Art Pages

4-1o

Sports Pages

11-13

Health Pages

14-15

Entertainment Pages 24-34

Culture Pages

16-23

Editorial Creative Magazine readers;

The creation of this magazine has brought me to a complete new perspective about writing. As a classmate of the creators I am more than glad to present to you a compilation of written pieces where Yeraldin Salablanca, Nathalie Álvarez, Ricardo Piedra, Stephanie Sibaja and Daniel Sosa reveal their dedication and effort for you to have fun and enjoy reading their work. Honestly, the creation of this magazine is more than just part of the tasks to accomplish in a course, but a motivation to continue writing and exploring the complex and beautiful world of writing. Definitively, the magazine brings out a sensation of passion, love, hard work and commitment from the editorial board. It is noticeable the desire to do more than expected to take the reader to a wider perspective about the world and what surround him/her. I could tell by reading the magazine, there is not word to define such work besides Art; a piece of art where feelings, emotions, desires, wishes, dreams, complains and even opinions are expressed to share it to others. It was no possible hold my tears when reading the poems. It is here where the editorial board opens their heart to expose it to the reader to let him/her know they are not more than simple human beings made of feelings compatibles, sensible, and susceptible to changes, challenges and disputes. It is here where individual work, but not separate from each other, is important to highlight to let uncover amazing dedication to such masterpieces. It is Daniel with the poem The Change that shows part of his life where feelings struggle to each other for a place to lead in his life, but a simple desire make him strong enough to keep on moving on. Then, Yeraldin with her Hipster’ Style article, she shows how appearance is not what define us; how fashion influence our lives and that we should not be judged by our look. It the real meaning of culture and identity what she desires to make people conscious about. Certainly, Stephanie demonstrates her humanism through her experience as a volunteer in the article exposed by the quote “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”(Winston Churchill) This article shows how volunteering could give meaning to people and value to their actions and be certainly a way to change the world from the bottom to up. In the other hand, Ricardo wanted to provide some information about one of the most important soccer teams in Costa Rica, naming the interview Alajuelese for Concacaf´s Quarter Finals and how people think about it, this of course taking into account different perceptions to make the article catchy and interesting. Finally, Nathalie worried about cultural aspects to be developed into the magazine for those who have gone through this culture shock and getting frustrated for so inexplicable feeling. It is for the amazing experience I had by reading the magazine that I really recommend the magazine as an original and complete piece of art that certainly brings to reveal more than just information but feelings of their hearts. More than a reader as classmate it has been a pleasure to recommend and motivate the editorial board to go beyond to see incredible results. I could say there is a high potential in each of them that could make incredible things. I hope this is not the end of what I consider inspiring but the beginning of something huge for their life. I wish I could continue looking at some of their future work and see how greatness they can reach. My best regards, Edan Mena Guzmán Classmate November, 2012

2

Acknowledgements

At first and foremost, we express our sincere gratitude to professor Isabel C. Bolaños for her treasured feedback and guidance through the design and edition of the magazine; we could not make this job without her advices and supervision. We really appreciate the immense effort made by the cowriters of this magazine; Nathalie Álvarez, Ricardo Piedra, Yeraldin Salablanca, Stephanie Sibaja, and Daniel Sosa; who were not only providing fresh ideas, but valuable content to our project. At the same time, thanks to all the external people who contributed tremendously with the realization of our articles, poems, interviews, and small pieces of writing. Their cooperation was a key for our success. This project would not have been possible without the inspiration that somehow came to each of us, and the dedication the members put on the job. Even in hard moments when everything seem to be pressuring us, the will power came to us as a victorious conquer, and it is now prized with this production. Honorable mention goes to our families who have supported us through many years of studying and giving us the opportunity to go after our dreams. That is why, we dedicate our magazine as a representation of our effort and dedication to those who we consider valuable in our path to success.

3

The life of a Mutt is a short story writing by Stephanie Sibaja and Ricardo Piedra that talks about the life of Spark, a dog who has lived for 7 months on the streets. Spark represents the life of many dogs that live on the streets. During those days alone Spark lived scare, sick and hungry; suffering from people actions toward him. Until, something unexpected happened to him. A girl called Amy appeared in his life since that moment he was faithful. Amy rescued him two days after they met. That event changed Spark’s life completely.

At the beginning he was in serious problems because of his mischief, but after understanding Amy´s feelings Spark was able to behave differently and showed that he was a good dog. Spark demonstrates its gratefulness to its new family for the opportunity they and the life gave it. In the short story Spark said that he was thankful and happy for those greatest days with their family. At the end he finishes with the following quote: “Humans say that saving the life of an animal do not change the world, but at least this family changed mine.”

This short story explains how radically the life of a dog from the streets can change when somebody rescues it. It was written for

children between 8 to 12 years old. And has a message to all those good people that have made a special effort of adopting a mutt

from shelters or from the streets. And to all those people that take care of the animals in the shelters.

4

Inside The Well

Inside the Well, a short story written by Yeraldin

Salablanca and Daniel Sosa, is about a twins who

are playing hide and seek but the girl (Cora) gets

lost in another world by getting inside a well,

which is located in the backyard. Her brother,

named in the story as Arthur, looking for her

sister got into the well, too. As he move forward

trying to find any signal of her sister he struggles

with the extreme conditions of the place like the

wind, the fog, the mug, and cold.

