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Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Archive for December, 2009
Obama: U.S. Knew of Nigerian Terror Threat but Did Not Act
Thursday, December 31st, 2009President Obama has acknowledged that the United States had early signals that a terrorist attack was being plotted in Yemen and failed to take adequate steps to prevent it.
According to a page one story in the New York Times, two federal officials told the paper that U.S. intelligence was aware that a Nigerian Muslim was preparing an attack, yet officials did nothing to give warning of such an attack.
The paper reported Wednesday: “Two officials said the government had intelligence from Yemen before Friday that leaders of a branch of Al Qaeda were talking about ‘a Nigerian’ being prepared for a terrorist attack.”
Although the attacker was not named, officials said his identity would have been evident had it been compared with information about Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old Nigerian charged with trying to blow up an American passenger jet on Christmas Day.
But despite those signals, the administration never raised a terror alert, and would-be bomber Abdulmutallab was allowed to board a plane bound for the United States.
Critics also have charged that, although al-Qaida has engaged in multiple terror attacks at the same time and has promised more attacks soon, the administration has yet to raise Homeland Security’s terror threat level. It remains at “yellow” or “elevated” — as it has for several years.
Obama was told at a briefing on Tuesday that U.S. officials had information that would have warned clearly of a pending attack if agencies had shared the information, The New York Times reported.
U.S. intelligence learned that leaders of a branch of al-Qaida in Yemen were talking about a Nigerian’s being prepared for a terrorist attack.
Abdulmutallab first came to the attention of U.S. officials in November, when his father told the U.S. embassy in Nigeria that his son had expressed radical views and then disappeared.
After being briefed, Obama told reporters: “A systemic failure has occurred, and I consider that totally unacceptable.”
Referring to the early signals, he said: “Had this critical information been shared, it could have been compiled with other intelligence and a fuller, clearer picture of the suspect would have emerged. The warning signs would have triggered red flags, and the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America.”
He added, “It’s becoming clear that the system that has been in place for years now is not sufficiently up to date to take full advantage of the information we collect and the knowledge we have.”
After Abdulmutallab’s father spoke to embassy officials, the embassy sent a cable to Washington, and Abdulmutallab’s name was added to a database of 550,000 people with possible ties to terrorism, according to the Times.
But he was not put on the no-fly list of 4,000 people or on a list of 14,000 individuals who are required to undergo addition screening before flying. Also, his visa to the United States was not revoked.
The attempted bombing on Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit has touched off partisan squabbling in Washington. Republicans were sharply critical of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano after she declared on Sunday that “the system worked,” even though the bombing was thwarted only when Abdulmutallab’s device failed to detonate.
“It is insulting that the Obama administration would make such a claim,” said Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee.
House Minority Leader John Boehner said Tuesday: “All year long, we’ve asked the question: What is the administration’s overarching strategy to confront the terrorist threat and keep America safe?
“We haven’t gotten a satisfactory answer, and the secretary’s ‘the system worked’ response doesn’t inspire confidence.”
Democrats countered that Republicans have stood in the way of needed personnel and funds for anti-terrorism efforts, the Times reported, by blocking Obama’s nominee for head of the Transportation Security Administration and by voting against a bill providing $44 billion for Homeland Security operations.
Obama said he had ordered government agencies to provide him with a preliminary report about the security lapse on Thursday.
But he added that, once Abdulmutallab had attempted to bring down the flight, “our homeland security systems and our aviation security took all appropriate actions” — even though the passengers and crew are the ones who apprehended Abdulmutallab, and there was no air marshal on board.
422.000 Vehicles Owners Still To Pay Marchamo
Thursday, December 31st, 2009Today is the last day to pay the 2010 Marchamo and owners of 38% or some 422.000 of all registered vehicles have to pay up.
The Marchamo is the annual circulation permit that is payable by December 31st before a vehicle owner faces late charges and interest and is exposed to a fine by the Pollicía de Tránsito and/or possible confiscation of the license plates and/or vehicles.
This year because January 1 is on a Friday, for those who have not paid their Marchamo by the close of business day today, they will have to wait until Monday when banks, authorized insurance agents and INS offices reopen.
