired professor of humanities Guillermo Méndez gives this illustrated lecture on the Codex Mendoza in English.

Rembrandt and the mysteries of the mind

"Rembrandt and the Mysteries of the Mind" Friday, August 25, 5pm Sala Quetzal, Biblioteca Pública, Insurgentes 25, 50 pesos

Rembrandt is arguably one of the greatest masters of Western painting. Celebrated for his versatile and experimental painting and graphic oeuvre, he is just as remarkable as a visual narrator. Although his pictorial subjects range from ancient mythology and history to the Bible, his eternal focus seems to be the inner self of the characters of the stories he depicts. 

The lecture titled "Rembrandt and Mysteries of the Mind" is presented on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth in Leiden in 1606. The talk explores his unmatched ability to delve into his subjects' inner lives, whether in individual or group portraits, or in his richly nuanced interpretations of well-known narrative themes. 

The guest speaker, Dr. Aneta Georgievska-Shine, teaches courses in Renaissance and Baroque art in the Departments of Art History and Art, University of Maryland. In addition, she frequently participates in lecture programs offered by the Smithsonian Institution and various other museums in the Washington/Baltimore area, including the National Gallery of Art, the Walters Art Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Dr. Georgievska-Shine will be lecturing on this fascinating subject Friday, August 25. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture. Seating is limited. Proceeds from the lecture will go to the library's many art programs for children.

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon comes to San Miguel

Dr. Richard Ellenbogen Friday, September 1, 4pm, Sala Quetzal, Insurgentes 25, Free

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Ellenbogen will give a lecture and presentation at the Biblioteca in the Sala Quetzal titled "21st Century Plastic Surgery … Beverly Hills Style!" The talk will be filmed by a US television crew to be aired on E! Entertainment's show Dr. 90210.


Ellenbogen has been in practice on Sunset Boulevard for over 31 years and brings his knowledge and expertise on anti-aging and beauty to San Miguel, where he makes his second home. In recent years, Beverly Hills has become the center for new and innovative techniques in beauty and age-reversal surgery. 

Ellenbogen is widely known for his Volumetric Facelift, which uses a patient's own fat to restore volume and revitalize the skin on the face. For this technique, he has been deemed the "father of fat grafting." The results of this technique are much more natural looking than the traditional facelift, which can leave patients with a taut, pulled-back look. Also, recovery is less traumatic and much shorter than with the traditional facelift.

Ellenbogen completed his plastic surgery training in New York and moved to Los Angeles in 1975, where he began his own private practice. His current clinic is called Beverly Hills Body. He heads a prestigious postgraduate cosmetic plastic surgery training program in his extensive outpatient surgery facility and has received awards for his techniques. He is a member of all the major plastic surgery professional organizations.

Ellenbogen's patients range from the old studio system divas of Hollywood to international heads of state and industry actors, actresses, models, entertainers and music icons. Most of his patients, though, are not famous people. 

Because of his experience and skill, Ellenbogen is frequently called upon by the media to comment on plastic surgery trends and topics. He has been quoted by Time, Newsweek, USA Today, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and he has also appeared on Oprah, Geraldo at Large, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, Discovery Health, CNN and many other national news shows

Ellenbogen has been a visitor to San Miguel for four years, and he and his wife Stephanie will become residents later this year. Once settled in San Miguel, Ellenbogen hopes to be able to keep practicing medicine and perform pro bono surgeries on children with burns and facial defects. For more information on Ellenbogen and his practice visit his website www.beverlyhillsbody.com