Volume 21, No. 1 Issue No. 229
THE HOWLER Ced. Juridica: 3-101-331333
FEATURES
Publisher, editor and production David Mills
dmills@racsa.co.cr Tel: Office - 4702-5771 Celular - 8323-2795
Howler • Mono Congo
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CONTRIBUTORS JESSE BISHOP MARY BYERLY LYNDA ESPADA SYLVIA MONGE ROBERT AUGUST JEANNE CALLAHAN
HERBERT WEINMANN ELLEN ZOE GOLDEN SUSAN SMITH TOM PEIFER KAY DODGE TONY OREZ
Deadline for February: January 15 Howler advertising
The Howler offers a wide range of advertising sizes and formats to suit all needs. Contact David Mills • dmills@racsa.co.cr
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Dining Out
Fine dining at La Plumeria in Hotel Jardín del Edén, a pleasant experience with good service and great food in delightful surroundings.
14 Around Town
Openings, closings, parties, music. The Gold Coast has it all, and bar-hoppin’ David is in the groove.
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Surf Report
34
Surviving Costa Rica
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Countdown to Solar Market
Jason Torres first in Latin American championship, Leilani McGonagle first in Women’s, and Costa Rica takes eight out of eleven medals.
Using the Howler crystal ball, Jesse takes a look into the future and tells us what will happen in 2016.
The politicos have finally come to a decision regarding home solar generation and its resale to utilities.
Price $ 100 140 140 230 400
Discounts For 6 months, paid in advance, one month is deducted. For 12 months, paid in advance, two months are deducted. Ads must be submitted on CD or e-mail attachment, JPG or PDF format at 266 dpi, at the appropriate size (above).
DEPARTMENTS 10 Music Review 12 August Odysseys 17 Dharma Corner 23 The Doctor is In 28 Español 30 January Forecasts
All comments, articles and advertising in this publication are the opinion of their authors, and do not reflect the opinion of Howler Management.
www.tamarindohomepage.com Facebook: the howler magazine
Cover Caption: Chismes Clothing Café Cover Photo: Maureen Thompson Cover Design: David Mills
The Super Facial
Pacific MediSpa Tamarindo and Pacific Plaza - Carrillo
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Pacific MediSpa in Playa Tamarindo and Pacific Plaza - Carrillo- now offers Pollogen OxyGeneo 3-in-1 Super Facial treatment, the most advanced facial technology in the market.
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Dra. Paula Ávila Leiva Médico Cirujano Estético - Cod 11619 medicallasercr@gmail.com Playa Tamarindo above Super Las Olas 3 floor Tel: 7286-9440 Pacific Plaza Carrillo, Tel: 2667-0767
OxiGeneO es distribuido en Costa Rica por www.provellcr.com • Tel 8937-0397 • Heredia
Año Nuevo! Vida Nueva! Each start of the New Year we make plans for changes. This year is special for me because I have reached 80 years, and The Howler has reached 20. Life passes rapidly (and you don’t notice its passing) and we only remember things from distant past. I hope all your plans and dreams will reach fulfilment in this New Year, and I hope the same for me too. Happy New Year 2016. •
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Good news from the Hague about the international dispute with Nicaragua. The court decided that the piece of land known as Isla Calera, “annexed” from Costa Rica in 2010 by the digging of a canal, was, in fact, stolen, and must be given back. •
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Last week I visited Diamante Eco Adventure Park at Riu Hotel where they have an incredible selection of activities, including the highest zip line, nature walks, ocean adventures, a nice restaurant. Check it out at www.DiamanteEcoAdventurePark.com - and it’s only a short drive from Tamarindo using the Monkey Trail at Potrero. WestJet Airlines announces two weekly flights Toronto to San José, and four a week from Calgary to Liberia. All flights will use Boeing 737-700 with a capacity of 136 passengers. Also, Southwest Airlines will operate non-stop daily flights from Los Angeles to Liberia beginning in April 2016. • • • • • • • • Many thanks to the guys at PC Solutions in Huacas, who helped get my Mac going after a power failure. They worked long and hard to rescue me at the height of production. They don’t claim to be Mac experts, but they did the job, and saved me the trip to San José and an overnight stay.
Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’ Alfred Lord Tennyson
For breakfast or lunch Chismes is a good idea, nice and fresh with an open terrace. They serve an all-day breakfast - croissants with bacon egg and cheese, or veggie, egg and cheese; garlic or blueberry bagel with cream cheese; fruit plate; yogurt and granola; muffins; cinnamon bun.
Salads include veggie; never-ending summer salad; Santa Fe chicken; and roasted vegetable. There is also a kids’ menu and a dessert menu.
Next time you pass close to Paseo del Mar area, visit Chismes, the beautiful boutique, with accessories, shoes, purses, sunThe sandwich menu - on ciabatta, multigrain, croissant, sundried glasses, with elegant or casual clothes, dresses for young girls tomato or spinach wrap and served with salad (pasta, beet, mixed and for all sizes of women. or potato chips) - is turkey club; shrimp and avocado; gourmet egg; chicken; curry chicken, roast beef; vegetarian; tex-mex chicken; I can’t explain here all the beautiful things they have. One place, Italian; or quiche. two stores. Drink a coffee and check the latest fashion. Chef is Erica Morales. The terrace is available for private parties. Open 8 to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Saturday to 4 p.m. closed Sunday. All credit cards accepted. Tel: 2653-5034; E-mail: chismescc@gmail. Web: www.chismescc.com
Malinda Bravo
Tonight a little fine dining in La Plumeria restaurant at Jardin del Eden, which we have neglected for a while. Dining at the restaurant is a beautiful experience in picture-perfect surroundings. The chef is Victor León, a native of Perú. Victor has 15 years’ experience, seven in Perú, eight in Costa Rica where he was at Macchu Picchu in San José before coming to Jardín del Edén. His specialty is fine international cuisine The service was impeccable, and the food delicious. There is a choice of menu - a la carte with gazpacho, zephia summer salad and grilled sea bass or tenderloin medaillons in a wild mushroom sauce, and Malabar fruit tart. The table d’hote menu has gazpacho; lobster bisque, tomato cream with extra virgin olive oil. We had gazpachos, nicely spiced, a salad station and a tropical salad of pineapple, mango, avocado, papaya and lettuce. For entrées they offer grilled salmon; lobster, thermidor, American or au gratin; rib eye steak; cordon bleu chicken; penne with salmon or shrimp; spaghetti with frutta di mare. We chose sea bass meuniere and a filet mignon in mushroom sauce. Both meals were perfectly prepared and presented and delicious. For dessert we shared a Peruvian chocolate cake. La Plumeria, tel: 2653-2829, 2653-0137, all credit cards accepted. Open 7am to 10pm daily; one block east of Tamarindo’s main road. Website is: www.jardindeleden.com; email:info@jardindeleden.com.
Music Review
John Lahoud
Darin Talbot at Latitude Blue
I
t’s summertime again in Guanacaste and that means sunshine, snowbirds, good surf and the return of Tamarindo’s golden boy Darin Talbot.
Long known as Mr. Tahoe from which he hails, Darin has made Guanacaste his winter retreat home for the past five years. He had been playing and entertaining with his one-man acoustic jams at Latitude Blue and various other venues all around the Gold Coast. Darin is a unique talent that wears many hats. Long known as a singer/songwriter who has several critically acclaimed CDs, Darin has taken his game to a whole new level over the past two years. He has been working spots and headlining shows at the Reno-Tahoe Comedy Club which has added a whole new component to his act leaving audiences laughing all show long. His act is called “whose song is it” and it creates a unique interaction with the audience. He brings everyone together in one crazy song that Darin makes up with their help. He takes five random ideas from five different people and creates a new comical version of the song on the spot! This is done several times during the show and includes birthdays or special groups or occasions. Darin also does improv comic cover songs and keeps everyone laughing with his gringo spin on all things Tico (Costa Rican).