In his desperately wish of finding his sister, he

doesn’t care about the place and starts his

journey. The boy came across with a

branchless three that help him to go in the right

direction. Then, he gets to a river where in the

middle of it there was a fish close to die; the fish

tells his sister’s name before dying that later

motivates him to continue looking for her.

When he finally finds her, she is wet, dirty and

scared but happy to see her brother. They hold

hands and come back home.

This short story was written for 12-year-old children. The story transmits an interesting message

about the importance of family and about helping nature and environment when presenting the cut

trees and the erode river with the dying fish. Even the format shows the destruction of the nature by

its cover, that is brown-colored and made in a rustic-wood style to represent the trees, and the

pictures lack some movement and they are not that vivid as normal picture.

By: Daniel Sosa Yeraldin Salablanca

5

The change

I was seventeen years old

When my life turned, rolled

I was outside

Risking my life

It was not at night

But there was not light

It never crossed my mind

I was close to die

I didn’t get scared

But blood came out from my neck

After looking at them

I knew something was no okay

It could be my last day

But I told to myself

You cannot go away

You haven’t met her, yet

By: Daniel Sosa

Bewail

Legs keep moving on the ground,

waves move lazy up and down

through the brown color fields.

In a wood never seen,

lays an uncertain fog

sacred element and mean

holding treasurable keys of gold.

Winds of qualm tell of anger

suffered by the ones who cannot live;

looks get lost through the landscape

they have nothing but the fear.

As light cries, rain laughs

and the domain seems shocked.

Trees sleeping everywhere,

birds keep on singing louder,

leaves fall from the sky

bringing joy and shining nights.

But an spread mind won´t deny

the desire of its destiny

oceans of glory will show the steps

towards the cave of infinity.

By Nathalie Álvarez Vega

SILENT DARKNESS

WORRIES, TEARS LACKING OF EMOTIONS

PRAYS, HOPES

BENDING MY KNEES

DARKNESS, SILENCE WISHING TO HEAR

LONELINESS, THOUGHTS

AWARE YOU’RE NOT HERE

MEMORIES, PAIN BROKEN MY HEART

HARD TO BREATHE CLAIMING TO LIVE

COLDNESS, FEAR

BEGGING TO SCAPE

MERCILESS, EMPTINESS DAMN, BOX

I’VE BEEN IN

By: Yeraldin Salablanca 8

If we could dream our lives

Wishes could come true as we dream our lives

Speaking out speaking up, saying truths not only halves

Someone told we must follow this path

I don’t believe it, I don’t want

I don’t believe it, I insist

What if we are dead, sore or numb

and they don’t want us to realize

that all we are trying to reach

is only white because of bleach

bogus realities dyed with colorless lies

the only concrete true we live is we are not alive

Wishes could come true as we dream our lives

If we dream our lives, if we could dream our lives.

9

“If only”

What if I only want to build my world with you? What if I only care about missing you? And if there was not more than thoughts for you, would you still be mine? Would you remain me? What if I only close my eyes and look at you? What if all the images I got can’t come true? And if there’s a shadow setting us apart, would you try to return? Would you be my hope?

What if I only keep on this battle living days with no sense? What if I only walk away and miss the chance of your presence? Would you ignore me? Would you run after me, and touch my hand with your endless song? What if I only rest by your side, and play all day long with your hair? What if I only forget all what the time has done? Would you join me on this wish? Would you help me to live? Could you close my mouth with a gentle kiss? By Nathalie Álvarez Vega

Alajuelense for Concacaf´s Quarter Finals This week, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is going to play what can be considered the most important game in the season. This games is going to be played in Mexico; it is against Tigres which is not the best but a good Mexican team. The Costa Rican players are fully focused and aware that of what they have to do. They were told by many people, including press and fans that they have to give it all. As Alejandro Morera once said “If you have to give your life in the field, the life you´ll give.” The Costa Rican team is expected to land in Monterrey, Mexico around mid night this Tuesday. They also had planned to some practice in the stadium before the game this Wednesday night. Alajuelense is a team with big achievements, according to Diario Extra in 2011 Alajuelense had won 27 national Championships, two Concacaf´s Championships (one in 1986 and the most recent one in 2004) just to mention just a few. Alajuelense is the only Costa Rican team that has won in Mexico. They won once 2 – 0 against the American Club and 2-1 against Monterrey back in the 90´s. In the social networks you can also see that the fans are getting involved with this game, each time even more, and people continue posting comments and good vibes to those players that had to their best Wednesday night, remembering that they are not only playing in behalf of the province and not for almost 2 million manudos, but for a country. If Alajuelense classifies to quarter finals of this local tournament will leave the reputation of Costa Rica in a higher stand; and Costa Rica will get FIFA points that helps for the classification in the FIFA´s world ranking. Considering the fact that people in the social networks are supporting this prestigious club, I took the liberty of interviewing two fans from my Facebook page, one of them is a good fan while the other is very neutral in regards to the Costa Rican

soccer.

Do you think Alajuela has the level to compete internationally?

