Brazzil

We were betrayed by the priority of university investment in the areas of social sciences and the humanities, instead of the exact sciences. For decades, while the other countries sent huge numbers of students abroad to learn science and technology, we sent a few to study in the humanities area. This sometimes meant spending millions for the study of Brazilian literature in foreign universities with instructors who did not even read Portuguese.

I have some friends in the Academic World who express the same views as Senator.Buarque with respect to the priority given by the Government for "Human Sciences" over "Hard Sciences" in the Federal Universities. Especially some older professors have been expressing their protests openly about this policy.

It would be highly interesting to know the opinion of our fellow blogger Thaddeus Blanchette.

"The entire Brazilian economy is concentrated upon immediate results without long-term strategy."

Proven :
- look at your 5 % of paved roads. China is at around 75 %, India ?? (I cant find it=

China and India, much poorer than Brazil have
- their own car makers.....NOT BRAZIL
- large drugsmakers listed in their stock exchange....NOT BRAZIL !
- more paved roads (percentage) than Brazil.

As I said so many times on my comments, For Brazilians if an investment is not profitable withing the next 2 to 3 years, the investment is not worth it !

About poverty ! Do they have a higher poverty rate than Brazil despite having a much lower GDP per capita ????

Good question...isnt it ?
Wellll.....as per World CIA factbook :
China 8 % (year not mentionned)
India 25 % (2005)
Brazil 31 % (2005)

Where is the truth ????????

ON POVERTY
No doubt many Brazilians junkies will say WRONG - IT CANNOT BE !
I admit to have the same feeling !
But ALL these same junkies will refer to the same sources and look at the GDP PPP per capita for Brazil and say....TRUE - PROVEN - LOOK HERE !
Because of course they can look only at GDP PPP....not at the simple actual GDP...since it is the only way for Brazilians to BOAST THEMSELVES EVEN MORE !!!!
And these same junkies suddenly are blue faced, when I then tell them then look at the GDP PPP of the other Mercosur members, and you are the
SECOND WORST !!!!!

AND SILENCE REWMAINS !

Wether you like it or not, all stats prove that Brazil is more of a
mirage economy, not a miracle economy !

Hard to swallow ? welll that doesnt change anything...for the reality !
Scratch your head, stop caressing your navel.


laugh...laugh...laugh....laugh !

such as Minc...who went at La Sorbonne !

Hopefully you remember when not so long ago I told you something like..... it is not there
that you learn something valuable for a business career !

and let me correct a typing error in my previous thread on India poverty-
Should read
India 25 % (2007) not 2005

such as Minc...who went at La Sorbonne !

Hopefully you remember when not so long ago I told you something like..... it is not there
that you learn something valuable for a business career !

I remember every word you wrote. Also thanks for furnishing the poverty rates of China & India. The thing the Senator failed to mention is the importance the people from the East in general and China and India specifically give to the education. As far as I know, the education is very inexpensive in both China and India. Added to it, many universities in U.S., Canada and England offer scholarships to the Indians, Pakistanis, Koreans, etc; Many students return to their homelands with fresh knowledge to contribute to the advancement of their countries.

IMHO, unless the Brazilian parents teach the kids right from their tender age the importance of education for their successful future, nothing is going to change. We will continue having half educated or uneducated elected "rulers" who will maintain the status quo.

NEWS NEWS NEWS FROM ROBIN THE CROOK !

Pay attention to----I WANT.......

Hmmm

Unfortunately not so true !
Thousands of articles, analysis and stats prove the opposite.

It is true only in emerging countries that provide a satisfactory well paid job when back home.

What you should also Not forget is the other discussion we had fairly recently on foreigners that can work in Brazil. Hopefully you do with our then disagreement.

You see in China for example, they wont hesitate to hire a foreigner if he is a highly skilled teacher, engineer, skilled in finances, management, accounting etc etc
The same is true in most Asian countries.
NOT IN BRAZIL ! A foreign skilled teacher, engineer,or someone skilled in whatever specialty...WONT FIND A JOB IN A BRAZILIAN SCHOOL OR COMPANY...UNLESS HE IS SENT BY HIS OWN FOREIGN COMPANY !

Let me be even clearer that may surprise you :
Look at Nestlé, Credit Suisse, Syngenta and some other Swiss companies.
Some of their top management is NOT SWISS !!!!!
Look at the depts head and it is the same.