So if your reading this then don’t miss your chance to stop by Latitude Blue and enjoy a great meal and a unique show that will leave you laughing and satisfied! Shows start at sunset happy hour on the beach on Saturdays and Thursdays on the beach by the new Green Flash Bar and stage and goes three hours which includes a breathtaking fire show at 7:30! Mondays will feature a new entertainment / comedy show featuring local musicians and comics so come on down for a whole new era in entertainment in Tamarindo! He also plays sunset Sundays at The Beach House in Flamingo and various other local spots the rest of the week so check the website for dates www. darintalbot.com or FB/Darin talbot.
Cámara de Comercio y Turismo de Playa Tamarindo The Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel and Villas has been awarded the top distinction in the category Luxury Boutique Hotels by the organization World Luxury Hotel Association in recognition of its world-class installations and excellence of service to its guests. This award puts Costa Rica on the map of the top leagues of tourism. Federico Pilurzo, manager of Cala Luna, said “this is a signal that our national tourism industry has the necessary potential to compete with a product to the tastes of experienced travelers. It puts us together with Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis and other independent luxury hotels”. The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) has instituted a program of school visits in the coastal region of Santa Cruz, as part of the Tourist Cultural Program. One of these activities – with the help of 320 students from Santa Rosa, El Llanito, Huacas, Brasilito, Portegolpe, Matapalo and others – studied the links between public institutions and private companies. The idea of the program is to raise awareness in students regarding the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage, avoiding contamination, deforestation, damage to the flora and fauna in general. Tamarindo Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is a group of businessmen with the view of developing the town in a sustainable manner to support the many visitors who form its economy. La Cámara de Comercio y Turismo de Tamarindo (CCTT) es una iniciativa de un grupo de empresarios que tienen como meta impulsar el desarrollo sostenible de esta playa del cantón de Santa Cruz (Guanacaste) con el fin de brindar las condiciones idóneas para miles de visitantes –nacionales y extranjeros- quienes diariamente llegan a ese lugar y que; además, constituyen el pilar fundamental de la economía de la zona. La CCTT se ha propuesto impulsar soluciones a los retos que enfrenta la comunidad en áreas como seguridad, capacitación, infraestructura vial y abastecimiento de agua potable, entre otras áreas. Contact: Luis Castrillo Marín servicios.periodisticos07@gmail.com Tel: 7108-5868
On the deck outside Aqua Disco
August Odysseys
Robert August
Endless Summer: the Sequel Last year before I moved back to California the big event was for me to go back to Africa fifty years later after visiting during the filming of The Endless Summer with the surf team from Huntington Beach, California. When I went to Africa fifty years ago I had just graduated from high school and these kids on the surf team were all similar age to me when I went on to big adventure. How exciting is that to go to Africa like I did fifty years ago?!?! These kids are really good surfers. To be on the surf team at Huntington Beach is great now; all the kids are training. It was so exciting - Tomas King went with us, who grew up here in Tamarindo and then finished high school in Huntington Beach. They got great waves, full adventure with the animals, seeing elephants and tigers. It was amazing experience for them and me. Even my son Sam got to go back to Africa with me - how cool is that?! The best part is that a Australia father-son filmmaking team have documented the whole trip. After the trip to Africa, since I have travelled all over world to surf and shape surfboards, the filmmakers decided what better way to end the film than in Tamarindo, where we filmed part of Endless Summer II and where I have lived off and on over the past years. So the Huntington Beach High School surf team also got to come down here to Tamarindo to finish the movie. And to top it all off, my daughter is now on the surf team at Huntington and she will be in the Tamarindo part of the film. It will be pretty exciting to see this movie!
Cuando una puerta de felicidad se cierra, otra se abre. Pero con frecuencia miramos tanto a la puerta cerrada que no somos capaces de ver la puerta que se ha abierto frente a nosotros� Helen Keller
AROUND TOWN Flexible event space, fully air-conditioned, is coming to the Best Western Hotel between Huacas and Tamarindo. The facility is attached to the hotel - conveniently providing a comfortable, relaxing place to stay before, during and after the event. Canadian astrologer Peter Williams is in town for a brief period, and will give readings with appointments. See ad page 37. For quality custom-made furniture - chairs, tables, beds, etc - visit Scott Furniture in Huacas. Good, solid, strong, it will last a lifetime. Monday to Saturday 9-5pm. See ad page 27. The Painted Pony Guest Ranch is holding their third Horse-empowered Retreat where horses interact with the participants for mutual benefit. See page 15. All the fun of Mardi Gras, Flamingo-style, on Feb. 5-9 at the Mariner Inn with the big parade on the 9th. See ad page 25. “Bokas” - an upscale but inexpensive boca/tapa bar and restaurant is now open next to Naxos and in front of the Cala Luna villas in Playa Langosta. Assorted menu that changes daily with fares ranging from $4- $14, fine wines and seasonal world class cocktails. Open every day except Sunday from 5:30 on. Happy Hour starts at sunset every day. A must visit. See ad page 11. For all your window needs - cleaning, repair, skylights - call Windows Touch Up at 8969-7154 or 8718-4429. See ad on page 27. One place, two stores, cafeteria and clothing. Good food, nice boutique at Chismes, Paseo del Mar, Huacas. See ad page 7.
La libertad comienza allí donde acaba la ignorancia” Víctor Hugo
Women’s Horse-empowered Retreat in Guanacaste
Painted Pony Guest Ranch welcomes women from near and far to their third annual retreat from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. If you need a personal break and you’re looking for some memorable days out, look no further than the group of women gathering soon at the award-winning Painted Pony Guest Ranch. The ranch is located in the Guanacaste Province not far from the Tamarindo The retreat is a special time of caring for beach area. oneself, of relaxing and rejuvenating with a wonderful group of women and horses. The Painted Pony Guest (January 2014, photo courtesy of Sandy Ranch is hosting the Bell) Women’s Horse-empowered Retreat for the third year and welcomes women from the area to take advantage of the daily activities. A small group of women from Canada are already booked into the retreat. “It’ll be a special time to reconnect with yourself with horses as your guide, and is great for those who are new to horses or getting back into riding,” says Kay Dodge, owner, Painted Pony Guest Ranch. “We’ve set up non-riding options too for women who love horses, but riding isn’t an interest for them at this time,” says Kay. The retreat’s participants will experience a unique and tested blend of guided reflection and meditation, restorative yoga for all levels, natural horsemanship principles, trail rides and beach time with horses. The retreat also offers equine-assisted personal development with wise and sympathetic horses. These ac-
tivities are based on the knowledge that horses are experts at non-verbal communication and are always honest in their reactions to people. “Horses reflect back to us their sense of who we are at our core. If we The retreat’s participants will learn more are open to seeing these about natural horsemanship from some of reflections, we gain a Costa Rica’s experts – horse and human. deeper understanding of (Milagro and Esteban Peraza, Painted Pony ourselves and our relaGuest Ranch at Casagua Horses, December tionships,” says Kay. 2014, photo courtesy of Sandy Bell) “We expect the participants to grow with all the positive energy, and it’s a positive experience for the horses too. Natural horsemanship helps the horses communicate with humans, and our horses get hooked on to the people as well.” The next Women’s Horse-empowered Retreat is from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3 and costs $149 for each day that you would like to participate. Please contact Kay for more information or to register: Kay T. Dodge, Painted Pony Guest Ranch Tel: (506) 2653-8041 info@paintedponyguestranch.com www.paintedponyguestranch.com Sandy Bell is a certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator based at Windhorse Retreat in central Alberta: www.WindhorseRetreat.com and www. facebook.com/ChinookCommunications
Surf Report
T
Ellen Zoe Golden ellenzoe@aol.com
hree-time world champion Mick Fanning of Australia, who was once again at #1 on the World Surf League Championship Tour (WSL WCT) rankings when I wrote this, may have won the Van’s World Cup in Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, in December, but he had to get through a heat with Costa Rica’s Noe Mar McGonagle (Pavones) to do so. This took place in Round 3 which also included the dynamic Dane Reynolds from the United States. It goes to show how far McGonagle has come that, not only had he passed two very difficult heats, he ended up competing in the a group of the best 64, and two world level surfers. Thus, he caught the attention of the contest announcer who said “He is a wonderful young guy that just charges. He’s a really powerful athlete with a great future” In the end, he wasn’t able to ramp it up enough to pass Fanning and Reynolds, but he was not disappointed in his year-long performance on the QS which landed him at #41, and earned him $29,800 all told.
