tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53049353351570581802011-09-28T17:38:43.640-06:00in Costa Rica AND in your life...That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.comBlogger481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-12544968112910086312011-06-11T07:25:00.000-06:002011-06-11T07:25:03.302-06:00

I am closing this blog and moving back to my old 365 Reasons I Love Costa Rica wordpress blog.  Nothing against blogger, but over there feels more like home.... Pura Vida

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-62691065273098728892011-02-28T17:33:00.001-06:002011-02-28T17:39:17.431-06:00

Public sector union members in Wisconsin are loudly protesting to uphold their right to collectively bargain, or to unionize.  It seems absurd that the legislature of Wisconsin, the "Republican" legislature, believes it can take away such a fundamental right.  As much as I support the right, I will also add that collective bargaining "power" is subject to the same abuse as the power wielded by

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-58432789701033445152011-02-25T16:16:00.002-06:002011-02-25T16:26:04.174-06:00

I will start out by saying, or typing, in between gulps of Toña (one of the truly great Nicaraguan beers) that Charlie is crazy....out of his mind!  But is that necessarily a bad thing?  Well, would Two and a Half Men be half as good if he weren't?  His recent rage against the machinery that brings us this hilarious show (my personal network favorite), while bringing down all manner of media

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-71641873558229536022011-02-16T13:57:00.003-06:002011-02-16T16:33:44.627-06:00

Standing up for what's right, at all costs, is the hallmark of true courage and conviction.  Kimberly Blackwell had such courage...such conviction.  Blackwell was found brutally murdered on the patio of her remote home on the Osa peninsula, bordering Corcovado National  Park.  She had acquired a tract of land and planted cocoa trees and started a chocolate making business in order to hire locals

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-5619164095384692542011-02-12T18:38:00.005-06:002011-02-12T18:44:34.658-06:00

I have been reading an interesting book on the subject of "emotional intelligence."  The book is named just that, Emotional Intelligence, by author Daniel Goleman.  I have never been a big fan of books about intelligence.  I really didn't like The Bell Curve by Herrnstein and Murray that put forth the supposition that only those that go to Harvard have a right to rule the world.  Books like that

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-20776298365027952852011-01-31T16:38:00.015-06:002011-01-31T16:48:03.153-06:00

De-moc-cra-cy - a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.  We like "democracy" in the U.S., don't we?  I guess the current situation in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East, where people are just plain fed up with dictators, will be the

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-10580926961106375572011-01-29T06:34:00.000-06:002011-01-29T06:34:20.683-06:00

Haven't been blogging much lately because I just don't seem to be able to find the passion to do it, or the creativity, or the time.  Well, that last one is just me lying to myself.  Because, of course, we have all the time there is, now don't we?  No, really lately I just seem to find myself "caught up" with the mundane things of life, like making a living, managing sometimes messy and

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-35207160838161361512011-01-28T12:33:00.000-06:002011-01-28T12:33:31.436-06:00

But he did write this..... Imagine there's no Heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-35892477153255234332011-01-27T16:43:00.000-06:002011-01-27T16:43:40.957-06:00

The State of the Union Speech proved once again that Obama is the coolest cat on the planet.  Far cooler than John Boehner.  I mean who in recent politics even comes close...Bill Clinton maybe.  Although his choice in women tends to damper down his coolness a bit, wouldn't you agree?  What did I really think of the speech?  Well, it was cordial and upbeat.  It was refreshing to see Republicans

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-87925778405711202082010-12-29T08:05:00.004-06:002010-12-29T13:50:28.262-06:00

A common tired lament read often here relates to how the youth of today are just, well, lost.  I really believe that in many ways, they are.  But why?  I am not sure, but the clearest evidences reveal themselves in the culture, in music and other entertainment, and via technological addictions.  There is just no "there" there.  It seems to be a decade by decade decadent decline.  Beginning with

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-59986496607923475562010-12-28T07:21:00.006-06:002010-12-28T09:46:12.883-06:00

