Noble Peace Prize winner and two time president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, 72, is tying the knot today, at a private ceremony in Rohromoser. He is marrying Suzanne Fischel, 49, who has been his girlfriend for the last three years.
Photo via La Nacion
This is the second marriage for both.
Oscar’s first wife, Margarita Peñosn, served as first lady during Oscar’s first term in office in the 1980’s. Oscar and Margarita had two childre, Oscar Felipe and Sylvia. That marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
Suzanne’s first husband to well known television news anchor Ignazio Santos. That marriage ending in divorce in 2008. They had two children.
Suzanne Fischel is a lawyer, graduating from the Universidad de Costa Rica and admitted to the Bar in 1987. She is currently senior associate at the law firm Pacecho Coto in Santa Ana.
The ceremony is said to be “a thing of close friends” rumoured to be around 60 persons. In fact, very little in the way of news has been coming out of Arias, other than following the ceremony there will be a dinner held in Aria’s spacious backyard where there is a swimming pool.
According to La Nacion’s interview with Suzanne, the couple will be staying at home after the wedding. “Oscar has to travel in th early part of December, that is why were putting off the honeymoon”, said the bride.
Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them.
On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – to celebrate his daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when a human stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis.
The film features the voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Jon Lovitz, Cee Lo Green, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon and David Spade.
The film, released in the U.S. was on September 28, 2012, was met with mixed critical reception, while the general population received it very favorably. Despite mixed reviews, Hotel Transylvania set a new record for the highest-grossing September opening weekend, earning a total of $271 million on a budget of $85 million.
“Up Yours” was the message by former Exdefensora de los Habitantes (Ombudsman) Lisbeth Quesada to the ministro de Seguridad Publica, Mario Zamora.
The former defender of the people made the profane gesture in front of the live television cameras during the noon broadcast of the protest by Telenoticias.
The protest on Thursday was to denounce the deteriorating financial situation at the the Social Security Fund – the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS or Caka0 – and the violent confrontation between police and protestors a week earlier, when a peaceful protest turned violent, when the nation saw images of its police striking at protestors.
“Tell minister Zamora, who used to work for me at the Defensioria, that he does not run this protest”, Quesada told the viewing audience.
During Thursday’s protest the Fuerza Pública decided to use only female police officers.
The former defender said that the problems of the Caja has been ongoing for many years and part of the financial crisis is attributed to the politicians.
Finally, Quesada said she is indignant of the impunity in Costa Rica.
On the social networks like Facebook and Twitter the former Ombudsman’s gesture generated a variety of reactions.
The use of only female police officers was a tactical decision by the police force to avoid a repeat of the violent confrontations during last week’s protest.
Seven Costa Rican companies will offer their products this week at a trade fair in Chicago, through their participation in the exhibition PLMA 2012.
This event is considered the largest private label division in the world and the Costa Rican participation was achieved through the coordination of the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer).
It has been performed for more than 30 years in the Rosemont Convention Center and is organized by the Association of Private Label Manufacturers of America.
This year there will be more than 2,000 exhibition booths among food, snacks, drinks, household items and kitchen products, general merchandise, health and cosmetics. All participants were pre tested and approved by the Association to display their goods.
The seven Costa Rican companies will have items that include dressings, jams, condensed milk, pineapple juice, exotic fruit dressings, mayonnaise, spicy and exotic sauces, syrups, mustard, mayonnaise, cheese, juices, nectars, coffee drinks, smoothies, tuna and sardines, flour and corn snacks, Procomer said.
We wish all 7 companies from our beautiful little country the best of luck!
In Costa Rica when we say complete it should not be confused with finished. A case in point is the Virilla or “platina” bridge. We can give a lot more examples, but there is not enough space on the world wide web to do so. So, lets stick with this one and maybe a more recent one, like the San José – Caldera.
When in Costa Rica we say completed, it means, well for the most part it is finished. That is there are still things to do, but in general the work is done and over with. This applies not just to road construction, but to about every part of life and activity in Costa Rica.
Is your homework complete? Yes, but one more page to finish it. Did you complete your shopping? Yes, but one more store to visit to finish. Is the road repair complete? Yes, but we still have to pave it to be finished.
I think you get the gist of the difference between “completed” and “finished” in Costa Rica.
So lets look at some of the more recent “completed” and “finished” differences that effects everyone and everyday life in Costa Rica, its roads.
Such is the case of the Virilla or “platin” bridge as it is commonly known. The contract called for a “completed” date of February 21, but that did not mean it would have to be “finished”.
Generating controversy, though nothing will ever be done about it – is the San José – Caldera that was “completed” and inaugurated on January 2010, but still not “finished”. As a matter of fact, the road is closed as of today for three weeks between Atenas and Orotina that will include some, but not all, of the “finish” work.
I was one of the many invited on the January 27, 2010, to “officially” mark the “completion” of the highway. The ribbon was cut by then president Oscar Arias and lots of government officials, marking the completion of the highway that took some 30 years.
But was it or is finished? Noooooooo….. there is still lots to do like the building of pedestrian overpasses.
But the completion means the concessionaire can charge tolls to recover its costs and make a profit. Convenient, eh?
Back to the ‘platina” bridge.
Today, Monday, February 21, marks the “completion” day of the work. But anyone can see that the bridge work it is still not finished. Far from it.
Obvious to the naked eye are the missing parts of the guardrail, the concrete median between the opposing lanes that is now pylons, the signage, the painting of the lines on the pavement and still, we believe the final asphalt coat, just to name a few. What unfinished work lies under the bridge, hidden from sight is only known to the experts.
To the inexperienced in the ways of Costa Rica this would never be acceptable. Hey, it shouldn’t be either. But in Costa Rica, and that is the way it is.
In this case, as is in all the cases respecting road work, the ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) – the government agency responsible for road construction, re-construction, maintenance and the lack of, is ok with it.
Today they accepted the bridge. No ceremony, no one standing around saying, ok, its is done, not even a ribbon to cut. The contractor removed its workers from the side, citing the date on the calendar. Now, it will be up to the MOPT to finish it, whenever they get around to it.
You see this body is overburdened with projects and little money and manpower. Just look around your own area and you can surely make a list – a long list – of “completed” projects that have yet and surely may never be “finished”.
I suppose we can be thankful to this group that at least tries, starting all sorts of projects here and there that one day. In the past it didn’t even do that.
We leave you with the fact that this article is complete, but not finished.
Costa Rican women not only devote to household chores more than double the time men do, but also allocate more time to their professional training.
According to surveys of Costa Rica’s National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC), women have less leisure due to their double responsibility at work and at home, but they study more to reinforce their training.
They spend some 30 hours a week to improve their curricula and this time is longer among heads of families with low school levels and lower salaries, said Vicerrector of the University of Costa Rica, Irma Sandoval.
There are still barriers to achieve full development of women, and people fail to understand that this unpaid work also contributes to the country’s economy, she told La Republica.
Cooking, taking care of the children and housecleaning takes the more time from them, regardless their age, education or social status, she said.
