128Canopy Blog

Students from the School of Biotechnology Engineering and the School of Biology of the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (ITCR) presented several projects last week that seek to offer an alternative in energy production.

Students were encouraged to develop several energy-production related projects due to the Costa Rican industry’s interest in investing in projects that will help them turn waste material into energy sources.

The student’s inventiveness is targeted to provide the country with a well founded energy option before a possible world energy crisis.  Some of the projects presented before the media and attendees at the first “BioTica Encounter” included the growth of avocado in vitro, the production of ethanol from mucilage and the creation of energy from domestic wastewater treatment among others.

One of the prime materials used in fuel ethanol is the hydrated ethanol which students Karol Arias and Carlos Andres Castro were able to produce from coffee mucilage.  Mucilage is a type of “natural sugar” produced by most plants and microorganisms.

The students’ goal is to obtain at least $500,000 in funding in order to be able to complete their research.  They will need to build a plant that will have the capacity to process at least 3,500 cubic feet of mucilage per day for its commercial use.

Student Sebastian Reyes and Natalia Meza developed an alternative so that companies that have wastewater treatment plants can use these as a source to produce energy.  The project is focused on adapting these treatments plants so that companies can take advantage of the energy it produces in a natural way.  Reyes and Meza hope to collect at least $35,000 in order to formally start their business.

Besides the splendor and beauty of this tropical paradise you can enjoy a lower cost of living while experiencing a higher standard of tranquility.   What do I mean by lower cost of living?  Let’s put it this way, you can live comfortably for $1,000.00 a month.  One bedroom Condo rentals along the Pacific Coast run as low as $350.00 a month.  Electric and water runs about $80.00 a month.  The fruit and vegetable markets are very reasonable.  You can stock your refrigerator for three weeks for under $15.00. That leaves you $550.00 for entertainment and taxi.  I have met some Americans living down here for $600.00 a month.  Trust me, that is a very tight budget, but according to them, DO-ABLE!   The dollar is currently strong in comparison to the Costa Rica Colony.  Colonies are exchanging between 555 and 560 to the U.S. Dollar.

So for those looking to vacation or live in Costa Rica, now is the time. The outlook is very positive down here.  No recession.  You won’t find the locals “wringing their hands” worrying about the economy.  This is a great haven to ride out the economic storm hovering over the United States and Europe.  Life is short.  Why not start living the dream today?  Hope to see you down here.
Bradley Owen Smith… For more Information go to: http://www.LiveLikeAKingCR.com

● State Income Mortgage Loans Now Available and Costa Rica’s Credit Rating was just upgraded by Standard & Poor.
● Property values stable. Increasing and property registrars are accurate.
● Labor Cost $8.00 a day… Quarters on the dollar for construction, auto mechanics, maids, servants, and any labor intensive business.
● U.S. Friendly - American communities, dual residency encouraged.
● American Investors welcomed - Special programs available.
● Live comfortably for under $1000.00 a month.
● Costa Rica’s currency has depreciated consistently by 12% to 14% per year against the U.S. dollar. CD’s here pay 4.05% the total is a nice return of 16% to 18% per year.
● Beach Condos for as low as $45K, inland homes in the $100K, and low rentals.
● Total respect for Americans, locals are friendly and ready to serve Americans.
● Lifestyle-Perfect tropical whether, beaches, volcano’s, cliffs, mountains, valley’s, jungles, surfing, boating, fishing, and wildlife galore. Breathtaking views around every corner of this tropical paradise called Costa Rica!

I look forward to seeing you here in beautiful Costa Rica.  I would also like to meet you, just ask around for the “Loco Gringo with the Hat” and they will point you in my direction.
Bradley Owen Smith-Author

The runner up of the recently concluded Latin American Idol Reality Show, Maria Jose Castillo, is currently promoting her first single among the Costa Rican radio stations.  The song is names Abre tu Corazón and would translate to “Open Your Heart”.

Just last month, the entire country of Costa Rica was glued to their television sets as Maria Jose fiercely battled Panamanian finalist Margarita Hernandez for the coveted Latin American Idol title.  Visibly affected by a throat infection, Maria Jose won second place along with the hearts of millions.

Upon her return to Costa Rica, Maria Jose Castillo has been receiving professional vocal treatment at the Clinic of the Universidad de Santa Paula that specializes in Speech Therapy as well as Physical and Respiratory Therapy.  Her recovery has been very satisfying and she has been recording her first CD to be released November 25th, 2008.

Abre tu Corazón has been playing in local pop-romantic radio stations and has had a very warm reception.  Maria Jose declared to be extremely happy with the results but most of all with the positive response and support from her fans and the entire nation.

Her first CD will include Abre tu Corazón, Vuela and a number of other Spanish-Pop songs Maria Jose performed at the Latin American Idol contest.

Maria Jose’s first single may be heard online at

http://www.nacion.com/viva/2008/noviembre/11/viva1770012.html