They got a name for the winners in the world.  I wanna a name when I lose..... No, can't take credit for those lines.  That would be the team of Fagen and Becker, better known as Steely Dan.  Now there was a great soundtrack to life.  What do the youth of today have?  Lady Gaga?  Listening to that song (Deacon Blues) and the chorus line had me thinking today about winners and losers and where

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-39297062616545108652010-12-23T09:41:00.026-06:002010-12-23T17:44:55.863-06:00

Cassady with Kerouac I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix, angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night..... Howl, Allen Ginsberg Recently re-read Jack Kerouac's beat masterpiece, On the Road, for the

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-36504359038807367822010-12-15T08:35:00.002-06:002010-12-15T08:39:09.140-06:00

Recently I was back in the U.S. for a short visit.  Took a stroll through a bookstore as I am always prone to do.  You see, many of those great books that one hears about are simply not available here.  I tried Amazon once, but it didn't work that well.  So whenever I am back in the States I usually bring two or three books back home.  I couldn't help noticing that there seems to be a conspiracy

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-65660726808153650122010-12-06T13:42:00.003-06:002010-12-06T13:47:34.569-06:00

Well I did make it here....to 50 that is.  50, five decades, half a century, 26,280,000 seconds....it does seem to be somewhat of an "arrival."  However, to say that I have finally "arrived" would be a bit much, because I am not at all sure to where.  But there is a definite feeling that it is to somewhere.  I have been thinking of making some half a century point declarations.  Like maybe once

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-9768565181709457372010-11-27T08:52:00.010-06:002010-12-04T13:37:09.344-06:00

Sometimes I feel like there should be a "musical backdrop" to life.  You know, like in the movies, where each dramatic scene is punctuated by a musical theme.  But in reality, the music isn't there....or is it?  I am sometimes deeply moved by a church service where the music is really good.  But take way the music and what do you have left?  Would the "spirit" still be stirring the folks, or

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-47328114294730431102010-11-25T11:13:00.002-06:002010-11-25T11:19:50.762-06:00

I am going to suggest something particularly outlandish in this post.  And that is, maybe that part of the Declaration of Independence that is so often quoted, you know the "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" part, is a little off.  Maybe missing from that list is another thing we humans are endowed with, or at least should be, respect.  If you think about it, most of the bad stuff that

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-27922433732371215632010-11-17T14:48:00.010-06:002010-11-17T17:34:24.067-06:00

It appears that maybe the main reason for Daniel Ortega's initial obstinence in face of mounting pressure to remove troops from Costa Rican soil was because he had stumbled upon a way to rapidly and widely boost his popularity ratings.  I guess it wouldn't be the first time that happened, now would it?  I mean, it wouldn't be the first time that a politician used war or threat of war as a way to

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-55493612902003409632010-11-15T09:55:00.009-06:002010-11-15T10:06:03.623-06:00

I read an article in the latest issue of The Tico Times regarding the growing inequality between the rich and the poor in Costa Rica.  Highlighted in the piece is the painting to the left by national artist, Héctor Gamboa.  The scene pictures children playing amongst "tugurios" (or tin-roofed shacks that riddle Costa Rica's poorest barrios) by the river, while looming large along the high-grounds

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-90670443647767349782010-11-13T15:42:00.007-06:002010-11-14T09:35:12.370-06:00

I have been reading more with curiosity, rather than any degree of alarm, about the apparent Nicaraguan "invasion" of Costa Rica.  What is actually  occurring is, in my humble opinion, a bit less than described by recent inflammatory rhetoric by Costa Rica's Presidenta, Laura Chinchilla.  She claims that Costa Rica has been invaded, pure and simple, and the world better take notice.  But a few

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-947695939375428522010-11-05T18:50:00.009-06:002010-11-05T18:55:20.436-06:00

Martin Luther King may have "had a dream," but right now I am betting for Barack Obama, our nation's first black President, he might just feel like waking up.  And the recent elections were just that, a loud and obnoxious wake-up call.  Obama's dream of creating an "America" that is a more level playing field for all people of every socio-economic strata has turned into Obama's worst nightmare. 

