Culture & Lifestyle Archives ⋆ The Costa Rica News https://thecostaricanews.com/category/costa-rica-lifestyle/ Costa Rica News and Information in English. Thu, 09 Nov 2023 19:34:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 https://thecostaricanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cropped-fav_icon-32x32.png Culture & Lifestyle Archives ⋆ The Costa Rica News https://thecostaricanews.com/category/costa-rica-lifestyle/ 32 32 “Patuá” Could be Considered a Regional Language in Costa Rica with Constitutional Recognition https://thecostaricanews.com/patua-could-be-considered-a-regional-language-in-costa-rica-with-constitutional-recognition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=patua-could-be-considered-a-regional-language-in-costa-rica-with-constitutional-recognition https://thecostaricanews.com/patua-could-be-considered-a-regional-language-in-costa-rica-with-constitutional-recognition/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:26:24 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175373 The post “Patuá” Could be Considered a Regional Language in Costa Rica with Constitutional Recognition appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 A bill seeks for the Limonense Creole language, known as Patois (or Patuá) to be classified as a Costa Rican regional language and obtain constitutional rank.The above, based on the reform of the Political Constitution carried out in 2015, which contemplates Costa Rica as a Multiethnic and Pluricultural country.The proposal, led by liberationist Rosaura Méndez, […]

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 A bill seeks for the Limonense Creole language, known as Patois (or Patuá) to be classified as a Costa Rican regional language and obtain constitutional rank.The above, based on the reform of the Political Constitution carried out in 2015, which contemplates Costa Rica as a Multiethnic and Pluricultural country.The proposal, led by liberationist Rosaura Méndez, aims to give protection and promotion to Patuá because it is a minority language.

Revitalizing minority languages

 “Costa Rica has been making efforts to revitalize the minority languages ​​that survive in the country, placing emphasis on the native languages ​​Bribri, Cabécar, Guaymí, Buglere and Guatuso, seeking policies to promote status in formal education and facilitating the existence of resources humans and teaching materials for their development,” the plan indicates.

“Evidently, Limonense Creole cannot be considered an indigenous language;  However, it is the minority language with the largest number of speakers, which remains excluded from the efforts and obligations of the State to guarantee its permanence,” he continued.This constitutional reform would force public administration and those programs related to native languages ​​to seek their preservation and strengthening.

 Thus, if the reform is approved, article 76 of the Magna Carta would be read as follows:

“Article 76- Spanish is the official language of the Nation.  However, the State will ensure the maintenance and cultivation of the national indigenous languages ​​and the Limonense Creole.”

 Could it become extinct?

Méndez justified the presentation of this text because he considers that it is an endangered language. “As a defense mechanism, speakers of the Limón Creole language further relegate its use, with the consequent danger of extinction,” he noted.

 “Another defense mechanism against stigmatization that some speakers of the Limón Creole language have adopted is to deny their Creole linguistic identity and maintain that it is a variant of English,” indicated the liberationist in the project.

 The proposal also states that in countries such as Belize, Nicaragua and Jamaica there are creole languages ​​that are part of the school curriculum, which does not happen in Costa Rica.The initiative is supported by 16 other congressmen from all factions that make up the Legislative Assembly.

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The Mermaid of Esterillos and Its Cultural and Symbolic Meaning https://thecostaricanews.com/the-mermaid-of-esterillos-and-its-cultural-and-symbolic-meaning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-mermaid-of-esterillos-and-its-cultural-and-symbolic-meaning https://thecostaricanews.com/the-mermaid-of-esterillos-and-its-cultural-and-symbolic-meaning/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:35:13 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175445 The post The Mermaid of Esterillos and Its Cultural and Symbolic Meaning appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

To visit Esterillos Oeste beach is to appreciate without a doubt a phenomenal landscape, full of the colors of the sky reflected in the immense sea, as well as an imposing woman seated on a base of rocks, with her long and particular mermaid tail and wavy hair, her eyes looking towards the ocean, which […]

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To visit Esterillos Oeste beach is to appreciate without a doubt a phenomenal landscape, full of the colors of the sky reflected in the immense sea, as well as an imposing woman seated on a base of rocks, with her long and particular mermaid tail and wavy hair, her eyes looking towards the ocean, which when its level rises, she seems to hide herself.

The woman is called Sirena de Esterillos, a sculpture cast in bronze more than 40 years ago by the Puriscaleño Albino Valverde. The ideal is that people who wish to see this work, go when the tide is low so that they can approach and appreciate its details.

The Mermaid has become the sculpture of reference in the area for local, national, and international visitors, so much so that any tourist in Esterillos cannot resist taking a close-up picture of it.

