LETTERS 

Late But Great

After enjoying your magazine a few years on the Internet, I decided to try the printed version. Not obvious to receive a magazine like yours for so little money over here in Europe... I can only regret I didn't try it sooner. Although the magazines arrive with a serious delay (just received the July/August issue), they're something to look forward to. The articles are a great addition to the other news you hear and read about Brazil.

My interest is also focused on the articles related to music. Very instructive to hear about lesser known musicians. Special mention here for the articles written by Daniela Thompson. An `essay' like "Filling the Woid" (nr 185 July/August) is a joy to read. Well informed, well documented and nicely written. Loved the song lyrics with the translation as well. In that way it's even a bigger pleasure to learn about Brazilian music. Articles like these will help me a lot while looking for CDs during a vacation in Brazil... A huge compliment for the contributors of Brazzil; keep on the excellent work!

Kees Schoof
Belgium

Well Done

I thoroughly enjoyed your delightful article titled "Portuguese Spoken Here" in the September issue of Brazzil. Having been born and done my primary schooling in Brazil, my Portuguese is reasonably fluent, though not polished. I was consequently aware of some of the usage you describe, but without a formal basis for it. Your article struck a chord in me. It reminded me of my delight and puzzlement when I discovered that the Spanish words for surname and nickname (apellido and sobrenombre) were inverted from the Portuguese sobrenome and apelido. I have always wondered how that inversion came about.

Regarding your comment about Portuguese seeming more mellifluous than Spanish, I would go further and include any other languages I have heard. My wife, who knows no Portuguese beyond obrigada and boa noite, has commented many times on the pleasant sound of spoken and sung Portuguese. Thank you for adding so pleasantly to my education.

R Thomas Hayes
Via Internet

I'd Rather Ignore

I found the book Thy Will Be Done, on how the CIA committed genocide in the Amazon, in a thrift store. It has changed my whole image of this country and sadly I kind of wish I could live in ignorance and being flying my flag right now. By reading this book I became a world citizen who must keep shining the light of love through what may sometimes seem the impenetrable darkness. God has given me a role to play on this stage of life.

Dave Williams
Via Internet

Sorry for You

I am an African-American woman in the United states. Being a dark-skinned woman is not difficult here. We do not share the same prejudices as in Brazil. The one thing that I like about the US is that your unique qualities as a person are what get you by. The complexion of your skin no longer matters. I'm so sorry that you live this way. Please always remember Black is beautiful. And the black African that is claimed to be so ugly in your country is the first race of people found on the earth by archeologist.

Via Internet

Thanks for Caymmi

Bruce, thank you for your interview in Brazzil with Dori Caymmi. I served a mission for the LDS (Mormon) Church in Southern Brazil from 1968-1970, at a time when Chico Buarque, Edu Lobo, Dori Caymmi, Gal Costa et al were establishing their musical personas. Even then, their music was competing with the insipid rock of the Jovem Guarda—Roberto Carlos et al. I had to go to the back of the record bins to find albums by Baden Powell, for example, at a time when he was at the height of his powers!

I find virtually all interviews with my Brazilian musical heroes bitter sweet, as so many of them cannot make a living in Brazil, but then again, the Brazil I remember does not exist today. It was great to catch up with what Dori has been doing, and to reminisce through him about an amazing cultural era, in the face of incredible political opposition—a fact that many of us didn't completely understand, because the government-controlled press was largely forbidden from writing about it. Thanks for your efforts.

Tom Williams
Via Internet

Thanks for Caymmi II

Mr. Gilman, thank you for the very insightful and candid interview with Dori Caymmi in Brazzil. I am a huge fan of his music—producing, arranging and songwriting. I really learned quite a bit about the history of Brazilian music in that article. For instance, I'm not familiar with the music of João Gilberto before bossa nova. I really appreciated him expressing himself so openly and honestly.

Michael Lewis
Via Internet

Thanks for Caymmi III

Mr. Gilman, my appreciation for Caymmi has grown considerably. I liked him because of his family connections, but now I understand that he is deserving in his own right and for his own accomplishment. I went to his concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and was very moved by the flag display. Keep up the good work!

Ms. K
Los Angeles, California

Thanks for Pixinguinha

Bruce Gilman, just a little word of support and acknowledgement for your article about Pixinguinha. Keep the good work going. Muito obrigado.

José Goldberg
Australia

No More?

Where, oh where has Mr. Blazdell gone? I have not read any of his observation's about Brasil this year, has he left Brazil now? Is there any where else I can read his writing? Thanks.