Men devote 15 hours a week to household chores while women spend 37 hours doing those tasks, thus reflecting the gender gap, according to Diario Extra. The survey carried out by INEC covered 2,520 houses in the capital and other major cities with over two million inhabitants.
New eye care technology at the universal health care system (Caja) means that patients unable to produce tears to bathe the eye have relief from this painful condition, reports the national newspaper La Nacion.
And cornea transplants today have an unprecedentedly low chance of being rejected due to new techniques.
The paper cited the case of Amalia Alfaro, a Tica who endured three years of a painful condition of “dry eye,” in which tear ducts to one eye ceased to function properly.
Normal eye drops did not help her but finally Caja eye doctors devised eye drops using her own blood serum, to which anti-inflammatory medicine and the right PH factor was added. She reported immediate relief.
Blood was withdrawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate corpuscles from the fluid part. To this liquid was added the other factors. “I see better, my eye moistness is normal,” she told La Nacion, “The best part is the the serum is made in just a short time.”
In fact, Dr. Roberto Velasquez, director of the Caja eye bank, says the preparation can be made in just an hour. The patient gets nine bottles of artificial tears good for three months.
The beauty of the system is that, since this is made from the patient’s own blood, chances of allergic reaction are nil.
But that is just the start of new techniques. Chances of rejection of cornea implants is now reduced by only replacing the damaged part of the cornea.
“There are people,” says Velasquez, “who have had two, three, up to four transplants and have rejected them all.” The paper cited the case of Harold Chacon, 12, who had eye problems from birth.
He had several transplants, including the implant of an artificial cornea in Colombia, all without success. But he reported that just two weeks after the new surgery he can distinguish light and shapes.
But doctors at public hospitals here have become adept also at using the placenta internal lining to aid eye patients. This tissue had been found effective with patients with inflammatory eye conditions, or after severe blows to the eye.
Velaquez hails the tissue, applied to the eye and often held on with a bandage, as being a “biological cure that helps heal (eye) injuries or illness in a natural way.”
The curative membrane is obtained in Caesarian births and carries the benefit of not being from a fetus and so does not violate Catholic religious principals.
One of the concerns that exists today in Costa Rica, according to Oscar Valverde, reproductive health officer of the United Nationals Population Fund (UNFPA), is that 47% of Costa Rican women are having unintended pregnancies and 11.7% do not have adequate access to contraceptives.
The UNFPA includes the statistics in its World Population 2012 report.
The report also reveals that some 222 million women worldwide do not have the right to family planning.
According to the report, at the end of 2012 were will be about 80 million unintended pregnancies among women living in developing countries. The report warns that about half of these pregnancies will end in abortion.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, for example, unsafe abortions result in over 1.000 deaths and 500.000 hospitalizations of women.
The 2013 Marchamo – the annual vehicular permit that includes the mandatory this party liability insurance, property and all type of others taxes and fees – is upon us and must be paid by December 31, after which late penalties and interest is piled on. Plus, beginning Jan 1 drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle without the current Marchamo will be exposed to a ticket and/or have the vehicle confiscated.
The INS has now begun to refer to the Marchamo as the “Seguro Obligatoio de Automóvoices (SOA)“. This we can expect in the future to see the SOA and no long the Marchamo.
Where and How To Pay the 2013 Marchamo
The 2013 Marchamo can be paid at any bank – private and public, select financial institutions (like mutuals) and authorized INS insurance agents.
Payment can also be made on line at www.ins-cr.com. After entering the plate number and type of vehicle (PARTICULAR is a private passenger vehicle, for instance) and the Captcha, you will be directed to a detailed breakdown and the total due. At the bottom of the page you can make your online payment (tramitar pago).
In the process, the INS is asking for an update of information. This is voluntary and will be eligible for a trip to Cancun for doing so. If you don’t want to update, click on “cancelar”.
At banks, financial institutions and INS offices, it is best to have on hand your 2012 Marchamo, the vehicle title and your cedula or passport.
Banks will take payment in cash or by credit card, with discounts and prizes if using the bank’s own cards. Note that not all financial institutions and INS offices accept plastic.
To know the amount payable for the 2013 Marchamo on any vehicle, click here.
When paying for your 2013 Marchamo you will have the option to add several insurance add-ons like life insurance, road-side assistance and additional coverage over the basic (not to be confused with a voluntary insurance policy). Note, the add-ons are available online, but not necessarily at the points of sale.
What then? Once you paid your 2013 Marchamo you will be given a Marchamo form that you are required to keep in the vehicle (or handy if pulled over by a traffic official) and a sticker to place on your front windshield.
Note if paying online at the INS or banks that offer the service, the 2013 Marchamo will be delivered to your home or office.
Very important to note is that the vehicle has to have its Riteve – Vehicular Inspection – current to pay the 2013 Marchamo. NO RITEVE, NO MARCHAMO. And don’t wait for the very last day to do the inspection and pay the marchamo, for it takes a day or two for the Riteve inspection to be updated on the INS network and must take into account the holidays.
Where to stick the sticker?
There is no hard and fast rule as to where the Marchamo sticker is to be applied, no regulation we could find anyways. Q asked our friendly Tránsito (traffic official) and the reply is anywhere on the front windshield.
The tradition is to place it on the passenger side of the windshield, aligned with the pillar. Some have taken to place it in the top middle of the windshield. And in some rare cases on the driver side. There is no hard fast rule as to where of if even it should be applied, though you might wonder why you are getting pulled over a lot.
For many people, no creature evokes the kind of disgust and horror that snakes do, and this country has an abundance of slithering serpents known to have deadly dentures.
But the reality is that snakebites are few and far-between. On average, 504 people are bit per year in all of Costa Rica, according to a review of medical facility data by Mahmood Sasa from the University of Costa Rica. And thanks to the advent of powerful and very toxic antivenins, most snakebite victims, like Pelada resident Sophie Ballegeer, survive the experience.
What to Do If You Are Bitten
But what if the unimaginable actually happens? Keep calm.
If you’re bitten, go to the hospital immediately. Do not try to suck or apply pressure to the bite. Only hospitals keep antivenin in stock because the antidote has bad side effects, so it has to be administered in a facility which can monitor and control the effects.
Local Poisonous Snakes to Avoid
Coral Snake – Black, yellow and red banding across the body, extremely venomous. Its very small teeth and meek disposition mean that it rarely bites, and it cannot bite through leather and other tough materials.
Fer-de-Lance – French for “spearhead.” It has black, brown and green mottled colours with dark blotches along its back. It is considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes in Costa Rica.
Eyelash Viper – Also called the “Bocaraca” in Spanish. The eyelash viper can have several color variations and combinations of red, yellow, brown, green and pink. It is a small, tree-inhabiting snake, averaging about 2.5 feet in length, but don’t let the size fool you— its bite is still dangerous.
Tropical Rattlesnake – “Cascabel” in Spanish, for its rattling sound when disturbed. This rattlesnake is one of the larger species of venomous snakes in Costa Rica. Its venom is neurotoxic, very strong, and has effects on the operation of the eyes– some bite victims go permanently blind from late or inadequate treatment.
