Slipknot Coming to Costa Rica in Concert

Slipknot will have its first concert in Costa Rica. The band is bringing 16 years of experience and 60 tons of equipment for the performance. It will also share with the Ticos its collection of masks used throughout the years.

It was 2006 when the group won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance. The American band became famous worldwide for its unique sound and terrifying masks that we will get to see firsthand at the Knotfest Roadshow in December.

The event will take place on December 4 at the Pedregal Events Center. It will include a fireworks display. The concert will be performed about 50 times in the U.S. between August and September. The band will then go to Mexico and Colombia.

The impressive show is interactive. It’s likely to be sold out due to the number of fans in the country. The ticket price has not yet been determined. Tickets will be on sale by the end of July.

Sergio Ramos & Keylor Navas; A Costa Rica Bromance

Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas have been documenting their trip and friendship. They shared a photo drinking “the best coffee in Guanacaste” at El Jardín, a coffee shop located in Nosara.

We’ve already seen them surfing, then tubing in San Carlos, then canopying in Monteverde, seemingly every stop and every detail of the adventure shared with fans via Instagram.

The team captain shared the latest pic with the words “The coffee garden…the best coffee in Guanacaste.” The friends were their with their partners Pilar Rubio and Andrea Salas.

The group has been enjoying a well deserved vacation, which seconds as a honeymoon for Ramos and Rubio who were recently married. The group travels the national territory in a private helicopter.

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Will the The Ironman 70.3 Return to Costa Rica?

The Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica organization is analyzing whether it would be financially profitable to keep up the competition for a fourth consecutive year. This year, the third edition, left them very in the red.

Miami Tri Events is the company that brings the brand to the country. The 2017 triathlon had a high enrollment of 2,000 people but then in 2018 it dropped to 1,411. This Sunday only 1,319 people participated at Playas del Coco.

With this decrease of 37% in enrollment there are doubts as to whether it will happen next year. This drop also meant a drop in income and sponsors. They were unable to offer the Pro category because of lack of funds in the budget. The decision was to make the cut in the Pro category as to not affect the budget for security.

Financial results from all three years will be considered when it comes time to make the decision about 2020.

The first to cross the finish line was Rom Akerson but since he is Pro he was prohibited from winning, leaving Ernesto Espinoza with the first place title.

Boston Scientific Adds 600 Jobs in Costa Rica

Boston Scientific is the world leader in medical devices. The multinational company is adding 600 jobs to the 4,200 already in Costa Rica. They company is open to hiring anyone with at least a sixth grade education level.

The expansion in Costa Rica is to support multiple product lines. The company provides high-performance solutions for unmet needs of patients and to reduce the cost of medical care.

The company has been in the country since 2004. The 600 new seats will be for both of its plants, in La Aurora and El Coyol, and will include positions for those who finished primary school, ninth grade, and also for engineers and accountants.

Those who would like to apply can do so through www.bostonccientific.com/careers. The company’s Facebook also has tutorials about how to create a profile, apply, and set up alerts for future positions. 

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School Stress Takes a Toll on Health

According to the Global Competitiveness report 2018, Costa Rica ranks second among the most competitive countries in Latin America (right after Chile). The educational system is labeled as “high quality,” and it’s one of the factors that contribute towards the high ranking. 

The five public universities in the country impose high standards, which impose a lot of stress on students. But before they get to university, the students go through high school stress, too. 

School-related stress is a serious thing. It gets students to the point of a mental, emotional, and even physical meltdown. When they are under exam, class, and homework stress, they have a problem to complete all tasks without breaking under the pressure. 

It’s time to shed some light on this issue. 

Why Does School Cause Such Levels of Stress?

All students feel the pressure of education under a very young age. As soon as they start school, their academic gains are being measured. They compare themselves to other students and they think less of themselves if they don’t achieve great results. 

By the time they are in high school, they already start stressing about university. They have to work on their grades if they want to get into a competitive Costa Rican university. And when they finally get to university level, the stress levels become unbearable. 

The lectures start early in the day and usually wrap up in the afternoon. The student has time for lunch and a brief rest. After that, they immediately start working on homework assignments. The schedule is packed and they have to write several projects by very close deadlines. Many students decide toget assignment writing help at this point, since the demands are extreme and there’s not enough time to complete every single paper. 

Then the student has to cover some of the exam material. If they procrastinate, exam week is going to be a complete disaster. Binge studying is not only stressful, but also leads to short-term results. To remember information on the long run, the student has to study a bit on a daily basis. 

Should we even mention social life? That’s a stressful aspect of university studies, too. The student has a lot of responsibility regarding the studies, but they also feel pressured by their peers. Everyone invites them to parties, so they can’t skip on an opportunity to look cool. 

When all this comes together, we can’t deny the fact that stress is a major part of a student’s life. One study showed that stress adversely influences the overall life satisfaction of a college student.

Tips: How to Deal with Stress at School

You’re already a student and you decided to persist throughout the entire educational journey. What can you do about the stress that became an inevitable part of your life?

1. Recognize the Signs

Do you know how to recognize stress-related behaviors? Maybe you snap out on your friends or family. Maybe you cut yourself out of all social situations. You feel desperate or hopeless. Procrastination is also a sign of stress. 

Be aware of all your actions and thoughts. When you realize that you’re stressed, acknowledge that fact. That’s your first step towards proper management. 

2. Always Make Plans

You get one assignment after another, so it’s easy to forget some of them. Use a calendar app to mark the deadlines. Then, plan the development of each assignment across several days prior to its deadline. Set the app to notify you at least a week before the deadline of an important project. 

When you have a plan and you stick to it, nothing can surprise you. The stress levels will immediately go down. 