Why or by whom did the idea of elaborating the mermaid work come up?

In 1957, Mr. Fernando Mora, already settled in the area of Esterillos, went to sea to fish for lobsters, an action that led him to have a fleeting encounter with a mermaid and such was his impression that years later he decided to do something unique.

  Don Fernando said that he heard something behind him, and when he turned around he found “a big woman” coming at him, so he decided to get out of the water and run away, then she simply left. 

Mora remained with the restlessness, fascinated by what happened, he wanted to buy those properties to build a mermaid later. He spoke with the man who was selling them, who asked him if he had money, and Don Fernando answered that he had 15,000 colones, receiving feedback, that to get the person in charge out of there, he had to give him 5,500 colones for the 42 hectares (for that time it was a lot of money, with which he could do anything). The owner of the hectares said that he had never seen that before! and, indeed, Don Fernando paid.

Shortly thereafter, in collaboration with the artist Don Albino Valverde, he fulfilled his purpose, the Sirena de Esterillos, named by him as La Hermosura (The Beauty). At present, Don Fernando is still determined to preserve it in time.

In itself, the appearance of the mermaid is known as a local legend that remains a mystery to many. The sculpture is a reminder of the magic and mystery of the ocean, especially in Costa Rica.

Details of the area

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the Esterillos Mermaid also has cultural and symbolic significance. The mermaid represents the connection to the ocean and marine life, so important to the coastal region of Costa Rica.

It is an artistic piece that hides among the waves, making it one of the most visited beaches in the canton of Parrita in the province of Puntarenas, between Bejuco Beach and Hermosa Beach

Esterillos Beach belongs to the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, about 124 kilometers from the city of San Jose, and is characterized by its gray sand and strong waves, so the surfers are never lacking.

On the sides of the tico beach, small streams are formed which are also part of the wonders of Esterillos, in addition to the fauna comprised of birds, tropical forest, palms, and almond trees.

There are three sections: Esterillos East, Center, and West, in the last one is located in the sculpture of the mermaid.

Restoration of the Mermaid

  In August of this year 2023, the sculpture of the Mermaid of Esterillos, located 250 meters offshore from the beach, was detached from its base, due to the incredible force of the tide.

Immediately, the creator of the sculpture, Mr. Fernando Mora, coordinated with the private company, the local authorities, and the neighbors of Parrita to recover the Mermaid, which became an important artistic piece within tourism.

Fernando’s son, with an excavator, managed to take it to the mainland so that it could be restored.

Indeed, it was restored, filled with courage and love by all, including its main sculptor Albino Valverde.

Now, we wanted to investigate which other countries have mermaid sculptures on their beaches, and to mention a few we have:

• Denmark: The famous Little Mermaid statue is located in Copenhagen. This iconic sculpture is one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

  • United States: In the state of Florida, in the city of Key West, there is a sculpture known as “The Siren of the Conch Republic”.

 This statue is a representation of a mermaid sitting on a rock and is popular among visitors to the island.

• Spain: In the city of Barcelona, specifically on the Barceloneta beach, there is a sculpture called “Sirena Varada” (beached mermaid), made by the Spanish artist Josép Cañas. This work represents a mermaid stranded on the beach and has become a recognizable symbol of the city.

• Puerto Rico: On the island of Culebra, there is a sculpture on Flamenco Beach called “La Ventana al Mar” (Window to the Sea). This sculpture depicts a mermaid emerging from the water and is a popular attraction for visitors to the beach.

Of course, Costa Rica is another of the countries that has a sculpture of Sirena, on the beach of Esterillos Oeste, which has that sense of belonging, of mystery, of the fascinating story of Don Fernando, that although some people doubt, others, more tourists or not, are captivated and keep the memories in photographs, even in videos.

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Did You Know That There Is A Tico Chef Who Belongs To The Canadian Army? https://thecostaricanews.com/did-you-know-that-there-is-a-tico-chef-who-belongs-to-the-canadian-army/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=did-you-know-that-there-is-a-tico-chef-who-belongs-to-the-canadian-army https://thecostaricanews.com/did-you-know-that-there-is-a-tico-chef-who-belongs-to-the-canadian-army/#respond Sat, 04 Nov 2023 18:54:53 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175306 The post Did You Know That There Is A Tico Chef Who Belongs To The Canadian Army? appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Every human being has a story, of course, all of them with their touch, their essence, and particularity, there are many of them that we want to share, to tell the world because, in one way or another, they leave lessons, feelings of pride to the readers and good knowledge. Alejandro Martinez told us his […]

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Every human being has a story, of course, all of them with their touch, their essence, and particularity, there are many of them that we want to share, to tell the world because, in one way or another, they leave lessons, feelings of pride to the readers and good knowledge.

