What's Happening

The Lake Chapala Society introduces its new Executive Director, Steve Balfour, effective September 1, 2019.

The Lake Chapala Society A.C. (LCS) has its new long range plan entitled LCS 2.0. This is a plan to improve Lake Chapala Society programs, services and activities and modernize its facilities.

In tandem with this effort Terry Vidal, Executive Director of LCS for almost 11 years has, decided to pass the torch and pursue new opportunities by entering the for-profit world running his own business. In close collaboration with the board, Terry will hand off his duties on September 1 as Executive Director to Stephen Balfour, currently chair of the LCS Capital Campaign Committee.

Steve brings with him years of experience in the fund raising and development areas with non-profits, having served on boards as well as being employed by them. A philanthropist himself, Steve has been supporting LCS and many other local AC’s with gifts and expertise during his last two years Lakeside.

"In December of 2008," says Terry Vidal, "LCS was imploding on itself, and needed an overhaul." With his 26 years of non-profit experience, Terry was hired. Over the past 10 years he has helped guide LCS through adopting a new constitution, fiscal and governance reform and developing strategic plans for the organization's future. With the adoption of LCS 2.0 Terry feels he has accomplished the goals set out for him, and it is time to pass the baton to the next capable leader whose job is to achieve LCS 2.0. He states, "A good executive director also knows when it is time to pass the torch." Terry's and the Board's first choice for this is Steve Balfour, "an extrovert with seemingly endless energy and experience."

The new plan, which has been dubbed LCS 2.0, is focused on improving, modernizing, reinventing and transforming LCS by creating a continuous quality improvement culture, and expanding the use of information technology with greater collaboration between and among the Mexican and foreign communities. It will take our best practices from LCS 1.0, with its rich history, culture and traditions of programs, services and activities over the past 60+ years and transcend the organization into Lake Chapala Society 2.0.

"It has been a wonderful experience to be part of the LCS 2.0 planning task force," Balfour stated. "I am honored to take on this role to advance the ideals of LCS 2.0. Personally, it's way more than just building bridges between the Mexican and Expat communities; it's enhancing the quality of life for all residents here at Lakeside through shared collaborations".

"Terry has worked tirelessly to bring communities together and improve the quality of life," Balfour stated. "He is leaving a firm foundation and a wonderful program. I am looking forward to bringing to the community my years of experience with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association and many grassroots volunteer driven organizations in the U.S."
LCS Long Range Plan Lake Chapala Society 2.0
...EXTENDING OUR LEGACY as an oasis for personal enrichment, socialization and collaboration throughout Lakeside!

In March, 2019, the Board approved a Long-Range Plan for the Lake Chapala Society to extend the legacy as an oasis for personal enrichment, socialization and collaboration throughout the greater community. Download / view a copy of the plan [a href="../website/PDF/GovDocs/LCS_2.0_Final_long-range_plan.pdf" target="_self" title=""]HERE[/a]

The plan is focused on improving, modernizing, reinventing and transforming LCS by creating a continuous quality improvement culture, and expanding the use of information technology with greater collaboration between and among the Mexican and foreign communities. We will take our best practices from LCS 1.0, with its rich history, culture and traditions of programs, services and activities over the past 60+ years and transcend the organization into Lake Chapala Society 2.0.
Personal Improvement Program Lake Chapala Society's - Personal Enrichment Program (PEP)
Click the link below to learn more about the courses that will be offered. LCS members canenroll on-line or visit the LCS Office.

[a href="personal_enrichment.php" name="Personal Enrichment Program"]LCS Personal Enrichment Program[/a]

Seminars begin September 23, 2019

A minimum of 11 students -- maximum of 20 students per class are required.

This is your opportunity to participate in the Lake Chapala Society's new PersonalEnrichment Program designed to fulfill our members' call for more programs that areboth entertaining and informative.

Our next series of programs draws from the expertise and experiences ofhighly qualified experts. Each lecturer will present topics that will enrich yourunderstanding of Mexican history, culture and our Lakeside community. The programis open to LCS members only.
Conecciones Conecciones

The latest edition Lake Chapala Society's magazine, Conecciones or Connections in English, is now available for reading [a href="https://issuu.com/lakechapalasociety/docs/conecciones_septiembre_2019_digital" target="_blank" name="Conecciones"]** On-Line **[/a].

