ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

DONATE:
Has my blog helped in any way? Helped find something•brought more EASE? More exposure or business?
I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
The easiest way is with PAYPAL - Attn: LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
(you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to do this - just a credit or debit card)
ADD INFORMATION:
Do YOU have/know of a Business•Event•News•Place•Things 4 Sale•Rent to add? Email:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

• APPLE LAPTOP - Do you have a Laptop you're not using? Mine recently broke so I'm using a lender. Must be new enough to run current Skypes & have an SDCard slot.
• Amazon.com or GoDaddy.com Credit•Gift Certificate (attn: SarongGoddess@gmail.com)
• Something else to share?? A gift certificate or invite for your business? I'm open!! (at times I'll add other things here that I'm seeking)

Monday, June 30, 2014

NEW LAW for VOTING FROM ABROAD for U.S.•AMERICAN CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD - You MUST RE-Register to Vote with EACH Election!!!


NEW LAW!!!
NOW -
ALL USA CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD MUST RE-REGISTER TO VOTE IN EACH ELECTION YEAR IN ORDER TO VOTE.

  REGISTER TO VOTE AND REQUEST YOUR BALLOT ASAP.
More information at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/AmericansLivingAbroadReregisterToVote.html


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There are 2 important facts to remember to ensure that you can vote; and that your vote counts:

#1.
You must request a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) DURING the CALENDAR YEAR you're voting in (so you can NOT register in December if your primary is in May). 

DON'T WAIT!!!   
Register TODAY here!  
https://VoteFromAbroad.org
(this is a NON-PARTISAN site!!!)

#2.
You MUST do this EVEN if you have voted in the previous election and you have automatically received a ballot from your local election official.

CRUCIAL
 To register - you MUST have with you the
ENTIRE mailing address of your
LAST U.S. RESIDENCE 

to determine your proper voting jurisdiction!!

Some clarification on that 
(http://CostaRica.USEmbassy.gov/voting_information.html):
"Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state or territory where you last resided immediately prior to your departure from the United States. This applies even though you may not have property or other ties in your last state of residence and your intent to return to that state may be uncertain."
This site also has a link to the  
Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request form

ALL of this is important because if an election is challenged, then the un-requested ballots will not be counted even if you received it without requesting it. For the future, they strongly encourage you to make a standing New Year’s resolution to submit a new Federal Post Card Application every January. That way, you receive ballots for all of the elections for which you are eligible during the calendar year.

(personal note from me/Vicki - "Am I the only person that questions if they're REALLY wanting EVERYONE to vote?  Do they REALLY want our vote to count . . . hmmmmm")


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Whether you are a first-time voter or have voted absentee or vote-from-abroad in past elections, you
MUST COMPLETE a FPCA
EACH YEAR TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS
as an Overseas Absentee Voter.

There are a few ways you can do this:
ONLINE:
•  fvap.gov
•  VoteFromAbroad.org

•  FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY IN COSTA RICA
If you would like to pick up a Federal Post Card Application or drop off your completed application for delivery to the United States via the Diplomatic Pouch at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica (in Pavas) - FREE of charge.
•  Voting assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica and/or
•  Drop off your completed voting forms and ballots, addressed to your local election officials, any Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm, excluding Costa Rican and U.S. holidays.

A drop box is located for quick drop off in the Guard Booth at the entrance to the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Please bring your valid U.S. passport if you would like to speak with a voting assistance officer.

•  4th of JULY • U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Visit the U.S. Embassy booth • Democrats Abroad booth or the • Republicans Abroad booth
on the grounds of the Cervecería Costa Rica from 9am-1pm on July 4.
For additional information on this event, go to:


•  DEMOCRATS ABROAD Costa Rica
They can assist you as well
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/07/democrats-abroad-cr.html


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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE U.S.?
Normal transit time for applications and ballots from Costa Rica to the United States is 10 to 15 days so plan accordingly with deadlines for your individual state (which is the state you were last registered to vote in).


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Whether you have never voted while overseas before or have, the process is easy ­-- just follow these steps:

1. Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) - fvap.gov
Whether you are a first-time voter or have voted absentee in past elections, complete an FPCA to receive your ballot this fall. It allows you to register to vote and request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (presidential and state primaries, run-off, special, and the November general elections) during the course of the year in which you submit the FPCA. Local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.