3. Acknowledge Your Limits

Your professors expect you to push your limits and achieve more. That’s why they assign challenging projects and more exam material. The problem is that each professor believes they teach the most important subject. So they all raise their expectations. They drive you to the point of burnout. 

What if you realize that you can’t achieve everything no matter what? That’s the time when you should ask for assistance. You can hire a tutor to help with the exam material, or a writer/editor to help with the assignments. 

There’s No Way to Eliminate Stress from a Student’s Life, but Management Is Possible

These three steps are essential in stress management: recognize the symptoms, make plans, and know the limits that show it’s time to get help. 

No matter how hard you try to plan all steps and put stress under control, it will still be there. Stress has a positive effect on you, too. When you’re under such a state, you can’t relax and you push yourself to do more work. That’s how you should see it. Don’t get stressed because you’re stressed; take it as a positive thing when it’s in normal doses. 

Still, you shouldn’t allow it to get out of hand. 

BIO:

Alvin Franklin set a personal goal to complete as many online degree programs as possible during the lifetime. Currently, he is taking psychology courses. He writes blog posts to share the things he learned and inspire people to commit themselves to life-long studying. 

Aftershocks Hit Costa Rica After 6.7 Earthquake in Panama

Fungus in Costa Rica Hospital Has Been Contained

We all wondered what would happen when a man in Calderón Guardia Hospital was found to have a super resistant fungus. Questions about who he came in contact with held doubts over whether this would become a crisis.

Luckily, it has now been reported that the infection is controlled because 15 days have passed without any other case of ‘Candida auris’ being registered. The man infected remains in isolation but in stable condition.

This was the first case of the infection in the country. The fungus is known to be highly resistant to treatments available worldwide, triggering a global alert in order to avoid outbreaks.

There have been other cases in Venezuela, the U.S., Panama, the U.K., Israel, Pakistan and India. The fungus can cause serious illness in hospitalized patients. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. is investigating how it spreads.

Costa Rica To Take on Mexico After loss to Haiti

“La Tricolor” will face Mexico and test the unbeaten Tata Martino. This match between Costa Rica and the Aztecs is part of the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup and will be held this Saturday at 8pm.

It will be the twelfth time the teams meet in this regional tournament. Of them, there are six wins for Mexico, four draws, and one win for Costa Rica.

Mexico is undefeated in the last seven games. The Mexican team defeated Chile 3-1, Venezuela 3-1, Paraguay 4-2, Ecuador 3-2, Cuba 7-0, Canada 3-1, and Martinique 3-2, while Costa Rica beat Jamaica 1-0, Nicaragua 4-0, Bermuda 2-1, and lost to the US 0-2, Guatemala 0-1 and Peru 0-1.

Costa Rica aspires to win the Cup for the first time but Mexico has always been a challenge to the National team. Mexico conquered Costa Rica in the semifinals in 2009. In total, Mexico won against Costa Rica 14 times and lost six times.

Who’s Surprised? Costa Rica Road Expansion Way Behind Schedule

The extension of a section of the North Interamerican Highway between Cañas and Limonal is supposed to be done by next September but the estimate from the Executing Unit of the project has slipped to January 2021 because the project has only advanced 5% in nine months, 37% of the total time planned for the project.

An audit report from the Technical Engineering Area of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation shows that the reasons for the delay remain the same, problems with expropriations and the transfer of services.

It was initially found that 165 properties would have to be acquired. The State has possession of 64, four are advancing in the courts, and the rest are suspended. Because of this, a new design is being considered to reduce the number of necessary expropriations.

Delays in acquiring the land creates other delays such as in cutting trees, building wildlife passages and relocating services. The contractor was asked to present a contingency plan this month to resolve delays.

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Over 250,000 Street Workers in Costa Rica

Throughout Costa Rica, 274,000 people work on the street. They are exposed to rain, pollution, noise and other dangers such as assaults. Many have low academic levels preventing them from getting other jobs while others have high education but see opportunity in informal work.

Among the jobs found on the street are vendors, sweepers and drivers. Some sell items, ice cream or food they made and others work for the municipality. Still others find work through apps offering rides and food delivery.

Many vendors fear the Municipal Police who seize their goods and leave them without a way to provide for their families. One street sweeper recounted that although he works for the Municipality he faces risks. He has to run for cover when it rains and when he takes on extra shifts they are often in the red zone, where his work tools were once stolen.

Working on the street is not comfortable or safe. There are no bathrooms easily accessible. The workers face extreme weather, from heat to downpours, car smoke, and insults, yet 13% of the Costa Rican workforce works in this way. Some find a sense of community in the area where they work on the street. They know their clients well and enjoy the work.

Buy Costa Rica Real Estate For Up to 70% Off

The public banks Banco Nacional, BCR, and Banco Popular are holding the Property Sale Expo in which they will offer 1,500 properties for sale with up to 70% discount. The real estate available starts from just ¢3 million.

The organized activity will feature houses, lots, farms and commercial premises located throughout the country. All three banks will offer financing up to 100% of the total value of the property.

The properties came to be owned by the banks due to non-payment. The fair to resell them takes place this Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23 at Lincoln Plaza in Moravia.

Banco Nacional will have at its disposal the most properties, 947, with discounts up to 70%. BCR has 400 with discounts up to 50% and Banco Popular has 165 with discounts up to 60%.

Sergio Ramos & Keylor Navas Enjoying Time in Costa Rica

Sergio Ramos and his wife Pilar Rubio, who were married on Saturday, both posted images to Instagram of their vacation to Costa Rica alongside Keylor Navas and Andrea Salas, who was celebrating her birthday.

