Saprissa lost at home 3-1 to a ferocious Olimpia on Tuesday.  They now face a tough battle on the road next week, that they must win by 2 goals or more in order to have any hope of securing a spot in the final. 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, La Liga got stuck in the mud in Perez Zeledon and was fortunate to come away down by only one goal in a 1-0 loss. While there was action around both goals, Perez had more and better opportunities to make the victory by a wider margin.  This may come back to haunt them as Alajuela will host the complementary match on Tuesday.

But the whole country waiting for the "classic" on Sunday between Alajuela and Saprissa, the Central American tournament won’t matter until next week.

At 10 am today President Pacheco announced that he is sending the Free Trade Agreement to the Assembly for discussion. The President thanked the Council of Notables for their input and assured the country that CAFTA will fortify every sector of the economy. He pointed out that the congress is already studying bills to assist any sector that will be affected adversely.  " I trust that the Costa Rican people … will maintain a climate of calm, so that the best decisions for the future can be made." said Pacheco.

Certain sectors have threatened the environment of calm that the president pleaded for, and they reiterated that the minute the pact is  in congress the protests will be felt in the streets. " The Red Alert has been activated" said a press release by ANEP (Association of Private and Public Employees).  "In this way a painful and prolonged scene of open social confrontation of high intensity will be seen at the appropriate moments"

"Do you think Costa Rica is in a position to be left out?" asked the President during the press conference, he affirmed that only a few sectors were looking to take the fight to the streets.  Business leaders expressed optimism over the outcome of the legislative debate.

Wilma will cause light to moderate showers until Sunday on the Pacific Coast and in the Northern Zone.  While it might be sunny in the morning, expect showers in the afternoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The "marchamo", which is a tax on each vehicle, will be more expensive this year because one of the main components will increase by 20%.  The Mandatory Vehicle Insurance for automobiles will rise to 11,827 colones, an increase of 1954 colones over 2004 and 2005. 

The INS (National Insurance Institute) has determined the hike is needed, so that they may raise the coverage on people injured in accidents from 1.2 to 1.4 million colones.

The INS will announce shortly the places you may pay the marchamo very soon. Normally you may consult the amount your vehicle must pay on the INS web site.

Another ex-president is on the loose, Rafael Angel Calderon  was freed on Wednesday at 5:40pm.  He may not leave the country, must sign in at the court every 15 days and may not associate with other suspects, witnesses or experts associated with the case.

When asked by Al Dia about the upcoming campaign and if he still has a place in politics, the ex-president replied "As of right now I am not participating, soon we will discuss this.  Once the trial is over and I am free I will, of course, return to political activities. "

The Xmas lottery went on sale Wednesday all over the country. If you want 18 or 88, better get busy and the odds are only 100,000 to 1 that you will take home the top prize of  ¢8,7 millon. ($17,900)

Sunday, December 18 is the drawing, a piece costs 500 colones  the whole ticket 20,000 colones.

Words to know:
El sorteo - The drawing
El Gordo - The Fat One - the Christmas lottery is the largest prize of the year.
Entero - The whole ticket of 40 fractions
Fracción - a part of the ticket - you would win 1/40th of the first prize for each fraccion you bought.

Local media have been reporting arrests of the most wanted sex offenders all over Costa Rica.  272 men are in the sights of the OIJ Captures section. Which is responsible for finding and arresting people who have been sentenced or who are being tried.

This department is understaffed, with 2525 cases so far this year that must be divided between only 15 officers. Currently the office has implemented a Top 20 list, and in recent weeks has detained 15 of the 20 men wanted for trials in Perez Zeledon and Cartago.