Alternatively, you may download a copy of the magazine to your PC [a href='newsletters.php' target='_blank']** DOWNLOAD HERE **[/a].

The mission of this magazine advances the mission of LCS, which is to "promote the active participation of lakeside's inhabitants to improve the quality of life Lakeside."The articles in the magazine have been carefully chosen to entertain, educate, and provide information and inspiration to live a quality life lakeside.

The magazine's name, Conecciones—Connections in English—reflects its purpose, with LCS acting as a link that encourages connections amongst our unique populace.With an unconventional spelling the name symbolizes the merging of cultures and ideas.
Tech Support Tech Help Desk
Thursdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Neill James Patio.

A tech expert will be available to help with questions and issues with tech devices. Members are encouraged to bring their portable device so that questions can be solved during the sit down. Phones, tablets and Laptops are the devices that can be helped with.

Tech Classes
10:00 - 11:30 AM, Sala
 September 5 - YouTube is your Friend - You can learn about almost anything on YouTube. We will cover all the basics to get you started.
September 19 - Cell Phones in Mexico – How to use your cell phone here in Mexico including making calls, answering calls, cell phone providers, purchasing hints and where to get help.
September 26 - Introduction to Facebook – Everyone is using Facebook… Not exactly true, but lots of people can. You can get all kinds of help, make new friends in every manner of hobbies, and communicate with your family. Come see how to do all this.
October 3 - Keeping Your Passwords - How do you keep track of your passwords? We will discuss why tracking passwordsare vital. We will discuss and install one of the popular and very secure password managers.
October 17 - WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype and Texting – There are many options for texting, voice calling and video calling available today. We will discuss and demonstrate the most popular programs.
October 24 - Google Photos – How many photos do you have? Can you find the photos you want? How can you share your photos with others? Are the photos on your tech devices backed up? We will cover the answers to all these questions and its all FREE!
October 31 - Chromebooks – Do you need a new computer? Maybe a Chromebook would be right for you. What is a Chromebook (hint a very inexpensive but very useful laptop computer). The basics of use, price, and how to get one will be covered.

You must be an LCS member to participate. There is no charge.

Class size is limited to 20 persons. You must be registered to attend. To register send an email to

[a href="mailto:lcs.tech.training@gmail.com"]lcs.tech.training@gmail.com [/a]

with your LCS membership number. Membership must be current at the time of the registration and throughout the course.
Prueba Mexico Aguas Frescas Prueba Mexico

Aguas Frescas
Instructor: Ana Moreno
Course Fee: $360 MXN, Includes all materials
Course Date:September 17
Course Time:Monday, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Location:South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/20
Enrollment ends September 12.

[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
The hot season has arrived and with it delicious fruits that in Mexico are used to create fantastic drinks known as "fresh waters". In addition to the various Mexican fruits, aromatic herbs are used for flavor as well as some grains.

Sign up to learn how to make fresh waters the Mexican way to refresh even the hottest at home. We will learn whatingredients we need and how to prepare the recipes. Ingredients included.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Street Spanish
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
September 18, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/40
Enrollment ends September 13

. Sign-up at Service desk, OR
[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Living in another country and speaking their language, brings an opportunity of expressing ourselves in a completely different way,a way that helps us jump into the locals' culture: food, celebrations, sadness, cheerfulness, insults, and a huge etc.

In this class we'll learn how the locals communicate among themselves. What code they use for a living in a daily basis.Slang, idioms, sayings, phrases, even body language.

Join and dive with us deep into Street Spanish.

This course is open to all members, but we recommend you have an intermediate level of Spanish at least.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Mexican Manners
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
September 25, 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Course Location: Sala
Min/Max Students required: 11/25
Enrollment ends September 21

.[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Cultural shock is a normal part of life when we move to another country whose habits are different, we have to observe and learn thelocal rules of urbanity, what body language issues are appropriate and which are not.

Why the behavior of the inhabitants of the new place is different. What do local people expect from me as a new inhabitant of the area?What phrases should I use and at what times? What should I understand about the time structure of the local people so different from mine?Why are the procedures with the authorities so complicated? And a long etc.

Our intention is to help you understand these basic and necessary questions for the real and adequate coexistence with my new neighbors.

