Brazzil
November 1999
Letters
Love Letter
In a time of an unfortunate crisis Brazil is still very rich in many ways. I am a 26-year-old New Jersey resident, Native American. I have visited Brazil five times, three alone in 99. There are many things that give Brazil a good name, but unfortunately many Americans don't even know where Brazil is. I am different. I love Brazil and would like to tell the readers of Brazzil my views as an American about your wonderful country.
Here in the United States we are so busy with many things. There is not enough time spent together with families. When I stay in Brazil I feel so great because I stay with friends. I can't believe the closeness of families and friends. Brazilians have a great sense of loyalty for family values and pier's. The last family I stayed with was so great, living in Bragança Paulista, state of São Paulo. Every day at 12:30 the whole family gets together for lunch. Even though two of the children have recently married they still come home for lunch.
The streets are always buzzing and there is a sense of welcomeness in the air. I can't stay away from Brazil. Every year I find myself on a plane again to São Paulo. I feel so welcome when I arrive. Here in the USA I never feel so good and comfortable with the people around me. Therefore I have found Brazilians who live here in New Jersey to be friends with. I will only date Brazilian women and for the last four years I studied Portuguese. As an American I feel that there is no culture here in the States. I want my children to grow up with strong family values. I will one day marry a Brazilian woman for these reasons; they are the most beautiful women in the world also.
Where are we going? The American people are living in front of their computers not aware that their families and friends need attention. I love Brazil and all Brazilian people. Never before had I met a race of such caring and wonderful individuals. I live in New Jersey, close to Newark. My girlfriend is Brazilian (Paulista) I have adapted to the Brazilian culture and way of life. If anyone has any questions about my views or opinion's please e-mail me.
Brian P Costigan
Newark, New Jersey
bcsaopaulo@aol.comIndia in Bahia
I'm a Canadian writer, based in Montreal. In the spring, I had the privilege of spending nine weeks in Bahia. I was doing research for a play I'm in the process of writing. I also write prose—fiction and journalism—and have had a couple of spinoff articles from my recent trip. The one I'm working on right now centers on Filhos de Gandhy, but is more globally about the strange and wonderful ways I, the child of Indian immigrants in North America, encountered India in Brazil.
I hung out with Filhos de Gandhy while I was in Salvador, went on a small caminhada with them, and spoke to a few members in the Pelourinho office. It so happened that a small contingent was traveling to India shortly after my departure from Brazil. Last week (it took me a while to get the interview) I spoke with Gilberto Gil, who traveled with this small group as the Filhos de Gandhy vice president. Needless to say, this was a huge thrill, and has sewn up the article quite nicely.
I am writing the article for one of the Canadian national newspapers, the National Post, but perhaps Brazzil will consider running a reprint of it in an upcoming issue. Once I have a final version, we can talk further about whether it would suit your mandate. In the meantime, perhaps you can help me: I am trying to secure some good photos of Filhos de Gandhy and Gil to accompany the article. I have a few snapshots I took while in Brazil, but I am no photographer, and I'm not sure they are good enough to publish. Any leads you can offer me would be very much appreciated.
Also, I'm interested in contacting one of your contributors: Pravina Shukla, who wrote about Carnaval in Bahia. Would you have an e-mail address for this person, or would you mind passing on my e-address and asking her to get in touch with me? It's nothing earth-shattering, just a simple curiosity to speak with this person who has an Indian name and is, like me, into Brazil.
Padma Viswanathan
CanadaKeep the Arms
I would like to say that the article on crime was most interesting. However I must disagree with what President Cardoso is doing with these gun-control schemes. How does he think that disarming the lawful citizens of Brazil will make people safer? This is insanity. The criminals get their drugs and their guns. Renegade government officials also have their guns.
Does President Cardoso really want all the citizens helpless victims before either thugs or renegade government people? Have we not seen in other countries what happens when the citizens are disarmed? As Dr Robert J. Cottrol, the African-American professor of law and history at George Washington University wrote in the Los Angeles Times, Sunday, November 7, 1999:
"The central premise of the gun control movement is that society becomes more civilized when the citizen surrenders the means of self-defense, leaving the state a monopoly of force. That this premise goes largely unchallenged is the most remarkable feature of our gun control debate. We are ending a century that has repeatedly witnessed the consequences of unchecked state monopolies of force."
So I must say the other efforts to combat crime sound reasonable and hopeful but these schemes to disarm the average Brazilian sound ominous, not beneficial.