G
Via Internet

Correction Made

Dear Brazzil, congratulations for the article `No Shame," about nudist beaches in Brazil. I just had the pleasure to read it. I have just one comment, for which I beg you to take into account and make the correction: Tambaba Beach, which I have the pleasure to visit every other weekend (I live in Natal-Rio Grande do Norte) is located in the state of Paraíba, instead of Pernambuco, as is mentioned in your article. So, let us give the right credit, OK? Thank you for your attention

Paulo Formiga
Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Note of Discouragement

Charles, I read your letter in the October issue of Brazzil. Portuguese is not a "dialect of Spanish" as you put it, but it is its own and beautiful language. If you know so little about Brazil, why are you entertaining getting a job there? Personally, I think it's foolish for a person like you to try to get a job there, since Brazilians themselves can't get employment in their own country. Even if you get one, you'll be getting a starvation salary anyway. Forget it and do as millions of hard working immigrants do in the U.S.: Get a job here!

Arsenio Fornaro
Newark NJ

Confession

Can't wait to hold it and read it in bed!

Sarah Gadye
San Francisco, California

The 200 Ton Pill

I'm a 64-year-old man who has had problems now for years with impotency. Viagra does no good for me. One day watching TV, a report came on saying that Brazil has come up with impotency pill that's 200 times stronger than Viagra. I'm not sure, but I think the name was (Maga). If so, please tell me how to purchase this product.

Via Internet

Pack of Duds

You Brazilians are a bunch of mulatto losers. Let me get this straight, Brazil has French cultural roots? Hahahahahah! What a bunch of idiot wannabes. What mountain do you live on? Or do you live in the jungle with the rest of the family?

Via E-mail
obtrexman@aol.com

Church in Brazil

I am an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Formation for Boston University School of Theology. Currently, I am co-directing with Dr. Peter Berger on a research project and seminar funded by the Lily Endowment, Church and Theology in the Contemporary World. I am exploring the relation between spiritual formation and the church's social mission in the United States, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, and possibly Brazil.

I will write a book out of this research, exploring the relationship between spirituality and public life. I also will draw implications for theological education, so that we might better prepare religious leaders to address the complexity of social issues while retaining a strong sense of religious identity.

Based on your articles, I have found your publication to be a resource for issues, persons, organizations and studies regarding the religious situation in Brazil. Therefore, I would like to ask you if you could help me in obtaining the following practical information:

1. Organization headquarter locations, names, and contact information

2. Meetings or conferences that one might attend to see religious movements first-hand (e.g. Catholic Charismatic Annual Meeting)

3. Prominent Catholic Church/Protestant leaders or theologians addressing spirituality and public life

4. Political and/or media involvement of either Catholics or Protestants

5. Current Catholic/Protestant Church statements, documents, and/or publications on the present situation and particular issues in Brazil

6. Contact information for persons or departments (e.g. Brazilian Studies and Religion) and literature on the subject.

If you were able to direct or provide me this kind of information (preferably in English) I would be appreciative of whatever you could offer.

These areas would help provide information relating to the project such as spirituality, pastoral leadership, and the public role of the church.

Dr. Claire Wolfteich
Boston, Massachusetts
cwolftei@bu.edu  

More to the Point

Your article on Brazilian emigration had good information, but I am looking for more specific information on the Brazilian American experience. Topics such as health care, politics, and employment. If you could help me with some info, I would really appreciate it. Thanks,

Sonia
biskocho16@aol.com

My Work

I just found your web site and it is really interesting. I'm Brazilian and I have a translation company in New Jersey which was just featured in a local newspaper (The Record). Please take a look at the article at http://www.bergen.com/biz/translate20011014.htm I would like to have information on how to have our company listed on your directory.

Elisabete Miranda
Via Internet

Where's the Judge?

I would like to get in contact with Judge Siro Darlan. Do you have any contact details for him? We are making a TV documentary for the British television about the fashion model industry and are interested in his views. Any help would be very much appreciated!

Virginia Quinn Zig
Zag Productions
London, England

Brazilians in Coral

Well... I'm not sure exactly who I'm writing this to but at least I'm trying.

I am writing a 30 page prompt for high school about an International Business Plan. This Business is a Brazilian store containing mostly food products from Brazil. Therefore somewhere in this prompt I need to tell an estimate of Brazilians currently residing in Coral Springs, Florida. I have been searching for this information everywhere but I just can't find it. If there is any way you can possibly help me in finding this Information... Please write back. Thank you.

Barbara R
Via Internet

Words and Meaning

I would just like to thank you for putting up not only lyrics to my favorite Brazilian jazz song, but translation too! I was looking all over for it and finally I understand what it means. Great site!