UNTHINKABLE IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES....DEVELOPED OR EMERGING !!!!!!!!!!
WE SIMPLY WANT THE BEST OF THE BEST REGARDLESS OF HIS NATIONALITY !

And for the fun, last but not least :
- In Switzerland, Chinese created a hotel management and hospitality management school and 100 % of the students are Chinese !!!!
- In Geneva state, a foreigner as long as he his a legal resident can find a job in the state administration, such as the FISCAL TAX dept !
Without having a SWISS PASSPORT !


Some countries have more open minds than others.
They are the ones who will succeed or continue to succeed long term !
NO DOUBT !

It is true only in emerging countries that provide a satisfactory well paid job when back home.

Right. When I made my earlier statement, I had Indians and Irish in my mind who lived in U.S. for years and decided to go home. As you know, many went back to their homelands to become "entrepreneurs" or to take up well paid jobs (I am now specifically referring to IT field). I think that in the case of the Indians sending unmanned vehicle to the moon, many scientists were trained by the Yanks. Because, the instruments were supplied by NASA.

What you should also Not forget is the other discussion we had fairly recently on foreigners that can work in Brazil. Hopefully you do with our then disagreement.

You see in China for example, they wont hesitate to hire a foreigner if he is a highly skilled teacher, engineer, skilled in finances, management, accounting etc etc
The same is true in most Asian countries.
NOT IN BRAZIL ! A foreign skilled teacher, engineer,or someone skilled in whatever specialty...WONT FIND A JOB IN A BRAZILIAN SCHOOL OR COMPANY...UNLESS HE IS SENT BY HIS OWN FOREIGN COMPANY !

I am not disputing your statements. It is absolutely correct. I know a few Germans, Americans and other nationalities who contributed to Brazil (in the academic world) and now sidelined. What really surprised me was that many politicians who constantly complained about the Military Government for emphasizing on the importance of Technical and Scientific education are now complaining about FHC and Lula´s governments for giving priority to the "Human Sciences". Though these folks are in power, I wonder why they are unable to come out with a strategy that that promotes all sorts of "Sciences", whether "Human", "Hard" or "soft"!

Some countries have more open minds than others.
They are the ones who will succeed or continue to succeed long term !
NO DOUBT !

I am not going to contest. I don't know if you remember "Bo" (who is MIA). He has mentioned about it in his comments.

Regardless, I look forward to hearing the comments of Thaddeus Blanchette. Because he is in the Brazilian Academic World. It is always good to hear differing opinions.

Joao
- You are telling me that if some people are telling you that 2 PLUS 2 equals 5, and others with different Academics answer 3 or 6, that you will chose who ever is correct ! Welllll....great ! for me the answer will remain 4, even if I belong to the very small minority. Sorry

About Th.Blanchette in the Brazilian Academic World---let me keep LAUGHING :
- It is due to theories like his that Brazil is lagging NEARLY ALL EMERGING NATIONS ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE !!!!
- Just re-read his article on Americans that should stop whining....while listening or reading to LULA statements and complaints......NO PRESIDENT ON EARTH IS WHINING MORE THAN LULA !!!!!
Lula's Clone is Chavez the Clown !

But that is quite normal. In my view Blanchette belongs to the Disinformation & Propaganda Dept at the Planalto Palacio.....NEXT to Robin the Crook office !

But feel free to be a little more....BRAINWASHED !
This what it is all about : POPULISM !!!!
And in South America it is highly successful...when looking at Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Bolivia etc etc !!! Quite similar to Africa in general !

Joao
- You are telling me that if some people are telling you that 2 PLUS 2 equals 5, and others with different Academics answer 3 or 6, that you will chose who ever is correct ! Welllll....great ! for me the answer will remain 4, even if I belong to the very small minority. Sorry

2 PLUS 2 is 8.

Great !
That is exactly the same answer as Robin the Crook. And he doesnt expect any Brazilian to contradict him.
Those against these maths are put aside of a government or state or state owned company career !
Remember the brazilian "proven" maths...that ethanol is profitable at Us$ 35.- oil equivalent !!!!!!

Those against these maths are put aside of a government or state or state owned company career !

That is the ugly reality not only in the "government or state or state owned company career", but also in the Federal Universities. Believe it or not it happened to the son of a close friend of mine, a few weeks ago. BUT...BUT.... it was good for him that it happened, because he is much better off where he is (far away from Brasil)! Senator.Buarque is a well meaning person, but he is not going to change the attitude of the "Academia".

