Shakira

Costa Rica is unarguably one of the most peaceful countries on Earth. There's no army, everyone seems to follow the "pura vida" state of mind and even anti-government protests are handled with utmost politeness by the authorities. Truth be told, few things seem to irk Costa Ricans. Yet all you have to do is mention to someone that Shakira was chosen as the opening act for the new National Stadium and all hell breaks loose.

The Colombian superstar was announced late last year as the artist who would have this honor; after names like Coldplay, U2 and even Madonna had been thrown around as possibilities. This caused an immediate reaction from the media with some calling it an embarrassing choice while others praised the fact that they had gone with Hispanic talent.

A Facebook group called "We don't want Shakira in the National Stadium", was created a few hours after an official statement was made and so far has acquired almost five thousand members. Most comments in the group are from young people who have gone as far as suggesting that protests should be made in order for concert organizers to find someone "better".

"[I wouldn't go] even if someone gave me a ticket!" says one of the group members, while others proclaim that Shakira represents how third world Costa Rica still is. One of the group members says that the concert is a totalitarian strategy meant to perpetuate the right wing values the stadium represents (the stadium itself came with some controversy as it was a gift from China to the Costa Rican government).

What remains interesting though is the choices non-fans suggest: artists ranging from David Bowie and The Rolling Stones to AC/DC and Black Eyed Peas are mentioned as better options than Shakira. The fact that not a single Costa Rican option is mentioned as a replacement must be saying something about the discrepancy between what these people say and the way they act.

Shakira is currently one of the biggest musical icons: her World Cup song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was the most popular worldwide single of 2010, despite controversy surrounding how she acquired the rights to use a sample in it. Locally, she's one of the only "Latin bomb era" artists who managed to remain relevant after the fever died early during the last decade and her world tours are real blockbusters.

What's more, her lack of popularity in Costa Rica, should be taken with a grain of salt given that tickets for her concert sold out in a day. Tickets began selling at 12:01 AM on February 7th and by the next day, 80% were sold. It's interesting to take note that the most popular tickets were the VIP ones priced at 63,000 colones (about $125). These aren't numbered seats but could land you a chance to be right under Shakira's hips.

With failures in the online selling system, fans waited in line for hours. Tickets were restricted to one per ID number and attendance is expected to include people from all over the region (this is the only tour stop Shakira will be taking in Central America).

Shakira was last seen in Costa Rica during the mid-90s and has since gone from a Latina Alanis Morrissette, to being a worldwide sensation. Some people who demanded bigger stars should've opened the stadium, seem to be forgetting that Shakira has appeared in such events as the Live 8 in 2005 and has headlined the FIFA World Cup concert not once, but three times (she performed twice during the 2010 tournament in Africa).

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Sofia Vergara

How did Sofia Vergara get on Modern Family without an American accent? Do Americans have a double standard when it comes to accepting foreign accents?

Why are accents sexy and appealing coming from movie or TV stars, but aggravating or unacceptable coming from our co-workers or professors?

Or is it simply that some accents are more acceptable than others?

In an interview on Regis and Kelly, Sofia Vergara admitted her own surprise at being so successful on American television in spite of her Colombian accent. When asked if she was disappointed not to have won an Emmy, she replied, "I won already just to be there with this accent! I never thought I was going to be part of a show like Modern Family or have a role that was going to be able to be nominated for anything with this accent!"

Despite her beauty and acting talent, she still believed that her accent would prevent her from being truly successful. So, why did it work for her? Are Americans more forgiving of her accent because she is famous, or is there something different about her accent compared to, for example, the teachers in Arizona being forced to reduce their accent to stay in the classroom?

I believe that it is because some individuals' accents are easier to understand than others. Some people have mastered the ability to speak English clearly while still retaining parts of the intonation and pronunciation of their native language. Sofia has studied English long enough to master the necessary pronunciation while still revealing her Colombian heritage. So, even though we clearly hear the accent, we also easily understand what she says.

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Lady Gaga

If you're looking for a star in the media today that is really making a bold statement, most people will point you right to Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga clothes alone are quite unique, but she pairs them with wild wigs, makeup, and those world famous Lady Gaga glasses to create a look that is truly all her own. You never really know what she will come out wearing next, but you can bet that it will be turning some heads. If you aren't a pop star, this look might seem a bit too far stretched for you, but that doesn't mean you can't let Lady Gaga inspire you to push the boundaries a bit. Here are some things you may learn from Lady Gaga's style.

One major lesson you can learn from Lady Gaga clothes is to not be afraid of bold colors. A lot of us are stuck in the brown and black phases of fashion, but Lady G helps show that bright blue, red, yellow, and more can all be accepted if you play it off right. Sure a lime green jump suit might not be suitable for work, but that doesn't mean you couldn't wear a sexy red skirt as long as you pull it off tastefully. It's all a matter of balancing class with uniqueness to create a one of a kind look all your own.

Lady G's clothes are almost always paired with some sort of unique accessory that differs from what most would expect to see. Big sunglasses or large sun hats are regular additives to Lady G's wardrobe, and you could pull inspiration from that to use in your own attire. You might tone down the size of the accessories, but you should try to think outside the box still. Maybe you want to wear a small belt around the waist or a pair of more than high heels. It's all up to you.

You can actually buy Lady Gaga clothes, but those are usually in the form of a t-shirt with the star's face on it or a purse with some lyrics on the side. Buying some of Gaga's bold outfits might actually be impossible because they are so iconic. However, keep your eyes wide open as she may be bringing out her own brand of glasses and not just sunglasses it wont be long before prescription glasses are on her menu of fashion items. For now all you can do is watch her music videos and continue listening to her music for inspiration to add in your closet. Back up a bold look with some pop star confidence and you should be set.

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