Via Internet

Spreading the Sound

Based in New York, Cantaloupe Music specializes in booking the finest live Brazilian music by Brazilians based in the New York area (although they are available for travel anywhere). There is such a wealth of talent in Brazil music, ranging from "roots" music of all kinds, to the best in Brazilian jazz, and Cantaloupe Music dedicates itself to finding work for these musicians among the American public as well as the Brazilian community. We work with private clients, museums, universities, libraries, festivals, and over the last two years have developed a reputation as a resource for the best in Brazilian in the United States. We speak both Portuguese and English. Is there any way we can get that message into your publication?

Ellen Azorin, President
Cantaloupe Music, Inc
New York, New York

Blacks in Question

First, I'd like to introduce myself. I hope you've received the books on Brazil that I've sent to you over the past few months. I took over as publicist here about a year ago and noticed that you had reviewed several of our Brazil-themed titles. Thanks. I hope you'll continue to cover our growing list of Brazil books. Duke University Press has become one of the most respected publishers of Latin American Studies in the US.

I wanted to call your attention to an article in yesterday's New York Times. Headlined "Multiracial Brazil Planning Quotas for Blacks" addressed the issue of how pardos, those who are both Indian and Black, define themselves in Brazil today. I recently sent you a copy of a new book by Jonathan Warren, Racial Revolutions: Antiracism and Indian Resurgence in Brazil (October 2001) that addresses these very issues. I hope you will consider covering this timely book in your pages.

Laura Sell
Durham, North Carolina

Eager

I'm world music director of WESU 88.1 and run a Brazilian show. I'm excited to read the magazine!

Joshua Blumenstock
Middletown, Connecticut

Brazilians in the US

I am writing to you from a publishing company in London. We are currently working on a book called Peoples of North America. It is about the history of immigration in the US. The article I am working on at the moment is about Brazilians in the US. I am really looking for historical and modern photographs of Brazilians in the US. The sort of thing I am after are of Little Brazil, festivals and famous Brazilians.

I was wondering if you could supply such photographs yourselves or perhaps you can suggest someone that can help. I really appreciate any help that you can give me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Becky Cox
Brownpartworks
London, United Kingdom

Where Are You?

I really enjoyed reading your magazine. I love Brazilian music and it was a great opportunity to learn more about choro. I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm currently working for the Mexican Consulate. In 1986 I had the great opportunity to meet "Galo Preto" and became friend with all of them during the Soccer World Cop in the City of Guadalajara, Mexico. Unfortunately time went by and I lost the contact with them; fortunately now I see you as a wonderful opportunity to find all of any or them again. Any help in my search will be deeply appreciated. Could you please either send me any information or give the following data to them (Alfonso, José Maria, Alexander, Bartolomeu, etc.)

Silvia Villegas
Mexican Consulate
2401 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Tel. (213) 351-6815
Fax (213) 389-9186
E-mail: taghdis_angels@hotmail.com

Thank you in advance for all your kindness,

Sincerely, a Brazilian lover,

Silvia Villegas
Los Angeles, California

How to Cure Longing

I have an exchange student from Brazil that is very homesick. I am trying to find ways to make her feel at home and welcome.

Scottye Allen
Bellingham , Washington

Isaura Video

I would like to purchase a video or DVD of the Escrava Isaura novela. I watched it as a child and only recently found out this soap opera was from Brazil.

Jane Espitia
Jane.Espitia@westgroup.com  

Will Travel

I'm really looking forward to getting your magazine. I went to Brazil for the first time this past summer and would like to spend some months of my sabbatical there next year. Would be interested in teaching possibilities...either English or Spanish.

Molli Fleming
Maui Community College
Makawao, Hawaii

Sound Gig

I am a BraSSilian jazz player (Música Popular Brasileira), I live in Rhode Island and I'm looking for a place to gig. Do you have an idea to help me? Thanks

Alessandro Guimarães
Middletown, Rhodes Island
alessan60@hotmail.com

Way to Come

"Making It There" was an interesting article. I've been living here in Virginia for 15 months now. I came with a K-1 visa (fiancée). Good news to see that more Brazilians now are coming to the US through legal ways. That's the way it's supposed to be.