Bushmaster – The king of venomous snakes in Costa Rica can reach lengths of up to 8 feet. It is easily the largest venomous snake in the country and has an added danger of being able to strike with multiple bites. Luckily, it’s a nocturnal predator and usually will be avoided by people for this reason.
The broad leafy branches of a Guanacaste tree that provided shade for decades in Nicoya’s park in front of the historic colonial church has been chopped down, saddening many for the loss of a tree that symbolizes the culture of Guanacaste and Costa Rica.
For example, Mey Obando commented, “They tore out one of Nicoya’s lungs,” on the social network Facebook page of the “Alcaldia de Nicoya.”
“Progress shouldn’t come by means of destroying but rather building, and if you don’t see more than a simple tree, you shouldn’t be called Nicoyan,” commented Christian Romero Arroyo, making reference to the project currently underway to build a new plaza in front of the church. “This country is sold to the world as being an ecological and green country!!! Now where will the green in this project be besides the moss that will grow on the square when it rains? You and I both know how hot it gets in Nicoya and the trees are an important part of the environmental balance. If we put more cement, it creates more heat,” he added.
These are just two of more than 75 comments left on the mayor’s Facebook page.
According to Mayor Marco Jimenez, the tree was in the way as the municipality, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism, initiated a project to build a Colonial Square in the area of the church and the Recaredo Briceño Park, a project that will cost 144 million colones ($288,000). “The tree impeded our construction of the plaza; in addition because it presents a danger to the infrastructure and human security,” the mayor declared.
Since the land where the tree was located belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Tilaran, the mayor indicated that they requested permission from Marvin Sanchez, the priest of the colonial church, who later requested permission from Minaet.
Gerardo Martinez, in charge of the Nicoya office of Minaet, affirmed that permission was granted to cut the tree down because it was causing damage to the structure of neighboring houses, pavement of sidewalks and public roads and sewage pipes. He also noted that the tree presented a risk that branches could fall in a heavily frequented site. When asked if there was an alternative to cutting down the tree, Martinez explained that neighbors had been asking to cut the tree down for some time and that nothing could be built in the area because of the tree’s roots.
If the Unimer public opinion poll of President Laura Chinchilla is accurate, then the citizen view of her performance hasn’t declined much, but that ain’t good, either.
Positive evaluations went down a hair from 13% in July to 12% — down in the range of U.S. polls measuring President Richard Nixon’s popularity just before his resignation. The negative opinion remained at 53%.
Chinchilla’s poll figures began their decline in September last year, according to the Unimer survey commissioned by the national newspaper La Nacion.
Specifically, 29 out of every hundred Ticos viewed her performance as so-so and 24 as very bad. What was especially telling is that none of those surveyed characterized her work as “very good.”
But the harshest criticism came from the 18-24 year olds, a segment of the population she did especially well with during the 2010 election. Also, her party has targeted that age group for the 2014 election.
Also severe was the segment of the population living in the Greater Metropolitan Area, where half the people are concentrated. As in April and July of this year, 9 out of 10 Ticos surveyed said that Chinchilla has no control over the direction her Administration takes.
Costa Ricans had an especially low opinion of the cabinet, saying that she showed a lack of leadership and was badly advised, citing the border road debacle as an example. That construction was especially the reason why 8 of 10 Ticos cited errors the government has made.
But 64% gave Chinchilla credit for important achievements such as the strengthening of the scholarship program to keep youngsters in grade school and high school as well as strengthening of the infrastructure and improving security.
But the view of the citizen in the street of the President’s cabinet was no better — 65% considered their work, taken as a whole, as “bad” or “very bad.” Only 7% judged it good.
And what was the Administration’s response to such grim reviews? As usual it fell upon Information Minister Francisco Chacon to act as spinmeister. He assured La Nacion that the Administration can recuperate in the next polls.
Naturally, he emphasized the fact that Chinchilla had stopped slipping in the polls. He pointed to an improvement in security, prudent management of the economy and an increase in employment figures.
Commentary: Actually, we hate to admit it, but Chacon has settled on three important points of success. But Ticos are not fools (well, most of them aren’t) and they know trouble when they see it.
Unfortunately, the President’s control over her officials has been as uncertain as a hippopotamus on a mud bank.
How does one define “secret political information”? Violation is a new law with no definable terms except by those who feel the author (s) have violated whatever and the hell it means.
Please, Costa Rica, wake up and smell the coffee. We cannot afford censorship, even disguised censorship. This rule, this law this regulation is tad amount to gagging freedom of speech not only the press but of information. And, if there is a country that needs exposing, we are that nation!
We have a weird if not antiquated defamation of character law that can pin down just about anyone for anything controversial. Put that on top of “secret political information” and publishing of anything controversial becomes just a gamble, a cruel joke no better or worse than Cuba, China and Venezuela. Ergo, “I, my political beliefs are my own, do not publish them or I will sue the hell out of you if not put your butt in prison.” (The killer, thief, et al are not in jail; just moi.)
How dumb, how un-freed is that?
We all know such a law will not stand up in court, except in the press and that is where most accusations, charges are legally really tried. But, then again why do we do it? Why has Costa Rica succumbed to such horrible control of freedoms and horrible laws restricting oppositional view points from that of the government: “paja”? (Paja = Not as strong as bullshit nor as weak as “baloney” A wonderful expression, I think.)
The Chinchilla administration has avoided comment and the assemble has avoided even discussing this all new regulation or law. It sits, and just sits until a new president and new assembly comes along and says, Juan, you have violated the Secret Political Information Law: whatever and the hell that might be!
Does this mean the end to expose such as that of la Nación regarding la Trocha, the General Cañas Bridge or perhaps The Orozco six month degree course in law, the CAJA ….well that is never ending? Me? I am, sensitive to any form of information control, be it television or in print form.
It smacks of China, Russia and Cuba plus a few more in Latin America.
When Anastasio Somoza was a dictator of Nicaragua, the press realized that he who controls the media always wins. And, some gave their lives to combat that misconception. We do not need to do that, nor be so radical in Costa Rica. It is a question of openness, another step to transparency that is very much in demand and very much needed.
Government secrets pertaining to security is one thing, but political secrets are something entirely different and should be rejected in “shame”. Yet, little is being said, and as a nation we are willing to live with ambiguity, a censorship and a challenge of freedom. What I have always professed and always found defending has been openness of thought.
Needing to have the latest in iPhone? Although not an official launch by Apple or the three major cellular operator in the country, the iPhone 5 – UNLOCKED – can now be purchased in Costa Rica. And at only US$1.100.
Located in San Francisco de Dos Rios, on the east side of San José, Techmania Costa Rica, by way of Facebook is offering the latest Apple mobile device.
Though the price for an iPhone5 16GB may seem high, but not really when compared to the US$199 in the United States, considering that you don’t have to sign any contract with a provider and can install any SIM chip and just about used it anywhere in the world.