Just a passing note on the last sentence of this article:

President Lula must not go down in history as the savior of banks and the destroyer of schools.

Does the writer really care? Better to be a "destroyer of schools" and the savior of banks where the real wealth is. Cris has forgotten the old proverb "Ignorance is Bliss".

Joao, sorry, I disagree !
No doubt that his theories and explanations are full of common sense.

But he had not one but many Government/state/city official jobs.

Telling me HE is not as corrupted than the others and my answer is....
MY EYE !
He belongs to a political gang. He is even the chief of a gang.
And in Brazil, as you agreed yourself with me, YOU CANT GET AN OFFICIAL HIGH JOB...without being part of a much larger corrupted gang !!!!

Conclusion : what he writes is great and I applaude, but what he did/do/will do.... is something different ! I finger point him just as ALL the other ones. Including Mantega, Minc, Palocci, Dirceu, ACM, Maluf, ETC ETC ETC JUST NAME THEM ALL...... and last but not least...ROBIN THE CROOK !!!!!!

You cannot be honest in Brazil and succeed in an Official High Ranking Job ! SIMPLE AS THAT !!!!!

FOREIGN WORKERS

I spent Three Years in India.
Worked for Two companies and one Government Agency.

Set up Tele Com Networks and Super computer WAN.

One for the AERO SPACE AGENCY.

IN INDIA THE LANGUAGE WAS ENGLISH ALSO.

I could never get a job in Brazil Doing the same work.

WHY?

BY THE WAY in three years I made Seven years salary.

THAT’S USA SALARY.

LOOK WHO IS PUSHING FORWARD.

LOOK WHO IS TALKING THE GAME.

LOOK WHO IS PUSHING FORWARD.

LOOK WHO IS TALKING THE GAME.

The ones that push forward have no misplaced pride as opposed to the ones who talk the game.This article is interesting in that it questions that we are lagging behind the Indians and the Chinese in the Aerospace Technology and we were "betrayed" by people who are not stressing the importance of "Technical education". So far only Ch.c and I have been commenting on this article and now to my pleasure, you have explained about your real life professional experience out side your native country, in one of tyecountries which according to the Senator, are "Politically speaking, internally divided and more troubled when compared to Brazil. Their poverty is even more shocking."

If we really want to compete with those countries in Science and Technology, we have to look hard into the reasons for lagging behind them ,in spite of their "shocking poverty level". There is no point in talking about their "poverty", pretending that we do not have. Ch.C´s impeccable Stats have already proved that our poverty level is worse than theirs, not to mention about our level of education.

May be HIS "amigo" Singh will be able to give HIM some advice as I heard that Singh got his Ph.D from Cambridge.

Conclusion : what he writes is great and I applaude, but what he did/do/will do.... is something different ! I finger point him just as ALL the other ones. Including Mantega, Minc, Palocci, Dirceu, ACM, Maluf, ETC ETC ETC JUST NAME THEM ALL...... and last but not least...ROBIN THE CROOK !!!!!!

As usual, your "Conclusion" is highly objective and spot on. In addition, it is hilarious too.

It is not surprising that educated and/or responsible Brazilians (everywhere) must shamefully read and accept excerpts such as the following entry by a certain “John Major” which mockingly describe some sad (and embarrassing) true facts of Brazilian society.

EITA BUNDOLANDIA
written by John Major, November 15, 2008
Brazil is a wild country with wild people, where children prostitution and jungle slavery still exist, and female butt is the new God(dess): Bundolândia. In Bundolândia, 99 % of richness is oned by 1 % of population, the majority of population lives in African-like neighborhoods known as ''favelas''. Apart from the city of São Paulo, people are lazy, and don't like working at all: bobeira spirit is enjoyed by most inhabitants. The language used is a bastardized Portuguese although in legal documents and newspapers cultivated Portugal-based language is still worshipped.

Perhaps if Brazilians “bit the bullet” and took responsibility for its failures (most likely resulting from negligence and/or incompetence) instead of starting looking around searching for possible “easy pray” to turn into convenient victims of a massive finger pointing effort, the world as a whole might display a bit more of respect for the Brazil and its citizens…

Because China and India despite significant environmental and socio-economic challenges were able to “get their house in order” and accomplish great deeds does not automatically imply that Brazil’s inability for follow suite was necessarily the result of betrayal.