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-82367501843031752842010-10-29T16:33:00.010-06:002010-10-29T17:16:48.036-06:00

I have sort of been living in denial all year...denying that I would ever be anything other than 49 years old.  But here we are on the cusp of November and December is looming large and reality is finally setting in, for at the stroke of midnight, Dec 4th, Costa Rica Guy turns the page on another decade.  Yes, I will be 50 and there just isn't any way to avoid it at this point....well, there is

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-23545123883146233602010-10-23T16:23:00.002-06:002010-10-23T16:27:59.544-06:00

I watched a movie the other day with Lily that featured the famous song sung by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.  You know, that little ditty entitled Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  I mentioned that it had been a long time since I had seen that old classic movie and Lily gave me a puzzled look which betrayed the fact that she had absolutely no idea what I was talking about.  As much as I love

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-50111047754217124782010-10-21T11:55:00.003-06:002010-10-21T12:01:27.657-06:00

Political correctness has once again become the topic of the day in the U.S.  Most recently, the heat has been turned up due to the Bill O'Reilly face off with the ladies of the View and the Juan Willams termination by NPR.  The issue seems to be whether or not one should engage in speech that lumps all Muslims into the fundamentalist extremist variety.  Bill O'Reilly seems to be of the opinion

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-13340010820335847782010-10-14T11:31:00.011-06:002010-10-14T12:24:59.543-06:00

The Riu - Gorgeous but Deadly Picture yourself on a white sand beach in the glaring tropical sun with the waves crashing on a crystal clear sea while you recline on your beach chair sipping a tropical rum punch.  Sound nice?  Well it is a perfect setting to enjoy in a place like Cancun or Cozumel, where the resorts are large, luxurious, and, of course, "all-inclusive."  But that's Cancun,

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-50471368974259397262010-10-13T16:14:00.008-06:002010-10-14T11:02:22.455-06:00

I have been watching the dramatic rescue of the 33 Chilean miners with wrapped attention.  What has been particularly noteworthy is the way in which this event seems to have the planet feeling a little more "connected."    It seems the whole world is cheering for these guys.  There has been the usual "media-circus" surrounding the event, with news agencies from every corner of the globe vying to

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-14275353159363817602010-10-02T14:41:00.006-06:002010-10-02T15:18:12.808-06:00

 "Fair and Balanced" Front Man - The Beckster  There have been some pointed accusations directed towards the cable news powerhouse, Fox News, lately.  First there was Barack Obama's claim that the Fox News "point of view" is destructive of America.  Now Maxine Waters has chimed in saying that Fox is "anti-immigrant."  The left just doesn't like Fox News, despite the latter's repeated

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-9352557209613168062010-09-25T14:57:00.003-06:002010-09-25T15:00:34.209-06:00

What's so great about a vacation?  Most people live their lives in order to take one.  It becomes really, after the kids and that ultimate vacation called retirement, the most important day-to-day motivating factor in their lives (well sex has to be up there on the list, but the vacation is usually viewed as an enhancement mechanism).  But what do most of our vacations end up being?  I would

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-56981748714975693592010-09-24T11:52:00.003-06:002010-09-24T11:55:44.991-06:00

Obama is treading water and bleeding at open sea and the blood-thirsty sharks are circling, waiting for the right opportunity to dart in for the kill.  This whole scenario has played out before.  In case you forgot, hearken back to 1994.  Clinton was president, the country suffering from severe (though not equally as severe) economic woes and Newt Gingrich and crew were circling for the kill. 

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-45854340046806226362010-09-20T12:58:00.004-06:002010-09-20T13:10:43.512-06:00

It dawned on me this morning, while flipping channels from a "network" news show to the indomitable Fox News, that "we" are in some deep doodoo.  The network news show was featuring a story of how some 20,000 walruses are bunched together on a beach on the northwest coast of Alaska.  Why are they there?  Because there is no ice for them to swim to.  Why is there no ice?  Because the earth is

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-84707985492676968212010-09-18T18:56:00.003-06:002010-09-18T19:01:28.228-06:00