Here are the names to keep an eye on: Jordy Collins (USA), Kael Walsh (USA), Kian Martin (Sweden/Bali), Kyuss King (Australia), Samuel Pupo (Brazil), Sandon Whittaker (Australia), Sebastian Williams (South Africa), Tane Bowden (New Zealand), Vitor Mendes (Brazil), and our Malakai. To stay up to date on how Martinez did, go to Quiksilver.com/KOTG The Asociación de Surfistas Profesionales (ALAS) put on a special contest in early December called Panamericanos Claro Open 2015 in Punta Rocas, Peru. This date also served as their finals to crown their 2015 Latin American surf champions. Costa Rican’s Isaac Vega of Tamarindo and Danny Bishko of Jacó went down there to see what they could do. Vega tapped out in Round 1, headed to repercharge and didn’t make it there either. I suspect that, even though Vega is a former Costa Rica national champion, his lack of experience against international competitors is what got him. Bishko, on the other hand, was hopeful after he passed Round 1, failed in Round 2, passed in Round 2 and 3 in repercharge before a 4th place finish earned him 16th place in the event.
“My WQS year ended yesterday at sunset,” said Noe Mar from Hawaii. “It was a dream for me really to surf a heat with Mick and Dane (and France’s Joan Duru) yesterday. Thank you very much everyone, for the incredible support this year, and hopefully I’ll come back stronger for the next! Pura Vida.” Carlos Muñoz, our other dynamo (from Esterillos) had a less notable Round 3 heat, but he was still sufficiently challenged by Brazil’s Adrianode Souza (#3 in the WSL rankings), Australia’s Stuart Kennedy and Hawaii’s Ian Walsh, who came in 3, 2, 1, respectively. “Carlos really has all the credentials,” the WSL said about his ability to participate in the Van’s World Cup even as he finished after this Round. Just a few weeks earlier, Noe Mar and Carlos Muñoz had a run at the Hawaiian Pro at Alii Beach, Oahu. As was the case with the Vans World Cup, this was their second year in these invitation-only contests for surfers in the Top 100 of the QS ranking. Both contests are a part of the Triple Crown of Surfing, but neither Tico participated in the Billabong Pipe Masters, the third leg of this mini-tour as they didn’t make the requirements: top 45 surfers from the WSL main show, as well as 16 surfers who compete in walk-on trials. In the Hawaiian Pro, McGonagle stalled in Round 2 and Muñoz pulled into Round 3 and dropped out there. With this final run on the QS, Carlos placed #34 and earned $26,150 for the season. Tamarindo’s young Malakai Martinez (photo), a multi-year Grom national champion, journeyed to Fernando De Noronha in Brazil as one of the final 10 contestants in the Quiksilver King of the Groms finals. This is a different kind of contest, one that allows the participants to demonstrate creativity as they compete in a series of challenges in order to win the giant $20,000 check.
“It’s been a good day and now I return to Costa Rica, happy with the result achieved here in Peru! I could enter the top five in the Latin American ranking ALAS tour !!” he prophesized, which indeed happened when all was said and done. “Thanks to everyone here in Peru that made me feel at home and helped me and to those in Costa Rica who were sending good vibes!” FYI, the winner of the Latin American championship for 2015 was Ecuador’s Jonathan Chila, who you may remember was taken down by Costa Rica’s Jason Torres at the ALAS date in Jacó a couple months ago. Torres ended up #11 this year on the ALAS chart. Costa Rica national surf team is a dynasty, having already picked up their gold medals in the World Surf Champions earlier this year, another group of athletes representing the country traveled to Maderas near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, to decimate the other teams in the Central American Surfing Games. The team won for the 10th year in a row, exactly the number of years that the Central American Surfing Games have been in existence. Countries competing included Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
(continued page 28)
Dharma Corner
Sue Smith
A New Year’s Resolution So, as you read this, we have passed into the New Year, 2016. A time for beginning anew...new resolutions, new opportunities. But just what does that mean... beginning anew? For many people it is a time for making “new year’s resolutions”. The problem is that these resolutions are often forgotten long before even January is past. Old behaviors creep in, along with self-doubt, irritations and other negative energies. So, what is there to do about this? In the Plum Village tradition of Buddhism there is actually a Beginning Anew ceremony. And while it is mostly tailored to relationships, the principles can be adapted for just about anything. According to Thich Nhat Hanh “ to begin anew is to look deeply and honestly at ourselves, our past actions, speech and thoughts and to create a fresh beginning within ourselves and in our relationships with others”. Notice that the first thing is to create that new beginning within ourselves. Looking deeply... at past actions, speech and thoughts... meaning to look at the possible ways we sabotaged last year’s resolutions or abandoned them. While it is important to look deeply at the “why” we may not have kept a resolution or are making a new resolution, it is important to accept the situation as something that just is. It is important to express any regrets or hurts (if another person is involved), but not to beat oneself up over it. The past is the past. So, water the good seeds. Find positive aspects about yourself or the other person and be grateful for them. By watering the good seeds, one’s positive things, the weeds will begin to wither. As we begin anew we are more likely to succeed if we focus on the positive (watering the good seeds). Rather than vowing to lose 10 pounds, vow to eat healthy and mindfully. Instead of resolving not to argue with someone, resolve to find something good about that person each day and compliment them on it. It’s really about training our minds to focus on the good, the positive. So as we begin anew in 2016, whatever your New Year’s resolutions may be, take a moment to really look at them and possibly reword them into positive “will do” affirmations. You can’t ever go wrong in focusing on the good in yourself. And, when you do, you will begin to see the good in others and then it spreads... those positive resolutions take on a whole life of there own! Happy New Year!! Namaste Pura Vida Sangha is a Buddhist Sangha in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. The Sangha meets for meditation Mondays at 4:00pm at the CEPIA building in Huacas. For information contact meditationcostarica@gmail.com.
Tamarindo Lifeguards
W
e all know that Costa Rica is a country of tourism, much of it emanating from beach towns such as our own Tamarindo. It should go without saying that we need lifeguards to protect our beaches for our visitors. But, it needs to be said anyway, often and strong. With 26 rescues in November and a total of 136 since the Tamarindo Lifeguard program officially began in March, the evidence of our need for qualified rescue personal is overwhelming. Yet, in reality, there are not a lot of trained, certified lifeguards in this country. In Tamarindo, however, we have made a big effort to certify local people in the art of emergency aid. Just last month, fourteen more locals participated in week-long lifeguard training, bringing the total of those officially certified to 60. These men and women all came under the watchful eye of Luis Hidalgo, who may live in landlocked Grecia but he’s worked the beaches of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. He is certified with International Life Saving, where he is Director Costa Rica; Asociacion Nacional de Guardavidas de Costa Rica; and Intructores en Centuo, which has been in the Americas and Costa Rica for 16 years. The training included medical attention such as CPR, use of defibrillator, trauma procedures, and resuscitation. In addition, they learned techniques of rescue in the water with and without a board, as well partaking in a rigorous physical regime. Upon completion of this week-long course, the new lifeguards received certificates from the Asociacion Nacional Guardavidas, International Life Savings, and the FLASS Federacion (Latina Americana de Salvamento y Socorrismo). Patrick McNulty, advisor and co-coordinator of the Tamarindo Lifeguard Program said: “We are saturating the market so that any given time there are trained certified lifeguards on our beaches. There won’t always be a paid lifeguard around.” “It’s important to empower the locals in the community with a skill that is needed for the community,” he continued. “It should be the locals who should dictate what we do at the beaches. These trainees are taught by Costa Rica for Costa Rica to help protect the people who use the ocean. Anyone who goes through this training will put their life on the line to save someone.” One of last month’s participants was Luis Contreras Gomez, who said he wanted to learn how to rescue people in the water, in order to be a help to the Tamarindo Lifeguards in the tower. By the end of the December training, Hidalgo said he already had more individuals ready to do the next course. This bodes well for Tamarindo and its visitors. Visit www.facebook.com/Guardavidascostarica or call 2458-1212 for more information on lifeguard training. Your community’s lifeguard program needs your support. The Tamarindo Lifeguards are working hard to help preserve and strengthen our beach community. This program receives no public funding and relies 100% on contributions from Tamarindo residents and visitors. Please visit www.tamarindolifeguards.com to volunteer or to make a donation. Thank you and pura vida!
