Brazzil

Long before I first visited Brazil (Aug this year), I'd purchased music CDs by Gal Costa and Fafa de Belem. After my trip this year, I bought a CD by Paula Toller. I've always like their music, their food, and after my trip, the country, the cost of living, and the girls. What I don't like is their corrupt system of government.

"What I don't like is their corrupt system of government."

Do you like yours?

I agree the US has corruption and under the current administration it has risen to levels not seen in the past. However, if one looks at the corruption index put out by transparency international, one can see that Brazil consistently ranks very high, much higher than the United States. Unfortunately, Brazil tends to combine corruption with bureaucracy creating a very inefficient state that only benefits a few at great cost to the whole country. Some may argue that the US has the same type of system, but it is a matter of degree that counts when comparing the two countries. In regards to the the above commenter implying the cost of living is low, for your average Brazilian the cost of living is relatively higher than in the United States. Yes food and beer may be cheaper to a tourist with a first world hard currency, but even many middle class Brazilians find it difficult to buy things your average American takes for granted.

put out by transparency international, one can see that Brazil consistently ranks very high, much higher than the United States.

Transparency international was debunked as a producer of biased reports by another NGO, Transparency Brasil, see here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/portugues...caaw.shtml

but even many middle class Brazilians find it difficult to buy things your average American takes for granted.

The only things that are more expensive than the US are some electronics that aren't produced here, due to the import taxes they can get very expensive. Everything else is cheaper: rent, food, clothing (good quality clothing), etc.

Oh Brazil! Arrogant americans tend to think about the rest of the world like if it was a jungle. Corruption is everywhere. I been following the music of Brazil already for forty something years and always was a refreshing act. I visited the country in 2005 and accomplished many of my dreams in terms of the hospitality of their wonderful people,the music, the food and the culture. Viva Brazil!

Growing up in the 60's & 70's, my mother would listen to Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, & Coarlos Jobim. We didn't speak the language, and we grew accustom and enjoyed the music. Time has past and all forgotten. Until this early Fall, I had the pleasure meeting this wonderful Brazilian guy, which he introduced me to his culture. I was so fascinated by him, I read, and ate Brazilian food, I also went out and purchased somewhat 15 Brazilizn artists CDs. Such as Paula Morelebaum, *Mundo Livre, *Marcos Valle, Katia, Seu Jorge, *Bebel Gilberto, *Dois Irmaos, Sylvio Cesas, & Zuco, there are more. The story to this is, I've been constantly playing these artists and everywhere I go, and everyone that comes across falls in love. My children now has their favorite and sing to them, friends and family and strangers has their favorits also. These artists need to organize and come to U.S.A. Los Angeles, California and book at the Staple Center or at the Forum in Inglewood California. My goal for this year (Spring 2007) is to make sure that the Los Angeles Radio stations such as The Wave, The Quiet Storm, The Coast and Star 98.7 plays these artists music. This music has multi-dimension, the beat and the rhythm is so invigorating you can be sipping some brandy, or dancing the sambo or even exercise. This music can be enjoyed in many ways, I just love it. As for thesocial and economic issues, we have it all over the world. It's just some country are parade on, but the true and humble people understand their enviornmen. As for that wounderful guy, he wasjust visiting and went back to Brazil. I'm to greatful for this eye opening expercise.

Does anyone know who is organizing the Brazilian day Parade in Newark, NJ?