The consider this, in Costa Rica an iPhone 4S – one model behind – costs ¢337.880 (US$682) and with a monthly mininum service at ¢22.500 (US$45) at Movistar.
Over at Kolbi, the mobile communications arm of the state Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), they will be offering only the iPhone 4 8GB – two models behind – very soon . Claro is not offering the iPhone.
Why would anyone in their right mind pay such a price?
For any tech junkie that is not even a question, it is just a matter of having the latest. And if one is in Costa Rica, direct purchases from Apple is not an option, as Apple will only sell with a carrier plan. And then the phones are locked, that is they restricted from being used on another carrier during the term of the contract.
So what’s the big deal with the 5?
The 5 is the sixth generation of the iPhone and arguably the best smartphone on the market, with its custom-designed ARMv7 processor called the Apple A6, an update to Apple’s mobile operating system known as iOS 6, and support for LTE.
For any iPhone junkie will know that there the three game in 3 and 3S and the fourth in 4 and 4S, so if you add up, the first was the iPhone, then came the iPhone 3, the iPhone 3S, the iPhone4, the iPhone4S, so that makes the 5 the sixth.
The 5 was introduced on September 12, 2012. After Apple began taking pre-orders on September 14, 2012, over two million were received within 24 hours
Apple emphasized the improved build quality of the iPhone 5 at its press event. The frame used in previous versions was redesigned to use an aluminum composite frame, which allows the phone to resist shattering more effectively than the previous stainless steel design, but scratches easily. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S used stainless steel instead of aluminium due to Steve Jobs’ preference for the metal which he thought, “looks beautiful when it wears”.
he decision to use aluminium however, generated complaints of scratches being observed on and easily inflicted upon the chassis of the iPhone 5, causing Apple to respond that this was normal for aluminium products.[45]
All versions of the iPhone 5 are 18% thinner, 20% lighter, and have 12% less overall volume than its predecessor, the iPhone 4S. The phone’s aluminum body is 0.30 in (7.6 mm) thick. Apple at the conference claims it is the thinnest smartphone in the world at 7.6 mm, though that claim has been disputed as the Oppo Finder is thinner and some other smartphones can be considered to be thinner, depending upon where thickness is measured. The Oppo Finder measures 6.65 mm at its thinnest point and 7.1 mm at its thickest point making it overall thinner than the iPhone.
JP Morgan’s chief economist, Michael Ferol said that “sales of iPhone 5 could boost annualized US GDP growth by $3.2 billion, or $12.8 billion at an annual rate.”
Techcrunch reported that the iPhone 5 sold out twenty times faster than the 4 and 4S models. Apple said that they were “blown away by the customer response”. Phil Schiller, Apple’s vice-president of worldwide marketing, said that over two million iPhone 5 orders had been received in the first 24 hours. AT&T said that the iPhone 5 was the fastest-selling iPhone the company had ever offered, selling over five million units on launch weekend. The release and sale of the iPhone 5 has also slowed down the growth of Android according to market share reports released by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.
Having to have the latest
For iPhone junkies all that is great, but there is another reason as to why, and it is a Costa Rican thing: being the first with something new.
For the record we estimate only several dozen iPhone5’s in Costa Rica. We don’t know the exact number, only base our estimate on the fact that one major retailer sold out its only lot of 50 it brought in last month and the few that have been purchased – unlocked from the factory – and have been brought it.
Techmania, for now, is the only commercial retailer of the iPhone5 we know of. Many will soon come.
This article was not paid for or sponsored by Techmania.
Whether you prefer sinking your teeth into the ripe, juicy fruit or savoring it as a thick, zesty sauce, there are many ways to enjoy tomatoes. But do they offer any benefit other than flavour?
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that a new study based in Finland shows that men with the highest level of lycopene —an antioxidant found in tomatoes— suffered less strokes than those who had the lowest level of it in their blood system. According to researchers, the risk of strokes was reduced by 55 percent. Those with high levels of lycopene were also 59 percent less likely to have an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke that is caused by a blood clot. There were 25 strokes among 258 men who had the lowest levels of lycopene and 11 strokes among men with the highest levels.
The National Stroke Association states a “brain attack” occurs when blood clots block an artery or causes a vessel to break, preventing blood flow to the brain. This results in brain damage, which could destroy certain abilities, including speech, movement and memory. Anyone, regardless of age, can have a stroke –it can be caused by several factors, including obesity, diabetes and smoking, just to name a few.
Does that mean men should begin devouring pasta loaded with simmering marinara sauce or cheeseburgers with chunky slices of tomatoes? Not so fast, says one expert.
According to Salvador Cruz-Flores, M.D. associated with the American Heart Association, the study encourages healthier eating but seems to contain some flaws.
“The study was done only on men, which is one issue,” states Flores. “The number of absolute strokes was really very small, 5 percent over 12 years. If you look at it annually, it’s less than 1 percent a year. The absolute benefit is very tiny.”
Researcher Jouni Karppi, lead author of the study, also stresses that healthier eating is what truly leads to long-term benefits.
“This study adds to the evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of stroke,” said Karppi in a statement. “The results support the recommendation that people get more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, which would like lead to a major reduction in the number of strokes worldwide, according to previous research.”
Tomatoes aren’t the only food with lycopene. Other fruits often found in several Latin recipes, like guavas, mangoes and papayas, have the same antioxidant.
This image found on Facebook sums the recently enacted law against, “Ley de Mordaza’ (Gag Law), as presidenta Laura Chinchilla (left) shushes the outspoken noon time news television personality, Pilar Cisneros.
Teletica, the national television station, is making a casting call to all women between 17 and 25 who are outgoing and dynamic, with an aptitude for modeling, dancing, acting and cheerleading.
Auditions will be held from November 12 and 15 at the Marco Picado studio at Teletica Channel 7 in Sabana park, across from the national stadium.
Appointments for auditions will be given out at 7am during the four days and space is limited. The casting call is for amateurs only and no experience is required.
Bailey bridges are here to stay. This pre-fabricated, truss bridge developed by the British during World War II for military use is the work horse of the Costa Rican transport ministry.
In its history, the Bailey saw extensive use by both British and the American military engineering units. Today, in Costa Rica, civil engineers are taking advantage of a system that requires no special tools or heavy equipment to construct.
The wood and steel bridge elements are small and light enough to be carried in trucks and lifted into place by hand, without requiring the use of a crane. The bridges were strong enough to carry tanks. But not 80 ton cranes as we learned the hard way last week.
Around the world Bailey bridges continue to be extensively used in civil engineering construction projects and to provide temporary crossings for foot and vehicle traffic.
In Costa Rica, however, they are a temporary-permanent solution to a problem stemming from the lack of maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure for more than two decades.
All over the country Baileys are being deployed. The objective is to allow movement of traffic while permanent repairs are made. But, again and again, a Bailey goes up and almost never ever comes down. The Ministerio de Obras Publica y Transportes (MOPT) finds it more acceptable to buy more Baileys than work on a plan for permanent structures.