The trip began a couple of days ago. Ramos arrived in San Jose and was guarded by five officials. He made his transfer so quickly that most people missed seeing him. He did not speak to the press.

The trip is focused in Guanacaste although it seems they also went to Monteverde for a canopy tour. One of the photos is with the canopy guides and another of Ramos and Navas shirtless on the beach. Another shows the helicopter they used.

Pilar posted a photo of the two couples and wrote “Starting a day of adventures and celebrating the birthday of Andrea Salas. Pura Vida.” We look forward to seeing pictures from the rest of their trip.

Two Hinges of History

Malpaís 20th Anniversary Concert in Costa Rica

Malpaís is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a huge concert at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater of Parque Viva on July 27th. This group was the first Costa Rican group to hold a solo concert at the venue, back in 2017.

The celebratory concert will be a musical party in style. The show will consist of work Malpaís has created throughout its decades, including songs from its most recent album that was published last November after eight years out of the studio.

There will be special guests and surprises, according to Jaime Gamboa, musician of the band. Some known special guests include Son de Tikizia and Gandhi, artists who think along the same lines as Malpaís and have created authentic, high-quality music.

The idea is to hold almost a festival that is a tribute to Costa Rican music, sharing stories and rhythms. Tickets are on sale at www.boleteria.cr. The prices range from ¢16,500 to ¢33,000.

Real Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos Honeymoons in Costa Rica

The captain of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos, recently got married to Pilar Rubio and, on Thursday, they came to Costa Rica for a celebratory vacation. They arrived at Juan Santamaría in the afternoon and quickly made their way to a bus that took them to the national departures terminal where they would transfer to Guanacaste.

Ramos did not stop to give a statement to the press who were waiting for him and almost missed him. He was guarded by five officers of Air Watch when leaving the diplomatic room.

The couple’s marriage took place on June 15 in Seville, Spain. They will surely enjoy their honeymoon in Costa Rica. They have been together for seven years and have three children, Sergio, Marco, and Alejandro.

Ramos, one of the most important soccer players in Spain, previously stated, “we must not forget the great seasons of Keylor,” when asked his opinion about Keylor Navas who recently returned to Costa Rica.

Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick Take Kids to Costa Rica

“They have a lot of ocean and rainforest activities planned,” a source tells PEOPLE of their trip

It’s another Kardashian family vacation!

Kim Kardashian West and Kourtney Kardashian took their kids to Costa Rica this week, for a tropical getaway filled with sun, sand and tons of kid-friendly activities.

A source tells PEOPLE that Kim and husband Kanye West brought their three oldest kids — North, 6, Saint, 3, and Chicago, 1 — along, while Kourtney is with ex Scott Disick and their three children, Mason, 9, Penelope, 7 next month, and Reign, 4. The families are expected to be in the country for two weeks.

“They are all filming for the show [Keeping Up with the Kardashians],” the source says. “They have a lot of ocean and rainforest activities planned.”

On Thursday, Kourtney, 40, shared a video on her Instagram Story showing off her view, which includes palm trees and a lengthy infinity pool.

The trip comes six weeks after Kim, 38, welcomed her and West’s fourth child, son Psalm, via surrogate.

The KKW Beauty mogul shared the first photo of her newborn on May 17, where she officially revealed to the world the name they had chosen, as well as a text message West, 42, had sent to her.

“Beautiful Mother’s Day with the arrival of our fourth child. We are blessed beyond measure. We have everything we need,” the message read.

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Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner revealed the meaning behind her newest grandchild’s name following his birth, explaining to Entertainment Tonight that “The inspiration was the Book of Psalms in the Bible.”

“I think it’s just a wonderful way to celebrate how they feel. And he’s such a blessing, so it’s perfect,” said Jenner, 63.

Meanwhile, the Costa Rica vacation comes after Kourtney and Disick’s ill-fated 2017 family trip to the country, in which he came under fire for apparently flying out a random girl to join him, later saying he was a “sex addict” to explain his actions.

In an episode of KUWTK earlier this year, Disick addressed the incident with Kourtney, saying, “I don’t think I was in the best place but I feel like you and I also weren’t in the best place… You were living your life the way you should be and I just wasn’t ready to handle it.”

By Helen Murphy, People.com

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Six Senses $200 Million Resort; 350 New Costa Rica Jobs

There will be 350 new jobs in Costa Rica thanks to the Six Senses chain. This group announced it will develop a $200 million complex in the Papagayo Peninsula, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Six Senses is owned by The Canyon Group which develops boutique, ultra-luxurious resorts.

The luxury hotel complex will open by mid-2021, according to information released yesterday. The Costa Rican company Garnier & Garnier will be in charge of the project. Both companies involved stated that they will give preference to residents of Guanacaste in filling jobs.

From the highest point of the property there is a 360 degree view of the Gulf of Papagayo. The private villas will be found within a forested beach. Each will have its own pool. There will also be 31 residences for sale. The property will also host the pioneering wellness program, which includes a spa, gym and activities. There will be an organic farm to inspire the menus and spa treatments.

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Vacation in Costa Rica

Kim Kardashian and her husband rapper Kanye West are back in Costa Rica. The businesswoman says that Costa Rican spring water is one of the alternative treatments that helps counteract her psoriasis.

She recently shared images of marks on her legs caused by the condition she has suffered from for nine years. She also launched beauty creams for all skin colors that help cover such wounds.

The Office of Migration and Immigration confirmed that the couple entered the country June 17th. Because of the Child Data Protection Law, the office could not provide information on whether or not they brought their children. They recently had their fourth child, Psalm West.

The famous pair has been in the country before, with extended family and an assortment of bodyguards and nannies. The clan stayed in Papagayo, Guanacaste, in an exclusive area.