The online voting assistant available at FVAP.gov is an easy way to complete the FPCA. It will ask you questions specific to your state and tell you if electronic ballot delivery is possible. No matter in which state you vote, we encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Be sure to include your email address to take advantage of electronic delivery. The online voting assistant will generate a printable FPCA, which you can then print and sign.

2. Submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
See the information at the beginning of this message for options to drop off your FPCA in person to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica.

If it’s more convenient for you, you can have a friend or family member drop off your FPCA to the Embassy on your behalf or you can send your FPCA or ballot directly to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense.

NOTE:  Some states (like Florida [I learned the hard way]) require more steps of you so read their requirements•procedure CAREFULLY!!!

3. Receive Your Ballot
After submitting your FPCA, most states allow you to confirm online your registration and ballot delivery selection. States are now required to send out ballots 45 days before an election for federal office (President, U.S. Senate, or U.S. House of Representatives) to any overseas U.S. citizen who has completed an FPCA.

4. Return Your Ballot
As with the FPCA, you can return your voted ballot to your local election officials free of charge via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or mail it directly at your own expense.

Your Vote Counts
Many U.S. elections within the past 10 years have been decided by a margin of victory of less than 0.1%. All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline (differs by state).

Be an educated voter. Check out the FVAP links page
for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues. Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues is widely available and easy to obtain via numerous websites such as Project Smart Voter.

You can also read national and hometown newspapers online, and search the Internet to locate articles and information.

To receive information by email about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov). FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via
Facebook
facebook.com/DoDFVAP
and
Twitter
twitter.com/FVAP  •  @FVAP

If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact:
Embassy San Jose’s Voting Assistance Officer at
(506) 2-519-2590 - or at ACSSanJose@state.gov


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DEMOCRATS ABROAD International

SIGNING UP OFFICIALLY FOR DEMOCRATS ABROAD

Joining is FREE
To join - just attend a meeting  OR 
 go to the official International Democrats Abroad site:


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Information on
DEMOCRATS ABROAD
Costa Rica


MEETINGS
Meetings are USUALLY held the LAST Saturday of each month - from 9:30am till noon-ish
MORE DETAILS at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/07/democrats-abroad-cr.html


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REPUBLICANS ABROAD - COSTA RICA
Not sure what's up with them as
I've emailed them a few times in the past and have never received a reply for more clarity on membership, meetings, etc.  I recently found they had new contact info and emailed them to find out about Voter Registration at the 4th of July Picnic but no one has responded.  THIS is why I do not have more information/logo or anything on them)

CONTACT:  Dick Macauley - 2-439-2897 or DickMacauley@yahoo.com



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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/AmericansLivingAbroadReregisterToVote.html
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Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Freedom to Ask Workshop - Level 1 with Naomi Colb - June 29 - Costa Rica


The Freedom to Ask - Level 1

Lead by
Naomi Colb

WHEN:
Sunday - June 29, 2014  -  9am-6pm

WHERE:
Tres Rios, Costa Rica
Dance Spirit Dance Studio


Do you feel stuck with your projects; overwhelmed and uncomfortable asking for help?

Would you like to feel free to ask for the resources and support you want and need in your business life, without feeling bossy, selfish, needy or embarrassed?
 
Spend a life-changing day doing some active, simple, powerful experiments and shift your perception of others.

You will be amazed at what is available and possible when we relate with others as co-creators...vs. competitors, subordinates or superiors!
 
This event is for you...

If you are an entrepreneur, service provider or executive seeking more ease, less stress in your relationships with staff, vendors, clients and colleagues.
 
BY THE END OF THE DAY YOU WILL:
Understand the dynamics of conflict
Have several practices for neutralizing power play
Know how to generate the energy of partnership
Be equiped to inspire a culture of co-creation.
Feel confident and relaxed about asking for whatever you want and need. 
Heara genuine, enthusiastic, "YES!", a lot more often!.
Feel comfortable saying, "No", to free your time and energy for what you honestly want to say yes to.
Get curious, (rather than discouraged), when someone says, "NO" to you!

Get the support you need!

Facilitated in both English and Spanish

Tuition
100,000-c for North Americans
Ticos - 50,000 C or negotiation for services

Banco Nacional:
Account Name: Naomi Colb ID 219648490
Colones Account: 200-01-130-013774-8
 
Catered lunch provided.

This event will be filmed for training and promotional purposes.


CONTACT:

We look forward to serving you!


