Archive for June 19th, 2009
Friday, June 19th, 2009
Leonardo DiCaprio has set his sights on uncovering the world of illegal online gambling in sunny Costa Rica in his next unnamed Paramount Pictures flick, which is currently stirring up lots of media coverage and questions of “why?”. With screenplay writers Brian Koppelmann and David Levien of Rounders and Oceans Thirteen fame on his team and DiCaprio’s knack at landing blockbuster roles, fans can expect lots of drama and insight into this modern-day multi-billion dollar mafia-style industry.
Already deemed an ‘action-thriller’, it is still not clear what plot line the movie will adopt, but the options within the genre are indeed endless. From online bingo to million dollar bets on the day’s sporting events, money flows like virtual water as gamblers in the states and worldwide are given direct access to a world of addiction, greed, jackpots and crime right from their living rooms.
The U.S. government has been on a crusade in recent years to crack down on the industry that began its offshore shift in the mid 90s to avoid increasing restrictions. Industry pioneers began to set up shop in Costa Rica, favoring limited regulation, modern infrastructure and an educated English-speaking work force. (more…)
Posted in Costa Rica News | 1 Comment »
Friday, June 19th, 2009
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Peter Cianchette and Minister of Public Security Janina del Vecchio signed on June 17, the first letter of agreement between the United States and the Government of Costa Rica implementing the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs, and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms. Also signing for Costa Rica were Foreign Minister Stagno, Justice Minister Martin, and Supreme Court President Mora, with President Arias signing as a “distinguished witness.” The June 17 signing provides an initial $1,142,000 in FY2008 funding for the first year of the Mérida Initiative.
Under this agreement, the Costa Rican Government will participate in the following projects fully funded by the U.S. Government: Central American Fingerprint Exchange, $200,000; improved policing and police equipment, $742,000; and improved prison management, $200,000. The Government of Costa Rica will also be receiving a range of Mérida Initiative assistance in the areas of maritime interdiction support, border assessment assistance and inspection equipment, access to the Mérida Initiative’s Regional Firearms Advisor in San Salvador, and participation in a number of regional professional development and training programs.
Representatives of the Government of the United States and the Government of Costa Rica will meet quarterly to review qualitative and quantitative progress towards achievement of the project goals and objectives. These evaluations are in addition to the ongoing monitoring of the programs and activities conducted by each government.
Posted in Costa Rica News | 1 Comment »
Friday, June 19th, 2009
Costa Rican Health Ministry reported on Thursday 28 new cases of A/H1N1 influenza, totaling 177 cases in the country.
The ministry said in a communique that 77 percent of the patients infected with A/H1N1 flu were less than 30 years old.
Five of the seven provinces in the country have reported A/H1N1flu patients, and the provinces of Puntarenas and Limon are the only ones without case.
The ministry said that to the moment 2,493 patients went to hospitals with flu symptoms, but 2,156 were discarded and 157 are pending to be tested.
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Friday, June 19th, 2009
I have been driving for nearly 24 years… I would think I should have noticed the little secret on my dashboard that was staring me in the face the whole time…I didn’t…and I bet you didn’t either…
Have you ever rented or borrowed a car and when arriving at the gas station wondered……mmm, which side is the gas filler cap?
My normal solution was to stick my head out the window, strain my neck and look, try to see in the side mirrors or even get out of the car! Well ladies and gentlemen, I’m going to share with you my little secret so you will no longer look like Ace Ventura on your way to the gas station or put your neck at risk of discomfort or injury.
If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump?
The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the gas pump?
If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left.
If your tank is on the right, the handle will be on the right
(see photo). It is that simple!
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