Another way to know Mexico.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Mexican Salsas
Instructor: Ana Moreno
Course Fee:$380 MXN
Course Dates:September 30
Course Time:10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 10/15
[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk before June 10
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
The key to many Mexican dishes is found in their sauces, whether they are raw, cooked, fried, stewed, etc. And thatcan be spicy, sweet, neutral, acidic, light, thick, simple or very elaborate.

With this course LCS aims to take you by the hand to buy the necessary ingredients to make some sauces. How Mexican uses them. What food you can dress with them.

Do not miss this tour into the Mexican gastronomic world.
film_festival0 Mexican Film Festival

Friday, October 4, 7:00 PM
SHREK TERCERO (Shreck the Third) starring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy.

Story line from IMDB:
When Fiona's father and King of Far Far Away passes away, the clumsy Shrek becomes the immediate successor of the throne. However, Shrek decides to find the legitimate heir Artie in a distant kingdom with his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to be able return to his beloved house in the swamp with the pregnant Fiona. Meanwhile, the envious and ambitious Prince Charming joins the villains of the fairytales plotting a coup d'état to become the new king.

Sinopsis de IMDB:
Cuando el padre de Fiona y el Rey de Far Far Away fallecen, el torpe Shrek se convierte en el sucesor inmediato del trono. Sin embargo, Shrek decide encontrar al heredero legítimo Artie en un reino lejano con sus amigos Donkey y Puss in Boots para poder regresar a su amada casa en el pantano con la embarazada Fiona. Mientras tanto, el envidioso y ambicioso Príncipe Azul se une a los villanos de los cuentos de hadas que planean un golpe de estado para convertirse en el nuevo rey.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Making Corn Tortillas and Other Masa Dishes.
Instructor: Ana Moreno
Course Fee: $390 MXN, Includes all materials
Course Date: October 9
Course Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM
South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/20, Age 15+
Enrollment ends October 4

.[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a] OR
Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
The Mexican culture has a very rich gastronomy considered a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.One of the most used ingredients is corn for the nutrients it provides and for its malleability to be prepared indifferent ways and in many combinations.

We will prepare corn tortillas from the dough, as well as "tlacoyos, huaraches, sopes, pellizcadas, and other homemadedelicacies." This includes the fillings, side dishes and traditional sauces that accompany them. We will not only taste them,but we will learn from their history and why they are so important to the local culture.

Join the class and enjoy a little of what Mexico has to offer to those who want to be enveloped by its flavors.
film_festival1 Mexican Film Festival

Friday, October 11, 7:00 PM
SHREK THE FINAL CHAPTER Starring: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy

Story line from IMDB:
The once hideous ogre Shrek is now living a good life with wife Fiona and his three children. But he soon has a meltdown in front of them and his friends during his kids' birthday party. He suddenly wants to be a real ogre like he was before he ever met Fiona. So he turns to devious deal maker Rumplestiltskin for help. At first, Shrek lives the life he once lost and everything is good. But he soon finds out that he has been set up by Rumplestiltskin, who now rules the land with an iron fist. Teaming with friends Donkey, Fiona and Puss in Boots, Shrek is in for the fight of his life as he tries to get his life back before time runs out.

Sinopsis de IMDB:
El alguna vez horrible ogro Shrek ahora está viviendo una buena vida con su esposa Fiona y sus tres hijos. Pero pronto tiene un colapso frente a ellos y sus amigos durante la fiesta de cumpleaños de sus hijos. De repente quiere ser un verdadero ogro como lo era antes de conocer a Fiona. Por lo tanto, recurre al desviado comerciante Rumplestiltskin en busca de ayuda. Al principio, Shrek vive la vida que una vez perdió y todo está bien. Pero pronto descubre que ha sido establecido por Rumplestiltskin, quien ahora gobierna la tierra con un puño de hierro. Trabajando en equipo con sus amigos Donkey, Fiona y Puss in Boots, Shrek está en la pelea de su vida mientras trata de recuperar su vida antes de que se acabe el tiempo.
Prueba Tricky Spanish Prueba Mexico

Mexican Tricky Spanish
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
Course Date: October 15, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/22
Enrollment ends October 12

.[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a] ORSign-up at Service desk.

LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Anyone who is learning another language will tell you that you cannot translate directly between two languages. The way native speakers rearrange the words they use in their phrases and the extra meanings added to them can lead us to confusion and perhaps put us in some awkward situation when we want to express ourselves in another language. Think of the verbs conocer/saber. In English we say 'to know', but depending on the context and the ideas, they can even mean to meet. Let's learn the differences and express ourselves in the best way possible.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Holy Mole!
Instructor: Ana Moreno
Course Fee: $390 MXN, includes all materials
Course Date: October 17
Course Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 10/15
Enrollment ends: October 11

.[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a] OR
Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
The word mole comes from Nahuatl mulli, which means salsa. The first mention of the mole can be found in Bernardino de Sahagún's Historia General de las Cosas de la Nueva España,where he mentions what ​pre-Hispanic food preparation was like. This dish was to offer to the gods and also to entertain in celebrations.

Then within the Colony era the arrival of new ingredients and habits turn mole into what Mexicans enjoy in their palates. So, join in this celebration, let's learn about theorigins of mole and their variants. Let's prepare 3 types of mole you can make at home and celebrate.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Mexican Manners
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
Course Date:October 24
Course Time:Thursday, 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/25

[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk before June 15
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Cultural shock is a normal part of life when we move to another country whose habits are different, we have to observe and learn thelocal rules of urbanity, what body language issues are appropriate and which are not.

Why the behavior of the inhabitants of the new place is different. What do local people expect from me as a new inhabitant of the area?What phrases should I use and at what times? What should I understand about the time structure of the local people so different from mine?Why are the procedures with the authorities so complicated? And a long etc.

Our intention is to help you understand these basic and necessary questions for the real and adequate coexistence with my new neighbors.

Another way to know Mexico.
Warren Hardy Spanish Term 6: October 28 through December 17. [a href="spanish-classes.php" name="LCS Spanish Classes"]CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE[/a],
Or, register in-person for the upcoming classes through October 25 on the LCS campus.
Tuition is $900 pesos.

Classes sessions are an hour and a half and meet two days per week at the Wilkes Education Center (Biblioteca) in Ajijic.

The LCS Spanish program uses the Warren Hardy Spanish language course designed for adult students. Several levels of instruction are available as students progress in the program. Textbooks are available at the LCS Office for 670 pesos.

For more information on LCS spanish classes, go to [a href="spanish-classes.php" name="LCS Spanish Classes"]LCS Spanish Classes[/a] or call the Spanish Program Coordinator, Vivian Sternfield at (376) 766-1140.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Mock Death you say!
Instructor: Alfredo Pérez
Course Fee: $390 MXN, Includes all materials
Course Date: October 30, 10:00 - 1:00 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/20, Age 15+
[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a] OR
Sign-up at Service desk before October 25, OR
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Mexico is not Mexico without its fiestas, and the Day of the Dead is nothing without a good thrill.

The Day of the Dead (actually two days) is rich in tradition and activity. For the visitor to Mexico it iswondrous and mysterious.

Come and learn about the significance of the alter and how to build your own. Embrace the Catrina. Develop your skill ofpoetry as manifested through the Calavera Literaria.

Altar: Either built in home or around the tombstones, Mexicans entice their passed away loved ones to come back for a visit,so both worlds the living and the death can enjoy a great celebration together. Let's learn where this tradition come from,how they build it and the meaning it holds.

La Catrina: The grande dame of the Death represents what Death means to Mexicans and how they face it. It was originallynamed La Calavera Garbancera describing a person who was ashamed of his indigenous origins and dressed as a European personwho wanted to look a whiter skin. In time, this lady became an iconic image to Mexico's culture of the Death’s celebration alongthe country. Let's be part of the celebration and dress ourselves as a Catrina o Catrín.

Calavera Literaria: These popular poems mock not only death but our best friends and worst enemies as well. After all,as the writer Guadalupe Posada said, "death is democratic," so let's not leave anybody out!

Let's acknowledge where these traditions come from and why it is so popular among Mexicans. Also let's get to make our own Calaveras Literariasas well as the Catrina customs.

This course includes the explanation on history, and the making of these poems and the Catrina customs.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Street Spanish
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
November 4, 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/22
Enrollment ends October 31

.[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Living in another country and speaking their language, brings an opportunity of expressing ourselves in a completely different way,a way that helps us jump into the locals' culture: food, celebrations, sadness, cheerfulness, insults, and a huge etc.