Alejandro Martinez told us his story with his achievements, his sorrows, and plans, in which he has Costa Rica in mind because for more than 2 decades he has lived in other countries.

He is a talented chef and a Tico who, without Costa Rica not having an army, is part of Canada, the country where he raised a family.

From Puntarenas to Panama; from Panama to Canada 

Alejandro is from the El Carmen neighborhood of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Of his childhood, he made special emphasis on his parents “the biggest influence in his life”, with whom he had a very close relationship, for him, the best and most special on the planet.

He, his siblings, and friends, in the first 12 years of life spent a lot of time playing in a fire station near his house, where they imagined being firemen, because he has always been inspired by that profession. He also recalled those soccer and beach days.

After finishing high school at the Montserrat School in Puntarenas, he studied Business Administration at the Universidad Hispanoamericana de Costa Rica, on several campuses: Puntarenas, San José, and Heredia. After graduating he went to Panama to help his mother with a restaurant on the beach.

It should be noted that since he was a child he has always enjoyed cooking. “Supervised by my mother, who although not a chef, has always cooked very well, my maternal grandmother cooked few but delicious dishes. My parents had a restaurant and since I liked to cook, when I was almost an adult I started to put my hands in the kitchen, which was very satisfying for me because there I was learning from a real chef. That inspired me a lot and formed me regarding the basics”.

Nowadays, Alejandro Martínez considers that it is a mystery to a person who likes to eat and not cook. “My greatest inspiration was my mother and the TV programs, especially that of Italian-Canadian chef David Rocco”.

Living in Costa Rica, she helped her parents in the kitchen; when she moved to Panama, she also helped her mother. In Canada, his first jobs were in restaurants and he also decided to study Food Processing and Care, which in his opinion is not a direct job in the kitchen.

What brought him to Canada? In the restaurant in Panama, he met Canadians who invited him to come to Canada; “at that time we Costa Ricans did not need a visa to come to Canada, so I came to walk to the house of some of the people who invited me and I met Sandi, who is now my wife. After a while I decided to stay, we got married and we have 3 children, it is a long story to tell, all this has been very satisfying with a lot of sacrifice too. A good life, Canada is a beautiful country with many opportunities” said Alejandro.

He had in his plans to return to Costa Rica or in any case to Panama, but he fell in love with his wife 20 years ago.

Do you plan to return to Costa Rica someday?

For now, he only plans to come to Costa Rica as a tourist, “That doesn’t mean that I don’t love it. In the future I see myself, I hope to God, full of grandchildren. I try to go to Costa Rica every year or every two years, I plan to continue doing so until the day I retire, which is my dream; I see myself with my wife and children, cooking for my grandchildren” he added.

What inspires you about Costa Rica? 

Alejandro regarding what inspires him about the Central American country, mainly the quality of the people, the love, the family, the friends, Puntarenas, “It inspires me to move forward, to try to reach one day the goal of retiring there and go back to my country, that is a great inspiration; I tell my children a lot about the life of my brothers, what my parents forged in us, that Latin way we have there, which is wonderful” he emphasized.

There is an important aspect that we talked about with Alejandro Martinez and it is about the difficult moments and how he has faced them, for these are the special dates, that although he has his wife and children with him and they are the focus of life, all the rest his siblings and mom are in Costa Rica. “The other difficult moments have been the deaths of my grandmothers because I was here in Canada; and the death of my dad (the strongest pain I have suffered), I knew he was sick but I could not be with him in his last moments. How did I face it? With the love of my children and wife, I went to Costa Rica 3 days after his death, I was with my mom and my siblings”.

Tico in the Canadian Army

About how Alejandro came to the Canadian military world, he comes from the short time he was a volunteer firefighter in Puntarenas. In his opinion, the discipline helped to give me a little guide to what it would be like here in Canada to be in the military, providing a service to the community.

He was always inspired by military discipline, and an uncle who was in the U.S. Air Force, “I always thought about being part of the military but Costa Rica did not have one, so according to what I saw with my uncle every time I visited him, he left me a lot, my time with the firefighters and social service”.

When he entered the military, he did a few years as an infantryman and then asked to transfer to the navy, where he attended the Canadian Armed Forces Culinary Arts school it was there that he studied cooking, “although I had already been cooking with a Catering from home for small special events and things like that that I always liked to do, but that’s when I started training professionally.”