Consequently, while I agree with Mr. Cristovam Buarque’s points such as the contents of the following paragraph, I regret having to disagree with the overall tone of his editorial and speculate upon his underlying intentions…

We were betrayed by the adoption of industrial development based upon protectionism, thus avoiding the competition that would have made Brazil develop its own capacity in science and technology. The best example of this betrayal was the creation of market reserve for the producers of machines, instead of investing in training the system creators. We protected the hardware copies but we have not learned to develop our software.
But, above all, our greatest betrayal was not making the same educational revolution as countries with conditions less favorable than ours - countries such as Ireland, South Korea, India, China, not to mention Finland and others.

I are here. I do not see much chance for HIM to change things. Aerospace industry job, "expert" credentials, very experienced, able to "create" systems, willing to work (or teach if I must) for five or so Brasilian salarias in trade for permanancy and locale vs Jay G's 2.33 US salaries paid him while working in India. (Remember Jay was speaking of 2.33 X a decent engineers salary with perks not 2.33 minimum wages). It is not possible for even HIM to grant special dispensation to this Bobeira, the protectionism is planted too deeply and I shan't be corrupted.

As I'm nearly blind now, the at least somewhat positive side of the scene as expessed by John M. (i.e. the butts) doesn't really do much for me although I did enjoy the video clip on Fornkowiak.

You just can't help people if they won't let you in.

Brazil imports generic medications from India.
That means they don't have the technology to make them.

I am keeping up my promise of sending you interesting news, by reproducing the comments of a well known columnist:

O Plano H do PT
Vocês já sabem o que penso. Acho que Dilma Rousseff está aí pra ser queimada e distrair os jogadores. Por uma penca de fatores, acredito que o candidato que está sendo preparado pelo PT é Fernando Haddad, ministro da Educação. Já escrevi isso aqui. Basta procurar nos arquivos.

Embora ele seja autor de coisas verdadeiramente espantosas sobre as virtudes do socialismo, é tido como moderado. Ademais, é simpático, expressa-se com desenvoltura e não parece que está dando pito no interlocutor mesmo quando comenta a temperatura ou pede um saco de pipoca — se é que vocês me entendem. Depois do operário, o professor da USP...

Ah, sim: conta também com a simpatia de uma fatia imensa do jornalismo de São Paulo, especialmente aqueles setores que se querem progressistas. Costumam dividir com ele pizzas muito animadas. E ganhou a fama de competente. Anotem aí: há uma aposta no PT arrumadinho, que sabe usar talher de peixe.

Leia trecho de reportagem de Letícia Sander, na Folha:

* Haddad ganha cada vez mais visibilidade
Petista de perfil mais técnico do que político, com avaliação em alta no Planalto, Fernando Haddad (Educação) fez, na quarta-feira passada, o seu quarto pronunciamento do ano em cadeia de rádio e TV, exposição atípica para ministros da Educação no governo Lula.
Desde que assumiu o ministério, há três anos e quatro meses, Haddad só perde em aparições para o titular da Saúde.
No Planalto e no MEC, assessores negam que o objetivo seja jogar holofotes sobre o ministro. Dizem que ele foi a público anunciar novidades importantes de sua área. Mas o fato é que Haddad tem ganhado cada vez mais visibilidade. À frente de uma pasta tida como prioritária neste segundo mandato do PT, o ministro da Educação já figura na lista de apostas eleitorais para 2010, sobretudo em São Paulo.
"É um nome que não pode ser descartado. Tem projeção, está à frente de um projeto importante do Lula. Mas as conversas sobre candidatura só vão se intensificar em 2009", diz o presidente nacional do partido, Ricardo Berzoini.
Neste ano, Haddad fez 18 viagens a tiracolo do presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, número que pode quintuplicar em 2009. Lula quer celebrar o centenário de criação da primeira escola técnica do Brasil com a inauguração de 100 novos institutos do gênero, o que garantirá palanques a ele e ao ministro, às vésperas da eleição.

To be honest, the name did not come as a surprise to me.

Any editorial regarding the PT (for some "reason") always appears silly, if not outright ridiculous...