A preliminary estimate by the Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (CONAVI) notes that there are more than 80 such provisional structures in use today country wide. So many that the CONAVI itself does not know for sure how many and where they all are.
Some have been in place for several years, becoming part of the natural landscape.
Rolando Castillo, coordinator of the Unidad de Puentes del Laboratorio Nacional de Materiales y Modelos Estructurales (LANAMME) – National Laboratory for Bridge and Structural Models Materials – explains that we should not look negatively at the Bailey, “provided they are used as a temporary solution”.
The expert further explains that in some countries, even the United States, Bailey structures are used in place for up to five years in some cases, allowing time for authorities to design and build a permanent bridge.
“The absence of a bridge management system should not be allowed’, says Castillo in criticizing the country’s lack of any type of plan for country’s failing bridges.
Defending the use of the Bailey is José Salas, head of the CONAVI. Salas says, “we should not lose sight of the main objective of the CONAVI and the MOPT, which is to ‘ensure the right of free transit’ regardless of the medium used to achieve this”.
The statement confirms that CONAVI officials are more likely to use the temporary solution for a permanent, becoming more and more Bailey-dependent rather than putting forth a permanent bridge plan.
In the eyes of some, like the LANAMME, the Bailey is viewed as a permanent solution for a ministry that is imploding under the weight of its own inefficiency and corruption. During the current administration, the not even three year old Chinchilla government is now on its third MOPT minister.
Some argue, however, that the country is not Bailey-dependent but rather using the Bailey as way of efficiently stealing public money. Up for an investigation any one?
n November it is common for Costa Ricans to be doing their Christmas shopping, as retailers announce their deals and discounts for the shopping season, getting more aggressive by the end of the month with the “Aguinaldo” – annual bonus around the corner.
In Costa Rica the Christmas shopping season actually starts in September – yes, September – as retailers begin putting up Christmas holiday decorations and put out their stock, rather than keep it in the warehouse.
This early season approach to Christmas is not part of any marketing plan, rather a practical approach to the fact that stock for the holiday season arrives early in Costa Rica, for the container shipments will be focusing on the big markets to the north. Retailers also give shoppers and early start with lay-aways or “apartados” as they care called in Costa Rica.
According to Cynthia Zapata, head of the Office of Consumer Support (Oficina de Apoyo Consumidor) of the Ministery of Consumer Affairs, consumers should shop around to ensure the best price.
Footwork is the best guarantee to get the best price for this holiday season shopping.
Zapata also asks consumers to ask for warranty and return policies, making sure that they are getting a warranty for their purchase. In addition, Zapata says that retailers want to improve transperancy, but htat can only be achieved with a good consumer practice.
The consumer support office has these recommendations:
Have an established budget
Make a list of things you want to buy
Buy only what is needed and not only to spend money
Take into account that consumers are entited to be informed of the before and after price
Report any misleading practices, like offering a discount for cash and not with a credit card
With the idea to cash in on insurance some vehicle owners in Costa Rica are taking to report fake thefts. In fact, according to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), almost one third of all reported car thefts was by the owner trying to defraud the national insurer, the Institutio Nacional de Segurod (INS).
Between January and September of this year 32% of all vehicles reported stolen or lost were not really stolen or lost, rather an attempt for the owner of the vehicle to get a cash settlement.
Costa Rica laws provide a prison sentence of one month to two years for anyone who commits a crime against a public body – the INS is a state institution. Violators could face other criminal charges.
The Colegio de Periodistas de Costa Rica (Costa Rican College of Journalists) in an editorial published in the local Spanish language daily El Pais, rejected the so-called Ley Mordaza (Gag Law) and demanded the government to analyze the project presented.
The reactions to the new law has had a wide repercussion among journalists, officials of press media and members of political parties and other organizations.
The legislation establishes changes to the Penal Code and restricts the exercise of press, freedom of expression, says lawyer Carlos Serrano, who also says that the legislation only publishes data by public institutions and establishes penalties up to 10 years of prison for those who spread information about the police, the defense of the nation, foreign affairs and others.
Jose Rodolfo Ibarra, president of the Colegio, said that the legislation puts the work of the press in risk, especially investigations to discover corruption affairs.
Ibarra added it violates the Constitution, the democracy of the nation and the international conventions.
Costa Rican Journalists Against Legislation
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The Colegio de Periodistas de Costa Rica (Costa Rican College of Journalists) in an editorial published in the local Spanish language daily El Pais, rejected the so-called Ley Mordaza (Gag Law) and demanded the government to analyze the project presented.
The reactions to the new law has had a wide repercussion among journalists, officials of press media and members of political parties and other organizations.
The legislation establishes changes to the Penal Code and restricts the exercise of press, freedom of expression, says lawyer Carlos Serrano, who also says that the legislation only publishes data by public institutions and establishes penalties up to 10 years of prison for those who spread information about the police, the defense of the nation, foreign affairs and others.
Jose Rodolfo Ibarra, president of the Colegio, said that the legislation puts the work of the press in risk, especially investigations to discover corruption affairs.
Ibarra added it violates the Constitution, the democracy of the nation and the international conventions.
The U.S. coffee chain Starbucks chose Lincoln Plaza in Moravia for its second point of expansion in Costa Rica. Lincoln Plaza opened its doors to the public on November 10, 2012 with more than forty retail stores.
The choice for Corporación de Franquicias Americanas (CFA) to open in Lincoln Plaza is not a surprise, as the new commercial centre is owned and developed by Portafolio Inmboliario (Pimnsa), the same developed of Avenida Escazú, the home of the first Starbucks store.
Last June CFA opened its doors to the 220 square metre outlet with a strong publicity campaign and media coverage. Lines outisde were around the corner for the first weeks of operations, as Costa Ricans chose to try America’s most popular coffee house.
In Central America, CFA operates seven Starbucks outlets, in addition to the 138 stores of international chains Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy’s and China Wok.
Lincoln Plaza is also home to other interantional brand names like GNC, Pizza Hut, KFC, Quiznos and Spoleto. Costa Rican chains include Universal, Yamuni, Pops, Enterpans and CCM Cineas.
Kepler Motors is gearing up to get its Motion hybrid supercar to customers. The California-based boutique automaker originally announced the 800-hp car in 2009 and should begin deliveries in the near future. In anticipation of the launch, it has released three new video clips showing the Motion … in motion.
The last time we saw the Motion was when it was first announced at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show. Kepler has kept pretty quiet since then, but it broke that silence last month with several new video clips. The clips show a purple Motion getting down to business in what appears to be the Californian desert.
The Motion is a hybrid supercar that combines a twin-turbo 3.5-liter Ford EcoBoost V6 driving the rear wheels with a pair of electric motors driving the front wheels. The V6 has been tuned up to 550 hp – close to 200 extra ponies over what you’d get in the Ford F-150 – and the electric motors throw in 250 hp.
Combine the virile AWD powertrain with the Motion’s carbon fiber monocoque and body, and Kepler says that the car fires to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in a Veyron-like 2.5 seconds. The speedometer doesn’t stop until it runs north of 200 mph (322 km/h), making the car just as fast as and several ticks quicker than the comparably powered Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid.