In their military base, they always have to keep studying, and updating themselves to receive new courses later on, either in management, although they follow the military format and have to keep training as sailors, because in the end that is what they are. His specialty is in the kitchen, and he has to continue taking courses.

Martinez said that the experience in the army has been hard and at the same time very nice. He has great friends inside because he spent 4 years with the army where he was a corporal -the highest rank he obtained-, then in the navy today his rank is Marine First Class, and he continues to prepare himself to move up in rank.

Thanks to the Navy, he has been able to see much of Canada, and he travels a lot. “The way of life is different, many call us crazy because we don’t fit into everyone’s way of thinking, but it’s something unique, hard like everything else but it has its good moments. I see it as a job and a lifestyle,” he emphasized.

He also explained that he is from the marine reserve, but not full-time, “my full-time job is in a food processing company that processes sausages, chorizos, salamis, and hams, where I do food control and safety. On Tuesday nights, I serve in the marina, some weekends depending on the season I spend the whole weekend or sometimes only on Saturdays”.

His experience as a chef and achievements in Canada 

In Canada, he has participated in competitions in which he has been invited to participate. In a very elitist city in Canada, he was a guest chef from time to time, the tico Alejandro, he organized his menu in a restaurant of that type where people go with reservation and the bloggers make their reviews, from he was invited to participate in the Top Chef KW Canada, in which he lost by one point.

He also does personal chef services; about the videos on the Facebook page Yo Amo Puntatenas in which he appears cooking, the Costa Rican chef said that it all started when he was just in Covid:

“On one occasion I went to Costa Rica and a great friend of mine, chef Koka from Puntarenas, from a local restaurant, we did a live show on the Yo Amo Puntarenas page at the lighthouse, we cooked paella with a lot of people and that’s where everything started with the videos. Then my chef friend, who is also friends with the person in charge of the Puntarenas page, suggested that we make a video on any given day, Koka from his restaurant and me from here through Facebook, we did it, we liked it a lot and I had to continue alone because Koka was busy with his restaurant and well, then he gave it a title and made it more formal, so I continue every Friday at 6 pm on Yo Amo Puntarenas”.

The only difficult thing about the videos in Alejandro’s opinion, is that when fall enters and until spring he travels a lot with the navy all over Canada, and since he has created a good reputation and followers like his style of cooking, he gets called to cook for training on bases and boats, and so he stays busy; “my limitation is in that season (between September and February) to do the broadcasts on Fridays, I can’t always do the videos, I might do -if I travel- one or two a month”.

On Sundays through his Facebook account: Alejandro J Martinez, informally publishes the breakfasts he makes for his children and everything he invents.

Alejandro is a husband and father who defines himself as normal, he loves to be at home and if he goes out, he does it with his family. He does not go out to drink in bars, he drinks very little liquor. He is one of those friendly guys up to certain limits, he is not characterized by being aggressive or disrespectful, “I want to be a good role model for my children, knowing that I am not perfect. I like to watch war documentaries, history, soccer, and of course cooking, I do a lot of sports, and I love the gym. I have a dog named Alvin, my best friend, and two cats”.

Social Work in his country 

Together with his sons and their Soccer Club, we have collected and taken to Costa Rica more than 400 pairs of soccer shoes and sports equipment including uniforms, training equipment, tennis bags, as well as running equipment, to provide support to poor children in Puntarenas and also to ex-football player Michael Umaña, who has helped them to locate people in the area where he lives, it is a project for the most needy areas.

Finally, Alejandro Martinez, Costa Rican chef and member of the Canadian army, expressed a message for everyone: “Cook, eat, try everything, new flavors of the world, take advantage of Youtube, modify recipes; look for a way to serve society within your capabilities. Enjoy the necessary time with your families and friends, enjoy today. Regarding my country, much encouragement”.

We are pleased to tell you the story of Alejandro, a tico Pura Vida.

If you want to know much more about Alejandro and his incredible food you can find him and follow him on his Facebook account as: Alejandro J Martínez and on Instagram as: @chef_lulo_martinez.

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Reverse Culture Shock: How to Reconnect https://thecostaricanews.com/reverse-culture-shock-how-to-reconnect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reverse-culture-shock-how-to-reconnect https://thecostaricanews.com/reverse-culture-shock-how-to-reconnect/#respond Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:44:00 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175122 The post Reverse Culture Shock: How to Reconnect appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

While most of us expect a move abroad to be a transformative experience, moving back is rarely seen as a potential challenge.  But it can be, and it’s best to be prepared.  Make as much effort to return home as you did abroad: do your research, perfect your language, get in touch with the local […]

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While most of us expect a move abroad to be a transformative experience, moving back is rarely seen as a potential challenge.  But it can be, and it’s best to be prepared.  Make as much effort to return home as you did abroad: do your research, perfect your language, get in touch with the local community and prepare to grow personally.