Márcia McCormick
Newport News, Virginia

Far from True

John Fitzgerald, discordo totalmente de você quando diz que o Brasil não se abalou com o ocorrido nos EUA. Acho que a população em geral ficou tão chocada quanto qualquer outra e ainda está. Inclusive ocorreram manifestações em vários locais. Lembro de uma grande no Rio, se não me engano na Lagoa. Apenas o Brasil nao tem o perfil sério do Europeu nem o perfil dramático do Hispânico e tem a noção exata embora não tenha a reação adequada dos problemas que vive, da fragilidade das Forças Armadas que temos, dos problemas econômicos graves que vivemos e da nossa criminalidade tão grave com tantas e tantas mortes ocorrendo todos os dias.

Saiba que embora não pareça os nossos contrastes nos chocam e muito, em cada esquina, em cada confronto. Estamos lidando com graves escândalos no senado, com roubos de políticos proeminentes que têm gravíssimas conseqüências na sociedade desigual em que vivemos. E obviamente, por tudo o que você nunca viveu como escocês e que nós brasileiros temos vivido sempre, a situação econômica nos angustia e preocupa muito. Sabemos o quanto custou escaparmos da inflação e o quanto nos sentimos ameaçados com a crise econômica gerada pelo 11 de setembro associada com a crise argentina e a recessão americana.

Temos medo e buscamos as possíveis saidas. É uma questão de sobrevivência ou você não sabe que "o pau sempre quebra do lado mais fraco "? Portanto, não se precipite em dizer que nós não sentimos, não fomos solidários, etc. Apenas nos sentimos aliviados por não termos no Brasil terrorismo por termos um país sem lutas raciais, sem ódios e distante dos pontos de conflito. Passamos a ver mais o quanto é importante preservarmos o que temos e a buscar soluções para a profunda crise gerada pelo 11 de setembro. Sua interpretação foi totalmente equivocada e fora da realidade.

Quanto à Argentina, está em um tremendo sufoco faz tempo e bajulando ostensivamente os americanos faz tempo também e inclusive traindo o Mercosul e os parceiros latinoamericanos. Ou você não se lembra do Nafta, dos comentários do Fidel Castro. O Brasil enfrenta o seu próprio "11 de setembro," que vem de longa data e tem ainda longa vida, sem falsidades, sem fantasias. Assista a uma novela brasileira e a uma mexicana. Talvez depois você entenda melhor a maneira de vivermos e sentirmos diferente das convencionais mas dentro da realidade das nossas imensas dificuldades, apesar de termos um país tão imenso e rico.

Denise Hoare
Brazil

Images Needed

Oi meu nome é Daniel Erdos. Eu sou aluno de cinema da faculdade de Nova York e estou fazendo um documentário sobre músicos brasileiros em Nova York. Eu estou procurando imagens de arquivo do show de 1962 no Carnegie Hall. Será que algum de vocês poderia me ajudar com alguma informação em relação a estas imagens? Muito Obrigado,

Daniel Erdos
derdos@rcn.com  

Send Pics

Estou fazendo curso de guia de turismo e necessito de material sobre a cidade de São Francisco, no estado da Califórnia, nos Estados Unidos, principalmente fotos para a confecção de cartazes. Certa de sua atenção, agradeço antecipadamente. Muito cordialmente,

Kátia Regina Ventura Zanobini
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
goinmac@vento.com.br 

Error Message

Fiz pesquisa em Alta Vista, sobre música "Soy loco por ti, America". Localizei link deste site: Levaram-me a Caetano Velloso, intérprete. E, vendo letra, notei: Esqueceram de dar o Crédito a Torquato Neto, parceiro na maioria dos versos, feitos com Capinam e música de Gilberto Gil. Pequeno detalhe, mas significativo, creio!

Luís Reginaldo
Brazil

Looking for the Prophet

Olá, se você. ler este email, eu gostaria de ler as palavras do profeta Gentileza. Você. pode me informar se existe algum livro ou algum site, pois entrei em vários sites e falam sobre quem foi gentileza mas não tem suas profecias. Adoro a musica Gentileza e quero conhecer tudo ou quase tudo sobre ele. Se puder me ajudar eu agradeço. Beijos

Valeska
marcio_lale@uol.com.br

Job Hunting

Oi! Meu nome é Gustavo, sou jornalista, formado pela PUC-Rio, vivendo em LA há um ano. Estou escrevendo porque, por coincidência, achei o site da revista enquanto fazia uma pesquisa na Internet. Nesse tempo que estou por aqui tenho trabalhado em coisas fora da minha área, o que me deixa muito frustrado. Bem, para ir direto ao ponto, gostaria de saber se há possibilidade de enviar o meu currículo para vocês e, se de alguma forma a revista está precisando de colaboradores. Muito Obrigado,

Gustavo Dias
guqui@earthlink.net

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