LETTERS

We get panned I

I have just finished reading the latest issue of your magazine and as in the past I couldn't avoid having a feeling of indignation. For a publication whose objective is to divulge the Brazilian culture to foreign people, articles like the one on bureaucracy (Brazzil November '96 — Cover story) don't seem to serve any purpose at all.

I agree that the journalism's aim is to divulge reality, but what are your objectives when you maximize our warts citing extreme examples as if they were the norm and the situation that any tourist who is brave enough to come here would find. That doesn't look productive to me.

The overseas tourism bureaus and departments must be effusively applauding your effort. Even more shocking is the fact that such an article that denigrates our country has the sponsorship of companies like Varig Airlines. Frankly, that's beyond comprehension.

Michael T. Comber
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We get panned II

Your article on bureaucracy ("Red Tape Addiction", Brazzil November '96) was questionable, ill-grounded, superficial and backed by isolated cases that in no way reflect Brazil's present reality concerning bureaucracy. It is enough to walk around traditional places known for its bureaucracy as the Polícia Federal building or the Instituto de Identificação (the only place where we can get an ID card in São Paulo nowadays) or Detran to see the disappearance of dozens, hundreds of despachantes offices that have always existed there. Moreover, a magazine about Brazil published in the US is something that profoundly disturbs me. Especially a magazine that writes incorrectly the name of my Country.

Yasam Pane
São Paulo, Brazil

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We get panned III

Your WEB site design is painful. It reminds me of all the computer science students who want to put every bell and whistle possible because they know how to, without considering that the viewer is not really that all impressed due to the fact that they can't access the information in an easy manner. Check out Discovery Online. Who do you think has better programmers? So why are they so low key?

Andrew Gold
San Francisco, California

Next to God

I have not received my November copy of your great magazine. I miss it. What happened? Please, rush copy if oversight. I don't want to be a pain, but your magazine is so great and next to the Bible, it is my main reading material to matar saudades of Brazil.

Roy P. Wooden
Sunland, California

Grandpa's dream

Professor George Patton Jr. is the grandson of General Patton and he told me that his grandfather used to say: "My army is so strong that the way we are going, we can make it all the way to Brazil!" Unfortunately, General Patton never made it to Brazil, but his grandson is going with me there this January. As they say, "It's never too late to make old dreams come true!"

Prof. Esdras Othon Leitão
Los Angeles, California

I want my Brazzil

My subscription runs through next November 1997, but I am moving to Rio in a few weeks. How can I activate a change of my address to my office or apartment in Rio and how much money should I send by check to cover the difference in postage? I like your publication so much that I was wondering whether I could receive it by airmail from here or through a local Brazilian distributor. Please let me know by return E-mail.

John Weinkopf
San Francisco, California

You're welcome

I wish to thank you for a wonderful year of Brazzil! I have found my past issues to be a valuable resource. I would like to ask other readers for help in locating a source to purchase current issues or a subscription to Isto É, Veja, Manchete, Caras, as well as surfing magazines as Fluir, Inside, Hardcore, Trip or Now. Please accept my renewal for another year of Brazzil.

Jeffrey Peden
NREI - 77d132 / Box 333-366728
Raiford, Florida 32083

Vade mecum

I always have your magazine with me. We got a lot of Brazilian publications, but most of them are 'no good'. I enjoy reading Brazzil because you always publish interesting stories in your pages.

Mike Wright
Pompano Beach, Florida

A link with Brazil

I adore your magazine. This is the second time I receive it and I am super happy to learn the news from my beloved country. I am an exchange student and I am dying of saudade of everything that's Brazilian: the food, our people, our music and mainly the Brazilian happiness. I hope you will continue with this marvelous work that so much helps make my saudade less painful.

Flávia Mayrink
Cincinnati, Ohio

Stop! I want out!

Please, stop running my personal ad. I can't respond to all the letters I've received.

Steve Newcomer
West Hollywood, California

Cheap, cheap

I just found your website yesterday and I'm absolutely amazed that there is a magazine about Brazil that can be so easily afforded and accessible. My money is enclosed and I send all my best wishes to Brazzil.

Casey O'Hara
Camden, New York

Brazzil-addicted

Please, renew my subscription. I adore your magazine, it's my cachaça (liquor) and I can't live without it any more. Thanks for your excellent work. Um grande abraço.

Adelaide Davis
Lakewood, Colorado

Help anyone

I have an interest in recreating Theodore Roosevelt's 1913-1914 expedition down what was then River of Doubt now named Rio Teodoro. Do you know where I could find information on how this trip could be arranged? Do you know if there has been anyone who has tried to recreate it with historical accuracy and documented the journey?

Robert Mann
Via E-mail
ASDZ12A@prodigy.com

Searching Rondonia

I am interested in articles dealing with your Amazon province of Rondônia. I have a friend who lives there in Cacoal and I would be most interested in any information at all. I have tried on several occasions to find information, but all I have been able to find out is that the province is actually "cut" into the Amazon to make way for homes and the like.

Douglas D. Merkel
Via E-mail
dmerkel@mail1.il.net

And what do you think?

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