The first interviewee, a 21 year-old Alajuelense fan says that Alajuela has to do whatever possible to classify to the next round. They will be able to use the forwards that had regularly played in the local tournament, but because of injuries they had not been able to play. Besides, they have Alvaro Sanchez and Pablo Gabas in the middle, so he thinks Alajuela has the potential to win. The other interviewee, a 21 year-old classmate said that it would be almost impossible for Alajuela to go to the next round due that Tigres is going to play in his stadium, with his people and of course it would be a hostile environment that Alajuela has to play with. If Alajuelense wins the game or even if get tied would be mayor achievement for them.

Alajuelense for Concacaf

If Alajuelense classifies to the next round, do you think they will win against the Mexican Team? To be honest, in my personal opinion I say yes, they can win that game; and, actually they both agree with this comment. They said that the American soccer is just one step above us, but we can win. It is not as hard as playing against a Mexican team because they are in another lever, almost European, but playing against an American team is like playing with other teams in the region from Jamaica, Honduras or even Panama. If Alajuelense does not qualifies to the next round, would it be the coach´s, or the players´ fault? The first interviewee said that it just a matter but the coach because he had noticed that sometimes when he has the chance to win a game, he plays with no forward. And if the other team is tired, instead of changing someone and putting some faster, he rather puts in a defense player. The coach says that there has to a balance between the forwards and the defense; but sometimes that balance does not work. The second interviewee said that is both fault; not only the neglect from the coach but also the lack of interest from the players in the field. You can even see sometimes that the players are playing with no interest on the game

and the coach will just tell them off and that´s it; they will play the next game with the same disposition, and with that attitude they will go anywhere. In the local tournament, does Alajuelense have the possibility to win the championship? The first interviewee said that of course, Alajuela has a big change of winning this tournament because Saprissa is not in his best moment and with Heredia is the same story; Heredia is more concentrate in winning the game of tomorrow and going to the next round than winning in here. The other interviewee one said the same about Saprissa and Heredia, but he is not really sure if Alajuela is capable of winning this trophy. He says that they lack some things as a team but when Alajuela is playing in the semifinals or the final itself you see a different kind of soccer and even the disposition changes but they, in that moment, really want to win this thing. In general, everything about Wednesday´s game is all settled. There is nothing new they can try to do; so, this epic game will be decided in the field, as we all know, there is nothing written in soccer. As they can will, they can also lose the game, we just need to wait and hope for a miracle.

12

Running to Succeed • Certainly, sports have become part of

people´s lives in every culture around the

world. Sports have made an important

attribution to the world. Nowadays, these

are one of the most important activities

followed by people.

• There are many disciplines that are giving

athletes the opportunity to represent their

countries making their people feel proud of

their outstanding performance in sports

such as: athletics, swimming, baseball,

tennis, among others. Costa Rica is a

country that has had the opportunity to send

athletes from different disciplines to

participate in international competitions and

they have come back home with medals.

Costa Rica has a very good reputation in

sports like: boxing (Hanna Gabriels),

swimming (Claudia Poll), athletics (Nery

Brenes), cycling (Andrey amador).

However, there are other athletes

unacknowledged by the Costa Ricans who

have made an extraordinary performance in

national and international competitions.

• It is about one of those athletes that I want

to share a little bit with you. Christopher

Vargas is an athlete

from the Universidad

National de Costar

Rica that has

participated in many

competitions. He

belongs to the

discipline of athletics,

where he started

representing Perez

Zeledon and getting fame.

• Following the interview made to Christopher

in order to know a little bit more about him

and his achievements.

• How did you get into athletics?

• I started in the discipline when I was just a

child, but I got officially in the discipline

when I was fifteen years old. When I was

• In high school the Gym teacher looked at

my desire to run and asked me to run 100

meter along the high school; of course I did,

and it was when the teacher told me he

found out a talented runner. Then, I started

training to go to different competitions and

activities to improve my performance.

Unfortunately, I was not able to compete

outside the country because neither the high

school nor I had money to promote such

international participations.

• Are you still competing?

• Yes, I am. There many different kinds of

competitions during the year, in some of

them I represent the university and in others

my town. Right now, I am in the national

competitions in 5000 meters and 1500

meters. These are different categories

where just 8 out of 120 competitors

qualified; in some case, less than 8

participants go through because we need a

minimum of time to qualify to be part of the

first eights.

• How do you manage your time between

studying and the competitions?

• Fortunately, most competitions are dated on

weekends, and I attend classes on

weekdays. Also, when I have to represent

the university it is permitted to miss classes.

The only difficult is to wake up at 5:30 am

every day to train and get prepare to

compete. Otherwise, it would be very hard

to get a good score to qualify.

• What is your motivation when running?

• Up to today, I have gotten twenty two

medals which six of them are gold; all these

medals were obtained inside the country. I

run because I like it and not just to get a

medal. I thank God and my family to be with

me in every competition, motivating me.

•

•

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• What is a moment you have

experience in the competitions

that you never forget?

• Well, I got the opportunity to enter

into the university that later

became an essential part of my

athletic career. Already in the

university, I proved I was able to

represent the country and the

University in an international

competition hosted by Honduras.