Money Laundering at the Costa Rica Airport

A passenger was caught in the Juan Santamaría Airport hiding $226,005 in bundles of $100 bills in the double lining of a suitcase. He was planning to fly to Panama then Bolivia.

The 49-year-old man, a Columbian Costa Rican, was arrested by the Drug Control Police on Tuesday and referred to the Prosecutor’s Office of Alajuela where he will be investigated.

The money he was carrying in his suitcase as well as on his person was confiscated. The man will be accused of the crime of legitimizing capital which is punishable by imprisonment from 8 to 20 years, according to the Narcotics Law.

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Rap Battles Have Begun in Costa Rica

Rap battles in Costa Rica have become much more well known due to social media and specific leaders who spend a lot of time organizing battles and events. Some may see a group of rappers in the park and think they are bums with nothing to do but they don’t see the hard work behind organizing leagues and battles or the beauty behind the art.

Freestyle battles are moving and have hundreds of fans gathering on streets throughout all 7 provinces of Costa Rica. Some from our country have even gone on to international events and succeeded. Cehzar was crowned the first national champion at the international Red Bull Battle of the Roosters in 2016.

Leagues, or groups of rappers, compete regionally and nationally. The Alajuela Rap Battles will choose a national champion in December, for example. One of the most important leagues in Costa Rica is Poseidón. Guapiles was off the rap map until 2017 and it has been improving ever since. Great names from the region have boosted its reputation competing against the greats of the GAM.

Rapquicia sets up battles and posts videos of them on YouTube. There are almost 22,000 subscribers. The most watched battle has been seen 107,000 times.

7,500 Girls in Costa Rica Received a Contraceptive Implant

Last year, 7,500 girls in Costa Rica received a contraceptive implant. This first part of the project was offered to girls age 20 or under at risk of pregnancy. It is a subdermal implantation of 4 cm by 2 mm that releases estrogen.

The method was given to adolescents in post-partum or postabortion hospitalization. Patients could also apply at health centers. 30-35% of young women who had a birth get pregnant again before a year has past.

The device will be available in cantons of the Central Valley in the coming months. The pilot program was initiated only in Brunca, Huetar caribe, central Pacific, Huetar norte and Chorotega regions. It will become available country wide.

The method is well accepted and has already caused a 6% reduction in pregnancies in women ages 15 to 20. The number of pregnancies for those under 15 fell from 300 to 258 from 2017 to 2018. This is important because adolescent mothers have four times greater risk of maternal death than adults. Additionally, their children are at increased risk of neonatal mortality.

The Costa Rica Miracle That is Walking Again

Ana Belén was told she’d have to be in a wheelchair by age 20 but it happened by age nine. Then came her miracle. She had been misdiagnosed. She had endured painful treatments to alleviate a dystrophy that she never had in the first place.

Doctor Gutiérrez developed a clinical eye from his time at Bellvitge Hospital at the University of Barcelona. The knowledge and experience he brought back to Costa Rica made him suspect that Ana had a different problem than what was diagnosed.

Tests confirmed she had myasthenic syndrome, with a much better prognosis than she heard before. She started treatment and saw great changes in just two days. The medicine was already available in Costa Rica but doctors trained to spot the condition were not.

The 11-year-old now rides a bike, runs in snow, and will be walking in the sixth grade parade. There are others like her, with the same misdiagnosis and now the same hope of a better future.

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La Casa del Cacao; Costa Rica’s True Chocolate Experience

La Casa del Cacao in San José is one of the most unique gastronomic experiences in Costa Rica. It’s more than a chocolate shop. It’s a full restaurant, craft chocolate shop, workshop and museum all in one.

Before you start thinking about avoiding the place to keep from getting fat, let me tell you why you should be eating chocolate and lots of it. It contains theobromine, an alkaloid chemical compound that is relaxing, diuretic, reduces blood pressure, acts as a mild antidepressant, improves digestion, and stimulates the kidneys and cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Aside from tasting many, many chocolate dishes, while you are there you can receive a workshop on the history of cocoa in America and even prepare your own chocolate bar in the way the Aztecs and Mayas did.

At the restaurant you can have rice and beans, lemon steak, crepes, or one of the many other options but don’t forget to have a chocolaty dessert. There is even a chocolate bar the size of an individual table!

Over 29,000 Bank Accounts Risking Being Closed in Costa Rica

30,000 people and companies are under obligation to register with Sugef before July 1 yet only 636 have done so. That represents just 2% of those required.The other 29,364 risk having their bank accounts closed.

Those who must register include people and companies offering services that may be susceptible to money laundering. These include physical and virtual casinos, merchants of precious metals and stones, companies that exchange operations of money and transfers, issuers of traveler’s checks or money orders, credit card issuers, lenders, pawnshops, nonprofits receiving money from countries with risk of money laundering, and those involved in real estate. This includes certain lawyers and accountants who are involved in money management of customers, purchase of legal entities, and purchase and sale of real estate.

This registration follows an evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force that found weaknesses in the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism in Costa Rica in July 2015. Costa Rica approved a law to correct these deficiencies in May 2017.

Those required to register with Sugef who do not do so will be reorted to the ICD as possible subjects that perform activities of narcotics, psychotropic substances, drugs for unauthorized use, money laundering and financing of terrorism

Registration can be done at https://www.sugefdirecto.sugef.fi.cr and requires the digital signature certificate. Questions about this can be answered at 2243-4758, 2243- 4761 or 2243-4771.

The Morning After Pill Going on Sale in Costa Rica

The morning after pill will be sold in Costa Rica starting next week. The company Quinfica of Costa Rica has been waiting six years to market the drug. It had to get approval from the UCR laboratory.