Vocês já sabem o que penso. Acho que Dilma Rousseff está aí pra ser queimada e distrair os jogadores

You (and Brazzil.com) had already brought Dilma to my attention, but... what on earth did they mean by the above sentence? LOL

As you might have expected, until now I had never heard of this Haddad - yet, another question ( ) What did they mean by the following statement:

Desde que assumiu o ministério, há três anos e quatro meses, Haddad só perde em aparições para o titular da Saúde

"aparições"??? LOL (is he a candidate for sainthood? LOL

Anyhow, enough of this RIDULOUS, objectionable party (PT). Would you mind letting me know who are the likely candidates for PDS?
Thanks

Only the upper & middle classes of India are English speaking (less than 200 million of over 1 billion inhabitants! The majority speak a wide number of dialects related to Hindi…

In addition their "benefit" of a unifying modern language (in addition to a large railway network and "Rule of Law") is due to the positive contributions provided by nearly 300 years of Exposure to the advanced British Empire - WHICH incidentally is also responsible for the success of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

As such Mr. Major, you should be THANKFUL to the glory, culture and civilation of BRITANNIA (not just the citizens of India)

You (and Brazzil.com) had already brought Dilma to my attention, but... what on earth did they mean by the above sentence? LOL

What he meant was that a)HE first declared that HE would elect the next President and most probably it would be a woman b) There were two likely candidates Marta & Dilma c) Marta was burnt after she got thrashed in SP municipal elections d) Now HE announced in Rome that it is going to be Dilma, knowing fully well that she is NOT acceptable to voters in SP,PR,SC & RS (probably in RJ too) e) Now a new unknown candidate has to be found. Here we have one!

"aparições"??? LOL (is he a candidate for sainthood? LOL

The columnist was just sarcastic!

Would you mind letting me know who are the likely candidates for PDS?
Thanks

PDS does not exist anymore. It changed its name to PP and is a vanishing party. I cant think of any candidate from that party.

But, let me tell you something. If at all Haddad gets elected, he certainly does not need interpreters, while talking to leaders of several countries where English is the official language. BTW, I heard his name for the first time as a likely candidate in a c**ktail party!!

John Major - you (and many others) should thank BRITANNIA

John Major, being an Ex PM of Great Britain must know about the potentials of its ex-colonies more than you and me.

Neither did You REALLY think that the actual Mr. John Major - the lame successor of Lady Thatcher is entering comments here for us (particularly if one considers the kind of entries the actual writer posted) Otherwise, next time I log you will refer to me with "AVE" - or "hail Ceasar" LOL

Joao - You did NOT believe I did not know the hame...

Of course not. It was just that I couldn't help pulling your leg. BTW, your the following info you provided is somewhat questionable.

Only the upper & middle classes of India are English speaking (less than 200 million of over 1 billion inhabitants! The majority speak a wide number of dialects related to Hindi…

I have been there a couple of times and done some work with them.English is one of their two official languages and the other being Hindi. The medium of instructions is their universities is English (especially in Technical & Scientific areas). The access to their schools and universities are not limited only to upper and middle classes. So I would imagine that English is understood by more than 200 Millions. I ran into some "Silvas", "Pintos", "De Souzas", etc; and they couldn't speak a word in Portuguese!

The comment by John Major regarding the Generic medication imported from India is 100% correct.

Possibly the number is much higher than 200 million (which is about the current size of their middle classes)... Yet, I would consider revising the number to about 400 but not higher than 500 million, for despite all recent (significant) advances made by India, at least half of their population remains in extreme poverty...

Although I have never visited the Sub-Continent (a detail that may change at some point in the next 2 years – against my will), because I speak and work with Indian citizens on a daily basis (at our office in Bangalore) in addition to having studied their history (by virtue of their having once represented the greatest Jewel of the British Empire), I’m inclined to accept the fact that only those who had access to higher education have fully mastered the English language.

Although I have never visited the Sub-Continent (a detail that may change at some point in the next 2 years – against my will), because I speak and work with Indian citizens on a daily basis (at our office in Bangalore)

I think that your first tour of the "Sub-Continent" should start at Bangalore. If you have open mind-like I have- would enjoy your visit to that cosmopolitan city. Should not have any problem with language, as even a cab driver in Bangalore my English. It is supposed to be the first Hi-tech capital of India and the second one being Hyderabad. I have been there too.