There’s no word on what the Motion will cost, but combine its cutting edge design, speedy performance and limited 50-model production run, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see something well up into the six-figure range, if not beyond. If that sounds too rich for your blood, you’ll have to be content watching it terrorize the streets in the trio of videos below.
For fans of the Bond canon (and I count myself one), the stakes for the newest installment, Skyfall, are sky high. The film is the third starring Daniel Craig—by any reasonable assessment a better Bond than any since Sean Connery—and as such it possesses a kind of deciding-vote quality over the two that preceded it. The first, Casino Royale, was not merely 007’s sharpest outing in 30-plus years, but a fairly explicit rebuke to the borderline self-parody into which the franchise had sunk; the second, Quantum of Solace—despite another excellent outing by Craig—was a soggy sequel, timid and uninspired.
Thus the question: Was Casino Royale an outlier in the decades-long stretch of Bondian disappointment? Or was Quantum of Solace the outlier in a new, improved Age of Craig?
I’m delighted to report that Skyfall powerfully suggests the latter. The film, directed by Sam Mendes, is among the most ambitious imaginings of Bond to date: dark, supple, and punctuated with moments of unanticipated visual brilliance.
Tough guy shows vulnerable side in latest Bond film, ‘Skyfall’It begins, as these affairs typically do, with a chase. Or perhaps it might better be described as a meta-chase, an early hint that the screenplay (by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan) will cast a knowing eye over the historical expanse of the franchise. A pursuit by car evolves into one by motorcycle before concluding in fisticuffs on the roof of a train. Throw in that it all takes place in Istanbul, and we’ve nearly managed 50 years of Bond in miniature.
Already, however, there are intimations that this will be no mere rehash. M (Judi Dench) orders Bond to abandon a wounded agent, presumably to his death. And for all its backward glances, the opening sequence will end in novel fashion: As a consequence of M’s pitiless efficiency, Bond is shot, fallen, evidently drowning. Cue up Adele’s moody, evocative theme song: This is the end. Hold your breath and count to ten.
Obsolescence and decay hang heavy over all that follows. Has M grown too old? Has Bond? These themes were toyed with in the non-canonical Thunderball remake Never Say Never Again, which saw Connery return to action 12 years (and one broken “never” vow) after Diamonds Are Forever. But if that examination of 007’s mortality was quasi-farce, Skyfall tilts toward tragedy. A cyber-terrorist, someone out of M’s past, has targeted MI-6 itself, and it’s unclear whether Bond—injured, disillusioned, full of drink and pills—is still a man to take on such challenges.
Craig and Dench are again superb, and superb together, as the hardened killer and the one person harder still. It is hardly a surprise that Mendes, who directed American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, has an ear for the strained and prickly marriage between the two. (M: “You know the rules of the game. You’ve been playing it long enough. We both have.” Bond: “Maybe too long.” M: “Speak for yourself.”)
Less expected is Mendes’s eye for elegant venues on a planet Bond had long ago seemed to crisscross into exhaustion: the summit of a glass tower in nighttime Shanghai, with luminous billboard jellyfish blooming in the background; a luxurious gambling den floating off the shore of Macau; a battered and abandoned ghost-city on a forgotten island in the South China Sea.
Like Casino Royale before it, Skyfall is at pains to advertise its breaks from the franchise’s past excesses, as when Bond’s new Q (Ben Whishaw) offers him a meager haul of gadgetry. “A gun and a radio? It’s not exactly Christmas, is it?” grouses Bond. Q’s response is tart: “Were you expecting an exploding pen?” Yet even on this score, the film is not without its sentimental indulgences, as when Bond brings into service an old friend last seen in—no, I won’t spoil it.
There are new friends along the way as well, played by Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, and Albert Finney—himself a candidate for the role of Bond once upon a time. Memories are uncovered and past sins revisited. There are nods to Tennyson’s “Ulysses” and to the famously stolen Modigliani Woman with a Fan. And Bond enjoys what is to date his most explicit (and by far most amusing) brush with homoeroticism.
The movie stumbles here and there. Though Javier Bardem has some nice moments as Bond’s new nemesis, he leans a bit heavily on Ledger’s Joker and Hopkins’s Lecter, before the script disappointingly demotes him to a near-generic villainy. And while the closing act provides abundant catnip for Bond nostalgists, it veers a few degrees hokier than necessary.
But make no mistake. Skyfall both honors and revitalizes what has come before, and offers compelling evidence that 007 is indeed back. As Bond himself replies, when asked what hobbies he might have: “Resurrection.”
The outcry that has followed the enactment three days ago of Costa Rica’s highly controversial cybercrime law has forced the government into a hasty about-turn. It announced today that the legislation, which provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for publishing “secret political information”, would not apply to journalists.
The law is not confined to national security but could also be applied to information “from national police bodies or security concerning defence matters or foreign relations” or which affects “the fight against drug trafficking or organized crime “.
In a statement issued a day earlier, the government promised to amend article 288 of the new law which provides for imprisonment of between four and eight years for anyone “who procures or obtains in an improper way secret political information”.
At the same time, the government pointed out that, under the constitution, it had a precise time limit for the enactment of the law after its approval by the Legislative Assembly.
“Even with the support of this argument, the enactment of such a dangerous law that has had such a harsh reception from all journalists is staggering,” Reporters Without Borders said. “At the same time as a discussion in parliament, there should have been a wide-ranging public debate around the extremely vague notion of ‘secret political information’, much of which is of considerable public interest.
“A piece of legislation that is so at odds with constitutional guarantees regarding freedom of expression and information should have provoked a presidential veto.”
The press freedom organization concluded: “The government should keep its word and ensure the law is amended so that its most repressive sections are scrapped. In our view, this should apply not only to qualified journalists or those employed by media organizations. It concerns every citizen, blogger or writer able to research and produce news and information. In other words, no-one should have to regard this law as a threat.”
The section or Ruta 1 between Alajuela and San José known as the autopista General Cañas, once again is a nightmare for thousands of drivers, when on Tuesday a 85 ton moving crane collapsed one of the two Bailey bridges on the busiest road in the country.
The moving crane was headed eastbound (Alajuela – San José) on the autopista when the Bailey bridge collapsed under the weight of the heavy vehicle. The bridge was installed last June when a sinkhole tore apart a section of the highway in the area of Los Arcos in Cariari.
The driver, Alberto Marín, was not injured in the accident nor any of the workers working below the bridge.
The General Cañas, the major route to San José to and from the international airport, will be closed until next Tuesday.
Tuesday morning a moving crane in the Alajuela – San José direction brought down one of the Bailey bridges erected on the autopista. Transport officials say the San José bound lanes will re-open in a week, at 5am Tuesday.
Despite the lack of signage with respect to weight limits on the bridge, the Director del CONAVI, Jose Luis Salas, says the driver of the crane should have known he could not move such a heavy vehicle over the Bailey.