However, I forgot an important

rule competitors should always

remember, which is never to drink

water outside the country unless

it is bottled water. I and others

competitors from different

disciplines did not remember the

advice and drunk water that

provoked us diarrhea for three

days. Even though, I was not in

good conditions to compete I did

and got in sixth place but right

after the competition I could not

get to the bathroom on time. It

was my first competition outside

the country and that happened to

me; now I make fun of it but I

would never forget that moment.

• What are your future plans?

• This year I finish my degree on

high performance and I would like

to work as coach in Saprissa with

the high performance team or at

least as coach assistant. I see

myself working on different areas

and not only on education which

is what I studied. Of course, I will

continue participating on as many

competitions as possible to make

my town, university, and my

family feel proud.

• Definitely, Cristopher would make

his biggest effort in any

competition to let the others know

that Costa Rica has talent; thus,

Are about those unknown

talented athletes that we should

keep track to see how they soon

make us feel proud of them. This

is just one example but there are

many that are still hidden and

have not been acknowledged yet.

We have to remember sports are

not just about football, there is

something more than involves

such word-

14

Health Test

Do you always go eat in a fast food restaurant, or you rather eat more healthy food (vegetables, salads, low calories) at home?

⃝ Fast Food Restaurant b. ⃝ Home What would you like to eat? An apple or a

hamburger? ⃝ The Hamburger b. ⃝ The Apple How often do you eat healthy food? ⃝ Never b. ⃝ Always How often do you do exercise? ⃝ Never b. ⃝ Always To go to work, you rather take the bicycle or go by

car? a. ⃝ Car b. ⃝ Bicycle Do you feel without energy and stressed out? ⃝ Yes b. ⃝ No Do feel relax, and willing to run a marathon? ⃝ No b. ⃝ Yes

People often don´t realize the importance of being healthy. Being obese can cause problems in your health like cardiac problems, strokes, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. This test can help you know how healthy you are. These are simple questions that will make you foresee how your life will be in the future, as a healthy and strong person, or as a diseased and over weighted person.

Now, look at the results; if most of your answers were an B, CONGRATULATIONS! You are Healthy. If most of your answers were A that means that you might not be healthy at all. You should start eating more fruits and vegetables and try to do more exercise.

15

Tips to get in shape !

Before Exercising -Look for professional advice if possible

-Find out for an appropriate pair of shoes and clothes that provide comfort to the activity you will perform

-Stretch out before physical activity to prepare your body muscles and get ready for it.

During Exercising -Drink enough water, you body will let you know when it needs it, through thirsty.

-Keep your own pace, do not over pressure your body

-Remember to keep your back always straight, to avoid any injure

-And try to have fun with whatever you do and never lose motivation

Many people around the world have been looking for different ways to get in shape but trying to reach such goal people have gone weight too far with diets, pills, drugs and even exercises that only harm their health.

Exercising is a common activities that people go after without professional advice. That is why, we want to give you some tips about exercising to avoid any injure.

Enamorate de tu Ciudad

Now that you are finishing your school and vacations

are getting closer, you have many options to enjoy with your friends and family in

San Jose downtown.

The Minister of Culture and Youth (MCJ) explains the the

following:

“Enamorate de tu Ciudad” offers you a

broad variety of activities every

Saturday mornings and afternoons.

“Enamorate de tu Ciudad” was created in order to

activate cultural activities for people from all ages

where they can participate and learn

about the history, arts and different music of our

country.

. Some of the activties you can find are guided visits to museums, poetry readings,

yoga, capoeira , swing creole, urban sports, board

games, exhibition of handicrafts and concerts

with national bands.

These activities take place at four main points in San Jose downtown; they are Parque España, Parque Jardín de Paz, Parque Morazán and Parque la

Merced.

The different activities take place on Saturdays, if we are

in summer time the activities start at 11 am and finish at 7 pm and if we are in rainy season they start at

9 am and finish at 3 pm.

So you are invited to be part of every activity in

the park of your preference, you will

relax yourself and have a great time.

There are relevant aspects to consider when going to another country such as culture, language, behavior, and some others. It does not matter the reasons for the voyage, you may have fears for the new experiences that are coming. Sometimes you get stress or frighten when traveling to other places because of the changes you have to deal with; this is also known as culture shock. In other words, culture shock might be understood as a condition which affects people who try to adapt to a completely new culture. On this article you will figure out complications, advantages and disadvantages for foreign people who come to Costa Rica and as a consequence, they must find out how to manage at least basic traces. Real life situations in Costa Rica such as paying a bill at the bank, asking for directions, or renting an apartment could turn into frustration for visitors because of the new culture’s living style.

Here we have some situations a foreigner may face when coming to Costa Rica which at the same time would make him/her feel in shock. At first, foreign people go through several problems when facing Costa Rican culture. As an example language, would affect communication because of the amount of idiosyncratic words that Ticos use. As a result, getting the wrong meaning in some words or phrases is commonly seen on foreign. Expressions such as “chunche”, “carajada”, “moncha”, and others may confuse foreigners. In relation to this, Ashley Luke, a North American student on Central American Studies major, says that her experience when arriving Costa Rica was nice, however, when trying to talk to a Costarrican, some of the phrases or words she misunderstood was “esa vara”, “mae”, “¿qué es esta luna?”.

Advantages and Disadvantages when coming to Costa Rica According to personal characteristics there are pros and cons for people when coming to for Costa Rica.