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NAOMI COLB:
facebook.com/MoversAndShakersCoaching

Naomi is an international speaker, trainer, executive coach and author. She is dedicated to guiding successful business people to take great care of themselves as they extend their reach, deepen their impact and increase their company´s bottom line.

Testimonial:
Brendan Evans Moorehead - Entrepreneur (Marketing, Real Estate, Eco-activist)
"Naomi is the ultimate prophet of possibility. I attended one of her "Freedom to Ask" workshops and experienced a fundamental shift in my perception of possibility and my feelings of "permission" to ask for what I want, resulting in an immediate improvement in my fundraising performance at the non-profit, where I was working at the time.
Perhaps the most valuable skill of a life coach or business consultant is the ability to faciliate an expansion in the client's belief system around what is possible and how to create it with a focus on bottom line measurable results. Naomi has this talent in spades.


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MORE DETAILS AT:
EventBrite.com/e/the-freedom-to-ask-level-1-tickets-7893821633



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Tell Naomi Vicki Connected you!!

LivingLifeInCostaR
ica.blogspot.com/2014/06/FreedomToAskWorkshopNaomiColb.html
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Women’s Club Of Costa Rica - WCCR - July 9, 2014 Monthly Meeting



GENERAL MEETING

PROGRAM:

The well-known Costa Rican chef, Doris Goldgewicht, will do a cooking demonstration (she will also make some “bocas” for the coffee social half hour)                                       
WHEN:
WEDNESDAY - JULY 9th, 2014
9:30am – Socializing
10am  -  Meeting Starts
WHERE:
TIPS
TIPS is a specialty Kitchen Store near the US Embassy that offers meeting space 
(I wrote a blurb about TIPS at:
(LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2010/09/household-restaurant-kitchen.html)




RSPV:
Grace cocinagrace@gmail.com, 2249-1208, 8369-7992  by July 7th


DIRECTIONS:
Tips is on the same street as Jack’s, the snack food maker (open your window and follow the scent). 
From the gasoline station La Favorita on the SouthEast corner diagonally across from the US Embassy on the Street to Pavas, 300 meters west, 200 meters south and 200 meters east. See map below.



MORE INFORMATION ON
WCCR - Women's Club Costa Rica
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/03/WomensClubCR.html


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Know any women living in Costa Rica - or thinking to move here?  Please share this link with them!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/WCCRMeetingJuly2014.html
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(on-going) PRUNING BASICS SEMINAR with LIVE FIELD DEMONSTRATION in Quebradas • Las Tumas or Ojochal-Uvita (the Southern Zones of Costa Rica)

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PRUNING BASICS SEMINAR with LIVE FIELD DEMONSTRATION  

CHOICE OF 3 LOCATIONS
LAS TUMBASOJOCHAL-UVITA
(all in the Southern Zones of Costa Rica)
Presented by 40-year arborist (10 year tropical)
Eric Rivkin


Give your fruit trees, shrubs, and vines the love they deserve
Don't miss this opportunity!
Effective pruning will give:
- More flowering and fruit
- Better quality and size of fruit
- Faster flowering and fruiting in less years
- Fruit that is easy to harvest
- Labor-saving maintenance
- Strong trees not susceptible to damage or rotting
- Minimize mold and fungus on bark and leaves
- Beautiful shape, shade, and healthy fruit for you and your farm
- Increase value to your farm when trees look cared for with abundant, healthy, easy to reach fruit
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Eric will show you how to save damaged or neglected trees, prevent stem rot, promote fruit growth, prevent leaf cutter ant damage, and use proper pruning tools. Learn the techniques how to control light, shape, strength, longevity and density for healthy fruit trees, ornamentals, and seedlings.
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Eric Rivkin, a 40 year arborist, conservationist, organic gardener, 10 years tropical permaculture experience, Univ. of Minnesota extension service course graduate and 30 year member of the U of M Arboretum, and fruit / tree lover.
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LAS TUMBAS
WHEN: July 27 Sunday, 9 am - 2 pm
WHERE: Jesse Blenn's farm, Las Tumbas, exactly 4 km from Tinamaste on the right across from the pink house
TUITION:  c10,000 per person, PRE-REGISTRATION at the San Isidro or Tinamaste markets. RESERVE NOW.
- 15 minute lunch break to be served with one of Eric's healthy vegan "gazpacho" recipes.
- Donations welcome of organic fruit or extra cash to cover the lunch expense and gas
MORE INFORMATION and PRE-REGISTRATION CONTACT: 
Eric at emrivkin@gmail.com, 8886 6802
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OJOCHAL-UVITA
WHEN:  Wednesday, August 20, 9am - 2pm
WHERE:  Fita Magana's farm, combined with EM and BioChar experts presenting Tuesday, August 19
MORE INFORMATION and PRE-REGISTRATION CONTACT: 
Eric at emrivkin@gmail.com, 8886 6802 
  Fita at fita3@yahoo.com, 8337-8775