These steps can take different forms:

Read local news and books in your native language

Few things absorb the culture of a place as much as the written word.  Start reading newspapers, books and magazines in your native language, stay up to date with current events and expand your vocabulary.  This can help you get a “feel” for where you come from more quickly and provide you with easy topics of conversation with colleagues, friends and family.

Watch TV and movies

To “get used” to the sound and rhythm of your native language again, you can watch television and movies.  This will also help you improve your cultural understanding of your home country while keeping you entertained and distracted from the challenges of this transition period.

Start conversations

Reverse culture shock often leads to self-induced isolation.  One way to combat it is to start conversations with the people in your country.  Make it a routine to talk to someone every day and try to learn what life is like in your country through the personal experiences of your interlocutors.

Write your thoughts

Keep a journal or start a blog in your native language.  Writing regularly can not only help you regain language fluency more quickly, but it can also serve as a roadmap for the thoughts and feelings you’ve had since your return.  This can be very helpful when making the decision to move or stay.

Participate in a language exchange program or cultural workshop

Help yourself by helping others.  As you try to readjust to your life at home, some expats are newcomers to your country and you may feel as lost and insecure as you did when you left home.  Helping them in their new life in a place you call home can also bring you closer to truly feeling at home.

Seek support in the local community

When experiencing reverse culture shock, your first instinct may be to run away from social interactions, close off from family and friends, and be left alone with your thoughts.  But you may feel better if you surround yourself with people who have your interests in mind.  Whether it’s friends, family, or professional support communities, readjusting to your new “old” life is often better in good company.

Enroll in a language review course

If you have spent a lot of time abroad and are having trouble conveying your ideas effectively in your native language, a short language refresher course may be a good starting point.  In addition to regaining fluency in your native language, you will have extra time to readjust and possibly make new friends.

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Why We Should Train Our Brain and How to Do It https://thecostaricanews.com/why-we-should-train-our-brain-and-how-to-do-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-we-should-train-our-brain-and-how-to-do-it https://thecostaricanews.com/why-we-should-train-our-brain-and-how-to-do-it/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:38:00 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175084 The post Why We Should Train Our Brain and How to Do It appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

How important it is to keep our brain active. Cognitive stimulation through brain training allows us to improve our brain health. But we are not only talking about memory and learning, but also about attention-processing speed, language, perception, executive functions, orientation, praxias, gnosias and level of intelligence. We give you several tips so you know […]

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How important it is to keep our brain active. Cognitive stimulation through brain training allows us to improve our brain health. But we are not only talking about memory and learning, but also about attention-processing speed, language, perception, executive functions, orientation, praxias, gnosias and level of intelligence. We give you several tips so you know how to train your brain to keep it agile and young.

Everything that involves a challenge or learning is essential for our development. We have to try to learn new things and get out of our comfort zone. If you do a new activity, you will cause the brain to stimulate various brain areas and start working.

What activities do we recommend?


Reading
It has been shown that the habit of reading every day is an important protective factor against cognitive deterioration, whether it is reading newspapers, books or magazines.

Meditate
The brains of 50-year-olds who meditate are very similar to those of 35-year-olds. It only takes 10 minutes for this practice that allows us to leave our minds blank.

Do cognitive activities
Perform different cognitive activities such as doing sudoku, crossword puzzles, board games such as chess or checkers, card games, logic games…

Learn new activities
Learn new skills that stimulate our brain, such as learning a language, playing sports, taking up a craft, listening to music…

Carry out artistic activities
It is proven that the arts stimulate the brain and encourage creativity.

Habits that can ‘ruin’ your brain


Screen abuse
Who doesn’t look at their cell phone when walking alone down the street? Nowadays the mobile phone has become another extension of us, an essential accessory in our daily lives. The problem is that it is difficult to have full concentration if we abuse the concentration of the screens.

Monotasking
Doing just one thing is, believe it or not, very useful for the brain. It allows us to focus attention. How many times have you been reading a book or listening to a podcast, and you had to go back because you started listening to someone else’s conversation or looked at your phone?

Listen to loud music with headphones
Did you know that hearing loss is associated with dementia?

Search everything on Google and AI
Didn’t you previously know several phone numbers by heart? We have reached a point where we do not try to remember, but rather we directly search Google for the answer.