I think that our distinguished Swiss blogger has been to India too, because he was complaining some months ago that Air India planes smell of Curries. I had to assure him that I never took an Air India flight, BUT....BUT...., I enjoyed eating Curries in India.

Perhaps you misunderstood me... I am extremely fond on India, its ancient exotic culture, its colorful sites and its WONDERFUL citizens (the Hindus, naturally).
In addition, I consider India the NATURAL allies of the Western Civilization not only because of their amiable, loving, open-minded disposition, but also because the Islamic Nemesis hate India as much as they abhor the Western World... In fact, I feel sorry for my Indian friends in view of their horrific "geographical neighborhood"
My sole objection to visiting the Sub-continent has nothing to do with India (or any place "per se")-unfortunately I now lack the strength, energy and disposition for engaging into any major trip... Even to visit Brazil or England

My sole objection to visiting the Sub-continent has nothing to do with India (or any place "per se")-unfortunately I now lack the strength, energy and disposition for engaging into any major trip... Even to visit Brazil or England

Lord Augustus, I finally understood you perfectly and am sorry to know that you lack the "strength, energy and disposition" to visit the "Sub-continent" at this present moment. However, let me assure you that I will be willing to undertake this arduous journey to your branch office in Bangalore on your behalf, provided your office foots the bill. It is a big sacrifice to fly through Joburg and Bombay,but I am willing to do it to bring glory to our Great Republic.

I'm beginning to think that every Brazillian who aspires to better themselves should chop off their hands.
First; as punishment for selfishness.
Second; because corruption and theft are consistent with advancement.
Third; because they are only used for finger-pointing.
Until a cadre of leaders is created to help the society then there will be no improvement in that society. I cannot believe that it will take someone like Stalin or Mao, who murdered millions of their own people, to bring you to your senses. IMHO, this is why Lula tries to concentrate on the humanity in your society. Surely he knows that you would benefit more from honesty and charity more than technology and rockets.
Perhaps I'm am being to harsh, but understand that this condition of yours is a direct legacy of your European and American upbringing. Note how both India and China "forcefully" reclaimed their heritage from their colonial occupiers. It was then that their former occupiers were obliged to transfer technology to retain their markets. I.e., see how fast China has progressed because the West wanted so badly that Chinese market? Ha-ha-ha, the Chinese have fooled them and captured "their" market instead with cheap labor and products. Of course there is still corruption in China, but getting caught practically guarantees your execution.
Brazil has kept the worst of their Western education, and in reality has never been asked to do otherwise because it is still in the interests of your colonial masters for you to behave as you do. They will continue to line your pockets as long as they can exploit your people. They have not invited you to join them at the major tech schools except as it suited their needs. Brazil would not have nuclear power except that it was the fastest means of producing energy needed to extract your resources. Look at your relationship with the West vis-vis other societies who renounced western ideology and you clearly find your answer. Not that it is all their fault, or all your fault, it simply is what it is, and until you recognize it, it will remain as it is.
I have said many times here that I have no wish to see Latin America become the next Africa, but you must use your hands to forge your freedom, because as any slave can tell you; his pockets may be full of money but he has no place to go and no choice but to spend his money with the plantation owner. Mr. Lula understands this and thus tries to diversify markets and forge alliances. The western powers are betting that he runs out of time before they destabilise the region again. Sadly, they may have made a good bet, but worse is that so many Brazillians are betting with them against their own societies.

Dear Dr.Cata,

Thank you very much for calling us all "Coconut Heads". While I was not fully familiar with his term until now, I can make out what exactly you meant and I appreciate your enriching my poor vocabulary.

However, I observed that ever since we have made our acquaintances over the blog, your have been switching your loyalties and allegiances according to your convenience. I remember that you were a critic of Mr.Lula and were constantly reminding us the "Coconut Heads" that he was too timid to challenge the "Empire". I was pleased to see your post in another thread in the sister site www.brazzilmag.com and I had replied to your comment.That thread vanished from the headlines and probably the editors saw our exchange and decided to make it disappear faster than usual.Now I see that you posted a long analysis of the current economic,social and political situation in Brazil. This is as usual rich in details, demonstrating as well as confirming your astute knowledge of Geopolitics. What is of great interest was the following statement of yours:

IMHO, this is why Lula tries to concentrate on the humanity in your society. Surely he knows that you would benefit more from honesty and charity more than technology and rockets.