Tell Eric you heard about this through Vicki's Blog


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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

GAY PRIDE PARADE • GRAN MARCHA de la DIVERSIDAD - in Costa Rica 2014 - Sunday - June 29 - NEW TIME!!! - 10am-1pm

Costa Rica's GAY PRIDE PARADE • GRAN MARCHA de la DIVERSIDAD
MarchaDeLaDiversidad.com  •  facebook.com/FestivalDeLaDiversidad

(that's my bud Delgado on the left)

WHEN:
Sunday - June 29  -  10am-1pm - NOTE NEW START TIME!!!!!
(it is NOT NOT NOT 12pm•noon•mid-day as originally set before
[it's starting earlier for Costa Rica•Sele's World Cup game against Greece which starts at 2pm)


WHERE • DONDE
San Jose, Costa Rica

PARADE ROUTE
Start at the East end of Sabana Park•Parque Sabana - at the statue•estatua of Leon Cortes.
Travel East up Paseo Colon.
Turn RIGHT at the East end of Hospital San Juan de Dios.
Make a quick LEFT up Avenida 2nd•Segunda - passing Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional -
Ending at Parque Central

Join the Marty and her Hoopers (hula hoopers)
facebook.com/events/287978811372034


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OTHER PRE- AND POST-PRIDE EVENTS

NOTE there are NO events directly after the parade that are associated with it.  Just some private parties at clubs.
facebook.com/events/726252637417759

facebook.com/events/726252637417759



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My Sweet Special Friend ALEX VASQUEZ with Costa Rican journalists Marcelo and Pilar.
but Alex is a STAR on his own YouTube video's with the message about
bullying and "It Get's Better" • "Tu Vida va a Mejorar"!!
My Sweet especial amigo ALEX VASQUEZ con Costa Rica, los periodistas Marcelo y Pilar.
pero Alex
es una estrella en su propio vídeo de YouTube con el mensaje sobre la intimidación y
"
It Get's Better" "
Tu Vida va a Mejorar"!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lH1chySWBBM - English 
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9M484N-RS-M - Español


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HEROES del COLECTIVO LGTBI • HEROES OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY in Costa Rica







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MY PREVIOUS GAY PRIDE PARADE • GRAN MARCHA de la DIVERSIDAD
POSTS:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/06/GayPrideParadeCostaRica.html
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/06/marcha-de-la-diversidad-gay-pride-march.html


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Anyone going from the Escazu•Santa Ana area - either driving or by bus - that want to go together???
Email me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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PLEASE "SHARE" this link with EVERYONE you feel would enjoy this event and camaraderie (ESPECIALLY your Facebook friends!!)! 
POR FAVOR "SHARE" este enlace con todos los que sienten que disfrutar de este evento y la camaradería (especialmente a sus amigos de Facebook!)!
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Where ONLINE to watch all sorts of SPORTING EVENTS happening around the world - from your computer in Costa Rica!!


Living or traveling in Costa Rica (or ANYWHERE in the world) and don't want to miss out on a Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer•Futbal, Hockey, Horse Racing, Tennis, Car Racing, Motor Sports, Boxing, Wrestling, Snooker(?), Rugby - whatEVER - Game•Match•Tournament??
my bud Roberto shared this AWESOME link where you can watch LIVE•STREAMLINED•STREAMED - 
Sports Events•Games•Matches happening
AROUND THE WORLD

RojaDirecta.me

(you can "Like" their Facebook page - facebook.com/RojaDirecta
says they're the "World's biggest sports streams index
El mayor índice de emisiones deportivas por Internet"


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USTVNow.com carries many U.S. Sporting events and it's FREE
BUT - they only have a certain amount of "Free Seats" so I'd log on about 1-2 hours early so you get a "seat" and or you can pay for a Day Pass (I think it's

