Topic: Costa Rica
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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.
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Women's history month: 10 women making history today
March is known as Women's History month, meant to recognize the contributions and progress of women across history and around the world. Women today are playing some significant roles, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis. Here are 10 women who are making history, today.
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The world in 2011: Trends and events to watch in every region
Monitor staff writers and correspondents in each of the world's regions share what they expect to be top headlines in 2011.
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In Pictures: The Art of the Americas Wing at the MFA
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In Pictures: Costa Rica landslide
All Content
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Latin America Monitor
Why Latin Americans top the happiness rankingsA global index on happiness shows several Latin American countries topping the list. The report cites centrality of family as a key reason.
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Latin America Monitor
US ex-marine to be released from prison after violating Mexico's strict gun laws (+video)Former US marine Jon Hammar was imprisoned in August for carrying an antique gun into Mexico. Despite record levels of violence, such arms are prohibited without permission from the government.
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Geography of joy? Where the world's happiest people live.
Seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America, says a new Gallop survey. Panama is No. 1 on the list. People in 148 nations were asked: Were they well-rested, had they been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.
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Starbucks $450 steel card: class warfare in a coffee cup?
Starbucks $450 gift card is made of stainless steel and will only be available in limited quantities through a luxury goods website. Is the Starbucks $450 steel gift card a sign that Starbucks is going "1 percent" on us? Or is it just harmless, splurgy fun?
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Colombia's narco-sub 'museum' gives a peek into drug trafficking tactics
For years, smugglers have been using semi-submersibles to traffic drugs. As the US wages the war on drugs, Colombia’s Pacific coast is the Silicon Valley of narco-innovation.
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Focus
Violence against women in Latin America: Is it getting worse?Across Latin America, women are confronting a rise in brutal attacks – as advocates struggle to sustain the progress that's been made in curbing violence against women.
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Focus
Turn on the TV? How telenovelas help people cope with real lifeTackling 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.
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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.
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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.
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Progress Watch
Poland takes top honors for 'most improved' in cutting red tapeIt'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.
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Difference Maker
John Bergmann runs a special zoo for older, exploited, and abused animalsJohn Bergmann manages Popcorn Park, a special zoo in New Jersey that gives a home to distressed wildlife and exotic and domesticated animals.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Latin America Monitor
Nicaragua: Central Bank says economy up 30 percent under SandinistasThough growth for Central America's smallest economy is good news, some economists say it is still insufficient to reduce poverty in Nicaragua.
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Transported at home
What could be more agrarian, or beautiful?
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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.
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Solo: A Memoir of Hope
'Solo' – a no-holds-barred, tell-all autobiography – has already rocked some boats.
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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.
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Keep Calm
Good Reads: Volcanoes, guillotines, and the key to happinessA 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.
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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.
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Cover Story
How Latin America is reinventing the war on drugsFrustrated with US dictates, countries across the region are floating new ideas to curb drug trafficking, from 'soft' enforcement to legalization.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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