Don’t socialize
Having a community around us is more important than we think. In fact, according to Harvard University, socializing is the key to avoiding the onset of depression.

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More than 40 US States Sue Meta and Say its Networks are Harmful to Children https://thecostaricanews.com/more-than-40-us-states-sue-meta-and-say-its-networks-are-harmful-to-children/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=more-than-40-us-states-sue-meta-and-say-its-networks-are-harmful-to-children https://thecostaricanews.com/more-than-40-us-states-sue-meta-and-say-its-networks-are-harmful-to-children/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:20:00 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175073 The post More than 40 US States Sue Meta and Say its Networks are Harmful to Children appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 A coalition of 41 US states and the District of Columbia sued Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) on Tuesday and argued that its social networks Instagram and Facebook are addictive and harmful to children.  This legal action is the most significant effort by state authorities to stop the impact of social networks […]

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 A coalition of 41 US states and the District of Columbia sued Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) on Tuesday and argued that its social networks Instagram and Facebook are addictive and harmful to children.

 This legal action is the most significant effort by state authorities to stop the impact of social networks on the mental health of minors and to force Meta to change the characteristics of its networks due to how dangerous it is, according to what they claim, for children and younger users.

 A total of 33 states, including Colorado and California, filed a joint lawsuit in federal court in the Northern District of California, while other attorneys general in Washington D.C. and 8 states are filing separate complaints in federal, state or local courts.

 A national problem

 In a joint virtual press conference, several attorneys general highlighted that addiction to these social networks is a “national problem” and that, despite the political division between Republicans and Democrats, they were able to work together on this issue, which they compared to the fight against tobacco or opium.In addition, they hinted that a similar lawsuit could be expected against the Chinese social network TikTok, but did not provide more information.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti noted that Instagram has targeted its application at teenagers and children, who “are more vulnerable and more susceptible to this type of manipulation.”

The mental health of young people

The barrage of lawsuits is rooted in a 2021 investigation into the various ways the tech titan contributes to mental health problems among young people.In 2021, The Wall Street Journal exposed in a report prepared with internal information how Instagram worsened the perception of users – especially girls and adolescents – about their bodies, and noted that the company was aware of this problem.

“Meta knew that these mental health problems existed and that Instagram was making them worse.  And instead of making changes, the company sought more and more participation from children,” Skrmetti noted.

 For his part, Rob Bonta, California Attorney General, noted that the joint investigation “has discovered that Meta has deceived its users and is putting children in danger.”

 “There is a mountain of evidence that shows that if children spend more time on social networks that tends to correlate with depression, anxiety and body image problems,” said Bonta, who indicated that when Mark Zuckerberg, executive director of the company, testified before Congress, lied when he said that Meta did not design its products to be addictive.

 For her part, Meta spokesperson NkechiNneji said in a statement sent to the media that the technology giant wants to give teenagers a safe and positive online experience.

 “We are disappointed that the attorneys general have chosen this path instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards on the many apps that teens use,” Nneji said.

 Since the 2021 investigation came to light, some states such as Arkansas and Utah have passed laws banning children under 13 from accessing social media and requiring teens under 18 to obtain parental consent. to access the sites.For its part, California passed laws requiring technology companies to examine their platforms for possible risks and problems.

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Costa Rica is one of 15 Destinations that Every American Should Visit When they Retire https://thecostaricanews.com/costa-rica-is-one-of-15-destinations-that-every-american-should-visit-when-they-retire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=costa-rica-is-one-of-15-destinations-that-every-american-should-visit-when-they-retire https://thecostaricanews.com/costa-rica-is-one-of-15-destinations-that-every-american-should-visit-when-they-retire/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:47:00 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175088 The post Costa Rica is one of 15 Destinations that Every American Should Visit When they Retire appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Every American who retires must at least visit one of 15 must-see destinations in the world, among which is Costa Rica.This was announced some time ago by the AARP, an independent American non-profit organization that serves the needs and interests of people over 50 years of age. AARP asked its members – through the Travel […]

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The post Costa Rica is one of 15 Destinations that Every American Should Visit When they Retire appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Every American who retires must at least visit one of 15 must-see destinations in the world, among which is Costa Rica.This was announced some time ago by the AARP, an independent American non-profit organization that serves the needs and interests of people over 50 years of age.

AARP asked its members – through the Travel Trends survey – about where they would like to go and who would be willing to go.67% of people were inclined to pack suitcases to embark on a trip to a different, attractive and exotic destination, both in the United States and in other nations.They even announced that they would love to make four trips a year.