In this class we'll learn how the locals communicate among themselves. What code they use for a living in a daily basis.Slang, idioms, sayings, phrases, even body language.

Join and dive with us deep into Street Spanish.

This course is open to all members, but we recommend you have an intermediate level of Spanish at least.
Prueba Mexico Beans Prueba Mexico

Beans, Beans the Musical Fruit!
Instructor: Ana Moreno
Course Fee: $480 MXN, Includes all materials
Course Date: November 7
Course Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM
South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/20
Enrollment ends November 2

[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Mexico, as part of the new world, is a treasure trove of gastronomy. Mexican soil is where the first corn (maize),tomatoes and cocoa was domesticated. Beans of the new world began in the Andean mountains and within a few thousand yearshad arrived in Mexico by 4-5000 BCE.

It's been said that no culture does beans like Mexican culture(s). Learn about the frijole or legume, what ever you liketo call it in this prueba. We will present recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor. Learn to prepare charro, drunken,red, fried, piggy and "with morisqueta" beans, what accompanies them and how to serve them! - Toot, Toot! See you there.
film_festival3 Mexican Film Festival

Friday, November 8, 7:00 PM
LA RAZÓN DE ESTAR CONTIGO (A Dog's Purpose, 2017) Starring Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton.

Synopsis from IMDB:
Lasse Hallström "The Hundred-Foot Journey" directed this adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron, which follows a dog voiced by Josh Gad as he is reincarnated as different breeds belonging to various owners. Over the course of multiple lifetimes, the canine's existence intersects with that of a young boy who rescued him in 1962.

Sinopsis de IMDB:
Lasse Hallström "The Hundred-Foot Journey" dirigió esta adaptación de la novela best-seller del mismo nombre de W. Bruce Cameron, que sigue a un perro con la voz de Josh Gad mientras se reencarna como diferentes razas pertenecientes a varios propietarios. En el transcurso de múltiples vidas, la existencia del canino se cruza con la de un niño que lo rescató en 1962.
Prueba Mexico Prueba Mexico

Mexican Manners
Instructor: Alfredo Perez
Course Fee: $250 MXN
Course Date:November 21
Course Time:Thursday, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/25

[a href='prueba_mexico_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
OR, Sign-up at Service desk before June 15
LCS Members only. Membership must be current.
No Refunds

Description:
Cultural shock is a normal part of life when we move to another country whose habits are different, we have to observe and learn thelocal rules of urbanity, what body language issues are appropriate and which are not.

Why the behavior of the inhabitants of the new place is different. What do local people expect from me as a new inhabitant of the area?What phrases should I use and at what times? What should I understand about the time structure of the local people so different from mine?Why are the procedures with the authorities so complicated? And a long etc.

Our intention is to help you understand these basic and necessary questions for the real and adequate coexistence with my new neighbors.

Another way to know Mexico.
film_festival8 Mexican Film Festival

Friday, November 29, 7:00 PM
DURO PERO SEGURO Starring María Elena Velasco, Jorge Lavat, Ángel Garasa.

Synopsis from cineol.net:
María Nicolasa is a street vendor of tacos that has her stop at the doors of a movie studio, where many pedestrians pass and provide her with a remarkable success, even making her competition to the canteen of film studios.
Sometimes Maria introduces herself to snooping on the sets creating not a few stripes. On one of these excursions, Fulgencio, one of the attendees, earns a good fight and decides to take revenge. This opportunity is offered when he wins the lottery: Fulgencio tells his teammates that what brought him good luck was to hit Maria and therefore everyone who wishes to attract fortune should do the same.

Sinopsis de cineol.net:
María Nicolasa es una vendedora callejera de tacos que tiene su parada montada a las puertas de un estudio de cine, dónde pasan muchos peatones y le proporcionan un notable éxito, llegando incluso a hacer la competencia a la cantina de los estudios cinematográficos.
A veces María se introduce a curiosear en los platós creando no pocos estropicios. En una de estas excursiones, Fulgencio, uno de los asistentes, se gana una buena bronca y decide vengarse. Esta oportunidad se le ofrece cuando gana la lotería: Fulgencio comenta a sus compañeros que lo que le trajo buena suerte fue golpear a María y por lo tanto todo el que desee atraer a la fortuna deberá hacer lo mismo.