“We have repeatedly reported that the bridge cannot stand much weight”, said Salas. The minister of Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT), Pedro Castro, said the transport department has no responsibility for the incident and “despite the lack of signage, the driver should have known not to pass through here. He is bound by law to know”.
Both officials said the MOPT and CONAVI are not to be held responsible and will seek ways for the owner of the moving crane to compensate the government.
But who will compensate the drivers affected by the closure who now have to find alternate routes to an already overburdened failing infrastructure?
The driver of the crane was issued a ¢94.000 colones (US$190) ticket, the maximum fine as per Article 145 of Ley de Tránsito (Traffic Code) for operating an overweight vehicle without a permit on public roads. The owner of the crane, Diego Quirós, assures that the vehicle is (was) in good mechanical condition and has in the past crossed Bailey Bridges without incident.
Alternate Routes: 1. Ruta 106 San José to Lagunilla de Heredia. Exit at Plaza Real Cariari head for San José by way Heredia through La Cañada to gas station ahead of the Riteve, right, over the Bailey and back onto the General Cañas
2. At the EPA take the road to Belén to Santa Ana and onto the Ruta 27 (San José – Caldera)
3. If you west of the international airport, exit at Coyol to the Ruta 27.
Many baby boomers are health conscious and into running. The benefits which an individual can get from running on a regular basis have been touted in many publications and studies. There are some runners who run just for the joy of running but there are others including many seniors who run because they realize there are a great deal of benefits which can be gained from running.
Some of of them may include reducing stress, improved bone health, improved cardiovascular health, reducing stress and improved mood and better coordination. Running is also an excellent form of exercise for losing weight because it requires a great deal of energy. In order to lose one pound of body weight, the body must create a calorie deficit of 3500 calories. This is equal to burning 500 calories per day. Most runners can easily burn off this many calories in less than one hour of exercise. I used to be a dedicated runner but unfortunately had to give it up because of knee problems. What I do now is walk at least one hour or more a day.
Costa Rica has a lot to offer runners and joggers. Beautiful beaches where one can jog along the sand and enjoy the refreshing ocean air. Parks like the Sabana in San José which is perfect for running. Almost every day the park is filled with runners and walkers. I know several Americans who live nearby and go to the park at least four times a week to get their exercise.
Costa Rica’s hills and mountains are also good places to run and hike. Serious runners will be glad to know that every February there is a race to the top Costa Rica’s highest peak, Chirripó. Hundreds of competitors arrive from all over the world to race 34-km up and down the country’s highest mountain. To give you a little perspective on this race: Chirripó is 3820 meters or 12,532 feet high. The race begins at the village of San Gerardo de Rivas which is about 4500 feet above sea level and finishes at about an elevation 8,000 feet. The fastest runners cover the distance in just over 3 hours! A regular hike of the same distance can take up to 8 hours.
Every year several marathons and half-marathons are held in Costa Rica where serious runners can also compete. You can find more about Costa Rica’s marathons at: http://marathoncostarica.com/bienvenidos/index.php.
One interesting race that is held in Costa is similar to the famous 86-story and 1576 stair “Umpire State Run-up”. The record for this race is 9 minutes and 33 seconds. Since we don’t have any buildings in Costa Rica that come close to that height we have a lesser version of the famous New York event called the “Carrerón del Escalón” or “Race of the Step” in English. It is held at the main office of the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (Social Security Building) in downtown San José and only open to employees and a few select participants. The building is only 13 stories high so it is not that grueling of an event.
Senior runners will be please to know that there are several stores that specialize in quality running shoes in the San José area. New Balances has one store in the Multiplaza Mall in Escazú and another in the Paseo de las Flores Mall in Heredia. There is also a store that specializes in running shoes called Runners, which is one block east of the Palacio de Deportes sports arena in the city of Heredia. You can order running shoes on line and have them shipped to Costa Rica by using one of the country’s private mail services like Aerocasillas. The only problem is that you cannot try on the shoes if your order them this way. However, if you know your exact shoe size and fit then this won’t pose a problem.
Bruce Silverman, a lifetime runner who used to live in Costa Rica, recently founded an on-line running magazine called ”Senior Runner.” It has a wealth of interesting information and tips for older runners. Check it out http://www.seniorrunner.com.
Actually I have been a naturalized Costa Rican citizen for over ten years but…….
About 27 years ago visited my dermatologist in downtown San José. We talked and he asked how long I had been living here. He knew I was originally from the States but nevertheless said, “Ya eres tico!” or You’r ea tico! That was the fist time a Costa Rican had ever said that to me. I really felt flattered.
Since then many Costa Ricans from taxi drivers to a former president have paid me the same compliment on numerous occasions. Why? First because of my linguist ability. I speak Spanish with native fluency. Probably the only way I could improve would to have been born here. The other day for example, I was talking to a tico friend who is sales and I used a local expression or tiquismo. Right away my Costa Rican friend told my gringo friend who was also with me, “Chris is a tico.” Obviously because of my Spanish skills and knowledge of the local slang.
In addition to my language skills I really understand the Latin sense of humor and the culture both of which help me fit in here.
I really feel proud of the effort I have made over the years to learn all I can about the Costa Rica. My efforts have really paid off. Felix Pérez, who drivers the bus on my monthly relocation retirement tours, has told me on repeated occasions that he has never met a gringo living in Costa Rico who fits in so well. He loves the fact that I have mastered the local street slang called pachuco. Felix has connection with a local radio station and wants me to go on a talk show called “El Manicomio de la Risa” or The Insane Asylum of Laughter.” The show is hilarious and I’d love to appear on it as a gringo who has mastered Costa Rican slang. Perhaps someday it will happen.
Anyway I know I will never be a native born Costa Rican but really feel happy that the people here have embraced me as one of their own and appreciate my effort to blend in. My good friend Mercedes Castro paid me the ultimate compliment at a party a few months ago when she introduced me to the other guests. She said, “Este mae es uno de nosotros.” “The guy is one of us.” My girlfriend has also echoed Mercedes’ sentiments repeatedly.
This phrase sums up my experience here. “Gringo de nacimiento, Tico de corazón.” “Gringo by birth, Tico at heart.”
Other foreigners should follow the advice of this time-tested expression: “Cuando se encuentre en Roma, compórtese como los Romanos” or “Al pueblo que fueres, haz loque vieres.” Both expressions mean, “When in Rome, do as the Romans.”
The bottom line is that if you make an effort to understand the culture and the language of Costa Rica you can have an incredible life here.
Family vacations in Costa Rica can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters — it all depends on pre-trip homework. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Costa Rica family vacations.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano was one of the most active volcanoes in the world until 2010 when it entered a dormant phase. Outdoor lovers will enjoy activities at Arenal Volcano National Park ranging from rafting and exploring hot springs to hiking and mountain biking. Rivers, rain forests, waterfalls, hot springs and a volcano — Arenal Volcano National Park has it all.
Museo De Los Ninos
The Museo de los Ninos provides a collection of educational exhibits representing the culture and history of Costa Rica. There are also many hands-on exhibits. In one interactive exhibit, kids can make music by waltzing across the floor. The museum building was formerly a barrack and then a prison before it was transformed into a children’s museum.