The Chaine des Rotisseurs grows under Alain Taulere The Chaine des Rotisseurs is an organization that dates back to at least 1248. Its purpose is to enjoy the pleasures of the table: camaraderie, culinary delights, and fine wines. Costa Rica is one among the 70 countries around the world that participate in this gourmet association that counts 25,000 members worldwide. The Chaîne is originally based on the traditions and practices of the old French royal guild of goose roasters, the goose, a type of poultry, was particularly appreciated during the Middle Ages. Its authority was gradually expanded to include the roasting of all poultry, meat and game. The written history of the guild of “Les Oyers” or “Goose Roasters” has been traced back to the year 1248. Legend has it that King Louise the IX was so afraid of being poisoned that the brotherhood of the Chaine des Rotisseurs was created for his friends to taste the dishes and wines before the king would eat. These friends knowing that they could be poisoned anytime decided that they might as well enjoy the best that France could offer. The best food, wines, and the best services. Hence was the art of gastronomy born.. At that time King Louis IX, later to be Saint Louis, assigned Etienne Boileau, the Provost of Paris, with the task of bringing order into the organization of trades and guilds, developing young apprentices and improving the technical knowledge of guild members. He gathered together the charters of more than 100 of these trades, among them the Goose Roasters. Over the years, the activities and privileges of the Goose Roasters Guild were extended to preparing and selling all kinds of meat, including poultry and venison. The Chaine des Rotisseurs in Costa Rica began with the arrival of Alain Taulere, who is the current Bailli Délegue (national president).
Flamingo, Guanacaste.
Of origin Catalan/French, Alain Taulere is the seventh generation of chefs in his family, with 25 years of experience as President of the Chaine in Sarasota, FL., and a long history as Master Roaster and empresario, who changed his place of residence in 2004 to
Before coming to Costa Rica Alain received permission from the Chaine des Rotisseurs to found a national chapter in Costa Rica, and continued to promote the culinary arts here. He pulled together a group of enthusiasts and food professionals and wine importers and professionals, who decided to share the art of good cuisine. The prime objective of the Chaine is
the gathering of professional representatives in the field of gastronomy, and gourmets who enjoy and appreciate fine cooking, fine wines and an atmosphere of comradeship, which is how the Chaine began in Costa Rica. Now this country is one of 70 which participate in the Chane des Rotisseurs, with 25,000 members in the world. Costa Rica has currently two regional chapters: one in Guanacaste, head-quartered in Playa Flamingo, and one in the capital city, San Jose. There are twelve membership restaurants in Costa Rica, including, in our neighborhood, two members of La Chaine: Restaurante Arenas in Flamingo and JW Marriott at Hacienda Pinilla. Membership of La Chaîne offers the opportunity for new members to meet people who share a common interest in fine dining and good fellowship. For the professional members, such as chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers, it offers opportunities to demonstrate their exceptional skills and creativity to a discerning appreciative audience. Why Become a Member? • Member of an international network and community with over 25,000 members worldwide. • More than 70 nationalities represented • Prestigious international association involved in the world of gastronomy • Numerous opportunities to participate throughout the year in events organized all over the world • Possibility to make reservations directly to those professional member establishments via the Chaîne official website • Free subscription to the Chaîne International Magazine • Direct contact with wine and restaurant professionals • Chapter events with organized cultural visits, excursions and private guided tours • Access the Chaîne’s ‘Social Network’
Selected Poems from “Tell me about the Telaraña” by Diana Renee there is the burly impatience of the horse in the way he stands. en sus gestos la fuerza del toro; levanta polvo como ganado. he brings the snorting and stomping of herded beasts into my brain. los huelo y siento el roce animal de pezuña y cacho.
embrace
make me a little hole in your chest i will live there like a squirrel in the trunk of a tree
swallow me with your mouth swallow me with your arms open wide and take me down bury me in your belly press me to your heart hold me like a baby hide me like a seed
remembering my dancing days is feeling the live things in my belly how i swung it like a pendulum keeping time
Misting
Make Your Outdoor Space Dr. Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA thedoctorisinsharkfm@gmail.com
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the coolest place to be
Tanning
hese days thousands of people want to tan indoors, lying under lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) rays like the sun. So-called “tanning beds” can be found in health clubs, beauty parlors, and in thousands of commercial tanning salons. Recent claims are that state-of-the-art equipment doesn’t send out burning ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays. You may remember that up until a few years ago virtually all sunlamps admitted only UV-B light. People got a tan from them, but they also got burned as well. So manufacturers developed lamps that replace most all of the UV-B admissions with ultra-a (UV-A) radiation instead, which is weaker than UV-B rays, and we are told, safer. However, after the UV-A lamps came on the market it was found that UV-A does the same damage to the skin as UV-B. Although UV-B rays are 1000 times as strong as UV-A, it also means you need 1000 times as much UV-A exposure as UV-B exposure to get the same tan. So the risk turns out to be the same. UV-A rays penetrate deeper than UV-B and can cause damage to connective tissue, blood vessels and elastic tissues. Indeed, some experts feel that UV-B light is the safer of the two. People also tan indoors to develop a “base” so they won’t burn as easily when they go on vacation in mid-winter. The tan you get does not protect you from cancer or any of the detrimental effects of UV rays; in fact, it adds to natural sunlight hazards because all radiation effects are cumulative. A tan rates only a two or four on the sun protection factor (SPF) scale, meaning that you can stay in the sun 2 to 4 times as long before starting to burn as you could with no protection at all. That’s only if your skin tans. If you burn easily, you can’t expect to build a protective base indoors the matter how careful you are. A much simpler solution is to use a sunscreen. It’s hard to estimate how much radiation you’re getting by how long you spend under the lamps because they vary in the amount of UV radiation they admit. It depends on the type of equipment and the age of the bulb. Finally unless you wear special goggles you can fry your corneas. Both ray types can also increase your chances of developing cataracts. If you still want that “golden glow”, at least see your family doctor first to check if you have any precancerous spots or if your skin is too fair to handle UV rays at all. Mention any drugs you’re taking as many antibiotics tranquilizers and diuretics increases sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
Misting is a quality service every home owner, business operation, commercial developer and agricultural producer is choosing to have as an investment as part of their day to day operations or life. How do you get all the information of what we can do in this article? We can`t. But what we can do is ask you to visit our web site and or our Facebook page as they will answer all your questions. If you are not able to find the answers, I am available for your calls or emails. Q - Water, water, water…how much? A - Typical home misting for 5 to 6 hours will use the same water consumption as a shower. Q - Biggest benefits of the misting systems are? A1: Warrantied and Guaranteed. A2: being able to sit in comfort on your patio any time of the day enjoying the views . A3: is the savings on electrical monthly costs. A4: mortality rate in agriculture is decreased. Q - What else can ProTech Misters provide? A - Along with our misting systems that are used for residences, industrial, commercial, agricultural, marine vessels we are also experts in Irrigation Installations and repairs. Understanding water restrictions is key and knowing how and when to maximize the water available is what we do for our clients. My name is Steven Faux and I am the owner of ProTech Misters and my family and I are in your community. Muchas Gracias and Pura Vida
Tel: 8565-5405
www.protechmisters.com protechmisters@gmail.com
Surf Report
(from page 16)
The Tico team was larger than usual this year, with a full contingent of female surfers and a group of SUP surfers rounding out the roster. The participants included Jason Torres (Jacó), Anthony Fillingim (Santa Teresa), David Herrera (Quepos), Gilbert Brown (Puerto Viejo), Lisbeth Vindas (Jacó), Leilani McGonagle (Pavones), Leonardo Calvo (Barranca), Alex Rocha (Jacó), Lorenzo Wickstrom (Montezuma), Esteban Chaves (Santa Teresa), Paula Duarte (Jacó), Emily Gussoni (Jacó), Aldo Chirinos (Playa Negra), Lorenzo Córdoba (Puerto Viejo), Joseph Méndez (Jacó), Oscar Urbina (Jacó), Zulay Martínez (Tamarindo), Coral Wiggins (Jacó), Anthony Flores (Jacó), Alex Gómez, Rolando Herrera (Jacó) and Edith Garcia (Malpais). As part of the stunning upset, Costa Ricans also walked away with 8 of the possible 11 gold medals up for grabs. Jason Torres (photo) earned his 3rd Central American surf championship title, while Leilani McGonagle got her second Women’s championship. The Junior Girls
winner was Paula Duarte, Boys was Oscar Ubina, and both SUPers claimed the top trophies. In addition, the team itself won the Aloha Cup, a tag team event on track to be in the 2020 Olympics in Japan. Commented Gussoni, who came in second place for the Women’s: “I was ten years old when the Federación de Surf trusted me and took me to the Central American Games that took place in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This weekend I returned to the same location and represented my beautiful country. And we returned to achieve our 10th title. And I won subchampion in the Under 18. We are a great team and a great country!” I had a brief chat with Carlos Brenes of the Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica to see what he thought of the team’s job in Nicaragua. Ellen Zoe Golden: First I realized that you had a team full of girls this time? Is it good to see so many women to Costa Rica international competence now?