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ESPANOL
Vivir o viajar en Costa Rica (o en cualquier lugar en el mundo) y no quieren perder la oportunidad de un Fútbol, Béisbol, Baloncesto, Fútbol Futbal, Hockey, Carreras de caballos, tenis, carreras de coches, Deportes de motor, boxeo, lucha libre, Snooker, Rugby (?) - cualquier juego partido -
mi brote Roberto compartió este enlace IMPRESIONANTE donde se puede ver en vivo - Eventos deportivos Juegos Partidos pasa en el mundo

RojaDirecta.me

 
(puedes "Me gusta" su página de Facebook - facebook.com / Rojadirecta
dice que son el mayor índice de arroyos de deportes del "del mundo
El alcalde indice de Emisiones deportivas porción de Internet "



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Do you know of any other links to watch Sports events on the internet??
E- me the links at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/SportsEventsOnlineWorldwide.html

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FIFA WORLD CUP & Where to Watch Costa Rica's Futbol•Soccer team Seleccion Play LIVE in the FIFA World Cup 2014 on the Internet (& want to watch it together?)




(a MUST WATCH!!!!!)
To hell with what statistics say!!  It's ALL about PASSION & REALLY FEELIN' it!!!!  So it's up to ALL of us (rooting for Costa Rica of course) to HOLD THAT PASSION & VISION WITH our team!! 
See•visualize Costa Rica playing even better than they EVER have & WINNING the game THIS Saturday at 2pm (against Holland)!!!

See us ALL taking to the streets again in INCREDIBLE JOY & PRIDE!!!!!!!!!!! 
Ya with me???!!!!


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NEXT FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER•FUTBOL GAME FOR COSTA RICA

Saturday  -  July 5  -  2pm


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WHERE TO WATCH THE QUARTER FINALS
COSTA RICA VS HOLLAND GAME
EN-MASS with the LOCALS on GIANT SCREEN TVs!


FanZones de la Sele
(these will be THE BIGGEST CROWDS!!!!!!)

ALAJUELA  -  Plaza Juan SantaMaria
CARTAGO  -  Plaza Mayor
ESCAZU  -  Avenida Escazu.
SAN JOSE  -  Plaza de la Democracia
facebook.com/photo.php?v=294200034084776&set=vb.289337697904343
(at Avenida Escazu)

MANY of the mega crowd pictures we saw last week were in
SAN PEDRO

SARCHI
1pm+  -  Sports Plaza - FREE Big Screen TV.

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GRECIA
Grecia Municipality and SuperCable hosts a Big Screen TV experience
on the Boulevard in front of the Grecia Church (the 'walking street' between the church and the park).  No alcohol at the park in Grecia!


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ESCAZU
WANT TO JOIN ME TO WATCH THE GAME IN ESCAZU??!!
I'm going again to watch the game at
if you want to join me!! 
(fyi - their food [typico] is REALLY GOOD and CHEAP!!  MY FAV is the grilled fish casado [with LOTS of ajo•garlic] for just 2,500-colones!! [LESS than $5!!]).

CONTACT ME (Vicki) at
8-378-6679  •  LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com



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Can't get away from work?  Don't want to go out amongst the massive partying•drinking?
You can watch Costa Rica's Federacion Costarricense de Futbol
Selección de Fútbol Mayor
facebook.com/SelecciondeCR
play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil

on all the local TV channels in the comfort of your own home:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/11/tv-stations-news-costa-rica.html

OR
LIVE on the internet at:
mundial.teletica.com/brasil2014/en-vivo.php


My bud Roberto shared this AWESOME link for Sports games•matches around the world:

RojaDirecta.me


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STATS on SELECCION's PLAYING



STATS FOR MOST RECENT GAME:
Sunday - June 29, 2014

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MY PICTURES FROM THE JUNE 29, 2014 WIN AGAINST GREECE from
CASONA DE LALY and around Centro Escazu
SarongGoddess.com/Travel/CostaRicaSoccerWorldCup14


(photo found at - facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203901319396348&set=a.10200380549379298.2193570.1322265860


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VIVA SELE
!!!!!!!!!!!


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Anyone want to go watch the game with me at La Casona de Laly on Sunday?


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WHERE DOES COSTA RICA STAND IN THEIR DIVISION - GROUP D?
as of June 24, 2014

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NOT INTO "FUTBOL"•"SOCCER"??   WHAT TO DO!!!
During a game is THE BEST TIME to do things like go to the hardware store, the bank, the market, take a bus, ride one of the trains, go to a popular tourist destination, etc. as the streets are BARE!!! 
It's NOT a good time to get a taxi as they're off watching the game so taxi's are few and far between then - and MANY are drinking then also so be forewarned!! 