I saw An Inconvenient Truth last night and again this morning for the first time.  I guess that admission shows that I am a little late to arrive to the sustainability party.  But, what the hell, I'm here.  Better late than never, as they say.  All the facts, graphs and photos were indeed impressive and convincing.  I guess I am convinced about the veracity of global climate change more from a "

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-41851946678966870592010-09-18T12:54:00.002-06:002010-09-18T12:57:34.497-06:00

Dave Cantebury and Cody Lundin There is a survival show I watch from time to time that pits two survivalists, with acutely differering approaches to the subject, against various forces of natue.  One of these guys is Cody Lundin, a self-described "minimalist" who has spent the last 20 years of his life barefoot.  The other is Dave Cantebury, an ex-military guy who always seems to be good at "

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-81934619304996616582010-09-17T11:59:00.003-06:002010-09-17T12:06:38.378-06:00

Calling all authors.... I started this blog with the idea of doing something a bit different.  I spent over two years posting to my blog, 365 Reasons I Love Costa Rica.  Many of the posts expressed my feelings about living in Costa Rica.  Many also expressed my feelings about life in general.  But most, if not all, were a bit too concerned with me.  Well, I'm over it!  The new blog proposes to

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-43588126086087965182010-09-14T13:43:00.001-06:002010-09-14T13:44:39.561-06:00

A dash for the Shelter I read an article in last Sunday's edition of Proa (a special section that appears each Sunday in La Nación, Costa Rica's most reputable and reliable newspaper) about an old hotel located in one of Costa Rica's most dangerous downtown locations, what we call Zona Roja, that has been converted into a homeless shelter.  I also found out that it is San Jose's only homeless

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-58929450745122249372010-09-13T17:23:00.006-06:002010-09-13T17:29:15.974-06:00

I am intrigued by the concept of "social entrepreneurship."  A quick search of Wikipedia reveals the following definition...."the main aim of social entrepreneurship is to further social and environmental goals."  The Wikipedia page goes on to say, "whilst social entrepreneurs are most commonly associated with the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, this need not necessarily be incompatible

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-54228879404583455022010-09-11T15:43:00.001-06:002010-09-11T15:44:24.663-06:00

I was in Hawaii on September 11, 2001.  The time there is 6 hours behind that of the east coast of the U.S.  So I groggily answer a call around 4:00 am from an employee of Live Oak Capital (my former company) that informed me that the U.S was under terrorist attack.  "Huh," was my foggy brained response.  And right after that (as I began to awaken, perturbed by the call), "is this some kind of a

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-46779369794656159252010-09-11T08:48:00.010-06:002010-09-11T09:06:37.477-06:00

Supernova Have you ever spent time pondering why things exist?  Why we exist?  I was watching a show last night and I found out.  We exist because some star exploded like a gazillion years ago and the dust left over formed our planet and us along with it.  That the fusion inside that star is what forms the molecules of all the elements that make up matter, including us, and we are just the

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-83246772562768613872010-09-10T10:50:00.001-06:002010-09-10T10:51:31.296-06:00

"Too many chiefs and not enough indians," is a complaint you often hear with respect to organizational malaise.  But in reality, I guess every tribe needs a chief and since I started this one, I guess I'm it, at least for now.  But what's a chief, what's a tribe, without indians?  So I am on the warpath (to continue my aboriginal metaphor) to recruit indians into this tribe.  Chief Costa Rica Guy

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-90816895147055747512010-09-09T07:59:00.003-06:002010-09-09T09:02:00.362-06:00

Saw the movie Taking Woodstock last night.  It was great!  No, I wasn't at the concert.  I was nine years old.  There seems to be some great meaning in this 72 hour focal point of hippie history, indeed, U.S. history.  After the movie I was eating in the food court at the mall and I see this young dude with dreadlocks down to his belt buckle.  I asked myself, would that have been possible before

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-91594928781363204402010-09-08T17:01:00.002-06:002010-09-08T17:12:09.928-06:00

I came across a news story today about some pastor of a church in Gainesville, Florida who is vowing to hold a Koran burning on September 11th.  I was thankful to hear that many in political and influential realms roundly condemn any such act.  I was less thankful that the sole reason put forth by many was that it could have the potential of further endangering troops in the Middle East.  Okay,