Cici da Costa
Via InternetNative Americans
I'm trying to make an interactive library of all indigenous people from every continent. And I was planning to start with all the Indian/indigenous tribes from North- and South- Meso America. So I kind of hoped that you guys could help me out. I can find some indigenous tribes names but if is far from complete. I read somewhere that there were or are around 230 tribes. Well, let's say that I got 10% of the names. Or if you know some good complete websites or books, just let me know.
Daniel Vanden Broeck
Via InternetLiving Lessons
This is a letter to any reader of Brazzil. I met a young, beautiful Brazilian girl five years ago. Her name is Polyanna Camelo. She came on an exchange to a small town in Idaho, USA, where she attended my high school. We quickly became close and soon began dating. She was only here for six short months before her return to Brazil. In that short time, she taught me more to living and being free than anyone else. We lost touch through time and moving around, though. I have tried searching, but nothing. If anyone can help me, email me at smoothh_1@hotmail.com. I would love to reach her and catch up on our lives.
Clay Seamons
Moscow, IdahoBrazil Connection
First let me say this. I am totally committed to keeping my subscription to Brazzil. Ever since my first trip to Rio de Janeiro, I have needed something to keep me "connected" to the culture and good times of Rio. Brazzil has been that connection. The new look of the magazine is awesome! I enjoy reading other perspectives on my favorite place in the world. Now I'm at the office feeling a little "homesick" for Rio. No..... scratch that... I'm feeling a "big" homesick for Rio. I've only been there twice this year and I intend to go back sometime after the first of the year. I never take the time to write to any of the other magazines I subscribe to. And this is only the second time I've ever written to a magazine. Both times have been to Brazzil. Keep up the good work.
Rayne Man
Via InternetCapital Musings
I'm a Belgian architect and urbanist who recently visited Brasília for the first time. During my short visit I used the original competition text by Costa to visit the town and to compare dream with reality. Just two remarks: Costa has all the reasons to be proud as stated in the article. Most of the problems, which do exist in Brasília, are not linked to his project to my opinion. I was totally surprised by the human scale of the residential neighborhoods and their almost idyllic character.
Niemeyer has taken way too much credit. His contributions are very powerful sculptural additions, which make men look little in the face of power and authority. It's time to publish an honest report on the reality of Brasília and the work of Costa in general. He deserves it more than Niemeyer who managed apparently to take care of his PR in a more professional way.
Filiep Decorte
BelgiumBack-Seat Complex
Just a very quick and small correction to one of the many splendid articles in your Web page. Brazil is not the only country, (and not even the first) in the Southern Hemisphere to build its own submarines, as you state. Australia has the Colins class, which, contrary to Brazil's, was totally developed and produced in Australia by Australians, and absolutely none of its components/systems was bought from Germany, England or any other country.
I can see that in Brazil (or if you prefer, Brasil) there is still a great complex of inferiority in relation to the rest of the world, which prompts the need to, whenever possible, attribute to this country, feats of technology that only the Brazilians consider their own, i.e. considering that Santos Dumont and not the Orville brothers invented the airplane, or denying Bell the paternity for the invention of the telephone!
Carlos Pereira
AustraliaKorean Fraud
I am interested in finding out about a very important subject that was all over the local news (TV, radio and newspapers) in Brazil during 1994 and 1995 about a big fraud committed against banks and construction companies by a Korean-Brazilian in the cities of Manaus and São Paulo. Can you give me an idea if you have published something like that and how could I be able to obtain this information.
Gruchenska
Miami, FloridaJust Looking
I received my free magazine yesterday and was very happy to get it. I am very interested in Brazil and would like to introduce myself. I am African-American (mixed); graduated from college - advanced degree; I live in Orlando, Florida; I am single; I own a home behind Sea World; and I want to be involved with the Brazzil network. I am also interested in finding a Brazilian woman who is nice and pretty.
Immediate Contacts
I am very impressed with your magazine, I am interested in knowing the Brazilian culture and community that resides within the Los Angeles county area. I appreciate any advice in terms of where to meet Brazilians. I have had the pleasure of attempting to meet Brazilians in the samba clubs, etc… but it is very difficult to understand the culture on a personal basis, if anyone there has the time to contact me in some capacity, I would very much appreciate it. If you need any help with your magazine, in terms of proofreading please let me know, thanks.
Keep up the Soaps
I would just like to say that I love all the Brazilian soaps that air in Ontario, Canada. My parents are from Azores, Portugal and I was raised watching Brazilian soaps. My favorite one was Barriga de Aluguel. I also really liked Salsa e
Merengue and Por Amor. Those were the best ones for me so far. I am currently watching Torre de Babel. It is good so far. My favorite actor from Brazil is the one who played Valentino in Salsa e Merengue and who is currently on Torre de Babel playing Alessandro. He is the best actor in the world for me and I love every soap that he is in! I think you guys do a great job making these wonderful soaps. Keep up the good work.