1. A foreigner needs to be aware of his/her own culture, and also to be prepared to share cultural aspects with new people. 2. There are particular personality traits such as flexibility, openness and curiosity, which allow some people to adapt to dissimilar cultures more effectively than others. 3. When people move to an altered environment, they can prove to themselves what they are capable to resist and also internalize or externalize difficulties according to the experiences lived.

1. The cons grow between feelings of fear, frustration and incompetence. 2. Foreigners may pass through loss of sleep, anxiety, loss of appetite, emotional sensitivity and even depression. Ashley confirmed that she thinks about her family and close friends who she let behind when coming to Costa Rica.

There are some tips that are significant for everybody in order to deal with culture shock. Be relaxed, talk to people, don’t be afraid of sharing with the new culture. Remember your original background plays a pertinent role when going abroad since the interaction with other culture. It is a great opportunity to exchange and enrich your experiences to let your fears apart.

19

Let’s take a look at some aspects like wearing, music and life style a little bit deeper.

Hipster Style?!

By: Yeraldin Salablanca Díaz

Do you know what HIPSTER STYLE is? If you don’t, this is the time to learn about it.

Recognizing a hipster is really easy especially in terms of clothing, music and some other behaviors.

Thought the history

According to an article called “Hipster Countercultures Through the Decades” written by Zana Faulkner the Hipster’s

term was coined in the jazz era, during 1940’s. But, Lauren M. Alfrey mentioned in her Master Thesis that, this term was

popularized in a novel called On the Road of Jack Kerouac; a hipster was a person who was really interested in Jazz,

poetry, drugs and casual sex. Lauren, stated in her document that, “hipster refers to a group of individuals who are recognized by a fashion aesthetic and music preferences perceived by as a divergent from a mainstream. (2010)”

WHY DOES FASHION HAVE TO DO WITH THIS? It has to do a lot with it since it is really important in this subculture.

Unfashionable is the fashion for hipsters since 40’s. How so? Hipsters

have wanted to be somehow different from popular styles. And they say NO

to consuming and affording up-dated-fashion clothing due to this they prefer

“hand me downs” given from their older relatives.

Hipsters bring old style and transform it into an ironical and new style. Thus, hipster’s clothing not only shows

fashion, but also a point of view, somehow. How so? By wearing old fashion clothes in the cotemporary era,

which is the most ironical behavior hipsters have.

They started wearing clothes this way to not support the concept of “beauty” that society has and

consumerism, like being in fashion, wearing the most sophisticated clothes and thinking that all the clothes

should match each other, thus hipsters are expressing theirselves by doing that to show that they are against

this way of thinking society has of beauty. 20

So, let’s break this hipsters’ style into pieces to understand it better…

Hipsters’ style of clothing.

Converse sneakers.

Skinny jeans (men and women, especially worn

by men)

Leggings

Scarfs

Floral dresses (women)

Bowler hats

Cow boy Boots

Horn-rimmed glasses

Muttonchops or handlebar mustaches

Janitor keys (keys hanging on the belt or on the

pockets)

T-shirt that have animals, or TV cartoons.

Hipster’s music style.

Hipsters usually listen to the newest type of music. They

are constantly renewing their music data. Also, they prefer

garage bands, indie rock and electro. Indie rock music,

refers to the music that is produced by the bands that

aren’t sponsored by any big music company. Commonly,

they are bands that criticize government actions, and

society situations.

Those are some examples of the bands hipsters prefer to

listen to.

• The Last Shadow Puppets

• The Static Jacks

• Constantines

• Super Furry Animals

Hipsters’ behaviors. Hipsters are recognized by their lifestyle, as well. They usually like art, and commonly most of them are creative or artists. Also, they

are stereotyped of being intellectual because hipsters like to read a book and some other like

• They like to meet in some dive bars, where they can observe and discuss about art or music. Even some of hipsters like to

smoke or drink. The ones who considered theirselves as a real hipsters tend not to do it.

• They don’t eat meat.

• They are vegetarian.

• They like to be healthy.

• The majority of hipsters are seen riding single-track gear bicycles without brakes called “fixies.”

• Hipster use to recycle whatever they can in order to save money and participate in program of preserving environment.

Of course, many of you have. Even in our country

there are some hipsters. Maybe you’ve seen them in

the university or in any other place. There is a

website called, Costa Rican hipsters, in which you

can be informed about them or at least to recognize

what a hipsters are in Costa Rica. Some Costa

Ricans have published in this website and in others

that these hipsters are university students who

pretend to be intellectual.

Costa Ricans hipsters are called “chancletudos,” the

ones who wear sandals and are revolutionary

people, "some others “the new hippies.” Also, in this

country,

the indie rock music could be represented by some

bands like Las Robertas, Garbanzos, and some

other Costa Rican Rock bands that are popular but

sponsor-independent. For example in the (UNA)

Universidad Nacional where there are people who fit

this style but maybe they are not hipsters, they are

just following the new fashion. In this country as in

USA there are posers, as well. Those who pretend

being hipsters.

Finally, I’d like to add something else which is really

interesting about this movement: they don’t see

themselves as a hipster; they’ll never say: “I’m a hipster.” 21

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston

Churchill

Volunteering… What does it mean?