The pill passed laboratory controls and quality tests from UCR as well as the Laboratory of Analysis and Pharmaceutical Advice, which verified the composition of the drug.

The company will start deliveries to distributors on Monday. The suggested price is ¢18,000. It is to be sold without a prescription, just with advice from the pharmacist about its use.

This pill is for emergencies and should not be used regularly in place of another form of birth control. It should be taken after a condom breaks, a risky sexual activity, or a rape. While it can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, it is most effective if taken within 12 hours.

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Bayer Expanding Operations in Costa Rica

Bayer is expanding operations in Costa Rica in which it will hire 215 people this year. The multinational company, started in Germany, announced the expansion on Wednesday, June 12th.

It is seeking people with experience in accounting as well as an English level of 90%. The company has previously been impressed by the quality of human talent found in the country.

Bayer currently has 285 employees and the idea is to get to a 500-person payroll in its shared services center this December. The center began by servicing just seven countries and now services clients from all of America, except Brazil.

The European company has an internal culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Those who are interested in working for Bayer can send their CV to recursoshumanos.scr@bayer.com

Steven Sibaja Eliminated from La Voz Mexico

The last Tico on this year’s ‘La Voz México’ has come to the end of his journey on the show. Other Costa Ricans, Fernanda Rodríguez, Gerson Solís and Ilse McCarthy, were eliminated in previous stages of the competition.

The sancarleño, Steven Sibaja, and his competition both interpreted the song “Perfect.” The judges praised Sibaja’s performance but in the end Belinda did not chose him to continue.

Both competitors performed perfectly and the decision was incredibly hard to make. Belinda even said that they both won the battle before announcing her choice to continue in the competition.

It’s not the last we will see of Steven, however, as Ricardo Montaner invited him to sing with him at his concert in Costa Rica on August 17th.

Sibaja said of Belinda that she was the best mentor, friend and coach he could have asked for. “I will take you forever in my heart,” he told her.

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Influenza Virus in Costa Rica

The National Children’s Hospital is at 100% occupancy due to respiratory viruses. Two children have died of influenza and the authorities are on the alert for an increase in respiratory illnesses countrywide following a health alert from the Ministry of Health. The increase in cases came with the start of the rainy season.

Influenza kills even otherwise healthy people in extreme cases. A 12-year-old girl and a baby less than a year old lost their lives to it. Currently circulating are influenza A and the syncytial virus at the same time.

The syncytial respiratory virus mainly affects newborns and those with risk factors but influenza is a risk for the entire population. This is why the vaccine is recommended for everyone. The Caja is running a campaign from June 10 to July 22 to vaccinate those from 6 months to 6 years and those over 60 as well as those at risk. If nursing babies become ill they should continue to be breastfed as this transmits antibodies.

Authorities reiterate the importance of hand washing, cleaning surfaces, and even extreme preventive measures such as avoiding sites with a lot of people.

Industrial Processes Class in Costa Rica

15 UCR Chemistry students were invited to take the Industrial Processes II course in which they get to put their knowledge to the test of creating a fictitious company that designs and markets a product that meets market standards. They learn all parts of the company from designing to producing to marketing.

The group decided to make a shampoo called Argamint, with argan and mint. It is free of sodium and parabens. They worked on quality and then gave it out to friends in exchange of donations used to finance production. They bought raw materials, packaging and labels.

Next, they identified a social welfare project that could benefit. They will donate soaps and disinfectants to Hogar Montiel in Santa Ana, a home serving girls at social risk for 28 years.

The class will also do a project outside of the classroom, in Gandoca, Manzanillo, in which they teach 12 interested individuals the whole panorama for how to make a repellent and a chocolate and hazelnut cream. Over three days they will teach about how to make, conserve and sell the products.

Costa Rica Hospital Isolates a Patient Carrying Dangerous Fungus

The Calderón Guardia hospital has isolated a patient carrying a dangerous fungus. Protocols have been activated for disinfection of areas the patient was in as to not put other patients at risk.

The patient is in stable condition but has been diagnosed with the candida auris fungus, one that is highly resistant to drugs. This fungus enters the bloodstream and can cause severe infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

The fungus was first described in 2009 in a patient from South Korea. It is able to persist in the environment and can survive on inanimate surfaces. Even many of the disinfectants used are not effective against it. Some hospitals have closed rooms for months because of this.

In the United States, almost half of the patients who contract the fungus die within 90 days. Some of these were already hospitalized for other causes and had weakened immune systems so the fungus was not necessarily the cause of death.

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Costa Ricans Planning on Conquering Everest

Ligia Madrigal sets out to be the first Tica to make it to the top of Everest. She and climber Warner Rojas are going to make the climb in 2021 in honor of the bicentennial of the country.

Their first official day of training happened recently. The marathon runner and extreme sportswomen is sure about her decision to make the climb even knowing the risks and that 250 people have died trying to climb it.

Her family was afraid for her at first but is very supportive. They know that she has respect for the mountain and that they will stop the trip if it becomes too dangerous. They will climb the north side, from China, which is better regulated. Rojas has made the trip before and has shown Madrigal photos to mentally prepare her.

To adequately train, the pair must climb several mountains. The estimated cost they will have to raise is $100,000. They have some sponsors but are looking for creative ways to make the rest.

How to Shorten the Driving Time in Costa Rica

A private construction initiative hopes to expand to six lanes the longest viaduct in the country, making the trip between Cartago and San Jose take just 30 minutes, whereas currently it can take an hour and ten minutes by car and over an hour and a half by bus.