(continued page 33)
Why be the bad guy
(On the terrorist attacks in Paris) Why be the bad guy when you have the opportunity to do great things, be good and become a person of great character? Why be the bad guy when you can live life to the fullest and enjoy all life has to offer? Why be the bad guy when everything around us is made to be a civilization in perfect harmony? Peace, joy, fun and laughter are all you need to have a good day. Nobody has a perfect day. We all have good days and off days, but that’s what makes us human. Why be the bad guy when given the chance to be good, or given the chance to be right or be kind? Why be the bad guy when light is better than darkness? Love is stronger than hate. You can live life the way you want to live life. It is your chance, it’s your choice and it’s your life. Don’t keep on looking at the clock do what it does keep on going even if it’s hard Enjoy it while you have it.
Isabelle Bruce Grade 5 – Age 10 CRIA
Saturday, 9th January at 6 p.m: Saprissa v La Liga Cartago v Heredia
Scott
Ninety minutes por la vida torneo of Ayuda Social
UEFA Champions League – 2016 February 16 February 17 February 23 February 24 March 8 March 9 March 15 March 16
Paris Benfica AA Gent ASRoma Arsenal Juventus PSV Dynamo Kiev Vfl Wolfsburg Real Madrid Zenit St Petersbg Chelsea Manchester C Atletico Madrid Barcelona Bayern Munchen
St-Germain Zenit St. Petersbg Vfl Wolfsburg Real Madrid Barcelona Bayern Munchen Atletico Madrid Manchester City AA Gent AS Roma Benfica Paris SG Dynamo Kiev PSV Arsenal Juventus
Windows Touch Up
Windows Washing - Final Cleaning Touch Ups - Gutters Cleaned Skylights Cleaned - Machinery Cleaned and many others... “Looking through the windows as without them”
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Owner: Henry Méndez Pérez windowstouchupcr@gmail.com Tel: 8969-7154 / 8718-4429 Fb: Windows Touch Up
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Going Native
he holiday season has finally come to a close and the snow birds are on the move, done with their familial responsibilities and back to paradise. To kick off a new year of speaking Spanish and getting native, today we will learn some Costa Rican Slang. As a newly minted Costarricense, I came here much like everyone else, ignorant of the local vernacular. Even as a native Spanish speaker my first day in in San Jose I sat with a group of Costa Ricans and they kept on saying the word “Mae”. From context I came to the conclusion it was a person, and apparently a very popular one since it was repeated so much, so I leaned over to my husband asked “¿Quien es Mae? Who is Mae?” As in classic movie manner the room went silent as my husband whispered back that Mae meant dude. That was my first of many colloquial Spanish embarrassing moments. I can remember when I would timidly try out these new words and my new family would smile and encourage me. One of the truly amazing and infuriating things about Spanish is its number of versions smattered across the globe. Language is cool like that; it molds and develops over time and culture. The Spanish language, like all Latin based languages go back to the Roman conquest. The farther from the source, the more varied the sound and spelling. Here in Latin America the street language and the use of tu, usted or vos morph according to history and now media. As you cross from one border to another the sound of the language changes, much like it does it the States with English when you begin to compare the southern drawl with the northern variations. Costa Rica has its own place in the vernacular landscape of the Americas; it has a huge collection of slang words that take the place of what any outsider would consider Spanish. I love to see the faces of confusion when I accidently let one slip to anyone but a fellow Costarricense. It’s a country’s inside joke and it is loads of fun to use, mostly from the surprised and giddy look on a Costa Rican’s face when you give one a go. So let’s learn some Tico! Disclaimer: Slang words are ever changing and evolving and as a 40 plus woman I may be out of the loop of newer words. These are only a few and the ones I collected through the years, I am always looking for new words. aguevado (ah-gway-va-doh) bored or boring brete (bre-tay) work or job chunche (choon-chay) thingamajig como amaneció? (coh-moh ah-mahn-es-ee-oh) how are you this morning? dolor de jupa (dol-or day hoop-ah) a headache estar de chicha (es-tar day chee-chah) to be angry estar de goma (es-tar day goh-mah) to have a hangover la choza (lah choh-sah) home la vara (lah bar-ah) the thing macha (mah-cha) a blond female, usually a foreigner mucho gusto (moo-choh goo-stoh) “[with] much pleasure,” Costa Ricans use this in lieu of “de nada,” or “thank you.”
(continued page 29)
Español... (from page 28) no joda! (no hoe-da/no hoe-das) don’t bother me!/leave me alone! ojo! (oh-hoe) watch out! por dicha (poor dee-chah) thank goodness pulperia (pool-pehr-ee-ah) a small corner store pura paja (poor-ah pa-hah) crap; bullshit que m’iche? (kay mee-chay) what’s up? / what do you have to tell me? que mala nota! (kay mahl-ah no-tah) what a bad person! que pereza! (kay pay-ray-sah) ugh, what a drag! salado (sahl-ah-doh) unlucky or “too bad!” soda (soh-dah) small, family-run typical restaurant soque! (soh-kay) hurry up! tuanis (too-ahn-ees) cool - Said to be an adaptation of “too nice,” una teja (oo-nah tay-hah) 100 of anything, colones, meters.. If someone is giving you directions, una teja means one block. upe! (oo-pay) hello? anyone home? Used in lieu of a doorbell. Va jalando! (bah hahl-ahn-do) get out of here! / go away! Sylvia Monge is a language professional and the owner of Spanish for Expats (spanishforexpatscr.com) where she uses her 20 odd years of experience in the classroom to make Spanish fun and rewarding for people of all ages. If you have any questions about learning Spanish feel free to contact her, she’s cool like that.
Bar and Restaurant open to the public
Your Stars in January
Aries: 21 March - 20 April
Libra: 23 September - 23 October
Taurus: 21 April - 21 May
Scorpio: 24 October - 22 November
This month has your ruling planet in a sign it rules and enjoys traveling through, Scorpio. You are serious about your words and actions the next two months as passionate involvement dictates your focus. With Jupiter and the North Node in your sixth house of work and service you look closely at your associates. Take time during the Mercury retrograde period from Jan. 5th-25th to flesh out your plan and get professional advice if necessary. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th, things should go your way. This is a great month for planning a long term financial strategy as Venus and Saturn transit your solar eighth house. Mars in Scorpio enters your seventh so any partnerships you might be considering need an in depth analysis for long-term stability. With Jupiter and the North Node transiting your solar fifth house, creativity, artistic ability, amusements and romance also get a reboot as well. Big wheels are turning in your head during the Mercury Rx period. Good days are the 17th and 18th.