Volunteering is an unpaid activity or service that people do in order to help communities,

animals and the environment. Sometimes people think about why volunteering, but for

those who have done any kind of volunteering it is a simple answer. Volunteering allows

people to meet new people, make new friends, help the environment and the needy, and

the most important reasons to be part of a team and make a difference.

Anybody who wants to make a difference can volunteer, but certain values such as

compromise, responsibility, friendship, empathy, teamwork, tolerance, creativeness and

leadership are required. Our country has many volunteer corps in which people can work

with animals, in conservation, supporting older people, working with children, the youth

and families, also working on health projects in hospitals. In those cases the

organizations just ask the volunteers to attend some meetings in order to get

acquaintance of what they want to do and what they expect from them.

Why should people volunteer?

Volunteering is a great opportunity for helping your country or community; it helps people

in their personal development, improve their skill, gain self-esteem, and confidence.

Volunteering allows people to know the real necessities the world has and enables

people to exchange cultural traces and socialized with others.

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Mayela Monge Muñoz is a student of the Universidad de Costa Rica who has helped our country in many

environmental volunteering which has as a main objective to promote the conservation of the forest, water, land,

biodiversity, animals and other resources. In this interview she is going to tell us the experiences she has had as

a volunteer and why she volunteers.

Why did you get involved in environmental volunteering?

I got into this kind of volunteering because I had lots of free time so I decided to help the environment because it

is too sad to see our beautiful beaches so dirty. Moreover, I tried to make people conscious because I think h

they can change their habits and protect our natural resources.

In which organizations were you involved?

I started with “Terra Nostra” which is an organization that works around the country and everybody can volunteer

the campaign was called “Costa Rica Te Quiero Limpia”. Then, I was attending the UCR´s volunteering which is

just for the students of the university; there I went to specific places where the university has partnerships such

as Marino Las Baulas National Park and Ostional National Park. In Terra Nostra, I volunteer for free; and in the

UCR´s volunteering every student has to pay a fee depending on the place where the volunteering is going to

work.

What did you do in those volunteering?

In Terra Nostra I cleaned communities, beaches, and rivers around the country. Then, I became a team leader so

I started to train people from the communities giving them courses about how to separate garbage. Volunteering

used to last 1 or even 3 days depending on how far the place was. Usually, on the first day there is a meeting

with the citizens, and on the next day the volunteers wake up early and start to do their assigned work, and the

end the organization gives a lunch. The volunteering with the UCR is different because you need to pay

everything. For example, in some places like Ostional the food is not included so you have to buy everything you

want to eat during the week it lasts. In this national park volunteering students have a lot of things to do. For

instance, I used to patrol the beaches at night in order to catch the poachers and keep the turtles save. Also, in

Las Baulas National Park I did recycling campaigns and activities with children from the communities. I really

enjoy volunteering, it makes me happy.

What would you say to the people who want to volunteer?

I would tell them that volunteering is a great opportunity to do something different in favor of our country and it is

a great experience. Moreover, if people want to make the difference and show that everybody can change the

world volunteering is one of the best examples for doing it.

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Now if you want to be a volunteer here you have some options that could catch your attention.

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“Encuentros Meridianos…

A Cultural Space for Students”Encuentros Meridianos is a project that provides cultural activities to the students from

National University of Cost Rica; it starts at 12:00pm, during lunch time, when students

have free hours between classes.

This cultural space has been active since 2008 as a part of the recreational facilities that

the Departamento de Promoción Estudiantil offers to the university’s population. The

main purpose consists of having people not only from the university but from the whole

country presenting their cultural pieces in order students can relax and enjoy in a diverse

environment. For instance, music bands, folklore dances, theatre performances, circus,

mimes, or any other type of art manifestations are some of the relevant activities that are

presented to students.

Place

Encuentros Meridianos takes place in front of “Casa Estudiantil” next to the main cafeteria. Here, students sit all around the place; for instance under the trees, on the ground, and on the main stairs, to watch the different performances. Some years ago, there were people in charge of placing umbrellas just as an option for students to cover from sunshine or rain depending of the case. However during the last year, there haven’t been umbrellas anymore due the lack of “personal” the department has had. In general, I think sometimes it is not comfortable to sit on the ground, and also when there are people singing, the sound of the music goes literally with the wind because of the location of the space which is open.

Cultural flexibility Well…this project has several shows which not only take into account different ages, but also

gender matters, and diversity among people’s roles. So, to me it is pretty interesting to look

at the content the plays or dances because people get really identify to their job, with the

circumstances they perform; from a gay couple facing society’s stereotypes to a

choreography on classical music; I’m pretty sure it has a deep connotation to each

individual who attends to the activity.

Time

About time…I think it is fine! Why? Well…it is basically because at mornings students may have

classes, the same at the afternoons or even at nights. So the best moment to have a cultural

encounter would be at lunch… And….why not? If most of students would be sitting at the

cafeteria…or around the gardens just resting having lunch, waiting for the next class… I think in

this case students can enrich not only their free time but their mind while attending at this space!