Sandra
Ontario, CanadaNature Call
I'm a naturist from far away. I just want to tell you that although your site is good, it does not give a true detailed idea of naturist places, especially their locations. Most places mentioned are impossible to locate. Saying for example that an area is in Rio de Janeiro is way too vague. What about giving the street name, district, vicinity, etc?
Farhan Adamjee
fra@cyber.net.pkOf Virus and Weapons
I have recently encountered a very intriguing book entitled Guns, Germs, and Steel. The author's name is Jared Diamonda. It is a recently published book describing the impact of guns, germs, and steel on societies in the world. This has great historical impact on the world, Latin America, and especially on Brazil. I am very interested in publishing a review of this book in your publication. Would you be interested in publishing a book review?
Lane B. Dayley
Brigham Young University
Provo, UtahThat Lady
How can I possibly find a pretty, intelligent, good-natured Brazilian girl/woman. My standards are very high because I'm 40 now and desire an authentic romance-relationship. Please help me! I have a scanned photo that I can send.
Harold Schinman
Boca Raton, Florida
harold98@joffart.comBrazilian Cheers
In a recent issue you had the Portuguese words to Happy Birthday. I can't find my copy of Brazzil with it! What are the words? The birthday is—of course—11/9. Thank you so very much.
Melinda Kelly
Los Angeles, CaliforniaSearching for Bundas
Hi, my name is Maria and I'm a student of journalism. I'd like to make an interview with Ziraldo, whose statements I saw in your article on Bundas magazine. I'd like to find him. How?
Maria Maia
BrazilBrazilian Lessons
I am doing a term paper on different types of literature in Brazil. I thought your magazine would help me. If you have any other information I might be able to use please e-mail me. Thank you!
Heidi Kleinfelt
Mount Pleasant. MichiganBusiness Partner
I found your article interesting. I am the owner of an American manufacturing company who is looking for a Brazilian company to partner with that could provide a labor force to manufacture my products for distribution in South America. Would you have any idea how I would go about finding such as company in Brazil? The company would have to have qualified welders and machinist.
Estel L. Lovitt
lovitt@mitchell-railgear.comResourceful Brazzil
I find your articles very informative and interesting. I'm a student currently working on an economic forecast for Brazil. I found your website to be a very useful resource.
Quan Trinh
Richmond, VirginiaSamba Fan
Brilliant, mates. I have just found your site and found it very interesting. I play in a community based samba bateria group, for seven weeks now. I love it. I have always listened to music of this type and I can trace my interest back to a program called Come Dancing, which was on the BBC 1 TV. Keep up the good work
Gerald Carter
Leicester, EnglandIs That You, Ubaldo?
I would like to know how to get in touch with João Ubaldo Ribeiro, Brazilian author written about in the April 1999 issue. He could possibly be a person I knew in 1963 at USC (University of Southern California) in California. I'm American but I am now in Recife, state of Pernambuco, for six months. I would appreciate it if you could forward this message on to him or let me know an address where I could send him a letter. If this message is sent to him, all I would like to say now is this: Remember Chris and Ande, your next-door neighbors? Sincerely, Andrea Callahan.
Looking for Raça
First of all, let me tell you that I am an admirer of Brazil, its people, and its absolutely magnificent culture. I speak, write, and read Spanish fluently, and this allows me to read Portuguese. Since I read in Brazil's wonderful language, I have found Raça Brasil on the Internet, and would like to purchase it here in the United States. Do you know where I can obtain it? Please let me know. Thanks a lot!
John Stephens
Via InternetInfo Brazil
Please send me a free sample copy of Brazzil. I am a school teacher in need of information and pictures of Brazil because we are beginning a country study of Brazil. Thanks a bunch!
Renee Patrick
Bronx, New YorkAssignment Brazil
I am attending a diversity class at Lansing Community College. I have been given an assignment to research a country of my choice in which I would like to open a business. I have found your magazine to be very rewarding and beneficial to my project. Please send me a sample copy to decide whether or not to subscribe. Thank you very much for your services.
Amy Noecker
Dimondale, MichiganThat Taste
Muito obrigado pelo exemplar da revista Brazzil! (Vivo nos Estados Unidos.) For maybe a couple of years, Pepsi made a guaraná soda (pop) called Josta. It was my favorite, and I wish I could still buy it. However, I look forward to tasting, trying Antarctica, or Sol Rio, or American "Bonk", or Pepsi's new guaraná soda next year (just like Antarctica?) Portuguese is a fascinating language, it looks a lot like Spanish, but has a character all its own. Juízo!