Gemini: 22 May - 21 June
With your ruling planet, Mercury, doing its first retrograde period of the year from the 5th-25th, you have some evaluation to do regarding finances, insurances, wills, and investment income streams. Can you get to where you want to go with your current situation? Jupiter and the North Node in your fourth house of home, family and ancestral roots you need to pay attention that aspect of life as well. Don’t shy away from the truth, step up to the plate and deal with it. Good days for that are the 19th and 20th.
Cancer: 22 June - 22 July
With the Sun and Pluto in your solar seventh house, you have some serious considerations regarding partnerships, both business and personal. This combo is getting a square from Uranus in your tenth, so you might have a breakup or abrupt departure from your current situation. This is not news as this aspect between Pluto and Uranus has been going on for a few years so the testing period is over and you must make a choice. The 21st and 22nd are your best days.
Leo: 23 July - 23 August
With the Sun and Pluto together this month in your solar sixth house of health, work, service, pets and diet, you need to get your routines in order and cut out whatever habits are harming you. Pay special attention to the affairs of your fifth house of social affairs, creative outlets, romance and children as Saturn will be there for the next two years and that brings in responsibility and lessons to be learned. Good days are the Full moon on the 23rd and also the 24th.
Virgo: 24 August - 22 September
With Jupiter and the North Node together in your solar first house you are positioned to alter your image or identity in some way and during the Mercury retrograde period from the 5th-25th is a good time to investigate how you want to do that. They call it “rebranding” in the corporate world. Relationships get more serious towards the end of the month as Mercury ends its retrograde period next to Pluto in Capricorn While Virgos like order, they dislike being controlled. The 26 and 27th are your stellar days.
With your ruling planet, Venus, traveling with Saturn in your solar third house of siblings, short trips and communication, you need to maintain connections with those areas. Pluto and the Sun in your solar fourth house of security, ancestors and property mean that there’s something changing there. Mars enters your second house of income stream so watch out for additional expenses at this time. Be careful when traveling. The 28th and 29th are your lucky days. With Mars entering your sign on the 4th, you gain more power and prestige and with that more control in your life’s direction. Clear communication is critical with three planets in your solar third house of siblings, short trips and communication. You must budget carefully to honor Saturn’s presence in this house for the next two years. Jupiter and the North node are conjunct in your eleventh house so you have contact with people with a great deal of money Your good days are the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 31st.
Sagittarius: 23 November - 21 December
Venus travels with Saturn in your sign this month, bringing some relief to the recent hardships. With three planets in your solar second house there’s a reckoning about money and values and you must not shirk responsibility. Your ruling planet, Jupiter is up at the top of your chart with the North Node this month signaling something new on the horizon for you professionally. Be precise in your communication, particularly during the Mercury RX period from the 5th-25th. Best days are the 7th and 8th.
Capricorn: 22 December - 21 January
With the Sun, Pluto and Mercury all in your sign, there’s some serious business going on with you personally and financially. Be aware of mistakes you made in the past and do not repeat them. If they didn’t work before, they won’t work now. Jupiter and the North Node in your ninth house bring hope and some salvation through alignment with universal truths and right action. What can be better than that! Good days are the 8th, 9th and beginning of the 10th.
Aquarius: 22 January - 19 February
Mars will enter your tenth house on the 4th, energizing your professional life and image. You gain power and influence along with the help of Venus and Saturn in your eleventh house. Be more social this month. With three planets in your twelfth house, the tendency will be to retreat from the limelight. People will find your ideas quirky but provocatively interesting this month. It’s also a good month to go on a spiritual retreat or seminar with other like minded people. The 10th and 11th are your best days.
Pisces: 20 February - 20 March
Venus and Saturn are traveling together in your tenth house of profession and public image so that is bound to give you more respect possibly along with more responsibility. So, if you are looking for a new position, you are likely make a change and get a new one. Jupiter will be with the North Node in your solar seventh house of partnerships so it is good to review your agreements with those you are in contractual relationships with. Clear the air. Good days for that are the 12th, 13th and 14th.
Word puzzle Miscellany
All words from the list below can be found in the word block on the right. Answers may be forward, backward, upwards, downwards and diagonal. acropolis advantage battle bravado cinematic entitled errant exodus exquisite firebird fleeting hardheaded healthy little overgrown
parsimonious parthenon perimeter pseudonym psychological psychosomatic sacramento secondary sparse temporary teutonic therapy torrent trite tumultuous
Now Begins the Study of Yoga
Twisting “Come on let’s twist again, like we did last summer! Yeah, let’s twist again, like we did last year!” Chubby Checker Happy New Year! Hopefully you had a great December, and now it’s the beginning of a new year – a great time to re-dedicate yourself to a path of health. In this month’s column, we’ll look at one of the classes of yoga postures, Twists. Twists occur when your pelvis and your shoulders are no longer in the same plane. This action brings about a rotation in the spinal vertebrae. A twist will also elongate the spinal and abdominal muscles, and do a “wringing out” of our torso and its components. The work of the spinal muscles in twists can help with tightness or aching in our back, and the wringing out action can help our digestion to function well. Both good reasons why we include some twisting in each yoga practice. If you have not been very physically active, doing a twist while lying on your back is an easy way to introduce this movement without having to support your torso. Basically, lie down on your back, draw your knees into your body, put your arms out into a T position, inhale while lengthening your spine, and on the exhale, lower your legs to the left. Use a blanket or block underneath your legs, or between your knees as needed. Stay here for about a minute, then inhale to come up, and repeat to the right.
Two more easy variations of seated twists are pictured here. Sitting cross-legged and twisting to each side is a great twist and simple to do. Focus on grounding through your legs and pelvis, and elongating your spine up through the crown of the head on your inhales, then move into the twist on your exhales. Think about using at least three breaths to move into the twist gently and slowly, from the base of your spine up to the head. Keep broadening your collar bones and allow your breath to be full and smooth. Do not force your body into the twist, as this can overstretch muscles and leave you with some instability in your back. Work to balance ease and effort. Another one of my favorites is the twist of the sage, Bharadvajasana. In this variation, you simply sweep your legs to the left, stacking your left ankle into the inner arch of your right foot. If your hips are uneven, put a blanket under your right hip. Use your right hand behind you to help create lift on inhale, use your exhales to twist to the right. If you are pregnant, this is a safe twist, as it is an open twist. If you are new to yoga, please consult with a trained teacher, so they can help you figure out how best to do this for you. Wring in the new year with a couple twists today.
Namaste, Mary Mary Byerly is one of the owners and the yoga teacher at Panacea. An oasis of tranquility and health 10 minutes from Tamarindo. Discover Paradise and Bring a Peace Home www.panaceacr.com • 2653-8515
Surf Report
La vida no merece que uno se preocupe tanto” Marie Curie
(from page 24)
Carlos Brenes: Totally. First, these are the advantages offered by a Central American Championship. We are able to fulfill our many promises to bring surfers together internationally and for them to learn from the more experienced surfers such as Lisbeth, or Emily Leilani. EZG: Jason Torres is now national champion, Central American champion (again) and just won Billabong Fest. He’s doing very well. What has changed for him?
Junior Girls 1. Paula Duarte – CR 2. Emily Gussoni – CR 3. Candelaria Resano – NIC 4. Keyla Camarena – PAN
CB: I personally feel he’s an athlete who has never stopped fighting. But, obviously, Jason is back to his best competitive level again, just like when he didn’t stop winning ALAS or when he was 5th in the World Cup in Portugal seven years ago. Jason is to my taste, the most aggressive surfer in the water that I know of.
Boys 1. Oscar Urbina – CR 2. Isauro Elizondo – PAN 3. Bryan Alas Pérez – SAL 4. Joseph Méndez – CR
EZG: What does it mean to be the Central American champions again for the 10th time?