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Organization

The organization may not be that bad… but there are suggestions people provide for improving some features of the project such as

Having the umbrellas back

Placing an awning

Changing the location to a less-open place (maybe with a roof)

Having competences and more interaction with the public

Audience

The audience attending Encuentros Meridianos is basically university students but in some cases people from the community come to appreciate the talents that are presenting. As population in the university is very distinct there are professors, administrative employees, janitors, teenagers, middle-adults and elders who share the same taste for art and music shown through the presentations.

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The Cinema Guide 2013 On 2012 people have enjoyed fabulous movies such as The Dark Knight Rises, The

Avengers, That's My Boy, Ice Age 4, and TED that have succeeded all over the world and have entertained people from all ages. But what movies do we expect for this coming

2013? Here you will find some of the cinema guide for the first semester of the year for you to enjoy and get busy watching them.

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1. Before you start, be sure your face is

completely clean.

2. Take the regular white glue and start by

applying it on one of your cheeks near your

mouth in order to create the base of the

wound.

3. After that, take some sheets of toilet

paper, and cut them into small pieces. Now,

add them to the glue that you already have

on your cheek.

4. Once you paste the toilet paper on your

cheek, let it dry a few minutes, then, take

out the pieces of paper that did not glue to

your cheek. Right after this, put more glue

on your cheek and repeat this toilet paper

and glue process for at least 6 times. Use

glue for the last layer of the base.

5. Once you finish with the base of the

wound, you will need some minutes to let it

dry. So, meanwhile let’s start putting some

makeup on the rest of your face.

6. The next step is to put white foundation

on your face -help yourself with a make-up

brush-. Try to cover as much as you can -

even your ears and part of your throat-

7. Ok, now take a brown matte eye-

shadow, and with your brush spread it out

on the inner part of your eye. Then, do the

same on the dark circle area.

8. With the same color, add some hallows on

your cheeks and at the contour of your nose

just to create some dark effects.

9. Just nice! Don´t you think so? Take a

darker brown matte eye-shadow and

repeat the same process from steps 7 and 8.

You will notice the difference as soon as we

mix some other eye-shadow colors!

10. Now take a black matte eye-shadow

and remark the same effects you did before.

11. Add purple matte eye-shadow on the

dark circle of your eye.

12. Finally, add red matte eye-shadow on

the upper and lower lash line, and blend it.

13. Then, add red-wine pencil on your water

lash line.

14. Hope you really like these effects! But for

now let’s go back to the wound. So as it is

already dry, let’s peel off the fake skin of

your wound. It should looks like an open

wound.

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15. Take a red matte eye-shadow and a little

brush to mark a border for the teeth.

16. Once you have designed your teeth, fill the

rest of the wound with red lipstick. Also, paint

the lines of your teeth with the little pencil.

17. With a darker red lipstick, create a deep

border for the wound.

18. Mix up the two red colors and paint the inner

part of your wound.

19. Apply black eyeliner on the border of the

wound to create a deep effect.

20. Fill the teeth with a white pencil.

21. Blend the pencil with red color to put some

fake blood on the teeth.

22. Put some vaseline or clear lipgloss on the

wound and on the losing fake skin.

23. On this step, you will add some red lipstick

on your nose area or any other part you

consider necessary. As this part is optional; you

can add as many other details as you want.

24. Add some bruises on the forehead or on the

nose or any other part you want to. Just put

some red, purple, and black matte eye-shadows

mixed to create the effects.

25. Finally, add some of this mixture of matte eye-shadows around the wound area to create the same bruise marks. Ready!? Now take a look at your creation! Isn’t it fabulous!? Now you are prepared to impress your Halloween guests at the party! Remember you can use as many other effects as you want, it’s up to your imagination! Here I have some pictures for you to take a look at what I did… Hope you like it!

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Are you a Facebookaholic?

1. Why did I decide to create a Facebook account? Because… a) My friends have it. b) My boyfriend/girlfriend has one. c) I just wanted to have one. 2. How many hours do I spend in Facebook per day? a) Less than 3 b) More than 4 c) As many as I can 3. My Facebook account is a… a) Personal page b) Business page c) Educational page 4. Any time I log in Facebook I… a) Check and update my status. b) Chat with my friends c) Use all the applications 5. When I don’t have internet reception I got stressed out because… a) It doesn’t happen to me b) I need internet for job c) I can’t check my Facebook 6. I post everything I do on Facebook profile. a) Just the necessary things b) Just when I am happy

c) Posting all I do makes me happy. 7. I have __________friends in Facebook. a) Less than 20 b) More than 100 c) More than 1000 8. How many hours are you connected in your Facebook account? a) Once a day b) More than twice c) I don’t log out. 9. As soon as I open the webpage I… a) Check my profile b) Check my friends’ profile c) Searching new friends 10. I consider that Facebook is________. a) Relevant b) Just attractive c) where I can be cool

If you want to know in which level of Facebook addiction you are, answer the following question and then you can know it.

11. I spend a lot of time planning to use Facebook.

a) It doesn’t happen to me

b) Sometimes

c) It happens to me

12. While working/studying I check my Facebook account and I get distracted.

a) Never

b) Sometimes

c) Always

13. All my Facebook friends are people I know.

a) All of them are family and friends.

b) Some are people who I don’t know.

c) The majority are people who I haven’t met.