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-28042004550584371822010-09-07T07:26:00.000-06:002010-09-07T07:26:21.928-06:00

A watched the newest Michael Moore movie, Capitalism: A Love Story, recently.  I have never been a big fan or follower of Moore's movies.  In fact, this is the first one I have ever seen.  But the topic is one that I am interested in, so I decided to give it a try.  It was very eye opening.  Moore's premise is that the titans of Wall Street have taken over and destroyed our economy to the benefit

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-19245566015538698852010-09-06T13:10:00.006-06:002010-09-06T13:24:55.265-06:00

Group of Ticos Living in Arizona I read an article in the Sunday issue of La Nación about the way ticos living in Arizona, as well as other U.S. states, are perceiving the new immigration law. The perception is that this law has unleashed a backlash of anger and hatred towards Latin American people in general, regardless of whether they are in the U.S. legally or illegally. They are fearful for

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-54589388395551647562010-09-04T15:12:00.004-06:002010-09-04T15:18:58.473-06:00

How much time do you spend being angry?  I know if I let that question loose on myself, I would have to answer honestly, too damn much (see even the question makes me angry).  I was perusing a blog (I won't mention the name) today that has some really useful information about Costa Rica, presented in a highly entertaining way.  However, the author of the blog always seems to be pissed at somebody

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-24862883616840310052010-09-03T17:02:00.004-06:002010-09-03T17:34:24.134-06:00

Visited the ACTUAR office today.  Actuar is a Spanish verb meaning "to act."  But in this case, it is also the name of the Costa Rican Association of Rural Community Tourism.  What is "rural community tourism."  Well, according to their guidebook, it is tourism that provides a chance to really immerse oneself in local culture and its environment in a sustainable way and in a way that promotes

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-32025504915560779212010-09-02T07:14:00.005-06:002010-09-02T11:25:02.577-06:00

Talk is cheap, which is what makes it such a good place to start.  These days, with forums like Twitter, Facebook, Squidoo and others, talk is dirt cheap.  But talking leads to thinking, thinking leads to talking, and all that thinking and talking can lead to doing. And doing can lead to a real difference.  That is the concept of the new "tribe" that I have dubbed Costa Rica 365.  Why the name? 

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-77225717735110720932010-09-01T12:39:00.004-06:002010-09-01T12:57:09.386-06:00

I have had the notion from time to time of offering a traditional Costa Rica vacation package with a twist.  And that twist would be allocating some portion of time to volunteering.  The volunteer part would not just be about sloshing out ladles of soup in some downtown San Jose soup kitchen.  No, it would have as its purpose doing some good, for yourself and others who need your help AND your

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-65335363539052139062010-09-01T07:36:00.004-06:002010-09-01T12:13:17.452-06:00

Caught a few glimpses of Obama's speech marking the end of combat operations in Iraq, what most liberal democrats call Bush's war.  Of course, Obama is not, nor ever was, fond of this war.  His speech last night alluded to that fact numerous times.  This morning, the Fox News pundits were on the attack, picking apart the speech and questioning Obama's motives.  Was he trying to appeal to the "

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-58554670868703741342010-08-31T07:39:00.004-06:002010-08-31T07:59:19.604-06:00

In addition to running a travel business arranging Costa Rica vacations, I also operate both a physical and online store that sells Costa Rican indigenous arts and crafts.  One of those indigenous groups is the Bribris of the Talamanca region located in the extreme southern Caribbean zone.  I had the good fortune of finding a contact with the tribe here in San Jose during the art fair earlier

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5304935335157058180.post-55161771185425554442010-08-30T18:00:00.004-06:002010-08-30T19:42:54.349-06:00

I have to admit the "Restore Honour" rally that Glenn Beck organized last Saturday at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial was impressive.  I believe the estimates are that around 500,000 were in attendance.  There was no small bit of controversy surrounding the event, especially since it coincided with the anniversary of Martin Luther King's historic "I have a Dream" speech at that very same

That "Costa Rica Guy"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01265232952785175685noreply@blogger.com0