Girls 1. Valentina Resano - NIC 2. Zulay Martínez – CR 3. Coral Wiggins – CR 4. Candelaria Resano – NIC
CB: It means that our minor leagues of surfing in Costa Rica continue to be born and form correctly. For example, Oscar Urbina is 14 years and is the Central American champion Sub 16. It also means that not only is the Federacion de Surf producing young surfers, but we are also doing the administrative work that has allowed us to attend these events the past 10 years, and to be able to win 10 games. If I’m not mistaken, only Costa Rica and El Salvador have run all 10 years and to achieve that, you need a Federation that works and achieves the funds to attend every year. EZG: Why does Costa Rica keep winning? CB: Because it is a competition and the best wins. On the day that another country achieves their first win, removing Costa Rica, it will be a great year for them, kind of like when the Ticos in the World Championship took the title from Australia, USA and Peru. This was after more than 30 years of Costa Rica attending a World Cup, and on that day it was a dream come true. Central American Surf Games Final Results: Open 1. Jason Torres – CR 2. David Herrera – CR 3. Anthony Fillingim – CR 4. Jackson Obando – NIC Women’s 1. Leilani McGonagle – CR 2. Lizbeth Vindas – CR 3. Samantha Alonso – PAN 4. Johanny Alfonso – PAN Juniors 1. Jackson Obando – NIC 2. Leonardo Calvo – CR 3. Esteban Chávez – CR 4. Lorenzo Winstrom – CR
SUP Race 1. Rolando Herrera – CR (58:02:17) 2. Francisco Potoy – NIC (59:11:02) 3. Ricardo Chiari – PAN (1:07:33) SUP Race Women 1. Edith García – CR (1:19:04) 2. María Vanegas – NIC (1:22:10) 3. Joleanne Marxen – PAN (1:26:15) Longboard 1. José Espinoza – NIC 2. Anthony Flores – CR 3. Alex Gómez – CR 4. Norwin Estrella – NIC ALOHA CUP 1. Costa Rica 2. Panamá 3. Nicaragua 4. El Salvador
That’s all I’ve got. Looking forward to hearing what you think. Keep those emails coming at EllenZoe@aol.com. Send your comments, information, errors or praise, because I can’t do this column without you, the real surfers.
Hay una pasión superior a todas y es la satisfacción interior por el bien que hacemos a los otros” René Descartes
Surviving
C hapter MMXVI
COSTA RICA
Due to our editor’s recent invention of a practical time travel device we’ve been able to visit the future and give you a “heads up” on what’s in store for next year. Politics The dust has finally cleared from the US Presidential Elections and it looks like Obama wins… Michelle that is. Apparently front runner Hillary Clinton surprised all by pulling out of the race to live with her twenty-six-year-old Secret Service Agent on a secluded Caribbean island. Michelle is drafted at the Democratic convention to run against the Republican Candidate Ivanka Trump, who has replaced her husband after he gets bored with the whole thing. Michelle’s first move in office is to divorce her husband. In Canada Justin Trudeau announced that in addition to his many duties as Prime Minister he is also starting a RUSH tribute band in which he will be playing drums accompanied by National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan on bass and doing a credible Getty Lee on vocals. They plan to visit Canadian troops stationed along the tense Minnesota border. In Costa Rica candidates are gearing up for the upcoming 2018 Presidential Elections and the pundits are already predicting the Centrist Front for the Democratic People’s Liberation Party (CFDPLP) as having a huge advantage after nominating Costa Rica’s first legally deaf, dumb and blind presidential candidate Tomas PB Mago. The candidate’s seeing-eye dog has assured the public the Don Mago’s alleged disabilities will only help in carrying out his duties as president. World News I hope you’re not looking for any good news in the Middle East. It’s every bit as screwed up as it was last year… or ten years ago… or fifty years ago… or one thousand five hundred years ago. The appearance of a new religious militia from the Mormon Church has only managed to further enflame the on-going conflict in Syria, Iraq and Utah, while Turkey’s request
2016 - The Year in Review
to become the US’s fifty-first state has taken everybody by surprise. We here at the responsibly journalistic Howler Magazine have deemed it wise to leave out the rest of what we’ve learned… you’re not gonna like it. Scotland finally got its wish and has left the newly-named “Not Quite so Great Britain” to join Norway and Denmark in the also newlynamed “Blondland”. The language difference was initially thought to be an impediment until it was realized that nobody has ever really understood what the Scots are saying anyway. The Howler Magazine received the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Journalism after Judges picked it out of a crowd that included The New Yorker, National Geographic, Mad Magazine and High Times. Publisher-Editor David Mills refused to travel to New York to receive the award as it would require him to wear a tie. Sports In the world of Sports FIFA has been suing the United States over the use of the word “soccer”. In an unusual appearance before the US Supreme Court the five top FIFA officials appeared in leg irons and handcuffs to argue the case that the NFL cease and desist from using the “F” initial and suggest using something more topical like the “National Concussion League”. 2016 will always be remembered as the year that organized cricket takes the United States by storm with all the major sports hubs fielding their own teams, the Dallas Crumpets and the Oakland Wickets to name a few. Huge stadiums with attached hotels spring up all over America to accommodate fans during the cricket matches that generally last five days. The 2016 Olympics in Brazil kicks off with the biggest opening extravaganza ever, lasting over four days and forcing the cancellation of most events except soccer - oops, I mean futbol - which the Brazilians dominate, after which there is a closing ceremony that lasts another four days.
Story by Jesse Bishop owlhumm@hotmail.com
Congratulations to the Dallas Cowboys for their unprecedented comeback to win Super Bowl 50 after being in last place in their division Dec 12th with a 4-8 record. Incredibly, seventy-three year old Roger Staubach came out of retirement to lead the Cowboys through the playoffs and finally to a 65-7 victory over the New England Patriots after which quarterback Tom Brady along with most of his team mates retire. Staubach says he’ll play next year if owner Jimmy Jones retires also. Tamarindo 2016 was a great year for Tamarindo marred only by fires that took out twelve different businesses. The more fire-retardant establishments reported high sales with record numbers of visitors and bulging bank accounts while surfers report that waves were overwhelmingly goofy with feathers and a lot of trembly doggers to shoot, whatever that may mean. Champagne could be seen flowing through the new gutters on the way to Langosta whose new four-lane black top has finally made it easier for locals to drive at exhilarating high speeds. Due to an increase as well as price drop in Municipality-issued building permits Tamarindo has once again experienced a burst of building and development with several new multi-level shopping malls getting started as well as a new bridge connecting Tamarindo to Playa Grande. Things were so good in Tamarindo that the taxistas traded in their beat up Hyundai Accents for Mercedes Benzes and will now only take thieves to rob the really nice places, while the street people now all have college degrees, bathe regularly and speak several languages. So that’s the almost near future. I suggest spending the next year here with us in Tamarindo where it’s generally going to be much safer and a lot more interesting.
Countdown to Solar Market Opening
A
lthough it has been a long, frustrating and at times difficult to comprehend process, finally MINAE (Ministry of Environment & Energy) and ARESEP (Public Service Pricing Regulatory Authority) have virtually concluded their policy and tariff development process with respect to private, grid-connected power generation from renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, etc). As a result there is a firm date in sight, in early 2016, when once again Costa Rican households and businesses can confidently invest in their own renewable power generation in order to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. And, the great news is, this new regulation applies to all electrical distribution companies, including Coopeguanacaste. So… the era of ‘pilot projects’ is over. Now any electricity consumer in any part of Costa Rica can exploit the abundant natural resources we have to reduce their electricity expenditures.
By Jim Ryan, ASI Power & Telemetry, S.A.
These rulings from the Attorney General restored some measure of logic to the entire government policy apparatus and removed the major roadblock or disagreement between ARESEP and MINAE regarding the need for ‘concessions’. And, as a result, ARESEP’s role was more narrowly defined as the body responsible for merely setting tariff prices for the distribution companies’ services. And critically important, the Attorney General restricted ARESEP from enacting their plan to charge clients for power they generated but simultaneously consumed, i.e. privately generated power which never touched the distributor’s grid. (This would have been akin to charging a client for the energy they conserved when they invested in more efficient LED lighting, or a more efficient refrigerator!).
