The News

Prosecutors Not to Pursue Araya Residence

Prosecutors have decided not to continue pursuit of the question of whether Mayor of San Jose Johnny Araya falsified his cedula twice in declaring he resides in the capital instead of his true home in the western suburb of Escazu.

The original complaint was filed by the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) and more rode on the question than just Araya's truthfulness -- a court case could have annulled his mayor's seat awarded him by voters in late 2010.

Fish Food Plant to Open in May

BioMar, the Norwegian fish food producer, has announced that its new fish food plant will open on schedule in May. Besides the fish food plant, the company also will open a new research and trial facility for the delicately flavored fresh water tiilapia species.

The raising of tilapia on "farms" in the country has developed into a growing industry, as the oceans are increasingly heavily fished and the cost of some once-popular sea species rose due to overfishing. Tilapia has mostly replaced sea bass (corvina) in the country as fish of choice for the dinner table.

Panama Prices Stifle Southern Stores

Happy shoppers can buy Costa Rican products in Panama at much lower prices than in Costa Rica, reported the leading Spanish-language newspaper La Nacion this week.

The competition is strangling some Costa Rican stores in the southern Zone immediately across the border from Panama, the paper added. This condition exists not only with home appliances, clothing and sports shoes but in food produced in Costa Rica.

Friday Date Set for Ticas

When the going gets tough ...  Despite having a decent showing in Vancouver thus far, the Ticas didn't have the ability to keep up with the Canadian ladies' squad Monday, falling 5-1 including a silly own goal.  The loss means that Costa Rica will face the US or Mexico at 7 pm Costa Rica time on Friday.  The US leads group B and has tradition on their side, but even a Mexican upset wouldn't be such good news for the Ticas, since it would mean facing an opponent with a lot of momentum after overcoming a traditional rival.  Either way the outlook is bleak for the Tica squad qualifying to the London Olympic games.  However, they do actually play matches for a reason, so get out on Friday and watch the match!

On Line Ticos Join Stop-SOPA Force

It is highly unusual for Costa Ricans to join forces with opposition to a bill under consideration in the U.S. Congress, but the Internet outcry against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was deafening.

It's not that Ticos have any love for those who steal the creative efforts of others but they -- as well as a great group of North Americans -- view with alarm a bill many believe is so poorly written that it endangers free speech.

Gemini to Sponsor Technology Show

Office Gemini is planning to host a technology show Feb. 1 and 2 at the Real InterContinental Hotel and Club Tower in San Jose. Topics will include making best use of computers for your office and Cloud technology.

Feb. 1 agenda begins at 6:30 p.m., ends at 8:30 and will include a cocktail reception. Thursday, Feb. 2 will offer the Office Gemini TechEd Forum beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.