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Author Archives: Jay Brodell
Amid ethics scandal, Mike Wallace managed to prevent fist fight
Mike Wallace generally came across as somewhat of a pitbull. But Wallace, known for his hard-hitting television interviews, was not one to fly off the handle. His producer did just that one evening in New York when he tried to … Continue reading
Posted in World News
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Scammer index suggests that the times are getting better
The appearance of English-speaking beggars this week may be a sign that the economy is recuperating. For the last several years, San José has not hosted the scammers, pickpockets and assorted bad sorts of years past. A case in point … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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Steady light in the city sky has to be the Planet Venus
Monday, unable to sleep, I was lying in bed looking out the window at the night sky. There were no stars to be seen, save one. A very large, unblinking bright ball was high above the volcano Poás. Obviously it … Continue reading
Posted in Friday Column
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The nanny state and citizens face the painful economic realities
As the economic realities sink in to the central government and lawmakers wrestle with revisions to a proposed value-added tax plan, the nation faces the possibility of unrest that has not been seen since the consideration of the free trade … Continue reading
Posted in Editorial
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To have a new beginning, there must be an end to the old
Blue Periods are not confined to artists. Ordinary people can have them, and December is a good time to enjoy one. It is the end of good old 2011, which was so easy to remember and write on checks. Humans … Continue reading
Posted in Friday Column
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The U.S. always has been able to come back from disaster
Today is the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Most who heard the startling news in the United States that Sunday afternoon are dead. Some died as a direct result of the sneak attack by the forces of … Continue reading
Posted in Editorial
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U.S. out of step with Costa Rican reality on human trafficking
The U.S. ambassador said Wednesday that she is well aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. She disputed a contrary statement attributed to her in a news story that appeared in the morning’s edition of A.M. Costa Rica. The … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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After 10 years of publishing, this is edition #2,571
A.M. Costa Rica today marks its 10th birthday of providing a free news service to expats here and those with an interest in this country everywhere. What the online newspaper is today is nothing that was envisioned 10 years ago. … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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Even the backyard serves up unexpected bounties of food
It looks like we will be going bananas again. Banana daiquiri, banana splits, baked bananas, banana and Corn Flakes, chocolate covered frozen bananas on a stick. A couple of banana bushes in the back yard just will not quit. Chop … Continue reading
Posted in Food and Entertainment
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Sometimes Caja medical care shines and sometimes not
Jo Stuart is taking a week off. In this space she has generally praised the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social for the medical service she has received. Ms. Stuart has been lucky enough and personable enough so that she easily … Continue reading
Posted in Friday Column
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At some point there must be a reason to discard pacifism
Costa Rica does not seem to be having much success finding international support to counter Nicaragua’s invasion of a small patch of national soil. A Costa Rican letter writer Monday said this: “I am certain that if you asked civilized, … Continue reading
Posted in Editorial
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How about some ideas to cut down on crime here?
Laura Chinchilla Miranda has been president for nine months but the expected security plan has turned out to be a call for more taxes. Absent has been any proposed legislation that would have an impact on crime, criminals or the … Continue reading
Posted in Editorial
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Editor’s favorite soup is easy and very much Costa Rican
Here’s the lowdown on the editor’s favorite soup. One serving is about a zillion calories, so Weight Watchers can tune out now. The beauty of pejibaye soup is that it is easy to make, tastes great and is uniquely Costa … Continue reading
Posted in Food and Entertainment
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Here are some recommendations for high season
A report on tourist occupancies Wednesday did not point out that the impact of the world’s financial crisis falls disproportionately on smaller firms. Wednesday some of those tourism operators said that for them conditions are far worse than the so-so … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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Mining decision is a black eye for making investments here
The Wednesday court decision on the Crucitas open pit gold mine is another black eye for Costa Rica and a clear warning to international investors to take their business elsewhere. The country already is in the cellar on an index … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News, Editorial
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Ortega uses tested propaganda techniques to lie
The invasion of Costa Rica by Nicaragua is far from over, but Daniel Ortega and his aides clearly are the winners of the propaganda war. Ortega, the Nicaraguan president, has been able to frame the invasion of the Isla Calero … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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Struggling print papers consider charging on Web
Printed newspapers are under increasing pressure to begin charging for content. In some cases, the decision is made shortly before executives of a printed newspaper move it completely to Web publishing. This is one of the hot topics in the … Continue reading
Posted in Costa Rica News
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