51,000 vehicles travel this route daily and just about every one of those drivers and passengers would be willing to pay more in tolls to finance a significantly quicker ride home.

The proposal includes the construction of a viaduct between Curridabat and Zapote as well as level crossings and roundabouts at key intersections such as Walmart and Multiplaza shopping centers.

If the Government approves the application, the next stage would include economic and environmental feasibility studies. Once awarded, the construction would take about two years.

Costa Ricas’s Falafel House; A Taste of Lebanon

While it would take a minimum of 18 hours to get from Costa Rica to Lebanon, many of us can quickly get to Falafel House, a taste of the country, in Barrio La California, San Jose, Costa Rica.

The gastronomic experience to be had there is out of this world. Go with an empty stomach ready to delight in the various delicacies of the Middle East. From the moment you walk in the smells intrigue the senses.

Pita wraps, shish kebabs, shawarmas and burgers are beautifully arranged with equally tasty side dishes like hand-cut fries, BBQ tamarind, and roasted onions and herbs. The experience is complete with the typical bronze-colored jars to drink from.

Many Lebanese left their land because of sectorization and division suffered under the Ottoman rule. They headed for New York but landed in Mexico. The names of the dishes have changed through migrations. The Döner in Turkey, Shawarma in Saudi Arabia, Gyro in Greece and even Taquitos al Pastor in Mexico all come from a Lebanese influence and we can taste them right here in Costa Rica.

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Illegal New York Gambling Ring with Ties to Costa Rica Busted

Seven people in New York are looking at possibly spending some time behind bars for their involvement in an illegal gambling operation based out of Astoria that was linked to Costa Rica. According to a report by New York’s QNS media outlet, the seven have been charged on a 39-count indictment with crimes that include the promotion of gambling, conspiracy, enterprise corruption and money laundering. The news comes soon after a man linked to the Genovese crime family pleaded guilty in New Jersey for illegal gambling operations that were also tied to Costa Rica.

The individuals in the latest bust are accused of conspiring to take sports wagers directly through their location in Astoria, as well as via an Internet wire room in the Central American country. Bettors were apparently able to contact the platform through its website, a toll-free number, agents or in person at the Astoria office.

Law enforcement officials in the New York Police Department’s Criminal Enterprise Division (CED) launched a dedicated investigation into illegal sports gambling back in January 2016 as it sought to break up the activity in Queens and other areas. They were able to receive authorization from judges to conduct electronic surveillance, which led to the interception of “thousands” of allegedly incriminating conversations on gambling, as well as numerous text message communications.

This past Tuesday, police officers arrested the seven individuals, seizing gambling records and computers, as well as $47,000 in cash. Among those taken into custody were Michael Regan of Long Island, who was the apparent leader of the gang, Robert Brieger of Rego Park and Luan Bexheti of Astoria, Gerald Schneider and Lisa Nino of Middle Village, John Ottomano of Roslyn and Robert Utnick of Bayside.

Of the seven, all but Brieger were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court and released on their own recognizance. Brieger is the lone standout because he was operating out of Costa Rica. He has reportedly already been arrested by police in that country and is waiting to be extradited back to the US.

Six of the criminals were identified through the surveillance as having participated in phone calls that talked about various aspects of the operation, including cash transfers, interest rates, gamblers’ accounts and other details. The CED investigators also witnessed several exchanges that purportedly facilitated payment transactions or transfers.

According to a statement by acting Queens District Attorney John M. Ryan, “This office—working collaboratively with our law enforcement colleagues—have taken down a number of illegal gambling operations over the years. Putting these kinds of illegal enterprises out of business, saves untold numbers of people from financial devastation.”

BY Erik Gibbs, From Calvin Ayre

Meteorites Rain Down in Costa Rica

“Mud ball” meteorites – full of clays, organics and water – are unique among space rocks. And a lot of them fell in April 2019 on a small town in Costa Rica, much to the delight of scientists.

Meteorite falls on Earth are fairly common, but not all meteorites are the same. Some of them are “mud balls,” rich in clays, organic compounds and water-bearing minerals, called carbonaceous chondrites. They are of great interest to scientists, due to their unique composition, and now a bunch more prime specimens have been found, which rained down after a large fireball was seen over Aguas Zarcas, a small town in Costa Rica, on April 23, 2019.

The fireball was a meteor, or space rock, entering the Earth’s atmosphere that broke apart into hundreds of smaller pieces. When the pieces of this rock hit the ground, their name changed to meteorite. One meteorite fragment weighed about two pounds and smashed through the roof of a house, destroying the owner’s dining table. Another one crashed through the roof of a dog house, narrowly missing a sleeping dog. Close calls!

Several of the meteorites were collected and sent to Arizona State University (ASU) for study, donated by meteorite collector Michael Farmer. ASU will also be able to purchase additional meteorites from the fall, thanks to a private donor. This is the first time in 50 years that the university has had a chance to analyze such pristine samples of extraterrestrial mud balls. As Laurence Garvie, a research professor at ASU and a curator for its Center for Meteorite Studies, said:

Many carbonaceous chondrites are mud balls that are between 80 and 95 percent clay. Clays are important because water is an integral part of their structure. These had to be collected quickly and before they got rained on. Because they are mostly clay, as soon as these types of meteorites get wet, they fall apart.

Luckily, the researchers were able to collect their samples before it rained again, and they got a nice little haul, too, about 55 pounds (25 kilograms) of the precious space rocks.

Analysis of the meteorites was carried out at ASU’s campus in Tempe, Arizona. According to Garvie:

I was in the lab by 5 a.m. the next morning after picking up the samples to get them ready for the initial analyses. Classification of new meteorites can be like a race with other institutions, and I needed ASU to be first so that we’ll have the recognition of being the collection that holds and curates the type specimen material.

