President Óscar Arias of Costa Rica recently confirmed that he has been diagnosed with the Swine Flu. The Noble Peace Prize winner said in a statement that he is being quarantined at his home and receiving treatments of the anti-flu medicine. . . READ FULL STORY

Negotiations between acting Honduran President President Roberto Micheletti's and elected President Zelaya's ended in a bitter stalemate last week, with Zelaya demanding to be reinstated and Micheletti threatening to arrest him if he tried to. . . READ FULL STORY

A new study conducted by a British non-governmental group says that Costa Rica is the happiest place on Earth. In the second Happy Planet Index (HPI)—the original index done in 2006—the New Economics Foundation took a look at 143 countries. . . READ FULL STORY

When you head down to Jaco, consider bringing your crew along with you. Group lessons make for more fun-and discounts-so fly with your girls. Bonus: Fun times when you hit the clubs! The surf peaks during the rainy season, but beginners. . . READ FULL STORY