Paul I Edic
Akron, OhioBurning Questions
Could you please help me? I need a few facts about Brazil. What is the current government? What is the population of Brazil? What is the literacy rate in Brazil? If you could help me with these questions I would be really grateful! It is for a project at school.
Bonnie Matthews
Via InternetWindow Shopping
Excellent articles! Keep up the good work. Even though I am not Brazilian (my parents are Jamaican), I stop by from time to time to read your articles.
No Name
Via InternetTravel Hints
Good day. What are the accommodations like in nudist beach Praia do Pinho, and how accessible is it from São Paulo? What is the beach like and when is the best time (weatherwise) to visit?
N. M. W.
Toronto, CanadaAn American View
Bom dia from Brasília. I am an American teacher living in the capital. I recently ran across your on-line magazine while searching for educational issues relating to Brazil. The reason that I am sending you an e-mail is to ask about some possible submissions.
Currently, I am working on two articles. First, I am writing about living in Brasília. It is a contentious issue. Brazilians seem to love to hate their capital. Second, I am writing about giving an American education to Brazilian students and the social and cultural conflicts that ensue. Would either of these pieces be of interest or fit into a theme for an upcoming issue? If either of these ideas seem appealing to you, I can send you a draft.
Joe Young
Brasília, BrazilOfficial Request
Can you please give us the contact details of the Brazilian Film Association or Commission or any other body related to the film industry in Brazil? Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated.
A Place do Live
I am moving to Salvador, Bahia, in January and would like to maybe live with a family if possible. Do you have information on exchange families?
Soap Pointers
I am interested in any articles featuring the impact of telenovelas in Brazil.
Robin Troy
Beaumont, TexasFarewell, Fest
I did not find an obituary in your pages for Manfredo Fest, the gifted pianist/composer from Porto Alegre, who passed away in early October. Am sure your readers would find the sad news of his death and an obituary (or links to one) worthy of attention.
Rembert Aranda
Half Moon Bay, CaliforniaHuman Genome Project
How can we in the Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Amerindian Tribal Nations (of Guyana) make an alliance with our brothers in Brazil? We need to unite in the face of our many common threats. For background information visit www.orrin.org/arawak/damon
Damon Gerard Corrie
Vice-Sovereign Chief
Pan-Tribal ConfederacyBrazil Gays
I want to let you know and hope you will spread the news about the new release: Beyond Carnival: Male Homosexuality on Twentieth-Century Brazil, by James Green, (assistant professor at University of California, Long Beach) published by University of Chicago Press.
JP
Via InternetJoining Hands
I read in your last issue, on the letters section, that Mr. Richard E. Shannahan Jr., from Lutherville, Maryland is concerned about the kids in Brazil and how he could help. It caught my attention because I am very concerned about it also and I would like to help as well. I would like to contact Mr. Richard or have him contact me, if possible, to see if we together can start something to help those kids.
Lucy Gabriel
Via InternetJust an Offer
I am writing to inquire whether you would be interested in receiving business and political news from Brazil. I am based in São Paulo and run my own company, Celtic Comunicações, which provides editorial and translation services for Brazilian and international companies. Most of my clients are in the financial sector. I am also correspondent for a London-based financial newsletter and edit a business magazine for a Swiss organization. I used to contribute a political commentary to the English-language website of Agência Estado called Brazil Finance Wire.
John Fitzpatrick
São Paulo, BrazilIs That True?
A friend told me that the reason Brazilians speak Portuguese is because the Pope decreed it eons and eons ago when he erred which country, Spain or Portugal, had control. He drew an imaginary line 400 miles one way or the other from Rome and it gave Brazil to Portugal by error. Is this fact or fancy? Is my friend a tease? Sorry to bother you.
No Name
Via InternetNews Searching
I am trying to contact Agência Estado, the news agency in Brazil. I am having difficulty finding a phone number. Can you suggest a website where it might be listed; or does your organization have it by any chance?
Jennifer Acker
Via InternetBlack Search
Hi, my name is Margarita and I'm doing research for my paper on Black people in Brazil. I just want to know if you guys have information on this subject. I am trying to get in contact with Secretariat for Defense and Promotion of Afro-Brazilian populations (SEAFRO), do you have any info on them?
Margarita de la Cruz
Via Internet
Can't you find Brazzil at your Brazilian consulate? Don't ask us why, ask the consulate.