I am pleased to note that you have become an ardent admirer of our President. So I am repeating the question I posted in the other site:

Should we elect him for the third term in order to give more time to enable him to complete the mission he has undertaken ?

Whilst on the subject, please be informed (unless you already knew), we have some Bolivians who have crossed into the state of Acre to escape the political persecution by President Morales and set up refugee camps. Apparently, the Bolivian army has been crossing the frontier to harass them. Any idea how a peaceful "alliance" can be formed with Mr.Morales to work with us to solve this humanitarian crisis without resorting to an armed conflict?

Look forward to your comment

Sincerely yours

J. Da Silva

Without doubt I think their secret is YOGA and MEDITATION.

Thanks India, for have given us Yoga and Meditation -Transcendetion Meditation, and other types. I don't have religion but I do believe in Chakras(Sanscrit word for spining wheels) centers of enery in our bodies, and transcendetion and psychic meditation.

Next year in The U.S. will be 25 million Americans practicing Yoga. I myself practice Hot Yoga -also known as Bikram Yoga- Bikram Choudhury was the inventor.

Not only India, but China. It started Hundreds of years ago, since then, they have been discovering and mastering the secrets and the power of mind. They believe in Mind-Body Connection.

The 2,500-year-old Bhagavad Gita in India. The Martial Arts in China. The "Father"of Yoga IYENGAR in India. Kundalini Yoga in India. "Kama Sutra" in India. "Tantra"(which some people use it to unlock their sexual energy, and some people call it "sacred love") it was invented in china, Nepal, and india, and the teachings were reserved only for the royalty.

Yoga is scientific proven. Here is what a neurologist Dr. Patrick Stubgen, of New York-Presbyterian Hospital said in Vanity Fair, June 2007, "...Yoga can promote well-being by facilitaring the draining of the lymphatic system, and by stimulating the brain's endorphin and serotonin production. For B.K.S. Iyengar, creator of the eponymous, alignment-focused, holistic healing method, it is a question of "even distribution of bioenergy, or the life force."

In the article they even mention "...Yoga's ability to strengthen weak sex glands and irrigate the colon, by contraction and relaxation of the sphincters." Go figure!

And what is the contribution of the West to the "Well-Being" of humanity?

It comes to mind the work of The great German Scientist Wilhelm Reich. He presented his scientific work on living organism at the Medical School of the University Of Vienna in 1919. Then, in 1939 he revealed the existence of a radiating biological energy, he called "Orgone Energy" today we say "orgasm". His famous book -400 pages, which is not easy to read- "The Function Of Orgasm" was a starting point -among other works- to the understanding of Human Sexuality.

My favorite part of the book,"The character structure of modern man, who reproduces a six-thousand-year-old patriarchal authoritarian culture, is typified by characterological armoning against his inner nature and against the social misery which surrounds him. This characterological armoning is the basis of isolation, indigence, craving for authority, fear of responsibility, mystic longing, sexual misery, and neurotically impotent rebelliousness, as well as pathological tolerance. Man has alienated himself from, and has grown hostile toward, life. This alienation is not of a biological but of a socio-economic origin. It is not found in the stage of human history prior to the development of patriarchy." Thanks, Dr. Reich!

Now, without offense, I once read a theory that the "Reason" "SOME" people in the Middle East were so "stressed out" was because their rigid views on sexuality. Go figure!
In conclusion, Mind and Body needs to be connected. And I wish the Brazilian children were taught meditation and yoga in schools. There are extensive research done on the benefits of Yoga. For both teachers and children. Teachers to manage stress, and children's ability to concentrate and be focus.

Without doubt I think their secret is YOGA and MEDITATION.

Adriana, most interesting comments from you. You talk about Yoga, Bagwat Geeta, meditation, etc; You forgot to mention about "Arts of War" by Sun Tzu (which is very similar to Bagwat Geeta). Though I have never been to China, I have traveled in India. But what impressed me was the importance they give to their ancient tradition. If you had watched the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in China, you would have understood how disciplined the Eastern folks are.Also the importance they give to education, tradition and family values.

Great comments you made and thanks for the refreshing views.

Dr. Reich was not a German scientist, he was born in 1800's in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I had professors in Brazil when I was studying Psychology saying that he was German, and others saying that he was Austrian. Go figure!
Nevertheless, Reich is extremely popular and his works are well-known in Brazil. One famous Reichian therapist that comes to mind is Roberto Freire -not the senator. He wrote a book that I loved, called, "Ame e de vexame".
I first fell in love with Reich's teachings when I went to a Lecture in Brazilia on my second semester of psychology. But I personaly think his approach is not for everyone.