Air-sensitive meteorites like these are kept in special nitrogen cabinets. The nitrogen gas helps to preserve the meteorites, which can degrade easily due to their composition. As Garvie explained:

If you left this carbonaceous chondrite in the air, it would lose some of its extraterrestrial affinities. These meteorites have to be curated in a way that they can be used for current and future research, and we have that ability here at ASU.

The classification of these meteorites is part of a broader international classification effort. Garvie is also working with Karen Ziegler from the Institute of Meteoritics at the University of New Mexico. They studied the oxygen isotopes of the meteorites, to determine how similar they are to other carbonaceous chondrites.

Sandra Pizzarello, an organic chemist from ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences, is also involved in the studies, focusing on the organic content of the meteorites. These kinds of organics could have provided the material needed for life to begin on Earth.

Additional scientific analysis will follow later, but first the meteorites need to be approved, classified and named by The Meteoritical Society‘s nomenclature committee. This group of 12 scientists is responsible for approving all meteorite samples for study.

These new meteorite samples are currently on display at ASU’s Tempe campus in the Center for Meteorite Studies collection.

So, why are mud ball carbonaceous chondrite meteorites so significant?

They are thought to originate from asteroids that are leftovers from early planetesimals, planets that started to form in the early solar system billions of years ago but now no longer exist. Those planets had organic materials and water, making them places where the chemical precursors to life could have started. In the case of the asteroid that these new meteorites originated from, Garvie said:

It formed in an environment free of life, then was preserved in the cold and vacuum of space for 4.56 billion years, and then dropped in Costa Rica last week.

As CMS Director Meenakshi Wadhwa also said:

Carbonaceous chondrites are relatively rare among meteorites but are some of the most sought-after by researchers because they contain the best-preserved clues to the origin of the solar system. This new meteorite represents one of the most scientifically significant additions to our wonderful collection in recent years.

Because these meteorites contain so much mineral-bound water, they could also be useful in learning how water can be extracted from asteroids, a great resource for future astronauts. According to Garvie:

Having this meteorite in our lab gives us the ability, with further analysis, to ultimately develop technologies to extract water from asteroids in space.

The last time a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite fall similar to this one occurred was in 1969 near Murchison, Australia. Those meteorites were curated by another ASU professor and founding director of ASU’s Center for Meteorite Studies, Carleton Moore.

The meteorites in Aguas Zarcas have also been found to be similar in composition to asteroid Bennu, now being explored by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Bennu is thought to be a remnant carbonaceous chondrite planetesimal. OSIRIS-REx is carrying ASU’s Phil Christensen-designed Thermal Emissions Spectrometer (OTES) instrument, which is being used to make mineral and temperature maps of the asteroid.

Garvie and other scientists will be studying these mud ball meteorites for years to come, unlocking more secrets as to how our solar system formed and evolved, and how the ingredients of life originated and were spread throughout the solar system, including to Earth.

Bottom line: This new meteorite fall in Costa Rica has provided scientists with a great opportunity to study multiple mud ball meteorites, one of the most unusual kinds of meteorites known to exist, and one that could help answer the question of how life started on Earth.

Via ASU

Costa Rica’s New National Park

A new national park has been created but it starts off without a budget and with only two officials. It’s the 29th national park in Costa Rica and is situated in the province of Guanacaste.

Baptized the Miravalles Jorge Manuel Dengo National Park, it covers 4,300 hectares. It’s creation was announced on Wednesday, June 5, during the World Environment Day at the National Museum.

Expropriations will be carried out and the park will connect with other national parks, creating biological corridors so that species can move freely. This benefits the biological wealth of the area and the health of the animals. Costa Rica is one of the 20 countries with the greatest diversity of species.

In the future, infrastructure will be added. What was in place has been devastated by Hurricane Otto. Once there is tourist infrastructure and security in place, the surrounding communities can expect to benefit from an influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign. This can become an important driver for economic development and job creation.

Green Heart Foundation Protecting the Costa Rica Environment

Lily Cabezas and Fernanda Alfaro love nature. They created the Green Heart Foundation to promote the cleaning of rivers and beaches as well as create awareness of the need to reduce waste.

For a long time, the pair picked up garbage as they went for walks. In October, they combined their strengths to form the foundation. Lily is a mover and Fernanda is strategic. Together they are making a difference.

They seek to make a human change of consumption habits, recycling, and community cleanups. The first massive beach cleanup they organized was in January. They now have hundreds of volunteers and 20 professionals contributing knowledge and expertise from their lines of work.

On their platform, they share about their actions as well as inspiring videos such as one of children participating in the cleanup and explaining why people should reject using straws.

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Instances to Avoid the VAT in Costa Rica

Taxation has defined a procedure to exonerate the value added tax for domestic travelers and those foreigners attending a fair, congress or trade or professional exhibition in Costa Rica.

The new resolution was released on June 4. It details how the VAT would be returned to Costa Ricans using cross-border services, like Airbnb and Netflix, abroad as well as how those attending congresses will be exempt from the charge.

To request a refund, a Costa Rican must use the D402 form and submit the invoice or proof of payment along with a certificate from the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration demonstrating departure and return dates of travel as well as a copy of the passport.

Those attending exhibitions of a commercial or professional nature will have to show an exemption note provided by the organizers of the event when paying for tickets, meals, and hotels related to the event.

Costa Rican Bill To Punish Hate Crimes Dies

The project against hate crimes has essentially died. It seems strange at first that anyone would be against punishing hate crimes but the actual issue behind this is that the text of the project is criticized as being too broad and affecting the freedom of expression.

