Topic: Costa Rica

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Focus Turn on the TV? How telenovelas help people cope with real life

Tackling sensitive topics through entertainment and fictional characters can make it easier to get people talking about how to deal with complicated or stigmatized problems, like domestic violence.
Latin America Monitor Could Central American gangs usurp the role of Mexican cartels?

Mexican groups currently use Central American gangs to launder money, infiltrate local police, and traffic drugs. With the crackdown on Mexican cartels, the role of Central American gangs could increase.
Latin America Monitor McAfee flees from Belize authorities - should he fear the police?

John McAfee, a pioneer of antivirus software, is on the run after accusations of murder. He has said he fears for his life if caught by Belizean police, one of the most honest forces in the region.
Progress Watch Poland takes top honors for 'most improved' in cutting red tape

It's getting easier to do business in many countries, according to a World Bank report, with Eastern Europe and Central Asia making significant strides this year.
Difference Maker John Bergmann runs a special zoo for older, exploited, and abused animals

John Bergmann manages Popcorn Park, a special zoo in New Jersey that gives a home to distressed wildlife and exotic and domesticated animals.
Difference Maker Steven Amstrup says it's not too late to save polar bears – and ourselves

'We know the answer to what it takes to save' polar bears, says environmental prize winner Steven Amstrup, who has gone to the Arctic to study the bears for 30 years.
Energy Voices Drowning in natural gas: Are exports the answer?

New advancements in drilling have opened up a wealth of natural gas resources in the US. But how much is too much? A shift to exporting natural gas might be a no-brainer, according to OilPrice.com, but it's not as simple as it sounds.
Election system in Venezuela: High tech, but low trust

When Venezuelans go to the polls on Sunday to elect their next president, they will be using one of the most sophisticated voting systems in the hemisphere. But could the machines give Chavez an edge?
Latin America Monitor Nicaragua: Central Bank says economy up 30 percent under Sandinistas

Though growth for Central America's smallest economy is good news, some economists say it is still insufficient to reduce poverty in Nicaragua.
Transported at home

What could be more agrarian, or beautiful?
Chinese rescue workers search for survivors in wake of twin quakes

Rescue efforts are underway in southwestern China after two earthquakes destroyed about 6,650 homes Friday. At least 80 people were killed.
Solo: A Memoir of Hope

'Solo' – a no-holds-barred, tell-all autobiography – has already rocked some boats.
El Salvador rattled by 7.3 earthquake late Sunday

El Salvador earthquake: The 7.3 magnitude quake struck offshore, followed by a 5.4 aftershock. No injuries reported. A small tsunami formed, but the tsunami warning has been cancelled.
Keep Calm Good Reads: Volcanoes, guillotines, and the key to happiness

A look at modern France, and a profile of revolutionary villain Maximilien Robespierre; the American recovery and the very happy people of Iceland. Here are this week's good reads.
Central American peace accord celebrates 25 years, but has it brought peace?

The Esquipulas peace agreement succeeded in ending political and ideological strife, but it failed to create peaceful societies. Today Central America is one of the world's most violent regions.
Cover Story How Latin America is reinventing the war on drugs

Frustrated with US dictates, countries across the region are floating new ideas to curb drug trafficking, from 'soft' enforcement to legalization.
Sea Shepherd leader pursued by Japan, skips bail in Germany

Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to protect whales, is being sought by Japan and Costa Rica. But Watson skipped bail in Germany, leaving for an undisclosed destination.
Latin America Monitor Rumored Zetas split: Would this bring more violence or peace for Mexico?

A weakening of the Zetas in the northeast may discourage the drug gang's forays into other parts of Mexico, but internal strife often leads to more murders, writes InSight Crime.
Nicaragua's Olympic hero returns to the Summer Games – as a Nicaraguan

Michele Richardson swam for the US in the '84 Olympics after the Sandinistas wouldn't let her represent her native country. Nearly 30 years later she'll lead Nicaraguan athletes at the opening ceremony.
Saving Money Get out of town: the world's 10 best-reviewed hotels

The world's 10 best hotels according to Expedia range from a boutique in Slovakia to a chain in Nebraska. Only 4 of the world's 10 best hotels are in the US, in cities you might not expect.
Democracy in Paraguay: at work or under threat?

After Fernando Lugo's impeachment last week, many question the state of democratic institutions not only in Paraguay, but Latin America as a whole.
Latin America Monitor Central America: one of the happiest regions on earth?

According to the new Happy Planet Index, Central America is one of the happiest regions in the world. Don't mind the violence.
Secret Service scandal sheds light on sex tourism in Latin America

Large events like the Summit of the Americas and upcoming Olympic games in Brazil can drive up the demand for prostitution and sex trafficking.
How 5 young black men see the Trayvon Martin case

The Monitor approached, at random, five young black men in Boston, Los Angeles, Coral Gables, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., and asked them to talk about the Trayvon Martin case, race relations, hoodies, and, of course, their own life experiences. Here's what they had to say.
Latin America Monitor Exporting Nicaragua's citizen security model

Nicaragua could be a citizen security model for other Central American countries to imitate, but some elements are harder to transfer than others, writes guest blogger Hannah Stone.