Costa Rica assails big risks taken by small miners
Thursday, December 31st, 2009Costa Rica is pushing to legalize hundreds of small-scale miners who scrape out tiny amounts of gold from abandoned mine shafts using dangerous and polluting techniques.
Lured by record prices for gold, which topped $1,200 an ounce this year, some 600 informal miners around the town of Abangares in hilly northern Costa Rica use toxic mercury to extract gold from rocks chipped out of narrow tunnels.
The environment ministry estimates the miners produce around 500 ounces of 14 carat gold a month and sell it to local dealers at cut rates below the market, around $476 an ounce.
Informal mining is practiced in many parts of the world but Costa Rica is as the forefront of a trend to regulate the miners by urging them to form cooperatives, apply for official mining concessions with environmental permits and pay taxes.
The government of the lushly forested Central American nation, which touts its strict environmental rules, is worried unchecked informal miners are dumping dangerous chemicals into water supplies.
“This is a social problem caused by unemployment in the tourism sector,” said Jose Castro, head of mining at the Environment Ministry. The economic downturn has hit the tourism industry at beaches and nature reserves in the region.
“What we’re trying to do is organize (the miners) and monitor their activities,” Castro said.
Top mining officials toured the area around Abangares this month and want to push through the tougher regulations before President Oscar Arias’ term ends in May 2010.
The government campaign has made headway, with about half of the miners already organized into officially recognized cooperatives and one in the process of applying for a formal concession.
PROFIT OUTWEIGHS RISK
Better known for its exports of bananas and high-quality coffee, Costa Rica’s does not have the mineral resources of other Latin American countries. Metallic mining comprises less than 1 percent of the gross domestic product.
There are no major operational gold mines and the only big project, Las Crucitas, which is being built by Canada’s Infinito Gold Ltd, has been suspended pending a supreme court ruling on whether it is environmentally safe.
But with gold prices soaring, informal miners are willing to take big risks to scrape a living out of deep caves, some a century old, abandoned by international mining companies.
Miners have died when weakly supported tunnels collapsed during rainy season. And they regularly handle mercury with their bare hands, even though the liquid metal can cause birth defects, miscarriages, nerve damage and renal failure.
“There is no other work. You can earn more here than in any kind of company,” Jose Campos, a 29-year-old miner said.
The evolution of ‘Ecotourism’
Thursday, December 31st, 2009As a world-wide leader in nature-oriented travel, with 5% of the world’s biodiversity within only .035% of the world’s land, Costa Rica continues to be in the spotlight for ecotourism. Since 1993, tourism has been the top generator of foreign revenues for Costa Rica, surpassing both bananas and coffee. The ICT (Costa Rican Institute for Tourism) acknowledges that the tourism in Costa Rica has become mainly ecotourism. It is easy to see why, with Costa Rica’s 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas or mangroves, 11 forest reserves, 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions. The array of flora and fauna is staggering. Martha Honey of the CESD (Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development) cites the following:
“This West Virginia-sized country boasts more bird species (850) than are found in the United States and Canada combined, more variety of butterflies than in all of Africa, more than 6,000 kinds of flowering plants (including 1,500 varieties of orchids), and over 35,000 species of insects. Costa Rica is, as former minister of natural resources Alvaro Umana put it, a biological superpower.” (Honey 2003)
All of this natural wonder in the most stable country both socially and politically in Central America, perhaps even all of Latin America, is heaven for especially the ecotraveler. To its credit, Costa Rica has the highest percentage of protected land in the world (Fenell and Eagles 1990). Further, Costa Rica has preserved these lands and natural habitats in such a way that they are more accessible to tourists than those of any other country in the region (Budowski 1993). The small size of the country is a huge factor as well; a traveler has the opportunity to visit more destinations per visit if desired. (more…)
Costa Rica On The Hunt For More Canadian Tourists
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
The Cámara de Turismo (Costa Rican tourism chamber) announced an aggressive advertising plan to attract Canadian tourists.
According to Tourism board records, 287.000 Canadians have vacations in Costa Rica, leaving behind an average of ¢1.425 dollars per person, making up only 5% of all tourism in 2009.
The profile of a Canadian tourist is young, more than have below 44 years of age and usually take in the beaches and national parks.