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Do NOT NOT NOT drink and drive!!
The life you save may be your own!!!


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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/06/WatchCRLiveWorldCup2014.html


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Feds attempt to count ExPat population overseas

I'd LOVE to see an updated version of this since I think LOTS has changed since this study was created•conducted in 2014.  What do YOU think - based on your world around you??

Interesting how LOW the Costa Rica growth was estimated compared to most of the other countries!!!


Feds attempt to count Gringo population overseas
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The U.S.  Federal Voting Assistance Program has commissioned another effort to find out how many U.S. citizens live abroad.

The Virginia applied research firm Fors Marsh Group LLC got the job. The firm's Sidney Carl Turner said online that a complex statistical model developed by the company was able to produce annual estimates for the overwhelming majority of independent countries for the period 2000 to 2010.

He said his firm estimated that the global overseas civilian population increased from approximately 2.7 million in 2000 to 4.3 million in 2010, an increase of approximately 60 percent. In 2010, approximately half of this population was located in the Western Hemisphere and a third in Europe, he added. The Middle East, south and central Asia and Africa, while containing a relatively small fraction of overseas citizens throughout the 2000 to 2010 period, also saw faster rates of growth than the two leading regions, he said.

The voting assistance program is run by the U.S. Department of Defense to help service personnel overseas vote in U.S. elections. The Defense Department has a pretty good idea of where each service man or woman is located. After that the computations become fuzzy.

Fors Marsh Group used a number of existing statistics to come up with numbers. Some countries keep accurate lists of U.S. citizens. The firm also went to schools and universities to get data on students studying oversea. Then there is the Social Security information on retirees and others in the system.

The firm also recognized that there are many types of U.S. citizens overseas, including persons born in the United States and quickly removed to their parents' country.

For Costa Rica, the firm estimated that there were 41,746 U.S. citizens of various types here as of 2010. That was a 74 percent increase over the total in 2000 and reflected a 5.72 percent annual increase.

The company said that Costa Rica in 2010 had 4,681 U.S. Social Security recipients and 6,261 U.S. students here. The firm also said that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service reported receiving 1,660 copies of Form 2555 from U.S. taxpayers in Costa Rica for that year. This is the form where individuals report foreign earned income.

The report has some obvious shortcomings. For example, Afghanistan showed strong growth in U.S. citizens, mainly through the presence of U.S. military and contractors.

Turner said there was a substantial degree of uncertainty in the estimates but maintained that the results were a good start.
Estimates of U.S. citizens
in selected countries


Country

Estimate
2000

Estimate
2010

Annual
rate
growth
2000
-2010

Central America
Costa Rica
23,581
41,141
5.72%
74%
El Salvador
12,654
30,422
9.17%
140%
Guatemala
18,445
41,746
8.51%
126%
Honduras
12,455
24,042
6.80%
93%
Nicaragua
2,478
14,340
19.19%
479%
Panamá
11,771
18,551
4.65%
58%

South America (Selected)
Brazil
21,513
67,623
12.13%
214%
Bolivia
1,550
3,384
8.12%
118%
Colombia 17,523 41,922 9.11% 139%
Ecuador
35,608
77,226
8.05%
117%
Uruguay
1,783
7,130
14.86%
300%
Venezuela
15,121
45,415
11.62%
200%

Caribbean
Dominican
Republic

54,406

79,530

3.87%

46%
México
467,880
1,109.974
9.02%
137%
Source: U.S. Voting Assistance Program


Because the method used was statistical and based on extrapolation from hard data, the firm set up a 95 percent confidence intervals around the averages.

In the case of Costa Rica, that method gave a range of from 25,882 to 65,394 U.S. citizens in 2010. In the case of the world totals, the range was from 2,622,359 to 7,790,496.

That seems to be a lot of wiggle room.

Still, the estimates appear to be more solid than the guesses that have been used in the past.

A handful of countries, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Germany, and Australia, continue to represent slightly over half (approximately 52 percent) of the population of U.S. citizens abroad, the report said.

East Timor with 18 U.S. citizens had the lowest number in the world, and Bhutan with 24 was second to last, according to the estimates.

In Central America Nicaragua showed the biggest percentage increase from 2000 to 2010. The estimate showed that U.S. citizen population increased from 2,478 to 14,340.

SOURCE:  AMCostaRica.com/061614.htm#31



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