Most frequently this is solar generation because of our tremendous solar resources, the flexibility or ‘scalability’ of solar, its low maintenance, and the fact that solar panels and related equipment are at historic low pricing levels. Also, small, private generators can enjoy the benefits of the previous government’s policy to exonerate all purchases of renewable generation equipment from any import duties and even the 13% sales tax, meaning an up-front reduction in capital expenses for any private generation project. You may recall that in May 2014 the Howler published my article titled “Private Solar Generation – Comes to Coopeguanacaste’s Service Territory”. That article still contains valuable advice on what preparations a potential customer may wish to make in order to participate in the new net-metering programs. However the article was based on the original timetable ARESEP had announced for the introduction of their new POASEN (“Planeación, Operación y Acceso, al Sistema Eléctrico Nacional”) regulations, which are now long past. But after a fundamental policy dispute arose between ARESEP and MINAE with regards to the ARESEP imposed requirement for a ‘concession’ to be granted to each small generator, which would have effectively killed private, small-scale generation in Costa Rica, MINAE referred the question to the Procuraderia (Attorney General). The Attorney General surprised MINAE and ARESEP by ruling that….. 1) ‘simple’ net-metering, that is where only kWh credits are exchanged between the private generator and the electrical distribution company, and no money is exchanged, is NOT a public service, (and if it is not a ‘public service’ ARESEP can’t levy charge on it) and…. 2) MINAE, not ARESEP, was ruled as responsible for developing energy policy and specifically for defining the contractual terms and conditions for the ‘interconnection service contract’ between the private generator and electrical distribution company.
So, what does all this mean for you, the consumer on Coopeguanacaste or ICE that wants to reduce your monthly electricity bill by investing in clean, renewable power generation? It means…… - in early April 2016 your distribution company should be prepared to receive applications from clients who intend to install solar panels, wind turbines, etc. to generate part or all of their own power, ie only about four months away - ergo now is a very good time to begin investigating your options with respect to suppliers, installers, system designs, budgets, and, if appropriate, bank financing for your home’s or business’s private power generation system - the application process is going to be somewhat more complex and costly than the previous ‘pilot program’s’ process. CFIA registered engineer drawings are required, along with significant technical details of equipment & designs, but a good installation company should be prepared to provide this service to you as part of their offering. (continued page 36)
January ( a l l
Countdown...
2016
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Sun
(from page 35)
1 - rise 6:01; set 5:33 15th - rise 6:05; set 5:41 31st - rise 6:06; set 5:47* st
- after your application is approved, your existing meter will be replaced with a bi-directional ‘net-meter’ that will allow you to produce and effectively store energy on the distribution company’s grid in the form of kWh credits. These credits you can use later that day/night, or the next week, or the next month, or anytime for a period up to 12 consecutive months later. Effectively the distribution company is a ‘virtual battery’, and they benefit from having the free energy from you on their grid to supply their other clients during daytime hours. - you will be charged a small fee for each kWh credit you inject to the grid (store), and later withdraw (retire). However you will only pay for the kWh credit at the time it is withdrawn, which could be the same month as generated, or even months later. The kWh fee will vary for each distribution company and is related to their ‘cost of service’ for their distribution network.
* latest sunrise Jan. 26 - 6:06:24 th
Last quarter: New: 1st quarter: Full: Last quarter:
4.0
m s
1st 9th 16th 24th 31st
11:31 p.m. 7:31 p.m. 5:27 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 9:29 p.m.
RAIN GAUGE RAINFALL - Nov/Dec 2015
3.5
c
Moon
Howler Meteorological Observatory
3.0
Huacas
2.5 2.0
Total rainfall: 6.5 cm (2.5 inches)
1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 16
20
25
30 1
November
Year-to-date 2015: 127.9 cm 2014: 103.8
5
10
December
Rainfall Nov/Dec 2015: 6.5 cm 2014: 30.9
Alcoholics Anonymous Schedule of Meetings
Flamingo
Tuesdays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm (open) Fridays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm (open)
15
In closing, the new regulations are not ideal, but they are workable, and despite the efforts of the monopoly distribution companies and some government officials to kill private generation, now, for the first time, Costa Rica has a piece of national regulation to benefit all consumers, regardless of which distribution company serves them. And just in time, as it would have been embarrassing to have a government at once promoting a Paris Climate Change Accord, but hypocritically prohibiting its own citizens from harnessing the abundant natural resources we’re surrounded with. I, for one, believe it is more important to protect our economy, our national competitiveness, and our environment by democratizing power generation……even if the powerful labor unions and entrenched utility monopolies feel threatened by change. They cannot resist forever the efficiencies that are achievable with the rapid technological advances in solar power generation, energy storage (batteries) and smart grids. The author: Jim Ryan has worked on energy policy and regulatory reform in multiple countries including the USA, Western and Central Europe and now Central America. He is the founder of ASI Power & Telemetry, S.A. based in Liberia, Guanacaste. ASI Power is a member of ACESOLAR (Asociación Costarricense de Energía Solar). Please visit www.ASIPower.com.
Location: Hitching Post Plaza Unit 2, Brasilito Contact: Don H. at 2-654-4902
Tamarindo
Saturday: 10:30-11:30 - Open General Meeting Monday: 5:30 - Open Meeting Wednesday: 10:30 - Open Meeting Thursday: 5:30-6:30 - Open Meeting Location: Behind Pedro’s Surf Shop Contact: Ellen - 2-653-0897 / Steve - 8377-1529
Vivimos en un mundo donde nos escondemos para hacer el amor, mientras la violencia se practica a plena luz del día” John Lennon
Professional Astrologer
Shape Up! New Year, New You Resolutions! Lynda Espada
H
appy New Year! It’s that time of year again when a lot of us start looking at our scales and when we start to think about setting weight goals and start eating healthy again. When I gained 30 pounds in the six months after graduating from college and moving from the east to west coast, my resolution for the New Year was to lose weight. But this goal had no real meaning or direction and didn’t help me lose any of those pounds. Basically my resolution was the bare minimum of setting a weight-loss goal, which meant my motivation soon waned and I cheated on my diet as soon as I was faced with a Friday Margarita Happy Hour. It wasn’t until I went home for the holidays and stepped on the scale that I knew I had to transform my “I have to lose weight” resolution into much more attainable goals. Still, whenever I feel the waistband getting a bit tight, I resort back to this plan. A goal needs to be as specific as possible so you can work toward it and achieve it. “Lose weight” as a goal is too vague. What exactly do you want to achieve and how? Why do you want to do it? During this time in my life, I put on quite a bit of weight in a short amount of time. I was lethargic and unmotivated, so I knew a big part of my goal was getting back to my previous weight. I wanted to feel happy and full of energy from a healthy diet and exercise, which was a much better goal than just to lose weight. If you don’t make your goal measurable, you won’t know when you reached it. Whether it’s pounds or inches lost or how your clothing fit, setting a measurable goal is key to achieving it. Look online for a food journal to track your intake and be responsible for everything you put in your mouth. My measurable goal was 30 pounds at a healthy rate of a halfpound to a pound per week. I tracked my progress by writing down each half-pound and saw little victories right off the bat. Your goal needs to be realistic and challenging without being overwhelming. If it is too difficult, you might get discouraged and you need to see yourself reaching the goal. Also, set a time limit, as it will help to get you started and stay motivated until the end. I gave myself six months to lose the weight and it gave me a target date to work towards. It ended up taking me longer, but once I started seeing the results on the scale, it motivated me to achieve my ultimate goal.
Peter Williams, renowned Canadian astrologer, will be in Tamarindo (at LA PALMA VERDE CONDO, NAXOS) for the month of January 2016. Practicing for over 35 years, Peter serves international clientele specializing in relationship analysis, personal health, business/sales forecasting, relocation and personal financial forecasting. For a preliminary no-obligation forecast e-mail Peter before his arrival with your birth data and he will give you some advance insight. Book a no-obligation consultation. 1-2 hour sessions reasonable fees including future follow-up.
For more information and appointment e-mail: peter29@rogers.com or Skype at: peter2938
Players Helping Monkeys Tamarindo Players presented four benefit performances at Pasa Tiempo, this December, raising over $1000.00 for SalveMonos. “The Night of Comedy” was directed by Joy Weber. A Big Thank You to the Tamarindo Community and performers Brian Cobb, Colette Holmes, David Rubin, Jennifer Guinaldo, Anahi Contreras, and Shannon Russel. A hilariously enjoyable way to support our local monkey popularion!