Thank you! You are the moderator of this forum! And I bet you don't receive anything for your hard work!

But, yes, I think we should learn the best we can from other cultures, I mean, only the positive aspects, of course. That is what I have been trying to do all my life, and believe me I'm still not aware of everything I want to. But I'll get there.

I live in California, East Bay, and I have met some very successfull students, professionals, teachers from India, and I always ask them if they meditate and/or practice Yoga. The majority said yes, of course, my sample is not big but it tells me something. It tells me that their meditative and yoga practices are good indication of their success. So why not follow their example. Americans are doing it -25 million.

I had a meditation teacher in Brazil -he was a Gaucho- he went to India to study meditation in order to go back to Brazil and teach what he learned. I was one of his students, it has been 11 years, I learned a lot. He told me back then, that he also wanted to teach meditation in schools and hospitals. Unfortunately, I lost contact with him, so I don't know how he is doing.

I'll read the book you recomended me.

OUR ESTEEMED FRIENDS AND ALLIES IN INDIA ARE UNDER ATTACK BY THE ISLAMIC ENEMY!!!!

THIS REPUGNANT ACT JUST PROVIDES ADDITIONAL PROOF OF THE BARBARIC NATURE OF THE ISLAMIC PIGS. ACTUALLY PIGS SHOULD NOT BE INSULTED BY BEING DIMINISHED DOWN TO THE ISLAMIC LEVEL - NOTHING DOES!!!! EVEN AMEBAS ARE HIGHER BEINGS COMPARED TO ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISTS

DETAILS: ISLAMIC INSECTS HAVE JUST PERFORMED A MASSIVE COORDINATED ATTACK IN MUMBAY INDIA. THEY ARE STRIKING TARGETING MOSTLY WESTERNERS, PARTICULARLY AMERICAN CITIZENS AND BRITISH SUBJECTS!
THE MONSTROUS ATTACKS INCLUSDE SEVERAL LUXURIOUS HOTELS, THE RAILROAD STATION AS WELL AS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (BEARING IN MIND THAT MUMBAI (FORMERLY KNOWN AS BOMBAY) IS THE SITE OF THE INDIAN STOCK EXCHANGE.

I COULD NOT POSSIBLE EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE EXTENT OF MY DISMAY FOR THIS ADDITIONAL REPUGNANT ATTACK WHICH FURTHER ANGERS ME AGAINS PASSIFICIST LIBERALS WHO RESUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXTENT OF THE BARBARITY WHICH THE ISLAMIC INSECTS ARE CABLE OF COMMITING AGAINST CIVILIZED PEOPLE IN INDIA AS WELL AS IN THE WESTERN WORLD!!!

HOPEFULLY THE LIBERAL CRITICS WILL REPTENT AND ACKENOWLEGE THE EXTENT OF THEIR ERROR IN JUDGEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE ENTIRE ISLAMIC WORLD SHOULD BE EXTERMINATED!!! MUSLINS ARE WORSE THEN VERMIN!!!

THE SCENES BEING DESCRIBED BY THE INDIAN MEDIA IN MUMBAI IS SIMPLY APAULLING!!!

A WESTERN MAN WAS CRYING ON HIS KNEES (ASKING "WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESEARVE THIS?) WHILE THE ISLAMIC VERMIN SHOT HIS WIFE (AMONG SEVERAL OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE!!!!!

After cooling emotions, I would like to retract some of what I have posted above, which might be perceived as relatively "radical" and "intolerant"...

Perhaps one should consider the meaning of some important words such as "exceptions", “forgiveness”, “tolerance” and "consideration" (for other people's feelings)…

After cooling emotions, I would like to retract some of what I have posted above, which might be perceived as relatively "radical" and "intolerant"...

de gustibus non est disp**andum

So true, BUT...BUT... BUT...
there are limits for "tates" and/or "preferences" - which we shall NOT revisit "at this particular juncture"... Or if you prefer the EXCELLENT Brazilian equivalent - "a essa altura do carnaval" ( )
Which leads to further philosophy - what ISN'T a carnival in this world of ours? (come to think of it...)