Costa Rica and other places

Costa Rica is the only Latin American country that appears on the list, which leads the American Union with three destinations. These are:

Arizona

Virginia-North Carolina

Coast to coast road trip

This is what Travel + Leisure (publication specialized in tourism) says about our country based on information from AARP:

“Looking for ‘Puravida’? The motto, which means “Enjoy life and be happy,” is a favorite saying in this Central American country for good reason. A wide variety of environments, such as tropical forests, jungles, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volcanoes and hot springs make it a fascinating place to visit.

“Wildlife lovers can see monkeys, sloths, pumas, whales, reptiles and sea turtles in their natural habitat. And after a day of hiking, diving, surfing, golf or exploring nature, you can relax on a pristine beach or in a lush rainforest.

“There are five-star hotels and luxurious resorts all over the country, so you can choose your favorite setting to ensure you find what ‘puravida’ means to you.“In Guanacaste, the W Costa Rica – ReservaConchal is surrounded by the sands of Conchal Beach. In the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is a luxury beachfront property accessed exclusively by boat.

“Nayara Gardens, on the edge of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park offers unobstructed views of the volcano.“Costa Rica has two international airports: the Daniel OduberQuirós in Liberia (LIR) and the Juan Santamaría in San José (SJO). Be sure to check the most convenient airport and ground transportation when booking your hotel.”

The other destinations

These are the 11 remaining destinations for pensioners. However, it is worth clarifying, the list was made some time ago, long before the war broke out in Israeli territory.

Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Australia

Southeast Asia Cruise

China

Egypt

Sicily (Italy)

Iceland (the northern lights)

Ireland

Africa

Israel

Cruise around the world

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Everything Ready for the Sustainable Gastronomic Congress Costa Rica 2023 https://thecostaricanews.com/everything-ready-for-the-sustainable-gastronomic-congress-costa-rica-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=everything-ready-for-the-sustainable-gastronomic-congress-costa-rica-2023 https://thecostaricanews.com/everything-ready-for-the-sustainable-gastronomic-congress-costa-rica-2023/#respond Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:31:30 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175118 The post Everything Ready for the Sustainable Gastronomic Congress Costa Rica 2023 appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 The Costa Rica Sustainable Gastronomic Congress will be held this year at the El Mangroove Hotel, on November 3 and 4, with a strong program of professional conferences by international guest chefs, some of whom are Michelin, and will also offer a charity dinner and a gala dinner. .  The event is prepared by Enjoy […]

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The post Everything Ready for the Sustainable Gastronomic Congress Costa Rica 2023 appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 The Costa Rica Sustainable Gastronomic Congress will be held this year at the El Mangroove Hotel, on November 3 and 4, with a strong program of professional conferences by international guest chefs, some of whom are Michelin, and will also offer a charity dinner and a gala dinner. .

 The event is prepared by Enjoy Hotels, and will begin on Friday, November 3, with five conferences, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  The program will begin with the welcome by the host culinary director of Enjoy Hotels Randy Siles, and the talk by Michelin chef Israel Ramos from Andalusia, from the Mantua restaurant, he will talk about local cuisine Km0, and the importance of wines and sherry vinegar in the kitchen, later the Michelin chef Ramses González from Madrid, from the Cancook restaurant, will develop the theme: environmental respect and ecological cuisine.

Chef from Japan, Mitsu Taka Kawata

 The chef from Japan, Mitsu Taka Kawata, comes from Barcelona to talk about the knowledge of a specific geographical area, with its customs and traditional ways of being in the kitchen.

 Michelin chef Benito Gómez from the Bardal restaurant in Málaga will develop the theme: Food sovereignty, promoting the development of sustainable community food systems in order to enhance food sovereignty.

Social transformation and integration with the community

 Chef Randy Siles, also president of America Les Toques Blanches, will speak about social transformation and integration with the community: the empowerment of future generations.  While Carlos Coriano, vice president of marketing at Andria Mitsakos Public Relations, will develop the generation Z theme: Sustainable and healthy gastronomy.  Afterwards there will be a closing discussion.

 At the beginning of the night there will be a cocktail followed by a 5-course dinner with pairings, to benefit the Sonrisas foundation, at the Makoko restaurant with live music.It will be headed by Enjoy Hotels chefs Sebastián Varona and Isaac Madrigal, DoméricoVernola and Gabriel Zamora.

 On November 4, starting at 6:00 pm, the Gala dinner will be held, with live music, it will be 10 courses with pairings at the Malu restaurant, by the chefs invited to the gastronomic congress.