Address: Calle 4, al norte de la Avenida 9, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: U.S. adults, $8; children younger than 12, free.
National Museum
The National Museum is an exciting journey through the country’s archaeology, art, history and nature. The exhibits range from pre-Columbian objects made of gold and jade to a collection of hundreds of preserved Costa Rican birds.
Address: 17 Street, Central Avenue and Second Avenue, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on December 25 and December 31.
Price: Adults, $4; students and children 11 and younger, $2.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most popular destination, offering top-notch beaches with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. This area includes a national park brimming with wildlife, fabulous dining options and accommodations. Guests can go for a sail at sunset, ride a wave runner or try their hand at diving or snorkeling — with the assistance of an instructor, of course.
Sea Turtle Expedition
The Sea Turtle Expedition provides the chance for individuals to see endangered sea turtles laying eggs. This is a 9-day expedition where you actually become part of the beach patrol team tagging and measuring turtles, rescuing stragglers, noting nest locations and counting eggs.
Corcovado National Park
Hike in a tropical rain forest in Corcovado National Park. Enjoy a pristine sandy beach in the shadow of cliffs and caves. The park has a thriving monkey population, including Central American squirrel monkeys and white-faced capuchins.
Address: Corcovado, Costa Rica
Hours: The park is open all hours.
Price: $7 plus $3 per person, per night if camping. Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird watching and fishing. Located in a major migratory flyway, the refuge is home, or rest a stop, to millions of birds, including the black-necked stilt, northern jacana and white Ibis. Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping in this lush tropical rain forest.
Address: Cano Negro, Northern Lowlands, Costa Rica
Hours: The refuge is open year-round. The Ramsar Ranger Station is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: No admission fee but visitors need a license for fishing ($30).
An authoritarian government is only promoted and supported by the people when the alternative, democracy, is terribly bad. The only question is if we, in “Pura Vida” have reached that plateau?
In the U.S the flagrant manipulation of voting rights has, sadly, most certainly rendered the moral sense of democracy impotent.
We utter the mantra, “It is not perfect in any way but it is the best thing we have to an alternative!”
Are you sure about that?
What is the difference of manipulating of the electoral process and an authoritative, perhaps appointed system of government? Take, for example, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Democracy is an act, a sham, a show but indeed a glorified show to avoid the word “despot”.
Or, in the case of Costa Rica, we now have a one party system: Liberación.
The last two presidents (Arias and Chinchilla) and a majority of the legislature are all from Pârtido Liberación Naciónal. The only question is if this party can win three consecutive times? It has not been done before, however, neither have the other two most influential political parties, PUSC and PAC, had such a massive disarray of disagreement within.
How different is our little country from the United States?
In Florida democracy is being inhibited by the “early” voting lines which stretch around the block and have reported up to seven hours wait time in order to cast one ballot. You have to want to vote very badly to stand in line that long, that period of time. Some people do, not a lot because most just say,”#!!* it,” and go home resulting in democracy for those with patience.
How is it possible, the perpetual leaders and cheerleaders of democracy can restrict the people’s right to vote? Well, it is a political strategy and not a pretty one. The end all might be party loyalty which far outweighs the spirit and intent of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Here, at home, in Costa Rica we the people are speaking through polls (Encuestas) and that also is not a pretty picture.
Democracy is on the decline for no other reason than it has been abused, raped and deployed by those who see the “vote” as a self serving road to power.
A recent poll by the Spanish language newspaper La Nación concluded: “…22% of those questioned would favor some sort of authoritarian government and 40% answered that our current political (Domestic) issues cannot and are not being managed by elected officials.
In short, those same 22% would prefer an authoritarian government rather than one elected by popular vote.
Moreover, a large populous would prefer to change the party colors, introduce a new political party rather than offer up some sort of quasi coalition. The yell is for “new blood” not warmed over “old blood” that has dominated this country, its uncles, cousins, brothers and even grand kids for the past 63 years.
“Yes, we need original thought.” We need to decide if we are a nation of self professed neoliberals or simply liberals who will foster social networks and be paternal while opening the borders to commerce. Right now we have both schools of thought meshed together and government is drowning in under performance, crime and corruption.
Tuesday was the election in the United States and in so many ways not much different than that of Costa Rica.
“Manipulation” of voters is the key and whoever wins. And, the status quo will pretty much be the same as before voting.
In Costa Rica we are at a loss for direction and I predict soon to be disenchanted with the love of China, our newest best friend and flavor of the month.
We do not need new political parties, what we need is new political blood and new ideas from whatever party. If we do not receive new blood, Costa Rican democracy might finally be doomed since 46% of the 1,200 people questioned indicated that they have lost faith in all our political parties, and already our direct foreign investment has dropped off by 5% over last year because those companies, those countries have decided to stay on the sidelines and look to other nations for a safer and a more defined haven to do business.
A Costa Rican living in the United States writes back to his friend in Costa Rica who is always claiming poverty.
The friend in the U.S. writes, Ricardo, how can you call yourself poor, when are able to pay for a litre (quart) of milk more than tripe what I pay here?
… when you give yourself the luxury of taking a taxi everywhere, pay tolls and public transport at 40% more than it costs me. You can even afford to pay credit card interest rates at more than double what I pay, you can buy a car at double the prices in the U.S.
Ricardo, you don’t understand, the poor are we here in the U.S., for considering the precarious financial situation, our government charges us only 6% sales tax and not the 13% you the rich living in Costa Rica.
Furthermore, down there you have a “luxury tax” like on gasoline, alcohol, cigarettes, beer, wine, cars, etc, etc. You can afford to pay tax on everything which can be at more than 300% of the original value of the item. Lucky you, because, if you were not rich, what sense would it be to have so many taxes and so high? You must all be swimming in abundance for the government can have so many taxes!
The poor are we living in the United States. For down there you can afford private security guards, while we have to make do with a public police force and you send your children to private schools, while we have to make do with a public school education that have to give us books and other materials.
Sometimes I wonder how Ticos can call themselves poor when they take out loans at interest rates at more than 35% annually or mortgages at 20% or more. YOU HAVE TO BE RICH TO THAT!
Not here, lenders know we can’t afford those types of rates, so they charges only 7% or 8%. It is clear that our economic situation is tight and lenders know that or they would exploit us.
You are so rich in Costa Rica that, if you drive, can afford traffic fines in the hundreds of dollars, thousands for multiple infractions. Hey, you now even have a Starbucks that you pay double what we pay here for coffee grown in your own country.
And finally, Costa Ricans are so rich that they don’t have to work. I read that 20% or more of the Tico work force don’t work. Here, we all have to work, only 2% don’t.
Ricardo, I send you a hug and best wishes. Don’t worry your leaders knows what is best for you and is certain to raise more taxes and find more ways to get into your deep pockets. But, do not worry, for a 7% inflation rate will level things out.
Sincerely, your poor immigrant friend in the United States.