Resident swindled in Costa Rican land-buying scheme
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009A Gahanna resident said he believes a family acquaintance stole from him in December of 2006 in a fraudulent investment scheme.
The suspect convinced the victim, a Ridge Crest Drive resident, to invest $25,000 into a land-buying contract and validated the purchase with a fraudulent wire transfer, the victim said.
The victim was finally contacted by a lawyer who said no Costa Rica property had been purchased as part of any partnership.
The case was forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Police arrested a 43-year-old female who used a neighbor’s vehicle without permission at 5:40 p.m. Dec. 20 in the 3800 block of Morse Road.
The reporting person said the suspect was supposed to pick her up from the hospital and return her car.
After an initial attempt to pick up the victim, during which the victim was not released from the hospital, the suspect never returned, the victim said.
The suspect was notified by the victim’s daughter that she was supposed to return the car.
Gahanna Special Weapons and Tactics team officers arrested a 37-year-old Gahanna male at his residence at 7 a.m. Dec. 23 in the 300 block of Triumph Way.
The suspect had warrants filed in Gahanna on charges of domestic violence and assault, an officer said.
He was transported to Franklin County Jail.
Employees of a store said an unknown woman stole five pairs of designer eyeglasses at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 17 in the 300 block of South Hamilton Road.
The reporting person said she recognized the suspect from a previous shoplifting incident that occurred during the summer but was not reported to the police.
The glass frames totaled more than $1,300 in value, the reporting person said.
A woman said her front license plate was stolen from her vehicle at 5:55 p.m. Dec. 17 in the 700 block of Agler Road.
The victim said she knows the plate couldn’t have fallen off because it was secured by two screws.
The plate was entered into a police database.
A Gahanna resident said his money was stolen when he attempted to purchase a dog on the Internet Dec. 14 in the 600 block of Forestwood Drive.
The victim said he was notified after transferring $350 that he had to send an additional $750 for shipping.
The airline listed as the shipper does not exist, the victim said.
After the victim confronted the seller about the airline, the seller ended their phone call.
A 19-year-old Gahanna resident said he was assaulted by three males at 8:45 p.m. Dec. 18 near his residence in the 500 block of Hemston Court.
The victim said he refused to give the suspects his mp3 player.
One of the males, who the victim knows only as “Christian,” punched him in the face, the man told police.
A Columbus resident said her debit card was stolen at a restaurant at 8:40 p.m. Dec. 18 in the 200 block of South Hamilton Road.
The victim said she purchased food in the amount of $3.59 and later realized she was not given her card back.
After checking her bank account, the victim found $131 worth of fraudulent charges had been made using her card.
Tomorrow Last Day For Silver “Plateado” Coins As Legal Tender
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
The silver or “plateado” coins of ¢5, ¢10 and ¢20 will stop being legal currency as of tomorrow, said the Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank).These are the heavy silver coins that are larger than the other coins in the same denominations and according to the Central Bank are difficult to handle by the blind.
Beginning on January 1, the coins can be exchanged only at local banks and then only at the Central Bank beggining on March 21.
The Central Bank assures that it has sufficient inventory of coins on hand to replace the circulation of the plateados.
Travel to amazing Jaco, Costa Rica
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009Those who decide to travel to this amazing part of the world will find everything that one might expect from one of the most ecologically diverse and tourist-centric countries in the world. Hosting first class accommodations, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment, Jaco has something for everyone; from adventure tours to relaxing on the beach, you won’t be bored.
Accommodations are available to suit any budget. From luxurious 5 star hotels to the simple necessities available at hostels, to everything in between, travelers can sleep well and prepare themselves for their activities ahead. Just a stones throw from Jaco, the Los Suenos Marina and Marriot Resort features some of the best sportfishing charters and a beautiful 18 hole golf course.
The array of food and drink is spectacular. Fresh fruit and juices are abundant and the typical Costarricense fare is something that should not be missed. While a simple diet is very common, visitors can feast on a variety of foods from around the world; Argentinian steak, Italian pasta, Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and so much more. Casados are the local dish and they typically consist of beans, rice, meat/fish, salad, and other starches like yucca, plantain, potatoes, and similar. Visitors should not leave before trying some local ceviche as well.
