Daily Archives: March 16, 2012

Graphic anti-smoking ads seek to reduce U.S. smokers

The U.S. government is starting a major new effort to cut the country’s smoking rate by showing graphic images of people who have sustained life-altering health problems after smoking for years. The U.S. smoking rate peaked at more than 40 … Continue reading

Posted in World News | Comments Off

Municipal workers strike ends with accord in Ciudad Colón

After a three-day strike, municipal workers in the Municipalidad de Mora have reached an accord with the local government, according to the Asociación Nacional de Empleados Públicos y Privados. The strike was in Ciudad Colón, the municipality’s administrative center, which … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

Atheists target non-believers with billboard campaign

The message, in English and Arabic, is blunt. “You know it’s a myth. You have a choice,” declares the billboard in a Muslim community in Paterson, New Jersey. An identical one, with a Hebrew translation, was erected in Brooklyn, New … Continue reading

Posted in World News | Comments Off

Prosecutors seek to tie Manning to terrorists

U.S. government prosecutors are detailing the charges facing an Army intelligence analyst accused of passing classified documents to the anti-secrecy Web site WikiLeaks. Military prosecutors gave their written answers Thursday to a series of questions about the accusations facing 24-year-old … Continue reading

Posted in World News | Comments Off

Early morning quakes rattle central Pacific communities

Early morning quakes rattle central Pacific communities

An earthquake estimated at 3.7 took place early today about 4.7 kilometers (about three miles) north northeast of Playa Hermosa on the central Pacific Coast, said the Laboratorio de Ingenieria Sismica at the Universidad de Costa Rica. The time was … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

Search for missing historical book now in investigators’ hands

Search for missing historical book now in investigators’ hands

The Judicial Investigating Organization has issued an all-points bulletin for a book. This is not just any book but the famous “Libro Violeta” by José María Figueroa Oreamuno. This is the last in a series of books and other material … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

An expedition downtown turns up some interesting sights

On a not so windy day this week I took a taxi downtown so that I could enjoy a walk. For some reason I find it easier and certainly more interesting, to walk in San José proper than in the … Continue reading

Posted in Friday Column | Comments Off

Brewmasters toast St. Patrick’s Day with an oatmeal stout

Brewmasters toast St. Patrick’s Day with an oatmeal stout

St. Patrick’s Day has transcended land, water, and cultures. It has made its way to Costa Rica. March 17 isn’t just for the neighbors to the North. The green beer and day dedicated to drunken debauchery will be celebrated in … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

$5 land and sea exit tax still in legislative hopper

One of the bills that has been put aside while lawmakers wrestled with the value-added tax plan is a proposal to charge anyone leaving Costa Rica by land or water $5. Air travelers already are assessed a $15arrival fee that … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

Lawmakers OK tax treaties with Australia and Canada

The legislature has approved tax information exchange with Australia and with Canada. Both measures were approved with little opposition, and both will be sent for a review to the Sala IV constitutional court before a second and final vote is … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off

Vendors working hard for opening of art festival today

Vendors working hard for opening of art festival today

Elena Cedillo and her son organized beaded necklaces on a table inside a white tent in front of the Museo de Arte Costarricense in La Sabana. The interior of the tent gives the impression of an artisan marketplace in Guatemala … Continue reading

Posted in Costa Rica News | Comments Off