The text would punish with jail time anyone who disagrees with a resolution of a judge on the existence of a genocide and those who promote hatred against groups including those defined by political opinion.

The bill would also punish people who are part of discriminatory organizations, even if they do not carry out any violent action. Here is where it seems that they would be punished for their beliefs. Should people be punished for believing something hateful or only if they act on those beliefs with hate crimes?

31 deputies are against the text so it is impossible to advance unless the text is changed significantly. Likely, either th

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Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas to Enter Costa Rica

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas will bring its signature luxury wellness footprint to Costa Rica, after entering an agreement with California-based developer, The Canyon Group. It will be the brand’s first project in Central America.

Six Senses Papagayo will be a secluded eco-conscious getaway located on the 2,300-acre Papagayo Peninsula, home to 15 miles of pristine coastline and untouched land (70% of the land mass is protected).

Expected to open in mid-2021, the resort will stretch from the highest point and 360-degree panorama of the Guanacaste archipelago to a forested beachfront, dotted with 41 secluded and generously sized pool villas. There will also be 31 residences available.

Other highlights include Six Senses’ wellness programming at the spa and fitness center; and an organic farm located in the heart of the property including fruit, vegetable and herb gardens, inspiring the chef’s menus and signature spa treatments.

Six Senses Papagayo is located 40 minutes from Liberia International Airport, which offers daily flights to and from just about every major metropolitan hub in the U.S., as well as Canada and Latin American countries.

Six Senses will also open properties this year on the private island of Krabey in Cambodia, a circuit of five lodges in Bhutan, and a 14th-century-old restored fort in Rajasthan. Additional projects are currently under way in Austria, Brazil, mainland China, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand. After purchasing Six Senses in February, InterContinental Hotels Group said it plans to grow its portfolio to more than 60 properties globally over the next 10 years.

by Jessica Montevago, Travel Market Report

Would You Eat Insects in Costa Rica?

A study has been initiated by the National Center for Food Science and Technology that will serve as a foundation for promoting the production and consumption of food made from insects in Costa Rica.

There is a definite aversion among the population to eating whole insects. Not many would eat a whole cricket, for example, so other presentations such as flours and cookies are being evaluated.

Mexico is the country where the custom of eating insects is most consolidated. There, the general population consumes 550 species.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that insects can contribute to food security in the world since the population is ever growing and there are 1,900 species of edible insects.

Entrepreneurs interested in insect based products can get in touch with the project through the email insects.cita@ucr.acr.cr or the website www.cita.ucr.ac.cr/insectos.

Costa Rican Fighter Ariel Sexton

It was February 22 when Ariel Sexton heard the best silence of his life. He had defeated Amir Khan before 15,000 people in Singapore. The crowd was left stunned and silent. Sexton heard his victory in the silence of the opponent’s fans.

It was the most satisfying fight of his career in mixed martial arts. It was at the One Championship tournament, the largest in all of Asia. His opponent is a local superstar and knockout artist.

Sexton planned his fight against Kahn perfectly. He wore him out in the first rounds and then launched into attack mode. The victory was given at a minute and 13 seconds in the third round.

The road that led him to this victory was anything but easy. He grew up in a dangerous part of Canada. After being stabbed seven times, his mother convinced him to move to Costa Rica, where she is from. The anger was destroying him so he immersed himself in martial arts. He trains eight hours a day. Martial arts helps him stay calm and stabilize emotions.

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What is the Best Costa Rica Coffee?

Lifelong friends, Johel Monge Naranjo and Manuel Salas Araya, won a prize for best coffee in Costa Rica, the Cup of Excellence, both in 2017 and this year. The competition was judged by 25 tasting judges from Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America.

Their coffee, of the Geisha variety, from the Don Darío farm, in Copey de Dota, scored 91.14. The pair also took third place with a variety from the Don Antonio farm with a score of 90.88.

Monge, age 74, explained that they bought the farms six years ago and named it after both their parents who taught them to cultivate the land. The climate is excellent for growing coffee. They put a lot of love into their work.

Their coffee belongs to the international organization Alliance for Coffee Excellence as well as the Fine Coffee Association of Costa Rica. It is sponsored by the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica.

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Cruise Ship Runs Into Tourist Boat in Venice

From the Associated Press – A towering, out-of-control cruise ship rammed into a dock and a tourist river boat on a busy Venice canal on Sunday morning. Italian media reported that at least five people were injured in the crash.

The collision happened about 8:30 a.m. on the Giudecca Canal, a major thoroughfare that leads to Saint Mark’s Square in the northeastern Italian city.

Videos of the crash show the cruise ship, apparently unable to halt its momentum, blaring its horn as it plows into the much smaller river boat and the dock as dozens of people run away in panic.

Venice is a tremendously popular site for both tourists and cruise ships, especially during the summer tourist season.

The cruise ship’s owner, MSC Cruises, said the ship, the MSC Opera, was about to dock at a passenger terminal in Venice when it had a mechanical problem. Two towboats guiding the cruise ship into Venice tried to stop the massive cruise ship, but they were unable to prevent it from ramming into the river boat.

“The two towboats tried to stop the giant and then a tow cable broke, cut by the collision with the river boat,” Davide Calderan, president of a towboat association in Venice, told the Italian news agency ANSA.

Calderan said the cruise ship’s engine was locked when the captain called for help.

Following the accident, calls for banning cruise ships in Venice, long a source of contention in the over-extended tourist city, were renewed.

The MSC Opera was built in 2004. It can carry over 2,675 passengers in 1,071 cabins. According to its sailing schedule, the cruise ship left Venice on May 26 and traveled to Kotor, Montenegro, and Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu in Greece before returning Sunday to Venice.

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