For travelers that like to plan activities to fill their days, there is no shortage of tours and activities to keep even the restless busy. While many people spend the day lounging on the beach or swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean, tourists will find that they can learn to surf, ride ATVs in the jungle, bring in a marlin on a sportfishing charter, go horseback riding on the beach, take Spanish lessons, fly through the jungle canopy on a zip line tour, or walk around town taking in the sights; the list is endless.
Jacó is settled between two of the most amazing National Parks in the county; Carara to the north and Manuel Antonio to the south. Within the bounds of either of these parks, visitors find themselves among monkeys, lizards, sloths, butterflies, unique birds, and other fauna. The plant life is incredibly diverse, and the scale of many tropicals that most people are used to seeing as houseplants are awe inspiring in the natural environment.
When people travel to Jaco for the first time, they are amazed by the beauty of the beaches, waterfalls, rainforest, wild life and volcanoes. This is a place where even the most adventurous person can satisfy their need for adrenaline. Everything here is suited to satisfy any tourist’s needs and wishes, no matter if it is swimming, sportfishing, nightlife, food, nature, sceneries, or just taking it all in stride. These are the reasons why so many people are simply in love with this place; you can be sure that very few regret a visit to this beachfront paradise.
Passenger jet returns
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009The morning calm of the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport was broken with the sounds of the sirens of the dozen ambulances and half dozen fire trucks rushing to the cargo terminal of the airport, when the Continental jetliner that had minutes before taken off from the Santamaría, announced its return to port.
A Continental Airline passenger jet had to return to Juan Santamaría airport Tuesday morning after a control panel warning light went on some 45 minutes into the flight. There was no damage or injuries, but more than 100 U.S.-bound passengers were delayed. The light suggested a potential malfunction in the reverse thruster system of the engines that is used upon landing.
304 Drunk Drivers And Counting In December
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009Despite the harsh sanctions against drinking and driving, the Policía de Tránsito report detaining 304 drunk drivers for December. And for that reason and the exodus of vacationers to the beaches and resorts, the Tránsito patrols will be increased on all highways.
Speeding is another concern of the Tránsitos (traffic officials).
Germán Marín, the director of the Policía de Tránsito, assures that there is a zero tolerance in effect, with respect to drunk drivers and speeders.
Tránsito officials will also be keeping an eye open to detect drivers who refuse to use their seat-belt and/or insist on talking on their cellular telephone.
Marín reports that of the 29 traffic fatalities, one third were caused by drunk drivers.
Luis Vega, Tránsito director for the Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM), said that traffic officials will be posted along all the major exists from the San José and the Central Valley to points in Guanacaste, Limón, the northern and southern zones.
Vega added that traffic officials will also be posted near locations where year end parties are ongoing, to stop drunk drivers before they cause a tragedy.
Home And Personal Security A Major Concern For Year End
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009This is the time to enjoy the year end activities and celebrations, but also a time for criminals, taking advantage of the many who let down their guard. In the last week of the year, history shows an increase of attacks on pedestrians, mainly in the downtown core and home robberies.
Fuerza Pública (police) officials say that they have already seen an increase over 2008, though it is still too early to talk numbers.
Police advise that is you live or have to go to downtown San José, stay alert and watch your belongings. Most of the attacks are of those who let their guard down, even for a moment, especially when it comes to carrying large amounts of cash and wearing jewellery exposed.
Stay alert, is the recommendation. Walk briskly, do not pull out your wallet, cash or cell phone in the middle of the street, clutch a handbag tightly.
When it comes to leaving your home alone, the majority of robberies are those of opportunity, where security is low, a door or gate left open and evidence of no one is home.
A security alarm helps. Advising your neighbours if you are going to be absent for an extended period is good idea. Using timers to turn off lights and television and/or radio at intervals gives the appearance of someone being home.
Ensure that gates close properly, add a chain and lock if necessary. A good fence not only makes for good neighbours, but can also ensure than thieves pass by your home, moving on to an easier target.
A good lock, one that cannot be easily cut with a bolt cutter or picked easily will help. Many homes do not reinforce their deadbolt locks, the door easily pried open with a crowbar.