14. I _______talk about Facebook comments.

a) often

b) never

c) always

15. I _____ to share comments, photos and pages.

a) like

b) don’t like

c) I love

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Levels

I am a normal user (1-30) Don’t worry you’re a normal user. You just check your Facebook account when it is necessary. I am a Facebook Aficionado (30-45) You are the common aficionado on Facebook just be careful not to be part of the next level. Self- assessment would be an excellent idea, check how many hours you are in Facebook and what you are doing in there. Maybe you can create a schedule to program when you can be on Facebook. I am a Facebookaholic. You need help! (45-60) You need to look for help. This can become in an addiction and it can harm your life. If you continue like that you could neglect your studies and duties, also you can expose yourself and your family to dangerous people that you don’t know. Remember that Facebook is just a tool of communication but it would not be a good way of avoid being a sedentary person and the carelessness can affect your social relationships and education.

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Comics

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GET READY TO CHALLENGE YOUR MIND Now, let see how much you know about general cultural information. The following crossword contains important aspects and information related to Costa Rican music, art and crafts.

Column A Down

1: The most spoken language around the

world based on its native speakers

3: It is what identifies us as a person, all

those elements present in our life. The way

we see the world, the way we speak, the way

we communicate, the way we greed

someone, the way we share our ideas and

even the way we offend others. It is part of

our life and changes constantly

4: People considered the chosen ones by

God according to the bible

6: People from this country are known as

“Guanacos”

Column B Across

2: Country that won the world cup on 1998.

5: City where the Wailing Wall is located and

Jewish and Muslim people go to pray

7: Country with the highest population in the

world

8: A feeling of confusion felt by someone

visiting a country or place that they do not

know

9: Dance made once in a year by the Boruca

population that has been very famous among

the Country

10: The making of objects, images, music,

etc. that are beautiful or that express

feelings.

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Aries: (March 21 - April 19) Lucky Number: 01 Life: There have been many changes in your life that have stressed you out, so look for free time in which you can chill out a little bit. Close your eyes and think about how to deal with these changes. Love: It is not the appropriate time to get involved in a relationship because of the stress you have been passing through.

Taurus:(April 20 - May 20) Lucky Number: 18 Life: Stop being afraid of experiencing new things and meeting new people. Remember that fear can restrict you to enjoy the beauty of life. Love: there is someone who wants to share with you all she/he has. Don’t miss it.

Gemini: (May 21 - June 20) Lucky Number: 58 Life: stop saying and start doing. Practice what you preach, remember that family is an important part in our lives, and there are relatives that need you somehow. So, set yourself as an example to follow. Love: don’t let your stress affect you because it is going to harm your relationships or the people who are near you.

Cancer: (June 21 - July 22) Lucky Number: 15 Life: There are many people who are judging you. Don’t pay attention to them and continue doing your best and working on your weaknesses. Love: Maybe is not the correct time to have a relation with anyone. Focus on your work, studies, and especially find time to think about yourself.

Leo: (July 23 - Aug 22) Lucky Number: 22 Life: Work is a main cause of stressfulness, try to look for alternative ideas of recreation to avoid getting sick. Love: You don’t need to have a relationship right away, but a sex adventure or a date can help you to enjoy and calm down your nerves.

Virgo: (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Lucky Number: 12 Life: Don’t run on life; everything comes in its own time. Love: marriage is not a way out of all your problems you and your couple have been passing through.

Libra: (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Lucky Number: 99 Life: maybe you have been having problems to organize your shores and duties. It’s time to make plan and put it into practice. Love: if time is what you have the least, of course is not time for love.

Scorpio: (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Lucky Number: 21 Life: you have an easy way of getting and proposing ideas. Keep doing it, but remember that there are some others that also need to share what they think. Love: give him/her the opportunity to know you and maybe love you.

Saggitarus: (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Lucky Number: 88 Life: Be careful about what you say or about whom you talk to. Even you have the right to express your opinion sometimes there are people who can be insulted about what you say. Love: Be careful! You have the right person close to you.

Capricornia: (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Lucky Number: 87 Life: Keep being as you have been. Your personality is really important to grow but don’t be so naïve, there will be who wants to take advantage of your good intentions. Love: Think of cooking something special to your boy/girl. He/she is begging you to change the routine. Pay attention, there are many signs he/she is doing for you to change the routine.

Aquarium: (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Lucky Number: 44 Life: It is time to be creative; this is the moment to start your own business or propose and idea to your boss or teacher. Love: Don’t be afraid to show what you feel, and what you really want from your couple.

Pisces: (Feb 19 - March 20) Lucky Number: 78 Life: You need to stop wasting money in stupid things and save money. Start working in the future; maybe investing is your only way to continue. Love: you need to invest time in your relationship or friendship. Nurturing makes your relation grow fonder.

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Bibliografía

• Wiki.how. (21 de November de 2012). Recuperado el October de 2012, de How to bw a hipster : http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Hipster

• ALfrey, L. M. (2010, April 19). THE SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY: HOW HIPSTERS TRANSFORMED FROM A. THE SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY: HOW HIPSTERS TRANSFORMED FROM A. Washington United States .

• Fayad, S. (2012). Hipster . Hipster.

• Jenaro. (Jueves 8 de December de 2011). Recuperado el October de 2012, de http://infact- ac.blogspot.com/2011/12/critica-de-la- racionalidad-hipster-una.html

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