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Hundreds of Men in Costa Rica Discover their Paternity Late https://thecostaricanews.com/hundreds-of-men-in-costa-rica-discover-their-paternity-late/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hundreds-of-men-in-costa-rica-discover-their-paternity-late https://thecostaricanews.com/hundreds-of-men-in-costa-rica-discover-their-paternity-late/#respond Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:02:29 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=174468 The post Hundreds of Men in Costa Rica Discover their Paternity Late appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 When you think about parenthood, the entire process from pregnancy, seeing the first steps, and taking the children to their first day of school usually comes to mind.But in the case of many men in the country, the reality is different.  There are hundreds of reasons that can cause a man to discover his paternity […]

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 When you think about parenthood, the entire process from pregnancy, seeing the first steps, and taking the children to their first day of school usually comes to mind.But in the case of many men in the country, the reality is different.

 There are hundreds of reasons that can cause a man to discover his paternity late, from problems in interpersonal relationships to circumstances of informal encounters.Nowadays, these situations are more common than you think.

 The reality for many Costa Ricans is that they face the fact of having been absent in their children’s lives, even if this was unintentional; and this is a difficult situation to handle assertively.In these cases, doubts and surprise add to the confusion of those who do not know what to do when receiving this news, which can potentially change their lives.

Paternity tests

 One of the main recommendations in these cases is to perform a paternity test.DNA The Test, a zero-invasive method that gives you results in five to ten business days and has been on the market for more than 13 years.

 In addition, DNA Test offers a wide range of options, including paternity, brotherhood, grandparenthood and avuncular tests (to check uncle and aunt relationships) to determine a person’s relationship.

Simple procedure

 To perform DNA tests there is no recommended age, even from the first day of birth the sample can be taken.The only requirement for minors who wish to take the test is to be accompanied by a person of legal age and holder of an identity card.

Take note of this getting started guide if you are in this situation

The first step, and the most effective, is to take a DNA test to confirm paternity; they are painless, quick and simple.  They can be performed both at a certifiedDNA lab or with at-home with a special sample collection kit offered. 

It is advisable to obtain legal advice on the steps to follow to recognize paternity and obtain information about claims for alimony and custody.If possible, it is ideal to have multiple honest and open conversations with the adults involved to begin planning a care and relationship strategy that adapts as best as possible to everyone’s life and disturbs the minor’s routine as little as possible.

Preparing for change is essential.  From parenting books, online research, or psychological therapy, it’s never too late to ask for help and prepare for responsible parenting.

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Be Part of the Change and Participate in the First Central American Congress of Diversity and Inclusion https://thecostaricanews.com/be-part-of-the-change-and-participate-in-the-first-central-american-congress-of-diversity-and-inclusion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=be-part-of-the-change-and-participate-in-the-first-central-american-congress-of-diversity-and-inclusion https://thecostaricanews.com/be-part-of-the-change-and-participate-in-the-first-central-american-congress-of-diversity-and-inclusion/#respond Sun, 29 Oct 2023 20:53:38 +0000 https://thecostaricanews.com/?p=175072 The post Be Part of the Change and Participate in the First Central American Congress of Diversity and Inclusion appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Bringing together private companies, NGOs and various interest groups to exchange experiences on positive changes in the matter is the objective of the 1st Central American Congress on Diversity and Inclusion.The topics that will be addressed are crucial today and seek to offer a comprehensive perspective of diversity and inclusion in Central America.  While gender […]

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The post Be Part of the Change and Participate in the First Central American Congress of Diversity and Inclusion appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Bringing together private companies, NGOs and various interest groups to exchange experiences on positive changes in the matter is the objective of the 1st Central American Congress on Diversity and Inclusion.The topics that will be addressed are crucial today and seek to offer a comprehensive perspective of diversity and inclusion in Central America.

 While gender equality is fundamental, the congress will also explore issues related to the over-50 population, people with disabilities, and the role of media and advertising in creating more inclusive societies.

The event is aimed at anyone interested in promoting more inclusive work environments, from human resources professionals to general managers and public relations professionals.The congress will present outstanding sessions, such as the importance of public-private partnerships and the promotion of good practices by NGOs, among others.

Taking action

 “The goal is for companies to take action.  Many people intend to start doing something, but they don’t know where to start.  The objective is that they can understand where to start and how that path towards equality is built,” said Ivannia Murillo CEO of Search Human Factor Leaders.

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At Resonance, we aspire to live in harmony with the natural world as a reflection of our gratitude for life. We are co-creating an inspired and integrative community, committed to working, living and learning together. We resonate with that deep longing to belong to the hive and the desire to live the highest version of ourselves in service.

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