Another problem evident in many homes is the rolling front gate. Many such gates do not have a stop lock or stop bar, which makes it easily to lift off its lower or upper track and forced open enough to allow entry.
Making entry points complicated and more difficult, helps foil thieves.
San José – Caldera Highway Almost Ready
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009The day is soon approaching when you can travel from San José to points like Playa Jacó, Caldera or Puntarenas in under one hour by way of the new San José – Caldera highway that is nearing construction.The new highway, that is missing completion between Santa Ana and Orotina, will shave off at least 45 minutes travel to all points on the Pacific coast.
A trip to Liberia that now takes 3.5 hours on best days will be just a little over 2.5 hours, meaning you reach the beaches of Coco, Hermosa for instance in less than three hours. Tamarindo and Flamingo will also be less than three hours away.
Quepos and Manuel Antonio will be less than 2 hours.
The reason for the current extended drive time is the winding of the mountains from the Central Valley, either over the Monte de Aguacate, a steep climb and drop of the more gentler pass on the Interameircana.
Either way, the drive is slow, slowed even more by large trucks and loaded buses and few passing lanes.
The new highway cuts through all that. The slopes and hills are gentle, the winding is to a minimum.
The road is completely asphalted, what is missing is the final touches of completing the road markings, some of the barriers and of course, the toll stations.
For the most part the highway is a two lane road, one lane for each direction. However, near the intersections of Piedades (though the signage reads Cuidad Colón), La Guacima, La Garita, Turrucares and Atenas, the road opens up to four lanes and illuminated.
The road delivers what will surely be a very pleasant experience driving to and from the Pacific beaches and other destinations.
And since it is a toll road, like the San José – Santa Ana section, it will be lightly traveled, as the cost from Escazú (the first toll) to west of Orotina (the last toll) is ¢1.120 each way.
INS Wants To Assure A Safe Holiday
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) – state insurer – began their year end campaign to prevent traffic accidents, fire and other emergencies.
On hand near the Juan Santamaría (San José) airport this weekend was a team of firefighters handing out flyers to motorists to make them aware of the safety precautions to take.
The objective of the campaign is to get the public to take preventive measures when driving or enjoying the beaches and at home, minimizing the risk of fire, which are common during this time of year.
The recommendations is travelling to the beaches and resorts is to ensure that the vehicle in good mechanical state, drive defensively, don’t speed and don’t drink and drive.
At the beach to wear sun protection and be aware of the water levels, strong currents and undercurrents.
If home is to be left alone, disconnect all electrical appliances and anything that could be a potential fire hazards, like a dried out Christmas tree and a faulty light socket or lamp.
What do you do when the honeymoon is over?
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
Every day more and more people chose Costa Rica as a place to live or retire.
The process goes like this. Usually people come here as tourists and then fall in love with the country and its lifestyle. While others read about Costa Rica or see nature programs on TV which extol the country’s beauty and all it has to offer.
After doing their research on line and reading all of the guidebooks people then decide to make the move. They usually contact a relocation expert or take a retirement tour prior to making the definitive move. Smart individuals also attend the monthly seminar given by the Association of Residents of Costa Rica or ARCR. I include this informative seminar on my monthly relocation/retirement tours. With the information and contacts from the seminar and my tours, people now feel comfortable and have the confidence level to make the big move.
After finally moving here and getting settled in their new home or apartment, the question always arises, “What do I do now?” I am in a new country with a lot of free time and have to find out how to use it. This shouldn’t be a problem since there are hundreds of activities here to stay busy and happy. There is usually a period of adjustment where you have to get use to the way things work in your new country. This is usually the point at which the honeymoon starts to end and you begin to confront a variety of daily situations. Having network of friends and getting involved in some hobby or activity can make all the difference in world in adapting to life in a new country. Your friends will be your support and your activities will keep you occupied.
I would be lying through my teeth if I said Costa Rica was for everyone. But if you make an effort to understand the culture, go with the flow, make friends and most of all have a good sense of humor, you should be able to adjust after the initial honeymoon ends and take advantage of Costa Rica’s incredible “ Pura Vida” lifestyle.
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